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Odyssey offers easy, convenient, and relaxed escorted across Western Europe and beyond. We explore Italy’s incredible natural beauty, its ancient Roman heritage, its World Heritage Sites, and world famous cities and picture postcard perfect villages, all with some truly all waiting to be explored on one of Odyssey’s small group .
Enjoy a taste of authentic Italian village life on this fully escorted small group tour of Italy. This small group tour for seniors visits some of Italy’s most interesting and picturesque villages. Rather than stopping at the typical, overcrowded tourist hot spots, like the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre, you will have the opportunity to visit places few tourists venture to and experience Italian life away from the big cities.
The Mediterranean nation of Italy is home to some of the world's best food, architecture, beaches and museums. From local produce markets and hidden caves to Roman ruins and medieval hill towns, there is something for everyone. A unique aspect of Italy is that despite being renowned for its history, it has only been a country for 158 years or so. Before 1861, the region was in a state of flux with various republics, city-states, Papal states and colonies. This tempestuous history helps to explain, in part, why Italy is so diverse. A holiday in the north, for example, near the Swiss border, may be completely different from one in Naples or Amalfi along the coast. Even cities that are close together, like Florence and Siena, can feel like visiting two completely different worlds. On the Villages of Italy tour you have the chance to explore villages in Veneto, Tuscany and Umbria before finishing the tour just outside of Rome. It is a chance to get to know Italy on another level and see the local side of this incredible, bustling country - a travel experience like no other.
The Villages of Italy tour commences in Milan before heading north and then south to finish in the hillside town of Frascati. Along the way we spend extended time in the villages of Trento, Radda in Chianti, Castelfranco and Correggio.
Trento lies along the Adige River and sits in a wide valley nestled around vineyards and orchards. It was founded by the Raetians and eventually became a Roman colony and military base before being controlled throughout history by both France and Austria. It only became part of Italy in 1918 with the end of WW1. For history lovers there is a lot to see in Trento, including the formidable Castello del Buonconsiglio, numerous Renaissance mansions and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, built in the 16th century.
A small, walled town in northern Italy with a population of 30,000, Castelfranco was the birthplace of the painter Zorzi da Castelfrenco, known as Giorgione. The small town is renowned for one of Giorgione's masterpieces, Madonna and Child with SS, Francis and Liberale, which is held in the 18th-century cathedral. A short drive away, you will find fishing port Chioggia, a hidden gem just outside of Venice.
In the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy you will find the small town of Correggio with only 25,000 inhabitants. The town is located between two streams and known for its neoclassical architecture and wide, tree-lined avenues. The birthplace of Renaissance painter, Antonio Allegri, Correggio is one of the little-known wonders of this province.
Sitting atop a hill surrounded by vineyards, Radda is the quintessential Chianti town. Not only does it offer panoramic views of the luscious vines but there is a rich history waiting to be discovered. Once an archaeological site, excavations in the area show that there were inhabitants there as early as 2000 B.C. With a quaint medieval atmosphere, there is plenty to enjoy in Radda, from beautiful wine to art museums and stunning medieval architecture. It will definitely be a memorable stop on your journey.
A hilltop town in Umbria, Todi's amazing scenery could be straight out of a fairytale. The town is encircled by concentric walls which means it has a maze-like feel and gives you the chance to get lost amongst the three different architectural styles (Etruscan, Roman and Medieval).
Frascati is one of the Castelli Romani, a relaxed, historic small town to the south-east of Rome. The town is known for its beautiful, aristocratic villas built by well-to-do Roman families and the delicious cuisine.
Most of all this tour seeks to deliver the uniquer experience of being in small towns in the regions of Italy away from the usual tourist path. There is the opportunity to really engage with local culture with some of the best local guides in each region sharing their knowledge of the history with you.
Along our way on this 26 day tour whilst we enjoy time in the larger cities of Milan and Florence. Our purpose here is to learn about the contribution these regional centres made to village life before we retreat again to explore the smaller towns.
This small group tour Italian villages is one of 9 tours offered each year to travellers Italy by Odyssey . Each tour offers something different and all these tours are designed to interest the mature traveller, travelling either alone or in company. Because Odyssey's tours are fully escorted, they allow you time to enjoy yourself time exploring Italy.
Other tours offered can be found by clicking on the page links below and include:
For more details about Villages of Italy discovered, small group tours for senior travelers please click the ‘Top 5’ or ‘Itinerary’ buttons above! If you’re keen to experience this tour, please call or send an email. Or, to book, simply fill in the form on the right hand side of this page.
Italy, a favourite destination for travellers of all ages. Consider a small group package tour for mature and senior travelers for couples and singles to Italy. Offer history, walking and general discovery tours and long stay programs in Florence.
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Hugged by mountains and long sandy beaches, beautiful Lake Garda is a favoured holiday location. The stunning scenery, relaxed atmosphere, year-round mild temperature, and richly cultured historic towns and villages all make Lake Garda a…
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Messina, Italy Messina cityscape. Only a few kilometres from the Italian mainland, the city of Messina has long been the gateway to Sicily, a fascinating historical centre with a Belle Epoque twist. The city of…
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Trip planning advice for Mature Travellers touring Italy Italy is one of the world’s great tourist destinations. This Trip planning advice for mature travellers going to Italy should assist you […]
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For centuries Malta, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica held the key to the Mediterranean. We explore ’s the Mediterranean natural beauty, its ancient Roman, and Imperial heritage, its World Heritage Sites, and world famous cities, all with some truly spectacular scenery along the way. This and more is all waiting to be explored on one of Odyssey’s small group tours of the Islands of Mediterranean, designed for the senior traveller, and led by experienced, and enthusiastic like-minded people. This escorted tour of western Mediterranean explores the geography, history, culture and peoples of these 4 islands.
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