Travel Tips

Cinque Terre Hiking Tours with Stunning Seascape.

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Walking in Cinque Terre - Vernazza - source

Please note that currently some of the paths might be closed until further notice, your guide will offer alternatives.

The Cinque Terre paths are popular for locals and visitors alike. If you love hiking, these amazing paths guarantee a unique experience. We specialize in guided walking tours of some of the most breathtaking paths in Italy. Surrounded by scenic backdrops and captivating imagery, you will learn about the history of Cinque Terre and experience Mother Nature at her finest. From stunning hills to picturesque scenery, our tours are designed to rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit.

The Paths of Cinque Terre

Sentiero dell’ Amore – Known as the “Way of Love”, this is an ancient mule track, which emanates from Riomaggiore and cultivates into a renowned romantic walkway. Surrounded by seaside cliffs, the path is not always fit for hiking and strolls. While it does depend on the conditions of the sea, this unique walk offers compelling imagery and overviews of exotic wildlife that inhabit the coastline. Its sandstone geometry also lends to the overall aesthetics and geography. Your walk includes a view of the popular Manarola homes, which overlook the sea and are adjacent to Groppo. This site was once famous for its bridges, and surrounded by residential establishments that are embedded in the rock structures.

Sentiero Azzurro – Known as the “Blue Trail”, this is one of the most popular paths that span the peninsula. The trails are not hard to walk, and the panoramic views are simply breathtaking. As a haven for thousands of hikers and walkers, the historic trail dates back to the middle Ages. The part of the walk that connects the Way of Love, however, was structured in the 20th century. These amazing paths were the only form of communication between coastal inhabitants for centuries. The Blue Trail also entails several mule tracks, and winds through small residential settlements, sanctuaries, and stone walls. While it is possible to walk the entire trail in one day, experiencing the magic of Cinque Terre is best when spread out over a few days.

Cinque Terre Hiking Tours

The classic tour takes places at the National Park of Cinque Terre. Whether for hiking or walking, you should be physical fit and able to enjoy the tour at its fullest. The tour covers the Vernazza-Riomaggiore and continues via train to Monterosso. Participants will also have plenty of time to visit local villages for shopping and souvenirs. The tour departs from Riomaggiore and goes through Via Dell’ Amore on the way to Manarola. We then continue along Sentiero Azzurro on our way to Corniglia for a mouthwatering picnic. The tour then moves onto Vernazza, where you can reach Monterosso via train or other destinations.

What to Wear for Hiking in the Cinque Terre.

Sentierio dell'Amore and Sentiero Azzurro are fairly easy to walk and you can do so with normal comfortable walking shoes. While the paths between the villages in the national park are fairly steep and will require a certain level of fitness and we suggest to wear proper hiking shoes for these paths.

Are the Sentierio dell'Amore and Sentiero Azzurro open?

This pretty much depends on conditions of the weather and sometimes it is necessary to close them due to landslides and other geological conditions as the surrounding are very fragile.

 

Venice Like a Local With Food and Wine Tasting at Local Bacari

Explore the Food Wonders of Venice

The Venice walking tour commences at 6pm at Rialto Bridge. A professional tour and food guide will lead you to the best authentic delicacies and fine wines at ones of Venice’s leading bacaros. This is a traditional osteria, which can be found throughout the city and world renowned Veneto Region. From cicchetti and snacks to ombra (fine wine), your taste buds are guaranteed to sizzle! The 2 hour tour also includes visits to 3 unique bacari locations selected by the tour guide. These popular Italian venues have received stellar reviews and are a must for fine wine and food connoisseurs. The Venice walking tour is available for small private groups, and perfect for families and corporate clients.

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Eat like a local in Venice - source

 

 The Venice Art Scene

Venice is a wonderful city blanketed by historic architecture and contemporary works of art. As the “City of Merchants”, Venice is surrounded by the sea and known for its romantic allure and captivating scenery. The walking tour features picturesque landscapes, along with breathtaking masterpieces and Venetian sculptures that are a must for art lovers and enthusiasts. From traditional architecture to modern art, you will simply be in awe while exploring the magic of this beloved and romantic city.

Venice Tour Highlights

In addition to the scrumptious wines and tantalizing aromas, the tour also includes a trip to the globally popular Basilica. The tour will depart at Saint Mark’s square where a professional guide will take you on a journey of a lifetime. The Basilica is a stunning venue that houses some of the most incredible mosaics and views Italy has to offer. This includes beautiful sunsets from the terrace, along with the Venetian culture, sidewalk cafes, live music and so much more. The tour also showcases impressive architectural designs and styles that will truly impact the soul.

Venice: The City of Dreams

Venice is the epicenter of art, music, history, and world class cuisine. While you can surely plan your own tour, nothing compares to a guided tour that pinpoints all the cultural events and sights this remarkable city is famous for. With summer right around the corner, now is the perfect time to book your walking tours and experience the magic of Venice like no other. As always, slots are filling up fast so it is best to schedule your tours ASAP. Whether for family vacations or corporate gatherings, Venice is truly the city where dreams come alive!

 

Explore Florence with Valentina (Food Tasting Included!)

Florence is a breathtaking city and the epicenter for Italian culture, cuisine, and history. From world class art museums to ancient architecture, explore the wonders of Florence with the lovely Valentina. As an experienced and certified tour guide, she specializes in exquisite tours of Florence with a touch of class. Whether you love sampling Italian delicacies or the world renowned Chianti and Brunello wines of the region, this amazing tour will simply leave you in awe. As the city of romance, Florence is also blanketed by countless outdoor cafes, lavish restaurants, and elegant scenery at every turn. If planning a family or corporate vacation this summer, Florence welcomes you and yours with open arms!

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Let Valentina be your local guide.

 

The Tour

The exciting walking tour commences from Piazza San Marco. For your convenience, the tour can also start at the hotel or venue you are staying at. The first stop is the famous statue of David located at the Museum of the Acaddemia. The world renowned gallery showcases the timeless and priceless sculptures and art of Michelangeglo and several Renaissance period artists. The gallery is also home to literary and artistic works from Russian painters and artisans. The next stop on the tour is the famous Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, which is the highlight of the religious center in Florence. Your walking tour includes plenty of sidewalk food and wine stands, along with presentations and historical facts by Valentina.

Tour Highlights and End

The walking tour continues with a visit to the Piazza dell Repubblica, which is a must see for art enthusiasts and historians. The City of Florentia is also home to the ancient roman forum, the Church of Orsanmichele, and the popular leather market at Porcellino. Tour highlights also include the political center of the city at Piazza della Signoria, which features the incredible Palazzo Vecchio. The tour ends at Ponte Vecchio and the Bridge of the Goldsmiths. If you have always wanted to experience the wonders of Florence, now is the perfect time to book your tours with Valentina.

Food and Wine Tasting

No tour of Florence is ever complete without sampling the local favorites and fine wines. Upon request, Valentina can easily organize food and wine tasting tours in Florence, which feature world class cheeses and several other mouth watering entrees and specialties. Also you can come to Bologna and try our best selling food tour in Italy.

Exploring Tuscany With a Personal Tourist Guide

I started working as a tour guide in Tuscany in 1987, when I was 23. I’m now almost 51. I started with German guests. As a tour guide I travelled almost everywhere through Europe (France, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Spain, Switzerland, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Greece) and also to Canada (Ontario and Québec) and to New York. In 2002 I specialized as a licensed tour guide for Lucca, a medieval town in Tuscany. I am also a graduated translator and interpreter and I’m about to get my second deegree in ?Mediator in Foreign Languages and Cultures’ at the University of Siena. I speak fluently following languages, beside Italian as a mother tongue: German, English, French, Spanish, Portuguese. I speak also Swedish at a A2 level and I’m dealing also with Russian (A1 level) and Chinese at the moment!

If you are are looking to visit Tuscany or any other area in Italy with an experienced local guide please keep reading below. This can truly enhance your vacations! 

This tour is guided by: Massimo

I started working as a tour guide in Tuscany in 1987, when I was 23. I'm now almost 51. I started with German guests. As a tour guide I travelled almost everywhere through Europe (France, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Spain, Switzerland, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Greece) and also to Canada (Ontario and Québec) and to New York. In 2002 I specialized as a licensed tour guide for Lucca, a medieval town in Tuscany. I am also a graduated translator and interpreter and I'm about to get my second deegree in Mediator in Foreign Languages and Cultures' at the University of Siena. I speak fluently following languages, beside Italian as a mother tongue: German, English, French, Spanish, Portuguese. I speak also Swedish at a A2 level and I'm dealing also with Russian (A1 level) and Chinese at the moment!

Meeting the clients.

I will meet my guests either in Montecatini Terme, a very well-known spa resort in northern Tuscany, where I am at home, or in other towns like Florence, Siena, Pisa, Arezzo, etc. but also outside my region, all over Italy, and show them the beauties of my country.

In which area in Tuscany are you specialised?

I'm of course specialized for Tuscany (my 'highlights' are Lucca, Florence, Siena, Pisa, Pistoia and Arezzo), but I can also guide my guests through other regions like Lombardy (Milan, etc.), Emilia Romagna (Bologna, etc.), Umbria (Assisi, etc.). We will do a guided tour in town, where we can organize a lunch break in a typical restaurant, then also hire a car or minivan to travel through the countryside and see something else of our marvellous landscape.

What the clients can see? 

We can also visit some typical farms producing wine and olive oil, cheese, ham and other alimentary products, we can also taste and do shopping in town or in wholesale factories where they produce and sell typical handmade products such as leather shoes, bags, marble or alabaster souvenirs, etc. It will last up to about 8 hours with some breaks for a coffee or so.

The costs of my tours depend on how we will organize them, i.e. if I have to move to my guests hotel/house and live there with them for the whole period or just meet them each morning at their premises.

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Explore Tuscany with Private guide Massimo

 

Rome Tours With Traditional Osteria Lunch and Food Crawl

Interesting tour lead by native Roman Vincenzo who will combine Rome's ancient history with a food crawl and gourmet osteria Lunch. Not not be missed.

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Visit Rome with local guide vincenzo source

 

Ancient Rome

Explore the wonders of Rome with an exciting 3 hour tour. The spectacular tour covers the Roman Coliseum, which features breathtaking exteriors, interiors, and ancient architecture. The Forum Romanum is also a must see and is home to the Senate, Arch Septimius Severus, basilica Julia, and Maxentius basilica. The world renowned city also showcases the Arch Titus, Arch Constantine, and Capitol Hill. The walking tour features picturesque backdrops and lavish scenery at every turn. You can also enjoy world class cuisine set in an elegant Roman restaurant for a slightly additional cost. We will arrange a meeting point for all clients that are ready to experience the allure, and essence of Rome.

Vatican City

As the epicenter for Roman Catholicism, Vatican City is a haven for countless tourists. Your 5 tour starts at St. Peter’s basilica, which includes interiors, exteriors, and Michelangelo’s famous masterpiece sculptures: Bernini Baldachin, Piet, and more. You will also get to see the square and the magic of the Vatican Museums – Borgia’s flat, Raphael’s rooms, Greek cross room, Round room, Muses room, and the world famous Sistine Chapel. The tour also includes the Tapestry, Candelabra, and Geographic Maps galleries that are a must for ancient art lovers, aficionados, and enthusiasts. After a day of exploring Roman architecture at its finest, wind down with a traditional Osteria lunch and fine wines served to perfection. Meeting point for all visitors will be at the entrance of the Museums.

Pope’s City

The 4 hour Pope’s City tour includes the major sights of the downtown area: Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Colonna Square, Hadrian Temple, and the Pantheon. The latter features Raphael’s tomb, along with the Italian Royal Family of Savoy tombs. The tour also includes Campo dei Fiori, Navona Square, Marcellus’ Theater, and the ancient Jewish ghetto, which features Octavia Gate. Meeting point for the tour will be discussed with clients, and you will be able to sample traditional Italian dishes via food stands. I do have passes for all spots desired!

Tour Guide Profile - Vincenzo

I was born in Rome and a licensed tour guide since 2009. I am also an art historian, and my clients are mainly English speakers. As a native Roman, I want to help you explore this fascinating and beloved city!

Lucca Guided Tour with Food Experience

Silvia is a reputable and licensed tour guide with years of extensive industry experience. As your premier tour guide for the Tuscany Region, she has a foreign language degree and speaks both Italian and English fluently. With more than 15 years if the tourism industry, she has organized countless tours of her hometown for tourists, visitors, and locals alike. From historic sites and architecture to the best in old town shops and jewelry venues, this amazing guide will truly show you the magic and mystique of Lucca. As a world renowned and popular tourist attraction, Lucca is blanketed with breathtaking scenery and picturesque landscapes at every turn. Explore the wonders of Lucca, which features medieval churches, art museums, Renaissance walls, and ancient palaces, that capture the true allure and essence of old Italy.

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Lucca is one of the most charming towns in Tuscany - source

 

The Lucca Tour

As part of your guided tour, you will embrace the beauty of Lucca with its enchanting villages, parks, hamlets, and the resort town of Viareggio. The coastal region of Versilia is also a must see for those that love the ocean and stunning mountain views. After a day of touring, enjoy the hottest nightlife spots with world class cuisine, wine, and the perfect blend of traditional and contemporary music.

Lucca Wine and Fine Gourmet Tours

If you love to sample fine wines and delicious Italian delicacies and entrees, your guide will connect you to the finest restaurants and outdoor cafes in the region. Dazzle your taste buds with the best in Torta Derbi, Buccellato, Cioccolato, along with traditional olive oil and salami specialties. This is a must for fine gourmet connoisseurs and aficionados that want to sample and taste the best in Italian cuisine. While the aromas and scents will captive your soul, you will also love the historic churches, monuments, architecture, and burgeoning art scene that Lucca offers.

Lucca Gardens

The guide will also take you on a walking tour of the regionally renowned Botanical Garden. The Palazzo Pfanner garden and Guinigi tower are also situated within long and woody city walls that cannot be missed. The Lucca Gardens tour showcases some of the finest frescoes in the region that exemplify the historic traditions and culture of this fascinating city. From elegant floral arrangements to lavish shopping venues, Lucca welcomes you and your loved ones with open arms

How to Drive a Ferrari in Italy

The Ferrari is epitome of world class sports cars. As a popular Italian import, this globally renowned vehicle is known for its superior speed, finesses and handling. The Ferrari is also synonymous with true elegance, luxury and class. With the average price of a Ferrari ranging from $200,000  to $400,000, this high-performance car is still relegated to the rich and wealthy. For those visiting Italy, however, there are ways to test drive this cutting edge and unique vehicle. If you’ve always wanted to test drive a Ferrari, the city of Maranello can turn your dreams into realities.

Ferrari Test Drives in Maranello

Maranello is located in Northern Italy and just a stone’s throw from Modena. The city is home to the Ferrari Museum, and features ample roads and race tracks for Ferrari test drives. Test drives can last 10 minutes or 2 hours if desired. All drivers will be accompanied by instructor co-pilots on public roads, and must be 21 years of age with valid international licenses. While road test drives will feature the sleek Ferrari 458 model, race track testing will showcase the Ferrari 430. The race track is situated in Modena, which is a mere 18km away. All test drives are inclusive of booking and rental fees, which must be secured before driving can commence. For your convenience, Lamborghini test drives are also available for tourists, visitors, and locals.

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[wpsc_products product_id='4507']

 

The Ultimate Driving Experience

While Italy is blanketed with countless wineries, 5-star restaurants, and historic architecture, nothing compares to driving a Ferrari on the open roads. In fact, it is considered the ultimate driving experience for any seasoned or new driver. If planning to visit Italy specifically for Ferrari test drives, you must hold an international driver’s license and be over 21 (you need to have had your driving license for at least 2 years). There are also full day (24 hour) rentals available for drivers that want to take their loved ones out for the day. The Ferrari models comfortably seat 4, and are guaranteed to thrill your family members and friends at every turn.

Book Now

Ferrari test drives continue to soar in global popularity. Whether for public road or race track test drives, slots usually fill up very quickly. As a result, you should book your slot ASAP to secure the test drive of a lifetime.

Chauffeured Tours of Verona, Palladian Villas, and Lake Garda

Guide and Chauffeur name: Laura

I am a professional private-taxi driver, English speaking. Most of the time I cooperate with my partner's agency which offers any kind of rental car service with driver dedicated to transport of passengers, available 24/7 all year long.
We offers any kind of travel to agencies, to businessmen and tourists, personal travels for individuals or groups, to and from any destination as well as airport/stations transfers. Reliability, punctuality and courtesy, knowledge of English, German and French languages are our strengths. 

The Services Offered:

I offer trips on board of top quality cars (Minivan Ford, Mercedes Viano and Mercedes Class E), for visiting and discovering the area of Garda Lake, Palladio Villas and Vicenza, Mantova, Bergamo , Franciacorta, Soave (the area where I live) and Mezzane and Illasi Valley (is the extension of the Valpolicella area) wine tastings and tours at major historical local wineries , food tasting at Villa de Winkels in Tregnago, as well as Amarone wine tours in Valpolicella classica area. All these wineries are ready to introduce their products ( english speking) and to host the guests at any time.

I offer free consulting for visits throughout the province of Verona, Garda lake and the surrounding areas, also recommending restaurants, agriturismo where they can taste many Veronese and lake specialties, and partecipate at a cooking classes.

The Guide Experience.

The large amount of contacts gathered over the past years allows me to recommend routes, tracks, tours, as well as accommodations in cozy and comfortable apartments, B&B, hotels in the center of Verona and nearby.

The tour guides who I can introduce to, will be more than glad to accompany the guests to visit Verona and the province in order to let enjoy the wonders of art, history and culture of this beautiful city.

Tours from Verona.

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tours from Verona - source

 

 

Market Tour and Cooking Class in Milan

You will meet the guide early in the morning for a market visit in the center of Milan followed by hands-on cooking class at Atelier dei Sapori School. Here you will be welcome by Cristina, Paola e Patrizia chefs and food lovers who will lead you step by step in preparing recipes of the Milanese and Italian tradition.

What will you cook?

You will prepare a complete menu Appetizer, First dish, Main dish, Dessert.
THE BEST PART? At the end you get will sit down and eat all you made.
To remember your experience you will be given a cooking diploma.

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Food Market Tour in Milan.

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Food in Milan - source

Milan continues to be a haven for tourists and visitors that love world class cuisine and fine wines. From local eateries to posh and elegant cafes, the city is blanketed by a myriad of restaurants and food markets. The latter are perfect for those than want to sample local favorites, while shopping for fresh Italian produce and delicacies.

Mercato V Alpini

Mercato V Alpini is one of the tiniest yet top food markets in the city. Situated in a lavish and wealthy area, the market is known for its choice selection of fresh fruits and veggie stalles. Tourists can also stroll at a leisurely place, while shopping for genuine leather bags, wool, cashmere, and lovely floral arrangements. As a central hub for locals and visitors, the market features a classy outdoor café with steaming coffee, tasty snacks, and tantalizing beverages. Largo V Alpini is also adjacent to the market, and showcases a range of shops within a newly renovated area. With convenient underground parking and two residential towers that date back to 1955, you will simply love the immaculate weather and the history that surrounds this popular 19th century locale.

Mercato Garigliano

Located in the heart of Quartiere Isola, this lively street market features continental cuisine and the latest in Milan fashions. Tourists can also purchase house-ware tools at unbelievably low prices. With live music and street vendors at every turn, the market showcases the perfect blend of historic and contemporary architecture. No truer is this than when it comes to the recently revamped Porta Nuova skyline.

Mercato Papiniano

This is the largest food market in town, which is set in a trendy and upbeat neighborhood. Visitors will enjoy the wide selection of high quality wood products and clothes. With fresh fish, fruits, dairy products, meats, and veggies daily, the market is a simply a must for all tourists and locals. There is also an Italian delicatessen and a variety of Indian and South American stalls for your convenience.

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