LITTLETON, Colorado – July 25, 2018 – Every day, countless travelers fall in love with Rome, Florence and Venice and think they’ve “done Italy.” But the truth is, there’s an entire country of culture, traditions, art and cuisine waiting to be seen, experienced and tasted. Now, award-winning Globus and Cosmos are inviting travelers to uncover “secret” destinations with a new series of “Undiscovered Italy” tours that explore palate-pleasing places on roads less traveled to breathe in breathtaking views and historic sites.
“Everyone knows that Rome boasts awe-inspiring ruins; Milan offers the latest fashion trends and Florence is a haven for foodies and wine connoisseurs,” said Scott Nisbet, president and chief executive officer for the Globus family of brands. “But the truth, this is a country bursting with off-the-beaten-path treasures. We are inviting travelers to pack their passion for travel and rediscover Italy in new, exciting ways.”
SEE, MARVEL AND EXPLORE.
Most travelers who visit Italy marvel at the chiseled lines of the Statue of David and stand inside the storied walls of the Colosseum, but few realize the abundance of treasures that inspire wonder outside of Rome, Florence and Venice, including:
CASTELLANA GROTTE: These caves – which began forming more than 90 million years ago – are a sight to behold: One of the most spectacular natural wonders in Italy.
GENOA: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Le Strade Nuove (new street) dates back 500 years and features some of the world’s most fascinating architecture in the form of 42 Renaissance and Baroque palaces.
SPOLETO: An ancient city that rests on a foothill of the Apennines, Spoleto features a Roman bridge that dates back to the 1st-century BC, a restored Roman house and amphitheater from the same era, as well as “newer” constructions like the Ponte delle Torri – a 13th-century aqueduct and the majestic Rocca Albornoziana fortress (built in the 1350s).
TAORMINA: A summer oasis abounding with breathtaking views, Taormina is perched on the side of a mountain and is home to Teatro Greco – an ancient, well-preserved theater built in the 3rd-century BC – and the Palazzo Corvaia – a medieval, 10th-century palace.
TASTE THE SWEET LIFE.
For travelers who have dreamed of tasting their way through Italy, Globus and Cosmos are inviting them to discover delectable masterpieces outside Italy’s famous cities with dozens of foodie experiences, including:
SPELLO: Enjoy an olive oil tasting in this hillside, Umbrian town which is considered one of the most “beautiful villages in Italy.”
NARNI: This ancient hill-town offers travelers the perfect backdrop to learn the art of homemade Manfricolo pasta (and, of course, to taste their masterpieces).
MARSALA: Many wine connoisseurs know about the sweet dessert wine produced here, but few have the opportunity to taste it in a historic wine cellar.
MONTALCINO: Engulfed by beautiful, Tuscan hills, Montalcino offers travelers a picture-perfect place to enjoy Brunello wine.
PARMA: This riverside destination is world-famous for fine food. Here, Globus travelers get their fill of Parmesan – with a tasting at a dairy farm – and prosciutto – via a factory visit.
PERUGIA: Amidst its maze of medieval streets, Perugia is home to Perugina Baci Chocolate. Here, Globus travelers are invited to taste Italy’s most delicious candy.
DISCOVER PLACES THAT MAKE AN IMPRESSION.
From its famous Roman ruins to Renaissance masterpieces, there’s no shortage of artistic and cultural sights in Italy but, finding a major work of art outside of the country’s touristy city centers, feels exceptionally special. Below are some off-the-beaten-path towns Globus and Cosmos feature on tour where travelers can witness unexpected moments of artistic genius:
BARI: A university city, Bari is home to one of the most important opera houses in Italy: The Petruzzeli Theatre. In addition, the city’s Castello Svevo served as a Renaissance residence for Isabella of Aragon and played host to artists and writers of the time.
LUCCA: Hidden behind Renaissance walls, Lucca is brimming with charming cafes, cobblestone streets and beauty galore. Lucca is also the birthplace of a long list of composers and artists including Giacomo Puccini, Nicalao Dorati, Francesco Geminiani and Bruno Menconi. Opera-lovers can visit Casa di Puccini and the town’s 19th-century opera house – Teatro del Giglio.
ORVIETO: Standing out against Orvieto’s skyline is its cathedral. Coated with mosaics and sculptures, its Gothic façade is considered one of the great masterpieces of the late Middle Ages.
PADUA: Perhaps the oldest city in Northern Italy, Padua is home to the Scrovegni Chapel and Giotto’s fresco cycle which was completed in 1305. Padua is also home to the Orto Botanico di Padova – the world’s oldest academic botanical garden that remains in its original location.
SIENA: This Tuscan town is not only a stunner on the outside, it houses some impressive art on the inside. Specifically, at the Pinacoteca Nazionale where art-lovers can find works from the area’s great 13th– and 14th-century masters: Duccio, Cimabue and Martini.
Tours spotlighting more of Italy in 2019 include:
- NEW! Hidden Treasures of Southern Italy
- NEW! The Sicilian
- Northern Italy’s Highlights and Cinque Terre
- Gems of Umbria & Tuscany
- Highlights of Sicily and Southern Italy
- NEW! Apulia, The Heel of Italy
- NEW! Gourmet Tuscany
- Sicily Discovery
- The Magic of the Italian Lakes
DEAL ALERT: Book early and SAVE! 2019 Italy vacations start at $899!
ABOUT GLOBUS FAMILY OF BRANDS
Littleton, Colorado-based Group Voyagers, Inc. is the privately held company that markets and sells the Globus family of brands within the United States. Globus, Cosmos, Monograms and Avalon Waterways offer travelers unparalleled tour, independent travel package, river- and small-ship cruise options. Considered the world’s largest tour operator, with 90 years of international travel experience, the Globus family of brands is dedicated to enriching the lives of travelers by turning foreign destinations into familiar harbors, where the expense of travel is forgotten and replaced by personal value. The Globus family of brands is a member of Sustainable Travel International (STI). Consumers can book a Globus family of brands vacation or request brochures by visiting a preferred travel agent or by calling the following toll free number: 1.866.313.2855. For more information, please visit www.globusfamily.com. Travel agents can request brochures by calling toll free 1.800.221.0090 or visiting www.globusfamilypartner.com.