Scenic Italy & The Alps

27 DAY TOUR STARTS: 29 JUNE 2020

LAND
ONLY

AUD 5850

(Share Twin)

4-5 NIGHTS IN EVERY HOTEL !!
GROUP SIZE: 14 PASSENGERS
SINGLE SUPPL. AUD 1480
OPTIONAL DINNERS:
3 COURSE MEAL & WINE AUD 50
WEATHER
From warm conditions in day time to cool conditions at night
Max Day Temp 18-28°C – Min Night 09-14°C

Scenic Italy & The Alps Tour Map

This tour is focusing on some of the most beautiful landscapes and picturesque small cities and towns of Central Italy, the Alps, the Dolomites and the Appennini Mountain Range.
Our relaxed approach with easy gradient short optional walks and a number of chairlift/cable cars makes it suitable for everyone.
The picturesque small cities and towns selected in our itinerary for the four night stops are located at altitudes between 400 and 1,200m to maximise your comfort and avoid possible hot spells typical of the month of July.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

  • Nine gastronomic dinners with 1/4 bottle of wine and 1/2 bottle of mineral water included!
  • Three and four star hotel accommodation (bed and breakfast). Some hotels are set in high spectacular positions and offer excellent panoramic views of the surrounding areas.
  • Modern air conditioned mini coach with English-speaking tour manager.
  • A wide range of local excursions available daily from all the major centres of the itinerary. These tours, provided at no extra cost, are on an optional basis.

AT YOUR OWN COST

  • Meals, other than those included in the package. (Optional group dinners in picturesque restaurants will be arranged at special reduced prices).
  • Entry tickets into: museums, fortresses and castles.
  • Cable cars and chairlifts.
  • Single accommodation supplement.
  • Travel Insurance.

PROGRAM

Mon 29 Jun 09.00 – Passengers report to our tour guide at the Hotel Comfort, 3km from Rome Airport. This is an excellent four star hotel and if people stay the night before they can also use the hotel shuttle (we can organise accommodation if required). Departure for Civitella Alfedena, a picturesque mountain village (at 1,100m) surrounded by forests, in high position, above a scenic little lake.
14.30 – Arrival at the hotel. Afternoon at leisure.
19.30 – Dinner at the hotel (included).

The village of Civitella Alfedena - Abruzzo National Park
The village of Civitella Alfedena – Abruzzo National Park

Tue 30 Jun 09.30 – Scenic drive to Pescasseroli, an ancient village in the heart of the Abruzzo National Park, where bears, chamois and wolves still live in the wilderness. Relax and stroll in Pescasseroli.
11.00 – Visit to National Park Centre.
13.00 – Return to hotel.
15.00 – Excursion to the Chamois Valley. Scenic drive + easy scenic walk.
17.30 – Departure for Civitella Alfedena.
19.30 – Optional dinner in picturesque local restaurant.

The Chamois Valley - Abruzzo National Park & The historic main square of Sulmona - Abruzzo Region

Wed 1 Jul 08.30 – Scenic drive through the Appennini Mountain Range which in this area display a very pristine landscape alongside traditional villages.
10.15 – Arrival in Sulmona, one of the most prominent heritage towns of the Abruzzo Region (at 400m), flanked by the peaks of the Maiella mountains, reaching almost 3,000m. Within its medieval walls, the clock seems to have stopped a long time ago and the elegant architecture is as pristine as it has been for centuries. Local orientation in Sulmona covering the main architectural highlights of this historic town. Time at leisure.
14.00 – Scenic drive to Barrea set in a panoramic spot on the banks of a lake. This town boasts an impeccable medieval architecture as well as a fortress with sweeping views over the lake.
17.00 – Arrival back in Civitella Alfedena.
19.30 – Very special optional gastronomic dinner in the nearby village of Villetta Barrea.

Thu 2 Jul 08.30 – Scenic drive across high rising mountains to Scanno, a small picturesque town built on a mountain spur (at 1,100m) with an oriental flavour whose origins are still a mystery. On the way to Scanno we stop briefly at the scenic Pass of Godi (1,600m). Then it’s downhill to Scanno. Local orientation and time at leisure.
13.30 – Departure from Scanno for a short drive to Lake Scanno. Local sightseeing and time at leisure.
15.00 – Departure from Lake Scanno.
17.00 – Arrival back in Civitella Alfedena.
19.30 – Optional Dinner.

Costumes in Scanno - Abruzzo Region & Macerata - Marche Region

Fri 3 Jul 08.30 – Departure for Macerata: a well preserved medieval city in high position on top of a hill, still circled by ancient defence walls. It’s one of the main heritage cities of the Marche Region. This relatively underrated region has escaped the impact of mass tourism. Yet the beauty of its landscape and picturesque villages is even better than the much celebrated countryside of Tuscany. Our scenic drives and sightseeing throughout this region will astound you.
12.30 – Stop for lunch and sightseeing in the impressive historic town of Civitella del Tronto dominated by one of the largest fortresses ever built in Europe.
17.00 – Arrival at the hotel.
19.30 – Dinner in local restaurant (included).

Sat 4 Jul 09.30 – Sightseeing orientation in Macerata, covering the main architectural highlights of this historic town. Afternoon at leisure.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Montefalcone: a balcony over the Marche Region & Castelluccio and its plateau at 1,500m

Sun 5 Jul 08.30 – Full day scenic drive throughout the central part of the Marche Region.
10.15 – Stop and sightseeing at Montefalcone, set on a cliff with sweeping views over the Marche countryside. Continuation through the spectacular Presta Pass (1,550m) and onto Castelluccio, an impressive medieval village on top of a peak.
13.00 – Arrival in Visso, an ancient medieval town boasting an impeccably preserved architecture.
15.00 – Departure for Macerata.
16.45 – Arrival back in Macerata.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Gateway into Fortress town of Corinaldo - Marche Region & Offagna - Marche Region

Mon 6 Jul 08.30 – Departure for Gubbio ( at 520 m ), one of the most picturesque towns of the Umbria Region. Its impeccably preserved medieval architecture and prominent highlights maintain the fascinating ambience of bygone times.
11.00 – Arrival, local orientation and time at leisure with plenty of options to choose from, including a cable car taking you up to 827 m.
14.30 – Departure from Gubbio.
17.00 – Arrival back in Macerata.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Assisi - Umbria Region
Assisi – Umbria Region

Assisi - Town centre & Abbey of Fiastra

Tue 7 Jul 08.30 – Departure for Assisi, one of the most prominent towns in the Umbria Region. It is renowned for the stunning Cathedral of St. Francis, but it also boasts a charming medieval ambience with a rich architectural heritage.
10.30 – Arrival in Assisi and local orientation. Time at leisure.
13.30 – Departure from Assisi. On the way back we stop at the picturesque Abbey of Fiastra in lovely garden setting.
17.00 – Arrival back in Macerata.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Sappada - Dolomites
Sappada – Dolomites

Wed 8 Jul 08.30 – Departure for Sappada (1,200m) in the spectacular mountain chain of the Dolomites which are unique to Italy and also listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
16.00 – Arrival in Sappada.
19.30 – Dinner in local restaurant (included).

Thu 9 Jul 08.30 – Brief scenic walk through the picturesque old district of Sappada. Chairlift to a panoramic chalet at 2,000m with sweeping views of the Dolomites. Relax and enjoy. Go for a scenic walk. Lunch at the chalet or return to Sappada at time of your choice.
15.00 – Easy local scenic walk on the banks of a clear stream, flanked by the impressive vertical peaks of the Dolomites.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Chairlift at Mt. Cristallo & Cabel car at Falzarego Pass - Dolomites

Fri 10 Jul 08.30 – Super spectacular drive into the heart of the Dolomites. At Mt. Cristallo a chairlift + cable car will take you to a chalet at 2,900m with breathtaking views. After descending from the chalet we continue to Cortina d’Ampezzo, the “Pearl of the Dolomites” at 1,200m for some sightseeing and lunch. We then drive up to the Falzarego Pass at 2,100m where a spectacular cable car will take you up to a panoramic chalet at 3,000m. And after this unforgettable “Grand Finale” we return to Sappada.
18.00 – Arrival back at the hotel.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Cortina - The Pearl of the Dolomites & Lake Antorno - Dolomites

Sat 11 Jul 08.30 – Start of another spectacular day!! First stop is at Lake Misurina (1,800m) with a background of high Dolomitic peaks. Local sightseeing and easy scenic walk. Continuation to nearby Lake Antorno (1,900m). Then we drive downhill to Lake Dobbiaco (1,200m) for lunch. From Lake Dobbiaco we return to Sappada via alternative scenic route.
17.00 – Arrival in Sappada.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Sun 12 Jul 08.30 – Departure for Aosta (at 600m). Aosta is an historic city of ancient Roman origins and it’s the capital of the Region of Valle d’Aosta. It is flanked by majestic Alpine mountains with snowy peaks in excess of 3,000m. This location was originally inhabited by the Salassi tribes which were defeated by the Roman troups during the Empire of Augustus. The Romans turned it into a military stronghold with the name of Augusta Praetoria in 25 B.C. But it became known with the nickname of “Rome of the Alps” as it grew quickly in importance and prosperity. Majestic remains of Roman heritage buildings and defence walls are still a prominent feature of Aosta today. Travel to Aosta is mostly a freeway journey.
17.30 – Arrival at Aosta.
19.30 – Local dinner (included).

Mon 13 Jul 08.30 – Sightseeing orientation covering the main historical highlights of Aosta. Afternoon at leisure.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Mt. Matterhorn (4,478m) is half Italian half Swiss & Cable cars over the glaciers of Mount Blanc

Tue 14 Jul 08.30 – Spectacular scenic drive to Cervinia (2,050m), a resort at the foot of the Matterhorn (peak of 4,478m). To most people the Matterhorn is synonymous of Switzerland …. but only the northern 50% is Swiss. The southern half is Italian, known in Italy as Mt. Cervino.
10.00 – Arrival at Cervinia. Local sightseeing and optional cable cars can easily fill your time !
There are three prominent cable cars. The first one can take you up to Plan de la Maison at 2,550m. From Plan de La Maison another two super spectacular cable cars can take you up to the perennial glaciers of Plateau Rosa at 3,500m.
17.00 – Arrival back in Aosta.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Wed 15 Jul 08.30 – Departure for Courmayeur (1,200m) at the foot of Mount Blanc, the highest peak in Europe (4,810m). From Courmayeur a series of three cable cars will take you through one of the most fantastic scenic journeys you could ever dream of, “flying” high above spectacular glaciers and immaculate white peaks at more than 3,500m all the way into France to the peak of Aiguille du Midi at 3,843m !
17.00 – Arrival back in Aosta.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

St. Stefano d'Aveto
St. Stefano d’Aveto

Thu 16 Jul 08.30 – Departure for St. Stefano d’Aveto (at 1,000m) on the Appennini Mountain Range which, in this area borders on the shores of the Italian Riviera for its entire length. St. Stefano d’Aveto is a winter and summer resort with excellent facilities and historic features as well.
16.00 – Arrival in St. Stefano d’Aveto.
19.30 – Dinner at the hotel (included).

Castle of Bardi & Typical alley at St. Stefano d'Aveto

Fri 17 Jul 08.30 – Departure for a scenic drive, north of St. Stefano d’Aveto, in the province of Parma, which before the unification of Italy in 1861, was a wealthy independent Grand Duchy with quite a few outstanding castles and luxurious residences. We have selected two of the most prominent castles in the district. First we visit the Bardi Castle which represents one of the most significant examples of military architecture in Northern Italy. After lunch in Bardi we drive to the Castle of Compiano which is most impressive not just for its powerful and imposing architecture but also for its elaborate inner decorations, frescoes and classic furniture.
17.00 – Arrival back at the hotel.
19.30 – Dinner at the hotel (included).

The heritage village of Compiano
The heritage village of Compiano

The picturesque medieval town of Grazzano Visconti and ist castle

Sat 18 Jul 08.30 – Scenic drive to Grazzano Visconti.
10.30 – Arrival and brief local orientation. Time at leisure. Grazzano Visconti is an impeccable medieval village featuring a charming architecture, a 13th century castle and a beautiful park.
14.00 – Return to St. Stefano d’Aveto.
19.30 – Dinner at the hotel (included).

Sun 19 Jul 08.30 – Optional local chair lift to a panoramic chalet at 1,600m. From the chalet you can enjoy – if you so wish – an easy scenic walk. Afternoon: enjoy downtown folklore music performances.
19.30 – Dinner at the hotel (included).

City of Rieti - Lazio Region
City of Rieti – Lazio Region

Mon 20 Jul 08.30 – Departure for Rieti (400m): a well preserved medieval city in elevated position on top of a hill flanked by high rising mountains. This is mostly a freeway journey.
16.30 – Arrival at the hotel.
19.30 – Local dinner (included).

The serene village of Piediluco on the banks of its lake
The serene village of Piediluco on the banks of its lake

Tue 21 Jul – Brief orientation in Rieti. Time at leisure.
14.30 – Short scenic drive (45 min) to Lake Piediluco in picturesque setting amongst unspoilt green hills. Local sightseeing and time at leisure.
16.30 – Return to Rieti.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

The picturesque main square of Norcia
The picturesque main square of Norcia

Wed 22 Jul 08.30 – Departure for Norcia.
11.00 – Arrival in Norcia, a small picturesque medieval town (at 600m in the National Park of Mts. Sibillini), in a beautiful green valley. Norcia prides itself for its gastronomic traditions. It is renowned for its black truffles and offers a wide range of truffle based dishes. Local orientation and time at leisure.
13.30 – Departure. On the way back, stop at the scenic historic town of Leonessa.
16.30 – Arrival in Rieti.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Gran Sasso National Park - Lake Campotosto & The town of Castelli - Abruzzo Region

Thu 23 Jul 08.30 – Scenic drive to the Gran Sasso National Park, which encompasses the highest peaks in Central Italy reaching a top of 3,000m. What makes this park very picturesque are the lovely medieval villages which grace the landscape and date back many centuries before the Park was established. First we stop at Campotosto, on the banks of the lake at 1,400m with the background of the Gran Sasso Mountain Range. Then we continue along a scenic road to the village of Castelli, famous in the Abruzzo Region for its ceramic tradition. Lunch and sightseeing at Castelli.
17.00 – Arrival in Rieti.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Nemi and its Lake 7 Castelgandolfo - Lake Albano

Fri 24 Jul 08.30 – Very scenic drive to the picturesque lake district, dotted with historical villages whose architecture has not changed for centuries. Our first stop is at Frascati to visit the Park of Villa Aldobrandini. Continuation to the village of Nemi on the crest of the volcanic Lake Nemi. Local sightseeing and time at leisure.
13.30 – Continuation to the nearby village of Castelgandolfo which also boasts the Pope’s summertime residence ( see photo above ) and is located on the crest of the volcanic Lake Albano.
From Castelgandolfo we then drive to the village of Rocca di Pappa, set at 700m above sea level and boasting a sweeping panorama of the local countryside.
17.30 – Arrival back in Rieti.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Sat 25 Jul 08.30 – Departure for Rome Airport.
12.00 – Arrival at Rome Airport – Fiumicino. End of the tour.

HOTELS

We believe that you are entitled to know exactly what you get for your money and that’s why we clearly state not only the number of stars but also the location of the hotels we use.

Unless you are in a rush tour, where you get to the hotel late at night and leave early morning, we do believe that a good location makes a world of difference to the quality of your holiday.

Civitella Alfedena: Hotel VALDIROSE. Three star hotel in a most spectacular location, overlooking a picturesque mountain lake. It’s a stylish small complex which blends perfectly with the immaculate medieval architecture of this 12th century historic village, set in the heart of the National Park of Abruzzo.
www.hotelvaldirose.it

Macerata: Hotel CLAUDIANI. Four star hotel with a quiet location in the heart of this historic city. It’s a heritage palace completed renovated inside.
www.hotelclaudiani.it

Sappada: Hotel CAVALLINO. Quality three star hotel built in typical alpine architecture in this premium resort of the Dolomites. Its central location close to all amenities makes it an ideal choice.
www.albergocavallino.it

Aosta: Hotel DUCA d’AOSTA. Classy four star hotel in the heart of this historic town of ancient Roman origins, flanked by some of the highest alpine peaks. Yet is located in a quiet cul de sac facing a pretty small square.
www.alpissima.it

Santo Stefano d’Aveto: GRAND HOTEL SIVA. It’s an outstanding superior class three star complex with a private park adjacent to town centre. It boasts sweeping views of the valley.
www.grandhotelsiva.it

Rieti: Hotel QUATTRO STAGIONI. This historic four star Grand Hotel is set in the main square of the city. It features large rooms with classic furniture. Best hotel in Rieti.
www.hotelquattrostagionirieti.it

TOTAL ACCOMMODATION – 26 NIGHTS

4 in Civitella Alfedena, 5 in Macerata, 4 in Sappada, 4 in Aosta, 4 in St. Stefano d’Aveto, 5 in Rieti