The Italian ‘Grande’

Tour Information The Italian ‘Grande’

TOUR INFORMATION

You are travelling to Europe – a wonderful assembly of diverse countries that have, over hundreds of years, evolved and formulated their individual and often unique customs, styles and quirkiness. We want to (and sometimes have to) fit into the region’s natural patterns and irregularities. Much will appear so very different from ‘home’ – and surely it is exactly those very differences that inspired you to go there in the first place!

To help you, the following pages contains additional information specific to your tour including brief introductory information regarding the major sites and regions you will be visiting.

We would like to wish you a wonderful trip through Europe and a safe return home.

Best wishes from the Albatross Team The Italian ‘Grande’

Italian traffic rules and regulations

You will see in our promotional brochure that the Albatross style of touring emphasises a more leisurely pace with a number of 2, 3, 4 and even 5 night stops. This is always our objective and on virtually all of our programme tours throughout Europe it is relatively easily achievable.

In , however, despite having longer stays in each place than any other tour we still have to have a number of earlier starts. This is beyond our control. You see, throughout Italy local councils, cities and regions impose some quite significant restrictions on coach usage, stopping, parking and pick up points. These local by-laws change from year to year and can even change during the summer tourist season.

For example in Rome, coach drop-off and passenger pick up points are limited to only 2 or 3 locations in the entire central city. In Montecatini Terme tourist coaches are not allowed to be on the road within central city limits between 8.00 and 9.30 a.m. Similar rules apply on the Amalfi Coast. Other towns and cities have their own rules and restrictions. Therefore you will note that on a number of occasions we aim to depart a touch before 8.00 a.m. to avoid starts that are far too late to achieve a day’s significant, meaningful touring. Whether you feel a ‘just before 8.00 a.m.’ start is to be considered ‘early’ is naturally a personal matter of opinion. I can tell you however that, as a general rule, Albatross departure times overall are noticeably later than those of traditional tour operators.

In many European countries and in Italy’s medieval cities in particular, the nearest designated passenger drop off point to a central city location may be a 15 minute walk from the old town. We mentioned this in our sales brochure. Again this is beyond our control and we appreciate your understanding.

Naturally Albatross Travel, just like every other international tour operator, must always obey these ever changeable Italian city parking and road rules. As such you may find your Tour Manager requesting an early start to the day to obey local driving regulations, and on occasion it may be necessary for you to walk from the passenger drop off area to the main central attractions.

We do request that should you be inconvenienced by any of the restrictions that you understand that they are entirely beyond the control of the Albatross Travel Group. Your understanding on this is appreciated. The Italian ‘Grande’ This information is meant to provide a light overview of some of the towns and regions you will be visiting.

Lake Maggiore Less visited by holiday crowds than Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore has an elite air about it with a mild climate responsible for lush Mediterranean vegetation and blooming gardens.

The lake is home to the delightful town of Stresa that has long been a favourite with artists and tourists, and has the amenities of a seaside resort as well as piazzas and cafes tucked into back streets. A cable car heads above the town giving panoramic views across the lake, mountains and islands.

There are the two famous islands on Lake Maggiore, the beautiful Isola Bella with the palatial Borromeo villa and gardens which dominate the island and Isola Pescatori. The villa on Isola Bella boasts Murano glass chandeliers, Gobelin-covered chairs, intricate tapestries and paintings. The spectacular formal gardens rise behind the ornate villa, with patterned flower beds falling in terraces, with statues and ornamental stonework completing the Italianate style. Isola Pescatori (the Fisherman’s island) is a small picturesque village with old houses, wooden balconies, tiny boats and fishing nets.

Lake Como With magnificent gardens, mountain vistas, hanging baskets bursting with colour and stately villas sprinkled about the shoreline, pretty Lake Como is the epitome of charm and everything there is to love about Italy's Northern Lakes. Known as the Pearl of Lake Como, and described by some as the prettiest town in Europe, Bellagio is situated at the tip of the peninsula separating the lake's two southern arms, with the visible across the lake to the north. This delightful town boasts peaceful villas and gardens nestled by the lakeside, elegant shops and walkways plus stylish al fresco dining at its very best. Why not try “risotto con pesce persico” made from the lake’s fish.

Macugnaga Used as a location in many films, the mountain village of Macugnaga is famous for its beautifully preserved wooden huts and chalets and the stunning backdrop of the Monte Rosa (Pink) Massif and the Dufourspitze – Europe’s second highest peak at an incredible 4,638 metres.

Located in the north of Piedmont region of Italy, Macugnaga gives many opportunities for skiing in winter and hiking and mountaineering in summer. For an extraordinary sight, don’t miss out on a mountain cable car ride.

Lake Orta Rumoured to be the most romantic of all the lakes, Lake Orta is a secluded jewel just a mile wide to the west of Maggiore hidden away in the Italian Lakes District. The delightful town of Orta San Giulio sits on the eastern bank of Lake Orta. The narrow streets of Orta San Giulio are lined with charming cafes and restaurants just waiting to be discovered. Built on the steep slopes of Sacro Monte, Orta San Giulio looks out to the beautiful island of Isola San Guilio across Lake Orta.

Above Orta San Guilio, on a winding hill path, UNESCO World Heritage listed Sacro Monto counts 21 chapels built between the end of the 16 th and the end of the 18 th century. The beautiful chapels are adorned with terracotta sculptures about the life of St Francis of Assisi.

Lake Garda Lake Garda has a circumference of about 100 kilometres. Dotted with hotels and resorts there is a steady influx of visitors wanting to bask in Mediterranean climes, while experiencing the diversity of high hills, olive groves, spectacular mountainous backdrops and fjord-like landscapes. The Dolomites make up the mountain range to the east and are more striking than the softer-looking Italian Alps.

CastelBrando Located above the village of , this 2,000-year-old Roman fortress was turned into a sumptuous noble’s palace in the 13th century. A funicular takes you up to the heart of the castle, a landmark seen from the valley below with its numerous turrets and battlements. Skilful restoration and sensitive modernisation have brought the original magnificence back to life. Guelph style decorative battlements, stone cellars, tapestries, swords and suits of armour set the scene for the elegant halls, dining rooms, manicured gardens and terraces overlooking the valley

Set on a promontory overlooking Valmareno, enjoying the mild climate typical of the hills, is a splendid example of the historical and artistic restoration of one of the largest castles of Europe. The massive manor, nestled in 50 hectares of wooded park, is part of a medieval hamlet majestically set in the scenic Prosecco hills, surrounded by the towns of Valdobbiadene, Conegliano and Vittorio , just 50 minutes from Venice.

Rich in history and legend, CastelBrando greets its guests with an austere and noble style. The castle was originally constructed in Roman times as a fortress to defend the important lines of communication which connected to the countries on the other side of the Alps. The Castle has been enlarged over the centuries.

In the first half of the 16th Century Antonio Maria Brandolini, engaged skilful engineers and enlarged the central part of the Castle in Sansovino style, adding elegant lines of Venetian two- and three-mullioned windows. It was the family who surrounded it with imposing Guelph-style decorative battlements and built a central tower. The Castle was then passed under the command of the Venetian Republic until after the fall of Venice when it became the property of Brandolini Counts until 1959. It was then sold to the Salesian fathers, who altered its structure and used it as a centre for spiritual studies.

(Please Note, not all tour departure dates visit CastelBrando) Venice Descending to the Po Valley we visit ‘Venezia’ (Venice) – arguably one of the most romantic cities in the world. During your free time make sure you meander through the myriad of narrow, water lined streets and alleys spanned by humped back bridges. Beyond the city, there are the islands (Murano, Burano, and Torcello) where the pace of life is slower

Judging by its elegant beauty and historic charm, it's not hard to see why Venice has such a romantic appeal. Having been the inspiration behind many great works of art and literature from Shakespeare to TS Eliot, it's also home to what's widely perceived as the most romantic method of travel: the gondola. Venice the way it was meant to be seen!

Built on a cluster of 118 islands and split into the six districts of Cannaregio, San Polo, Dorsoduro, Santa Croce, San Marco and Castello, the inevitable way of exploring Venice's narrow walkways, network of winding canals and some 400 bridges is by foot and gondola. Standing in sweeping St Marc's Square, otherwise known as the 'drawing room of Europe' (possibly for the fact that people gather here in large numbers), has to be a high point. From here, admire St Marc's Basilica, Venice's spectacular Byzantine church, plus the equally grand Doge's Palace.

Venice would not be complete without appreciating the scene from Rialto Bridge spanning the Grand Canal, Venice's largest waterway. Look out for world-renowned Venetian glass, masks and lace, or take a side-seat at some of the wonderful cafes and restaurants.

Tuscany Stunningly beautiful, culturally acclaimed, artistically significant and home to world-famous monuments and supreme regional gastronomy worthy of Michelin stars, Tuscany represents the finer aspects of Italian life. Great wine and cuisine exist here in abundance. A place to sample them at vineyards, olive groves and trattorias underneath the warm Tuscan sun.

Tuscany was originally inhabited by tribes of Ligurians and the Etruscans. When the Romans arrived they allied themselves with the Etruscans and the Ligurians fled into the Apuane mountains. Soon the Roman culture absorbed the region and established the cities of Lucca, Pisa, Siena, and Florence. Doing what Romans do best, they built roads, aqueducts, sewers, and constructed major public buildings.

The conflict between the Guelphs and Ghibellines, factions supporting the Papacy and the Holy Roman Empire in central and northern Italy during the 12th and 13th centuries, split the Tuscan people. These two factors gave rise to several powerful and rich medieval city states in Tuscany: Arezzo, Florence, Lucca, Pisa, and Siena.

By the renaissance, however, Florence had become the cultural capital of Tuscany. Another family that befitted from Florence's growing wealth and power were the ruling Medici Family. Lorenzo de' Medici was one of the most famous and the benefits of his time are still being observed today in the fantastic art and architecture in Florence today. One of his of famous descendants Caterina (Catharine) de Medici married Prince Henry of France. Other obvious highlights to visit in Tuscany are the spa resorts of Montecatini Terme and the fascinating, historic cities of Pisa, Lucca , Siena and the smaller hilltop town of San Gimignano.

Montecatini Terme Montecatini Terme is derived from the word "Monte" (mountain) and the Latin word "catinus" (valley). Terme is used to describe the thermal waters of the area. All the words together accurately describe the Italian town, which is most famous for its thermal baths which were once a favourite ‘cure resort’ of the crowned heads of state from all over Europe.

During the Middle Ages the town was under the rule of bishops from Lucca, which was a prominent city in central Italy until 1330 when it became part of the Florence rule. In the 14th century thermal waters were found in the town and their therapeutic, medical and beauty benefits were a growing trend across Europe. The first baths were constructed in 1530 to hold the spa water. The baths made Montecatini Terme grow in popularity with the Italian people and the Medici family even incorporated them into their Grand Dukedom. Over the centuries the city fell into disrepair until the 1770’s when reconstruction of Montecatini Terme included the creation of three separate Baths: Bagno Rejio, Terme Leopoldine, and Tettuccio.

Around the turn of the 20th century the tourist scene in Europe was growing. Montecatini Terme was not forgotten in this tourism boost and the thermal waters that once made the city bloom were at it again. The baths were unique and drew in visitors. Numerous hotels were built and most were operated at a high level of quality. Casinos, restaurants, nightclubs, and parks were constructed to cater to the rush of tourists. Many celebrities and political figures of the early 1900s found relaxation in the city and that popularity lasted.

Today Montecatini Terme is home to the most popular thermal spa in Italy. Thousands of visitor’s travel to Montecatini Terme every year to enjoy to beauty of Tuscany, the city’s parklands and to pamper themselves in one of the Spas.

‘Firenze’ (Florence) A truly beautiful city which is otherwise known as the ‘Cradle of the Renaissance’.

As the birthplace of the Renaissance movement, it's difficult to know what visitors will find most awe-inspiring about Europe's cultural and artistic capital, Florence - the stupendous array of museums, churches and piazzas that make up Florence's exterior or the high profile masterpieces, historical treasures and wow-factor of their impressive interiors.

The Duomo (cathedral) is without doubt Florence's centre piece, a fresco-clad Renaissance symbol that took 170 years to complete. Visitors can climb up to the cathedral's unsupported cupola to be temporarily rendered breathless at the aerial views of the city. Outside, the Baptistery is renowned for its three sets of artistically important bronze doors with relief sculptures. The south doors were done by Andrea Pisano and the north and east doors by Lorenzo Ghiberti. The east pair of doors was dubbed by Michelangelo "the Gates of Paradise". Florence's streets are generally narrow, making it ideal for investigating by foot. As Europe's oldest segmental arch bridge over the Arno River, the Ponte Vecchio beckons. The world-acclaimed Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia are ‘musts’, showcasing significant frescoes, statues and masterpieces from Boticello and Raphael to Michelangelo and da Vinci. Asides from treasure-laden rooms, the original ceiling decoration is still visible in parts.

Take a breather from crowds and culture for a while and sit back over a latte in one of Florence's piazzas or trattorias. Maybe Espresso Coffee on Piazza Santa Croce where Michelangelo is buried? A gelato whilst strolling across the Ponte Vecchio? Don’t forget the excellent shopping.

Cinque Terre The name ‘Cinque Terre’ means ‘five lands’ and comes from the five unspoilt fishing villages that cling to the cliffs, overlooking the sea. Summers in the Cinque Terre find flocks of Europeans crowding into the narrow streets and pebbly beaches of Monterosso and Vernazza in particular. A wonderful way to spend the day is dining in the cafes by the Ligurian Sea and wandering the cramped alleyways. Monterosso is home to the famed, heavenly-sweet dessert wine, Sciacchetra, as well as limoncello liquor.

Lucca Lucca, one of the most typically ‘Tuscan’ towns in the area, is a medieval walled city, filled with palaces, churches and ancient houses.

The origins of Lucca date back to 180 B.C. Lucca is a small city, rich of sights and history. Here you still can feel the flair of all its important periods: The Roman city, the Medieval city, the Renaissance city, the nineteenth century city: traces of all of these may still be found. Wander through the narrow, tortuous medieval streets and you’ll pass white marble Romanesque churches, orange-red or the thirteenth-fourteenth century buildings and vegetation peeping out of the surfaces of the ramparts and walls.

Lucca has many beautiful attractions including the remains of the ancient Roman Amphitheatre and the house of Giacomo Puccini (now a museum) where he wrote Turandot. The ramparts, thirty meters wide at the base and still in their original state, cover over four kilometers and from which it is possible to enjoy views of the city and the surrounding hills. Take time to visit Piazza San Michele or stroll along the shops of Borgo Giannotti.

Pisa The town of Pisa is famous for the Leaning Tower, Duomo, Baptistery and Cathedral in the magnificent Piazza dei Miracoli.

The 14th-century Romanesque Leaning Tower is of course Pisa’s main attraction (it has 294 stairs) and really seems likely to overturn at any moment. The tower reopened in November 2001. The underpinning project made some positive progress in stopping the increase in inclination and even managed to pull the tower back slightly by 40 centimeters. San Gimignano The fairytale ‘town of towers’ San Gimignano, is famous for its 13th and 14th century Tuscan towers. Exploring the pedestrian walkways of this hilltop town is an absolute delight. The city gained its prominence due to its location on one of the most important stretches of the mediaeval Via Francigena. One of the most charming and picturesque of all the Tuscan hill towns, its medieval towers dominate the town in the way that skyscrapers dominate modern cities. At one time there were more than 70 towers (built as symbols of wealth and as a security precaution by the town’s prosperous merchants) but only 14 remain today. Walk through the wonderfully preserved town square the Piazza della Cisterna and visit the 13th-century town hall the Palazzo del Popolo.

Siena Siena offers beautifully preserved medieval streets and the great sights of the Gothic Town Hall and the Piazza del Campo, scene of the famous Palio horse race.

Just 55 kilometres south of Florence, this picturesque well-preserved medieval town lies in the right in the middle of the Tuscany wine region. A bitter competitor with Florence for much of its history Siena is a treasure trove of art pageantry and architecture. Inhabited continuously for over a thousand years, Siena flourished in the Late Middle Ages when the merchant brotherhood spent vast sums in order to create the most beautiful and impressive city in Tuscany.

The many churches, palaces and military fortifications which survive from this period bear witness to that magnificence and sophistication. In the wonderful black-and-white Gothic Duomo you’ll find the magnificent Bernini statue of Mary Magdalene hidden away in a niche and dazzling mosaics on the floor.

Central to the city is the enormous Piazza del Campo where the world-famous ‘palio di contrade’ horse race is staged every July and August. The 17 "contrade" (districts) into which the city is now divided compete in the ‘palio’, with each one entering just one horse. Each contrada has a name, a banner and a church of its own. In the weeks leading up to the Palio the streets of each contrada are full of parades and feasts. On race day they cover the square with a layer of dirt to create a track and the actual festival begins in the afternoon, with the traditional, extremely picturesque procession. It consists of a parade, in his- torical costume, of mace-bearers, trumpeters, bands men, grooms, and standard-bearers carrying their emblems and heraldic mascots. And after all this the race lasts just 75 seconds!

Spoleto Medieval Spoleto is easily explored on foot. There are numerous Romanesque churches and cobbled stone alleyways with character shops, bars and trattorias.

This Umbrian town has roots that can be traced back to before the Roman Empire, and the place feels somewhat like a giant open air museum. Pre-Roman ruins are dotted around the town, and life revolves around picturesque 16th Century town squares. Just on the far side is an amazing bridge, the Ponte delle Torre, 755 feet long and 262 feet high [230 by 80 metres], built in the 14th century on the basis of a Roman aqueduct! Assisi Badly damaged by earthquakes in 1997 the Assisi, dominated by two medieval castles, undertook a remarkable programme of restoration which soon brought it back to all its glory.

Assisi is particularly known for the fact that it’s the place of birth of St. Francis in 1181 or 1182. Set against a backdrop of lush green hillsides and rustic cottages, the Basilica of Saint Francis is a stunning 13th Century building. Pilgrims have been making their way here since the 14th Century to pay their respects, but whatever your religion, the peacefulness and beauty of this town are awe-inspiring.

Assisi is famous for the nearly destroyed frescos by the medieval painter Giotto in the Arena chapel. The church of San Francesco houses some of the most famous late Gothic paintings by artists such as Ambrogio and Pietro Lorenzetti, Simone Martini and Giotto. The city itself has preserved its medieval character and a day spent wandering through Assisi's streets will literally take one out of the present and back in time, with its Gepetto-like toy/craft shops and medieval stonework.

Pompeii Under the shadow of the still brooding volcano of Vesuvius lie the ancient ruins of Pompeii, the city that was buried under volcanic ash in AD 79. Along with Herculaneum, its sister city, Pompeii was destroyed, and completely buried, during a long catastrophic eruption of the volcano Mount Vesuvius that spanned two days. The volcano buried Pompeii under 20 meters of ash and pumice, and it was lost for nearly 1,700 years before its accidental rediscovery in 1748. Since then, its excavation has provided an extraordinarily detailed insight into the life of a city at the height of the Roman Empire. Paintings, furniture, mosaics, sculptures, graffiti and even loaves in ovens are wonderfully preserved. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Italy, with over 2.5 million visitors per year.

Amalfi Coast - Local traffic rules and possible early starts. The Amalfi Coast is in the province of Salerno, in the region of Campania, Italy, on the Gulf of Salerno. The actual drive is an incredibly narrow, twisting and winding road and there are some significant restrictions on coach usage. The local by-laws change from year to year and can even change during the summer tourist season. As such you may find your Tour Manager requesting an early start to the day to obey local driving regulations. Your understanding on this is appreciated.

The Amalfi Coast – Amalfi Amalfi town lies 35 km southeast of Naples and at the mouth of a deep ravine, at the foot of Monte Cerreto. Amalfi is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and coastal scenery. The town of Amalfi was the capital of the Maritime Republic of Amalfi, an important trading power in the Mediterranean over a thousand years ago. In the 1920s and 1930s, Amalfi became a popular travel destination for the British upper class and aristocracy. The Isle of Capri Capri is an island in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the Sorrentine Peninsula, on the south side of the Gulf of Naples, It has been a resort since the time of the Roman Republic. Features of the island are the Marina Piccola (Small Harbor), the Belvedere of Tragara, which is a high panoramic promenade lined with villas, the limestone masses called Sea Stacks that stand out of the sea (the Faraglioni ), Anacapri, the Blue Grotto ( Grotta Azzurra ), and the ruins of the Imperial Roman villas. It has two harbours, Marina Piccola and Marina Grande (the main port of the island).

The separate commune of Anacapri is located high on the hills to the west. Roman Emperor Tiberius built a series of villas at Capri, the most famous of which is the Villa Jovis, one of the best preserved Roman villas in Italy. Tiberius eventually moved permanently to Capri, running the Empire from there until his death.

Ravello Located in the hills above Amalfi, the town of Ravello is described as being “nearer to the sky than it is to the sea”. Spend your time wandering the quiet streets or the renowned gardens of Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone. From Villa Cimbrone, you can admire one of the most breathtaking views of Italy in the Amalfi Coast from the villas ‘belvedere’.

Ravello has long been a favourite for artists and composers - attracting the likes of Richard Wagner, DH Lawrence and Virginia Woolf.

Naples Italy’s third largest city is one of its oldest, most artistic and most delicious. Its centro storico (historic centre) is a UNSECO World Heritage Site, its museums boast some of Europe’s Finest archaeology and art, and its swag of royal palaces and castles make Rome look positively provincial.

Then there is the food: Naples is one of Italy’s culinary heavyweights, serving up the country’s best pizza, pasta, and coffeeO. Welcome to Italy’s most unlikely Masterpice.

Island of Ischia This beautiful Island has lots to offer its visitors, the world famous gardens -the Giardini la Mortella, the jewel of this Island is called Sant’Angelo a great place to relax and unwind.

This ancient fishing village is known for its charming square surrounded by quaint streets and alley ways, there is a medieval Castello Aragonese which sits on a rocky spur jutting out of the sea.

Rome Italy's timeless and ancient Eternal City possesses a beautiful, classical and glamorous air that has the architectural capability of making visitors feel underdressed just walking through the streets. In addition, Rome's inhabitants look like they've just breezed off a nearby catwalk, and after all, they have an important reputation to up-hold: Rome owns 17 per cent of all monuments in the world, with ancient sculptures, museums, ruins, fountains and piazzas to satisfy culture junkies for years, and leave everybody else awestruck. For those staying on in Rome there is so much to see and do at your own pace. Visit St Peter's Basilica and the Vatican City and perhaps climb the Dome of St Peter's Basilica and feel like an em- peror looking out over the city and Piazza San Pietro.

Gaze in disbelief at Michelangelo's magnificent frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, discover 2000 years of glorious and grisly history at the world's most famous amphitheatre, the enormous Colosseum, toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain or tread the footsteps of great Romans from Cicero to Caesar at the Forum.

Stand atop the beautiful Spanish Steps, sip water from the Fontana della Barccacia at their base or visit the Pantheon - an architectural marvel and once-worship place of the Gods now standing as Rome's best-preserved monument.

Eat a gelato as you head to the Piazza del Campidoglio that was designed by Michelangelo and took over a century to complete or shop near the Spanish Steps in the elegant stores of Via Condotti or Via Borgognona.