Itineraries

1. Salerno &  The Amalfi Coast  (5 days)

The Amalfi Coast – a stretch of coast line along the Salerno Gulf and Tyrrhenian sea – is the perfect and beautiful example  of the Mediterranean landscape of mountains. Base yourself at Salerno, a free-spirited, bustling coastal town and visit the many charming villages by ferry or by Sitabus – some must see include Ravello, with breathtaking hilltop gardens and villa, Amalfi of the Byzantine-influenced cathedral fame, Praino, the artistic village on a ridge and the perennial fashionable and picturesque Positano; not forgetting Vietri Sul Mare of colourful ceramic traditions.

2. Naples, Island of Procida, Island of Ischia, Pompeii & Sorrento (7 days)

A fascinating city full of character and rich in history and culinary, Naples is worth exploring at your own pace. It is also the gateway to some beautiful legendary islands, famed archeological sites and romantic getaways. Take a day trip to Procida island with rustic and colourful buildings; and to the island of Ischia, featuring an Aragonese castle, manicured gardens and spas. Visit Pompeii, the compelling archaeological site of the destructive ruins of Vesuvius. Sorrento, the famous and charming town of lemons and plunging cliffs, is but a train trip away,

3. Cinque Terre & The Riviera Coastline (5 days)

Cinque Terre are five villages that feature some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Liguria, north-west Italy. Dated back to early medieval period, Cinque Terre’s steeply terraced cliffs see a railway line that cut through coastal tunnels and form footways from village to village. If time permits, explore the five villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare and venture westwards to the lesser known Bonnasola and beyond to the legendary Portofino.

4. Bari & the Salento Peninsular (8 days)

The region of Puglia has so much to offer, and its south-eastern part is a haven to some of Italy’s loveliest beaches and most dramatic rocky coastline. From Bari, a historical city with a touch of modernity, visit Trani, with an arresting sight of a cathedral by the sea, Polignano a Mare of crashing waves and craggy caves and cliffs; and Monopoli, a happening sea port with an intriguing historical centre. Go on a road trip of gorgeous seascape to the stunning Salento Peninsular. From Otranto, visit the astounding cathedral with glass case of martyrs from an infamous Turkish massacre, reach the heel tip of the Italian boot – Santa Mari di Leuca’s vantage point with panoramic view of both the Ionic Seas and the Adriatic Seas; and up the west coast to Gallipoli, a vivacious, vibrant sea town with baroque architecture.

1. The Val d’Orcia Region (7 days)

The dreamy and picturesque landscape of this South Tuscany region boasts of endless rolling hills covered with cypress and vineyards. The small towns in this region, either on the plains or pearched up on the hills are worth a visit not just for their stunning sceneries but also for their cultural and histsorical traditions. Make your stops at the quaint small towns (they are not exhaustive) such as Montepulciano, Pienza, San Quirico D’orcia, Montalcino, Bagno Vignoni, Castiglione d’Orcia and Monticchiello.

2. Dolomities (10 days)

The Dolomites mountains in North Italy command some of the most breathtaking landscape sceneries on earth, and offer adventures from skiing to trekking and cycling as well as cultural sights. Some of the must-see places include taking a cable car to the Seceda twin peaks; hiking around Tre Cime di Laveredo (three peaks of Lavaredo), trekking the formidable Via Ferrata (Iron route), visiting Alpe di Suisi – the largest alpine meadow in Europe, and admiring the tranquility of Lago di Braies or the mountanous scenery of Cortina D’Ampezzo.

3. The Gran Sasso of Abruzzo (8 days)

The Gran Sasso National Park in the unspoilt region of Abruzzo is a treasure trove to some of the most spectacular mountain ridges and wild terrains. From the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, take a road trip to some of magnificent towns and villages in central Abruzzo – such as Teramo of its medieval legacy, the impressive fortress at Civitella del Tronto, not missing out L’aquila, which was destroyed in an earthquake and being rebuilt, ancient hill town Santo Stefano di Sessanio and nearby mountain-top fortress ruins of Rocca Calascio, down south to the charming confetti town Sulmona, and be mesmerised by the almost ghost-like village of Scanno.

1. Cultural Tuscan Beauties (12 days)

From the historical Etruscan town of Arezzo to the cradle of the Renaissance Florence, Tuscany is a land so rich in culture and history, where masterpieces of art and architecture thrive. Places worth visiting include the marvelous Medieval town of Siena and her two nearby hill towns – San Gimignano with its 14-tower-fame, and the arty historical Volterra. Beyond the leaning tower of Pisa, take time to explore Lucca with its unique Renaissance wall and maze-like cobble streets, as well as the colourful and artistic historical centre of Pistoia.

2. Historical Gems of Basilicata and Puglia (12 days)

They may not be the easiest destinations to access, you would be awed by Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa, two spectacular mountain villages at elevation 1,000m. From there, prepare to enter a time warp at Matera, where limestone cave dwellings from 7000 years ago are still preserved and some of them inhabited. Equally amazing are the `Trulli’ houses with cone-shape tops that dominate Alberobello and its quaint neighbor Locorotondo. Also not to be missed is the unique White City of Ostuni, before arriving at the beautiful Baroque town of Lecce, where one can find some most spectacular and intricate architecture and designs.

3. Sicily’s Baroque Splendour (9 days)

Think Sicily and sun, sea and sand come to mind. Visit the south-eastern area of the island and you will find a treasure trove of Baroque heritage. Begin with Catania, a gateway of plane, car or train. This city of art has more than just its well-known Duomo Square to see. Next is Syracuse, renowned capital of Magna Graecia with the island of Ortigia that combines Greek history and Baroque architecture. Noto is the cradle of the Baroque, filled with magnificent monuments in three main squares; nearby Modica is known as `the city of a hundred churches’ and last but not least, not to be missed is Ragusa Ibla that features stone streets lined with ornate buildings and a grand Cathedral with an imposing façade.