27 DAY TOUR STARTS 01 JULY 2021

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 4-5 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.
• Spectacular scenic train across Italian and Swiss Alps to Locarno, Northern Lake Maggiore.
• Scenic train to Stresa.
• Taxi boat from Stresa to Bella Island at Lake Maggiore.
• Spectacular Swiss train to Zermatt (Switzerland) at the foot of the Matterhorn (peak of 4,478m).

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, chairlifts and cog train to the Matterhorn.
• Single accommodation supplement.
• Travel Insurance.

PROGRAM

Thu 1 Jul 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).

Fri 2 Jul 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.

Sat 3 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.

Sun 4 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.
10.00 – Arrival in Scanno. Local orientation and time at leisure. Optional chairlift to Colle Rotondo (at 1,600m) boasting a picturesque chalet and beautiful views.
14.00 – Departure from Scanno and short drive to Lake Scanno. Time at leisure on the banks of the lake to enjoy the local amenities.
15.30 – Departure from Lake Scanno.
17.00 – Arrival back in Civitella Alfedena.
19.30 – Optional Dinner.

Mon 5 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).

Tue 6 Jul 09.30 – Sightseeing orientation in Macerata, covering the main architectural highlights of this historic town. Afternoon at leisure.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Wed 7 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.

Thu 8 Jul 08.30 – Departure for Gubbio (at 520m), 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.

Fri 9 Jul 08.30 – Departure for Gorizia, a very elegant city which has been part of the Austrian Empire until two centuries ago. Austrian influence is still evident in the city architecture.
16.30 – Arrival in Gorizia.
19.30 – Dinner in local restaurant (included)

Sat 10 Jul 08.30 – Two hour orientation in Gorizia, covering the main architectural highlights. Late morning at leisure.
13.30 – Short drive to Miramare Castle, a sumptuous castle developed by Maximilian of Hapsburg, heir to the throne of Austria in the 19th century. Local visit to the castle and its park.
17.00 – Departure from Miramare.
18.00 – Arrival back in Gorizia.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Sun 11 Jul 08.30 – Scenic drive to Lake Predil (at 1,100m).
10.30 – Arrival at the lake and local refreshment in lovely panoramic spot.

Continuation on a spectacular road to Malga Montasio, a high altitude summer cattle station (at 1,700m) where visitors can enjoy artisan cheese and Alpine specialties. Local lunch/snack and optional scenic walks.
15.00 – Departure from Malga Montasio.
17.00 – Arrival back in Gorizia.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Mon 12 Jul 08.30 – Scenic drive through the Eastern Alps.
10.30 – Arrival at the foot of Mt. Lussari. The local cable car climbs to the top of the mountain (at 1,790m). Local sightseeing and time for lunch.

13.30 – Short drive to Lake Fusine : two small lakes, next to each other with a most spectacular background of high rising peaks. Local sightseeing and short panoramic walks.
15.30 – Departure from Lake Fusine.
18.00 – Arrival back in Gorizia.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Tue 13 Jul 08.30 – Scenic drive to Sappada (at 1.200m) in the spectacular mountain range of the Dolomites which are unique to Italy and also listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
10.00 – On the way to Sappada we stop at Villa Manin : the most splendid of the Venetian Villas, built by the last Dodge of Venice and dating back to the 17th century when the North East of Italy was part of the Republic of Venice. Local visit and lunch in nearby picturesque country restaurant.
13.30 – Departure from the country restaurant.
16.30 – Arrival in Sappada.
19.30 – Dinner in local restaurant (included).

Wed 14 Jul 08.30 – Brief scenic walk through the picturesque old district of Sappada, followed by a panoramic drive to the spectacular village of Collina (at 1,250m) at the foot of the highest peaks in the Friuli Region (almost 3,000m) which mark the boundary between Italy and Austria. Return to Sappada by lunch time.
15.00 – Easy local scenic walk on the banks of a clear water stream, flanked by the impressive vertical peaks of the Dolomites.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Thu 15 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.

Fri 16 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.

Sat 17 Jul 08.30 – Scenic drive to Tolmezzo (at 320m), the main town in the Eastern Alps.
09.15 – Arrival and brief local orientation. Optional visit to the Museum of Life and Traditions in the Eastern Alps.

11.00 – Scenic drive to Forni di Sopra (at 900m).
12.00 – Arrival and optional chairlift to a panoramic chalet at 1750m or time at leisure.
14.00 – Departure from Forni di Sopra and return to Sappada via the spectacular Pesarina Valley. On the way back we stop at the village of Pesariis, famous for its artisan clocks (mostly activated by water streams) which embellish its alleys.
18.30 – Arrival back in Sappada.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Sun 18 Jul 08.30 – Departure for Domodossola, an historic town set amongst high Alpine peaks. Porticos and picturesque alleys give this town a special “old fashion“ charm. This is an easy freeway journey.
17.00 – Arrival in Domodossola.
19.30 – Dinner at the hotel (included).

Mon 19 Jul 09.30 – Departure from Domodossola, boarding a scenic train travelling across Italian and Swiss Alps to reach Locarno on the banks of the Swiss northern part of Lake Maggiore.
11.20 – Arrival, guided orientation and time at leisure. Optional cable car.
14.50 – Departure from Locarno.
16.40 – Arrival in Domodossola.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Tue 20 Jul 08.30 – Very spectacular drive to Macugnaga (1,330m) at the foot of Mt. Rosa (4,670m), the second highest peak in Europe after Mt. Blanc (4,810m).
10.00 – Arrival in Macugnaga. Brief local sightseeing to be followed by an optional easy scenic walk (45 min) to the enchanting Lago delle Fate (Fairy Lake), a tiny lake set in a small side valley surrounded by high rising snowy peaks. A local panoramic chalet provides comfort and relaxation. Return to Macugnaga for lunch.
14.00 – Spectacular chairlift to Mount Rosa Glacier.
15.30 – Departure from Macugnaga.
17.00 – Arrival back in Domodossola.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Wed 21 Jul 08.30 – Departure by train for Stresa, a famous resort on the banks of Lake Maggiore.
10.00 – Arrival and time at leisure.
13.30 – Taxi boat to the Isle of Bella (visit to the local palace and its gardens).
15.45 – Departure from the island by taxi boat.
16.30 – Train to Domodossola.
18.00 – Arrival in Domodossola
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Thu 22 Jul 08.30 – Departure by train for Zermatt (at 1,600m) in Switzerland. Train connection in Brig and arrival in Zermatt at 11.00. Time at leisure in this famous resort and three very scenic options:
1 ) Cog-train to Cornergrat (at 3,089m) at the foot of the Matterhorn (peak of 4,478m);
2 ) Cable car to Matterhorn Glacier (at 3,883m);
3 ) Funicular to Sunnega (at 2,300m).
16.00 – Departure from Zermatt by train to Brig, connecting to Domodossola.
19.30 – Arrival in Domodossola.
20.00 – Optional dinner.

Fri 23 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).

Sat 24 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 25 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).

Mon 26 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).

Tue 27 Jul 08.00 – Departure for Rome Airport. This is a comfortable freeway journey except for the initial sector across the Appennini Mountain Range.
17.00 – Arrival at Roma-Fiumicino Airport. 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.