The Great Italian Escape

May 1st to 10th , 2009

Buon Giorno,

This next adventure takes us to the wonderful regions of Northern and Central Italy.  Our main location will be in astonishing Parma where we will learn about the local culture, take day trips to the eastern and western coastlines  including Venice & its nearby islands, the Liguria Seacoast, Florence in Tuscany, Milan and attend the outstanding Italian Lace and Embroidery Show taking place in Parma in early May 2009. 

Rightfully so, Parma has been named “The Food Capital of Italy” and the place to experience the good life.  It boasts to having  many of the best gastronomic specialties such as cheeses, ham, balsamic vinegar, and other gourmet food exported all over the world.  This urbane and prosperous city is a treasure trove of cultured arts such as excellent paintings, medieval buildings and a top opera house.  Its elegant shops, first-rate bars and restaurants are not to be missed.    The most important opera composer of the 19th century, Giuseppe Verdi, was born in the Parma region and Napoleon’s second wife, Marie Louise spent the last years of her life in this prized city.  

Of all the art works found in the entire world, fifty percent of them can be seen in Italy; therefore, while on Italian soil, one cannot miss seeing Leonardo da Vinci masterpiece titled “The Last Supper” in Milan, the Gallaria dell’Accademia with Michael Angelo’s David & the grand Uffizi Art Gallery in Florence and the National Art Gallery in Parma. 

In spite of the present challenging currency exchange situation of the Euro versus the U.S. dollar, this trip still offers great value for the money.  The currency circumstances forced me to be more creative in the planning of the trip without compromising on the services.   By choosing to work directly with an Italian Travel Agency in Parma, doing some of the hotel and museum bookings on my own and have step-on guides on the locations we will visit, this tour retains the qualities of a deluxe tour people are accustomed to expect when they come on my trips such as centrally located four stars hotels, fine food and guided visits.  S-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g  the dollar can also be considered an art form. 

Come along with me and experience this extraordinary adventure as I cannot wait to return to this Mediterranean country and revisit with the local people at all the planned locations.  Having fun and learning new things are part of what is in-store for you.   Tasting the fine cuisine of Parma may make one think that they may have experienced flavor amnesia before then.   Please take the time to read the daily itinerary and have a virtual tour of the trip at www.marieyolande.com   
                                                                                                                  Ciao,

********************************************************
The Great Italian Escape      $5,195.  U.S. Currency    (Air Travel not included)
Discounts will be given based on the number of registered trip participants.
See details on registration form.