ANAHEIM, CALIF, June 3, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A limited number of exclusive fun and in-depth vacations visiting major cities in Italy are available at last-minute prices, saving up to $934 per couple* through Trafalgar. Soak in the intoxicating coastal views of the Amalfi Coast, stand in the footsteps of Pompeii buried by Mt. Vesuvius centuries ago and indulge in the creamiest gelato at the oldest shop in Rome on a trip where all the details and planning are taken care of.
"The strong dollar means more bang for your buck and a strong interest in travel to Italy now," said Paul Wiseman, president of Trafalgar USA. "Our longtime partnerships and connections in Europe mean we can release more trips at better prices including perks you can't get anywhere else like VIP entrance to the Vatican an hour before it opens to the public. This saves both money and time so our guests can truly enjoy every minute of their vacation."
Just one of the many exclusive Insider Experiences offered by Trafalgar includes being welcomed to a magnificent 600-year-old private villa in the Tuscan Hills where "Tea with Mussolini" starring Lily Tomlin, Judi Dench and Cher was filmed. The estate produces Laudemio, one of the finest olive oil brands in Europe sold in gourmet stores like Dean & DeLuca. Guests are treated to a private tasting by the estate's owner, Count Francesco Miari Fulcis and learn the secret to appreciating quality olive oil made from hand-picked olives from an organic grove of over 20,000 trees:
- Start with a small amount of extra virgin olive oil in a warm glass and cover with one hand
- Rotate horizontally, gently swirling the oil inside the glass to release the aroma
- Uncover the glass and inhale. The olive oil quality can be determined by its bouquet: Good = green grass. Bad = old fruit
- Taste the oil and inhale deeply at the same time which allows more sense of the scent and flavors on the tongue: Good = light, spicy in the mouth and leaves your mouth clean after a few minutes. Bad = strong, rancid and won't leave the mouth clean.
Guests receive more value on a Trafalgar vacation with the perfect blend of these unique experiences, authentic local adventure, free time and all the major items like hotel, land transportation, many meals, baggage handling and gratuities included. Plus, best-in-class Travel Directors serve as a personal local expert and concierge, accompanying guests through the entire trip duration.
The top five Italian itineraries on sale now include:
14-day Country Explorer now from $3,217^
The essence of la dolce vita is explored through the cuisine, art and landscapes of Italy, from its iconic cities and turquoise lakes to its balmy southern shores. This trip includes every romanticized Italian location, kicking off in the Eternal City of Rome to Pompeii, Isle of Capri, Sorrento, Venice, Lake Como, Pisa, and Florence.
12-day At Leisure now from $2,993^
This relaxed exploration of Italy takes in the old-world beauty of Venice, Florence and Rome and then journeys on to the laid-back southern lifestyle of the Amalfi coast. Guests are welcomed by the owners of a magnificent castle in the Tuscan hills and taken on a tour including the cellars once used as the dungeons! Enjoy a memorable dinner in the Great Hall or gardens and taste some delicious Chiantis.
11-day Special Interest now from $2,813^
Bolognese pasta in Bologna, Chianti in Tuscany, Prosciutto in Parma, this foodie trip explores the traditions of Italian cuisine and wine at their origin, providing an in-depth taste of a nation. Going deeper with exclusive Insider Experiences like choosing fresh local ingredients at a bustling Florence food market with Libero, a charismatic chef who shares the secrets of Italian cooking as you make and eat hand-made ravioli together.
9-day CostSaver now from $1,316^
This dream vacation displays the best of Rome, Venice and Florence and offers free time to explore each breathtaking city on your own. Get a close look at the Romans' legacy through the impressive Colosseum, drive west to Verona, the home of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet to see Juliet's balcony, and savor the unique sights of Venice as you cruise by private boat to its heart, St. Mark's Square.
14-day CostSaver now from $2,068^
With many millennia worth of epic history, matchless works of art, and pure blue oceans and lakes, Italy's many splendors bombard the senses. See the iconic structures of ancient Rome, enjoy the view at the Italian Lakes,Bay of Naples and Renaissance Florence.
To book, contact your Travel Agent or call our experts at 866-544-4434. Visit www.trafalgar.com for a free brochure.
About Trafalgar
Trafalgar is the world's most award-winning guided vacation company, offering over 250 exceptional quality and value itineraries across a diverse range of travel styles in Europe and Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Central and South America, USA and Canada. With nearly 70 years of experience and unrivaled local expertise, Trafalgar's perfectly-planned, hassle-free itineraries each feature a unique collection of authentic Insider Experiences, revealing the real side of each destination. Join the Insider conversation at: Trafalgar.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
About The TreadRight Foundation
Trafalgar is a proud supporter of the TreadRight Foundation.
Created as a joint initiative between The Travel Corporation's
family of brands, the TreadRight Foundation is a not-for-profit
working to ensure the environment and communities we visit remain
vibrant for generations to come. To date, TreadRight has helped
support more than 35 sustainable tourism projects worldwide. The
foundation's guiding principle is to encourage sustainable tourism
development through conservation, leadership and support for
communities.
TreadRight's past project partners include WWF, Conservation International and The National Trust in the UK. Current initiatives include sponsoring the National Geographic Society's inaugural "World Legacy Awards," helping to combat wildlife crime with WildAid, and empowering individuals with the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise.
To learn more about our past and current work at TreadRight, please visit us at treadright.org.
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Terms and Conditions:*Sample savings based on limited-time Italy savings on August 31, 2015 departure of Best of Italy. Savings are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. ^Prices above are per person, land-only, based on double occupancy, are in US Dollars (USD) and reflect limited-time savings on select departure dates only. Deals are not combinable with Early Payment Discounts, Last Minute Deals or any other promotional offers. Full payment due at time of booking. These deals are only available to travelers departing from the United States, subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Other conditions apply. CST# 2077132-20