La Grande France,

Lake Garda & Tuscany

Tour Information

La Grande France, Lake Garda & Tuscany

TOUR INFORMATION

You are travelling to Europe – a wonderful assembly of diverse countries that have, over

hundreds of years, evolved and formulated their individual and often unique customs,

styles and quirkiness. We want to (and sometimes have to) fit into the region’s natural

patterns and irregularities. Much will appear so very different from ‘home’ – and surely it

is exactly those very differences that inspired you to go there in the first place!

To help you, the following pages contains additional information specific to your tour

including brief introductory information regarding the major sites and regions you will be

visiting.

We would like to wish you a wonderful trip through Europe and a safe return home.

Best wishes from the Albatross Team

La Grande France, Lake Garda & Tuscany

This information is meant to provide a light overview of some of the

towns and regions you will be visiting.

Paris

To many, Paris is the romantic capital of Europe - and to some, the romantic capital of the world!

And who could blame them: From the animated discussions and laughter at the pavement cafes,

through to lovers strolling along the Champs Elysees and on to the grand structure of the Eiffel

Tower, and other famous buildings.

A beautiful city situated on the River Seine, Paris has many fine buildings and monuments, ranging

from the well-known sights of the Eiffel Tower and the cathedral of Notre Dame to modern buildings

such as the Pompidou Centre and the glass pyramids in front of the Musée du Louvre. Each area of

Paris has its own particular character and appeal: the classical architecture of the Right Bank, with its

perspectives down long, broad boulevards; the narrow streets of the Marais lined with museums and

small shops; and the traditionally bohemian Latin Quarter.

Paris boasts a wealth of famous museums from the large collections of the Musée du Louvre and the

Mused d'Orsay, to smaller museums dedicated to specific artists, such as the Musée Rodin and the

Musée Picasso. The city also attracts visitors for its famous restaurants and cafés, and for its

reputation as one of Europe's fashion capitals, the home of haute couture. Make sure you spend free

time strolling amongst the broad boulevards, shops and museums of Paris. Perhaps also visit the

village-like Montmartre around the hilltop Basilique du Sacré Coeur.

Getting around the city is very easy using the extensive metro system. Maps of the city and the metro

system will be available at your hotel reception.

Chateau Chambord

During the 15th and 16th centuries, the Kings of France and their courtiers built their holiday palaces in

the verdant Loire Valley. The grandest of all is the magnificent Chateaux Chambord. This

enormous chateau was created by King Francois I as a hunting lodge within the surrounding

grounds, which consisted of over 5,000 wooded hectares. This is the largest of all the Chateaux in

the Loire valley with a 128 meters wide façade and more than 800 sculpted columns. The elaborately

decorated roof with its assorted towers, spires and chimneys resembles the skyline of a town. Some

suggest it was intentionally designed to resemble the skyline of Constantinople (now Istanbul).

Chateau Chenonceaux

This chateau is possibly one of the most photographed of the Loire Chateaux, this 16th century

Chateau of Chenonceaux is famous for its romantic architecture spanning the river Cher on a series

of arches. Two women played a role in its development—Diane de Poitiers, Henri II's mistress, whom

he established there, and Catherine de Médicis, Henri's wife, who ousted Diane after Henri's death in

1559. It was Catherine who added the three-storey Long Gallery on the bridge spanning the river.

The interior, with many original fireplaces and ceilings, is hung with tapestries and paintings.

Entrance to the Chateau is via a driveway known as the Grand Avenue of Plane trees and to one

side are the gardens of Diane de Poitiers and the more intimate gardens of Catherine de' Medici.

In emphasising the grace of this chateau it was once said “If all the chateaux of the Loire Valley were

parading at a grand ball it would be Chenonceaux you would beg to dance with!”

Amboise

Amboise is famous for its Royal Palace and the famous Manor House ‘Le Clos Lucé’- which is

located 500 metres from the Royal Château.

In 1516, Francis I invited Leonardo da Vinci to Amboise and provided him with the Clos Lucé as a

place to stay and to work. Leonardo, a famous painter and inventor, arrived with three samples of his

painting, namely the Mona Lisa, Sainte Anne, and Saint Jean Baptiste. Leonardo lived at the Clos

Lucé for the last three years of his life, and died there on 2 May 1519.

Today, the Clos Lucé is a museum that reflects the prestigious history of the region and includes forty

models of the various machines designed by Leonardo.

Chinon

Chinon is a historic town on the banks of the Vienne River in the Loire Valley. The town sits at the

foot of the medieval fortress of Chinon. In the winding streets below the castle walls are many

Troglodyte dwellings which some are still being occupied and used by wine sellers. Further in town

you can see the 15th century cobble and timber houses lining the streets.

Known for its wine; take time to visit one of the many wine cellars and cafes in the town to sample

some local fine wines.

Chateaux Villandry

Villandry was completed around 1536 and was the last of the large chateaus built in the Loire Valley

during the Renaissance.

Villandry was built by Jean le Breton, one of François I’s Finance Ministers, and who also supervised

the construction of Chateau Chambord. During Le Breton’s time as ambassador to Italy he studied

the Italian Renaissance art of gardening. Le Breton created Villandry on the site of an old 12th century

castle, keeping only the old tower behind the main courtyard. Villandry stayed in le Breton family until

1754 and then became the property of the Marquis de Castellane, the King’s Ambassador who built

the classical style outbuildings that you can see on either side of the front courtyard.

The gardens of Chateaux Villandry, inspired by the classic gardens of the 16th century, are famous

for the variety of gardens designs and displays. There is a water garden, sun garden, music garden

and love garden with ponds, topiary, ornamental hedges and an extraordinary kitchen and herb

garden covering 12,500 square metres.

Abbey of Fontevraud

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Abbey is a complex of religious buildings founded in

1101 by the preacher Robert of Arbrissel. The first of the many permanent structures were built

between 1110 and 1119, making up four separate communities all managed by the same abbess.

Oradour-sur-Glane

The small farming village of Oradour-sur-Glane turned into a ‘ghost village’ in June 1944, without

apparent provocation, soldiers from the 2nd Waffen-SS Panzer Division massacred all the

inhabitants of this quiet, little village. The village was then destroyed. The village was never rebuilt

and has been preserved as a memorial to this awful atrocity.

Here you can visit the dedicated museum ‘Centre de la memoire d'Oradour’ which features many

recovered items from the massacre including personal items - melted glasses and wrist watches that

stopped when the owners were burned alive.

Lascaux

Famous for the Paleolithic paintings in the complex caves located near the village of Montignac is the

UNESCO World Heritage listed site. Discovered in 1940, the caves opened to the public 8 years

later. Due to the high number of visitors each day the caves had to be closed from the public by 1955

as the paintings were starting to become damaged by carbon dioxide. Some of the paintings inside

are thought to be 17,300 years old and consist of images of large animals which lived in the area at

the time.

A replica of a few of the caves ‘Lascaux II’ were created in 1983 not far from the original caves.

Sarlat la Caneda – Capital of the ’Black Perigord’

Perfectly preserved Sarlat la Caneda, is one of the most stunning towns in France. An exceptionally

well preserved city, it boasts architecture dating back as far as 1,000 years.

The fantastic Sarlat markets, renowned as being amongst the very best in all of France happen every

Wednesday and Saturday. Enjoy the experience of sampling the myriad of local cheeses, foie gras,

truffles, walnuts and wines. Time to buy some crusty bread and tapenade for a delicious picnic! This

is the real France at its best!

La Roc Gageac

This beautiful town sits at the base of a cliff along the Dordogne River with picturesque views. Listed

as one of ‘The most beautiful villages of France’ it tends to feature on many calendar and guidebook

covers. The traditional yellow stone houses with stone roofs have been built along the river’s edge

and up to the cliff. At the end of the village is the imposing renaissance built Chateau de la Malartie

which dates back to the 19th century.

Domme

This medieval village sits atop a hill overlooking the Dordogne River. Domme is a member of “The

Most Beautiful Villages of France” association. Lining the charming streets, you will see plenty of

flowers outside the houses. In the village there are a couple of historical buildings from the medieval

times such as the Market Hall Square and Place de la Rode.

The Dordogne – also known as the Périgord

The county of Périgord dates back to when the area was inhabited by the Gauls, it was home to four

tribes, the name for "four tribes" in the Gaulish language was "Petrocore". The area eventually

became known as the county of Le Périgord and its inhabitants became known as the Périgordins (or

Périgourdins).

There are four Périgords (regions) in the Dordogne:

• The "Périgord Vert" (Green Périgord) with its main town of Nontron, consists of verdant

valleys in a region crossed by many rivers and streams

• The "Périgord Blanc" (White Périgord) situated around the department's capital of

Périgueux, is a region of limestone plateaux, wide valleys and meadows

• The "Périgord Pourpre" (Purple Périgord) with its capital of Bergerac, is a wine region

• The "Périgord Noir" (Black Périgord) surrounding the administrative center of Sarlat,

overlooks the valleys of the Vézère and the Dordogne, where the woods of oak and pine

give it its name. This is the most famous part of the region with its sleepy villages, medieval

chateaux, meandering rivers and lush landscape that so epitomises French rural life. The

Dordogne river flows through lush countryside, past medieval castles and the incredibly

picturesque villages including Beynac, La Roc Gageac and Domme

Rocamadour

The ‘pilgrimage town’ of Rocamadour is an incredibly picturesque town sitting on the clifts of the

Dordogne River. High above the old town are churches and monastic buildings, whilst below is an

old town dating back centuries, and which once welcomed those on the ‘Pilgrims Trail’.

Gouffre de Padirac

The astounding caves of the ‘Gouffre de Padirac ’ are a natural wonder. Located in France’s Lot

region the site is the most visited in the area. You descend into 75 metres into a chasm, you can do it

by elevator or by foot. From there you board a boat to follow a subterranean river for 500 metres

through spectacular vaulted caves such as the Lac de la Pluie (lake of rain) where a 60 metre

stalactite hands form the ceiling, and the spectacular ‘Grand Dome’. The caves are made up of 25

kilometres of underground systems boasting massive galleries and chambers. Visually stunning, the

extraordinary rock formations and vast rock galleries are beautifully lit.

Castelnaudary

Castelnaudary is a picturesque old market town, and the capital of the territory of Lauragais.

Castelnaudary is located 50 kilometres (31 miles) southeast of Toulouse, and is the main port of

the Canal du Midi. The impressive port has earned the ‘pavillon bleu’ award. Originally built around a

castle in the 12th century, the old market town has squares and back streets filled with 18th and 19th

century grand townhouses.

Couiza

The small town of Couiza is located at the foothills of the Pyrenees on the Aude River in the South of

France. In the heart of the Cathar country this town has many beautiful architectural and historical

heritage sights to enjoy such as the Church of St John the Baptist to the arched bridges over the

river.

Rennes-le-Chateau

Just up the road from Couiza is the village of Rennes-le-Chateau with impressive views over the

valley. Home to the Church of St Mary Magdalene which has been rebuilt several times where you

can see some remnants of the complex history of the Church.

There are many people who visit this village after watching Dan Brown’s film ‘The Da Vinci Code’

which was released in 2003. There are some speculations claiming that there was a possibility that

after being exiled here, Jesus and Mary might have established a family in this village.

Carcassonne

The magnificent castle city of Carcassonne has many ramparts to discover. The medieval castle, with

its gigantic double walled fortifications and 53 watchtowers, is the 2nd most visited site in France

outside of Paris. Dating back to the 13th century, Carcassonne is an extraordinary timepiece.

Couiza

The small town of Couiza is located at the foothills of the Pyrenees on the Aude River in the South of

France. In the heart of the Cathar country this town has many beautiful architectural and historical

heritage sights to enjoy such as the Church of St John the Baptist to the arched bridges over the

river.

Rennes-le-Chateau

Just up the road from Couiza is the village of Rennes-le-Chateau with impressive views over the

valley. Home to the Church of St Mary Magdalene which has been rebuilt several times where you

can see some remnants of the complex history of the Church.

There are many people who visit this village after watching Dan Brown’s film ‘The Da Vinci Code’

which was released in 2003. There are some speculations claiming that there was a possibility that

after being exiled here, Jesus and Mary might have established a family in this village.

Carcassonne

The magnificent castle city of Carcassonne has many ramparts to discover. The medieval castle, with

its gigantic double walled fortifications and 53 watchtowers, is the 2nd most visited site in France

outside of Paris. Dating back to the 13th century, Carcassonne is an extraordinary timepiece.

Beziers

The ancient town of Béziers is located on the Canal du Midi, above the River Orb. It is one of the

oldest cities in France dating back to pre-Roman times in 575 BC. At the entrance of the town is the

Le Pont Vieux which is a middle age stone bridge crossing the river. Dominating the town is the

majestic Cathédrale St-Nazaire, dating back to the 14th century, it is a remarkable example of middle

Gothic architecture.

Aigues-Mortes

The well preserved 13th century walls of this historical town form a striking contrast to the vast

salines (salt flats) that encircle it. Take the chance to climb the ramparts and walk around the city. Or

perhaps wander through the many streets and get lost amongst the shops and cafes.

Nimes

Nîmes, a city in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France, It’s known for well-preserved

monuments such as the Arena of Nîmes, a double-tiered circa-70 A.D. amphitheater still in use for

concerts and bullfights. The Maison Carrée white limestone temple and Pont du Gard tri-level

aqueduct are around 2,000 years old.

Avignon

This city has a grand central square with numerous side streets and alleys full of colourful cafes and

shops.

The 600 year old Palais des Popes was once the grand residence of the exiled Roman Catholic

Popes. The Papal Palace and numerous religious buildings on both sides of the River Rhone are a

legacy of the days when the Popes resided in Avignon. Between the years 1309 to 1378 seven

Popes held court in Avignon. The period was one of conflict and controversy during which French

Kings held considerable sway over the Papacy and rulers across Europe felt sidelined by the new

French-centric Papal Court. The troubles reached their peak in 1378 when, having returned the

Papal court to Rome, Gregory XI died. For the next 39 years, a period called the "Western schism"

or "the great controversy of the antipopes", both Rome and Avignon elected rival claimants to the title

of pope. It was eventually resolved in 1417 at the Council of Constance.

The Pont du Gard

The Pont du Gard is an imposing 2,000 year old Roman aqueduct which was built with giant stones

weighing up to six tonnes. In a beautiful setting, this remarkable structure spans 200 metres between

the craggy hillsides of the River Gard.

It is part of a 50 km long aqueduct that runs between Uzès and Nîmes in the South of France. The

aqueduct was constructed by the Romans in the 1st century AD and was added to UNESCO's list of

World Heritage Sites in 1985.

The bridge has three rows of arches, standing 48.8 m (160 ft) high, and formerly carried an estimated

200 million litres (44 million gallons) of water a day to the fountains, baths and homes of the citizens

of Nîmes. The aqueduct descends in height by only 17 m (56 ft) over its entire length, indicative of

the great precision that Roman engineers were able to achieve using only simple technology.

When you think that is so incredibly impressive that, 2,000 years ago, they could construct a 50 km

long aqueduct with such precision. How did they know the extent of the drop needed to be evenly

distributed over 50 kms? How did they then construct it with such precision and with such durability

that it is still intact 2,000 years later? By the 4th century, lack of maintenance meant that after it

became increasingly clogged by mineral deposits and debris, and by the 9th century, well after the

fall of Rome, the water flow was eventually choked off.

The Pont du Gard's subsidiary function as a toll bridge ensured its survival in the Middle Ages.

Although some of its stones were looted, the local lords and bishops were for centuries responsible

for its upkeep in exchange for the right to levy tolls on travellers using it to cross the river.

Les Baux

Within the once deserted village of Les Baux you will discover craft shops and cafés scattered

through the ruins. Set on the craggy hillside, this rejuvenated town is an extraordinary sight. It has a

spectacular position in the Alpilles mountains, set atop a rocky outcrop crowned with a ruined castle

overlooking the plains to the south. Its name refers to its site — in Provençal, a baou is a rocky spur.

The village gives its name to the aluminium ore Bauxite which was first discovered there in 1821 by

geologist Pierre Berthier. Les Baux is now given over entirely to the tourist trade, relying on a

reputation as one of the most picturesque villages in France. Its population of only 22 in the old

village is a fraction of its peak population of over 4,000, and many of its buildings (in particular the

castle) are picturesque ruins.

St Remy

In this town in the heart of Provence, you will find all the charm of a typically Provencal way of life.

Wander around the narrow little streets, discover the attractive boutiques and art galleries that make

the town’s historic centre so lively.

Sit outside at one of the many cafes and restaurants. You will find a warm, friendly welcome in this

charming little town, especially on market days and at the many celebrations and festivals throughout

the year.

Cassis

The old fishing village of Cassis is nestled on the Cote d’Azur in southern France. The beautiful town

is a popular tourist spot famous for its picturesque Calanques – rugged inlets with steep cliffs

tumbling into the azure waters of the Mediterranean which are best discovered by boat.

Spend time wandering the harbour front which is lined with aromatic restaurants offering fresh sea-

food dishes. Why not pair some gorgeous fish with a glass of wine? Cassis is renowned for its

wine – predominantly white.

The Côte d’Azur or Azur Coast

The name Côte d’Azur for one of France’s most southern region becomes clear as soon as one

arrives at the southern coastline of France. This is where the sky-blue sea beats against the stone

beaches and where purple coloured Bougainville crawls up the discoloured walls of charming old

houses. Thriving cities such as Nice, with its abundance of museums, and fashionable Cannes and

St Tropez face the Mediterranean Sea.

With its Mediterranean climate, The Côte d’Azur attracts people from far and near. After a visit to the

hilly inlands with the olive trees and old villages, most people head for some sunny days at the

seaside. And not in the least, to see how the ‘jet set’ arrive with their fancy boats in the charming

harbour, where life is all about seeing and being seen.

Nice

This elegant resort town on the 'French Riviera' is nicknamed the ‘Queen of the Riviera’.

The 'French Riviera' is one of the most beautiful coast lines in Europe. If you decide to forgo the

pleasures of the pebbly beach then devote your time to visiting some of the best-respected museums

in the south of France. The "authentic" Nicoise live in Vieille Ville, the Old Town, beginning at the foot

of "the Rock" and stretching out from place Massena (by your hotel). Sheltered by sienna-tiled roofs,

many of the Italianate facades suggest 17th century Genoese palaces. The old town is a maze of

narrow streets, teeming with local life and studded with the least expensive restaurants in Nice. Try

an onion pizza (la pissa ladiere) from one of the local vendors.

The main sea front boulevard is called the Promenade des Anglais. It is always bustling with

humanity. There are tourists relaxing in the royal blue chairs lining the shore, as well as locals

rollerblading, biking or jogging along it. Best of all, there are delightful (if over-priced) seaside

restaurants.

Overlooking Nice, and the old harbour, is the ‘Chateau‘. This is actually a small public park along with

some remaining chateau ruins. Make sure you visit as the views are spectacular. You can get here

on the ‘petite train’, or take the elevator up (small fee) or hike up the stairs.

Cannes

Cannes grew up from a small fishing town on the south coast of France. In the 11th century Cannes

was owned by monks whose budget, fattened by wealthy pilgrims, allowed them to expand beyond

their monastery to the nearby Island of St Honorat. They built a square tower on the top of the hill as

a lookout post for Saracen pirates. It still stands next to the Castre Museum, in Le Suquet, Cannes'

Old Town that was built on the site of a Roman military camp.

It was Lord Brougham, former British Chancellor of the Exchequer, whose visit to Cannes in 1834

established the city's reputation as a health resort among the British aristocracy. The trend spread to

the French establishment and the arrival of the railway increased Cannes' accessibility. Soon the

international aristocracy were playing golf and enjoying the hot and dry Mediterranean climate.

Cannes has an extravagant style of its own - the long, curvaceous, sandy beaches of ‘La

Croisette’ (the Crescent), the luxury cruise boats of the Old Port, the palatial hotels, the designer

shops and palm trees lining the famous sea front promenade and the gastronomic delights of the

Côte d'Azur.

Cannes' moment of glory takes place in May, with the International Film Festival, when images of the

stars descending the red-carpeted steps of the Palais des Festivals are flashed across TV screens

worldwide. For many, this city on France's Côte d'Azur is synonymous with the glamour of this event.

Monaco

Just to confuse you a little - the country is called Monaco and the capital is Monte Carlo. Yet the

capital now covers the entire land mass of the country!

Monaco is for the rich and famous. The present territory of the Principality of Monaco covers 195

hectares, 31 of which have been entirely reclaimed from the sea! The population is close to 30,000

more than 83% of whom are foreigners; Monegasques number about 5,000. The ruling Grimaldi

Royal family date back centuries. The official language is French but Italian and English are widely

spoken and understood. There's also a Monegasque language (a very colourful dialect) used by the

old nationals but also again studied in the schools of the Principality.

Monte-Carlo Casino

Dress code for the Monte Carlo Casino is Smart Dress. Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, fleece jackets, trainers

or any rubber soled footwear aren’t acceptable for males or females visiting the Casino. Men are

advised to wear a shirt and tie. A Jacket is recommended.

Please note the walk to the Casino is uphill, so we recommend sensible ‘dressy’ footwear (as

mentioned above trainers and/or any rubber soled footwear isn’t acceptable).

St Paul de Vence

In the foothills of the Alpes Maritimes sits the old town of St Paul de Vence with its imposing ramparts

overlooking the Provençal countryside. Inspired by the stylish town and its wonderful natural light, a

host of famous painters flocked here in the early 20th century to found art schools. Later, film

directors and movie stars followed and now it bursts with its artist colony and shops.

Italian traffic rules and regulations

You will see in our promotional brochure that the Albatross style of touring emphasises a more

leisurely pace with a number of 2, 3, 4 and even 5 night stops. This is always our objective and on

virtually all of our programme tours throughout Europe it is relatively easily achievable.

In Italy, however, despite having longer stays in each place than any other tour we still have to have

a number of earlier starts. This is beyond our control. You see, throughout Italy local councils, cities

and regions impose some quite significant restrictions on coach usage, stopping, parking and pick up

points. These local by-laws change from year to year and can even change during the summer

tourist season.

For example in Rome, coach drop-off and passenger pick up points are limited to only 2 or 3

locations in the entire central city. In Montecatini Terme tourist coaches are not allowed to be on the

road within central city limits between 8.00 and 9.30 a.m. Similar rules apply on the Amalfi Coast.

Other towns and cities have their own rules and restrictions. Therefore, you will note that on a

number of occasions we aim to depart a touch before 8.00 a.m. to avoid starts that are far too late to

achieve a day’s significant, meaningful touring. Whether you feel a ‘just before 8.00 a.m.’ start is to

be considered ‘early’ is naturally a personal matter of opinion. I can tell you however that, as a

general rule, Albatross departure times overall are noticeably later than those of traditional tour

operators.

In many European countries and in Italy’s medieval cities in particular, the nearest designated

passenger drop off point to a central city location may be a 15 minute walk from the old town. We

mentioned this in our sales brochure. Again this is beyond our control and we appreciate your

understanding.

Naturally Albatross Travel, just like every other international tour operator, must always obey these

ever changeable Italian city parking and road rules. As such you may find your Tour Manager

requesting an early start to the day to obey local driving regulations, and on occasion it may be

necessary for you to walk from the passenger drop off area to the main central attractions.

We do request that should you be inconvenienced by any of the restrictions that you understand that

they are entirely beyond the control of the Albatross Travel Group. Your understanding on this is

appreciated.

Genoa

Capital of Liguria, Genoa is the largest sea port in Italy. As Italy’s largest sea port, several cruise

liners and ferries serve the old port of Genoa. A third cruise terminal has been organised to help

accommodate the millions of passengers arriving each year.

Behind a bustling façade, Genoa is made up of beautiful squares and tight streets that weave

through the heart of the Italian city. The tall narrow buildings that make up Genoa are mixed in with

50 UNESCO listed palaces and stately homes that line the pedestrian malls.

Santa Margherita Ligure

The harbour town of Santa Margherita Ligure has a lot to offer. Surrounded by rolling green hills and

fronted by a variety of palmed beaches and picturesque swimming coves; the town is often referred

to as ‘the town between coasts and cliffs’. For a truly Italian experience, visitors can wander through

the colourful fish markets that the seaside town is famous for and grab something fresh for dinner.

Portofino

Delightfully set in a tiny bay surrounded by rugged coastline, beautiful Portofino is world famous for

the natural harbour in which the town is built around. It is suggested that the best way to enter

Portofino is by boat - as first impressions are important! Overlooked by the church and castle high

above, the picturesque harbour below is fronted by pink and yellow houses huddled together framed

by rolling green hills.

Portofino is the perfect location to relax by the water, or for the more adventurous, explore your

surroundings. Located nearby facing the luminous sea, the Abbey of Santa Fruttuoso is only

accessible by boat. The Abbey was built in the 10th century and is part of Portofino’s Regional Nature

Park.

Cinque Terre

The name ‘Cinque Terre’ means ‘five lands’ and comes from the five unspoilt fishing villages that

cling to the cliffs, overlooking the sea. Summers in the Cinque Terre find flocks of Europeans

crowding into the narrow streets and pebbly beaches of Monterosso and Vernazza in particular. A

wonderful way to spend the day is dining in the cafes by the Ligurian Sea and wandering the

cramped alleyways. Monterosso is home to the famed, heavenly-sweet dessert wine, Sciacchetra, as

well as limoncello liquor.

Tuscany

Stunningly beautiful, culturally acclaimed, artistically significant and home to world-famous

monuments and supreme regional gastronomy worthy of Michelin stars, Tuscany represents the finer

aspects of Italian life. Great wine and cuisine exist here in abundance. A place to sample them at

vineyards, olive groves and trattorias underneath the warm Tuscan sun.

By the renaissance, however, Florence had become the cultural capital of Tuscany. Another family

that befitted from Florence's growing wealth and power were the ruling Medici Family. Lorenzo de'

Medici was one of the most famous and the benefits of his time are still being observed today in the

fantastic art and architecture in Florence today. One of his of famous descendants Caterina

(Catharine) de Medici married Prince Henry of France.

Tuscany, especially Florence, is regarded as the birthplace of the Renaissance. As the undisputed

cultural and artistic capital of Europe, Florence is a must on any trip to Tuscany, synonymous with

Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Botticelli and Galileo.

Other obvious highlights to visit in Tuscany are the spa resorts of Montecatini Terme and the

fascinating, historic cities of Pisa, Lucca, Siena and the smaller hilltop town of Gimignano.

Lucca

Lucca, one of the most typically ‘Tuscan’ towns in the area, is a medieval walled city, filled with

palaces, churches and ancient houses.

The origins of Lucca date back to 180 B.C. Lucca is a small city, rich of sights and history. Here you

still can feel the flair of all its important periods: the Roman city, the Medieval city, the Renaissance

city, the nineteenth century city: traces of all of these may still be found. Wander through the narrow,

tortuous medieval streets and you’ll pass white marble Romanesque churches, orange-red or the

thirteenth-fourteenth century buildings and vegetation peeping out of the surfaces of the ramparts

and walls.

Lucca has many beautiful attractions including the remains of the ancient Roman Amphitheatre and

the house of Giacomo Puccini (now a museum) where he wrote Turandot. The ramparts, thirty

metres wide at the base and still in their original state, cover over four kilometers and from which it is

possible to enjoy views of the city and the surrounding hills. Take time to visit Piazza San Michele or

stroll along the shops of Borgo Giannotti.

Firenze’ (Florence)

A truly beautiful city which is otherwise known as the ‘Cradle of the Renaissance’. As the birthplace

of the Renaissance movement, it's difficult to know what visitors will find most awe-inspiring about

Europe's cultural and artistic capital, Florence - the stupendous array of museums, churches and

piazzas that make up Florence's exterior or the high profile masterpieces, historical treasures and

wow-factor of their impressive interiors.

The Duomo (cathedral) is without doubt Florence's centre piece, a fresco-clad Renaissance symbol

that Florence's streets are generally narrow, making it ideal for investigating by foot. As Europe's

oldest segmental arch bridge over the Arno River, the Ponte Vecchio beckons. The world-acclaimed

Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia are ‘musts’, showcasing significant frescoes, statues and

masterpieces from Boticello and Raphael to Michelangelo and da Vinci. Asides from treasure-laden

rooms, the original ceiling decoration is still visible in parts.

Take a breather from crowds and culture for a while and sit back over a latte in one of Florence's

piazzas or trattorias. Maybe have an espresso coffee on Piazza Santa Croce where Michelangelo is

buried? A gelato whilst strolling across the Ponte Vecchio. Don’t forget the excellent shopping.

Pisa

The town of Pisa is famous for the Leaning Tower, Duomo, Baptistery and Cathedral in the

magnificent Piazza dei Miracoli.

The 14th-century Romanesque Leaning Tower is of course Pisa’s main attraction (it has 294 stairs)

and really seems likely to overturn at any moment. The tower reopened in November 2001. The

underpinning project made some positive progress in stopping the increase in inclination and even

managed to pull the tower back a bit (40 centimeters).

Gardone Riviera

Just a stone’s throw from Riva del Garda, the lakeside town of Gardone Riviera is a charming,

laid-back town and a great base for seeing Lake Garda.

Maybe take time for a stroll and simply enjoy the views of the lake or pull up a seat in one of the

many outdoor cafés. Gardone Riviera is definitely a quintessential Italian town, but one more likely to

be seen boasted on a postcard with its abundance of lavish gardens and flower beds, soaring blue

skies and unmatched views of Lake Garda – Italy’s largest lake.

Verona

The UNESCO World Heritage city of Verona is set along the Adige River and not far from the eastern

bank of Lake Garda. Originally the Roman Forum, the Piazza delle Erba which is located in the heart

of Verona’s historic centre is a good place to start for anyone visiting Verona or to just stop and have

a coffee. Positioned just outside the Piazza delle Erba, also lies the Lamberti Tower rising 84 metres

above Verona giving visitors fantastic views of the city and beyond.

Verona boasts numerous buildings of historic and artistic value. Shakespeare set three of his plays in

this beautiful town – Romeo and Juliet, The Two Gentlemen of Verona and The Taming of the

Shrew. One of the most visited sites is Juliet’s balcony with letters on the wall from people visiting

from all over the world.

Maybe pay a visit to Dante in the Piazza dei Signori, take in the impressive Roman Arena built in the

1st century or wander through Castelvecchio (meaning ‘Old Castle’); a 14th century medieval

complex. Castelvecchio is occupied by one of the most interesting art collections in Europe with

several towers and a brick bridge crossing to enjoy views of this medieval city up the Adige River.

Treviso

Treviso is in the Veneto region of northern Italy. In the second world war Treviso was affected by

bombing, rebuilt and restored it is now a historical town with many reminders of the war. There is a

defense wall circling the town with waterways and imposing gateways.

Inside the town you will see many painted frescos, arcaded streets and canals. Take a break in

Piazza dei Signori and enjoy a hot drink or meal in one of the many restaurants in the pleasant

square with views to the historic town hall.

Vicenza

The cosmopolitan city of Vicenza is in at northern base of the Monte Berico. Here you will find a

mixture of history and culture in the many museums, piazzas and buildings in the thriving city. Home

to 23 buildings designed by Andrea Palladio, this UNESCO World Heritage listed city has so much

history to offer.

Bassano del Grappa

Situated on the Brenta River, you can enjoy a walk along the Ponte degli Alpini (covered bridge) or

relax and enjoy a bite to eat on the riverbank enjoying the view. In the town you will see the

impressive Duomo, dating back to the year 1000. One of the local specialities here is ceramics; you

will see locally produced items in the local shops.

The attractive town of Bassano del Grappa is well known for inventing the fiery spirit Grappa, a

traditional after dinner drink made from leftovers of the winemaking process. You can buy many

varieties of this spirit in the local shops of this historic town.

Venice

Descending to the Po Valley we visit ‘Venezia’ (Venice) – arguably one of the most romantic cities in

the world. During your free time make sure you meander through the myriad of narrow, water lined

streets and alleys spanned by humped back bridges. Beyond the city, there are the islands (Murano,

Burano, and Torcello) where the pace of life is slower

Judging by its elegant beauty and historic charm, it's not hard to see why Venice has such a romantic

appeal. Having been the inspiration behind many great works of art and literature from Shakespeare

to TS Eliot, it's also home to what's widely perceived as the most romantic method of travel: the

gondola. Venice the way it was meant to be seen!

Built on a cluster of 118 islands and split into the six districts of Cannaregio, San Polo, Dorsoduro,

Santa Croce, San Marco and Castello, the inevitable way of exploring Venice's narrow walkways,

network of winding canals and some 400 bridges is by foot and gondola. Standing in sweeping St

Marc's Square, otherwise known as the 'drawing room of Europe' (possibly for the fact that people

gather here in large numbers), has to be a high point. From here, admire St Marc's Basilica, Venice's

spectacular Byzantine church, plus the equally grand Doge's Palace.

Venice would not be complete without appreciating the scene from Rialto Bridge spanning the Grand

Canal, Venice's largest waterway. Look out for world-renowned Venetian glass, masks and lace, or

take a side-seat at some of the wonderful cafes and restaurants.