Private Tours at Great Rates!

Bruges is a perfectly preserved medieval city. Strolling through its winding streets lined with gorgeous buildings along narrow canals is ultimate bliss.

Experience a diverse and bilingual city also known as the capital of Europe which is full of surprises and charm with a new and fresh approach. Discover the soul of Brussels in a vehicle of your choice for either a half or complete day.

The intent of this tour is to the give the visitor a contemporary and historical view of the city which includes districts of architectural gems, cultural traditions, and commercial / residential vocation. It’s a place that mixes politics with comic strips and Art Nouveau with chocolates.

Louise District:

Experience the sights of Louise Avenue and some of the Art Nouveau houses. 

Residential District:

EEC, Cinquantenaire:

Laeken - Heyzel:

In a vehicle of your choice you will discover the soul of a city and her region.

During a half day or a complete day, Brussels will unveil you her history, her traditions, her cultural and folk wealths and above all...her art to live.

Ghent, the capital of East Flanders, also known as the historic heart of Flanders and a city of all times is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

Waterloo, the morne plaine of Victor Hugo, thanks its celebrity to the duke of Wellington.

From his headquarters, he drafted the message about the defeat of Napoleon in the battle of Mont - St - Jean or of the «Belle Alliance».

Although most of the fights took place on the territory of Braine l’Alleud and the surrounding places, history commemorates it under the name of battle of Waterloo with the Lion’s Mount.

Celebrate all over the world, 28 iron tons were necessary to manufacture it. He is perched on a cone of earth of 169 meters of diameter that Dutchmen raised presumed right side up where the Prince of orange was wounded.

Of the top of the 40 meters of the mound and the 226 steps you can contemplate the field of Battle of June 18, 1815.

The first confrontations took place June 16, but it is the day of June 18 that was decisive for armies put in presence.

Shanghai Tour

This half-day tour emphasizes the highlights that should not be missed when visiting this city; the peaceful and transcendent Jade Buddha Temple and the Silk Museum. Take a stroll around the beautiful Yuyuan Gardens created during the Ming Dynasty and also Shanghai Old Street which reflects the time period of the Qing Dynasty.

Shanghai Golf Tour

Sun Island Golf Club lies 55km west of Shanghai and is a 160 hectares island resort developed and managed by Singapore based Prime Group International. The golf course is the first in Shanghai designed by Nelson, Wright, and Haworth Golf Architects. It is a 27-hole golf course which includes a 9-hole classic view course, about 3416 yards long, a 9-hole lake view course, about 3465 yards long, and a 9-hole island view course, about 3413 yards long. The China Volvo Open was hosted here in 1998, and in 2001, Sun Island Golf Course was voted Shanghai’s, No. 1 golf course and one of the top 5 golf courses in China.

Split Tour

Split is the second largest city in Croatia and the largest on the Adriatic coast with just under 200,000 inhabitants. Emerging from a Greek Settlement found between the 3rd and 4th centuries, the height of Split’s history came in 295 AD when Roman emperor Diocletian ordered a residence to be built there for his retirement. It took ten years to build this magnificent palace and Diocletian lived there until his death in 313 AD. From that moment onward, many Roman rulers continued to use it as a retreat. In the 7th century, when the Roman colony of Salona was abandoned, many of its inhabitants sought sanctuary behind the palace’s high walls and their descendants lived there until the present day.

The city enjoyed a good degree of autonomy between the 12th and 14th centuries before it was conquered by the Venetians in 1420. After the fall of Venetian rule in 1797, Split was ruled by the Austrians, and briefly by the French, before becoming part of the Yugoslavia that was formed in 1918. Much of its development occurred after 1920 when Zadar, Dalmatia’s official capital, became an Italian enclave. In 1941, the city was occupied by the Italians and a very strong resistance movement soon evolved. The city was first liberated in 1943, after the capitulation of Italy, and then finally in October of 1944 when the first people’s government of Croatia was formed.

Versailles: Also known as the greatest palace in the world; is a castle with gardens that symbolizes French grandeur. During the course of the excursion you will be surrounded by 17th century ambiance and the magnificence of French style gardens.

Vaux Le Vicomte: The castle which made the sun king jealous, is a beautiful and magnificent masterpiece of 17th century architecture designed by Louis Le Vau and Le Notre who were also the architects of Versailles.

This is a nine hour tour with an English speaking chauffeur. Reims, is the city of champagne and coronations. Start your tour with a visit to the magnificent gothic cathedral where most of the French kings had been crowned. This site presents star features that include the gallery of kings, smiling angels, and the great rose window. Visit a major cellar (Piper Heidick or Mumm) accompanied by fine and heady champagne tasting. Take an afternoon cruise through the Eperny to burrow into the chalky caves and stroll down the Avenue De Champagne with a stop at the prestigious cellar of Moet Et Chardon or Mercier.

Eiffel Tower: You can go up the Eifel tower using the lifts; three lifts North, East and West pillars will take you to the 1st and 2nd floors (115m), change lift at the 2nd floor to go to the top (276m) by foot, meaning you will go up the stairs (704 steps).

Champs-Elysees: One of the most famous Boulevard in the 8th arrondissement of Paris (district), measuring 1.9 Kilometers (1.2 miles) long and 70 meters (230 ft) wide, which runs between the “Place de la Concorde” and the “Place Charles de Gaulle” where the “Arc de Triomphe” is located.

Louvre Museum: One of the world’s largest museum and a historic monument in Paris. Originally built as a fortress in the 12th century under Philip II, still visible in the basement of the museum. This museum is divided among eight curatorial departments: Egyptian antiquities, Near eastern antiquities, Greek, Etruscan, Roman anququities, Islamic art, Sculpture, decorative arts.

Notre-Dame: Roman Catholic Church who receives visitors from all over the world. Tours of the cathedral itself exploring its architectural design, sculptures, painting, stained glass and history will take you about an hour to complete. The cathedral towers are also open for visit giving you a breath taking view of Paris. An archeological Crypt located under the cathedral’s Parvis shows the result of the excavations under the parvis which revealed the ruins of ancient Paris.

Montmartre: A large hill of 130 meters high in the northern section of the city. This place is where many artist during the beginning of the twentieth century had studios or worked in or around this area. Artist such as Salvador Dali, Amedeo Modigliani, Claude Monet, Piet Mondrian, Pablo Picasso, Camille Pissarro, and Vincent Van Gogh.

Luxembourg Garden: Located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris created in 1612 by Marie de Medici, the widow of King Henry IV of France for a new residence that she constructed. This is an imitation of Marie de Medici native Florence, the Petti Palace expanding it in 1630.

This is an eleven hour tour with an English speaking chauffeur. Start your trip with a relaxing drive to Normandy crossing Pegasus Bridge heading towards the D-Day Landing Beaches where other WWII sites are still preserved. Discover the D-Day Landing Museum with its astounding film records given by the British admiralty. The afternoon excursion will take us along the famous beaches (Arromanches) : Utah, Gold, Juno, Sword, Omaha, St. Laurent, and the Point de Hoc beaches.

This is a twelve hour tour with an English speaking chauffeur. A beautiful scenic drive through Normandy will lead to Mont Saint Michel also known as “The Marvel of the Western World”. We will visit the Abbey, a gothic monastery with a remarkable cloister and refectory that served as a pilgrimage site during the Middle Age and take a stroll through the nearby famous steep sided narrow streets.

This is a half-day tour with an English speaking chauffeur. France Miniature: A magnificent view over France as if you were riding in a helicopter high in the sky. Chantilly: Discover the largest horse stables of the world built in the 18th century and the very elegant castle of Duke D’Aumale with its sumptuous apartments, libraries, and art collections.

Fontainebleau and Barbizon: Visit the royal palace and its gardens, chosen as a most favored residence by the kings and emperors of France for eight centuries. Discover a typical village which hosted and gave inspiration to many great painters such as Corot, Millet, and Rousseau.

Vaux Le Vicomte: Visit one of the most beautiful and exquisite masterpieces of the 17th century which has been restored and refurbished. The garden was designed by Louis Le Vau and Le Motre who were the architects of Versailles.

This is a half-day tour with an English speaking chauffeur. Visit the castles of Fontainebleau and Barbizon, (The Village of the Painters). Enjoy the royal palace and its gardens, chosen as a most favored residence by the kings and emperors of France for eight centuries. Discover a typical village which hosted and gave inspiration to many great painters such as Corot, Millet, and Rousseau.

This is a nine hour tour with an English speaking chauffeur. Cruise along the beautiful countryside through the sweeping plains of La Beauce up to Chartres. Visit a majestic gothic cathedral with its famous stained glass windows dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries.

Chartres: Cruise along the beautiful countryside through the sweeping plains of La Beauce up to Chartres. Visit a majestic gothic cathedral with its famous stained glass windows dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries.

Discover the largest horse stables of the world built in the 18th century and the very elegant castle of Duke D’Aumale with its sumptuous apartments, libraries, and art collections.

Travel through Pontoise and the picturesque Oise valley up to the village where Vincent Van Gogh died after having spent the last part of his life and most prolific months of his career completing a painting a day, such as the famous Auver Sur Oise Church. The Chateau of Auvers is a step into the impressionist's era. The tour also covers a visit to the village of Van Gogh's grave and the Van Gogh museum.

This is a twelve hour tour with an English speaking chauffeur. Take a journey through the opulence of the royal living quarters during the Renaissance period and the “Garden of France”. Visit Amboise, Chenonceau, and Chambord with a possibility of staying overnight in a nice chateau. Other outstanding Chateaux: Azay Le Rideu, Villandry, Langeais, and Blois which can be combined with visits of the Loire Valley, vineyards and cellars along with Chinon, Bourgeuil, Vouvray, Azay-Le-Rideau, Amboise, Sancerre, and Anjou.

Enjoy a full day visit to Acropolis, Panathinaikon Stadium, Ancient Agora, Temple of Zeus, Lycabetus Hill, Royal Palace, and the Benaki Museum. There are also many other museums of various interest that are accessible. You’re also welcome to shop with the locals and eat lunch at the Harbour of Athens Pireaus.

Enjoy a visit to the Canal of Corinth, Ancient Corinth, and Acrocorinthos then return back to Athens.

The journey begins in Athens, making stops at the Byzantine Monastery Osios Loukas and then continues to the beautiful village of Arahova proceeding to the archaeological place and Museum of Delphi. We will enjoy lunch at the village of Delphi before returning to Athens.

Listed below are places that we suggest visiting. We invite you to customize your tour based on what you want to see. We can accommodate any size group and have a superb selection of Sedans, minivans, vans, and buses. Our crew of well trained English chauffeurs who are locally based will be of excellent service and promise an unforgettable experience.

• Akrotiri Excavations
• Archaeological Museum of Thira Town
• Oia Village
• Ammoudi The traditional port of Oia for lunch
• Thira Town
• Imerovigli for photos
• Pyrgos Village
• Perivolos Beach

A visit to the Umbrian town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, is like going back to the 12th century. The town still retains its ancient rhythms. Apart from important religious buildings not considered solely the heritage of Assisi, such as the basilica of St. Francis, the tourist can also visit the churches of St. Clare and St. Peter.

For those who have the good fortune of visiting this splendid town, an individual would have to agree that the beauty of Assisi goes beyond a short and necessarily incomplete list of works of art more or less extraordinary, but is found in the atmosphere of places which the story and the faith of the Saint have rendered unique all over the world.

Umbria is also known for the peculiar and strong tradition of food and wines; it is impossible to avoid eating the famous pasta with tartufo (strangozzi) or to try the delicious meat served in all restaurants of this region. Umbria is made up of hills, then it is the land of grapes, and a taste of its typical wines will make you feel the smell and taste of this land.

The monumental complex at Caserta, created by the Bourbon King Charles III in the mid-18th century to rival Versailles and the Royal Palace in Madrid, is exceptional for the way in which it brings together a magnificent palace with its park and gardens, as well as a natural woodland, hunting lodges, and a silk factory. It is an eloquent expression of the Enlightenment in material form, integrated into its natural setting.

The Park, designed by the architect Luigi Vanvitelli as a natural complement to the Royal Palace, extends over approximately 120 hectares on slightly sloping land. It is adorned with several fountains that have a crescendo of theatrical effects, where the artistic powers of the natural element are subordinated to an architectural design based on perspective.

The plant of the Royal Palace is rectangular, with the area inside divided into four courtyards. The building is 41 meters tall, and has around 1200 rooms. Absolutely wonderful are the Library, the Crib, and obviously the Park with the fountains: the Fountain of the Dolphins, the Fountain of Eolo, the Fountain of Cerere, the Fountain of Venus and Adone, and the Fountain of Diana.

The quiet volcanoes surrounding Rome provide lush landscapes, famous wines, and delicious strawberries for world-weary Romans. The sixteen towns that comprise of this area and are perched on these ancient extinct volcanoes overlooking Rome are best known for their Renaissance villas and wines.

Frascati’s patrician villas and famed fruity, dry white wines remain two of the town’s finest attractions. The 1598 Villa Aldobrandini dominates the hill over the town: Visit the sculpture-filled gardens, Bernini fountains and the Ninfeo – a “Theater of Water” featuring Pan, Atlas, and a Satyr.

The most attractive of the hill towns is situated in a lovely spot on the slopes of Monte Cavo facing the Alban lakes and its enveloping hills. The views of the lake, the far woods, and the papal palace of Castel Gandolfo on the opposite moutain are superb.

This is the summer residence of the pope. The papal palace, a 17th century edifice designed by Carlo Maderno, stands practically on the foundations of another equally regal summer residence, the villa of Emperor Domitian.

Is located between two lakes; the Albano lake and the Nemi lake. Its origins are very ancient and its territory once included the temple dedicated to the goddess Diana in which was one of the most important Latin sanctuaries. In 981, it became part of Earl of Tuscolo feud, but only during the 12th century, when the area was bought from the Chigi family, was the whole village totally restored by Bernini.

Just half an hour from noisy, bustling Milan, Lake Como is a jewel-like oasis of tranquility, a magical combination of lush Mediterranean foliage and snowy alpine peaks. One of the best vantage points for this breathtaking view is in Piazza Cavour, on the banks of the lake in the town of Como. At the heart of Como’s walled Old Town, Piazza San Fedele has many four hundred year odl buildings and the basilica. As you travel north you’ll see Como’s only island, Isola Comacina.

Lake Como is renowned for its exquisite villas and probably the most famous one, the Villa Carlotta, a perfect combination of luxurious interiors (beautiful stuccos, lovely ceiling frescoes, and a great art collection, including an Eros and Psyche by Antonio Canova) and exteriors.

Varenna may be the most picturesque town on the lake, its steep winding alleys lined with charming homes, flowering balconies, and lace-curtained windows.

On the southern shore is Bellaggio, “La Perla del Lago” (“The Pearl of the Lake”), considered by many to be the most beautiful town in all of Europe. Its narrow cobbled streets, breathtaking views, and glorious villas make it an enchanting spot.

Deruta village, is located on a hill on the left of the river Tiber in Umbria. It is a famous place for the production of artistic pottery. The village probably has Roman origins, but the present Deruta was born during the middle age, following the steps of Perugia.

The city of Deruta is known all around the world for its art and for its ceramics since the middle ages and reached its apex during the 16th century.

Derutesi pottery are famous for decorations on plates, vases, and objects of any shape, giving them a magic light of blue, yellow, and green. The most ancient creations are now preserved in museums all around the world.

A mysterious, ancient and powerful people coming from Asia, settled between Lazio and Tuscany, made important discoveries in medicine, war technology, architecture, and with a deep felling of death, religion, future, and superstition. This advanced civility left us the heritage of big necropolises, paintings, and sculptures which can be admired in magnificent cities around Rome.

The modern-day town of Tarquinia, rich in medieval monuments, is in the northern part of Lazio. One of the largest collections of Etruscan archaeological finds belongs to the National Museum. Guided tours of the painted tombs in the necropolises near the town also leave from the museum.

The modern-day city of Cerveteri stands on the same site as the ancient Etruscan city of Caere located approximately twenty five miles northwest of Rome and close to the Tyrrhenian coast. However, a point of great interest is the National Museum, which contains archaeological finds of great historic and artistic value discovered in the exceptional necropolises of the surrounding area.

The Etruscan city of Vulci lies on the border between Lazio and Tuscany. It stood close to the sea on the right bank of the river Fiora, on a plateau of volcanic origin, in an area which is today uninhabited. On the site of the ancient city, it is possible to see the remains of a villa dating from the 1st century BC.

The cultural and historical impact of Florence is overwhelming. Close up, the city is one of Italy’s most atmospheric and also very pleasant, retaining a strong resemblance to the small late-medieval center that contributed so much to the cultural and political development of Europe.

Entering Florence is like stepping back into the Renaissance. The shop-lined Ponte Vecchio, the trademark Duomo, the gem-filled Uffizi Gallery, the turreted Piazza della Signoria, and the Medici Chapels. This is a true feeling of going back to 1500 thanks to the Renaissance monuments, sculptures, and paintings.

A visit to the Uffizi Museum is a must! It contains the main masterpieces of the world in the area of the painting arts.

Allied to Rome since the 3rd century B.C., Roman origins, was erected a municipality. Blooming, then slowly declines until the invasion of the Herulis and Goths. Destroyed by Totila, it was rebuilt in a higher position on the slope of Mount Ingino and fortified with two towers for defense. Gubbio keeps autonomy even though prevailing authority of the bishops allowed them to extend into the 11th century and dominate a hundred castles.

Gubbio is famous in historical legend for importance in the life of St. Francis.

Perched on Italy’s northwest coast, Portofino is one of the most photogenic fishing ports in the Mediterranean. It has been a magnet for Europe’s beau monde for decades, from Rex Harrison to Elizabeth Taylor. Portofino is known for being Italy’s most picturesque and romantic village. Similar to the postcard photos it’s famous for, Portofino, appears to be frozen in time with its pastel fisherman houses lining the winding streets and is the old Italian Riviera at its best. When a cliff-face road was built, the municipality elders used restrictive zoning to limit the modernization and development of the community, thus retaining the old-world atmosphere.

Santa Margherita offers very contradictory features. Over the centuries, man’s work has enhanced the original gift of nature. Indeed it has gone further: There have been additions to its already perfect shape. Santa Margherita’s forms, colors, and the arrangement of its characteristic houses, rich villas, and great hotels have painted around its bay something similar to a magical reflection.

Visiting this location brings a great sense of freedom while at the same time leaving a pleasant impression of belonging to a privileged and joyous world. Santa Margherita leads an intense life around its harbor with elegant social occasions, celebrations, and traditional events.

Great tour with English speaking Chauffeur to Tuscany, Florence, Siena, Lucca, Pisa, Wine Street (Chianti Road) and back to the Port for your next destination stop.

Lucca and this part of Tuscany are extremely particular and have a completely different appearance to the classic Tuscan landscape. Majestic mountains of marble hover over the valley bottom along the river Serchio, where roads wind their way and unexpectedly open out into sunny areas with small ancient villages that are settled on green hills and reflect on lakes with magical images. Art and culture are of considerable importance in the territory near Lucca. The capital of the province is actually a unique example that has perfectly preserved its city walls and has maintained its characteristics since Roman times.

Internationally known as the olive oil capital of the world, Lucca stands out as one of the most beautiful Italian cities. Just inside the city, the Duomo San Martino is home to a wooden crucifix that was allegedly carved by Nicodemus and placed on a barge to float off to sea. Lucca is a very well preserved city with historic charm. Walking around the city enhances the experience and almost appears idyllic.

We are starting at a site that was sacred to the early Romans. This town grew up over the Roman town called Luca, following its general plan. About 500 BC, the Etruscans inhabited the area called Tusci by the Romans, and later became the region’s name of Tuscany. There is evidence of human habitation in this area for many thousands of years.

Lucca is a half-day tour through one of the most beautiful medieval towns in the world. Preserved within its surrounding city walls, Lucca, is the perfect walking city. Begin at the ancient cathedral and see the layout of the old Roman city plan. See sites from the time when Caesar, Pompeii, and Crassus met to form the first triumvirate. Experience the old Roman forum in Lucca and the Roman amphitheatre.

Piazza San Martino, which is the piazza in front of the cathedral or Duomo as referred to by the Italians. Piazza San Martino is the site of a lively antiques market on the third weekend of the month, and an arts and crafts festival on the last weekend of the month.

We are now facing Lucca’s original cathedral of San Giovanni e Santa Reparata. The church covers the site of a 5th century basilica named for Saint Reparta. The devout young Reparta was an early Christian, probably from the third century, and believed to have been martyred. Her memory is honored in this oldest church in Lucca. The present Romanesque building dates from the early eleven hundreds. The interior is spare gray stone with Roman columns. The elaborately coffered ceiling was added in the 17th century. You may already know that Romanesque is the oldest of the building styles from the Middle Ages. You may enter the church without an admission charge. But if you want to see the Baptistery or the archaeological digs, both located in the rear, there is a small charge. The Baptistery is interesting because it dates from the thirteen hundreds and because of its dome or cupola, which was studied by Bruneleschi, the architect of the famous dome in Florence. It is quite beautiful in its simplicity and elegant design.

The archaeological ruins in the excavations show ruins of Roman structures and baths from as early as the second century BC. There are five levels that have been unearthed. The excavations also found remains of the first church here dating from the 4th century and used as the cathedral until the seven hundreds.

Lucca, is generally accepted as the first town in Tuscany to convert to Christianity and its first bishop was Paulinus, a disciple of St. Peter.

When you go into the church, notice the exhibit beside the ticket window, which explains the church. If you choose to buy tickets to see the Baptistery and the archaeological ruins, do so at the inside ticket office. If there is a ticket that includes the sacristy in the Duomo, buy that, because you will want to enter.

Milan is the center of commerce for Italy and the heart of Italy’s fashion industry. It’s home to great designers such as Giorgio Armani, Gucci, and Valentino.

Some of the main sites in Milan are the Duomo of Milan, La Scala, the Santa Maria delle Grazie, and Pinacoteca di Brera.

The Duomo is located in the center of Milan. It is one of the largest churches in the world started in the thirteen hundreds, but not completed until over half a millennia later. The most noticeable part of the building is the roof with one hundred and thirty five spires that can be seen on a clear day from the Alps.

The Teatro all Scala, also known as La Scala, has the largest stage in Europe and attracts many of the greatest singers in the world.

The Santa Maria delle Grazie is important because it is home to Leonardo’s Last Supper. This is the picture where Christ tells his disciples that one of them will betray him. The portrait of Christ is not finished because Leonardo didn’t consider himself worthy to paint Christ.

The best collection of art in Milan is the Pinacoteca di Brera that has both classical and contemporary Italian works. The Marriage of the Virgin by Raphael is among one its important paintings.

Naples is the third most populated city in Italy and the most important industrial center and trading port for the South.

Known for its natural beauty, peculiar traditions, culture, character of its people, magnificence of its monuments, and the splendor of it gulf, it is the most famous city in the South of Italy and one of the most famous cities in the world.

Discover the hidden beauty of Naples, beginning with a walk through the city center to admire Piazza del Plebiscito, the Royal Palace, the Maschio Angioino, and Spaccanapoli, followed by a panoramic tour passing through Posillipo, via Partenope and Castel dell’Ovo.

The tour of medieval Northern Lazio will plunge the visitor into an “Old time” atmosphere, among narrow streets in small and wonderful villages perched on mountains. These villages have only seen slight changes so that a visit will be a trip through the past. The most representative and impressive sites are Bagnoregio, Bolsena, the park of Bomarzo and Viterbo.

The origins of Bagnoregio go back to the pre- Etruscan era. The area around Bagnoregio offers its visitors a vast space and luxurious vegetation where it is possible to enjoy relaxation and tranquility. The most interesting buildings are the Piramide-Ossario, the Porta Alabana, Piazza Cavour, and the Church dell’Annunziata.

The traveler who approaches Bagnoregio immediately notices a surreal view, with a small group of houses perched on a rock. There are suggestive ruins of the houses of Bagnoreggio along the only street running through the village. The hills and the landscape surrounding Bagnoregio offer the view of natural sculptures made by water, wind, and time in the clay.

Bolsena is a charming town on the hill slopes overlooking the lake and surrounded by thriving nature. This village had its most flourishing period between the 1st and 4th century A.D. The Roman city was abandoned during the 4th century, probably because of the raids of the longobards, then the town community went to live on the cliff still holding the medieval quarter around the castle. This is Bolsena as we know it today.

Bomarzo is a peculiar park in a beautiful villa 90 km from Rome built by the Orsini family between 1552 and 1580. What makes this park unique are its sculptures; enormous monsters immersed in a luxuriant landscape that were created by following the imitation of nature; they represent mythical, scary and strange figures in marble. The park remained unknown until 1938 when discovered by Salvador Dalí.

Still enclosed within its walls, Viterbo has preserved a medieval appearance surprisingly unaltered and is even more colorful due to the survival of the ancient artisan traditions. Churches, buildings, towers, fountains, and the quarter of Saint Pellegrino, are all immersed together with its ancient construction of rock in an extraordinary and captivating atmosphere. Viterbo was once the chief town of Tuscia, an area once possessed by the Etruscans, and boasts of archaeological findings of this ancient and mysterious civilization found within its vicinity. The town’s programs of cultural and folklore events are extremely entertaining and exciting.

The traveler who approaches Orvieto by train or car will begin to see from a distance, a city that rises on a plateau of volcanic tuff, surrounded by a landscape of fields and vineyards.

Because of its location, Etruscan roots, charming medieval character, and above all because of its celebrated cathedral, which is a gem of gothic architecture, Orvieto is one of Italy’s most unique and interesting cities. The Duomo, built during the years 1290-1320, is a Gothic-Romanesque style church, its façade a mix of marble and mosaics.

The Pozzo di San Patrizio (Saint Patrick’s Well) was built during the period of 1527-1537, based on a design by Antonio da Sangallo. The famous double helix staircase will allow you to walk down into the well (200 feet, 248 steps for each ramp) and come back up again without retracing your steps. It was useful to carry out water with donkeys.

Unlike Pompeii and even Herculaneum, Paestum is often deserted, and its gleaming white marble temples, set against the dark brown hills and deep blue sea, provide a uniquely Greek experience in Italy.

Paestum has always been shrouded in mystery founded around 650 BC by a large group of Dorians who had been expelled from the city of Sybaris, a luxurious resort across the mainland on the Ionian Sea. The Dorians named their new colony Poseidonia, after the most important of their gods; it flourished and quickly became the greatest city on the gulf of Salerno.

Incredibly, although Paestum’s Temple of Hera (also called “of Poseidon”) was among the most famous cult-worship sites in antiquity, and the oldest, best preserved, and most beautiful Doric temple in existence today, and despite the city’s proximity to Salerno (24 miles) and Capaccio (4 miles), these majestic ruins were unknown throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance period. Although scholars had been searching for the ruins for centuries, they were not discovered until 1740 and not accurately described until 1779.

Pisa was an ancient maritime republic dating from the 1st century BC and is the city from whence Galileo Galilei and the Medici family originated. Pisa is famous for its Leaning Tower in the Campo dei Miracoli. For the millennium, the first stage of a new maritime museum opened and began housing Roman ships retrieved from the bottom of the sea.

Pisa plays a main role from an artistic point of view: Here, the renewal in architecture, sculpture, and painting anticipate the Florentine movement of the Renaissance: The famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, castles, churches, monasteries, all scattered on the hilltops along the rivers and in the ancient streets. The natural and environmental heritage is particularly attractive. The thermal baths are alluring too. In its streets, squares, churches, and palaces, Volterra maintains elements characteristic of different historical periods: From the Etruscans to the Romans from the Middle Ages to the 18th century.

A splendid excursion through the fertile and picturesque Tuscan countryside towards the historic university city, Pisa, is famous for its architectural beauty.

The tour proceeds to Piazza dei Miracoli to find the celebrated Leaning Tower, the Cathedral (an unequalled masterpiece of Romanesque art carried out between the 11th and 12th centuries), the Baptistery, and other important monuments. The walk continues to the Piazza dei Cavalieri, where the Scuola Normale, one of the most famous universities in the world resides.

The Cathedral Square is the heart of Pisa and the immortal symbol of the splendor and power of the golden age of the Republic of Pisa. Consisting of world famous monuments, the square can well claim to be the symbol of Italian art: It is certainly one of the most notable and admired sights in the whole world. Few towns in the world can boast of a past as splendid as the one of Pisa. During the course of more than ten centuries, its citizens have left a permanent mark on the history and art of the western civilization. The history of Pisa is marked by an impressive series of success. From Pisa, especially when the sky is clear, you can see the imposing chain of the Alpi Apuane and the world famous marble quarries of Carrara.

From these quarries comes the white stone used in making the buildings of Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square). Italy and Europe are full of beautiful cities; Pisa is a town that has often been described as a radiant city, a serene and horizontal town without any of those sharp contrasts which characterize so many of the medieval Tuscan and Italian towns.

Perugia and its surrounding countryside are rich in prehistoric remains, history, and fable.

Perugia has a long tradition as a universal city. The university was founded during the 13th century and it served as a very important Etruscan city with marvelous buildings such as the Etruscan Arch or the Etruscan Well. The Roman emperor Ottaviano conquered the city and gave it a new name: “Augusta Perusia”. The great “Guelf strong-hold” rises up in the region’s heart, with its five quarters closed-in by its Etruscan town walls. These enormous bastions were constructed twenty-two centuries ago and are still visible for long stretches.

The infamous panoramic gardens deserve a visit: Built on the foundations of the Rocca Paolina, a strong-hold built by Pope Paul III in 1540, these foundations contain an entire quarter of the old Perugia: A dead city, a sort of medieval Pompeii which has been brought to light again and which is fascinating to visit.

A must see is the architectural complex of St. Francesco, with the Oratory of St. Bernardino, a masterpiece of Agostino di Duccio, who, in covering the façade with Bas-relief of enchanting grace and modeled finesse, made it a little poem of Renaissance sculpture. Among the most important manifestations taking place in the city is the musical festival “Umbria Jazz” and the gastronomic festival “Eurochocolate”.

Walking along the streets of Pompeii means going back in time, for its tragic destruction and miraculous unearthing represents a unique historical and human document. Pompeii presents a picture, still intact, of a city whose life was unexpectedly interrupted in 79 A.D. by one of the most catastrophic eruptions of Vesuvius. For centuries, there was no information to be found about Pompeii, even its exact position was lost. The first discoveries took place in 1628 in the Sarno valley. The most extraordinary aspect of Pompeii is represented by the variety of styles amongst the paintings covering the walls of the houses. Such paintings are almost always pieces copied from the masterworks of celebrated Grecian artists which, unfortunately, are now lost.

Rome, the eternal city, the “Caput Mundi”, the strongest empire ever existed, the main house for Catholics since the dark times of the Pontifical State, an important political center in Europe; all these particulars of the capital of Italy are evident in its buildings, palaces, and many magnificent churches.

Two thousand years ago Rome was already a big metropolis with a million and a half inhabitants. This is the reason for such a big stadium as the Coloseum or Circo Massimo where even ship battles were represented; or big political and commercial centers as the Forums, which are today real open air museums, highest pillars, gardens, etc…

St. Peter’s Cathedral (another state in the state of Italy) is a huge and grand church that astonishes its visitors with its baroque style. Visiting Rome city center, remember to throw a coin and make a wish in the famous Fontana di Trevi and to have a shopping day around the beautiful Piazza di Spagna with its famous stairs to Trinitá dei Monti.

Spoleto is an ideal starting point for an in-depth exploration of the visual and historical heritage of Italy. Cities boasting important works of art, like Assisi, Perugia, and Orvieto, are easily reached by car or by train; Rome or Florence are less than two hours away. Spoleto is emblematic of central Italy, both historically and artistically. Located in an enviable topographical position, Spoleto boasts a rich historical past that is still faithfully witnessed by the gorgeous artifacts spread throughout the town. Displaying The Roman Theatre, the old city walls, and gates which stand next to the visually dazzling cathedral and the majestic Rocca (a 14th century castle), the entire urban center is beautified by numerous elegant Baroque churches and Renaissance palaces – tangible heritage of many different civilizations and artistic styles.

In July, there is the “Festival dei Due Mondi”, a very important international cultural festival of music, poems, cinema, and opera.

Taormina is a charming hillside town with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the majestic volcanic cone of Mount Etna. Bathed in sunshine and steeped in archaeological history, Taormina is the perfect destination for a relaxing vacation in Sicily.

This little peninsula consists of a clot of magma iced by waters, stretching out into the Ionian Sea. At this precise geographical point in the world, two thousand seven hundred years ago, there began the great adventure of a people that, in a spare few decades, created an unparalleled and envied myth and whose cities, were to rival in splendor and beauty.

Mt. Etna is known as the volcano with the longest record of volcanic activity with the first historic eruption in 1500 B.C. It has erupted many times since then and is almost continuously venting gas and steam.

Mt. Etna has a complex of cones at its summit, which is nearly 3300 meters above sea level. Mt. Etna is a constructional landform that has been built upwards for millennia; it contrasts subtly but distinctly in this view, with the surrounding lower hills which are water-eroded landforms sculpted into V-shaped valleys by the erosive power of flowing water streams.

From the bell tower in Todi you can see far out into the Umbrian countryside. No one knows exactly when the town was founded, but some say it dates back to 1955 B.C. Enthusiasts praise the way the town has evaded the trappings of modern life. Perhaps it’s Todi’s out-of-the-way location that has kept it safe from the rush of modern life.

Set in a stunning location, the hill of Todi rises in a valley and is one of Umbria’s oldest inhabited towns. It has a great atmosphere and sights that are well worth seeing – the impressive Piazza del Popolo and several churches. The town is composed of a network of narrow steep streets, typical of medieval hill towns surrounded by a semi circular wall that was built by the Romans.

It is a pleasant experience to walk along Todi’s narrow streets and look into the workshops of various artisans, or to come across one of the numerous little churches. The most impressive of the castles remaining intact is probably Montenero, situated high on a hill overlooking the southern boundaries and surrounded by a thick forest of pine trees. A must see for visiting tourists are the remains of Todi’s ancient Campidoglio.

You will be astonished by the daring lines of a style that, from the late 17th century, transformed Turin into one of the capitals of Baroque art. Magnificent royal residences and imposing church domes bear witness to the greatness of architects such as Guarino Guarini, Filippo Juvarra, and Ascanio Vitozzi.

Discover the history of Italy by visiting a city that became the first capital of Italy, in 1861. Immerse yourself in the history of the period with a visit to Palazzo Carignano, where the magnificent chamber of the First Subalpine Parliament is still intact.

Consisting of forty museums, Turin can satisfy everyone’s curiosity. The Museo Nazionale del Cinema housed in the truly astounding Mole Antonelliana, proposes an unforgettable adventure in the fascinating world of movies, then, there is the GAM, which exhibits paintings by Chagall, Modigliani, Picasso, and others; and the Museo Egizio, second in the world to the one in Cairo for the quantity and importance of the objects conserved.

Inside the Cathedral, Turin conserves one of the most important items for the Christian religion, the Holy Shroud, or sheet that supposedly had been wound around the body of Christ.

Kusadasi is a major and important port by the Aegean Sea for all the big and small luxurious cruise ships cruising the islands.

Ephesus, the capital of Asia Minor, is only six miles from the harbor and we provide guided tours starting from the harbor that visit all the important sights of the area. The importance of Ephesus was confirmed when the Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist arrived after Christ was crucified. She lived and died there, so did St. John the Baptist.

Today the Virgin Mary shrine can be visited along with St. John the Baptist at a burial ground located in the St. John’s Cathedral. Visiting the city of Ephesus is a lifetime experience.

Depart by car early in the morning from Istanbul driving along the shores of the Sea of Marmara. Have lunch in the small town of Gallipoli, located on the Dardanelles, the famous strait known as Hellespont in Antiquity. Take a ferry across to Asia and visit Troy, Homer’s legendary city. Wander along its walls and remember the great heroes who fought at the Siege of Troy. During the afternoon, visit the World War I battlefields and cemeteries of the Gallipoli peninsula. Drive back to Istanbul in the evening.