Discovery Tour - Off the Beaten Track in Northeastern Italy
October 14 - 24, 2024 - Full - be first on the waitlist
Trip Leader - Deirdre Butler | In-country Expert - Michelle Visser
This exploratory tour takes you off the beaten path to experience some of the lesser known gems of northeastern Italy. Our tour begins in the charming city of Bolzano, gateway to the Dolomite mountain range in the Italian Alps. Located in South Tyrol, an autonomous bilingual (Italian/German) region of Italy, Bolzano is nestled in a valley among hilly vineyards about 150 miles from the Austrian border.
Our first three nights will be spent in a family hotel in Bolzano’s historic city center. We will visit the Neolithic mummy, Ötzi the Ice Man, hike to local castles, ride a gondola for spectacular views, and visit sites important to the history of WWII.
From Bolzano we will transfer by train to Bassano del Grappa in the Veneto region, a pre-alpine town along the river Brenta just an hour east of Venice. Known for its production of grappa, an Italian grape-based pomace brandy, Bassano del Grappa offers many outdoor and cultural activities. We will go on easy to moderate walks along the Brenta river, walk through the local hills past castles, ruins, and stunning landscapes accompanied by our very own donkeys carrying a picnic of gourmet local foods, explore the weekly market, indulge in a private grappa tasting (non-alcoholic options available), walk to the top of Monte Grappa for a hot breakfast at sunrise, and take a side-trip to the Medieval walled city of Cittadella. We will be staying three nights in a local 4-star hotel just minutes on foot from the scenic bridge, historic squares, and delicious gelaterias of Bassano del Grappa.
Transferring by train to Modena, we will spend the remaining four nights of our trip in a boutique hotel in the city’s historic center. A wealthy city famous for its foodways, unique museums, and car manufacturers like Ferrari and Lamborghini, Modena offers ample opportunities for exploration. We will indulge in some of Modena’s culinary experiences, with guided tours of the traditional production methods used for balsamic vinegar and parmesan cheese. A day trip to Bologna and, factory schedule permitting, a tour of the Lamborghini factory, will conclude our trip.
This trip is designed for the moderately active walker, with walking distances of between 3-5 miles and elevation gains of up to 500 feet. The terrain is varied. Agility is needed for train travel and navigating the stairs in hotels without elevators. Packing light is highly recommended.
The trip starts and ends in different locations. Getting to our starting point in Bolzano is each participant’s responsibility. The trip ends in Modena. Additional information regarding in-country travel will be provided to registered trip participants.
What's Included:
Accommodations in centrally located hotels with shared twin/double occupancy rooms
All on-trip transportation: Train, local bus and taxi services
Breakfast every morning, 3 lunches and 8 dinners
Entrance fees, cooking demos and tastings per the itinerary
Tipples, Nibbles & Italian - tastings of local produce and fun Italian language lessons per the itinerary
Gratuities for local service providers
Pre - trip bulletins prior to departure with more detailed and specific information to help you prepare for your tour
What's Not Included:
International airfare and in-country travel, pre- and post- trip
Beverages with meals
Personal expenses
Tips for trip staff at your discretion
Trip Dates: October 14 - 24, 2024 | 11 days
Group size - 12 - Full - be first on the waitlist
Trip Price: $4,085 per person
Deposit: $600 nonrefundable deposit due on sign-up
If there is no roommate available, you will be charged a single supplement of $845
Balance to be paid by July 13, 2024. You will be advised on the balance due.
Price is based on double occupancy of rooms. Same gender roommate will be assigned to participants traveling solo. Single supplements are limited. Your non-refundable deposit will hold your reservation. Either pay on line (credit/ debit cards accepted) using our secure PayPal payment system or write a check, payable to “Big Round World”, and mail it to: PO Box 1337, Lyons, CO 80540.
How to Sign Up
Pay your trip deposit - click on the yellow Buy Now button below.