Italy

Collection of articles relevant to visiting Italy. Small group escorted educational tours for couples and solo travelers. Sign up to the newsletter today to stay in touch.

Articles about Italy

72 Total Articles
Amalfi

Amalfi, Italy

Italy beyond Rome could be just the Amalfi coast, food, wine, the Mediterranean and Southern Italy. Amalfi was though a powerful trading republic and challenger to Venice and Genoa. Learn more about this historic destination in this article that is part of the history of Italy. An Antipodean travel company serving World Travellers since 1983 with small group educational tours for senior couples and mature solo travellers.

23 Apr 22 · 7 mins read
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Gondolas on narrow canal in Venice, Italy

The Rise of Venice

Venice, Italy a traders paradise for pilgrims and merchants, now a tourists mecca. A deep history of people, culture and intrigue awaits the visitor to Venice from the St Mark's sq to the Doges palace, carnivals and the Gondolas. An Antipodean travel company serving World Travellers since 1983 with small group educational tours for senior couples and mature solo travellers.

20 May 23 · 12 mins read
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Caesar and Cleopatra in Egypt

Caesar and Cleopatra in Egypt

Learn about the Roman Emperor Caesar exploring Egypt and the historians interpretation of the relationship with Cleopatra. An Antipodean travel company serving World Travellers since 1983 with small group educational tours for senior couples and mature solo travellers.

14 Mar 23 · 9 mins read
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Bologna, Italy

Bologna, Italy

Article about Bologna, Italy. This piece forms part of a series of more than 70 articles about Italy and it's history back to the Roman empire to its merchant trading cities of Genoa, Pisa, Almafi and Venice. An Antipodean travel company serving World Travellers since 1983 with small group educational tours for senior couples and mature solo travellers.

29 Jun 22 · 8 mins read
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The Phoenicians and Purple Dye

The Phoenicians and Purple Dye

Article supporting tours to Morocco, Tunisia, Spain, Sicily and Crete. The Phoenicians where one of the empires controlling the Mediterranean sea from the 11th to 13th century. This article is for small group educational tours for senior couple and mature solo travellers joining a program.

13 Oct 21 · 7 mins read
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Tower of Pisa, Tuscany

Pisa & Genoa, Italy

The cities of Italy, Pisa and Genoa rivalled Venice and its merchants. This article explores the affiliation to protect against Islam and then the war that followed. An Antipodean travel company serving World Travellers since 1983 with small group educational tours for senior couples and mature solo travellers.

31 May 22 · 10 mins read
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Gondolas and the Bells of Venice

Gondolas and the Bells of Venice

Venice and the story of gondolas add to the senior couples or mature solo traveller small group tour learning about this merchant city. Europes trading centre close to the Mediterranean was for several centuries the place to trade for spice, woollen garments and silk. The attractions where substantial as was the wealth created and the wars waged across what is today's Italy. This article extends your knowledge of Venice and its merchant history.

24 Mar 22 · 9 mins read
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Statue of Cosimo I of Medici, in front of Palazzo Vecchio, Florence

Italian Renaissance Families: The Medicis

This blog is part of a series on five influential Italian Renaissance families that shaped Italy, especially during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. It is based on both our Italian Renaissance Summer School course, and…

11 Mar 22 · 13 mins read
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Venetian pallozzo

Venetian pallozzo

Venice a curiosity, Merchants, pilgrims, gondolas, stories of espionage, the power of maps for trade carnival and the Peggy Guggenheim Museum. The stories fascinate, this article examines the history of the Peggy Guggenheim museum. Read and learn before joining as a senior couple of mature solo traveller a small group educational tour to Venice and Italy.

17 Dec 21 · 13 mins read
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Grand Canal, Venice, Italy, Gondola

Carnivals of Venice

Article for senior couple and mature solo travellers joining a small group history tour visiting Venice and beyond to Italy, Greece, Turkey the Islands of the Eastern and Western Mediterranean and the Northern shores of Egypt, Tunisia. Learn about the role of Venice as emerging point of trade and navies for hire in the middle ages through to the renaissance.

30 Nov 21 · 8 mins read
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Gondolas on narrow canal in Venice, Italy

Pilgrims and the Merchants in Venice.

Article for senior couple and mature solo travellers joining a small group history tour visiting Venice and beyond to Italy, Greece, Turkey the Islands of the Eastern and Western Mediterranean and the Northern shores of Egypt, Tunisia. Learn about the role of Venice as emerging point of trade and navies for hire in the middle ages through to the renaissance.

30 Nov 21 · 8 mins read
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Secret Venice

Venice and its Merchants

An article that takes you on a journey to Venice in the Middle Ages and beyond. The famous merchants of 'La Serenissima' who dominated this medieval powerhouse for hundreds of years. Learn before joining one of the small group tours for mature and senior travellers couples and solo travellers to Venice and many other destinations in Italy.

5 Nov 21 · 17 mins read
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Naples

Castellammare di Stabia, Italy

Article about Castellammare di Stabia in Southern Italy for senior couples and mature solo travellers joining a small group tour of Italy.

31 Oct 21 · 6 mins read
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Italian Small Group Tours Bassano del Grapa Italy Veneto

Trip advice for Travellers going to Italy

Trip planning advice for Mature Travellers touring Italy Italy is one of the world’s great tourist destinations. This Trip planning advice for mature travellers going to Italy should assist you […]

12 Jun 17 · 8 mins read
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Tour of Italy, Renaissance Sculpture Medici Lion by Vacca in Florence

Key Figures of Renaissance Florence

Five Key Figures of Renaissance Florence | Small Group Tours Regarded as the ‘birthplace of the Renaissance’, Florence from 1400 to 1600 was in a religious, cultural and political ferment that was crucial to shaping…

8 Oct 19 · 11 mins read
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Castillo de Zafra

History & European Pilgrim Walks

History & European Pilgrim Walks Walking pilgrimages provide solitude and tranquillity in an increasingly busy and fast-paced world. These walking tours follow ancient pilgrimage routes, giving the modern pilgrim the chance not only to meet new…

27 Aug 18 · 13 mins read
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Louvre, Paris

The Ten Best Art Galleries in Western Europe

Are these the Best Art Galleries in Western Europe? It’s no secret that Western Europe is home to some of most spectacular art galleries in the world. These grand neoclassical buildings are hard to miss,…

10 Oct 19 · 7 mins read
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Pilgrimage Routes for the Modern Traveller

Ancient Routes, Fresh Eyes: European Pilgrimage Routes for the Modern Traveller

Ancient Routes, Fresh Eyes: Nine European Pilgrimage Routes for the Modern Traveller The word ‘pilgrimage’ or ‘pilgrim’ comes from the Modern French word pèlerin, which means ‘foreigner, stranger’, highlighting the concept that the faithful is not of…

20 Nov 19 · 11 mins read
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coffee tour

Around the World in Six Coffees: Italy, France, Japan, China, Morocco & Argentina

Around the World in Six Coffees: Italy, France, Japan, China, Morocco & Argentina Order a cappuccino in Italy after 11am and expect to receive strange looks. In Argentina, don’t be surprised when your coffee order…

8 Dec 19 · 16 mins read
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Affordable small group tours with Odyssey Alumni

Walking tours for active travellers – tips for seniors

For the active mature and senior traveller be they a couple or solo traveller this article outlines preparation for walking tours even for the over 80's. It may on the Wainwright, the lake district or a pilgrims walk across Europe or St James Way, the Camino. This artices give advice on getting fit, shoes and socks including for particular advice for women on this topic.

14 Jan 21 · 6 mins read
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Padua, Italy, cobblestones

Padua, Italy

The History and Attractions of Padua By Marco Stojanovik Padua city is an intellectual, artistic, and economic centre in northern Italy, situated on the River Bacchiglione, west of Venice. The city has a long history…

10 Jul 21 · 6 mins read
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Riva del Garda,Trentino,Italy

Lake Garda

Hugged by mountains and long sandy beaches, beautiful Lake Garda is a favoured holiday location. The stunning scenery, relaxed atmosphere, year-round mild temperature, and richly cultured historic towns and villages all make Lake Garda a popular place to visit.

27 Apr 20 · 4 mins read
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Milan, Italy

Milan, Italy

Article about Milan, one of the great cities of Northern Italy for mature and senior travellers to explore on a small group tour for couples and solo travellers. Learn about Renaissance Italy, Rome, the Romans as well as Florence and the Pilgrims walks offered by Odyssey.

14 Jul 21 · 5 mins read
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Ancient Roman Luxury Villas, Italy

Ancient Roman Luxury Villas, Italy

Roman houses for wealthy people built in the times of the Republic and the Empire. Popular locations included on the lakes of Northern Italy, in the hills to the East of Rome, on the bay of Naples, and outside of Pompeii.

17 Apr 20 · 4 mins read
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Small group tours to Italy

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Island of Sicily

12 days

Mar, Sep, Apr, Oct

Malta & Sicily - Mediterranean Islands small group tour

Visiting Italy, Malta

For centuries Malta & Sicily, held the key to the Mediterranean. Unlike other European tour companies, Odyssey provides a tour leader and local guides to share detailed itineraries about the destinations on these small group journeys. For mature couples and solo travellers. A reasonable single supplement is charged.

From A$9,240 AUD

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Island of Sicily

25 days

Apr, Sep

Mediterranean Islands Small Group Tour | Malta, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica

Visiting Corsica, Italy

For centuries Malta, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica held the key to the Mediterranean. Unlike other European tour companies, Odyssey provides a tour leader and local guides to share detailed itineraries about the destinations on these small group journeys. This escorted tour of western Mediterranean explores the geography, history, culture and peoples of these 4 islands. Small group tour for mature couples and solo travellers. A reasonable single supplement is charged.

From A$18,750 AUD

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Tour of Italy, Renaissance Sculpture Medici Lion by Vacca in Florence

21 days

Aug, May

Renaissance Italy Tour: Story of Five Families

Visiting Italy

Explore Renaissance Italy on this small group tour though an examination of five significant city states. Florence, Urbino, Ferrara, Mantua and Milan were all dominated by families determined to increase the status of their city through art and architecture. Spend time coming to know the men and women who helped create the cities, as well as the magnificent legacy they left behind.

From A$12,995 AUD

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Caravaggio’s journey Italy, Malta, Sicily escorted small group tour 

20 days

May, Oct

Caravaggio’s Journey | Small Group Tour in Italy

Visiting Italy, Malta

On this small group tour of Italy and Malta for mature and senior couples and solo travellers we trace the life of Caravaggio, exploring the artistic works he left behind and the tumultuous life he led. We follow him from his birthplace in Milan to Rome, Malta, Sicily and Naples. In each place he lived Caravaggio left behind a rich legacy of art for us to admire.

From A$13,750 AUD

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Ancient History of Southern Italy - Island Procida near Naples, Italy

22 days

Sep, Jan, Apr

Ancient History of Southern Italy & Sicily group tours

Visiting Italy

Our program for senior travellers, as well as featuring the rugged countryside of Southern Italy, also encompasses learning about the many civilisations that have shaped this land. We learn about the influence of the early Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Saracens, and Aragonese.

From A$16,995 AUD

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Northern Italy tours Lakes and Alps, escorted small groups

22 days

Sep, May

Tour of Northern Italy's Lake and Alps

Visiting Italy

A European tour to the stunning Lakes Region of Italy. Your travel experience begins in Milan, daily itineraries include two of the region’s lakes - Garda and Maggiore, plus the Roman villa Desenzona and a day in Cinque Terre. Local guides share experience and knowledge with you on this escorted small group tour for couples and solo travelers.

From A$14,185 AUD

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Heritage, culture, history of Italy, cobblestone street Rome

22 days

Sep, Apr, Mar

Heritage, Culture and History of Italy | Small Group Tours for Seniors

Visiting Italy

Rome, the world’s first superpower, lasted for almost a thousand years. In this small group tour for senior couples and solo travellers we thread our way through the Rome of the Emperors, then through the Italy of the Renaissance, Michelangelo, the Medici, and the Borgia. In the south, we visit the cosmopolitan city of Naples as well as Pompeii and the island retreat of Capri.

From A$12,450 AUD

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View from Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome, Italy

15 days

Dec

Discover Rome | Cultural and History Small Group Tour for Seniors

Visiting Italy

Rome is arguably the most fascinating city in Italy, the capital city, once the centre of a vast, ancient empire and still today a cultural focus within Europe. Explore the city in-depth as part of a small group program spending 14 days exploring, just Rome and Roman History.

From A$8,795 AUD

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Italy and France, history of gardens

25 days

Aug, May, Sep

Italy and France, history of gardens small group escorted tour

Visiting France, Italy

Odyssey's small group tour explores some of the classic gardens of Italy and France that reflect changing fashions and garden designs throughout the ages. This fully escorted tour features an Odyssey Program Leader and a handful of local guides who will examine, discuss, compare and contrast the cultural and temporal similarities and diversities between the gardens of Italy and France and the historical influences on their design.

From A$17,595 AUD

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Milan, Doumo Cathedral

14 days

Sep, May

Lakes and Landscapes of Northern Italy | Short Small Group Tour for Seniors

Visiting Italy

Our small group tour begins in the cosmopolitan city of Milan and ventures to 2 of the region's lakes - Garda and Maggiore. Our tour uncovers a wealth of natural beauty, castles, serene waters, snow-capped mountains, and breathtaking scenery.

From A$9,225 AUD

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Villages of Italy

13 days

Aug

Villages of Italy - short small group tours

Visiting Italy

Roam the villages of the northern Dolomites, in Italy, home to more than 40 glaciers. A small group tour is a great way to get to know Italy, or reacquaint yourself with its beauty and hidden gems. Travel with like minded mature couples or solo travellers.

From A$9,910 AUD

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Villages of Italy, Volterra, Tuscany Italy

26 days

Aug

Villages of Italy | small group tours Italy

Visiting Italy

Explore Italy in a small group tour. Italy is the most Mediterranean of nations and as mature and aged as many of its red wines. In terms of being a nation, it is even younger than New Zealand. This is often hard to believe, bearing in mind that Italy gave rise to Europe’s first global empire, which endured for approximately 2,000 years, the Romans. The new constantly brushes with the old and in doing so generates sparks that makes any sojourn in Italy a deeply textured experience.

From A$15,250 AUD

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Hhistory of Italy, Chianti, Tuscany, Italy

11 days

Sep, May

Heritage, culture, history of Italy, seniors small group - Short Tour

Visiting Italy

Odyssey's small group tour features the best of the Italian countryside as well as the great cities and icons of Italy. We will see the Renaissance cities of Florence, Pisa, and Lucca as well as the Umbrian medieval cities of Perugia.

From A$7,450 AUD

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Venice, Italy

18 days

Aug, Sep

Art and History of Italy | Small Group Tour for seniors

Visiting Italy

Taken as a whole, Italian Civilization (which includes, of course, the splendid inheritance of Ancient Rome) is absolutely foundational to Western culture. Music, Painting, Sculpture, Architecture, Literature, Philosophy, Law and Politics all derive from Italy or were adapted and transformed through the medium of Italy.

From A$15,175 AUD

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Overtourism

18 days

Sep, Apr

Small group tour to Venice and Genoa

Visiting Italy

City pairs and rivalries exist. When spice, gold, steel swords and cloth where major commodities in the Mediterranean then Venice and Genoa fought for market share. Venice offered mercenaries, Genoa, banks. Italian history tour for those interested in joining a small group educational tour for senior couple and mature solo travellers.

From A$9,995 AUD

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Houses in Amsterdam The Netherlands

75 days

May, Aug

Grand tour of Europe

Visiting Austria, Belgium, Croatia

For the senior couple or mature solo traveler seeking a small group educational tour focussed on exploring and learning with like minded people in Europe.

From A$42,980 AUD

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View of Piazza de Ferrari, main square of Genoa, Italy

22 days

Sep, Apr, Aug

Four Italians: Genoa, Mantua, Orvieto and Bologna

Visiting Italy

A small group tour for senior couples and mature solo travellers to Genoa, Mantua, Orvieto and Bologna. Places where the Renaissance shone beyond Florence, Venice and Rome. Italy is one of the great countries of Europe this program with like minded people takes you beyond the regular path of travellers to see and learn more.

From A$14,450 AUD

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Venice, Italy

27 days

Dec

European Cities Small Group History and Cultural Winter Tour

Visiting Albania, Croatia

An escorted tour A Journey that commences in Rome and takes in 12 destinations along its journey to Athens. This is an off season small group journey with like minded people. A small group tour across Southern Europe with local guides sharing authentic in-country authentic experiences for mature couples and solo travellers.

From A$14,995 AUD

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Medieval architecture Italy, Florence

20 days

Jul

Italy Puccini Festival small group Tour

Visiting Italy

The Puccini festival is an escorted tour complete with local guides as part of our small group travel program, we will also visit Rome, Siena, Florence, Lucca, Viareggio, Genoa, Milan, Verona, and Venice. Join like minded people on this European tour in Italy. For solo travellers there is a nominal single supplement charged.

From A$14,995 AUD

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Val D'Orcia, Italy, Tuscany, Sunset

18 days

Sep

Via di Francesco Walking Tour | Small Group Walking Tours Italy

Visiting Italy

Experience with like minded people a small group journey walking Via di Francesco (or the Way of St. Francis) in Italy. One of a few European tour companies who offer a tour leader and local guides for senior couples and single travellers on this journey between the key destinations on this walk.

From A$11,050 AUD

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Florence Cathedral Basilica Santa Maria del Fiore detail

22 days

Mar, Apr, Sep, Oct, May

Florence: Living in a Renaissance City

Visiting Italy

A small group tour with like minded people, couples or solo travellers, that is based in Florence. An authentic experience of living in this Renaissance city The daily itineraries draw on local guides to share their knowledge on this unique European tour. Trips to Pisa, Lucca and Perugia are included.

From A$12,450 AUD

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Tiber River Statue Villa Lante Italy

18 days

Apr, Oct, Sep

Via Francigena Walking Tour: Great St. Bernard Pass to Rome

Visiting Italy, Switzerland

An escorted tour that walks sections of the ancient pilgrimage route Via Francigena. Our small group is joined by Local guides to share knowledge and authentic experiences as our group of like minded people make their way to Rome.

From A$12,250 AUD

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