Adventures in Northern Italy offers small group walking and hiking experiences. Diverse interests and walking abilities can be accommodated. There is a maximum of 12 travelers per group. The "Along the A26" tour traverses mountain passes and visits Lakes Orta and Maggiore and the wine-growing Monferrato and Asti regions. The "Dwarves in the Dolomites" tour hikes through alpine mountain refuges, walks along a WWII military road, and feasts on hearty meals in the alpine region that is the legendary home of dwarves. Both week-long tours cost €1,185 per person based on double occupancy, and include accommodations, most meals and all cultural visits.
Adventures in Northern Italy
11 Stone Hill
Bloomfield, CT 06002
011+39-328-6978083
adventuresinnorthernitaly.com
Rick Steves is the longtime host of the PBS travel series "Travels with Rick Steves" and the author of a popular guidebook series. He has made no secret of the fact that Italy is his favorite country, so his tours there reflect a passion for Italian culture and history. Group size has a maximum of 28 people. The "Best of South Italy" tour lasts 13 days and costs $3,395 per person based on double occupancy, prices. Trip highlights include a visit to a mozzarella farm, Basilicata wine tasting, Pompeii, museum visits and a walking tour of the neighborhoods of Naples. Other tour offerings include "Sicily in 9 Days" and "Village Italy."
Europe Through the Back Door
130 4th Ave. N.
P.O. Box 2009
Edmonds, WA 98020-2009
425-771-8303
ricksteves.com
Many bike tours of Italy charge high prices, but the Italian Cycling Center has made affordability a priority, without sacrificing quality. Guided tours start each morning from the company's hotel in the Veneto, 90 minutes from Venice by train. Afternoons are left free for independent activities. Non-cycling travel companions are welcomed to stay at the hotel without joining the guided tours. Fees start at €120 per person/per day for tours, lodging, and three daily meals with wine and bottled water. Bike rentals are extra.
The Italian Cycling Center
2117 Green St.
Philadelphia PA 19130-3110
215-232-6772 (November to April)
011+39-0423-561113 (May to October)
italiancycling.com
Tangney Tours operates economical pilgrimages departing by air from its London base. Land only tour prices start at £80 per person per night. All trips include tickets for a Wednesday audience with the Pope, and some tours offer guided visits to San Giovanni Rotondo and Assisi. Tangney also offers budget-oriented pilgrimages to most other important Catholic religious sites throughout Europe.
Tangney Tours
Pilgrim House, Station Court
Borough Green
Kent TN15 8AF
United Kingdom
011+44-1732-886666
tangney-tours.com
Gap Adventures is committed to sustainable tourism. For some travelers, adventure may mean a five day walking tour through the villages of the Cinque Terre area. For others it might be relaxation along the Amalfi Coast. There's also a challenging "Sicilian Volcano Trail" tour, which hikes to steaming craters and stops for dips in volcanic hot springs. Tours start at $140 per person/per day, including lodging, tours and some meals.
Gap Adventures
19 Charlotte St.
Toronto, Ontario
M5V 2H5
Canada
800-708-7761
gapadventures.com
