Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Enchanting Italy….experience it now

“People don’t take trips . . . trips take people” - John Steinbeck

Europe is never boring & it stands the test of time, in more ways than one. Not only is it rich in history, it is also a destination that practically demands repeat visits. There simply is no way to tour Europe & not be awestruck by its scenic beauty, epic history, dazzling Artistic diversity. An intricate jigsaw of Landscapes, Cultures, Art & Architecture, Europe retains time-honoured Traditions while constantly evolving to incorporate inspired new Trends.  Start your day in blissful Italy, an afternoon can be spent in quiet London with some of its beautiful tourist attractions & a starry night in Paris. 

 

Teutonic half-timbered Villages, graffiti-decorated Renaissance Squares, medieval walled Towns….Wander the darkly Gothic narrow Alleyways of Prague, admire the baroque excess of Salzburg or take in the colourful old-Venetian influence on the Slovenian Port of Piran. Check out the medieval Masterpieces in Poland & Czech Republic & discover the quaint Townscapes throughout the Region – from Bern in Switzerland to Bardejov in Slovakia.

 

Italy is an incredibly varied & exciting vacation destination and an extraordinary feast of heart-thumping, soul-stirring Art, glorious Food, picturesque Landscapes rivalled by few & coveted by millions. Italy's 20 Regions feel more like 20 independent States, each with its own History, Dialects, Traditions, Architecture & Food. From nibbling on Knodel in an Alto Adige Chalet to exploring Souk-like Market Streets in Sicily, the choices are as diverse as they are seductive. A heady mix of haunting Sights, awe-inspiring Art & vibrant Street life. are just the beginning.

 

From nibbling on Knodel in an Alto Adige Chalet to exploring Souk-like Market Streets in Sicily, the choices are as diverse as they are seductive. Here, you will experience the true meaning of beauty & relaxation. Come…experience Italy with us…

 

Europe’s almost unmanageable wealth of attractions is its biggest single draw: the birthplace of Democracy in Athens, the Renaissance Art of Florence, the graceful Canals of Venice, the Napoleonic splendour of Paris & the multi-layered historical & cultural canvas of London. Less obvious but no less impressive attractions include Moorish Palaces in Andalucía, the fascinating East meets West brew of Istanbul, the majesty of meticulously restored imperial Palaces in Russia's former Capital St Petersburg & the ongoing project of Gaudí's La Sagrada Família in Barcelona.

 

There is a huge diversity of natural scenery: rugged Scottish Highlands with Glens & Lochs; Norway's fabulous Fjords, seemingly chipped to jagged perfection by Giants; the vine-raked Valleys of the Loire; & the steppe-like Plains of central Spain. If you are looking for Beaches, a Circuit of the Mediterranean's northern Coast reveals one gem after another. Or strike out to lesser known, yet beautiful coastal Regions such as the Baltic & Black Sea. With Mountains covering so many Central European States, it is no wonder that the outdoors holds such an attraction in the region.

 

The Alps rise to their highest in Switzerland, with jagged, Toblerone-like Peaks such as the Matterhorn, & march on through southern Germany, across Austria & south into Slovenia, taking in France, northern Italy & tiny Liechtenstein. You can Hike, Bike, Ski or just ride the Gondolas & Funiculars to enjoy the Alpine views.

 

Europe has some of the best Nightlife in the world. Globally famous DJs keep the party going in London, Berlin & Paris, all of which also offer top-class entertainment, especially Theatre & live Music. Other key locations for high-energy Nightlife include Moscow, Belgrade, Budapest & Madrid, while those hankering for something cosier can add Dublin's Pubs or Vienna's Cafes to their itinerary. Continue to party on the Continent's Streets at a multiplicity of Festivals & Celebrations, from city Parades attended by hundreds of thousands to intimate Concerts in an ancient Amphitheatre.

 

Once you have ticked off the great Museums & energetic Nightlife, what is left? A chance to indulge in a Culinary adventure to beat all others, that is what! Who wouldn't want to snack on Pizza in Naples, Souvlaki in Santorini or even Haggis in Scotland? Enjoy a plate of Pasta while admiring the Slovenian Coast, Nosh Pierogi (dumplings) on a Polish cobblestone Street or dip into Fondue, lakeside in Switzerland. But did you also know that Britain has some of the best Indian Restaurants in the world; that Turkey's Doner Kebab is a key part of contemporary German food culture; & that in the Netherlands, you can gorge on an Indonesian Rijsttafel (rice table)? Once again Europe's diversity & global reach is its trump card.

 

Beer Gardens across the Region offer an opportunity to enjoy hearty Food, a convivial atmosphere & a good brew Alfresco. Once the weather cools, move inside a boisterous Beer Hall. Or, for something a little sweeter, try a Cake at a Coffee House or Pastry Cafe. The most famous are in Vienna & Budapest, but you will find many options - & other interesting places to eat & drink - all across the Region. On mornings when the mists lie heavy & crowds are few, you might imagine yourself in an earlier century.

 

There are also sculptural sandstone 'rock towns' in the Czech Republic to Climb, waterfall-filled Gorges in Slovakia & Slovenia to Hike & the bucolic Black Forest in Germany to Walk. Central / Eastern Europe reveals a tapestry of quaint & contemporary cultures - always with enough rough edges to keep you intrigued.

 

However, what is impressive about Eastern Europe is how communally minded the Locals can be & how this makes for such a friendly experience for the Traveller. Falling into conversation with Locals on a Train or at a Cafe is commonplace. You will likely end up sharing Food & Drinks with them, listening to Folk Songs, learning a new Card Game or even being invited Home for Dinner.

 

Then, there is Repubblica Italiana, commanding a long Mediterranean Coastline, which has left a powerful mark on Western culture. Full of surprises, you will never tire of exploring this small but endlessly fascinating Country.

 

Art & Architecture | Rhythms | Landscapes | Gastronomy

Italy is the whole package, and it knows it. Covering 116,350 square miles of gorgeous Coastlines, Mountains & countryside with more than 2,700 years of History & Culture in all genres, it is hard to beat the cultural wealth & beauty of Italy’s daily life. Home to many of the World's greatest Works of Art, Architecture, Gastronomy & Fashion, Italy elates, inspires & moves like no other.

 

Italy's forte extends beyond its Galleries, Plates, Wardrobes & Dining Rooms.  The Country is one of Mother Nature's Masterpieces, its Geography offering extraordinary natural diversity. From the North's icy Alps & glacial Lakes to the South's Volcanic Craters & turquoise Grottoes, this is a place for doing as well as seeing. One day, you are tearing down Courmayeur's powdery Slopes, the next you could be riding Cowboy-style across the Marshes of the Maremma, or Diving in coral-studded Campanian waters. Not bad for a Country not much bigger than Arizona.

 

Commanding a long Mediterranean Coastline, it has left a powerful mark on Western Culture & Cuisine. Capital City Rome leads the Country in the center-south Lazio Region & it is here where the reputation of Italian chaos comes from. Since its 753 BC founding, Rome has been the center of attention. It is also home to the Vatican as well as landmark Art & ancient Ruins.  

 

Today’s Eternal City convenes millennia of Culture & millions of Residents & Visitors in its historic Center of approximately 5 square miles. Rome’s ancient history is seen every day in the contemporary Roman landscape whether it is driving past the Colosseum, watching the Pilgrims queuing up to flow into St. Peter’s Square.

 

Epicentre of the Roman Empire & birthplace of the Renaissance, this sun-kissed Virtuoso groans under the weight of its cultural cachet: it is here that you will stand in the presence of Michelangelo's Masterpiece Frescoes in David & Sistine Chapel, Botticelli's Birth of Venus & Primavera & Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper. In fact, Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage cultural sites than any other country on Earth. Should you walk in the footsteps of Saints & Emperors in Rome, revel in Ravenna's glittering Byzantine Treasures or get breathless over Giotto's revolutionary Frescoes in Padua? It is a cultural conundrum as thrilling as it is overwhelming.

 

And though Italy is united under 1 Country Code, it is a patchwork of personalities - 20 distinct Regions with distinctly different Traditions & Terrains. Since ancient times, the Cities of Rome, Florence with its Renaissance treasures such as Michelangelo’s "David" & its Leather & Paper Artisans, Venice, the sinking City of Canals & Naples, have topped the list of must-see destinations. The 21^st century expands outward for full immersion into Italian culture with an extended lineup that includes the Beaches of the Amalfi Coast & Puglia, the powdery Slopes of the Italian Alps, Milan, the Fashion Capital of the World & the entire Island of Sicily.

 

Along with the must-see Cities, there are unparalleled experiences that you must do when in Italy, including eating a true Neapolitan Pizza in Naples, Climbing Sicily’s Mount Etna (an active Volcano), Driving a vintage Fiat along the head-spinning curves of the Amalfi Coast & through the Tuscan countryside taking a midnight Gondola ride around Venice, Walking to the top level of the Colosseum, eating anything in the “Food” Town of Emilia Romagna & exploring antiquity & architectural Ruins of the Empire at any ancient sites such as Pompeii, Paestum or Herculaneum.

 

All Italians would tell you the best way to get to know the country is simply to explore whatever is in front of you & on your Plate. Italy’s Cuisine varies from Region to Region & food-obsessed Italy feels more like a decadently stuffed Christmas Stocking. Emilia Romagna sits on the throne of the Country’s Gastronomic Circuit, known for its Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese, Prosciutto di Parma, Balsamic Vinegar & incredible homemade Pasta specialties like Tortellini. Pizza & Pasta lovers, can head South to Naples & Rome and Meat aficionados go to Tuscany. Sicily is the Country’s Breadbasket for its incredible range of Fruit & Veggies, and Seafood & Desserts.

 

From delicate Tagliatelle al Ragu to velvety Cannoli, every bite can feel like a revelation. The secret: superlative ingredients & finely tuned know-how. And while Italy's Culinary Soul might prefer simplicity, it is equally ingenious & sophisticated. Expect some of the World's top fine-dining destinations, from San Pellegrino 'World's Best 50' hot spots to Michelin-starred musts. So, whether you are on a degustation odyssey in Modena, Truffle hunting in Piedmont. Wine, why not? There is no Region where you can’t find an amazing Bottle of Wine - Red, White or Bubbles - just look for the area’s Strade del Vino (Wine routes) to lead you in the right direction. Swill powerhouse Reds in the Valpolicella Wine Region & prepare to loosen that belt.

 

In few other places do Art & Life intermingle so effortlessly. This may be the land of Dante, Titian & Verdi, but it is also the home of Prada, Gualtiero Marchesi & Renzo Piano. Beauty, Style & Flair furnish every aspect of daily life, from those immaculately knotted Ties & perfect Espressos, to the flirtatious smiles of striking strangers.

 

Thanks to its unbeatable location in the Southern Mediterranean basin, the Climate is generally Mild in the Winters & Warm in the Summer, but here is rub: Weather varies notably from Region to Region. The northern Regions, like Lombardia, Piemonte, Veneto, & even Emilia Romagna tend to have harsher, longer Winters than their Southern counterparts like Sicily, Calabria & Campania where the hot Sun seems to shine for 10 months a year.

 

There is never a bad time to visit Italy, whether Winter or Summer, High or Low Season. From November through the end of February, Tourism tends to dissipate which makes sites less crowded & Museum Tickets are easier to reserve. Spring kicks into high gear during La Settimana Santa (Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter) & from that moment, Italy unleashes many Events & Holidays. In the Summer months, Italians head to the Beach or Mountains & by August, Rome & major Cities are veritable Ghost Towns.

 

The Journeys provides you with a vast array of choices for the sights, sounds & culturally rich experiences in Repubblica Italiana Home to many of the world's greatest works of Art, Architecture & Gastronomy, Italy elates, inspires & moves like no other.

 

Concerned that you don't speak Italian or have a Degree in Regional History? Not to worry!  Our local Offices are always there 24/7 to offer any assistance you might need.

 

Seeing the Country's incomparable artistic treasures, which almost equals to more than the rest of the World put together, makes it hard not to feel a little envious sometimes & even harder not to fall madly in love.

 

Just sit back, relax & enjoy as you discover history & a unique experience & that is just a beginning... Yep, Italy is waiting & The Journeys is ready to take you on well, a journey (or journeys) of discovery.

 

Come…be inspired & discover the World…

 

We are in the process of updating our Offerings of experiential journeys to Italy. Please contact us in the interim if you want to explore more options & we will be happy to customise & offer suggestions based on your personal preferences…