If you long to explore the real Italy, then Italian Connection’s insider knowledge and personal approach to travel is for you. Because we’re picky about what we recommend, we personally travel every walking route, sample each cuisine and wine, and stay at selected accommodations to ensure they meet all expectations of what an Italian Connection experience should be. We gracefully weave our findings into one-of-a-kind tours that are sure to leave you wanting to return again and again, the way many of our guests do!
CUISINE
Great food and wine are an integral part of Italian life, and of every Italian Connection tour, with regional culinary delights that cry mangia!
Taste creamy cannoli in Sicily, exquisite white truffles in Piedmont, the freshest fish in Amalfi, amazing antipasti in Apulia, homemade pasta in Umbria, hearty polenta in the Dolomites, and the finest extra-virgin olive oil in Tuscany.
Some of our favorite meals are in the private homes of our friends, where we are treated to warm Italian hospitality and fine home cooking.
An impressive selection of wine is included with our meals. Play ‘name that region’ with glasses of Barolo, Chianti, Amarone, Nero d’Avola, Primitivo, Sagrantino... or just quaff!
ACCOMMODATIONS
Don’t be surprised if many of the hotels we stay in have not yet made it into the guidebooks — we find them before anyone else! Our small groups enable us to use exclusive hotels not available to larger groups, and you’ll find our accommodations are superior to many higher-priced tours.
Many of our tours feature luxury hotels, but we believe that luxury is only a part of the tour experience. When we include a wonderful off-the-beaten-path destination, the hotels tend to be simpler, so some tours have a combination of both luxurious hotels and comfy inns.
We rate our trip accommodations from two to five diamonds:
= Simple B&B in excellent location
= Charming family-run inns
= Luxury inns and boutique hotels
= Historic hotels and spa resorts
WALKING LEVELS
Italy isn’t flat, so expect to be going up and down hills and enjoying great views! Even our easy walking won’t be easy if you haven’t done some pretour preparation (i.e. more than walking from the parking lot to your office). The best training for your Italian Connection walking tour is to do what you will do on tour—so get out there and walk, eat pasta and drink wine!
Stroll |
Daily distance of 2-5 km (1-3 miles) through archeological sites and in towns with stone stairways. Lightweight walking shoes.
Easy |
Daily distance of 8-10 km (5-7 miles) on dirt paths and gravel roads, with short ascents & descents. Excellent van access for assistance along the route. Sturdy walking shoes.
Moderate |
Daily distance of 12-16 km (8-10 miles) with longer ascents & descents. May include cobblestone paths and steps, or narrow paths along terraced hillsides. Some van access or options for shorter walks. Sturdy walking shoes or lightweight boots.
Fitness |
Daily distance of 12-16 km (8-10 miles) with steep ascents & descents. Walks are at altitudes of 1200-2450 meters (3500-8000 feet) on trails and forest service roads, some rocky or exposed sections. Limited van access, options for shorter or longer routes. Lightweight boots.