Italy Family Adventure - Living Italian
Ever wanted to live in Italy and take the kids along? This tour puts you in an apartment in the ancient walled town of Tuscany. We couple this with time in the stunning Italian Lakes. After your Luccese experience you can savour a truly Italian holiday on the southern coastal town of Amalfi. Everything you have heard and more. Live Italian!
You are about to taste the Italian dream. Wake up to the smell of strong coffee drifting through the cobble stone streets of the medieval town of Lucca. Meet your neighbours at the local 'pasticceria' for your morning pastry and espresso. Shop at the local markets, eat in the local restaurants and of course sample wines in your local enoteka. Enjoy picnics, bike rides and even learn to cook the Italian way. We also include a wonderful stay in the heart of the Italian lakes at the beginning of the tour. Stresa is the perfect base for excursions onto the lakes, up into the Italian Alps or even across the nearby border into neighbouring Switzerland. Of course living Italian means holidaying Italian as well. At the completion of the tour you have an option to savour the stunning Amalfi Coast. Your base for this tour is the cliffside town of Sorrento where you can enjoy visits to famous locations such as the Isle of Capri and Pompeii (see this "Amalfi Coast" itinerary below after day 13 of "Living Italian" tour) You will be speaking, eating and loving 'La Dolce Vita' when you leave. That’s if you can drag yourselves away from “the Sweet Life” Bellisimo!
"What a fantastic holiday!!! Global Drift's 'Living Italian' trip is the best we have had as a family. Everything was organised from travel to attractions down to the minute plans for each day. We will definitely be travelling again with Global Drift, we can't wait!"
Dorothea, Scott & Hugh McAlpine, Australia
| 13 Day Itinerary | ||
| Departure: | 2nd June 2024 | (Sunday to Friday) |
|---|---|---|
| Price: | AUD$2890 | AUD$2090 for children under 17 years of age |
Global Drift Family Adventures are designed for families travelling together (i.e. each party booking requires at least one parent or legal guardian accompanying any children). Child friendly adults may join this trip. We have a minimum age for children of 7 years old Please see footnote at the bottom of the page re Family tour group size |
Day 1 - Arrival day – Milan to Stresa Today is arrival day with a meeting point in Milan Central Train Station. We are on the train in the afternoon for our short journey to the lakeside town of Stresa, our base for the next 3 nights. After a group meeting we enjoy dinner in the main Piazza Day 2 - Stresa Today we board our boat and visit the Borromeo Islands in the centre of Lago Maggiore. Isola Bella and Isola Superiore are two distinctive settlements both worth a stop. The 16th century palace on Isola Bella is surrounded by a splendid English garden. The tour of the palace is rewarding (optional). We can enjoy lunch with views back to the mainland and get lost in the myriad of cobbled backstreets that crisscross the islands Day 3 - Stresa We hire bikes today and then catch the Cableway from Stresa climbing to Alpino. It takes 10 minutes to reach our destination and the view is considered one of the most beautiful in the whole of Italy. The vista takes in the summit of Monte Rosa and the seven lakes (Lago Maggiore, Lago Orta, Lago Mergozzo, Lago Varese, Lago Camabbio, Lago Monate, Lago Biandronno). Lunch can be taken near the botanic gardens or a picnic is a good option. You can then make an (optional) exciting descent from the top on your mountain bike or return by cable car. Back in Stresa town we enjoy our final Italian Lakes dinner together at one of the outdoor restaurants in the main Piazza Day 4 - Stresa to Lucca A morning departure by train today takes us via Milan to Lucca, our perfect base for the remainder of our stay in Tuscany. We settle in and head for a pizza bonanza. Mara Meo restaurant is a great way to set the tone for dining in the streets of Lucca during our stay.
*July every year Lucca’s fabulous Summer Festival is held in the old town. There are plenty of extra activities as well as an amazing program of international artists. Concerts are held in the Grand Piazza. The 2010 program included Mark Knopfler, Seal, ZZ Top and Jeff Beck. Click here for the current Lucca Summer Festival Website Day 5 - Lucca We meet for a coffee at our favourite café in the centre of Lucca. No pressure this morning. We will visit the local shops and markets to purchase supplies for our apartments. We can enjoy lunch in the ancient Anfiteatro (amphitheatre) with its wonderful architecture then an orientation walk of the town in the afternoon to get our bearings. In the evening we sample regional meats and cheeses washed down with the local grape Day 6 - Lucca to Florence (day trip) A train journey carries us to one of Italy’s most wondrous cities in an hour. Florence in a day is a wonderful taste of some of Europe's most amazing architecture, food and museums. Added to this the shopping in the Fiorentina markets is a well known bonus for those with cash and a haggling spirit. We plan to see Michelangelo’s masterpiece, “The David”. You will have time for exploration after a short walking tour on arrival visiting Ponte Vecchio, Duomo and Piazza Della Signoria. An option for lunch today is a culinary event enjoying the fabled ‘Bisteka Fiorentina’ in one of Florence’s backstreet restaurants. Bring an appetite! An evening train takes us back to Lucca Day 7 - Lucca (Colle Verde winery) We head for the Tuscan hills today to visit Colle Verde winery near the hill towns of Matraia and Marlia. Our host Piero will share his secrets about the production of his prize-winning Olive Oil as well as his delightful wines. Lunch overlooking the hills and the town of Lucca in the distance, is not to be forgotten. Depending on the weather, you may stroll through the groves or even take a dip in the pool. After the visit we head back to Lucca Day 8 - Lucca Today we explore the old walls of Lucca. We hire bikes and cycle around the perimeter. We plan to enjoy a picnic overlooking the old city. There is time to visit some of the old residences and the gorgeous botanical gardens. The bikes are ours for the day and you may choose to cycle through the old town or explore the walls further. In the evening we enjoy a concerto encompassing works of Giacomo Puccini, Lucca’s most famous and controversial son Day 9 - Lucca to Pisa (day trip) A short morning train of about 25 minutes takes us through the countryside to Pisa. The Piazza di Miracoli is home to the world famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. The monument will hold your attention for much of our visit and if desired you may climb to the top for excellent views. However there are other unique sights to enjoy such as the cemetery and Baptistery. We spend the morning here and return to our base in Lucca with the afternoon free Day 10 - Lucca to Cinque Terra (day trip) Today we depart on a morning train to the village of Riomaggiore on the Cinque Terre. We begin our walk along the cliff side trail. Firstly, an easy walk of 45 mins to the village of Manarola. We can sit in the harbour and enjoy a drink or morning espresso, and the swimming is a perfect way to set the tone for our day on the coast. We may board a boat which heads up the coast passing the villages or we can continue our walk and enjoy the coastal breezes. There is great flexibility to enjoy the villages as you see fit. You may also choose to catch the train between some of the villages and enjoy each and every settlement and the beaches and cafes that are constantly beckoning you along the way in all five of the stunning coastal villages Day 11 - Lucca A free day to explore the town’s museums or maybe climb the Torre Guinigi which provides 360° views of the city walls. There is plenty to do and see. There are museums and cathedrals, cafes and restaurants, parks and gardens. It is also a great day to people watch in the Piazza Day 12 - Day 12 - Lucca (Villa Baldaccini) We visit the amazing Villa Baldaccini today for a Tuscan experience to remember. After a welcome drink there is some time to relax in the grounds or enjoy a dip in the lovely pool. Then it is time to pull on the apron and participate in a hands on Italian cooking class hosted by our local friends, Renzo and Nicola. We prepare some Italian favourites as well as some unique Tuscan specialties. Roll up your sleeves as this is a very interactive experience. Make sure you have the most important ingredient in hand. A glass of ‘Chianti Classico’. We have a class planned for the adults and children and then you will delight in your creations outdoors surrounded by cypress trees and rolling hills. Spectacular!
Back in Lucca you can enjoy your last evening in the Anfiteatro putting the finishing touches on your Italian language skills. Why not cap your stay with a horse and cart ride around the walls as the sun goes down on your time in Lucca Day 13 - Lucca - Departure day Today is departure day and there are easy connections to the Pisa airport or alternatively trains will take you to Rome or Milan for your onward flights. For those joining us for the Amalfi Coast add on tour we depart in the morning for our train ride south to the stunning coastal setting of the Sorrento 8 DAY 'AMALFI COAST’ ADD ON TOUR - Price: AUD$1890 AUD$1590 per child under 17 years of age Day 1 - Lucca to Sorrento - (day 13 of Living Italian trip) A morning departure by train today takes us on our journey south towards the sprawling city of Napoli. We change trains to arrive in Sorrento mid afternoon. From our hotel you will notice the sheer cliffs that support the settlement high above the Mediterranean with only a short taxi or stroll down to the Marina. Tonight’s restaurant overlooks the cliffs and the coastline for our first meal together on the Amalfi coast Day 2 - Sorrento Today is an orientation day to settle in and walk the narrow lanes and back streets of medieval Sorrento. Here we can learn the secrets of Limoncello, the local après dinner drink made from citrus and known throughout Italy and the world as a post meal digestive. We can also head down to the port for a swim or a stroll. We may choose to dine down at the Marina Grande tonight in a beautiful village setting on the waters of the Mediterranean Day 3 - Sorrento (Pompeii day trip) The name says it all. On that fateful day in 79 AD when the town was engulfed in lava from the explosion of Mount Vesuvius, a complete record of Ancient Roman life was frozen in time for the ages. Stroll the colonnades and visit the bars, bakeries and indeed the brothels of Roman civilisation. Much has been uncovered but there is still more being found regularly. We return by train in the afternoon to our base in Sorrento Day 4 - Sorrento (Isle of Capri day trip) Despite its popularity, Capri has not lost its allure and charm. For centuries travellers have sought out its pebbled shores. There are breathtaking caves including the fabled Blue Grotto and picturesque streets running through its small towns and villages. Explore the town of Ana Capri high up on the hills overlooking the stunning ocean and pop in to visit the legendary Villa San Michele. We board a return boat to Sorrento after a full day on this gem of the Mediterranean Day 5 - Sorrento (Positano day trip) A short boat journey to Positano, possibly the most beautiful of the coastal towns. Quaint little shops and lovely small houses abound throughout this tiny Mediterranean community. Here is truly the haunt of the rich and famous. Shopping here is the ultimate in decadence. Plenty of time for a swim in the lovely coves and beaches or sipping a drink under the sun. Our afternoon boat is difficult to board but our base in Sorrento feels like home after our wonderful day at the beach Day 6 - Sorrento to Rome We catch our morning train via Napoli to the eternal city of Rome. We arrive in time for a fascinating walking tour of this astounding capital. On this leisurely stroll we plan to make stops at the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish steps, the Pantheon and finish in the lovely Piazza Navona. There are few settings in the world to match the centre of this beautiful city that constantly amazes even the most frequent visitor Day 7 - Rome This morning we catch an early metro train over to the Vatican City. Here we plan to visit the incomparable Sistine Chapel to marvel at the work of Michelangelo and other renowned artists. We also have time to enjoy the imposing St Peter’s cathedral which exudes history and art of the finest calibre. The afternoon is free to explore more of Rome.
Our final meal together is shared in the cobbled backstreets of Rome at our favourite “Mama Angela’s Trattoria”. Classic food, classic Rome, classic finish to our grand journey Day 8 - Rome - Departure day Your are free to depart Rome today at your leisure |
Trip Options
| Single Travellers: | Inquire | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Accommodation: | Single Inquire | Details |
| Double Inquire |
Family tour group size can be higher than 16 depending on adult/child ratios. For this tour we may take as many as 20 travellers as there is limited travel between destinations as well as independent living arrangements for the majority of the tour
Local Payment
Your Local Payment is collected by your group leader in cash at your group meeting on Day 1 of the trip and is part of your tour price. The money is spent locally on your tour.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Extra Accommodation
Pre and post trip accommodation is offered on most journeys pending availability. Please indicate in your enquiry if you require any rooms before or after your tour and the amount of nights requested.
Single Traveller
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
However, for those that would prefer a single room for the tour we do offer a single supplement.
It must be stated however that on many of our tours we stay in small family owned guesthouse accommodation. In certain instances with full groups the passenger combinations may not always allow you to enjoy a single room. Please keep this in mind when booking your single supplement. We will however, always do our best to accommodate you.
Please make your request for this service a minimum of 3 months prior to your journey.
The quoted extra payment is for the entire trip.
Single Travellers
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
Due to the exploratory nature of this journey no single supplement is offered.
Airport Arrival Transfer
Global Drift offers an optional arrival transfer to your hotel at the quoted fee.
In your trip dossier you will receive directions on how to make your way to your starting point hotel. It is quite easy and possibly cheaper than we are able to offer it.
Should you require this service please advise us at the time of your booking.