By Robert Dee, co-founder of New Deal Europe

Europe in a nutshell. That’s a bold claim, but having travelled all over Europe, I can honestly say that this region lives up to this statement. Let me tell you why you and your clients should go there. 

Covering Italy’s Friuli-Venezia-Giulia (FVG), Slovenia’s Julian Alps, Vipava Valley and Karst, and extending  into Umag in Croatia, this region holds a unique geo-strategic position, nestled between the Alps and the northern tip of the Adriatic (Mediterranean) Sea. It has been a crossroads of Europe for millennia. Slavic, Roman, and Germano-Austrian cultures combine uniquely here with Italian, Slovenian, Croatian and German all recognised as official national languages, and Friulian also having designated official status.  

For centuries, anyone travelling across Europe from West to East passed through here, leaving their mark. Roman ruins, Venetian city walls and palaces, Austro-Hungarian residences, and ancient hilltop towns and fortresses offer testimony to the past. Unquestionably there is much to attract the cultural tourist seeking to understand not only the history of the region, but also the history of Europe. 

Unsurprisingly, its riches have been fought over by successive generations, leading to today’s borders; yet it now offers borderless, frictionless travel across neighbouring countries, exemplified by this year’s European Capital of Culture, Gorizia/Nova Gorica. Once divided by the Iron Curtain between Italy and Yugoslavia, the city lived split lives for nearly half a century. Today, the remnants of the Iron Curtain are a quirky and fun tourist attraction, and it is even possible to do a ‘smuggling tour’ reliving what it was like to smuggle western goods into Yugoslavia, a unique experience which I can highly recommend. But the city offers much more, including an abbey where the first book in the Slovenian language is housed and where the last Bourbon King of France is buried. Who knew? 

It’s true that travellers today are looking for less crowded destinations, and seeking experiences related to nature and the outdoors. The Alps-Adriatic region is the perfect destination in Europe to offer this: a jewel in the heart of Europe, yet a relatively undiscovered part of the continent, with huge potential for sustainable, responsible and active tourism. Embracing the mountain peaks of the Triglav National Park, the dramatic Sava and Soča rivers, the extensive cave systems of the Karst, (including the UNESCO listed Škocjan caves), the vast pine forests of FVG, and the varied coastline of the Adriatic, these destinations offer endless opportunities for eco-friendly activities. This includes home and farm stays often coupled with experiences unique to the region, which is potentially unrivalled in Europe… and I haven’t even mentioned that Lake Bohinj in Slovenia was named most sustainable tourism destination in the World at the World Tourism Awards, or that FVG has thirteen villages on the register of ‘I Borghi più belli d’Italia’. There is much here to tempt the visitor away from the nearby tourist hub of Venice.  

Activity and immersion in nature and community is at the heart of the tourism offering. Whitewater rafting and canoeing can be done on the turquoise waters of the Soča River, water sports at the coast, golf in the Alps or on one of Croatia’s two 18 hole courses, and tennis is ubiquitous in Umag (the venue for an ATP tournament it has over 70 tennis courts). A network of well-marked hiking and biking trails running from the dramatic alps to the historic coastal towns connects the region. They run through the vineyards of FVG, and Slovenia’s Vipava Valley, offering opportunities to taste and learn about the excellent local produce.  

Wine connoisseurs will be familiar with Collio in Italy and Goriška Brda and Vipava Valley in Slovenia whose winemakers pioneered the orange biodynamic wine movement, now acclaimed worldwide. The vineyards around Umag in Croatia are less well known but fascinating to visit, as they benefit from a rich red soil found only in a handful of places around the world. This soil also plays a part in the production of the award winning Istrian olive oils, said by many to be the best in the world. Don’t leave here without sampling courtesy of a local producer. 

Which leads me to gastronomy. The region is home to many Michelin starred restaurants showcasing the best of local produce and local chefs, including Ana Roš, the world’s leading female chef. But you don’t have to go high end to taste great food here. Many farms offer smoked meats and sausages, home-made cheeses, and honey, which in my view is the best you can buy anywhere.  

The variety of landscapes and cultures in such a small space is unparalleled in Europe. Dramatic Alps, rolling hills, vineyards, a coastline peppered with historic towns, and unique attractions such as the Lipica stud farm, where the world-famous Lipizzaner horses of Vienna’s Spanish Riding School are bred and from which they take their name, make this a true microcosm of Europe. The unique cultural and natural heritage of the Alps-Adriatic region, connected by eco-friendly transport and marked by strong cross-border cooperation, should definitely make it your next place to visit in Europe. 

Practical Information

As you would expect from a region in the heart of Europe, it is exceptionally well connected, with major roads and railways, ports that are regular stops for cruise ships, and Trieste International Airport offering an increasing number of routes to key European destinations. Other major airports, such as Ljubljana and Venice, are only a short drive away. This accessibility is matched by the region’s diversity, offering a full range of accommodation options – from mountain-chic boutique hotels to campsites, private stays, and city hotels, with all the major international brands represented in one way or another. The same variety extends to DMC providers, many of whom run cross-border programmes, while others specialise in unique local experiences.

About the author:

I’m Robert Dee, co-founder of New Deal Europe and a travel professional with over 40 years’ experience. I’ve been fortunate to explore some of the world’s most fascinating places and to work with a wide range of organisations, destinations and markets throughout my career. 

The European Travel Commission supports the initiative, which is co-funded by the European Union.

The post Europe in a Nutshell – The Alps to Adriatic Region  appeared first on USTOA Blog.

From bullet trains to bunk beds, rail travel is a truly immersive experience  

By: Yves Marceau, VP of product for G Adventures 

When traveling, it’s all too easy to skip from one destination to the next, without really appreciating what we see along the way. “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey,” is a phrase we’ve all heard. At G Adventures, we believe it’s both. That’s why we recently launched our Rail Collection – 60 joyful train journeys across 20 countries that help travelers to travel flexibly and responsibly, while also offering true cultural immersion in a destination.  

There are so many reasons why train travel is increasingly important for a community tourism-focused operator like ours, allowing you to get more out of your adventure. Here are just some of them.  

It encourages you to slow down 

In a literal sense, opting for a train journey instead of a flight is a slower form of travel. Even G Adventures’ Rail Collection trips in Japan, which include journeys on the famous bullet train, are slow compared to air travel. But importantly, traveling by train also encourages you to slow down, too. What you may feel like you are ‘losing’ in time, you are gaining elsewhere – leaving the pace of the journey to someone is freeing, and the hypnotic trundle on a train can do wonders for helping your mind slow, something that can be increasingly hard to do in a fast-paced world.  

It can be a more immersive experience 

Major airports across the world have a tendency to look, feel, smell and sound the same. Train journeys do not. A train trip fully immerses you in the destination and doesn’t let you bypass local life on the ground. Whether it’s what you’re seeing out the window, from miles of countryside to rarely-seen villages, to what you’re smelling on board, or what you’re eating along the way. And while airports go big on global food chains when it comes to eating options, at train stations, particularly smaller ones out of bigger cities, you’re more likely to find smaller independent cafes and food sellers, giving you the chance to try more local dishes – and put traveler dollars directly into the pocket of locals. 

Big picture benefits

Using public rail transportation not only helps infuse money into communities that wouldn’t usually benefit from tourism income, but also helps keep commuter rail travel funded and more affordable for locals. It’s a simple yet great example of how tourism can be a force for good, and benefit communities on a much more local level in the easiest of ways. 

It encourages new connections 

Chances are you’ve taken a seat on a train and spent the journey sitting opposite someone. It’s impossible – certainly with the longer train journeys G Adventures features in its Rail Collection – to not interact with the people around you. Some of our favorite Rail Collection trips feature day-long journeys across India, where your local travel companions start out as strangers, but soon become acquaintances with stories to tell, giving a unique and powerful insight into life on unhurried journeys. And how could you possibly share a bunk cabin on a sleeper train in Vietnam without a spontaneous conversation – or long game of cards – with your new cabin mates? Authentic interactions like these are the memories we take away from trips abroad – and they’re often the stories that we tell, too. 

It’s a true adventure  

Ever seen a toddler or group of kids gleefully smiling at a train passing by? Trains have been synonymous with adventure since we were kids. And as adults, what’s one person’s commuter train is another person’s adventure. It may look like a train ride through the bucolic Italian countryside, it may be a night rocking to sleep on the top bunk of a train journeying across Japan, or it may be a bullet train whizzing at the speed of light (almost) from Shanghai to Berlin. It’s a meaningful way to see the world – a journey to be celebrated, not endured. 

About G Adventures

G Adventures isn’t just a travel company, we’re a movement. Since 1990, when social entrepreneur Bruce Poon Tip set out to change the way people see the world, we’ve been leading the way in community tourism and small-group adventure travel. With more than 850 life-changing trips in 100 countries across all seven continents, we help travelers connect deeply with local people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife,  all while having a blast. 

But it doesn’t stop there. With us, travel  is about passion, purpose, and making a difference. Our ‘G for Good’ social impact commitments ensure every journey supports local communities, with over 130 community tourism projects powered by our non-profit partner, Planeterra, and our industry-first Ripple Score,  which tracks how much of our travelers’ money stays local. And through our Trees for Days initiative, we’ve planted over 3 million trees (and counting), one for every traveler, every day they are on trip with us, helping communities and the planet to thrive together. 

At G Adventures, we believe in changing lives through travel, and not just for the traveler. Our unique company culture fuels a global community that transcends borders, connecting people with purpose and spreading joy, curiosity, and humanity in everything we do. We’re not just about seeing the world, we’re about making it better, together. 

Learn more and join the movement at www.gadventures.com. 

The post The Joy of the Journey: Why Train Travel is the Ultimate Way to Get More Out of Your Adventure appeared first on USTOA Blog.

By Cindy Clarke, Tauck 

Food has long served as a delicious passport to other cultures, revealing the traditions, values, and rhythms of life in cultures around the world. Whether you are hand-rolling pasta in an Italian kitchen with an affable chef, sipping wine with a vintner among the sun-drenched vines of Tuscany, sampling just-caught sushi at a bustling market in Tokyo, or savoring the hearty comfort of Guinness stew in a firelit Irish pub, new friends all around, you’re not just enjoying a meal—you’re taking part in a legacy handed down through generations. 

And the journey doesn’t end there. Bring those flavors home and let them transport you—one bite, one aroma, one memory at a time. From wood-fired Italian pizza to delicate Viennese strüdel, Spanish tapas to French crêpes, zesty Middle Eastern tabbouleh to handmade Mexican tamales, buttery Maine lobster to earthy French truffles, the tastes of travel linger long after the trip is over, evoking memories and cultural connections that can last a lifetime. 

Street markets, bustling with locally sourced flavors, tell tales of daily life around the world. Hop aboard a Vespa for an after-dark foodie tour of the lively street markets of Saigon, embodying the soul of the city in a diverse array of local treats and goods. Stroll through a farmer’s market in Avignon to select fresh ingredients for a chef-hosted cooking class tempting with fine French fare. Or enjoy handcrafted sausage smothered in homemade sauerkraut, hot mulled glühwein in hand like I did as I wandered through festive holiday markets along the Danube. These sensory experiences—scents, sounds, colors, tastes—can spring back to life the moment you find something familiar at home. 

Local restaurants, from corner paladars in Cuba and neighborhood trattorias in Italy to chic French bistros and centuries-old English pubs, showcase recipes distinctive to their country and are a great way to meet the locals. Travel with local guides to visit chocolate shops, cheeseries, and olive oil farms where time-honored regional secrets are shared in tastings of products, locally produced and personally served by the proud people who made them. Dining on farm-to-table fare, sustainably grown and always authentic – think truffles that I saw being unearthed by specially trained dogs on my trip to Provence, vegetables and herbs freshly picked from my host’s, Catherine Fluvio, Irish garden for a savory soup that captured the season, or a flavor-rich lunch at the Slow Food University in the Langhe Hills of Piedmont – takes you back to those intimate, mindful moments you shared with surprising clarity.   

Culinary workshops and cooking demonstrations offer more than just instruction—they’re an invitation to bring the world into your own kitchen. Vintners, bakers, and chefs teach you how to taste, pair and plate dishes that are as meaningful as they are delicious. Imagine the joy of recreating a recipe you learned abroad and sharing it with friends at a dinner party they’ll never forget. 

Home-hosted meals, whether they’re in a Viennese palace, a country château in Normandy, an Icelandic farmhouse, a baron’s Sicilian villa or a tea house in Kyoto, engender a genuine connection to the long-held traditions of the people you meet in the places you dine. And while you enjoy dishes that reflect the tastes and the times, the conversations and camaraderie you experience promise unforgettable memories too.   

Exploring North America affords opportunities to work alongside lobstermen off the coast of Maine and savor the catch of the day, warm up to chiles at a cooking school in Santa Fe, go Creole in Louisiana, oystering on Prince Edward Island and maple sugarin’ in Quebec. Stays on western ranches wow with cowboy culture in chuckwagon cook outs and campfire s’mores. Coastal New England resorts welcome with summer clam bakes, and Hawaiian luaus are a feast of food and traditional dance you’ll long remember.  

So, whether you want to immerse yourself in the history, the culture, the adventure or the natural treasures of the places you travel, you can discover it all in the local foods you eat. Served with heartfelt stories and smiles, it’s the best way I know to foster friendships, understanding and appreciation for the world around us while enjoying every bite. 

About Cindy Clarke 

Passionate about seeking out and celebrating locally known gems in the destinations she explores, Cindy Clarke is a long-time travel writer and storyteller for Tauck. Her articles have been featured in publications worldwide and have included stories about art, culture, cuisine, wildlife and wilderness adventures, each personally experienced and happily shared.    

About Tauck 

Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, Tauck delivers authentic travel experiences through exclusive access with some of the best guides in the world. With all-inclusive trips spanning 70+ countries across seven continents including river and small ship cruising, land journeys, safaris and family adventures, they continually raise the bar to find new ways to connect travelers more deeply with the places they explore. 

The post A Culinary Journey Across Borders: How Food Connects Us to the World  appeared first on USTOA Blog.

Mandy Liebig, Exodus Adventure Travels 

In the delicate balance between solitude and connection lies a beautiful paradox: sometimes the richest solo journeys unfold within the embrace of a thoughtfully curated small group. Beyond the logistics of shared transportation and expertly planned routes, these intimate adventures offer solo travelers something far more valuable – a canvas for personal discovery painted with shared moments of wonder. 

Local Connections That Solo Travel Rarely Unlocks 

While independent travel offers freedom, small group journeys open doors that often remain closed to solo wanderers. Your local guide becomes more than just an expert – they’re a temporary member of your traveling family, sharing not just historical facts but personal stories, favorite hidden cafes, and introductions to local friends. Suddenly, you find yourself learning traditional Vietnamese cooking in a family kitchen in the Mekong Delta or harvesting fresh oysters alongside local fishermen in Croatia, experiences that would be nearly impossible to arrange on your own.

The Alchemy of Kindred Spirits 

There’s something magical about finding yourself among fellow wanderers who, despite different paths that led them there, share your appetite for meaningful exploration. These small group journeys – typically just eight to 16 travelers – naturally attract curious souls from varied walks of life. Whether you’re sharing dawn observations of brown bears in Romania’s Carpathian forests or trading stories over wine in a centuries-old Tuscan estate, you’ll find yourself among people who value both grand vistas and quiet morning conversations about what those landscapes mean to each of us. 

The Freedom of Perfect Planning 

Here’s an unexpected twist: joining a small group adventure actually amplifies your independence. While the logistics are expertly handled, you maintain the freedom to set your own social rhythm. Spend a morning exploring a medieval town in solitude, then rejoin the group for an insider’s wine tasting experience in the afternoon. This balance of structure and spontaneity creates space for both personal reflection and shared discovery. 

The Luxury of the Secret Season 

Small group journeys excel at revealing destinations in their most authentic light, particularly during what others might consider the “wrong” time to visit. Picture Morocco in January, when tourist crowds have thinned and the Sahara’s fierce summer heat gives way to crisp, crystalline days. These quieter moments allow you to witness ancient traditions emerging unprompted, when local rhythms aren’t adjusted for tourist timetables. As a solo traveler within a small group, you’re uniquely positioned to step directly into the genuine fabric of local life.

A Natural Rhythm of Discovery 

Perhaps most importantly, small group adventures offer solo travelers a perfect blend of challenge and comfort. Whether you’re wandering ancient footpaths or exploring by bicycle, skilled guides understand how to honor both the desire for personal achievement and the wisdom of taking time to absorb each moment. You’ll find your natural pace of exploration, guided by experts who quietly ensure every moment feels earned, authentic, and uniquely yours.

In the end, choosing a small group adventure as a solo traveler isn’t about compromising independence – it’s about amplifying the very essence of what makes solo travel transformative. It’s about finding yourself in those quiet moments between grand monuments, sharing stories that will echo long after the last passport stamp has dried, and discovering that sometimes the richest solo journeys are the ones we share with others who understand the art of traveling well. 

About Exodus Adventure Travels 

For more than 50 years Exodus Adventure Travels has been the leader in active adventures and is known for its commitment to “improve life through travel.” Exodus Adventure Travels is a winner of the National Geographic Traveler Reader Awards and is a recipient of the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award, Wanderlust Magazine’s Best Tour Leader of the Year, USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Award, and the British Travel Awards. 

Exodus Adventure Travels provides unforgettable journeys and expert insights through more than 500 active adventures to Europe and 90 countries around the world, including hiking, biking, culture and wildlife small group tours. Award-winning trips across seven continents include active adventures to the majestic peaks of Kilimanjaro, the ancient wonders of Machu Picchu, the breathtaking beauty of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, and other memorable destinations. Committed to providing travelers with unique, authentic, and responsible experiences in all the above destinations, and across its entire portfolio, Exodus’ expert guides and carefully crafted itineraries ensure deeper connections to people and place. 

Exodus Adventure Travels is a certified B Corporation (B Corp), further demonstrating its commitment to improve life through travel, dedicated to creating incredible, community-driven adventures, and understands the importance of nature and wildlife conservation through programs such as rewilding and partnering with scientists to restore biodiversity. 

To learn more about Exodus Adventure Travels and the company’s award-winning adventures visit ExodusTravels.com, or follow the company on social @ExodusTravels. 

The post 5 Reasons Solo Travelers Love Group Adventures  appeared first on USTOA Blog.

If the thought of learning to cook a delicious dish in a local kitchen makes your taste buds tingle with excitement, this post is for you.  

By Dominique Ferrari, Collette 

Ever considered donning a chef’s apron on your next vacation? We’ve curated a menu of five immersive culinary experiences that’ll fill your belly (and heart!) and give you the ultimate souvenir to bring home: fantastic local cooking skills for life. 

Because there is truly no better way to travel than by diving in, fork-first, to learn the art of traveling by taste.  

1.     Cook (and taste!) Paella in Spain 

Our first stop takes us to the sun-drenched shores of Spain, where we go behind the scenes of one of the country’s most iconic dishes and learn the art of making it. In Spain, paella is more than a meal — it’s an event. From the first grain of rice to the last garnishes, you’ll learn so much about the history of this beloved dish and the cultural importance it holds. Buen provecho! 

2. Discover the Magic of Coconut Candy in Costa Rica 

Next up: the breathtaking beauty of Costa Rica, where the vibrant local flavors are as colorful as the country’s diverse ecosystem. Our destination is a small village, once a bustling coconut plantation. And our guide, a local villager, is eager to share the history of his home. Watch as he expertly cracks open a coconut, revealing the treasure within— the foundation for the sweetest local delicacy of all: coconut candy. As you try your hand at making it yourself, the flavor, and the people, will leave you enchanted.  

3. Go Truffle Hunting in Croatia  

Picture this: You’re in the lush, green forests of Croatia, surrounded by the rustle of leaves and the scent of earth and trees. A troop of eager, friendly dogs are ready to lead you on an adventure unlike any other — truffle hunting. Venture into the forest and become an active participant in a cherished local tradition. Every dig and triumphant discovery of these coveted fungi deepens your connection to this land and its culinary culture.  

4. Prepare a Tasteful Toast to Peruvian Fusion  

Next, we’re heading to Peru, a land where the fusion of sea and mountain, old and new, all melt together and make for some of the most exciting dishes on the planet. Activate all your senses and step into a local kitchen for an interactive ceviche cooking class. Freshly caught fish, tangy lime, fiery chiles, and aromatic cilantro all come together as you chop, mix, and marinate a sensory explosion that perfectly encapsulates Peru’s coastal spirit. Next, shake things up with a hands-on lesson in making the perfect pisco sour — a refreshing cocktail and testament to the country’s rich viticultural history.  

5. Taste Tuscany in a Hands-on Journey into the Heart of Italian Cuisine 

Finally, imagine yourself immersed in the rolling hills of Tuscany, where vineyards stretch out as far as the eye can see. Here, under the (ahem) Tuscan sun, we find the quintessential Italian villa. As the aromas of garlic, tomatoes, and fresh basil envelop you, tie on an apron; because in this family-owned kitchen, you’re not just a guest — you’re part of the famiglia. Each slice, stir, and simmer is an immersion in the art of Italian cooking. And as you sit down to savor the fruits of your labor, surrounded by new friends and sweeping views of the Italian countryside, you’ll realize this is more than a meal. It’s the whole point of travel. Buon viaggio e buon appetito! 

About Collette

Since 1918, Collette has been a leader in guided travel. Today, Collette offers tours on all seven continents in a variety of travel styles, plus a comprehensive travel protection plan, flexible tour pacing, and unrivaled industry expertise. This third-generation family-owned business is dedicated to giving back in both local and global communities through their social responsibility platform.  For more information, visit www.gocollette.com or call 1(800) 340-5158.   

The post <strong>Savor the Journey:  5 Immersive Culinary Experiences for the Foodie in You</strong>  appeared first on USTOA Blog.

By: Susan Van Allen 

Extraordinary destinations for travelers are added every year to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. In 2021, three of the new sites selected were in Italy, bringing Italy’s World Heritage Site total to 58—the most of any country in the world. 

While many of Italy’s UNESCO sites from the past are packed with tourists, such as the Historical Center of Florence or Venice and its lagoon, these newly designated places are under the tourist radar.  

Equally stunning and without crowds, these places give travelers a chance to blend in with the locals, immersing themselves in unique pleasures of bell’Italia.  Their locations add to their allure, as each can easily be reached by short train rides from Venice or Florence, making them perfect for day trips. 

For your consideration, from north to south: 

Padua’s Fourteenth-Century Fresco Cycles 

Only a 30-minute train ride from Venice is the university town of Padua, a dazzling delight, where visitors can wander through the historic center’s piazzas, entering churches and civic buildings that were fantastically frescoed by artists in the fourteenth century.  

As the UNESCO proclamation states, painters during that pre-Renaissance time brought a new image to Padua, giving it the nickname Urbs Picta, Painted City. The star of the eight frescoed buildings in the UNESCO group is the Scrovegni Chapel, painted by superstar Giotto. Entering, visitors are awestruck by vibrant colors and a striking style that captures powerful emotions.  

More breathtaking interiors are to be discovered in Padua’s Baptistry, Palazzo della Ragione, and the Basilica of Saint Anthony, one of Italy’s most popular pilgrimage sites.  To enrich the Padua fresco experience, there’s an app with fascinating commentary, and an inclusive ticket to see all eight sites. 

The Porticoes of Bologna 

Visitors to Bologna, in Italy’s central Emilia Romagna region, are enchanted by the city’s beautifully preserved medieval ambience, where sidewalks are sheltered with more porticoes than any other city in the world, totaling 62 km, or about 35 miles. The porticoes appear in a range of styles—from humble wooden structures to Renaissance loggias with carved stone columns and painted ceilings.  

UNESCO calls these porticoes “expressions of Bologna’s urban identity.” Though their original purpose in the Middle Ages was to expand buildings to make room for the many university students coming to Bologna, today the porticoes serve to expand the city’s pleasures. On a practical level, they give protection for walks in rainy weather and provide cool shade on hot summer days. Moreover, they bring an easy-going elegance to the city, as they are perfect settings for sidewalk eateries or for musicians to casually set up and play Mozart concertos.  

A traditional Bolognese experience is the 4-kilometer, 2.5 mile walk through the longest portico in the world, adorned with 664 arches, from the Porta Saragozza in the historic center up to the church of San Luca, where stunning views of the countryside await. 

As Bologna is also famous for having the most delicious cuisine in Italy, it can be an ideal escape from the crowds of Florence, (only a 40-minute train ride away), to enjoy a classic lunch of Tagliatelle alla Bolognese. 

Montecatini Terme, a Great Spa Town of Europe 

Mineral rich thermal springs have been enjoyed on the Italian peninsula since the days of the Roman Empire. Among Italy’s most famous places to “take the waters” is the Tuscan Art Nouveau town of Montecatini Terme, reached by an hour’s train ride from Florence.  

UNESCO included Montecatini Terme amongst 11 “Great Spa Towns of Europe”, praising it for its history, since the 1700s, when the town developed as an international resort destination, combining medical studies with monumental spa architecture, promenades, and parklands. 

Today there are two hundred spa hotels in Montecatini Terme that pump in curative waters, renowned for their beneficial effects on the liver and digestive system.  

A favorite spot is Terme Tettuccio, a grand pavilion that sits in the center of Montecatini Terme’s beautifully landscaped park. Gorgeous marble bars with brass spigots disperse drinking cups of the cure, as local hipsters in their gym clothes and pensioners with their canes mill about. A jazz orchestra plays on the bandstand, there’s a bookstore, caffe, and inner gardens that blend to create a blissful Old World ambience. 

To learn more, visit: www.italia.it or contact the Italian National Tourist Board in the US newyork@enit.it; losangeles@enit.it.  

Find your dream vacation to Italy with a USTOA tour operator here https://ustoa.travelstride.com/trip-list/italy

About the author: Susan Van Allen is the author of 4 books about Italian travel, including “100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go”. She also designs and hosts Golden Weeks in Italy For Women Only tours, that give female travelers wonderful insiders’ experiences of the Bel Paese. www.susanvanallen.com 

The Italian National Tourist Board – ENIT – supports marketing activities worldwide, promoting Italy as a unique and exclusive destination, aiming to increase the international tourist flow, while maintaining its high market share. The promotion is carried out with a corporate strategy conceived in Italy and implemented through its 28 offices abroad. In the next few years, Italy’s tourism development will be focused on a value growth to generate economic, social and cultural sustainability: enhance tourism supply, increase the value of the territories and businesses and market relevance. 

The post Discover Italy’s New UNESCO World Heritage Sites appeared first on USTOA Blog.

By Ashlea Sullivan, Brand Manager for VBT Bicycling Vacations

When you arrive in Sicily as a traveler, you’re likely to be instantly charmed by welcoming locals, turquoise beaches, tantalizing cuisine, and ancient architectural gems. Sicily is breathtaking, and if it’s not on your bucket list yet it absolutely should be. What you might miss as a casual traveler, however, is a hidden problem that has long plagued the Italian island. Although greatly diminished in recent years, organized crime is still an ever-present threat to business owners throughout Sicily.

At VBT Bicycling Vacations, we believe strongly in traveling as sustainably as possible. We choose to stay in family-run accommodations and support small local restaurants whenever possible on our adventures, because we know that an important part of traveling sustainably is supporting the local economy. Where we spend our money, and consequently who we support, is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy tourism economy in any destination. In Sicily this is especially important—as travelers, it’s surprisingly easy to unwittingly support organized crime while simply enjoying all that Sicily has to offer.

Thankfully, there is an organization called Addiopizzo that is more than happy to help.  Addiopizzo (which roughly translates to “goodbye bribes”) is a grassroots social movement that began in 2004. In the summer of that year, a group of friends, one of whom is a longtime VBT trip leader named Edoardo, contemplated opening a bar in Palermo. They quickly realized that in addition to budgeting for things like rent and local taxes, they would need to set aside money every month to pay the “pizzo,” for protection. Instead of opening a bar, they ended up starting a movement that encourages businesses to band together and refuse to pay for “protection.”

What started as a small movement in Palermo today encompasses over 800 organizations, from local shops to national chains. Businesses display the Addiopizzo logo in their storefronts to signal to consumers that by shopping there, they’re supporting businesses that refuse to support organized crime.

What does this mean for you as a traveler? It means you have the opportunity to discover Sicily while supporting these brave business owners who are taking a stand. You’ll find all kinds of businesses, from restaurants to souvenir shops and hotels proudly displaying the Addiopizzo logo. On VBT’s Sicily bike tour, Edoardo and our other trip leaders are more than happy to point you towards businesses that support the movement. Other travelers can use Addiopizzo’s website to find participating businesses.

Author/company bio:

For nearly 50 years, Country Walkers and VBT Bicycling Vacations have been providing active, experiential, and stunning travel experiences throughout the world. From their shared location in Williston, VT, the companies’ unique adventures and insider access bring the beating heart of a destination to life with well-crafted itineraries for walking and biking vacations. A range of guided and self-guided options highlight local cuisine, authentic accommodations, and immersive cultural experiences. Country Walkers and VBT are recognized as leading providers of active vacations worldwide. Ashlea Sullivan serves as Brand Manager for VBT and has been with the company for three years.

The post How Addiopizzo Has Changed Travel in Sicily appeared first on USTOA Blog.

By Gina Bang, Senior Manager of Inside Sales & Marketing at Avanti Destinations

So, you’ve been to Rome, Florence and Venice, maybe even stayed in a villa in Tuscany or driven along the Amalfi Coast? You’ve only scratched the surface of this amazing country.

In these days when “overcrowding” is a genuine concern, travelers will do themselves a big favor by going beyond the best-known cities. Fewer tourists and an astounding diversity of landscapes, experiences, food and wine await.

Italy has so many wonderful places that are “off the radar” for most travelers, but here are five less familiar regions.

Sicily

The big island off the toe of the Italian boot is a world of its own. Most Italians from the mainland don’t even think of it as Italy – it’s that different.

Sicily has been called the museum of Europe. The layers of history and the different cultures that conquered it are visible everywhere: Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spanish – and finally the northern Italians who in the 19^th century unified the independent regions to create the country we now call Italy.

Western Sicily has more Arab influence than the rest of the island – and it shows in its cuisine. You can’t miss the seafood in Trapani with couscous like you’ve never tasted before.

Basilicata

The mountainous region at the instep of the boot has a history that goes back 7,000 years. But it’s been overlooked by most tourists until now. Matera is the place to visit, particularly this year – it is one of the 2019 European Capitals of Culture, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This breathtakingly beautiful city is built above and around limestone caves, which were inhabited by as many as 15,000 people as recently as the 1950s. The town literally merges with the landscape.

Puglia

The heel of the Italian boot is an economically poor region, but rich in a long and varied history, beautiful scenery, whitewashed hilltop towns and fantastic produce and food.

Top hits: orecchiette (cute little ear-shaped pasta), burrata (mozzarella with cream added – to die for), panzerotti (half-moon shaped savory pastry pockets), tiella con cozze (casserole with mussels, potatoes, rice). Puglia produces 40% of the country’s olive oil, and it’s out of this world.

Puglia’s long coastline has some of Italy’s best beaches. And there are limestone caves to explore – even a gorgeous restaurant in a cave near Bari. It’s a landscape that won’t be forgotten.

Don’t miss the charming traditional trulli, a style of buildings – unique to Puglia – with dry-stone conical roofs (no mortar). In Alberobello, there are more than a thousand of them!

Umbria

This landlocked “green heart of Italy” has all the appeal of its famous neighbor to the east, Tuscany, but far fewer tourists. You’ll see much the same landscape as Tuscany with rolling countryside, vineyards, olive trees, and dramatic walled hilltop towns like Assisi and Orvieto.

Perugia is my favorite, founded by Etruscans, now a center for the arts and culture and home to a prestigious university – and site of the Eurochocolate Festival (October), as well as the Umbria Jazz Festival (July).

Piedmont

The largest region in Italy’s northwest and bordered by the stunning Alps, Piedmont is completely different from central and southern Italy in so many ways. Instead of pasta, you eat risotto. Instead of flamboyance, there is northern restraint – in the architecture, and the dress, speech and behavior of the people.

Coffeehouses in Turin looked like they could be in Vienna or Budapest. Which makes sense, because Piedmont was for much of its existence part of the Holy Roman Empire as the Duchy of Savoy.

Turin 

Turin is every bit the European powerhouse it was intended to be, with palaces, museums, operahouses, and other grand buildings in styles from medieval to Art Nouveau. FIAT is headquartered there. And Lavazza coffee. But best of all is the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate-hazelnut confection called gianduia (john-DO-yah).  Memorize that word and bring lots home – your friends will thank you.

But woman and man do not live by chocolate, coffee and risotto alone. Piedmont’s wines are considered Italy’s finest: Barolo and Barbaresco are reasons enough to go to Piedmont.

Arrivederci in Italia!

Gina Bang has an insatiable curiosity about other people, their history, their culture, and their cuisine. An unabashed foodie, she’s eaten my way through most of Europe, Asia, and the Americas!

As a Senior Manager of Inside Sales & Marketing at Avanti Destinations, Gina started as a customer service representative, then manager of inside sales and product manager for Central and Northern Europe.

Avanti sells customized independent and group travel exclusively through travel agents. They “connect the dots” of multi-destination itineraries to create a totally unique vacation, including extraordinary experiences, activities, accommodations, and transfers. Avanti can help your travel agent put together a unique, customized independent vacation to any of these five regions – or anywhere in Italy.

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By Tyler Protano-Goodwin, Marketing Executive at Audley Travel

In the world of travel we talk a lot about our favorite countries, but what about the places we first fell in love with? The place that changed our idea of travel forever.

Where did you realize that travel was something that you would never stop doing? Below we share our own stories about how we went from people interested in travel to people determined to see as much of the world as possible.

An Italian adventure with family

Jo Tudisco Guntert, Japan Country Specialist 

The first international trip I took was when I went to Italy with my family after my high school graduation. My mom was determined that we would experience our Italian heritage before I left for college and I quote “take one more family trip together since we’ll never have the time again”. We look back now and laugh since that trip was just the first of what has now been 9 international adventures. However, that first trip to Italy was everything. I fell in love with the ancient streets, the delicious smells, the friendly shouts and laughter from vendors and voyeurs alike. I fell in love with the glitter of sunshine off Venetian waterways and the smell of grapefruit on the worn road to Pompeii. Most importantly I fell in love with what it feels like to discover new places, to notice details that we miss in our everyday lives, to glimpse a world so outside our own that our thoughts can’t help but turn to dreams. When I tell people that I love travel, that trip with my family is the one that I think of.

Sharing the gift of travel in Colombia

Matthew Nilsson, Latin America Senior Product Executive 

Standing on the Pacific shores of Colombia at daybreak, my brother beside me, we watched as newborn turtles made their way to the sea for the first time. Having lived in Colombia for over a year I was already enchanted by this vibrant country, but the joy of watching travel transform someone else was a new feeling entirely. I was elated to share the moment with my brother who was at the time in the Navy. After our experience in Colombia it wasn’t a week before we were both home and I got a call from him to say that the moment had swayed his decision to leave the Navy and move on to the next chapter in his life. An unlikely affirmation for myself that travel is unwavering in its generosity to transform anyone who is open to it.

Connecting with Irish culture

Shannon Dirrane, UK and Ireland Product Executive

Before Freshman year of college I traveled to the island, Inis Mor in Ireland with my dad for a family wedding. The beauty of the island was overwhelming, but what changed my idea of travel forever was the people. A culture so similar to my own was in reality so unique and different. Tea and scones are a way for the people to connect with one another and the packed pubs foster important face to face interactions. The lively sense of community and the hardworking spirit of the locals inspired me to return, I felt a sense of calm in a place that puts such a high value on connection. I went back and lived in Ireland for close to a year and afterwards have kept exploring – eager to find more places where the people are more important than the landscapes.

Witnessing the unknown in Tanzania

Jack Morris, Africa Regional Manager 

It’s a long journey by light aircraft to get to Greystoke Camp in western Tanzania, and this is partly the reason why it’s so special. The camp sits on a lake and I knew before arriving that it would be an experience not to forget. The lake itself is crystal clear, drinkable in fact, and you can see the cychlids and yellowbelly fish swimming every which way. Plus there was the reason I’d come all this way – trekking into the jungle to visit the M community of chimpanzees. Clambering through the thick jungle vines and through the steep rocky streams of the Mahale Mountains to find them was something from a childhood dream. Traveling to see things I couldn’t have even imagined felt almost mystical in a sense and it was in this moment, staring at the chimps, that I knew I would never stop visiting new places.

Tyler Protano-Goodwin is a marketing executive at Audley Travel who create customized trips for curious adventurers around the world. Each trip is designed by someone who is deeply passionate about the art of travel and who believes that travel has the power to be transformative. Our handcrafted itineraries provide the framework for life changing moments to unfold for you. 

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