Tuscany Lights
Ref # ITTL
Europe, Italy
This trip is a quiet traverse from the sea coast to out of time medieval villages. Walk on the coastal trails, discover italian food, and enjoy the landscapes of Tuscany, in the heart of Italy.
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Highlights:
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Trip Summary
| Duration: | 7 days | ||||||||||||
| Group size: | 4 to 12 persons | ||||||||||||
| Available Dates and Costs From: | |||||||||||||
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Services + :
What's Included:
- Meeting/assisting at airport
- Experienced Mountain World Travel English speaking professional guide
- Lodging in mentioned hotels, inns, or similar, based on double occupancy
- Full board during the entire trip (from dinner Day 1 to breakfast Day 7), including mineral water and coffee
- All land transfers, minibus, bus, train
- All mentioned visits in protected areas and monuments.
About Italy
Italy; exalting routes in the footsteps of "the beautiful"!
Aside from their art, their gastronomy has an unsurpassable reputation!
Nature of an exceptional level, from the peaks of the Alps mountain range to the southern volcanoes. Perfumed trails overlooking the ocean, islands competing for beauty, charming villages ...
An intimate and original discovery to get a taste for the Italian's art of living!!
Aside from their art, their gastronomy has an unsurpassable reputation!
Nature of an exceptional level, from the peaks of the Alps mountain range to the southern volcanoes. Perfumed trails overlooking the ocean, islands competing for beauty, charming villages ...
An intimate and original discovery to get a taste for the Italian's art of living!!
About the Adventure
Departing from Pisa, the rugged shores of the Italian Riviera dive into the blue waters of the Mediterranean, fishing villages with houses stacked and nestled together on the sloping shore side, cultivated terraces, vineyards.... We then discover the most beautiful pages of the Renaissance period and the charm and the treasures of Florence and Siena, historical cities included in UNESCO's World Heritage, the soft light of the Tuscan country side ... A trip balanced between nature and culture.
Itinerary
- Day 1/ Arrival in Pisa
- Day 2/ Pisa sightseeing, Cinque Terre, on the coast
- Day 3/ Monterosso, Cinque Terre villages
- Day 4/ Fortified villages(Portovenere), Florence
- Day 5/ Florence, Siena
- Day 6/ San Gimignano, Pisa
- Day 7/ Depart from Pisa.
Detailed Itinerary
| Duration: | 7 days | ||||||||||||
| Group size: | 4 to 12 persons | ||||||||||||
| Available Dates and Costs From: | |||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||
Services + :
What's Included:
- Meeting/assisting at airport
- Experienced Mountain World Travel English speaking professional guide
- Lodging in mentioned hotels, inns, or similar, based on double occupancy
- Full board during the entire trip (from dinner Day 1 to breakfast Day 7), including mineral water and coffee
- All land transfers, minibus, bus, train
- All mentioned visits in protected areas and monuments.
The Adventure
Departing from Pisa and its famous leaning tower in the middle of the Piazza dei Miracoli, our journey invites you to discover the most famous of the Italian Provinces which radiate on the entire Mediterranean world. The steep shores of the Italian Riviera, plunging into the blue waters of the Mediterranean, conceal treasures. The trails connect small fishing villages; houses stacked and nestled together on the sloping shore side, glowing at sunset. Cultured terraces along with the vineyards, the sea and the perched villages form a picturesque landscape. In the fertile soil, Florence and its incredible dome rise above the olive trees and vineyards. After visiting this "city of lights", we begin our hike on this famous region known for its rhythm of life and World Heritage treasures. We do not gloss over the most beautiful pages of Italian art history, the charm of the classified villages and towns, where we stay for our great pleasure.
Along our journey, effervescent discussions around cups of espresso animate the medieval districts, close to the markets where shelves are full of delicious products.
This trip is a quiet traverse from the sea coast to out of time medieval villages.
Along our journey, effervescent discussions around cups of espresso animate the medieval districts, close to the markets where shelves are full of delicious products.
This trip is a quiet traverse from the sea coast to out of time medieval villages.
Itinerary
Day 1/ Arrival in Pisa
Meeting at Pisa airport. Transfer to a 4 star hotel (Grand Hotel Bonnano or similar)
Day 2/ Pisa - La Spezia - Monterosso
Passage by the Piazza dei Miracoli, the historic heart of the city with its famous Leaning Tower and an hour tour of this inescapable Italian site. Departure for the province of Cinque Terre, splendid steep rocky coast categorized in the "World Heritage of Humanity". After transferring to La Spezia (1 hour), walk on the dock in the Portovenere harbor before boarding for the Cinqueterre villages. We arrive at Vernazza, visit and meal at a ‘Trattoria' (restaurant). Then in the afternoon, stroll through the vineyards on the coastal path to the village of Monterosso, hidden at the bottom of a wonderful creek, a real invitation for swimming.
Overnight in 3 star hotel (Hotel Cinque Terre or similar).
2 H walk.
Day 3/ Monterosso - Levanto - Monterosso
Both stairways and paths lead us easily to punta Mesco for a picnic on a beautiful, wide promontory. This breakthrough rock above the sea provides a view of all of Cinque Terre. We hike along the ridges, in the middle of pines and the coastal path leads us to Levanto, dominated by its castle. Break on the beach and swimming for those avid water goers. Back to Monterosso by train.
Dinner and overnight in the same 3 star hotel.
3 H walk
Day 4/ Monterosso - Riomaggiore - Portovenere - Florence
After a transfer by train from Riomaggiore, in the middle of the vineyards, our bus leads us to the shrine of Our Lady of Monte Nero. From the red mountains (monterosso) to the black mountains (montenero) ... our trek dominates the shoreline quickly and our view is now on the southern part of the Cinque Terre. This splendid crossing is a high point of the circuit and the arrival on the fortified village of Portovenere, the harbor of Venus, is a memorable one. The gulf of La Spezia, called the Gulf of Poets, unveils a splendid row of islands with Palmeria, Tino and Tinetto. In the distance, the quarries of Carrara marble punctuate the mountains of white. Wander in the narrow alleys where shops thrive of local crafts and then transfer transferred to Florence (2 H15 highway). Free late afternoon to continue to enjoy and to browse the alleyways of the historic centers from the Piazza del Duomo to Ponte Vecchio.
Dinner in a typical trattoria.
Overnight in a 3 star hotel (Palazzo Vecchio or similar).
4 H walk.
Day 5 / Florence - Siena
Commentary and guided trek in the morning to visit the most beautiful sites in this city from the Piazza delle Signoria to its legendary Ponte Vecchio statues and shops of historic jewelers to the courts of the Uffizi Gallery, where statues from illustrious artists of the Italian Renaissance reign. Lunch (typical Bruschette: tartine toast with tomato and olive oil).
Then transfer (1 hour) to Radda, in the Chianti region for a walk in the direction of Siena. We start our journey through the vineyards, olive trees and rolling hills of Chianti, passing through some small, no to be missed villages of the region. At Gaiole, we join up with our minibus for Siena. After settling in at our 3 star hotel, we will begin our visit of this beautiful and harmonious city via the Piazza del Campo and the Duomo, unfinished site of the largest church in Christendom.
Dinner in a pizzeria.
Overnight in a 3 star hotel (Duomo or similar).
2 to 3 H walk.
Day 6/ Siena - San Gimignano - Pisa
A few hour tour in the historic heart of town. Lunch in the city late morning and then transfer by minibus (1 hour) to the foot of the village of San Gimignano for the start of our hike. With its fortifications, its medieval streets and its famous towers from the XII and XIII century, San Gimignano is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Visit and return by bus to Pisa.
Dinner in a typical trattoria.
Overnight in a 4 star hotel (Grand Hotel Bonnano or similar).
2 H walk
Day 7 / Depart from Pisa
Transfer to the airport to check in for your flight back home.
Meeting at Pisa airport. Transfer to a 4 star hotel (Grand Hotel Bonnano or similar)
Day 2/ Pisa - La Spezia - Monterosso
Passage by the Piazza dei Miracoli, the historic heart of the city with its famous Leaning Tower and an hour tour of this inescapable Italian site. Departure for the province of Cinque Terre, splendid steep rocky coast categorized in the "World Heritage of Humanity". After transferring to La Spezia (1 hour), walk on the dock in the Portovenere harbor before boarding for the Cinqueterre villages. We arrive at Vernazza, visit and meal at a ‘Trattoria' (restaurant). Then in the afternoon, stroll through the vineyards on the coastal path to the village of Monterosso, hidden at the bottom of a wonderful creek, a real invitation for swimming.
Overnight in 3 star hotel (Hotel Cinque Terre or similar).
2 H walk.
Day 3/ Monterosso - Levanto - Monterosso
Both stairways and paths lead us easily to punta Mesco for a picnic on a beautiful, wide promontory. This breakthrough rock above the sea provides a view of all of Cinque Terre. We hike along the ridges, in the middle of pines and the coastal path leads us to Levanto, dominated by its castle. Break on the beach and swimming for those avid water goers. Back to Monterosso by train.
Dinner and overnight in the same 3 star hotel.
3 H walk
Day 4/ Monterosso - Riomaggiore - Portovenere - Florence
After a transfer by train from Riomaggiore, in the middle of the vineyards, our bus leads us to the shrine of Our Lady of Monte Nero. From the red mountains (monterosso) to the black mountains (montenero) ... our trek dominates the shoreline quickly and our view is now on the southern part of the Cinque Terre. This splendid crossing is a high point of the circuit and the arrival on the fortified village of Portovenere, the harbor of Venus, is a memorable one. The gulf of La Spezia, called the Gulf of Poets, unveils a splendid row of islands with Palmeria, Tino and Tinetto. In the distance, the quarries of Carrara marble punctuate the mountains of white. Wander in the narrow alleys where shops thrive of local crafts and then transfer transferred to Florence (2 H15 highway). Free late afternoon to continue to enjoy and to browse the alleyways of the historic centers from the Piazza del Duomo to Ponte Vecchio.
Dinner in a typical trattoria.
Overnight in a 3 star hotel (Palazzo Vecchio or similar).
4 H walk.
Day 5 / Florence - Siena
Commentary and guided trek in the morning to visit the most beautiful sites in this city from the Piazza delle Signoria to its legendary Ponte Vecchio statues and shops of historic jewelers to the courts of the Uffizi Gallery, where statues from illustrious artists of the Italian Renaissance reign. Lunch (typical Bruschette: tartine toast with tomato and olive oil).
Then transfer (1 hour) to Radda, in the Chianti region for a walk in the direction of Siena. We start our journey through the vineyards, olive trees and rolling hills of Chianti, passing through some small, no to be missed villages of the region. At Gaiole, we join up with our minibus for Siena. After settling in at our 3 star hotel, we will begin our visit of this beautiful and harmonious city via the Piazza del Campo and the Duomo, unfinished site of the largest church in Christendom.
Dinner in a pizzeria.
Overnight in a 3 star hotel (Duomo or similar).
2 to 3 H walk.
Day 6/ Siena - San Gimignano - Pisa
A few hour tour in the historic heart of town. Lunch in the city late morning and then transfer by minibus (1 hour) to the foot of the village of San Gimignano for the start of our hike. With its fortifications, its medieval streets and its famous towers from the XII and XIII century, San Gimignano is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Visit and return by bus to Pisa.
Dinner in a typical trattoria.
Overnight in a 4 star hotel (Grand Hotel Bonnano or similar).
2 H walk
Day 7 / Depart from Pisa
Transfer to the airport to check in for your flight back home.
Itinerary Notes
- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior notice.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior notice.
Luggage Tips
Each participant walks with a light back pack, carrying only the personal items necessary for the day of the half day (water bottle, camera, protective clothing, etc).
Luggage is transported by a carrier or with the group during transfers. Luggage stays at the hotel if the program provides several nights at the same site.
Luggage is transported by a carrier or with the group during transfers. Luggage stays at the hotel if the program provides several nights at the same site.
Staff
An English speaking Italian professional Mountain World Travel guide, hiking specialist with good cultural knowledge
A specialized English speaking cultural guide for all cultural visits (cities, monuments).
A specialized English speaking cultural guide for all cultural visits (cities, monuments).
Transportation
Local bus/shuttle, train, taxi, small private bus.
Lodging
The circuits are based on 3 and 4 star accommodations of excellent standing, with charm.
Due to our goal of providing quality accommodations, we seek charming and reputable places located in the middle of the most beautiful landscapes, on the most beautiful view-points or close to the departure of the excursions.
We choose these hotels and lodges, not only for the excellent price / quality ratio, but also for their cordiality and hospitality.
The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors.
Food and Beverages
Meals
In hotels offering half-board: breakfast and dinner at the hotel's restaurant.
In hotels with no restaurants: morning and evening, standard meals taken in inns and local restaurants. Your leader will know the best spots!
- Lunch: picnics organized by your guide, prepared with local products. Feel free to accompany him later in the day to go shopping and participate in the choice of foods.
During meals, in addition, you can taste sunny and scented wines that are also part of discovering this country. Each region has its own "terroir" (soil) that your guide will explain to you.
Drinks
Mineral water provided, coffee provided at the restaurant.
To taste, absolutely...
In Tuscany, "Bruschette" (slice of bread with oven roasted tomatoes), "Cantucci" (biscuits), Gallo Nero wines.
In Southern Italy, "Arancini" (marinated octopus salad with olive oil and lemon), "Canolli", and the famous "Limoncello" (lemon liqueur).
Some specialties of the Genoa gulf: "Pesto" (basil, sesame, olive and garlic)
Rome: "Carciofi alla giudea" (artichokes), "Caponata di melanzana" (ratatouille tart).
Not to mention tomatoes and Roman salads, Italian cheeses, seafood and meats.
Remember that Italians claim to have the best food in the world!
In hotels offering half-board: breakfast and dinner at the hotel's restaurant.
In hotels with no restaurants: morning and evening, standard meals taken in inns and local restaurants. Your leader will know the best spots!
- Lunch: picnics organized by your guide, prepared with local products. Feel free to accompany him later in the day to go shopping and participate in the choice of foods.
During meals, in addition, you can taste sunny and scented wines that are also part of discovering this country. Each region has its own "terroir" (soil) that your guide will explain to you.
Drinks
Mineral water provided, coffee provided at the restaurant.
To taste, absolutely...
In Tuscany, "Bruschette" (slice of bread with oven roasted tomatoes), "Cantucci" (biscuits), Gallo Nero wines.
In Southern Italy, "Arancini" (marinated octopus salad with olive oil and lemon), "Canolli", and the famous "Limoncello" (lemon liqueur).
Some specialties of the Genoa gulf: "Pesto" (basil, sesame, olive and garlic)
Rome: "Carciofi alla giudea" (artichokes), "Caponata di melanzana" (ratatouille tart).
Not to mention tomatoes and Roman salads, Italian cheeses, seafood and meats.
Remember that Italians claim to have the best food in the world!
Additional Information
Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best
to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed
itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify
it for different reasons beyond our control. Please read the
Registration Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions - Limitations of
Liability.
Important Information
| Duration: | 7 days | ||||||||||||
| Group size: | 4 to 12 persons | ||||||||||||
| Available Dates and Costs From: | |||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||
Services + :
What's Included:
- Meeting/assisting at airport
- Experienced Mountain World Travel English speaking professional guide
- Lodging in mentioned hotels, inns, or similar, based on double occupancy
- Full board during the entire trip (from dinner Day 1 to breakfast Day 7), including mineral water and coffee
- All land transfers, minibus, bus, train
- All mentioned visits in protected areas and monuments.
What's Not Included
- International flights in/out Pisa
- All services mentioned in Services+/extensions/options
- Personal medical & Travel Insurance
- All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".
Extra Costs
- Drinks (except mineral water and coffee during meals)
- Personal expenses
- Tips for guides
- All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".
Air Travel
As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip
is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel
arrangements. You can check your trip status at the Mountain World Travel website or contact the Mountain World Travel office
at 1-970-544-WALK (1-970-544-9255) or at 1 888-MWT-TREK (698-8735).
Our preferred airlines to fly to Pisa:
- Alitalia, the national airline, flies daily from Boston, Miami, New York to Pisa, through Milan/Roma
- United Airlines, in cooperation with Lufthansa (Air Dolimiti), flies from anywhere in the States to Pisa, through Munich/Frankfurt.
Our preferred airlines to fly to Pisa:
- Alitalia, the national airline, flies daily from Boston, Miami, New York to Pisa, through Milan/Roma
- United Airlines, in cooperation with Lufthansa (Air Dolimiti), flies from anywhere in the States to Pisa, through Munich/Frankfurt.
Foreign-Entry Requirements
Formalities for US, Canada, UK, Australia, NZ passports travelers: a
passport valid at least 6 months after the supposed return date of your
journey; no visa needed for a stay up to 90 days.
For other nationalities, please contact the Italian embassy of your country.
Please check with:
US Department of State
For other nationalities, please contact the Italian embassy of your country.
Please check with:
US Department of State
Health and First Aid
No vaccine is obligatory. We advise you, however, to be up date for
traditional vaccinations: Diphtheria - Tetanus - Poliomyelitis, Typhoid
fever. Vaccination against hepatitis A and B is recommended.
Dentist and doctor: A check up before departure is recommended.
Dentist and doctor: A check up before departure is recommended.
Physical Preparation
LEVEL 1
2months prior: Hike 6 miles every weekend or on two consecutive days. Pay attention to your lifestyle and your weight.
2months prior: Hike 6 miles every weekend or on two consecutive days. Pay attention to your lifestyle and your weight.
Equipment
Basic equipment
- A warm fleece hat
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun
- Sun glasses (minimum index 3 or 4 for high mountain)
- Thermal top and bottom, short and long) underwear (fast drying).
- Fleece turtle neck top
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well
insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gloves
- A rain poncho
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight hiking long pants
- A Camelback or a water bottle.
Shoes and technical material
- Hiking socks
- Light ventilated hiking shoes with a good traction on different type of
terrain, for people with fragile ankles: waterproof ankle hiking boots and a
sole offering good traction.
- A pair of telescopic walking poles
Luggage
- A back pack equipped with broad straps,
with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, and a capacity of 7 to 9
gallons, for your daily belongings
- A soft travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be
transported by the porter team or by vehicle during the day.
Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes.
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife (not in carry on luggage).
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- A bathing suit.
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself,
along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.
Some advice
During your flight your back pack should
contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane
(camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).
About Italy
| Duration: | 7 days | ||||||||||||
| Group size: | 4 to 12 persons | ||||||||||||
| Available Dates and Costs From: | |||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||
Services + :
What's Included:
- Meeting/assisting at airport
- Experienced Mountain World Travel English speaking professional guide
- Lodging in mentioned hotels, inns, or similar, based on double occupancy
- Full board during the entire trip (from dinner Day 1 to breakfast Day 7), including mineral water and coffee
- All land transfers, minibus, bus, train
- All mentioned visits in protected areas and monuments.
Country
Italy, the cult of beauty
At the center of the world for 700 years, the Italian peninsula has a glorious ancient past. The artistic centers have historically cultivated all that is "beautiful". Exalting itineraries take you on the trail of Italian culture! The influence of Italy continues to this day and, aside from art, Italian cuisine stood up to its reputation. The nature is also exceptional, from the peaks in the northern Alps to the southern volcanoes.
Perfumed trails dominate the clear waters down to their deep blue abysses. Their islands compete for beauty. We stop in their cities which captivate and charm. Time to enjoy the art of Italian living.
At the center of the world for 700 years, the Italian peninsula has a glorious ancient past. The artistic centers have historically cultivated all that is "beautiful". Exalting itineraries take you on the trail of Italian culture! The influence of Italy continues to this day and, aside from art, Italian cuisine stood up to its reputation. The nature is also exceptional, from the peaks in the northern Alps to the southern volcanoes.
Perfumed trails dominate the clear waters down to their deep blue abysses. Their islands compete for beauty. We stop in their cities which captivate and charm. Time to enjoy the art of Italian living.
Highlights
- A wide choice of travel by foot (3 across the peninsula without counting the other choices in the Alps), incorporation of a cultural dimension (visiting classified towns, historical and religious monuments, etc.).
- Routes of charm in the heart of the Italian soil, through our direct contacts with local artisans: fishermen, restaurateurs, hoteliers.
- The comfort and charm of accommodations at a competitive price.
Climate
Due to its geographical position, Italy has a temperate climate, with significant variations from north to south due to the differences in latitude, relief and the influence of the Mediterranean. Outside of the Alps and the mountain climate, the summer is very hot and less suitable for hiking. However, this season is ideal for swimming and the discovery of large lakes.
In spring and autumn, the conditions are perfect for discovering Italy on foot and for enjoying its beautiful scenery.
Temperatures
Average temperatures in main cities (day maximum/night minimum) in Fahrenheit degrees:
| March |
April |
May |
June |
July |
Aug |
Sept | Oct | |
| Milano (Lombardia) | 56/38 | 63/45 | 71/52 | 79/59 | 84/63 | 82/62 | 76/56 | 66/47 |
| Firenze (Toscana) |
59/41 | 66/46 | 74/52 | 81/58 | 88/63 | 87/63 | 80/58 | 70/50 |
| Napoli (Campania) |
60/43 | 65/47 | 73/54 | 79/60 | 85/64 | 85/64 | 79/59 | 71/53 |
| Palermo (Sicilia) |
61/52 | 65/55 | 71/61 | 77/67 | 83/73 | 84/74 | 80/71 | 73/64 |
Profile
| Population | 59 million habitants including Sicilia and Sardaigna |
| Surface | 116,346 square miles |
| Capital | Roma (3 million habitants) |
| Main Cities |
Milano, Firenze, Napoli, Pisa, Catane |
| Islands | Capri, Ischia, Eoliennes (Lipari) |
| Peaks |
Beside the Alps, Etna volcano (10,984 feet), Gran Sasso of Italia above Roma (9,560 feet) |
| Official Language |
Italian and many dialects |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Political Status | Parliamentary Republic |
| Time Shift |
Currencies
The currency is the €uro.
We advise you to carry dollars in small increments that you can exchange with no problem in banks or exchange offices. Credit card use is widespread and you will find ATM machines in every city.
We advise you to carry dollars in small increments that you can exchange with no problem in banks or exchange offices. Credit card use is widespread and you will find ATM machines in every city.
Travel Warnings
As an organizer of worldwide trips, Mountain World Travel is concerned for our guest's safety and security. We always keep ourselves up to date with current travel warnings and always consider the government safety advices, while organizing and preparing our different trips. Please double check on the official government website regarding each country's warnings.
For US citizens:
US department of State
Our Story
Solid experience on their territory.
Since the founding of Mountain World Travel, the first guides, Allibert Phil, Jeff Tripard and Jean Luc Poulat led groups to the summit of Gran Paradiso, an Italian mountain of more than 13,000 feet, easy and coveted. Mountain World Travel entered into Italy in a climbing kind of way! Since our arrival, fewer technical trips are now offered through our program. Grisha Kravtchenko, Mountain World Travel lead guide even belongs to the Italian Mountain Guide Association. Our guides, family ties or not, are passionate about this country. Many of our visited sites are part of the Unesco World Heritage.
Pat Boucherand is he who is responsible for this destination. He gave us a new impetus to travel to Italy by sharing his for this country to our guides. Originally from Sicilia, Patrick knows, by heart, the Italian "Boot". He is always keen to discover new routes; those which might be the most original or less frequented, to allow you to taste, the ever so real art of Italian living..... Because he is an epicurean and gourmet, he won't forget to allow you to discover the Italian gastronomy. Far from skipping the major sites, the circuits concocted by Pat borrow the more intimate routes, marked by the touch of Mountain World Travel, to visit these such desired and not to be missed places; in the image of the ascent of Chianti in Tuscany.
Since the founding of Mountain World Travel, the first guides, Allibert Phil, Jeff Tripard and Jean Luc Poulat led groups to the summit of Gran Paradiso, an Italian mountain of more than 13,000 feet, easy and coveted. Mountain World Travel entered into Italy in a climbing kind of way! Since our arrival, fewer technical trips are now offered through our program. Grisha Kravtchenko, Mountain World Travel lead guide even belongs to the Italian Mountain Guide Association. Our guides, family ties or not, are passionate about this country. Many of our visited sites are part of the Unesco World Heritage.
Pat Boucherand is he who is responsible for this destination. He gave us a new impetus to travel to Italy by sharing his for this country to our guides. Originally from Sicilia, Patrick knows, by heart, the Italian "Boot". He is always keen to discover new routes; those which might be the most original or less frequented, to allow you to taste, the ever so real art of Italian living..... Because he is an epicurean and gourmet, he won't forget to allow you to discover the Italian gastronomy. Far from skipping the major sites, the circuits concocted by Pat borrow the more intimate routes, marked by the touch of Mountain World Travel, to visit these such desired and not to be missed places; in the image of the ascent of Chianti in Tuscany.
Some Useful Words
Learning some key words will enable you to gain the respect of your interlocutors and to facilitate your exchanges with the Italian people.
Do not hesitate to use the following expressions:
Hello : Salve - Good evening : Buona Sera - Good bye : Ciao (pronounced) ‘tchao')
Excuse me : Scusi
Please : Per favore - Thank you : Grazie (pronounced ‘gratcié')
Yes : Si - No : No
You are welcome : Prego
How are you ? Come stai ?
Water : Acqua
Do not hesitate to use the following expressions:
Hello : Salve - Good evening : Buona Sera - Good bye : Ciao (pronounced) ‘tchao')
Excuse me : Scusi
Please : Per favore - Thank you : Grazie (pronounced ‘gratcié')
Yes : Si - No : No
You are welcome : Prego
How are you ? Come stai ?
Water : Acqua
Respect of Customs and Habits
Italy is a country very similar to France by way of its culture and way of life. However, a few clarifications are useful. We can observe in Italy a great religious fervor: it is not uncommon to attend processions, especially on Sundays. Just admire how the Italian priests dress, much more elaborately than in France.
When you visit places of worship, you are advised to adopt a dress code, long and ample.
The advice of Pat Boucherand, guide and head of our travels in Italy:
there is a real diversity between the north and south of Italy. My advice: sign up for more than one of our trips! The differences are very real from one region to the next...
When you visit places of worship, you are advised to adopt a dress code, long and ample.
The advice of Pat Boucherand, guide and head of our travels in Italy:
there is a real diversity between the north and south of Italy. My advice: sign up for more than one of our trips! The differences are very real from one region to the next...
Some Advice
How to make yourself understood?
The language barrier is not a problem in Italy. The Mountain World Travel guides, when they are not fully multilingual, have some knowledge of the language of the country which will enable them to adapt to all situations. Moreover, communication in Italian is often with your hands. This is no legend. With a smile and a few keywords, that you will learn before you leave (see preceding paragraph), you will win the respect of our Italian friends!
Can I swim easily in Italy?
Swimming is possible at your own risk. Lifeguards are located on some public beaches. In the spring, the cool water limits the opportunity for a dip in the sea, while in the summer; it is a real pleasure that one can take advantage of until the Fall.
US electrical devices are not compatible with Italian electrical plugs
The electrical outlets are of European standard. We recommend that you carry an adapter, because the plugs are 220/230 volts.
Italian coffee is well reputable. Which one to choose?
Coffee is the national drink. The Italians drink it all day long. In Italy, coffee covers no more than the bottom of your cup! Ask for a coffee "lungo" if you want one that looks a bit like those in France. Italians drink theirs "ristretto" (short and strong). For those who love it with a touch of milk, request a "machiatto" or a cappuccino with foam milk.
The language barrier is not a problem in Italy. The Mountain World Travel guides, when they are not fully multilingual, have some knowledge of the language of the country which will enable them to adapt to all situations. Moreover, communication in Italian is often with your hands. This is no legend. With a smile and a few keywords, that you will learn before you leave (see preceding paragraph), you will win the respect of our Italian friends!
Can I swim easily in Italy?
Swimming is possible at your own risk. Lifeguards are located on some public beaches. In the spring, the cool water limits the opportunity for a dip in the sea, while in the summer; it is a real pleasure that one can take advantage of until the Fall.
US electrical devices are not compatible with Italian electrical plugs
The electrical outlets are of European standard. We recommend that you carry an adapter, because the plugs are 220/230 volts.
Italian coffee is well reputable. Which one to choose?
Coffee is the national drink. The Italians drink it all day long. In Italy, coffee covers no more than the bottom of your cup! Ask for a coffee "lungo" if you want one that looks a bit like those in France. Italians drink theirs "ristretto" (short and strong). For those who love it with a touch of milk, request a "machiatto" or a cappuccino with foam milk.
Safeguarding the Environment
From north to south: cultivated terraces, vineyards, olive groves and citrus trees punctuate the landscape. Many species of trees are also present: pines, Mediterranean oak trees, strawberry trees, agaves, prickly pear and Indian fig trees. We trust you to leave natural areas as clean as possible. Remember to pick up your trash. In the mountains, the environment is strongly regarded. The bear and the wolf, species protected by a European directive, are part of the wildlife nature in the Abruzzo Parks, and they coexist nicely with the peasants. Please leave the flowers in their natural setting, especially the rare species, such as orchids: their collection is banned and severely punished.
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| Duration: | 7 days | ||||||||||||
| Group size: | 4 to 12 persons | ||||||||||||
| Available Dates and Costs From: | |||||||||||||
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Services + :
What's Included:
- Meeting/assisting at airport
- Experienced Mountain World Travel English speaking professional guide
- Lodging in mentioned hotels, inns, or similar, based on double occupancy
- Full board during the entire trip (from dinner Day 1 to breakfast Day 7), including mineral water and coffee
- All land transfers, minibus, bus, train
- All mentioned visits in protected areas and monuments.
