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Italian Delights Tours
“The Treasures of Tuscany, Umbria and
Lombardy 12 Day Tour” A Fully Escorted Intimate Land-Based Tour of Northern and Central Italy
2015 Tour Dates
May 26th to June 6th
September 8th to September 19th 2016 Tour Dates
May 24th to June 4th September 6th to September 17th
Lombardy Delights Pty Ltd, trading as Italian Delights Tours - Bentleigh, Australia. PH: +61 3 9018 6624 Email: [email protected]
www.italiandelights.com.au
Our Itinerary Legend for Meals provided
breakfast | lunch | dinner
Day One - (Arrival Meet and Greet Day)
Arrival: Milan/Voghera to Varzi
You will be met by Jim at Milan’s Malpensa Airport between 12.30 and 1pm, or alternatively at
the Voghera train station between 3 and 3.30pm. A well-appointed private, air-conditioned 9 seater
vehicle will transfer you to the Agristurismo "La Cascina Ca' Bella", in time to enjoy your
welcome drinks and unwind in your room or the farmhouse grounds for the afternoon. In the
evening we head off for dinner at Varzi’s “Caffe del Centro”, a delightful and lively restaurant with a menu
composed of both national and local dishes.
Day Two - (Fine Dining and Natural Beauty Day)
Bobbio – Medieval Town, Roman Bridge, Ancient Monastery, Beautiful
Scenery.
Today begins with a scenic drive through the stunning countryside of the Staffora and
Trebbia Valleys in Southern Lombardy and Emilia Romagna respectively. After
crossing the Monte Penice pass we head down to the charming medieval town of
Bobbio, in the Emilia Romagna region. Lunch is in the town’s most
elegant restaurant - "Il Piacentino", which is well known for its
delicious anti pasti and "primi". Afterwards you get the chance to explore
this little gem of a town. Two beautiful churches, a fourteen hundred year
old monastery and a beautiful Roman Bridge that is full of character, are
just some of the delights of Bobbio waiting to be discovered! Later this
afternoon we may also be able to catch up with Jim and Lynette's good
friends, Oliviero and Adelaide Masi. If Oliviero and Adelaide are at
home, we can experience the gorgeous grounds of their stunning house
and property, and guests are also able to peruse and purchase a range of artwork produced by them both.
Oliviero and Adelaide are professional artists who have exhibited work internationally over a period of over
30 years. In the evening you can simply unwind at "La Cascina Ca' Bella", or take a leisurely passeggiata in
San Sebastiano or the medieval town of Varzi, the home of Italy’s best Salame! Here you can also enjoy a
gelato, a caffe, or a delicious glass of wine (or two!), before retiring for the evening.
Day Three - (Lake Como Day)
Lake Como – Menaggio, Bellagio and the Majesty of Italy’s most beautiful lake!
Today we visit Lake Como, one of the most
beautiful lakes in Europe and a place described
by the poet Percy Shelley, as ”surpassing in
beauty everything I have ever seen hitherto”.
Amongst the famous people to grace the shores of the lake, both
past and present, are George Clooney, Gianni Versace and Pliny the
Younger in the first century AD! The day is spent in the Triangolo
Lariano, or the central section of the lake in the towns of Menaggio
and Bellaggio, where, after your ferry crossing, you can enjoy a free lunch in one of the many eateries in
Bellagio beside the Lake. On our return to “La Cascina Ca' Bella” we take you for a delicious pizza at
Varzi's Gaudi Pizzeria, Lynette and Jim’s favourite local pizzeria.
Day Four - (Market, Wining and Dining Day)
Local Market Experience – Winery visit - Fine Dining Lunch.
Today we spend the morning at the local Varzi Market.
In the morning we visit Varzi’s local market and have
the opportunity to see the delicious produce on offer, along with an
interesting assortment of other wares. The market or "mercato" was
traditionally a cattle and produce market, and cattle farmers from the
surrounding hills would congregate once a week, not only to trade in their
produce, but also to meet with their friends and fellow farmers. Today, even
though the cattle are no longer there, one can still imagine what it may have been like, as older townsfolk
gather and converse in their local dialects amidst the market’s shoppers.
In the late morning we visit an artisan and family- run winery called Ca Del Ge, which is situated 300
metres above sea level and on the 45th parallel. The owners, Sara and Stefania Padroggi, are extraordinary
and passionate wine makers, whose pride and joy is their “Passito”, a sweet, still wine made from either
Moscato (Muscat) or Croatina grapes. After our morning winery visit we continue on to lunch at the Tenuta
Terensano where we sample some delicious local wine in conjunction with local dishes specially prepared
by the owner, Valentina, who is a veritable expert in local wine and produce. After lunch guests have a free
afternoon and evening to relax at Cascina Ca Bella.
Day Five – (Classic Architecture Day)
Pavia – Certosa di Pavia – Vigevano
We begin our sixth day in the classy
university city of Pavia, once the capital
of Lombardy, which is located on the
banks of the Ticino river. We have lunch
together here at one of Pavia’s traditional restaurants for a
sample of the local fare. After lunch we head to another
hidden gem of Italy, the Certosa di Pavia, a stunning
fourteenth Century monastery hidden deep in the countryside
Pavia's Covered Bridge
between the cities of Milan and Pavia. After our visit to the Certosa we head off to the beautiful town of
Vigevano, known throughout Italy and the world as a centre of shoe-making excellence, and for its stunning
renaissance piazza - The Piazza Ducale. Guests can spend the afternoon/early evening here having a
relaxing stroll, or as the locals call it a passeggiata. Or you can simply unwind with some drinks and
aperitivi in one of the piazza's cafes whilst soaking up the ambience of this charming town!
Day Six - (“Ciao Tuscany!”)
(Lucca – Anghiari - Il Sasso Agriturismo, Tuscany)
This morning we say arrivederci to Piedmont and the
Cascina Ca' Bella and head southwards towards the
stunning region of Tuscany! Along the way we stop for
lunch in the charming town of Lucca, and after lunch we
move on to our accommodation for the next three nights at the Il Sasso
Agriturismo just below the gorgeous hilltop hamlet of Anghiari. Dinner tonight is provided and will be
enjoyed at the nearby Locanda del Castello di Sorci, which is an historic farmhouse and castle located in
beautiful grounds with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Day Seven - (Arezzo - Rest and Relax Day)
Arezzo – Rest and Relax by pool
This morning we visit the nearby city of Arezzo.
Guests will be free to choose a cafe or restaurant of
their choice to dine at for lunch, and following lunch
we will head back to the Il Sasso Agriturismo to enjoy
a nice restful afternoon by the pool whilst enjoying the absolutely
stunning views from the poolside area at the farmhouse! After our restful
afternoon dinner is provided at the Il Feudo del Vicario restaurant in
nearby Anghiari. Before we have dinner though, we will enjoy some
aperitivi on the terrace of the cafe Il Giardino del Vicario where the views
are to die for!
Day Eight - (A day out in Umbria!)
Gubbio – Perugia – Citerna
Today we say Buon Giorno! to the
region of Umbria. In the morning we
will be visiting two of the most beautiful
towns in the region - Gubbio and
Perugia. The morning will be spent in Gubbio, a town of
ancient origins predating Roman times. It is also well known
as the location for the shooting of the very popular Italian TV crime/comedy series, Don Matteo, starring
Terence Hill (aka Mario Girrotti!). We then move onto the University city of Perugia, which is the capital of
the region of Umbria. It has a beautiful historical centre which is dominated by the Palazzo dei Priori and
the views of the countryside below are truly breathtaking! Guests are free to dine at one of the many
eateries on offer in Perugia and after lunch we return to Il Sasso for another relaxing afternoon. In the
evening we head into the charming hamlet of Citerna for our last dinner together in this part of Tuscany at
the Ristorante Le Civette.
Day Nine - (Under the Tuscan Sun!)
Cortona – Montalcino – Abbey of
Sant’Antimo
Day nine begins with a mid-morning visit
and lunch in the town of Cortona, a
beautiful village perched on the top of a
dramatic hill overlooking some classic
Tuscan countryside. Cortona provided the setting for Frances
Maye's 1996 hit memoir titled “Under the Tuscan Sun”, which
also became a famous movie in the early-mid 2000s. We will have lunch together here prior to moving on to
the town of Montalcino, where we will be spending our last 3 days of the tour together. Montalcino is a
lovely hilltop town that is known primarily for its prized red wine, the Brunello of Montalcino. In the early
evening, and after we have settled into our hotel, the charming Il Giglio, we pay a visit to the charming
Abbey of Sant’Antimo which is only a short drive from Montalcino. Here guests are able to listen to the
monks performing their Gregorian chants at 7pm. At the same time we soak up the ambience of the idyllic
Tuscan landscape surrounding the beautiful abbey.
Day Ten - (Siena)
Siena – Pienza - Montalcino Day ten begins with a restful and leisurely morning in
Montalcino. Later in the morning we depart for one of the
most beautiful cities in all of Italy – Siena! A favourite
location of Lynette and Jim’s, Siena is the home of the
famous Palio horse race, which displays in no uncertain terms, the
rivalries that have persisted over the centuries between the different
Sienese localities (contrade). It is also famous for its culinary
delights and is an absolute must on any traveller’s itinerary when
visiting Tuscany. Guests are free to enjoy lunch at an eatery of their own choosing and enjoy the city until
the late afternoon prior to heading off to the delightful town of Pienza set in the UNESCO World Heritage
listed Val D'Orcia, and then to Montalcino for a free evening.
Day Eleven – (Under the Umbrianand
Lazio Sun!)
Orvieto – Civita di Bagnoregio - Montalcino In many ways we have left the best to last on
this wonderful journey. This morning we head
south to the magnificent Umbrian hilltop town of Orvieto, famous for its Duomo, and
also its white wine - Orvieto Classico. Guests will have enough time to thoroughly
explore this beautiful town, and whilst there will be able to visit the plethora of underground mining tunnels
and also the town’s stunning theatre. Lunch in Orvieto is free for guests to enjoy at their own leisure at one
of the many eateries on offer here - but our suggestion would be to couple an Orvieto porchetta roll with the
local Orvieto Classico wine! After lunch we take a brief side trip to the absolutely stunning town of Civita
di Bagnoregio in the province of Lazio. A charming hamlet perched high upon a large hilltop, it sits as an
island oasis, and is a true marvel and one of the most spectacular sights in all of Italy! We later return to
Montalcino to enjoy our last meal together at Il Giglio Hotel prior to departing tomorrow.
Day Twelve – (Farewell Day)
Orvieto train station – Rome’s Fiumicino Airport
Today we say farewell to the beautiful region of Tuscany. After breakfast, you will be
taken either to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, or the train station at Orvieto. Alternatively
you can make your own arrangements for your onward journey.
Arrivederci !!!!!
Accommodation
"La Cascina Ca' Bella" Agriturismo (Lombardy)
Situated a short walk from the charming town of San Sebastiano al Curone, this rustic, traditional and
immaculately maintained farm house (agriturismo) is conveniently located to the bars and eateries that the
town has to offer. The rooms are modern, clean and very comfortable and there is an outdoor common area
where guests can sit and relax with a book, or have a chat about the wonderful places that you have visited
whilst with us.
"Il Sasso Agriturismo” (Anghiari, Tuscany)
The Agriturismo “Il Sasso” is a charming, typically Tuscan farmhouse located near a little rural village
immersed in the wonderful Tuscan landscape between the charming Tevere (Valtiberina) and Sovara
Valleys. It is only 3 Km from the beautiful medieval town of Anghiari.
Il Giglio Hotel (Montalcino, Tuscany)
Il Giglio Hotel is a charming boutique hotel and apartments situated in the centre of the gorgeous town of
Montalcino. It has been owned and operated by the Machetti family since 1995 and is an absolute treat!
Your Hosts Italian Delights is owned by Lynette and Jim Romagnesi. They returned to Australia in 2007 after a two
year period living in Southern Lombardy. Lynette and Jim had many friends and family members visit them
during their stay and it was their feedback and love for this area that helped Lynette and Jim realise how
wonderful it would be if more people from outside Italy could have the opportunity to discover this magical
place.
Jim is the host on all Italian Delights tours. He was born in Melbourne, Australia and is also a dual citizen
of Italy and Australia. His father was born in Varzi, the small medieval village in the heart of the area where
the tours are undertaken. Jim is a true “Italophile”. He soaks up any information he can gather about Italy
and longs for all things Italian – its wine, food, the blessed football or "calcio", motor cars and of course the
coffee!!
Lynette is also a dual citizen of Australia and Italy. She is very keen to employ her skills in the area of
teaching, communication and cooking, so that she can be the best possible host for her guests when
participating in Italian Delight’s tours! She first travelled to Italy on her and Jim’s honeymoon. Put simply,
she fell in love with all things Italian and always dreamed that one day she would return. Ten years later her
dream came true when she spent two years in the region of Lombardy with Jim and their two sons, Jason
and Marcus. During this time her love for Italy grew as she was able to watch and learn from the local
people in the little town near to where they were staying in.
Jim and Lynette Romagnesi
Guest Testimonials
"The Treasures tour was the opportunity we were looking for; that is the ability to move between the
enchanting towns of Lombardy, Tuscany and Umbria without having to drive ourselves. Jim was an
excellent caring host and driver. He guided us through the region passing on interesting information about
local history and customs. His ability to converse fluently in Italian also eased the passage on many
occasions. All in all this was a thoroughly enjoyable and worthwhile 12 days!" Howard and Leta, Sydney.
"We have travelled extensively over the years and the 12 Day Treasures Tour was a stand out for us. It is
very difficult to name a single highlight as there were so many. The scenery, the food, the wine, the villages
and towns that the average traveller would not know existed were all sensational. The people, both our
fellow travellers and locals were a delight. Many thanks Jim for your knowledge and passion of all things
Italian. Every day was an adventure!!" Clint and Lyndal, Hobart.
"For my first experience as a single traveller in Europe your tour provided everything and more than my
expectations. Locations- absolute delightful tour guide! -weather(perfect)- accommodation- Lengths of
travel and free time was well planned. I have expressed to all my family and friends my recommendation
for Italian Delights." Rosie, Victoria.
"I would recommend the Italian Delights Tour to anyone wanting to see parts of Italy unspoiled by tourists.
Jim could not do enough to ensure your comfort. Perfect!" Leonie, Melbourne.
"I can absolutely recommend this unique tour! Every day was different, fun and interesting. Best of all was
the undivided vitality, knowledge and caring guidance of our host and hostess, Jim and Lynette. They
are such a caring and helpful couple. Our needs were their desire!"
Sue – Sydney.
“This has been such a good tour with you Jim. We know now why you love this part of the world so much.
It is beautiful! Thank you for taking such good care of us. Grazie mille!”
Adi and Roger - New Jersey, US
"Our Italian Delights tour was a great opportunity to have an "inside" look into local Italian life and really
explore Italy. The tour was intimate, and the hosts, Jim and Lynette were very caring, attentive, punctual
and knowledgeable. They always went the extra mile to ensure that our tour was memorable. Great driving
too Jim!"
Anthony - Canberra.
“Jim's attention to detail and desire to help out when we had a problem was exceptional.”Graham
- Melbourne, Australia
“This tour allowed my friends and I to experience the beauty and different cuisines relative to each
different town we visited in Italy. Various people in our party had already been to Italy and all of
the obvious popular cities, but this trip allowed them to experience something totally out of the
box and see parts of Italy that were amazing and unexpected. Thank you Jim.”
Joanne - Melbourne.
"Our Italian Delights Classic Tour exceeded all our expectations! The great thing was that each day was
different. We loved the Abbey of Sant Alberto di Butrio and also our time at the Terme di Salice. But our
best day was visiting the wonderful Piazza Ducale in Vigevano followed by the delightful trip to Pavia.
Another highlight was the special wines and special people we met along the way!"
Anne and Rosemary - Melbourne.
Guest Testimonials (cont.)
"The best parts of my Italian Delights tour were the lovely countryside, wineries, and some very good food!
I also loved the beautiful buildings of Pavia and Milan along with all the knowledge we gained from Jim,
our tour guide!"
Barbara - NSW, Australia.
"We particularly enjoyed Jim and Lynette's company and appreciated the effort they both put in to making
our stay in Italy a memorable one; Their passion for and knowledge of areas we visited was quite evident"
Barb and Pete - Melbourne.
“I would recommend this Italian Delights tour to all my friends and family and anyone who wants
to see the real Italy and its people. Thanks Jim you were great company and very professional at all
times.”
Dianne - Melbourne.
“I loved the whole local experience. There was enough culture and shopping as well. The lakes
area is just beautiful and the experience of travelling across the lakes to other towns was great. A
very enjoyable tour Jim! You were an excellent and well informed tour guide.
Bev - Adelaide.
“I really enjoyed the tour and hope to return one day. My husband would have also loved it, hope
to be back. Wonderful experience, jam packed with the best views, friendly people, great food and
memories to keep forever. Thanks Jim!”
Maree - Melbourne.
Tour Prices and Conditions
THE Italian Delights Treasures of Tuscany, Umbria and Lombardy Tour costs AUD $5,050.00 per person, twin
share (AUD$600.00 Single Supplement ) and includes:
A 12 Day stay Tuesday to Saturday
11 nights accommodation Twin Share or Double
Breakfast every day
Six evening meals and four lunches
Lake Como Ferry Crossing
All land-based transport in a private vehicle, including transfers from Malpensa Airport and Voghera train
station upon arrival and to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport and Orvieto train station upon departure.
EXCLUSIONS:
Airfares
Items of personal nature, phone calls, passport and Visas (if applicable), laundry or tips.
Personal transport, excess baggage, security and government taxes, travel insurance.
Meals not specifically mentioned in itinerary or which are referred to as "free lunches or dinners".
Entry fees to all places either mentioned or not mentioned in itinerary.
Optional excursions or activities that may be offered which are not included in the tour price.
All personal expenditure
Tours for 2015/2016
Tours for 2015/2016 commence in April/May and operate through to October. Maximum group size 14 guests - average size is 5-6 guests and tour groups rarely exceed 8 guests. This ensures that your comfort and enjoyment
are our top priority. Tours and tariffs are subject to change.
PRICES, DEPOSITS, AND PAYMENTS
Prices shown are per person, double occupancy.
The deposit is 15% of the overall tour price, or as listed on the tour registration form. This deposit is required before a
booking can be confirmed by us. Payment instructions will be sent after we have received the Booking Confirmation and Guest Details form. No booking will be reserved until the prescribed deposit is received.
Balance of the payment will be due 3 calendar months prior to the date of the first day of the tour you have booked (30 days after booking confirmation date if the date of the tour you are hoping to participate in is less than 90 days after the Booking Confirmation date). If booking is made within 30 days of the tour commencement date the full payment is required 5 days after the booking date. Payment instructions will be sent to you after we have received your Booking Confirmation and Guest Details form. After your deposit has been cleared we will send you an invoice with the due date for the balance of payment. Should your final payment fail to reach us by the date specified on your invoice, we reserve the right to cancel your booking without refund.
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS:
If you cancel your tour reservation for any reason at any stage, your first deposit of 15% is non-refundable. If
cancelling more than 60 days before the tour starting date 60% of your total tour cost will be refundable.
If cancelling more than 30 days, but less than 60 days before the tour starting date, 50% of your total tour cost is
refundable for physician documented emergency medical reasons or for police documented cases of accident, flood,
fire, or crime.
If cancelling less than 30 days from the tour start date, a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the tour cost will apply. We
do not provide refunds for: non-medical personal problems; air carrier delays or cancellations; inability to obtain
passports; business problems or emergencies; etc.
In the unlikely event that we would cancel your tour, you would be entitled to a 100% refund within 2 weeks after the
tour's cancellation. Italian Delights reserves the right to cancel tours at any time for any reason such as lack of client
numbers etc.
IMPORTANT ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES INFORMATION
It is your responsibility to take note and enquire with us about the time we arrive at our arrival (pick up) and departure
(drop off) points, prior to the beginning / after the end of our tours. This should be done prior to you making any flight
or train bookings so that it is clearly understood that the arrangements will fit in with our times. Your train should
arrive at least half an hour prior to the designated pick up time, and your flight should arrive at least two hours prior to
the pick-up time. Upon your departure from the tour your train should leave no less than an hour after our intended
arrival, and your international flight should leave no less than 3 hours after our arrival times (2 hours for Italian
domestic flights and Europe-bound flights).
INSURANCE
You are required to purchase your own travel insurance to cover cancellation coverage, airline tickets, trip delay, lost
luggage or any potential medical expenses. In order to keep our tour prices low it is not possible for Italian Delights to
provide protection coverage of any sort and you agree to travel at your own risk.
LUGGAGE
You are allowed one suitcase and one small carry-on bag. If you exceed this limit there may not be space in the
vehicle(s) to transport your excess luggage and it will be at your own expense to have it transported throughout the
tour. We suggest that you bring a day pack for carrying water, guide books, jacket, rain gear, etc.
HOW PHYSICALLY FIT DO YOU HAVE TO BE?
Our tours are not athletic events. To comfortably complete them you should be able to do some moderate walks
over hills and be able to climb a number of stairs. We will also be doing a lot of walking in the towns we visit. If
you are planning a tour with us it wouldn’t hurt to prepare yourself by starting a moderate walking program at
least 2 months before the tour.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Please advise us of any special requirements such as Special Meals, Medical Requirements etc, as soon as possible. If
you get motion sickness, it is advisable to bring with you motion sickness pills, as we will be traveling along
mountainous roads at times.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
No responsibility is accepted for any loss, expense, accident, injury, or damage to any person or property due to the
actions or omissions of any person, or any cause, including but not limited to acts of God, acts of terrorism, war,
strikes, defects in machinery, breakdown of equipment, weather, quarantine, negligence, loss of baggage, or other
causes beyond our control, such losses being the responsibility of the guest.
MEMBERSHIP ON TOUR
Italian Delights reserves the right to accept, reject, or not retain any person as a tour participant whose condition or
general deportment impedes the operation of the tour or, in the opinion of the tour manager, affects the rights and
enjoyment of other guests. A guest not retained on tour shall have no cause for complaint or refund, and shall bear any
and all extra expenses that ensue.
PERMISSION FOR PHOTOS AND VIDEOS OF GUESTS
You agree that our Tour Directors or Representatives may take photographs and films of you while you are on holiday
and that these may be used in our Group brochures and/or advertising or publicity material without obtaining any
further consent or payment in respect of such photographs and/or films.
TOUR CHANGES
All information contained in this document is, to the best of our knowledge, correct. However, we reserve the right to
make changes in accommodations, visits, and itineraries at any time should it become necessary or desirable. Delays
or itinerary changes caused by strikes, bad weather, traffic, or other unforeseen circumstances are beyond our control
and we are not obliged to pay guests compensation.
REGISTRATION FORM
Italian Delights Tours 2015/2016
I/We would like to participate in the Italian Delights 2015/2016 Tour below (Please insert both the name and date of
the tour you are interested in participating in below - For commencement dates please see the front cover of this
publication.)
Tour Name:
Tour Start Date:
Please acknowledge that you have read and accepted the terms and conditions referred to on the previous page by
signing the acceptance below (one person can sign on behalf of all passengers listed in the guests details section.
Dated / / .
*Payment details will be forwarded to guests upon receipt of this completed and signed registration form. A 15% deposit is
required to confirm a place on tour. Please note that due to the very small group sizes on our tours, allocations will be given
to early bookings and deposits received.
GUEST DETAILS
GUEST ONE: GUEST TWO:
Title: Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss/Dr,Other .............................. ......................................................
Surname: ............................................................. ......................................................
Given Names: ..................................................... ......................................................
Date of Birth: ...................................................... ......................................................
Special Dietary Requirements ........................................ ......................................................
Address No. Street ....................................................................................................................................
Suburb: ................................................................
State: ...................................................... Postcode ...............
Phone: B/H ................................................................. A/H ..........................................................
Mobile: .........................................................
Email: ...........................................................................................................................................
(Please print Clearly)
Emergency Contact Person: .............................................................................................................
Phone Contact: B/H ...................................................... A/H .................................................................................
Celebrating Anything special? ..........................................................................................................