|
|
 |
| |
|
Italy is an incredible country of rich history, unrefined beauty, delicious food and wine and unrestricted adventure. The landscapes alone have the ability to take your breath away. Italy has been the backdrop for so many famous poets, artists and musicians, providing them all with such powerful inspiration.
The highly complex history of Italy has resulted in the great differences between north and south and from region to region. Remains of the Etruscan period are to be found in many regions including Tuscany and Lazio, while Ancient Greek ruins (and pockets of people who still speak a kind of Greek) are evident in Southern Italy.
Needless to say, the legacy of Ancient Rome is still eminently visible. Following the fall of Rome, Italy endured many centuries of internal warfare and unrest, yet somehow the Renaissance bloomed amidst the strife between Popes, Emperors and Kings, between families and city-states.
No wonder, then, that Italy is a land of castles and fortresses, walled hilltop towns, fortified farmhouses and tall towers. But it is also a country of fabulous art and architecture, stunning museums and art galleries, sublime churches and ancient places where the ghosts of so many shapers of world history walk.
Here are just a few examples of the exquisite villas we can arrange for you all over Italy (as well as many other countries) … call us for details
|
|
 |
La Vigna
Sleeps up to 4Region: Tuscany
Nestled in the heart of unspoiled, rural Tuscany, it is clear why this charming and private little cottage has taken the name ‘La Vigna’. Sitting almost amidst the actual vines themselves, it is difficult to find anywhere quite so original, maintaining the true character of Chianti.
Features: Premier location; barbecue; maid service.
Ideal for small family groups wanting a base in the heart of Chianti.
Price from $2045* per week |
|
|
 |
Il Molino
Sleeps up to 8Region: Umbria
Once an ancient olive mill, Il Molino has been beautifully restored to an extremely high standard and has surrounded itself with gardens of lavender, rosemary, fig and pomegranate trees.
Features: Private pool; maid service; barbecue.
Ideal for groups of couples or families.
Price from $3120* per week |
|
|
 |
Palazzo Parisi
Sleeps up to 10Region: Lazio
Only one hour from Rome, Palazzo Parisi is a beautifully unique property that provides a warming feel of comfort, history and originality. Adding to the beauty of the property itself, are the spectacular surrounding views of the Sabine Hills.
Features: Private pool; cook & maid service; award-winning landscaped gardens; shared tennis court; ping pong room.
Ideal for larger family groups wanting a grand house within easy distance of Rome.
Price from $8455* per week |
|
|
 |
Capo d’Uomo
Sleeps up to 12Region: Tuscany
Perched high up on the edge of a privately owned peninsula, the house seems to grow out of the rocks that plunge down to the Mediterranean. With its heated infinity pool and fantastic views looking out over the sea to the island of Giglio (and Corsica on a clear day), Capo D’Uomo provides the ultimate holiday retreat. There is also an excellent cook who can provide traditional Tuscan specialties.
Features: Private infinity pool; maid service; air-conditioning; internet; shops, restaurants and bars within a short drive.
Ideal for groups of couples seeking a spectacular setting and views.
Price from $5700* per week |
|
|
.jpg) |
Villa Fienile
Sleeps up to 16Region: Tuscany
Villa Fienile is set atop one of the most beautiful hills in Chianti, overlooking stunning valleys and offers breath taking scenes of the countryside and tantalizing glimpses of the towers of San Gimignano. A property dating back to the 10th century, yet refurbished this year with a mix of beautiful antiques and stylish yet comfortable new furniture.
Features: Private infinity pool; maid service; air-conditioning; barbecue
Ideal for large groups of couples wanting an historical house but with modern conveniences and comfort.
Price from $9102* per week |
|
|
 |
Due to the overwhelming popularity of our first-ever Sicily expedition this April and many successful returns to the Adriatic, we have combined our favorite stops from both trips for our brand-new 2011 Sicily with Montenegro, Croatia, Albania & Greece, September 1 – 14, 2011, aboard the 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey. Archaeology, gastronomy, and culture collide on this 14-day voyage that takes advantage of the wonderful late-summer weather in the Mediterranean and Adriatic. Our journey presents you with several ‘must see’ destinations in one all-inclusive voyage and the chance to:
- Explore the exquisite Greek and Roman ruins of Agrigento and Syracuse—both World Heritage Sites.
- Visit photogenic Dubrovnik, a beautifully-preserved medieval masterpiece.
- Tour Palermo’s ornate Baroque churches, domed Arab mosques, 12th-century cathedral, and Archaeological Museum with its Punic and Greek art.
- Sample Sicilian delicacies during wine tastings and gourmet luncheons, including Marsala wines and vintages from the Licata region.
- Discover dramatic scenery and amazing archaeology in the lesser-visited countries of Montenegro and Albania.
To learn more about this Sicily with Montenegro, Croatia, Albania & Greece program, please contact our office.
P.S. Rates start at $7,480 per person. Plus, when you travel with Zegrahm virtually everything is included in the cost of your trip:
- All gratuities, from porters and ship’s crew to tour guides
- All accommodations and meals
- Welcome dinner and briefing to get to know one another and get a good sense of what’s to come
- World-class expedition leaders and lecturers
- Daily activity options, from wine tastings to archaeological tours
- All entrance fees, taxes, and landing and port charges
- All transfers on group arrival and departure days
- Gift certificates for recommended expedition gear and reading materials
- Comprehensive pre-departure packet to prepare you for your trip, with everything from currency information and weather to shipboard amenities and a packing list
- Medical and emergency evacuation insurance
- Dedicated Zegrahm program manager to answer all your questions as well as an air coordinator to assist with flight arrangements
|
From May 30th to June 5th and from September 12th to 18th – 2011
we invite you to take a fascinating journey through the grand villas and gardens of Tuscany.
Over the course of 6 days, the dynamic duo of Armand de Foucault and Andrea Ghiottonelli, a Frenchman and a Florentine, both specialized in History of Gardens (Hortibus – Paris/Florence), will be your hosts as you tour magnificent estates to learn of the raison d’etre behind their lush landscaping as well as the history of the art, architecture and the place that surrounds them.
Call us for a detailed itinerary…..
 |
| We are pleased to announce a terrific collaboration enabling you to enjoy a week (or more) in a Tuscan villa while spending a few days of your time (June 2-5) in wine paradise. The event concludes with an exclusive barbeque lunch with music legend Sting and his wife, Trudie Styler at their villa in Chianti!
The three day wine & food extravaganza includes:
- · A relaxed country lunch barbeque hosted by music legend Sting and Trudie Styler at their private villa, Il Palagio, in Chianti.
- · Taking wine classes from James Suckling, the former senior editor and European Chief of Wine Spectator (and one of the world’s most influential wine critics)
- · Tasting wines from some of the top 50 wineries in Tuscany, including Antinori, Frescobaldi, Mazzei, Ricasoli, Il Borro, Petrolo and Castello Banfi
- · Elegant dinners in an exclusive Florentine palazzo and at well-known wine estates, including one meal prepared by a 3-Star Michelin chef
- · A private concert by violin virtuoso Joshua Bell
Add a wonderful villa to the mix, accompanied by our charming local VillaHosts to ensure everything goes smoothly, and you have a recipe for a spectacular time in Tuscany.
The dates of the wine, food and Sting extravaganza: Thursday June 2 through Sunday June 5
We suggest a villa stay from May 28 – June 4 or 5 in one of several villas still available (ranging from 3 bedrooms to 6 bedrooms) or make it a two week vacation with a stay from either May 21 – June 5 or May 28 – June 11! |
|
If you are wine enthusiast clients, foodies or Police/Sting groupies, this could be the trip of a lifetime! Call us now for more details!!! |
|
I recently was invited to attend the Puglia Wine and Land Educational program held in the wonderful region of Puglia in the heel of Italy. This part of the south is, in many ways, the real, unspoiled Italy.Here the landscape reminded me more of Greece than what we are used to seeing in Italy …not surprising as it was once part of Greece. Miles and miles of ancient olive groves and vineyards dotted the landscape and narrow roads lined with stone walls were interrupted here and there by whitewashed farms and villages.
Gathered here were travel professionals from Germany, Russia, Switzerland, Belgium, the UK and only me from the US along with wine buyers and press from all over the world. Our hosts in Puglia introduced us to the magnificent wines, olive oils (Puglia produces 40% of the Italian olive oil) and wonderful local foods. Pastas and breads made from the local durham semolina wheat have a golden glow and unique texture. Fresh produce was already growing in the fields and filled our plates at every delicious meal.
While there we stayed at a magnificent 5-star Masseria (a farm property fortified against centuries of invasions) and took time to visit several more Masserie along with full service resorts and small b&b properties. Since the area is surrounded by the Ionian and Adriatic seas, one is never far from lovely sandy beaches. Ancient hill towns, majestic castles and the “trulli” houses were all wonderful to visit.
After you’ve seen Rome, Florence, and Venice try to find time to visit this magnificent area of Italy. It will steal your heart away as it did mine!
 
ITALY continues to be the number one choice for Americans visiting Europe and we have been fortunate to experience it from the Riviera to Sicily and never found one place we did not love. Of course, the big three – Rome, Florence and Venice – are a must for everyone, but beyond these cities there are endless marvelous places to explore. Romantic Ravello, perched on top of the world above the spectacular Amalfi coast; Captivating Capri; Idyllic Ischia (perhaps our favorite of all); Sunny Sicily; all the wonderful Tuscan and Umbrian hill towns; Le Marche on the east coast; undiscovered Puglia (“the new Tuscany”), way down in the heel with magnificent beaches and mile upon mile of ancient olive groves and vineyards; miniscule San Marino; the magical lakes and mountains of the north …. the list goes on and on. Italy’s gift to the traveler is as complete and varied as the cultural legacy of Western Civilization. It combines history, art and culture with incredible food, wonderful wines and magnificent scenery all wrapped up in something known worldwide as, “La Dolce Vita.” Whether your tastes run towards an escorted tour, an independent itinerary, a villa of your own for a week or two, a walking or biking excursion, wine tasting, art appreciation, a cooking school or tracing your heritage, we can help you plan an unforgettable holiday in this unforgettable country.
|
