Eastern Mediterranean- Greece, Black Sea, Turkey, Israel, Egypt
Tuscany’s powerful ruling family, the Medici, built Livorno’s waterways in the 17th century so that goods could be transported more easily from ships in the bustling harbor to merchants’ homes and storehouses in town. Barges have since been replaced by pleasure craft along these canals, offering unique perspective on Livorno’s picturesque historic center. This tour combines evening sightseeing by boat with a tasting of Italian sweet wines.
On the indescribably beautiful Etruscan Coast, discover what put Bolgheri and Castagneto Carducci on the wine map, beginning in 1974 when a local vintage bested French Bordeaux in international competition. Tour the organically farmed vineyards and cellars of Le Macchiole, where the local chef will demonstrate pasta-making techniques and serve a four-course lunch paired perfectly with wines from the estate. Enjoy some leisure time in the village of Bolgheri before heading to Tenuta Argentiera for another tour and tasting.
From floating high above dramatic mountains to treading rich vineyard soil, this unique tour gives you a full picture of Sicily's idyllic Aeolian archipelago. You'll don your headset and head up for a helicopter ride over the faraglioni of Lipari, the volcanic crater of Vulcano and the beautiful islands of Panarea and Stromboli. You'll buzz the nearly 11,000-foot-tall Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano, and you'll spy the Greek theater and basilica in Tindari on the mainland of Sicily. Coming back to earth, drive to Lipari’s Tenuta di Castellaro for a tasting and cellar tour.
After a boat tour that reveals breathtaking views of coastal rock formations, the Grotta del Cavallo cave and the islet Vulcanello, you'll land at Porto di Levante to begin your exploration of the rugged and beautiful island named for Vulcan, the Roman god of fire. Consisting of three craters, Vulcano is a fascinating example of the stunning landscapes and outstanding volcanic phenomena that earned the Aeolian Islands their UNESCO World Heritage site designation. One crater, Gran Cratere, is still active, and its last eruption occurred in 1890.
When you first step onto the unique geological summit on which the citadel of Lipari is perched, you know this island is special. The most populated of the seven inhabited Aeolian Islands, Lipari is the only one built on an urban plan. Forever vulnerable to attack, Lipari residents lived for months on end within the castle walls. Exploring the museum, you'll see beautifully displayed artifacts from their lives, as well as the world's most complete collection of Greek theatrical masks.
Take in the scenic majesty of Lipari during this driving tour that stops at idyllic vistas overlooking the Aeolian archipelago. Your ultimate destination is the local pizzeria Le Macine, where the owners will enthusiastically demonstrate the secrets to making traditional Sicilian pizza. You'll create your own pie according to your own taste and then settle in to enjoy it with wine and Aeolian cookies.
Experience the beauty of the Cote d’Azur in nature while walking along gentlly sloping trails that deliver spectacular views. Relax on the scenic drive from Saint Tropez to Bormes-les-Mimosas. This medieval village, built on the hilltop, is renowned for its blooms, especially the golden mimosas, at their most extravagant in winter, and colorful cascades of bougainvillea. Your hike begins at the Trapan Dam, where mimosa trees line the road that runs along the reservoir-lake that formed when the dam was built in 1969.
Your guide will meet you at the pier to a leisurely stroll around St. Tropez, along the chic waterfront and down narrow streets lined with colorful buildings. Along the way, discover the port town’s long history, one overshadowed by its reputation as a glamorous playground, while soaking up the ambience. You’ll follow a route that ends back in the harbor area, in the leafy square of Place des Lises.
Discover the scenic beauty of the port town and resort destination – and the surrounding region -- from the air on a helicopter flight. At the heliport, meet your pilot who will also serve as your guide for this private flightseeing trip. The views from the air are truly spectacular: see the Old Port, the harbor area, the popular beach of La Pampelonne and the luxurious villas surrounded by century-old pine trees.
In the 1960s, French architect Francois Spoerry transformed what had been a swampy area into a premiere resort destination. He drew inspiration for Port Grimaud from Venice, whose canals inspired the network of waterways, as well as French village traditions. Each house, painted in traditional Provencal hues, comes with its own mooring, making this seaside town a haven for sailors and yachtsmen. Your guided exploration begins with a walking tour along the quays and across pedestrian-only bridges.
