Fabulous food and wine tours in Italy … Encounter a side of unseen Italy in the undisturbed region of Abruzzo. Medieval castles remain strong, overlooking a valley of lush vines. The Apennine Mountains form extraordinary backdrops to historic hillside towns. Fishermen continue using ancient fishing techniques along the coastline. Shepherds traverse the undulating landscape, faithfully following their flock. Farms produce an abundance of flavorful cheeses, and vineyards make inspiring wines. Your custom tailored Italy tour immerses you in historical culture set in a divine landscape where the mountains meet the eastern shore.
Sardinia … an incredible place to visit.. Walk amid the stone remains of Phoenician, Carthaginian, and Roman cultures on this rocky point and try to picture what it looked like when the Roman streets beneath your feet were lined by shops where you now see only foundations and doorsteps. Columns from the baths still stand, along with parts of the aqueduct and temples; the amphitheater overlooks the sea. On the hilltop above is a Phoenician necropolis (they left about 650 BC). For a sense of what archaeologists have found here, visit the excellent Museo Civico Giovanni Marongiu in the town of Cabras where carved stone stele, funerary urns, and other finds are displayed, positioned as they were originally found. You can see more of the treasures unearthed there in the Antiquarium Arborense museum, in the small city of Oristano, also nearby. The Duomo of Santa Maria in Oristano dates from medieval times, but was renovated during the Spanish rule of this part of Sardinia in the 18th and 19th centuries, which accounts for the colorful tiles covering its domes.
One of the most favorite towns in the South of Sardinia popular for its renowned resorts and long white sand beaches with crystal clear waters, coves and a landscape covered in the Mediterranean scrub. Villasimius doubles its population in the summer time. Among the most beautiful beaches you will have Porto sa Ruxi, Campus and Campulongu, La Spiaggia del Riso (so called just because of the “beans” that make it up), Cala Caterina, the enchanting Porto Giunco, the wonderful Punta Molentis and the pink flamingos flying above the blue and clear sea of this miraculous seaside pearl of South Sardinia. Read more about Tailor-made tours Italy.
Guiseppe Garibaldi was the founding father of modern Italy. He spent the last years of his life on the tiny island of Caprera, which is part of La Maddalena archipelago. His farm and house, Casa Bianca, have been transformed into a small museum where you can see the boat in which Garibaldi rowed to the mainland and his famous red shirt. This bold modern structure in the port area of Olbia houses some of the island’s most ancient history. Don’t miss the Roman era vessel which was found in the towns main port. Entrance is free, which is a nice little bonus.
Parco Nazionale Arcipelago Di La Maddalena is a national park in the North of Sardinia. During clear days, you can see the coastline of the French island Corsica from the most Northern island of La Maddalena, Isola Razzoli. This archipelago, of which most islands can only be reached by boat, offers an unspoiled nature, stunning views, friendly people, and nearly anything else you need to feel completely away from this world. The Louis Vuitton Trophy, one of the most prestigious sailing races in the world, visits La Maddalena with a good reason!
