A grand way to see Italy!

There’s more than one way to make a pizza, as an Italian chef once said (*probably). Likewise, there’s more than one way to discover a country… Many of you (as am I) will be big fans of the city break – a long weekend cramming in a few highlights, but heading home disappointingly soon. But suppose you want more – a longer trip giving you time to get under the skin of a country, more destinations, some countryside even! Things get complicated – co-ordinating the travel between cities, making sure everything runs smoothly, finding the right hotels in the best locations multiple times.

Fear not, there’s a simple solution – have someone organise everything for you! Travelsphere have been arranging escorted tours to Italy for 60 years, so they bring an awful lot of expertise and local knowledge to the table. Their itineraries are designed to maximise your experience, learn something new in the company of like-minded fellow travellers, and create life-long memories (and friends). Take their Grand Tour of Italy – a two-week extravaganza of all things Italian, from the fabulous floating city of Venice in the north to the beautiful island of Sicily in the south, this really is the country in a nutshell. Highlights include:

• Venice – St Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge • Beautiful Tuscan countryside, then the leaning tower of Pisa • Iconic Rome landmarks like the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain • Pompeii, the city buried in ash, and the stunning Amalfi Coast • Taormina, the beautiful coastal town on Sicily, with views of Mount Etna and the Bay of Naxos

So, what is escorted touring really like? Is it for you? There are lots of positives! You’ll be travelling with like-minded people, with the chance to make life-long friends. Your knowledgeable Holiday Director will ensure you’re having authentic experiences with their expert local knowledge (think wine tasting in Verrazzano Castle, or finding the best street food in Palermo). Local cuisine is hugely important – whether it’s an organised dinner for everyone, or recommendations for the best spots in town. And of course knowing that everything will run smoothly – flights, transfers, accommodation, day trips all meticulously planned – means you can relax and immerse yourself in the wonders of this beautiful and fascinating country.

Of course you may feel Italy top-to-bottom in two weeks is a little fast-paced for you. No problem, just pick a trip that focusses on just one (or maybe two) areas:

• Puglia and Basilicata – the heel of Italy, a fascinating and less-visited area. Visit a fortified farm and gorge on cheese, olive oil and locally baked bread, discover Baroque architecture and Sassi houses (incredible cave dwelling carved into the hillside), and take an excursion to the pretty town of Ostuni with its maze of narrow streets. • Pompeii, Paestum and Herculaneum – base yourself in one beautiful hotel, and explore seven exceptional archaeological sites, with the stunning backdrop of Mount Vesuvius. • Treasures of Tuscany and Florence – another single centre option, based in the peaceful spa town of Montecatini Terme, while you explore the local highlights. Perfect for lovers of Chianti and Leonardo da Vinci.

Travelsphere also have you covered on the less exciting but vitally important stuff too. Guaranteed departures, financial protection, you can even treat yourself to a home pick-up to get your dream trip off to the perfect start. So let’s start planning, your dream trip awaits…