Discover Europe Tours
Italian Masterpieces
March 27 - April 5, 2025 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open
Discover the unique charms of Rome, Florence, and Venice—each representing a distinct facet of Italy's rich heritage.
From the architectural wonders of Rome, including St. Peter’s Square and the Colosseum, to the artistic treasures of Florence and the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, this journey encapsulates Italy's timeless allure. Explore medieval gems like Assisi, Padua, and Bologna, culminating in the enchanting Venice—a city that seamlessly combines light, water, open space, and Gothic grandeur.
This excursion is a reminder of Italy's timeless past and present, showcasing civilization's splendid achievements.
The Italian Kitchen
October 2 - 11, 2025 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open
.When you think of soul-satisfyingly good food, you think of Italy. Bowls of heaping semolina pasta as yellow as the sun. Seafood right off the hook, grilled, and served to perfection. Vegetables are plucked from the earth just moments before they grace your plate. Wine, ever flowing, rich and robust.
Take a journey from farm to table in the Piedmont and Emilia Romagna regions of Italy. In a country where food is royalty, these regions are king. From the frenzy of white truffle season to the majestic grapes that are aged into the Barolos and Barbarescos, and cheese crafted with perfection, we will loosen our belt buckles and explore the gastronomic masterpieces, as we soak in the history of the culture of this famed region.
Travels with Sandi: A Taste of Sicily
October 20 - 28, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open
Halfway between Europe and Africa and commanding the passage between the east and west parts of the Mediterranean Sea, the island of Sicily has always been at the crossroads of history. With a balance of guided excursions and leisure time to explore at your own pace, you’ll have an opportunity to experience Sicily’s winding medieval streets, glittering beaches, and, of course, the incredible variety of its food and wine.
Your traveling party will be escorted by Discover Europe’s Fiona Bennett as she leads you through scenic landscapes and ancient towns on this customized tour.
Optional Malta extension.
The Hidden Treasures of Le Marche
October 5th - 14th, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open
Le Marche sits in rural tranquility, happily devoid of convoys of tourist coaches clogging up the countryside, and is the perfect destination for those who want to experience Italy, away from the throngs of tourists.
A highlight of the tour for many will be the visits to three gorgeous renaissance villas, complete with their spectacular gardens. Additionally. we’ll take part in Aqualagna’s National Truffle Festival, visit a mozzarella and cheese farm, taste wine from ancient vines only found in this region, experience the enchanting Frasassi Caves, and spend an evening devoted to a traditional Italian cooking class.
Join Discover Europe and long-time guide, Fiona Bennett on this journey to the undiscovered jewel, Le Marche.
The Italian Kitchen
September 28 - October 7, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open
When you think of soul-satisfyingly good food, you think of Italy. Bowls of heaping semolina pasta as yellow as the sun. Seafood right off the hook, grilled, and served to perfection. Vegetables are plucked from the earth just moments before they grace your plate. Wine, ever flowing, rich and robust.
Take a journey from farm to table in the Piedmont and Emilia Romagna regions of Italy. In a country where food is royalty, these regions are king. From the frenzy of white truffle season to the majestic grapes that are aged into the Barolos and Barbarescos, and cheese crafted with perfection, we will loosen our belt buckles and explore the gastronomic masterpieces, as we soak in the history of the culture of this famed region.
Ravenna & the Veneto
September 21 - 30, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open
This exquisite tour will highlight the picturesque towns and villages of the Veneto and highlight the connections that the region has with Asia Minor and the artistic and cultural influences that have been absorbed over the centuries.
This fall, why not join Discover Europe’s Fiona Bennett for a visit to a vineyard (Soave), a stroll through the quiet back streets of Venice, or an ancient village in search of the perfect gelato, Here is an opportunity to sample the rich cuisine of the north and toast the beauty of the Veneto region.
Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast
June 23 - July 1, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open
The wonders of nature, from Mount Vesuvius to the azure grotto of Capri; classical landmarks from both Greek and Roman eras; villas and gardens of delightful villages of the cliff-hung Amalfi Coast; the splendid cuisine of the region; and coastal cities saturated with art and architecture all await.
The Sorrento Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast have long been a playground for the rich and famous, and with very good reason. The mountains tumble down into the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, providing breathtaking views around every bend in the road. The Island of Capri glistens like a jewel set in the Bay of Naples; it is a small wonder that Roman emperors made this their “home away from Rome.” Scenic landscapes, ancient towns, and sculpture-filled gardens on this wonderful discovery of southern Italy.
Under the Tuscan Sun
May 19 - 27, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open
Let’s unpack in Tuscany this Spring!
Come experience the sights, smells, and tastes of this fertile cultural, historical, and bucolic land. We will make our base in Montecatini where we will take daytime excursions to Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance; San Gimignano, the “city of beautiful towers”; Pisa, famous for its leaning tower; and the Cinque Terre, five towns that are perched along a stretch of cliffs, an area of such unspoiled natural beauty that it was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1997.
With our luxury home base in The Grand Hotel Francia & Quirinale, we will explore and taste our way around this heavenly place called Tuscany!
Travels With Sandi: Into The Swiss Alps
May 4 - 13, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open
Starting in the beautiful Italian Lake District, join Travels with Sandi on a journey through the Swiss Alps.
This tour stays in fabulous hotels and enjoys a leisurely pace. We’ll wander the streets of Romeo and Juliet, visit magnificent villas and gorgeous gardens, and enjoy the natural beauty of this spectacular region.
*Back to back with: The Italian Lakes District, April 29 - May 7, 2023
The Italian Lake District
April 29- May 7, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Late Registration*
Ringed by alpine peaks, the sparkling waters of the Italian Lake District command a landscape where mountains descend to meet the shores and grand hotels rise in beautiful lakeside towns. Here at the convergence of Italy and Switzerland is an area graced with shocking beauty and extraordinary diversity, where each lake, with its own charms and treasures, unfolds against a backdrop of semi-tropical gardens, gracious old villas, and vibrant villages and traditions.
The legendary beauty of this region of Italy has enthralled visitors for centuries. Artists have been inspired by its brilliant light, poets and writers have been moved to pen great works, and travellers have come to bask in all that Italy has to offer.
This spring, join Discover Europe on this journey to one of the most beautiful regions of Europe. Whether on the jewel-like Borromean Islands or admiring the panorama from the crystalline waters of Lake Como, this highly scenic tour perfectly captures the romantic charm of the Italian Lakes.
* Late registrations (received within 60 days of departure) may also incur extra fees as discounted rates for hotels and airfares may no longer be available so close to departure. Participants will be made aware of any such charges before their registration is accepted