Stretching across the centre of Europe, the snow-capped Alps are one of the world’s most spectacular mountain ranges. Soak in this pristine beauty from legendary rail journeys, winding alpine roads and luxurious hotels.
There’s something hauntingly beautiful about Europe’s snow-scattered mountains, whether venturing through picture-perfect Switzerland or traversing wild and wonderful Austria. From the gigantic and jagged Matterhorn to the arresting landscapes you’ll see while travelling on some of Switzerland’s world-famous panorama trains including the Glacier Express, every aspect of your alpine journey is exhilarating. Visit the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, tour a museum dedicated to Charlie Chaplin, enjoy a traditional Swiss chalet dinner, and stand on top of Europe at Jungfraujoch, the continent’s highest train station.
Our recent bike trip from Venice to Florence was terrific. Viewing the countryside by bike was fun. Each days ride was different. I thought day 2 was the hardest. My sit bones were very sore despite the bike shorts. it was a bumpy gravel long ride. Day 3 and on out got easier.
Discover the Tuscan countryside and culture on this 8-day self-guided walking tour. Through the extensive footpath network of the area, roughly following the traces of the Via Francigena, one of Europe’s most important ‘highways’ in medieval times, you walk from village to village and experience a full immersion in the world-famous Tuscan landscape. The tour is perfect as an introduction to the region and a great choice for people who love museums, galleries and Gothic and Romanesque architecture. You have plenty of time to visit attractions on most of the days.
You will also have time to visit all the beautiful medieval villages and historic towns along the Via Francigena: starting from beautiful Lucca, you’ll pass through Fucecchio, San Miniato, Gambassi Terme, the stunning San Gimignano with its medieval skyscrapers and Monteriggioni, admired by Dante in his Divine Comedy. An optional detour can bring you to beautiful Colle Val d’Elsa and the tour ends in Siena, arguably the most perfectly preserved medieval town in Tuscany. This tour threads together some of the most attractive towns and villages in Tuscany in an eloquent procession.
However, the emphasis of the tour is to enjoy the countryside, the rolling vineyards, the poppies in spring and the wild cyclamen in autumn. The area north of Siena is an amazing landscape of rolling hills, alternating vineyards and forests, while cypresses line the way leading to the distant farmhouses. Walking here is an unforgettable experience and many of the views have barely changed for hundreds of years.
Accommodation and some meals are included. You spend a night in one of the best agriturismos in Tuscany, and the final night in the heart of Siena, in one of the most characteristic little hotels.
This is a moderately easy tour which is suitable for those who have some experience of walking and a good general physical condition.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Hostel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
Siena, Tuscany, Lucca, Altopasci
Siena, Tuscany, Lucca, Altopascio, San Miniato Alto, Gambassi Terme, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni
Join us on this three-day tour of Liguria, one of the most beautiful coastal regions in Europe, is a popular destination for gourmets and active visitors. This region is well known for its wide variety of landscapes within its territory. Its sea and mountains, its gently shaped bays, quiet villages and fine cuisine, as well as the right climate for a peculiar vegetation, are all traits envied by the rest of Italy.
In just a few days, you will be able to explore this region, its history, culture and culinary highlights, by always taking your time and doing everything at your own pace along the route, which has been accurately selected for you.
Our trip was absolutely wonderful! I would like to thank our tour guide, for taking great care of everything. We had something planned every day and the group that travelled with us was so friendly. Everything worked out beautifully. We made memories that will last a lifetime!
Wonderful trip! I strongly recommend several of the Optional Experiences to make the most of your time, including the sunset boat trip in Paris (you see the Eiffel Tower aglow!), walking tour of Hidden Venice, and walking tour of the Colosseum in Rome.
Be prepared to walk a lot (I hit 10-14k steps most days!) Be prepared for early mornings.
The barge and crew were magnificent. Warm. Welcoming. Shining clean and food exceptional. Guide, Tammy, made time for all while keeping things moving. Herding cats is difficult! But she did this with grace and courtesy. Biking was easy. This was our first guided tour and surprised at all the knowledge Tammy shared plus all the interesting side visits we went on. Loved the cheese and Grappa tasting!!
Bicycle tours
Tour Type
Group Tour
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Venice, Pellestrina, Po Delta In
Venice, Pellestrina, Po Delta Interregional Park, Zelo, Mantua
Visit Italy’s major highlights as you travel by rail on one of our exclusive Italy tours and packages. Your tour starts in Italy’s capital: Rome where you will get to see the incredible monumental heritage of the city and its ancient Roman architecture. Embrace the remarkable topography of the country while on a high-speed rail. In Florence you will get to see intact medieval walls at Monteriggioni and famous medieval towers at walled town San Gimignano. In Cinque Terre, you will have the opportunity to discover the area freely, as you will have a pass that give you access all over the village of Cinque Terre. Next stop would be Milan the city of Fashion and Arts, where you will discover the Last Supper of Leonardo Da Vinci, the famous Gothic Cathedral, La Scala Opera House or the other hidden treasures of Milan. From here you will be visiting Venice which would be your last stop on this wonderful trip. You will get to see Piazza San Marco with the Basilica and the Clock Tower, the Rialto Bridge, Campo Santa Maria Formosa and the Grand Canal or escape to the more tranquil side streets and small canals that criss–cross the city.
Train tours
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
