I T A L Y

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a small group who will experience an exclusive, unique and incredible tour of Northern Italy.  If you have joined us on a previous tour with “Biagio,” then you already know exactly what to expect.  Our infamous Italian friend is a brilliant tour director who cares about even the smallest detail like no other.  His knowledge, delivery, and tour pedigree are extremely impressive.  You may expect interesting history lectures, beautiful scenery, delicious Italian & Mediterranean meals, unique cultural experiences, and have SO much fun in the process.

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After a non-stop flight to Milan, we will travel to historic Turin, aka Torino.  It is often referred to as Italy’s most elegant city.  Historians refer to Turin as "the cradle of Italian liberty" because it led to the unification of Italy and was the first Italian capital (1861 – 1865).  It is located on the Po River; and is surrounded by the western Alpine Arch and Superga Hill.  Today, it is ranked third after Milan and Rome for economic strength and is an important business and cultural center in Northern Italy.   

Turin’s rich history is evident with the presence of impressive architecture, museums, commerce, palaces, opera houses, piazzas, parks, gardens, and theatres.  It is also headquarters to much of the Italian automotive industry for Fiat, Lancia, and Alfa Romeo.

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While visiting Alba, we will enjoy a white truffle lunch and wine tasting.  Alba is one of the main cities in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vineyard Landscapes of the Piedmont region.  Alba won a Gold Medal for Military Valor for the heroic activity of its citizens in the Italian resistance movement during WWII.  It is also an important center of wine.  There are 290 wineries that cultivate an area of 1,700 acres producing a generous amount of wine annually.  Believe it or not, this area is home to world-renowned Ferrero Confections.  During a  stop in Parma we are sure to enjoy tasting Italy’s delicious fresh Parma Ham and Parmesan cheese.

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The last portion of the tour will be spent in the fascinating city of Milan.  It has archaeological findings dating back to the first century.  In fact, at one point Milan served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire. The city was damaged during WWII but has recovered and experienced a huge economic boom that accounts for its growth.  The city offers a mix of historical architecture, and modern skyscrapers enjoying Italian life.  It is the heart of Italy’s fashion, design, and architecture drawing professionals from all over the world for events.  Milan is also home to the beautiful and iconic Duomo Gothic Cathedral (photo at the top).  The Milan Cathedral is a monumental building with impressive architecture that took over 600 years to complete.  Its interior is just as decorative with beautiful stained-glass windows, amazing mosaics, art, and finely detailed statues.  This immense structure is truly the heart of the city.  Milan wreaks of class, even the shopping mall looks like an impressive high-end art gallery.

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Shakespeare was so impressed and inspired with medieval Verona he set two plays here: Romeo and Juliet, and The Two Gentlemen of Verona.  It is a UNESCO world heritage city and is known for its fabulous place in history, culture, music, architecture, and high society.  The city was founded by an ancient tribe before becoming a Roman colony in 89BC.  To say it has history would be a cruel understatement.  Today, Verona is one of the richest cities in northern Italy in Roman remains.  The most remarkable of these is the amphitheater, the third largest surviving Roman amphitheater and is now used for opera.  Verona is remarkable for its rich Romanesque and Gothic architecture, which is often in a distinctive pink brick.  The history, cathedrals, paintings by renowned artists (i.e.: Antonio Pisanello aka Pisano and Paolo Veronese), many ornate churches, beautiful piazzas, and we’re just getting started!                   

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With all this talk about truffles, wine, Parma ham (prosciutto), parmesan cheese, and olives; are your taste buds working overtime yet??  And ladies… you know that no country does fashion, jewelry, and purses like Italy!         

Even if you’ve been to Italy before, this will be like seeing it for the first time (especially, if you were there without Biagio).

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I can't encourage you enough to join us for this ridiculously impressive opportunity.  Space is very limited, so please don't delay - it really won't be the same without you.