Roberto pointed out small statues, structures and fountains that, to an unfamiliar passerby, would have had no significance, but yet were integral to preserving rituals that have their roots in ancient times. I was in awe of the way their customs endure and are just as tangible as the striking architecture.

We ventured out of Tuscany for a day trip to the Liguria region, home to the beautiful seaside villages of Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meaning ‘Five Lands’, these tiny collections of buildings hugging the side of ocean-facing cliffs are whimsical and quaint. Riomaggiore and Manarola are joined by the Via dell Amore, a pedestrian street built along the cliff side. The views over the sea are unparalleled and it’s no wonder it became a favourite hangout for lovers. Along the walkway there are clusters of ‘love locks’ – padlocks with lovers’ initials scratched into them, the key thrown into the ocean below as a hope for enduring love.

Tearful goodbyesWe ended our tour back in Rome with one last day to soak up the flavours, smells and textures of a country that’s an amalgamation of many different cultures, yet has an overriding sense of oneness. Italians are loquacious when speaking of their love for their country, and it’s no wonder why.

Our last dinner was spent at the Napul’e Restaurant, a traditional Napolitano pizzeria where we were plied with delicious pizza (Napoli being its place of birth!) and serenaded by the owner, who is also the chef!

I made some wonderful friends and had my eyes opened to the benefits of a guided coach holiday. Whether it’s romance, history or culinary delights you seek, this majestic land of gladiators and Vespas, so thickly steeped in tradition, has it all and more.

Tempting TuscanyFrom Rome we glided into Tuscany. A day that included wine-tasting culminated in a cooking demonstration at a quaint Florentine restaurant. David, the verbose owner who hails from Scotland, gave us a running commentary as Francino, the tiny Italian chef, showed us how to cook some traditional peasant-style Tuscan dishes. We were treated to olive oil from the new harvest that had been pressed the day before – a peppery treat. The demonstration was interactive and I was the lucky, or maybe brave, soul who joined Francino at the helm. We couldn’t communicate much except to say ‘Salute!’ and clink our glasses of wine, but I’m told he was impressed with my novice knife skills!

We spent three nights based in the picturesque Montecatini area and explored from there. Florence was sublime, as was our guide Madeleine. This charming woman was so passionate about the David that I found myself completely captivated by her talks – almost as much as I was by Michelangelo’s masterpiece at the Academy of Fine Arts. We were taken on a walking tour of some top sights in Florence, including the Santa Croce Basilica where some of Italy’s most famous names are entombed.

Medieval marvelsItaly is home to some well-preserved medieval towns, including Lucca and Siena. Lucca, not being a traditional tourist spot, showed us a different side to Italy, one where delis replace big department stores and the elegant local women ride their bicycles in stilettos while expertly wielding umbrellas against the drizzle.

Siena, home to the Piazza del Campo where the famous Palio horse race takes place, was another gem. As we ambled around the town, surrounded by towering medieval walls,

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plan your escape

ITALY AMORE!Are guided holidays the new way to travel? essentials travel writer Dominique Brown experienced the magic and mystery of romantic Italy, and was pleasantly surprised

Hop-on, hop-off… and don’t forget your cameraMy new favourite word is andiamo. But it’s not just the word and what it means that I love, it’s the way that Italians say it with such a flourish; it’s the

memories, smells and sights that it brings to mind, and it’s the way that one word can so aptly encompass an experience.

I recently had the fortune of being invited on a Trafalgar guided holiday in Italy and jumped at the chance to visit this enchanting country. Andiamo, meaning ‘let’s go’, was the oft-repeated mantra of our Italian tour director, Roberto. It was his gentle and sometimes harassed way of gathering the troops.

I hopped on a plane armed with an appetite that proved to be far too small for the vast treasures I was offered. In a whirlwind seven days, excluding travelling time, I was privy to some of this Mediterranean country’s most well-known marvels as well as some of its best-kept secrets.

Getting acquaintedStarting in Rome, we were whisked away to our four-star accommodation in the heart of the city. We enjoyed luscious four-course dinners most nights, all accompanied by the local wine and characters. Any nerves at not knowing our companions on the first night were swiftly erased as we were serenaded by the owners of the Trattoria Opera over dinner and ended the evening off with a wander through the romantically lit streets of this magnificent capital.

Rome is a bustling city, its inhabitants drive with calculated abandon and there’s a constant energy that is juxtaposed with the typical laid-back Italian culture. I was struck by the convergence of ancient buildings with modern life – Roberto pointed out a historical theatre that has been converted into apartments! Around every corner is another treasure and, from the Pantheon to the Spanish Stairs, there is no end to the marvels.

The Vatican City with its museums, as well as the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica, were expertly explained to us by our very own local guide, Paulo. From there it was on to the Colosseum and more of Paulo’s extensive knowledge – we emerged from the coach to find that the rain had abated and this magical structure was draped in a stunning rainbow.

Going to Italy? Don’t miss:

1 The Crypt of the Capuchin Monks in Rome – eerie and unique.

2 The Leaning Tower of Pisa (pictured) – a must-see!

3 The Ponte Vecchio in Florence – it groans under the weight of

its magnificent jewellery stores!

4 Via del Corso and Via dei Condotti in Rome for designer labels!

5 Genuine Italian leather can be found everywhere.

6 Gelato! You’ll find ice-cream taverns dotted around the city.

7 Florentine steak, but beware – prices on menus are usually

quoted per 100g for this delicacy.

8 Basilica di san Clemente in Rome – three beautifully preserved

layers of history, all underground.

9 The Uffizi Gallery in Florence with artworks from masters such as

Titian and Caravaggio.

10 A hot Parma ham and mozzarella panini; street vendors all over the

cities serve these reasonably priced, mouthwatering sandwiches.

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Dominique and Francino whip up some culinary treats.

Be captivated by the endless marvels of Italy including the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Centuries of history are etched into the ancient marble of the Colosseum.

Italy is just one of the many countries in Europe that deserve a visit. Trafalgar has a range of packages to cater to your whims, no matter where you’re inclined to go.

European holidays

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* Prices may vary depending on departure date and airport taxes (which can change daily). Prices are per adult twin share; single supplement available. Valid for travel on select departure dates from August to October 2011. essentials Special Offers are applicable to bookings made by 31 March 2011. Standard terms & conditions apply. E&OE.

Trafalgar also offers holidays that are tailored to families, with child-friendly hotels and all experiences catering to the needs of mom, dad and the kids. Travelling with other families gives your kids the chance to make friends of their own age from other countries and allows you a breather with the adults when needed!

Visit Trafalgar.com for more info on tours and kids’ rates.

Reader offersItalian Scene – 10 daysVISITING: Rome, Bay of Naples, Assisi, Venice, Italian Lakes and Florence.The effortless beauty of Italy is both natural and man-made. The legacy of the Romans and the Renaissance thrives in cities like Rome, Florence and Venice, but in-between these cities are the gorgeous Bay of Naples, the towering Apennines, picture-perfect Italian Lakes and endless

rolling vineyards.INCLUDES: Return airfares from Jo’burg, 9 nights’ accommodation in superior tourist class hotels, buffet breakfast daily, select dinners, touring by luxury coach with reclining seats, services of a tour director, all hotel service charges, local taxes, baggage handling and hotel tips, return airport transfers and fabulous sightseeing. REF: Ess01

Best of Italy – 13 daysVISITING: Rome, Sorrento, Assisi, Venice, Lake Maggiore and Florence.Find out what makes this country a must-see destination for travellers all over the world! The ever-popular Rome and impressive Colosseum, romantic Venice with its charming backwaters, pretty Florence with its endless Renaissance art and the sunny Italian coast all await you.Includes: Return airfares from Jo’burg, 12 nights’ accommodation in first class hotels, breakfast daily,

select dinners including one Be My Guest dinner in Sorrento, cruise to the Isle of Capri, touring by luxury coach with reclining seats, services of a tour director and local guides, all hotel service charges, local taxes, baggage handling and hotel tips, return airport transfers and wonderful sightseeing. REF: Ess02

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A romantic Tuscan sun sets over the vineyards.

Magical Matterhorn – 9 daysAdult from R14 400*Child from R10 650*Welcome to the land of snow-capped mountains, quaint wooden chalets and tinkling cow bells that is Switzerland! Explore Zurich, Bern, Zermatt, Brienz, Lucerne and more, to taste Swiss cheese, admire historical monuments and catch breathtaking views of the mammoth Matterhorn.Visiting: Zurich, Villars, Zermatt and Interlaken.Includes: First class hotel accommodation, breakfast daily, selected dinners, touring by luxury coach with reclining seats, services of tour director, Just 4 Kids Surprise Pack, all hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes and return airport transfers.

*Terms and conditions apply, all prices are per person, land only, and exclude airfare. Child fare is based on 2 adults + 2 children (5-17yrs) in a room sharing. Valid for travel on select departure dates from April to October 2011.

Meander Madrid to admire Puerta del Sol and Plaza Major before heading to Cordoba to view the Mosque of the Caliphs and Seville with its historical landmarks. Sink your toes into the sand at Sitges before embracing brilliant Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, buzzing Ramblas and the wealth of Gaudi architecture.Visiting: Madrid, Seville and Barcelona.Includes: First class hotel accommodation,

Madrid, Seville and Barcelona – 8 daysFrom R13 600*

Spanish Salsa – 9 daysAdult from R12 500*Child from R9 550*The beauty of Spain is in the details: the eye-catching architecture of the Gran Via, El Greco’s paintings, the colourful brickwork and mosaics of Maria Luisa Park, the arabesques of Alhambra Palace and every inch of Gaudi’s ‘Sagrada Familia’. See it all on this fabulous Spanish tour.Visiting: Madrid, Seville, Granada, Valencia and Barcelona.Includes: First class hotel accommodation, breakfast daily, select dinners including Be My Guest dinner in Seville, touring by luxury coach with reclining seats, services of tour director and local guides, Just 4 Kids Surprise Pack, all hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes and return airport transfers. Special family inclusions: Spanish-style barbecue in Seville, Flamenco dancing lesson in Seville, paella making cookery lesson in Valencia.

breakfast daily, select dinners including Be My Guest dinner in Seville, touring by luxury coach with reclining seats, services of tour director and local guides, flight from Seville to Barcelona plus transfers, all hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes and return airport transfers.