Tips & Temptations...Newsletter
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In this issue:
TEMPTATIONS
PART 2
NORTHERN ITALY OFF THE RADAR
Trentino
The Dolomites and Lake District
Piemonte
Tuscany of the North
TIPS
Best time to visit Northern Italy
Pre/post stay in Milan
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Turin's coffee culture - the historic cafes
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Once you discover what Northern Italy has to offer, I think you'll be telling your friends you're not done with this country just yet! As an art lover, I have moved this destination way up my Bucket List.
What if I could take you to places where the crowds are minimal and the authenticity of Italy remains? Where the visitors are travelers, not tourists?
This two-part May issue is for those wishing to experience the oh so hard to find unspoiled Italy. This is Italy where nothing is made in China!
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PROVINCE OF TRENTINO
Moving way up, we come to the northerly Province of Trentino and the magificent Dolomites, part of the Alps. An art lover's dream come true and the playground of the nobles.
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Val di Fassa -Canazei and Carazza Lake
Set in a picturesque valley, you half expect an Italian version of Heidi to come running down the mountainside.
Take a short trip to the Carazza Lake for an afternoon walk.
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Riva del Garda
This is the place where Austrian and German nobles of yesteryears came to be pampered. This exquisite village still retains its slow and bygone elegance catering to luxury tourism.
The surrounding mountains of Lake Garda act as a wind tunnel making this a sailor’s paradise. Other activities include rock climbing, hiking, biking.
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Comano
Sometimes referred to as the Scotland of Italy for its cluster of castles, this mountain village is known for its world class spas and thermal baths.
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Vallagarina - Eremo di San Colombano
This hermitage has been unbelievably excavated into the side of a mountain by the monks. The walk up is supposed to bring you closer to God.
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MART, Rovereto
What astounded me about northern Italy is how many art institutions there are!
Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art is one of the most contemporary art museums in all of Italy and a pioneer of modern design, communication and graphic design. Posters from the 1920s, 30s and 40s by or inspired by the famous
Fortunato Depero. If you love art, this is a must!
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Trento - Capital of the Province of Trentino
Trento is an elegant and rich city showcasing ornate façade buildings and marble flooring. It is a plethora of beautiful historical structures such as the Duomo and Castello del Buonocnsiglio and has a host of fine museums and galleries.
Due to its location in the Northern Alps, Trento lies in close proximity to many world class ski resorts.
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Piemonte
Tuscany of the North
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The capital city of Piedmont is one of the most elegant cities in Italy! 35 minutes from world class skiing, headquarters to Fiat and the Royal Palace of Turin. It is known for its refined architecture and cuisine.
You will need several days to discover what lies within:
- It is said that to merely visit the interactive Museo Nazionale del Cinema is a work of art in itself!
- The magnificent mall Galleria Subalpina houses historical coffee bars dating back to the 1800s.
- Basilica Superga – the burial site of the Royal House of Savoy – offers stunning views of the Alps and the city below.
- Museo Egizio is an archaeological museum in Turin and houses one of the largest collections of Egyptian antiquities, with more than 30,000 artefacts.
- Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi, the 18th century hunting lodge and grand gardens of the King of Italy and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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San Giulio de Orta
Quiet, unspoiled Lake d'Orta tends to attract travelers, not tourists. Great for a day trip to Isola di S Giorgio.
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Fishermen's Island
Spend a few hours strolling among the narrow lanes and red roof houses while visiting little boutiques and renowned restaurants serving freshly caught fish.
The Church of San Vittore, is a national monument, which still has its original apse with a single lancet window dating from the 11th century. Inside is a 16th century fresco of Sant’Agata, some 17th century paintings, and wooden busts of the apostles Peter and Andrew, the patron saints of fishermen.
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Isola Borromeo, Lake Maggiore
This island is stunning! The Borromeo family owned the island and palace. Considered a masterpiece, the gardens are one of the most beautiful in Europe. Excursions and dinner are available to book.
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To book a Virtuoso reservation,
contact me
at (403) 560-2733
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Pulling together an itinerary of this nature is a challenge. How do we get there? What village is a day trip and which is overnight? Where should we stay? When should we go? How do we connect the dots?
That's my job and I have the answers, tour operators and guides to create your unhurried, off the radar journey through Italy. Let's transform your ideas into reality.
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When is the best time to visit northern Italy?
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April to June or September to October are a good time to visit, especially catching those gorgeous autumn colours in the Italian Lakes district. Temperatures are comfortable and of course fewer tourists.
And don't forget winter! Skiing in Northern Italy is outstanding. Torino hosted the 2006 Winter Olympics and those world class slopes are a mere 35 minutes away.
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Include a pre/post stay in Milan
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Milan is a mere two hour train ride from Torino. What better than to start or end your journey here.
Everyone knows that Milan is the capital of global fashion and design but it is also a financial hub with high-end restaurants and shops.
The Gothic Duomo di Milano cathedral and the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, housing Leonardo da Vinci’s mural “The Last Supper,” attest to centuries of art and culture.
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What should you expect traveling with FortunateFewTravel and Virtuoso?
White glove treatment of course. It’s all in the details:
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nhanced recognition
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xquisite cuisine and impeccable service
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ntire family treated like royalty
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Breathtaking Destinations and Photographs
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Grab your iPad, climb into that hammock, and browse through the virtual copies of Virtuoso's beautiful magazines. Just visit Virtuoso.com and click on Our Magazines.
Virtuoso Life, Virtuoso Traveler and Best of the Best - what dreams are made of! Ask me for your complimentary glossy hard copy.
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Wendy Edwardson
Vision Travel Advisor and Luxury Virtuoso Specialist
Vision Travel Solutions
403.560.2733
Your Specialist for the Small & Intimate
The kindest compliment I can receive is the referral of your friends, family and colleagues. Please forward my contact information on to anyone you feel may benefit from my services.
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