ITALIAN JOURNEYS focus on two areas, Venice and the Veneto, and the Marche. John Hall has worked in Venice for the last forty seven years and has lived in the Marche for twenty years. INSIDERS’ VENICE presents a particular and different aspect of Venice each year , THE HEART OF THE MARCHE introduces an area of Italy still little- known and unspoilt by tourism.
ITALIAN JOURNEYS, John Hall’s meticulously-planned tours, have a flavour and style far removed from the encapsulated quality of conventional tourism. They are inspired by an enthusiasm for Italy, for its civilization and way of life. John Hall’s knowledge of Venice and of less well-known regions, of the countryside, of old inns , undiscovered trattorie and of hidden works of art together with his appreciation of traditional regional cuisine and wines make for an experience out of the ordinary.
ITALIAN JOURNEYS are planned for people who want to enjoy the best of Italy without having to worry about planning, driving , decisions and deadlines . Those who come feel more like invited guests than part of a package . Many participants come on their own and find the group atmosphere friendly and inclusive.
ITALIAN JOURNEYS began in 1974 in response to the many parents of students who attended the John Hall Venice Course , asking for something special for them - for adults. They have gradually spread, through Venice Course friends and through our connection with Venice in Peril, to being something special for any Italophile. Numbers are limited to twenty–five: often the group is less.
2011 TOURS
TOUR 1
Monday September 26 to Monday October 3
A DRAWING AND PAINTING HOLIDAY, based in San Ginesio, Marche
Please note that flights are not included. All rooms have en suite facilities with showers. Tour 1 includes 1 picnic lunch, 1 buffet lunch and 7 dinners. There are 4 lunches to be had independently
TOUR 2
Monday October 3 to Monday October 10
SECRET ITALY - based in San Ginesio, Marche
Daily visits to places of interest in the vicinity– scenery, art, gastronomy.
Please note that flights are not included. All rooms have en suite facilities with showers. Tour 2 includes 5 lunches, 1 buffet lunch and 7 dinners. There will be 1 lunch had independently on the arrival day.
2012 TOURS
TOUR 3
Monday January 23 to Saturday February 11
INSIDERS’ VENICE – A Sample of the John Hall Venice Course, beginning with an optional week in London, January 23 to January 27, then in Venice from Sunday January 29 leaving Saturday,
February 11.
Fees include the full programme of lectures and on-site visits, free pass on Venetian water buses, entrance fees for visits to galleries, churches and museums included on the programme plus the excursions. Please note that fees do not include flights or any meals except breakfast. All rooms have en suite facilities with showers.
Please note that we will not be able to accept parents of students who are taking the current Course.
WHAT THEY SAY
“All my reservations about joining a tour were quickly dispelled. I cannot praise too highly the excellent planning and organisation and your sensitive handling of people. Thank you for one of the best holidays we have ever had. And what a very friendly and pleasant party we were. An added point is that everyone thought they were getting a very good money’s worth”.
“Our art historian, we quickly discovered, knows her stuff. What is more, because we were visiting some of the quieter corners of the country, and in the company of an acknowledged expert, we were able to tour Palladian villas and examine little known art treasures without mingling with the crowds. Indeed, our entry into some of the better secreted museums, art galleries and stately homes was achieved with an ease that made one suspect that either our art historian or John Hall must have a bunch of skeleton keys hidden away somewhere. Or perhaps it is just that the custodians of these places are as appreciative of professionalism as the Customers”.
“Intelligent company, then a fascinating itinerary; a comfortable base and arrangements as slick and efficient as one could wish for”.
“It was perfectly arranged, not a day which was not completely satisfying”.
“In ten years of travel writing, it is hard to think of an organised trip I have enjoyed more”.
Comments on the Venice Course for Mature Students.
“What a privilege and joy it was to join with the Gap Year students in London and in Venice. For me the experience was unforgettable and has kick started my desire to learn more about art, history, poetry, frescoes, marble and mosaics. Sharing just a small part of the students’ gap year experience I can honestly say was not a chore but a joy . We had separate accommodation from them in a beautiful quiet spot in the City - which gave us the best of both worlds, the thrill of being part of a very special experience, with the pleasure of having a pleasant hotel to retire to at the end of the day to reflect on everything that Venice has to offer”.
C.B.
“My few weeks as a mature student on the John Hall Venice Course were unlike any other times I have spent in Venice. I felt more like a resident than a visitor. The lecturers shared their knowledge of many and varied subjects, from art to music, to evolution ..... with a passion which inspired us. To have heard so many world-class speakers in a few weeks was exceptional. During the daytime the young students were friendly to us and we passed the evenings with drinks or dinners with new friends, concerts and opera. It was a magical and unique experience which has given me many happy memories, new friendships and a desire to return and learn more. Thank you”.
H.E.