Articles: Italy
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
Southern Italy
Southern Italy: from Magna Graecia to Italian Unification When people think of Italy, Rome, Venice, and Florence often come to mind first. Yet, the country offers much more beyond its northern attractions. Venturing south from…
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.
Five Women of the Renaissance period to see on tour
Five Incredible Women of the Renaissance | Small Group Tours The Renaissance stands as one of humanity’s most profound intellectual and artistic revolutions, often overshadowed by narratives of renowned men and their contributions. While historical…
Venice and the History of Maps
Venetian Maps and How they Ruled the World ‘Venice was always a frontier,’ Peter Ackroyd (2009) declares in Venice: Pure City. ‘When the empire was divided in the time of Charlemagne, the lagoons of Venice…
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.
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…
Searching for Caravaggio's 'Nativity': Where is it today?
Searching for Caravaggio’s Nativity The hunt for Caravaggio’s stolen painting of the nativity scene may just be the most high-profile art crime of the 20th century. One stormy night in October 1969, an altarpiece painted…
Brunelleschi's Dome: The Amateur turned Renaissance Genius
Filippo Brunelleschi. We will look at who he was and how he came to win the competition to design the dome for Florence's cathedral.
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…
The Sicilians and their Kings
The Sicilians and their Kings While popular images of Sicily might focus on the active volcano, Mount Etna, or the poverty that led to the mass migration of Sicilians to America, forming today’s communities of…
Empires Crossing the Mediterranean: 1130-1300
As a sea connecting continents and stretching from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to Asia in the east, the Mediterranean has for centuries been a centre of trade and exploration.
Piecing together the life of Caravaggio
Uncovering Caravaggio The following article picks up on, and extends, our general introduction to Caravaggio. Here, we we delve further into the details of Caravaggio’s early life and relationships and use available evidence to piece…
Secrets of Florence: The Definitive Guide for Travellers
Secrets of Florence: Ten Hidden Gems to Visit Florence, the capital of the Italian region of Tuscany, is considered to be the birthplace of the Renaissance. Today the small city leaves behind a powerful legacy…
Early History of Sicily: From the Phoenicians to the Arab Conquest
Early History of Sicily: From the Phoenicians to the Arab Conquest (800 BC to the 10th Century) Sicily in Southern Italy is the largest island in the Mediterranean, separated from the mainland by the Strait…
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,…
The Roman Empire
The Roman Empire The Roman Empire at its peak covered an area of five million square kilometres (1.9 million square miles) and included territories in Asia, Africa, and the Western European nations around the Mediterranean…
Caravaggio: The Definitive Reading List
Who was Caravaggio? Caravaggio became the greatest painter of religious works of the early 17th century. His dramatic but naturalistic style of painting emphasised the common humanity of his subjects, the apostles and martyrs of…
Who were the Roman Emperors? The Definitive Guide for Travellers
Who led Rome? From the 8th century BC, Ancient Rome grew from a tiny town on the Tiber River in modern-day Italy to a sprawling empire, that spanned across most of continental Europe, Britain, a…
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…
About Malta, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica: islands of the western Mediterranean
For senior and mature travellers taking a small group tour to Malta, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica, this paper answers questions and provides the historical context of a small group tour for couples and solo travellers to the Historic Mediterranean sea.
Exploring Ancient Cities
Exploring Ancient Cities What can we learn from exploring the ancient world? What do we take away from the wealth of knowledge uncovered as archaeologists investigate the ruins of past societies, while social scientists speculate…
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…
Italian Renaissance Families: Mantua and the Gonzaga
Italian Renaissance Families: Mantua and the Gonzaga 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…
Italian Renaissance Families: Ferrara and the Este
Italian Renaissance Families: Ferrara and the Este Italian Renaissance Families: Ferrara and the Este. This blog is part of a series on five influential Italian Renaissance families that shaped Italy, especially during the fifteenth and…
Small group tours to Italy
An Antipodean travel company serving World Travellers since 1983
22 days
Oct, AprTour of Northern Italy's Lakes 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$14,895 AUD
View Tour22 days
Mar, Sep, MayFlorence: 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 Vinci, Sienna and San Gimignano are included.
From A$13,695 AUD
View Tour25 days
Apr, Sep, OctMediterranean 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$19,750 AUD
View Tour26 days
Aug, SepVillages 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$16,775 AUD
View Tour13 days
AugVillages 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$10,895 AUD
View Tour14 days
Sep, MayLakes 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
View Tour25 days
Aug, May, SepItaly 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
View Tour12 days
Apr, Oct, SepMalta & 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$10,150 AUD
View Tour15 days
DecDiscover 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$9,235 AUD
View Tour20 days
May, OctCaravaggio’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$15,125 AUD
View Tour21 days
Apr, Aug, MayRenaissance 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$14,295 AUD
View Tour22 days
Jan, Apr, SepAncient 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
View Tour27 days
DecEuropean 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$17,295 AUD
View Tour20 days
JulItaly 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
View Tour17 days
Sep, AugVia 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$12,050 AUD
View Tour18 days
Apr, Sep, MarVia 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$13,250 AUD
View Tour18 days
Sep, AprSmall 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$10,995 AUD
View Tour75 days
May, Aug, AprGrand 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$47,275 AUD
View Tour21 days
Sep, Apr, OctFour 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$15,995 AUD
View Tour12 days
Sep, MayHeritage, 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$8,195 AUD
View Tour22 days
Sep, Apr, MarHeritage, 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$13,695 AUD
View Tour18 days
Aug, SepArt 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$16,695 AUD
View Tour