
Italian Excursion, small group tours to Italy	Cheryl Alexander 760-753-5028

Sample Itinerary

Choose from several different itineraries and levels of comfort: Here is just one sample itinerary.....

The red star shows Bagnoregio in northern Lazio, near the borders of Tuscany and Umbria

Day One

Upon arrival you will be taken to the country lodging chosen for your tour to get settled into your room and rest near the ancient city of Civita Castellana.

Our guide will walk us around town and give us a tour of the castle turned museum. Some consider it one of the most archeologically endowed museums in Italy. Then a ride to a hilltop artists' colony for lunch with a special catered meal.

Home for a swim or a rest before preparing for our evening out in another of Italy's hidden gourmet treasures. Remember, the evening dining experience in this country never begins before 7:30. Perhaps some wine and appetizers before that?

Day Two

Breakfast will be the first order of the day, which is included in the cost. We will plan to leave most days by 8:30 or 9:00 a.m. Guests may wish to arise early to walk in the surrounding countryside before we go off on our day trip. We can be flexible with our time in a small group, but will want to be sure to accommodate Italy's schedule. Everything closes from 1:00 - 4:30 p.m. for lunch and quiet, including museums and cathedrals.

A visit to a local, little known garden today, before we come home to spend part of the day learning to cook an Italian meal, which will end up being our dinner.

The hills of northern Lazio

Day Three

Today we'll leave this part of the country to go north, nearer the Tuscan and Umbrian borders. Our destination is a small village with an elegant boutique hotel which is on the grounds of an organic winery. After getting settled in our beautiful rooms we'll visit Bomarzo, a fascinating sculpture estate built during the renaissance. Then a visit to Bagnoregio's civita, which is purported to be over 3,500 years old. We will lunch in this ancient village on a hill, where there are indescribable views, and photo ops.

After a rest in our rooms we'll have a wine tasting with the vintner, a tour of the 800 year old wine cellar and dinner with wine pairings that is unforgettable.

Day Four

We may choose to spend this day in Orvieto, a lovely hill town with much to see. The cathedral, which is rich in history and art, the Etruscan museum, and lunch in a special restaurant. Orvieto is famous for a lovely white wine, which might be incentive for some wine tasting, and interesting shopping.

Home in the afternoon for some rest and relaxation, possibly a swim, before our late afternoon passaggieto (stroll), caffe or gelato.

We will dine in the early evening at a wonderful local restaurant, since we have many choices.

Day Five

This morning we will take a ride to Lake Bolsena, stopping at the local cheese factory on our way. Cook with a wonderful, talented Italian chef from Rome. There are several small towns around the lake with interesting sites and a wonderful castle turned museum. The local cathedral is treasure in itself with a fantastic story behind it.

Afternoon will be a free day and we will make arrangements for everyone to someplace each will enjoy.

Historic hilltown in Lazio, Italy

Day Six

Our last full day before leaving may be spent visiting the three ancient towns of Sovana, Sorano and Pittliagno on the centuries old Etruscan trail. Each town has something special to offer, whether it be local artisans, magnificent architecture in the form of churches or one of the oldest Jewish ghettos in Europe, which is actually located underground in the substructure. These serene, fascinating villages will transport you back in time with their magical ambience.

Day Seven

Day 7 is a free day to be determined by the group. Rest, swim, hike, bike or revisit a nearby favorite spot.

Departure Day

IMPORTANT: When making flight plans, remember that it is about 1 and 1/2 hours to the airport in Rome. It would be best to get a flight out that leaves at noon or later. Otherwise, think about staying overnight near the airport, or as some will want to do, extend your trip and stay on in Rome, or explore some other part of the country you are interested in. We would be happy to help you plan for this, if you let us know what your interests are.

Options

We can help with trip planning; airfare, hotels, cooking classes, bike tours, catering, etc. Contact us and ask about:

Group discounts and family reunion planning.
Special interest add-ons such as wine tours, yoga classes, cooking classes, grape and olive picking, hiking, etc.

When you are ready to make travel plans, please let us know and we will give you many good tips for travel, packing, choosing the right airline, hotel, etc.

See our Trip Dates

Ciao, Cheryl