http://ftp.roadtoitaly.com/www/ Tours, news, Client experiences, Press releases Society & Culture Places & Travel en Copyright 2008 bashworth@roadtotravel.com Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:15:07 GMT Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:15:07 GMT RSS DreamFeeder v 2.1.0 TORONTO, Ontario --- Road To Italy, the experts in customized, private tours of Italy, has just introduced private, customized full - to half - day excursions for passengers aboard cruise ships. Many cruise liners offer shore excursions for their guests to explore important sites within a reasonable distance from the ship. Most of these options are certainly affordable for travelers on a budget, but the cost comes in the form of tour buses packed to the brim and a mad rush through the major sites before returning to port with travelers having seen much but experienced little. On a dream vacation, travelers deserve to have an experience on shore that parallels the pampered relaxation experienced on board. While cruise lines will provide more personalized offerings for their travelers, the price is high and inclusive of only a private driver, not a personal, English-speaking guide. Having seen a gap in what people experience on board and ashore, Road to Italy designed a set of shore excursions that allow travelers to have exactly the experience they want – seeing and learning more about what’s most appealing to them in the time away from the ship. Travelers may have groups as large or small as they wish, fine-tuning the itinerary to ensure the day is full of enjoyment and relaxation. Road to Italy’s shore excursions are half- to full-day itineraries embarking from the ports of Civitavecchia, Livorno, Naples, Venice, Palermo, Messina or Catania. Travelers are greeted at the port by a driver and a guide, included in the total price of the package. They are then taken through the itinerary, which can easily be customized, at a pace that suits the group. After a day full of exciting sites and unforgettable experiences, travelers are returned to the port at the end of the excursion to continue the trip of a lifetime. TORONTO, Ontario --- Road To Italy, the experts in customized, private tours of Italy, has just introduced private, customized full - to half - day excursions for passengers aboard cruise ships. Many cruise liners offer shore excursions for their guests to explore important sites within a reasonable distance from the ship. Most of these options are certainly affordable for travelers on a budget, but the cost comes in the form of tour buses packed to the brim and a mad rush through the major sites before returning to port with travelers having seen much but experienced little. On a dream vacation, travelers deserve to have an experience on shore that parallels the pampered relaxation experienced on board. While cruise lines will provide more personalized offerings for their travelers, the price is high and inclusive of only a private driver, not a personal, English-speaking guide. Having seen a gap in what people experience on board and ashore, Road to Italy designed a set of shore excursions that allow travelers to have exactly the experience they want – seeing and learning more about what’s most appealing to them in the time away from the ship. Travelers may have groups as large or small as they wish, fine-tuning the itinerary to ensure the day is full of enjoyment and relaxation. Road to Italy’s shore excursions are half- to full-day itineraries embarking from the ports of Civitavecchia, Livorno, Naples, Venice, Palermo, Messina or Catania. Travelers are greeted at the port by a driver and a guide, included in the total price of the package. They are then taken through the itinerary, which can easily be customized, at a pace that suits the group. After a day full of exciting sites and unforgettable experiences, travelers are returned to the port at the end of the excursion to continue the trip of a lifetime. http://www.roadtoitaly.com/shore_excursions.htm Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:00:00 GMT Brian Ashworth manual:1205950507320:2109533997020796:http://ftp.roadtoitaly.com/www/rssfeed.rss TORONTO, Ontario --- Road To Italy, the experts in personalized travel, has just added the Island of Sardinia to its specialized itineraries of the sites - and sights - of Italy. “ So many of our repeat clientele have asked us for ‘more, more, more’ of the Italian experience,” explained Flavia Jaber, VP of Product Development and Operations. “These are travellers who have been to Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany and they want to extend their explorations of all things Italian.” Road to Italy responded by offering personalized travel to a part of Italy, which still seems off the beaten tourist track. “Sardinia remains the great undiscovered gem of an Italian vacation,” according to Flavia. “It has been discovered by some European visitors, but very few North Americans seem to make this quick journey across the Tyrrhenian Sea – a mere 200 km from Rome.” The European market, mainly German, French and English, have been visiting the northern coast (Costa Smeralda) for some years – a trendy area of yacht marinas, spectacular beaches and luxury resorts. However, the majority of the country is still relatively unaffected by any tourist traffic and remains authentically Italian. Sardinia is known for its primitive beauty – rugged, rocky coasts, deserted white sand beaches, fishing harbours and remains an undiscovered playground for sailing, scuba-diving and sunbathing. Road to Italy also has a full-service office in Rome as well as a dedicated travel agent based in Sardinia. Although known for its customized and personal FIT trips (“detailed, 19th century service with complete 21st century amenities”,) the company also represents numerous package tour operators including Collette Vacations, Cosmos, Globus, Insight Vacations and Trafalgar Tours. TORONTO, Ontario --- Road To Italy, the experts in personalized travel, has just added the Island of Sardinia to its specialized itineraries of the sites - and sights - of Italy. “ So many of our repeat clientele have asked us for ‘more, more, more’ of the Italian experience,” explained Flavia Jaber, VP of Product Development and Operations. “These are travellers who have been to Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany and they want to extend their explorations of all things Italian.” Road to Italy responded by offering personalized travel to a part of Italy, which still seems off the beaten tourist track. “Sardinia remains the great undiscovered gem of an Italian vacation,” according to Flavia. “It has been discovered by some European visitors, but very few North Americans seem to make this quick journey across the Tyrrhenian Sea – a mere 200 km from Rome.” The European market, mainly German, French and English, have been visiting the northern coast (Costa Smeralda) for some years – a trendy area of yacht marinas, spectacular beaches and luxury resorts. However, the majority of the country is still relatively unaffected by any tourist traffic and remains authentically Italian. Sardinia is known for its primitive beauty – rugged, rocky coasts, deserted white sand beaches, fishing harbours and remains an undiscovered playground for sailing, scuba-diving and sunbathing. Road to Italy also has a full-service office in Rome as well as a dedicated travel agent based in Sardinia. Although known for its customized and personal FIT trips (“detailed, 19th century service with complete 21st century amenities”,) the company also represents numerous package tour operators including Collette Vacations, Cosmos, Globus, Insight Vacations and Trafalgar Tours. http://www.roadtoitaly.com/rome_sardinia/rome_sardinia_1.htm Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:00:00 GMT Brian Ashworth manual:1205949824681:5724831682660386:file:///T /Web%20Sites/RTI-1/www/rssfeed.rss CAGLIARI, Sardinia --- No vacation to Italy would be complete without seeing the amazing sights of ancient Rome, artistic Florence, romantic Tuscany or the watery Venice. But what about the picturesque harbour of Cagliari? The sandy dunes of Piscinas beach? The 12th Century city of Alghero? These are not yet ‘household’ names for an Italian vacation but that should soon change when Road to Travel introduces Sardinia to those with a quest for fun, fascination and, of course, the flavours of truly unique Italian cuisine. “Sardinia remains the great undiscovered gem of an Italian vacation, “ according to Flavia Jaber, VP of Production Development and Operations. “So many of our clients have asked us for ‘more, more, more’ of Italy and we have responded by introducing the wonders of Sardinia to our friends who love to travel.” Sardinia is a mere 200 KM from the coastal city of Roma, 300 KM from Napoli – so close, yet seemingly so far away from the tourist sites of the mainland. (Note: You can take a one-hour flight but many opt for the leisurely, overnight 16-hour car ferry across the Tyrrhenian Sea from Naples). This historic island is approximately 250 KM long and about 125 Km wide (at its maximum point from Porto Torres to Capo Comino). So of course you could drive around the island in one long day – but why would you want to? This is a slow-paced island with scenic coastal roads, deserted coves of white sand beaches and crystal clear water, magnificent and ancient sun-bleaches rock formations created through years of wind and rain. In other words (in any words!) Sardinia is an island that entices the visitor to explore its roots in a relaxed and leisurely fashion. It is mainly Europeans who have discovered this island - English, French and German tourists use the north coast (Costa Smeralda) as their personal playground of beaches, boats, swimming, scuba diving and the occasional au natural sunny coves for all-over sun tanning. This is an area of rugged rocky beauty, private sandy coves, azure blue waters as well as man-made amenities such as fishing harbours and yachts marinas, residential villas and luxury hotels, seaside tavernas and five-star dining. It is the spectacular scenery – especially at Capo d’Orso and Capo Testa – that has enticed the tourists to the Costa Smeralda with its luxury resorts and tourist amenities. Most of the island, however, remains almost oblivious to the tourists of the north. Mario Delitala, tour guide extraordinaire and Road to Italy’s dedicated representative in Sardinia, is readily available to supply advice on where to eat and suggestions about what to see. (Road to Italy, though based in Toronto, has a dozen employees connected with its Rome office. In other words, when you leave Toronto, they are sending you to the care of their staff in Italy.) Mario will also offer suggestions on where to buy your “must have” souvenirs from any visit to his island. “The islanders are known for fine handcrafted items, such as lace-making (especially in the tiny towns of Oliena or Bosa) and you can find special woven rugs and tapestries of colourful, floral patterns. (The Sardinian pibbiones rugs are created by embroidering raised patterns on classic beige fabric.) As for food, well, this is Italy so eat anything. Eat everything. You will discovery both sweet and savoury dishes that are unique to this island paradise, not found on the mainland. Of course, fish must be the most popular dish, right? Nope. The traditional feast for special dinners and celebrations is Porceddu - suckling pig roasted over an open fire -served on traditional cork plates with myrtle leaves with plenty of thin, crisp Carasau bread. Of course everyday culinary fare includes mounds of pasta dishes such as Pane Frattau, a mixture of breads, percorino cheese, tomato sauce and eggs; Malloreddus – gnocchi with minced sausage, tomato sauce with a hint of saffron and the hearty Zuppa gallurese – a mixture of wheat bread, grated perconino cheese and slowly baked in wood-burning oven. Seafood lovers need not worry – visitors can also order the zesty Catalan lobster, an antipasti combination of buccinis and arselle (mollusks and clam) and Burrida, the island specialty of cooked fish marinated for a day in garlic, parsley, bazelnuts and vinegar. The history of Sardinia coexists with the present in the form of some 7,000 round stone dwellings (nuraghi) scattered throughout the island – a constant reminder of the Bronze Age (4000 to 2000 BC) warriors and shepherds who populated this land. These megalithic ruins, especially the ones in the Su Nuraxi settlement at Barumini, are often in a perfectly preserved state. Sardinia is the perfect addition for those who have been to Italy once, twice, or many times – it is Italy, but different. The island Italians, separated from their cousins by the sea, have maintained their traditional styles of culture and cuisine, fishing and sheep-herding, hospitality and charm. Modern amenities exist, of course. The visitor can relax in luxurious splendour in a seaside villa (Alghero) or check into a little pensione next to a small-town taverna in Carbonia. Either way, your lobster will have been fresh-caught that day, the local Vernaccia wine light and cool, the hospitality fun and friendly. And those magnificent coastal sunsets – dazzling shades of Italian gold and bronze – are free with your vacation. Of course, fish must be the most popular dish, right? Nope. The traditional feast for special dinners and celebrations is Porceddu - suckling pig roasted over an open fire -served on traditional cork plates with myrtle leaves with plenty of thin, crisp Carasau bread. Of course everyday culinary fare includes mounds of pasta dishes such as Pane Frattau, a mixture of breads, percorino cheese, tomato sauce and eggs; Malloreddus – gnocchi with minced sausage, tomato sauce with a hint of saffron and the hearty Zuppa gallurese – a mixture of wheat bread, grated perconino cheese and slowly baked in wood-burning oven. Seafood lovers need not worry – visitors can also order the zesty Catalan lobster, an antipasti combination of buccinis and arselle (mollusks and clam) and Burrida, the island specialty of cooked fish marinated for a day in garlic, parsley, bazelnuts and vinegar. The history of Sardinia coexists with the present in the form of some 7,000 round stone dwellings (nuraghi) scattered throughout the island – a constant reminder of the Bronze Age (4000 to 2000 BC) warriors and shepherds who populated this land. These megalithic ruins, especially the ones in the Su Nuraxi settlement at Barumini, are often in a perfectly preserved state. Sardinia is the perfect addition for those who have been to Italy once, twice, or many times – it is Italy, but different. The island Italians, separated from their cousins by the sea, have maintained their traditional styles of culture and cuisine, fishing and sheep-herding, hospitality and charm. CAGLIARI, Sardinia --- No vacation to Italy would be complete without seeing the amazing sights of ancient Rome, artistic Florence, romantic Tuscany or the watery Venice. But what about the picturesque harbour of Cagliari? The sandy dunes of Piscinas beach? The 12th Century city of Alghero? These are not yet ‘household’ names for an Italian vacation but that should soon change when Road to Travel introduces Sardinia to those with a quest for fun, fascination and, of course, the flavours of truly unique Italian cuisine. “Sardinia remains the great undiscovered gem of an Italian vacation, “ according to Flavia Jaber, VP of Production Development and Operations. “So many of our clients have asked us for ‘more, more, more’ of Italy and we have responded by introducing the wonders of Sardinia to our friends who love to travel.” Sardinia is a mere 200 KM from the coastal city of Roma, 300 KM from Napoli – so close, yet seemingly so far away from the tourist sites of the mainland. (Note: You can take a one-hour flight but many opt for the leisurely, overnight 16-hour car ferry across the Tyrrhenian Sea from Naples). This historic island is approximately 250 KM long and about 125 Km wide (at its maximum point from Porto Torres to Capo Comino). So of course you could drive around the island in one long day – but why would you want to? This is a slow-paced island with scenic coastal roads, deserted coves of white sand beaches and crystal clear water, magnificent and ancient sun-bleaches rock formations created through years of wind and rain. In other words (in any words!) Sardinia is an island that entices the visitor to explore its roots in a relaxed and leisurely fashion. It is mainly Europeans who have discovered this island - English, French and German tourists use the north coast (Costa Smeralda) as their personal playground of beaches, boats, swimming, scuba diving and the occasional au natural sunny coves for all-over sun tanning. This is an area of rugged rocky beauty, private sandy coves, azure blue waters as well as man-made amenities such as fishing harbours and yachts marinas, residential villas and luxury hotels, seaside tavernas and five-star dining. It is the spectacular scenery – especially at Capo d’Orso and Capo Testa – that has enticed the tourists to the Costa Smeralda with its luxury resorts and tourist amenities. Most of the island, however, remains almost oblivious to the tourists of the north. Mario Delitala, tour guide extraordinaire and Road to Italy’s dedicated representative in Sardinia, is readily available to supply advice on where to eat and suggestions about what to see. (Road to Italy, though based in Toronto, has a dozen employees connected with its Rome office. In other words, when you leave Toronto, they are sending you to the care of their staff in Italy.) Mario will also offer suggestions on where to buy your “must have” souvenirs from any visit to his island. “The islanders are known for fine handcrafted items, such as lace-making (especially in the tiny towns of Oliena or Bosa) and you can find special woven rugs and tapestries of colourful, floral patterns. (The Sardinian pibbiones rugs are created by embroidering raised patterns on classic beige fabric.) As for food, well, this is Italy so eat anything. Eat everything. You will discovery both sweet and savoury dishes that are unique to this island paradise, not found on the mainland. Of course, fish must be the most popular dish, right? Nope. The traditional feast for special dinners and celebrations is Porceddu - suckling pig roasted over an open fire -served on traditional cork plates with myrtle leaves with plenty of thin, crisp Carasau bread. Of course everyday culinary fare includes mounds of pasta dishes such as Pane Frattau, a mixture of breads, percorino cheese, tomato sauce and eggs; Malloreddus – gnocchi with minced sausage, tomato sauce with a hint of saffron and the hearty Zuppa gallurese – a mixture of wheat bread, grated perconino cheese and slowly baked in wood-burning oven. Seafood lovers need not worry – visitors can also order the zesty Catalan lobster, an antipasti combination of buccinis and arselle (mollusks and clam) and Burrida, the island specialty of cooked fish marinated for a day in garlic, parsley, bazelnuts and vinegar. The history of Sardinia coexists with the present in the form of some 7,000 round stone dwellings (nuraghi) scattered throughout the island – a constant reminder of the Bronze Age (4000 to 2000 BC) warriors and shepherds who populated this land. These megalithic ruins, especially the ones in the Su Nuraxi settlement at Barumini, are often in a perfectly preserved state. Sardinia is the perfect addition for those who have been to Italy once, twice, or many times – it is Italy, but different. The island Italians, separated from their cousins by the sea, have maintained their traditional styles of culture and cuisine, fishing and sheep-herding, hospitality and charm. Modern amenities exist, of course. The visitor can relax in luxurious splendour in a seaside villa (Alghero) or check into a little pensione next to a small-town taverna in Carbonia. Either way, your lobster will have been fresh-caught that day, the local Vernaccia wine light and cool, the hospitality fun and friendly. And those magnificent coastal sunsets – dazzling shades of Italian gold and bronze – are free with your vacation. Of course, fish must be the most popular dish, right? Nope. The traditional feast for special dinners and celebrations is Porceddu - suckling pig roasted over an open fire -served on traditional cork plates with myrtle leaves with plenty of thin, crisp Carasau bread. Of course everyday culinary fare includes mounds of pasta dishes such as Pane Frattau, a mixture of breads, percorino cheese, tomato sauce and eggs; Malloreddus – gnocchi with minced sausage, tomato sauce with a hint of saffron and the hearty Zuppa gallurese – a mixture of wheat bread, grated perconino cheese and slowly baked in wood-burning oven. Seafood lovers need not worry – visitors can also order the zesty Catalan lobster, an antipasti combination of buccinis and arselle (mollusks and clam) and Burrida, the island specialty of cooked fish marinated for a day in garlic, parsley, bazelnuts and vinegar. The history of Sardinia coexists with the present in the form of some 7,000 round stone dwellings (nuraghi) scattered throughout the island – a constant reminder of the Bronze Age (4000 to 2000 BC) warriors and shepherds who populated this land. These megalithic ruins, especially the ones in the Su Nuraxi settlement at Barumini, are often in a perfectly preserved state. Sardinia is the perfect addition for those who have been to Italy once, twice, or many times – it is Italy, but different. The island Italians, separated from their cousins by the sea, have maintained their traditional styles of culture and cuisine, fishing and sheep-herding, hospitality and charm. http://www.roadtoitaly.com/rome_sardinia/rome_sardinia_1.htm Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:31:38 GMT Steve Veale manual:1205944387218:8853071265153059:file:///T /Web%20Sites/RTI-1/www/rssfeed.rss