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The Enviroment:
EUROPE
ABITARE LA STORIA - Hospitality in Historical Houses (Milan Lombardy - Piedmont - Toscany - Lazio Rome - Liguria - Moneglia - Sicilia Selinunte
Put your finger on the pulse of Europe's beating heart on this journey through Italy and Switzerland. From historical and natural wonders, through to high fashion and traditional folklore, fall under the spells cast by time, culture and nature. Wander through the charming hillside villages of the Cinque Terre, get close to nature amidst the grandeur of the Alps and fall in love in romantic Florence- each day brings a fascinating new discovery.
Day 1: Rome Between exploring the Colosseum, marvelling at the gilded tombs of St Peter's Basilica and wandering through atmospheric piazzas, travelers will be enchanted by the 'Eternal City'.
Hotel Aldovrandi Palace 5 ***** Rome
Days 2-3: Florence and Arezzo See the landscape transform from Romanesque cities to rolling hills and olive groves on a train journey to Tuscany. Cycle alongside the scenic Serchio River, glimpse Michelangelo's David in Florence, marvel at the Tuscany countryside.
Castello di Gargonza, Arezzo
Days 4-5: Lucca/Pisa.
See the landscape transform from Romanesque cities to rolling hills and olive groves on a train journey to Tuscany. Cycle alongside the scenic Serchio River, glimpse Michelangelo's David in Florence, marvel at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, then head back to cosy Hotel or Villa in lovely Lucca.
FAI Teatrino di Vetriano - Lucca
Days 6-7: Five lands “Cinque Terre”.
Weave through the charming hillside villages of the Cinque Terre, taking the stunning coastal path high above the sea. Perhaps even cool off with a dip in the blue waters below.
Abbadia di San Giorgio, Moneglia
FAI Casa Carbone, Lavagna
FAI Abbazia san Fruttuoso Camogli-Portofino
Days 8: Milan
Stroll through the ever-fashionable Milan and marvel at its magnificent Duomo.
Grand Hotel et de Milan 5 *****
Days 9: Orta Lake
Travel by private car to pristine Orta San Giulio, which boasts magnificent views of the Alps. Board a ferry and head out to explore the beautiful Islands - perhaps take in the hanging gardens of the romantic palatial residence on the shores of serene Lake d’Orta.
Villa Crespi, Orta Lake
Days 10-11: Swiss Alps. View the spectacular Trummelbach Falls while taking in crisp alpine air. Be sure to try traditional Swiss treats such as fondue and rosti. Perhaps head to the peak of the Schilthorn for a James Bond experience. Schilthorn is a 2,970 metre high summit in the Bernese Oberland, Switzerland, above Mürren. It has a panorama, which spans from the Titlis, Jungfrau, Mönch, Eiger, over the Bernese Alps and the Jura mountains up to the Vogesen and the Black Forest.
Here you meet with the most stunning 360 degrees panoramic views throughout the entire Alps region.
In the world’s first revolving restaurant, at an altitude of almost 3,000 meters above sea level, visitors delight in both culinary and scenic highlights as panoramic mountain scenery and over 200 spectacular summits silently slip by. Views extend from the Titlis, over the Bernese Alps, Mont Blanc and Mittelland.
Days 12-13: Vitznau gateway to the Alps
Travel by private car to discover the idyllic surrounds of Switzerland's historic heart. Vitznau lies in an idyllic bay of Lake Lucerne at the foot of the Rigi. This holiday resort in central Switzerland is a popular starting point for numerous excursions around the lake, primarily and naturally, up the famous regional mountain.
Cruise placid Lake Lucerne, learn the story behind the emotive Lion Monument or take a ride on the world's steepest cogwheel railway to the summit of Mt Pilatus. Enjoy a scenic cable-car and cogwheel train ride to the summit of Mount Rigi, popularly known as the ‘Queen of the Swiss Mountains’. Drive to Weggis, a genteel resort, sprouting a few palm trees and figs on the shores of Lake Lucerne. A cable-car and train ride to the top of Mount Rigi will open up a panorama of white mountain peaks to the south and east including the stunning Mount Titlis, blending seamlessly with the clear blue sky. On reaching the top, enjoy a walk through this winter wonderland or rent a sledge. Your downhill climb to Vitznau too will be very scenic. Board a steamer towards Lucerne and enjoy the views across the glittering expanse of water to the rolling hillsides, meadows and valleys.
Rigi – Europe’s oldest rack railway has been travelling up the «Queen of mountains» since 1871, from where visitors can enjoy a magnificent view. Lucerne – a 1-hour cruise separates Vitznau from the lively, central Swiss metropolis of Lucerne, an excursion destination that is well worth seeing, with a beguiling range of shopping attractions.
Hotel Vitznauerhof 5*****, Vitznau
Days 14: Lucerne - Zurich
Departure toward Zurich Airport
Being Responsible
We are committed to a style of travel that is environmentally, culturally and socially responsible. With your participation we aim to travel in a way that conserves the areas we visit and bring positive benefits to local communities. Basically we ask all our travellers to respect local rules and values. This means different things in different countries so be as informed as possible about the country you visit before you arrive - try to learn some of the local language and read about the religion and culture. This will improve your travelling experience. With a little effort on your part you will find yourself coming away with a greater sense of understanding of other cultures and feeling pleased to have left a positive mark on the country you visited.
As this trip traverses three countries, it is important for travellers to learn as much as possible in advance about the cultural differences that will arise, so that we can travel respecting these differences and minimising any negative impacts. Your group leader and the local guides we use along the way will help to break down barriers in your interactions with local people.
Responsible tourism elements in this itinerary
We choose Hotel and Restaurant with Responsible programs
- Our leaders facilitate communication of our values to travellers and local communities, educating them in sustainable tourism practices.
- We employ local guides to aid travellers' understanding of local culture and etiquette.
- Small groups allow travellers to experience cultures at first hand, offering greater opportunity for cross- cultural understanding.
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