Central Italian Gems North of Rome, South of Florence
September 22-28, 2012
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Visits to local artisans’ workshops
- A fun cooking session and wine tasting at a beautiful winery
- Stunning medieval hilltowns like Orvieto, Perugia, Assisi, Spello
- Delicious and memorable meals, including wine
- Convenience of staying in one deluxe hotel for five nights
INTRODUCTION
One of Venture Out’s most popular tours in our early days (1998-2001) was our “Hilltowns of Tuscany” itinerary. Here’s another take on that with a whole new assortment of amazing medieval towns that you’ve probably never been to but are well worth your while to experience! Our tour meets in Rome before heading north to explore the wonderful towns and cities of Orvieto, Assisi, Perugia, Bevagna and Montefalco, among others. Also on our program are unique opportunities to enjoy a fun cooking session at a beautiful historic winery (and enjoy the meal afterwards, of course!) and to visit visit fascinating local artisans’ workshops (handpainted ceramics and handwoven fabrics) which focus on the continuation of beautiful medieval and Renaissance craftsmanship.
This in-depth exploration of Central Italy’s marvelous medieval hilltowns and bucolic landscapes will take us to the “must-see” highlights as well as off the beaten track for some much less common and very interesting sights and activities. This is an area with an exceedingly rich art history, lavish natural beauty, stunning ancient towns, and of course, delicious cuisine and excellent wines!
The countryside here is rustically pretty, with steep hills and narrow valleys. The region is often called the “Green Heart of Italy” (and is officially known as Umbria). Its tidy, beautiful hilltowns are of pinkish gray stone. From some spots you can see several at a time, like an archipelago of islands crowned with villages, one behind the other, vanishing into the horizon. Each of them is crammed with artistic and architectural treasures.
Gastronomic credentials here include the highly prized truffle, found only here and one other area in the country. These strange delicacies have been coveted since Roman times for their aromatic, not to mention aphrodisiac qualities. The local pasta, meat and game, delicious olive oil, and cheese all add to the alluring mix.
Morocco has historically conjured up images of ancient walled cities, desert-crossing camel caravans, Arab sultans, Berber tribesmen, and mud-walled kasbahs shaded by tall date palms. Morocco still delivers this, plus much more. At the crossroads of Africa, Arabia, and Europe, 21st-century Morocco is an exotic land of intriguing culture, mesmerizing landscapes, great shopping, memorable experiences, and is very welcoming of Western travelers. Morocco is filled with unforgettable travel experiences.
Having gained its independence from France just over 50 years ago, Morocco has, over time, been trodden by many different feet. Its mountains, coast, plains, and desert have hosted settlers, nomads, and conquerors. Today this is visible in the country’s religion (indoctrinated by marauding Muslims in the 7th century), artisans and musicians (an aural and visual mix of Berber, Andalusian, Jewish, and Arabic), and, of course, its cuisine!
Throughout this trip we will be using very comfortable, upscale accommodations. The medina throughout Morocco is the ancient walled city constructed through the ages by the country’s various dynasties, protected from invaders by the imposing walls that now separate it from the rest of the city. The traditional dwellings within the medina go by the name of riad or dar, and many of these have now been converted into beautiful accommodations for tourists. The Arabic word riad translates to “garden,” while dar simply means “house,” and this is the main distinction between the two dwellings. Both typically have no windows onto the street outside, instead having all windows opening inward to an open-air central courtyard that is the heart of the house. The service areas — kitchen, hammam, and laundry — are normally on the entrance side near the street.
The courtyard in a true riad has both a fountain and garden, or at least some fruit trees. Riads tend to have many salons on multiple levels, often on all four sides but sometimes on only three sides, with the garden up against the fourth wall. A dar mirrors a riad in much of its design, but is generally smaller. While it might have a fountain, it lacks the central garden in the courtyard. The principal elevating characteristics of both dwellings are their sanctuary from the busy streets outside and their interior courtyards that are open toward the sky.
TOUR MANAGER
Small-Ship Luxury Cruise in Southeastern Alaska aboard the Newly Refurbished Safari Endeavour
INTRODUCTION
American Safari Cruises’ programs allow the freedom to engage in off-ship activities every day so you may be as active as you like — or perhaps just sit back and soak in the beautiful environment that envelops you everywhere we go. It’s your choice. Kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are available for excursions. Skiff rides (small inflatable boats) will explore shoreline, wildlife and glaciers truly up close — something that the big cruise liners simply can’t do. Expert naturalists and guides cruising with us lead excursions on land and sea. An enhanced program of educational presentations will be presented in the ship’s salon. In Glacier Bay, a National Park Ranger boards the ship for two days to lead hiking and kayaking excursions and provide interpretation of the area’s history, culture and geography.
OUR SHIP & ACTIVITIES
Other amenities/facilities include two massage rooms, two on-deck hot tubs, sauna, exercise equipment (elliptical trainers and stationary bikes), wine bar, educational and entertainment DVD library, book library, hydrophones to listen to whales and other below-surface sounds, underwater bow camera, board games, binoculars, hiking poles, rubber boots, rain gear. A crew of 34 will ensure attentive service with a guest-crew ratio of 2.5 to 1.
AMERICAN SAFARI CRUISES
The itinerary is flexible enough that our Captain can change course when word of whale sightings comes over the radio, or slow the engines and linger in a tidal inlet if bears are out foraging on the beach. You also become familiar with your crew and staff, whose goal is to make every aspect of your journey a pleasure and to facilitate your adventures ashore. You’re always welcome to visit the bridge and discuss navigation with the Captain. Throughout our voyage, we’re accompanied by a knowledgeable Expedition Leader who offers timely narratives about the local history and wildlife and keeps a lookout for wildlife. Humpback whales abeam while you’re in the lounge? Our guide will sound the alert!
Dining is a true delight — a cornucopia of fresh local seafood, just-baked breads, hearty soups, exquisite entrees, sinfully delicious desserts. Everyone is served at one seating, family-style; dress is always casual. Dietary restrictions are taken into account to the extent possible; please alert us in advance of the nature of any dietary restrictions.
On our cruise we’ll spend two days deep into Glacier National Park, not merely cruising past the astounding scenery, but stopping to go ashore or kayak with our Expedition Leader or Park Ranger — activities which the big cruise ships can’t do. We’ll explore this unforgettable “natural laboratory” where receding glaciers reveal a landscape that has been covered with ice for tens of thousands of years. To experience Glacier Bay is to experience nature in its primary stages, a rare opportunity indeed.