ITALIAN JOURNEYS FOCUS ON TWO AREAS, VENICE AND THE VENETO, AND THE MARCHES REGION. John Hall has worked in Venice for the last 47 years and has lived in the Marches for 20 years. SECRET ITALY introduces an area of Italy still little known, and unspoilt by tourism. INSIDERS’ VENICE offers something different from conventional tours in Venice.
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 known regions, of the countryside, of old inns, undiscovered trattorie, 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. They aim to combine culture and conviviality in exceptionally beautiful surroundings and to make those who come feel more like invited guests than part of a package – a truly epicurean experience.
2012 TOUR
Sunday July 8 to Sunday July 15
SECRET ITALY – THE HEART OF THE MARCHES.
Including Urbino, the tour is based in San Ginesio in the province of Macerata, with daily visits to places of interest in the vicinity – scenery, art, gastronomy
COST: £1980 per person
Supplement for single person in double room £96
Cost includes bed and breakfast, 7 dinners, 6 excursions including lunches, a wine tasting, transfers from Bologna airport to San Ginesio and vice versa. IT DOES NOT INCLUDE THE COST OF THE FLIGHT. There is a morning BA flight daily from both Gatwick and Heathrow to Bologna G.Marconi Airport.
See details
2013 Marche Tour to be announced
2013 TOUR
Optional dates between Sunday February 24 - Saturday March 9
INSIDERS’ VENICE
A Sample of the John Hall Venice Course For Mature Students
OPTION 1
Arrive February 24, depart March 2 (six nights in Venice)
COST: £1510 per person indouble room. Supplement for single use of double room £375
Cost without accommodation £1125
OPTION 2
Arrive March 3 depart March 9 (six nights in Venice).
COST: £1510 per person indouble room. Supplement for single use of double room £375
Cost without accommodation £1125
OPTION 3
Arrive February 24 depart March 9 (thirteen nights in Venice)
The two weeks includes the programmes of Option 1 andOption 2.
COST: £2770 per person indouble room Supplement forsingle use of double room £815
Cost without accommodation £1950
The cost includes the full programme of lectures and visits in Venice, free pass on the Venetian water buses, entrance fees to galleries, museums and churches included in the programme.THE COST DOES NOT INCLUDE FLIGHTS, TRANSPORT FROM AIRPORT TO HOTEL AND BACK OR MEALS.
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.