ITALIAN
JOURNEYS
Combine
culture and conviviality in exceptionally beautiful surroundings


TOURS
2009
The Secret
Heart of Italy -
The
Marche
(itinerary 2)
June 7 - 13 2009
2009
Insiders' Venice
Eighteenth Century Venice
(itinerary 2)
Oct 11 - 16 2009
John Hall's
ITALIAN JOURNEYS
"In ten years of travel writing, it is hard to think of an organised trip that I have enjoyed more"
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.
"It was
perfectly
arranged, not
a day which
was not
completely satisfying".
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. Each day there are visits in the morning and afternoon, conducted by our Art Historian, to look at works of art, in Venice on foot and by vaporetto, in the countryside on foot and by coach. Leisurely breaks for lunch are part of the character of the tours.

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. We usually arrange two tours a year, one to Venice or the Veneto, one to a country area, often the Marche region. Each tour gives participants an opportunity to make a contribution to Venice in Peril .


MADE – TO – MEASURE TOURS. We have a long record of arranging tours to suit the individual requirements of museum groups, garden clubs, various organizations and institutions and groups of friends (minimum number ten).


ITALIAN JOURNEYS does not book flights.

John Hall M.A. Oxon. has been involved in specialized travel since 1966 when he set up the first Italian Villas and Gardens tour for Swan Hellenic Tours, and was subsequently responsible for planning many Swan Hellenic Art Treasures Tours in Italy, as well as tours for C I T.  He has organized tours for many institutions including The Garden Club of America , the Directors of the Washington Choral Arts Society, The Trustees of the Nelson Atkins Museum, Kansas City, the Garden History Society.  As well as running the annual Venice Course for gap year students, John Hall and his wife manage their own vineyard, olive grove and assorted livestock in the Marche region of central Italy, where they have (made) their home.

"Intelligent company, then a fascinating itinerary; a comfortable base and arrangements as slick and efficient as one could wish for".