Be part of Travelrite’s sensational 2025 tour Italy "Off the Beaten Track" with exploration of The Italian Lakes, Tivoli, Tuscany and Venice; With caring and informative leadership by long-time Italian resident and Australian, Heather Burden
Heather Burden was born and educated in Sydney. In 1979, through her love of skiing, she travelled to the Italian Alps to do a ski season, promptly fell in love with a ski instructor and has been in Italy for the past 33 years. Since selling her business a few years ago, she now lives in Turin. Heather has an intimate knowledge and love of the history, culture and day-to-day life of Italy and is happy to share the magic of this beautiful country. “I am looking forward to showing you hill towns, villages and other places that get to the heart of the real Italy, beyond the normal tourist route. I want you to live like an Italian, tasting the wines, meeting the people, visiting craft workshops and experiencing other local activities so you can see what Italian life is really like.” – Heather Burden
Experience intimate and personalized travel with our Small Group tours, limited to just 20 passengers. Enjoy the benefits of a close-knit group, allowing for unique access to destinations, deeper connections with fellow travellers, and a more immersive journey. Travelrite International ensures a premium, exclusive travel experience.
Unveil the secrets of Hidden Italy with Travelrite International. Whether you’re drawn to the ancient villas of Tivoli or the therapeutic hot springs of Bagno Vignoni, this adventure offers a unique glimpse into Italy’s hidden wonders. Experience authentic Italian culture and hidden gems with our expertly guided tour.
On this tour we are able to make the most efficient use of time in the most relaxed way possible. Forget about navigating your way through an unfamiliar road system or dealing with parking. No stress and no hassles. Everything is taken care of. Everything is planned. We have found the most interesting places to see, so come and let us look after you.
DAY 1 Wednesday September 24, 2025
Tivoli, Italy
Arrive on your flight from Australia into Rome
airport. Upon arrival meet Heather Burden and
transfer to Tivoli where we stay for two nights.
We will have an included group dinner this
evening to welcome everyone on the tour.
DAY 2 Thursday September 25, 2025
Tivoli
Today we visit the two major sites of Tivoli.
In the morning, we will visit the beautiful Villa
d’Este. Villa d’Este is a luxurious 16th-century
villa, famous for its Renaissance gardens,
elaborate fountains, and exquisite frescoes.
The estate is a UNESCO World Heritage
site, celebrated for its stunning landscape
design and artistic grandeur. Following a
break for lunch we will then visit Hadrian’s
Villa. Hadrian’s Villa was the grand retreat of
Roman Emperor Hadrian, today comprising the
ruins and archaeological remains of his grand
villa complex showcasing palaces, baths and
gardens.
DAY 3 Friday September 26, 2025
Bagno Vignoni, Tuscany
Today we travel north by coach to the Tuscan
village of Bagno Vignoni. Bagno Vignoni, is a
small Orcia River valley village, which has long
been a favourite among painters and travellers
seeking solitude in a beautiful location. We
will stay at a small family-owned, 15th-century
hotel built by Bernardo Rossellino as a
summerhouse for Pope Pius II, who enjoyed
the advantage of the nearby hot mineral
springs. Tour members will enjoy delicious
Tuscan dinners each night during our stay at
Bagno Vignoni.
DAY 4 Saturday September 27, 2025
Bagno Vignoni, Tuscany
Today we visit the great medieval city of
Siena. Best known for the famous Palio
horse race held in the magnificent Piazza
del Campo, Siena is also home to the oldest
bank in the world, a spectacular town hall
and majestic cathedral. This morning a local
guide will introduce us to the sights of the
city, including the Piazza del Campo, with
its splendid civic tower and the enormous,
partially completed Duomo. The afternoon
will be free for tour members to explore Siena
independently. We return to Bagno Vignoni for
our included dinner.
DAY 5 Sunday September 28, 2025
Bagno Vignoni, Tuscany
Today we will visit the town of Pienza, the
birthplace of Pope Pius II and the setting for
the film, The English Patient. It was the pope’s
dream to turn his old town of Corsignano into
a utopian model town. He commissioned
architect Rossellino to make it into a jewel
of renaissance architecture. The aroma of
pecorino cheese and other local specialities
will tempt us into the many cheese shops.
We enjoy an afternoon’s drive through the
beautiful Orcia Valley, with its rolling hills, to
the Brunello wine area of Montalcino to savour
a wine tasting in a well-preserved 14th-century
fortress.
DAY 6 Monday September 29, 2025
Bagno Vignoni
Today we visit Montepulciano, an impressive
hill town famous for its vino nobile wines and
food specialities. The town offers stunning
views of the surrounding vineyards and valleys,
along with charming cobblestone streets and
historic sites. We will explore the town, with
time for lunch before we return to the hotel.
The rest of the afternoon will free to relax.
DAY 7 Tuesday September 30, 2025 Today we travel to beautiful Como in the Italian lakes. This will include a stopover in Bologna for lunch on the way.
DAY 8 Wednesday October 1, 2025
Como
This morning, we will enjoy a sightseeing
tour of Como. We will visit the magnificent
Cathedrale di Como. Begun in 1396 it was
the last Gothic cathedral built in Italy. It is the
focal point of the town and creates a bustling
Italian atmosphere. This afternoon, we visit
Villa Balbianello, one of the jewels of the lake.
The sophisticated garden is located on a small
promontory and accessed by boat. Steep
steps lead from the landing to an avenue of
candelabra-pruned plane trees and the loggia,
garlanded with creeping fig. The villa perches
high above Lake Como and is filled with an
astounding personal collection of furniture
and artefacts.
DAY 9 Thursday October 2, 2025
Como
Today we take a ferry across the lake to
Villa Carlotta, known for its beautiful setting
and spectacular gardens. Built in 1745 and
later given as a wedding present to Carlotta,
Duchess of Saxe Meiningen. We will then take
the ferry across the lake to the lovely town of
Bellagio. Occupying a magnificent site on the
promontory dividing Lake Lecco from Lake
Como, it is known for its pretty streets, villas
and gardens. The group will visit the semi
classical Villa Melzi, known for its splendid
gardens, on the shore of the lake. We return to
Como by ferry in the afternoon.
DAY 10 Friday October 3, 2025
Como
A free day to explore the town of Como, relax
on the lake, or visit surrounding villages.
DAY 11 Saturday October 4, 2025
Chioggia, Veneto
Today, we travel to delightful Chioggia, on the
southern edge of the Venice lagoon. Chioggia
is its own island in the Venice lagoon with its
own canal system, making it a mini-Venice.
Avoiding Venice’s commercialization and
tourist pressure Chioggia has its own distinct
charm. Our class hotel is a grand establishment
with great views across the Venice lagoon.
Heather will recommend an interesting venue
for dinner.
DAY 12 Sunday October 5, 2025
Chioggia
This morning, we have a sightseeing tour of
Venice, which is built on 117 islands. Once
the head of a Mediterranean empire, Venice
is unique, with its canals and renaissance
palazzos, and is one of the most romantic
cities in the world. Venice inspires artists
and has been written about and painted for
centuries. From world-renowned St Mark’s
Square, there is a magnificent view of the
Grand Canal. Covered galleries shelter the
famous cafés and luxury shops that edge
the square.. We visit St Mark’s Square, see
the Grand Canal, St Mark’s Basilica and the
Doge’s Palace. We will wind our way through
the narrow alleyways to the market square
of the Rialto. The afternoon will be free for
individual exploration.
DAY 13 Monday October 6, 2025
Chioggia
This morning we have a sightseeing tour of
Padua and visit two outstanding sights; the
famous frescoes by Giotto in the Scrovegni
Chapel and the Basilica of St Antonio, one of
Italy’s popular pilgrim shrines. The afternoon
will be free to explore Padua independently
or just to relax. Tonight, we will have farewell
dinner to celebrate a great trip.
DAY 14 Tuesday October 7, 2025
Departure
Today we are transferred to Venice Airport for
return flights to Australia.
| TWIN FARE PER PERSON | SINGLE FARE |
|---|---|
| $5,995 | $7,795 |
You can stay longer in Italy for minimal extra cost. Please contact Travelrite on 1800 630 343 for more information.
International touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the need of assistance from others.
Tour Operator
Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078)
(ATAS A10538) is the tour operator.
Tour Prices
The tour prices are based on general transport, accomm
odation and other costs at foreign exchange rates at 1 August 2024.
Travelrite International reserves the right to alter the tour price or modify
the tour if any of these factors change, giving any passenger that has
booked the right to withdraw with a full refund of monies paid if the price
increase is greater than 10% of the original price. No alteration to the tour
price will be made within 60 days of departure from Australia.
Deposit and Payment
A deposit of $700 per person is required at the
time of booking. Full payment will be required 60 days before departure. An
administrative fee of 1.5% will be added to each payment made by credit
card.
Cancellations
Cancellation more than 60 days from the date of depar
ture from Australia will incur a cancellation fee of $700 per person.
Cancellations 60 days or less from the date of departure will result in the
loss of all monies paid. Travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover
the cost of cancellation fees that could result from a death in the family,
illness, etc.
Minimum Tour Numbers
The tour has been priced on the basis of a
minimum number of passengers having booked 60 days prior to the date
of departure. Travelrite International reserves the right to cancel the tour,
giving a full refund of all monies paid or offer arrangements to proceed with
the tour at a modified price.
Refunds
The tour is based on arrangements that do not allow for any
refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals, or other services
not utilised after the tour has commenced.
Refunds
The tour is based on arrangements that do not allow for any
refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals, or other services
not utilised after the tour has commenced.
Travel Documents
All passengers will need to be in possession of a valid
passport. No visa is required for Australian passport holders.
Baggage
Baggage is at own risk throughout the tour.
Tour Participation
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
Change To The Tour Itinerary
Travelrite International reserves
the right to make changes to the tour itinerary to fit in with operational
requirements. Any change to the itinerary will be replaced with similar
arrangements with an equal or greater value.
Responsibility
Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ATAS No. A10538) is
the tour organiser. Travelrite International acts only as an agent in making
arrangements with carriers, hoteliers and others for the tour. As a result,
we cannot accept liability for any act or omission whatsoever, whether
negligent or otherwise of those carriers, hoteliers or other persons
providing services in connection with the tour over whom we have no direct
or exclusive control. We do not accept responsibility for any injury, damage,
loss, delay, change of schedule or any other events which are beyond our
direct control, such as, but not limited to, war, terrorism, flood, fire, civil
disturbance, acts of God, acts of government, or any other authorities,
accidents to or failure of machinery or equipment, or industrial action.
The passage contract in use by the carriers concerned, when issued, shall
constitute the sole contract between the transportation companies or
firms and the purchasers of these tours. The contract shall be construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Victoria and any legal action must
be taken in the State of Victoria.
Delays and Unforeseen Events
You engage Travelrite to book this tour
on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite acts as your agent for
the purpose of making contracts between you and the various providers
of accommodation, transportation and other services that comprise the
tour. Travelrite may without reference to you provide or make available
to you, or may as your agent engage any third party to provide or make
available to you, any good or service which Travelrite reasonably believes
is necessary for your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate you
or otherwise accommodate, transport or sustain you in circumstances in which the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint
Travelrite your attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite any cost
thereof and you indemnify Travelrite in respect of any cost it incurs in this
regard. Travelrite advises you to obtain travel insurance generally including
in respect of the risk that any such good or service may become required.
How to Book:
Bookings can be made by sending full names and addresses
of intending tour members with a deposit of $700 per person to:
Travelrite International Pty. Ltd.
423 Whitehorse Road
Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning
Toll Free 1800 630 343
Phone: (03) 8803 6868
Email: sales@travelrite.com.au
ABOUT TRAVELRITE INTERNATIONAL:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
(ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established family-owned business that’s
been operating in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs for more than 40 years.
Travelrite International is a full member of the Australian Federation of
Travel Agents (AFTA), is fully Accredited with ATAS (A10538) and IATA. As
such they directly represent the major airlines of the world and all major
domestic and international hotel, tour and transport operators.
“My third Travelrite tour and I have never been disappointed.”
“I had a wonderful time on the tour. Really enjoyed the whole two weeks. Great group of people.”
