15-Nights Country Roads of Italy, a Women-Only Tour

15 nights from: $7,875

Country Roads Of Italy, A Women-Only Tour
Journey across the Italian peninsula on this 16-day women-only tour that stretches from the sapphire waters of the Amalfi Coast to the calming canals of Venice. On this small group tour, visit a winery run by the matriarchs of the family who are leading the way in making incredible wine and olive oil. Sail to the rock isle of Capri, where you can climb nearly 2,000 feet for unrivaled views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. In Perugia, learn the art of loom-weaving from a women-owned and -run weaving association and join a cocktail-making class in Florence. Conclude in Venice, cruising the canals to Burano, an idyllic, colorful island in the Venetian Lagoon where you’ll toast to a fantastic trip with artist and environmentalist Allison Zurfluh.


Dining Summary

• 5 Dinner with Wine (DW)
• 15 Breakfast (B)

• Siena: Visit the Basilica of St. Catherine with your Local Expert.
• Siena: Enjoy a tasting of Panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert containing fruits and nuts.

• Rome: Savor dinner at a uniquely Roman restaurant, offering a perfect exploration of Lazio's typical flavors.
• San Gimignano: Ascend serpentine alleyways to the artisan gelato parlour of world champion gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli for a taste of his finest frozen treats.
• Parma: At Ciaolatte Parmesan you will meet, Signor Paolo, a local passionate about Italian food and quality cheese. Witness the cheese-making and ageing process of Parmigiano-Reggiano.
• Modena: Visit a producer of authentic balsamic vinegar.
• Burano: Cruise to the charming fisherman's island of Burano to enjoy a delicious dinner with wine and new-found friends.
• Lucca: Visit a traditional steam bakery and sample Buccellato, a sweet raisin bread.

• Siena: Visit the Basilica of St. Catherine with your Local Expert.
• Siena: Enjoy a tasting of Panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert containing fruits and nuts.

• Perugia: Meet Marta, founder of weaving association that is owned and run by women. Learn how Marta offers employment opportunities for local women and, alongside her weavers, preserves the ancient craft of loom-weaving in an artisan workshop.In addition to safeguarding the unique patterns, the workshop contributes to the protection of Umbria’s cultural heritage. Most notably, the workshop actively empowers women and girls through its education and training programs, advancing Global Goal 5: Gender Equality and 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities.
• Venice: Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing, now practised by precious few masters. Watch artisans create delicate works of art using rare traditional practices. The workshop's master craftsmen teach visitors about the traditional craft of glassblowing and its history which dates back to the 15th century. Every visit helps to support the workshop and the survival of this traditional craft.  This workshop directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
• Burano: Full of curiosities, the shimmering waters of the island of Burano and the Venice Lagoon will inspire the mind of any curious traveler. Embrace the scenery and feel part of the local community when you visit Burano with local artist and environmentalist Allison Zurfluh. Allison uses her passion for the environment to support the maintenance of the Venice lagoon and its endangered species. She'll introduce you to the local fishermen before a short boat ride to discover the life of the lagoon and understand why this area is such an inspiration both for her work to protect the indigenous wildlife and also as an artist. Upon returning to land, sip a glass of prosecco and see Allison’s artwork. This experience addresses United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 5: Gender Equality, 14: Life Below Water, and 13: Climate Action.

• Rome: Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a passionate local. See Circus Maximus and the Ancient Forum, where Ancient Roman political life and law courts mingled with open-air markets and shops.
• Rome: Visit the Colosseum, still echoing with the thronging crowds and ghostly cries of gladiatorial combat.
• Sorrento: Perched upon the cliffs, lookout to see the mighty Mount Vesuvius across the Bay of Naples.
• Sorrento: Experience the social ritual of la passeggiata.
• Capri: Cruise by jetfoil to this famous isle through beautiful blue Mediterranean waters.
• Capri: Explore Capri town with your Local Expert and see the whitewashed houses, winding alleyways, small cafes, fashionable boutiques and artisans studios.
• Florence: Join a Local Expert to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square. See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods.
• Florence: See the historic neighborhood of the Santa Croce Basilica and witness local craftspersons at work during a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
• San Gimignano: Visit the medieval Manhattan of Italy.
• Cinque Terre: Led by your Local Expert, visit this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site, tucked away on the mountainous Italian Riviera coastline. Explore one of the five charming fishing villages for some memorable pictures.
• Venice: Delight in the magic of this charming city as you glide along the canals by gondola.
• Venice: With your Travel Director cruise to St. Mark's Square and see the Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark's Basilica.
• Lucca: Explore the city of Lucca. Admire the churches, piazzas and palaces within the medieval ramparts.
• Pompeii: Walk w
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A lovely and unspoiled walled city, Lucca once enjoyed a position of power in Italy second only to Florence. Today, it's famous as the birthplace of composer Giacomo Puccini, as well as for its silks and olive oil, and it has become a favorite spot for artists and writers. Lucca Travel
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When in Lucca, do what the locals do: Enjoy a leisurely walk while taking in the town's best sights. Spend some time walking along the city's ramparts, 3 mi/5 km long and wide enough to have grassy lawns and an occasional park bench. In town, take a walk down the medieval streets, stopping at the 14th-century Duomo San Martino to see Nicola Pisano's Descent From the Cross and the Volto Santo (Holy Face). It is said to have been carved by Nicodemus, who witnessed the Crucifixion, and is one of medieval Europe's most famous relics.

Walk down the Via Fullungo, which cuts through the middle of town leading to the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, the site of a former oval Roman theater now lined with buildings. The original amphitheater retains its structure 6 ft/2 m below the road, with remains still visible in the buildings and shops surrounding the plaza.

Although you can see Lucca in half a day, you may want to linger to soak in its tranquil atmosphere and enjoy the many fine restaurants.