Incredible food and wine tours in Italy … Encounter a side of unseen Italy in the undisturbed region of Abruzzo. Medieval castles remain strong, overlooking a valley of lush vines. The Apennine Mountains form extraordinary backdrops to historic hillside towns. Fishermen continue using ancient fishing techniques along the coastline. Shepherds traverse the undulating landscape, faithfully following their flock. Farms produce an abundance of flavorful cheeses, and vineyards make inspiring wines. Your custom tailored Italy tour immerses you in historical culture set in a divine landscape where the mountains meet the eastern shore.
Amazing Sardinia, a must see for everyone. Clinging to the top of a steep mountain ridge, the precipitous streets of Nuoro open to views in every direction. The 19th-century cathedral of Santa Maria della Neve sits above a cliff that drops straight into the valley, and the small plaza in front of the church is almost the only level spot in town. Nuoro is a good base for exploring the surrounding Gennargentu, Sardinia’s most rugged and beautiful interior mountains, and the remote villages (Mamoiada is especially interesting), which seem barely touched by the 20th century, let alone the 21st. It’s a fascinating region, with towns clinging to steep mountainsides and local customs that still ring of the ancient past. Driving here, however, is not for the faint of heart, as roads are narrow and steep with hairpin turns over sheer drops, without railings. You can learn more about these villages and their often strange customs at the outstanding Museo Etnografico Sardo (Museum of Sardinian Traditions), which alone is worth a stopover in Nuoro. This is the island’s best collection (and brilliantly displayed) of Sardinian costume and decorative art; clothing is shown on models with jewelry and accessories worn at weddings and festivals. An entire gallery displays traditional masks. While you’re there, the National Archeological Museum has collections excavated from the Neolithic sites, as well as fossils.
One of the most favorite towns in the South of Sardinia popular for its renowned resorts and long white sand beaches with crystal clear waters, coves and a landscape covered in the Mediterranean scrub. Villasimius doubles its population in the summer time. Among the most beautiful beaches you will have Porto sa Ruxi, Campus and Campulongu, La Spiaggia del Riso (so called just because of the “beans” that make it up), Cala Caterina, the enchanting Porto Giunco, the wonderful Punta Molentis and the pink flamingos flying above the blue and clear sea of this miraculous seaside pearl of South Sardinia. Read more on Luxury Travel in Italy.
Grotto di Ispinigoli, The are sparkly geological wonders to be found here, deep inside the island’s largest cave. This is also the site of the one of the most important archaeological discoveries of Nuragic and Phoenician artifacts. You can peer into the Abbisso delle Vergini (Abyss of the Virgins) or explore the eight kilometers worth of deep caves with a guide. The Mamoiada Masks Museum, The small town of Mamoiada is best known for its traditional masks, known as the ‘Mamuthones’ and the ‘Issohadores’. A visit to the Mamoida Masks Museum is the best way to learn about this fascinating aspect of Sardinian culture. If you can not be here for Carnival, celebrated from January 17 through to Mardi Gras every year, the museum is the next best thing.
The Sardinian capital Cagliari was built on seven hills. The oldest part of the city, Castello, lies on top of one of these hills, resulting in a stunning view of the Gulf of Cagliari, or Angels Gulf. Especially from Bastione San Remy, which was built in the typical local white lime-stone, you can see most other parts of Cagliari, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. When you have reached the top of Bastione San Remy, the beautiful Romanesque Cathedral of Cagliari is at walking distance, making the climb even more worthwhile.