Italian Journeys

with Isabella and Luigi  Dusi

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ITALY BY DESIGN 2010

SORRY WE'VE HAD TO CANCEL THIS TOUR

Preliminary Itinerary

Monday 27 September – Sunday 10 October 2010

13 nights in Italy

with your host Isabella Dusi

Escorted by Kate St James, FDIA

Day 1. Milan – Lake Como - Benvenuti in Italia

Monday 27 September: Italy by Design will expose the scintillating heights of current design trends, not only in Italy, but influencing all of Europe. Over the coming days we’ll be visiting furniture and textile manufacturers to examine production and we’ll inspect architectural and interior design projects under way, always making time to absorb the culture and tradition of Italy, and to savour the food and wine.

No group activities will be planned on your day of arrival. Time to unpack and relax - we will be staying in a delightful hotel for 4 nights on the shore of Lake Como.

This evening we will gather for introductions and welcome dinner. Italians spend an inordinate portion of their income on the quality of what they eat, followed only by how they look. ‘Italian’ is served in restaurants all over the world – it is probably the most ‘exported’ of all international cuisines, but rarely is it served with the curiously simple combinations which express Italian respect for each ingredient and genuine love for the table.

Dinner will be accompanied by the wines of the region of Lombardia. Dinner with wines included.

Overnight ***Hotel Posta, Moltrasio, Lake Como.

Day 2. Como Furniture and Textiles

Tuesday 28 September: Located in a relatively small zone within reach of our hotel are dozens of Italy’s manufacturers of the latest in evolutionary furniture, demanding Italy’s foremost designers and engineers to produce for an ever changing and ever more selective and competitive international market. This morning we’ll visit a prominent furniture manufacturer. Our afternoon program introduces the company Rubelli s.p.a., founded in 1858 by Lorenzo Rubelli, and considered in the top three or four textile designers and publishers worldwide. The company relies upon its mill close to Como to produce the bulk of its collection. Later in your tour you will view the complete Rubelli collection in Palazzo Cornaro, a palace along the Grand Canal in Venice. At the end of the day you will be free to relax on the edge of the lake, and to sip a glass of Prosecco overlooking a magnificent panorama. There is an exemplary restaurant at our hotel, another fine restaurant next door, and Bar Bellini is few paces away for delicious antipasto and drinks.

Overnight ***Hotel Posta, Moltrasio, Lake Como.

Day 3. Design and Architecture in Milan – La Scala Opera Theatre

Wednesday 29 September: We have an appointment today with one of Milan’s most highly regarded designers. Her clients vary from city wise Milanese businessmen to retirees in the Bahamas. Our designer will take us to inspect a project underway, or recently completed. It will be fascinating to see how an Italian design company operates and to view an on-site installation.

This afternoon offers a cultural, architectural and design highlight. La Scala Opera Theatre re-opened in 2005 following years of restructuring and restoration. The architects, engineers and designers faced heavy criticism and public opinion frequently turned against them. The work exceeded budget frighteningly – and the anticipated Opening Night was deferred. When La Scala re-opened, amidst harsh popular, professional and civic criticism, opera lovers from around the world finally had their chance to see what had happened to their beloved La Scala. You too will have that chance when we take a tour of La Scala Opera Theatre. Depending on our appointments, during the day you will have free time to explore Milan city, perhaps to visit the Cathedral, or meander Via Montenapoleone and browse the many designer boutiques and furniture and lighting outlets.

Overnight ***Hotel Posta, Moltrasio, Lake Como.

Day 4. Bellagio – Lake Como & Villa d’Este

Thursday 30 September: Today is your day to discover the town of Como, across the lake, which we’ll reach in a few minutes by ferry. Of particular interest is the architectural work by Giuseppe Terragni, a giant figure of Italian architecture whose work was greeted by jeers and cries of outrage, but who is now hailed for one of his masterpieces in Como. He gave rationalism an exciting new, Italian look. Built in 1932, headquarters for the local Fascist Party, called Casa del Fascio, is well worth finding for historical reasons. Como was the funnel for rationalism seeping from Germany and France.

You can shop for silks and wander among the narrow roadways in Como, then we’ll take the ferry to Bellagio at the top of the lake which was a favourite Romantic Movement destination for writers and composers - especially those on the Grand Tour of Italy such as Longfellow, Byron, Browning, Goethe, Stendhal, Tchaikovsky, Rossini, Bellini and even peppery Mark Twain, in the backlash against 18^th century rationalism.

This evening we are expected at magnificent lakeshore Villa d’Este set in a glorious park on the shore of Lake Como. It is now a luxury resort, carefully preserving traces of 16^th century splendour. Not only splendour but also murder is linked to this sumptuous villa. They still talk, in Milan, of the gala party on the night in 1948 when a shot rang out. Fun loving industrialist Carlo Sacchi fell dead – his jealous mistress grasping the gun. The villa garden is a gem of impeccable landscaping; mosaic covered walls decorate the exedra framing a view of the nymphaeum. Before dinner you might like to enjoy a drink and walk around the garden beside the lake.

This evening dinner will be prepared by the Chefs of Villa d’Este. Dress Code: Jacket and Tie essential. Dinner at Villa d’Este with wine included.

Overnight****Hotel Posta, Moltrasio, Lake Como

Day 5. Tuscany – Cinque Terre – Lucca

Friday 01 October: Early this morning we begin our journey to Tuscany, where we will be staying for the next four nights. Leaving the city of Milan behind we’ll take the Autostrada and travel to La Spezia, where we will board a train which, in a few minutes, will transport us to Monterosso Mare, one of the villages along the magical Cinque Terre. The breathtakingly beautiful Cinque Terre need little amplification – the colours and aroma of the terrain and the sea remain magical to this day, even if Cinque Terre is no longer an isolated outpost! Our return journey, weather permitting, will be by boat so that you are able to see all five villages along the coast. Some people may like to walk between a couple of villages and link up with the main group at the village of Riomaggiore from where we complete our journey to the fine walled town of Lucca.

Overnight****Hotel San Luca Palace, Lucca

Day 6. Renaissance Florence

Saturday 02 October: We are awaited at a Renaissance hard stone technique workshop where Interior and Architectural installations take on a splendid dimension. A team of around 11 people has the capacity to design and instal mosaics of enormous dimensions in places like the University of Design in Tokyo, Grand Hotels all over the world, and the White House. Working in lapis lazuli, malachite, jade, marble, stone, fossil and semi precious stone. Frequently requested are mosaic floors and walls reproduced from documentation of Roman Villas for palatial bathrooms, and one-off installations for designers and architects.

The rest of the day will be yours to spend in Florence, visiting galleries or churches, soaking up the ambience of the splendid Renaissance architecture. The markets of Florence are famous for leatherwear, and the Boboli Gardens and Palazzo Pitti are close to the city. If you select to visit the Uffizi Gallery and the Gallery Accademia, your hosts will be happy to make your appointments for today. As many guests will probably have visited the galleries previously the cost is not included in your tour. See details below.

Overnight****Hotel San Luca Palace, Lucca.

Day 7. Tuscan Architecture and the Lucchese hills

Sunday 03 October: It is Sunday and today will be leisurely, discovering the countryside of Lucca where many gorgeous Renaissance villas dot the nearby hills, surrounded by gardens, follies and water architecture in the Italian style of the 1500 and 1600’s.  We’ll join our host who will take us to explore a typical Tuscan stone farm house under restoration and then we’ll sit under the olive trees and indulge in a lunch of typical food of the region, as well as the wine from the hills of Lucca. Before returning to our hotel, we’ll join the Lucchese on the Sunday evening passeggiata for a gelato. You may like to hire a bicycle and ride around the walls of Lucca, a distance of some four kilometres. Those guests who prefer may like to return to Florence for the day and have the option of taking the morning train from Lucca into Florence and enjoying a second visit to the Renaissance city. Florence Museums and galleries are open on Sunday, and the major shopping is also open. You will be able to return by train in the evening, at your leisure.

Farm lunch with wine included.

Overnight ****Hotel San Luca Palace, Lucca.

Day 8. Carrara Marble Mines – Lucca

Monday 04 October: Having studied the genius of Michelangelo in Carrara marble at the Accademia Gallery, today we have a brilliant opportunity to visit the Carrara marble mines. Aside from your interest in the use of white Carrara in projects, domestic and commercial, a visit to Carrara provides an awesome spectacle and tremendous insight into the dangerous work of extracting this material from the white mountain peaks of the Apuan Alps. There are numerous cave, and our guide will escort us and explain the methods of extraction. The ghostly white village of Colonnata derived its name from ‘colonia’, named by the slaves who worked in the pit, because marble was extracted here in Roman times. A visit to the mines is a definite highlight of your Italian experience. We’ll return to our hotel for a coffee break, after which we’ll commence afternoon and evening program, which will be spent discovering the walled city of Lucca. You can spend some time exploring Lucca on your own, or you may like to accompany Isabella on an orientation walk around Lucca to see the Cathedral, Amphitheatre and Teatro Giglio. Shops will be open this afternoon and Lucca is excellently served with interesting boutiques. Dinner this evening will be in what your host considers to be the very best restaurant in Lucca – a gourmet experience of excellent quality and representative of creative Lucchese cuisine.

Dinner with wine included.

Overnight ****Hotel San Luca Palace, Lucca

Day 9. Eurostar train to Padova – A Venetian Villa in the countryside

Tuesday 05 October: This morning we’ll pack our bags and travel to the nearby town of Prato from where we’ll board the Eurostar train for a fast ride to Padova. The Eurostar is extremely comfortable, offers freedom of movement, and is equipped with a bar and dining car. Whilst we are on the train and visiting Padova, our coach will deliver our luggage to our hotel which is a gentleman’s villa in the countryside where we will stay for two nights so that we can explore the genius of Andrea Palladio and his brilliant architecture tomorrow. Today you can leave on the coach your main baggage and hand baggage which will be in your room when you arrive this evening – please make sure hand baggage and main baggage is clearly labelled.

On arrival in Padova we have the afternoon to explore another of Italy’s vibrant small cities –the town where Andrea di Pietro della Gondola, known as Palladio, was born. The reputation of the intellectual city of Padova as a seat of learning goes back many centuries to the time of such luminaries as Dante, Petrarch and Galileo, aided by Giotto, Donatello and Mantegna. The university, the Bo, was established in 1222 and it was the Chair where Galileo lectured. Caffè Pedrocchi is a famous meeting place, once headquarters of the 19^th century liberals pushing for unification of Italy. When it was built, the architect designed it with no doors, it was open round the clock, and every student was entitled to a free newspaper and a glass of water. A great battle took place right here between students and occupying Austrian forces. Lunch at Caffè Pedrocchi is one of those gladdening experiences capturing the spirit of the times in neo classical ambience. For those who wish, your host is also willing to seek appointments for you to visit the Scrovegni Chapel in Padova to view the cycle of frescoes executed by Giotto between 1303 and 1305. Visits are by appointment only. Please see details on how to book at the foot of the itinerary. A light dinner will be served in our hotel this evening.

Light dinner with wines included.

Overnight ****Hotel Villa Tacchi, near Vicenza.

Day 10. Vicenza – The Genius of Andrea Palladio

Wednesday 06 October:Historians, in outlining the development of the Veneto villas, emphasized the fundamental importance of Andrea Palladio. His work in the 16^th century remained a model for succeeding centuries, imitated within and beyond the boundaries of Italy. The Patricians of ancient Rome, profiting from contact with other civilisations, gave the most complex form to the villa, which has remained unchanged for over 2000 years. The mercantile mentality of Venetians, who always extracted the best from every experience, compared, evaluated, selected and acquired anything that might increase their prestige – in particular a villa on the mainland. Many of the characteristics of the villa reached full maturity with Palladio, translating ancient and modern aspirations into urban architectonic terms. Hosted by the Ordine degli Architetti of Vicenza, we will visit Villa Almerico Capra, known as La Rotunda and perhaps the most famous of all Palladian villas on the outskirts of Vicenza and devoid of all agricultural functions.  Pausing for a light lunch in a very local Osteria in the small city of Vicenza, we will then enjoy a walking tour of the highlights of Palladio in Vicenza, as well as visiting Teatro Olympico, an architectural gem, which Palladio did not live to see completed. Today offers another highlight of your tour as you discover the genius of Andrea Palladio.

Light Lunch with wine included.

Overnight ****Hotel Villa Tacchi, near Vicenza

Day 11. Venice – Venezia, City upon the Sea

Thursday 07 October: Early this morning we will make our way towards Venice. On arrival, luggage will be transferred by baggage boat to our hotel, which is located a few minutes walk from the Accademia Bridge over the Grand Canal. Once everyone is settled into the hotel, where we will stay for 3 nights, Isabella will offer an orientation walk to acquaint you with our location, including the walking route to Piazza San Marco.

We begin our Venice program this afternoon. Mariano Fortuny and Bevilaqua first produced legendary fabrics in the early 1900’s. With an almost mystical appearance they soon became widely popular due to their beauty and versatility. Persia, South America, 15^th century Florence, 17^th century Venice, Egypt, China and Greece: these themes inspired development of a unique process for printing textiles, a method which enabled the creation of superb fabrics with an artistic eye. The textiles, often three dimensional, were so mystifying that rumours of sorcery and magic began to circulate. The factory on the island of Giudecca hides Fortuny’s incredible process and production methods, interpreted nowhere else, and they have always remained a secret within the islands factory walls. The museum to Mariano Fortuny, which you may like to visit during your free time, holds fascinating textiles from the early 1900’s and other works by this man of vision.

You are free for the evening and dinner. You will find we are in an area where there is no shortage of eating places. You may like to form ‘tables’ and dine along the Grand Canal or meander around Venice by night when all is tranquil…. an aperitivo at Harry’s Bar….

Overnight ***Hotel Belle Arti. Dorsoduro, Venice.

Day 12. Venice –  Problem Solving in an amphibian city.

Friday 08 October: Venetian metamorphism. Difficult to think about in a città which has to confront daily the myths and images of her past. Difficult to project, and difficult to construct - this is the image shared by administrators, architects and builders.  “Venice is a continuous vibration trying to avoid being tempted by its links to the iconographical tradition of the city, of which it morphologically keeps the rather tiny proportions of the single parts.” This is what the architect Giuseppe Samonà wrote back in 1955, at the time of presenting a new installation on Venice. This led to the School of Venice at the University at which the most famous Italian architects taught. Architects like Samonà, Gardella, Tafuri, Aymonino, Benevolo, Levi, Scarpa and more recently Gregotti, Rossi and Valle. The history of Venetian architecture almost exclusively consists of missed opportunities. History and the idea of conservation raise insurmountable resistance, exposing the impotence of urban design and modern architecture. This morning we will be escorted to inspect and learn about the latest urban development on Venice.

Back at Como we were privileged to visit the mill of Rubelli, and later we visited La Scala Teatro in Milano. The love story between this famous theatre and the Venetian company, Rubelli, continues. This historic textile company took part in the recent project to restore La Scala. All fabrics were produced at the mill at Como and for safety reasons were made from a silk warp and fire resistant weft, making them intrinsically fire retardant. Today we will visit the company headquarters and showroom, which is in the 15^th century Palazzo Cornaro on the banks of the Grand Canal designed by architect Mauro Condussi. Following our visit to this fabulous palace you will be free to make your own arrangements with co-travellers for dinner this evening.

Overnight ***Hotel Belle Arti, Dorsoduro, Venice.

Day 13. The Maritime Republic of Venice

Saturday 09 October:  We have accomplished many architectural and design visits. Today we are offering a visit to the island of Murano to visit a highly regarded glass blowing company specialising in commercial installations as well as quality domestic pieces. Much of the glass to be found in Venice is of a ‘tourist’ quality…and very often the design is wanting…but the glass blowers and designers at Murano, with skills passed on through the centuries, practice this artisan craft at the highest level of their ancestors.

There is so much to see and do in Venice and you have the rest of the day to visit the Basilica of San Marco, the Palace of the Doge, one of the many galleries such as the Accademia which exhibits a visible ‘story’ of the accumulation of treasure on the islands of the lagoon. The Peggy Guggenheim Gallery is a destination in its own right, both for the historical legend of this great lady, and for the excellence of the modern works she collected whilst she lived for more than thirty years in her palace along the Grand Canal. Perhaps you will prefer to take advantage of the marvellous shopping, and put your tired feet up for an aperitivo at The Florian in Piazza San Marco – an extravagance each of us deserves.

At the end of the day we’ll gather for our farewell dinner highlighting the exquisite cuisine of the Queen of the Sea, the Maritime Republic of Venezia.  Dinner will be accompanied by the wines of the Veneto.

Farewell dinner with wines included.

Overnight: ***Hotel Belle Arti, Dorsoduro. Venice.

Day 14. Departure.

Sunday 10 October: A water taxi will depart to Santa Lucia railway station for those guests departing Venice by train. Estimated time of arrival at Santa Lucia railway station is approximately 9.15 am. It would be wise not to book on a train which departs prior to 10.00 am.  Water taxi transport will depart to Venice Marco Polo Airport on the mainland with an estimated arrival time at the airport of 10 am. It would be wise not to book on any flight departing prior to 12 noon. If your onward travel plans do not coincide with the designated departures to the railway station or airport, you will need to make your own departure arrangements which will be at your expense. Your hosts do not take responsibility for any delays of any kind whatsoever on the final morning and it is your responsibility to ensure you leave a wide and safe margin when planning and booking your departure arrangements.

INCLUSIONS

13 nights Accommodation Bed & Breakfast. Hotels have yet to be confirmed. Please satisfy yourself with the chosen accommodation at the web addresses following. You will be notified of any changes.

4 nights Lake Como at ***Hotel Posta.  www.hotel-posta.it

4 nights Luca at ****Hotel San Luca Palace. http://www.sanlucapalace.com

2 nights near Vicenza at ****Hotel Villa Tacchi. www.antichedimore.com

3 nights Venice at ***Hotel Belle Arti. www.hotelbelleartivenice.com

Meals:  7 Meals as set out on the itinerary. Day 1, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 13. Regional wine is included with each meal. There is no refund for wine not consumed.

Entry fees and costs for all visits and events scheduled on the itinerary are included. There is no refund if you choose not to attend any event. Included: Lake excursion to Bellagio and Como, La Scala Theatre tour, Cinque Terre excursion, Carrara Marble mine excursion, Lucca countryside excursion, Palladio excursion including villa and theatre entry, Island of Murano excursion. All guided design and architectural tours as stated on itinerary are included.

OPTIONAL SPECIAL EVENTS: Florence:- Uffizi Gallery and/or Accademia Gallery, Padova:– Scrovegni Chapels. Venice:- Vivaldi concerto ‘Four Seasons’. Appointments must be pre-booked through Kate St James and tickets paid for prior to your departure. The tour operators have no control over program alterations. Strict rules govern pre-booked seats – there is no refund for any reason whatsoever.

One pick up at Malpensa Airport Milan, Ground Floor, International Arrivals Lounge, at 12.30 pm on the day of the tour commencement, that is on Monday 27 September 2010.

Travel to and from all appointments by deluxe air-conditioned touring coach.

First class pre-booked seats on the Eurostar train Prato to Padova.

All boat transport where required for itinerary activities in Venice and Cinque Terre.

One transfer to Santa Lucia railway station, Venice and Marco Polo airport, Venice, on the morning of departure on the final day – please see Day 14 on the above itinerary for estimated arrival times at the railway station and Marco Polo airport Venice on the day of departure.

Porterage from coach to hotel foyer, and vice versa. Water boat porterage of luggage from railway station to hotel at Venice. It is essential that your entire luggage is visibly and clearly labelled and that your surname is visible in large bold letters. You are responsible for your own hand baggage at all times.

Gratuities: Tips at restaurants for all group meals are included. The tip to the driver is included.  Hotels and porters tips are included.

EXCLUSIONS

Entry to the Accademia Gallery and Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Entry to the Scrovegni Chapels, Padova. Vivaldi Concert in Venice. The entry costs to these optional visits are not included in your tour costs. If you book to attend the costs will be added to your invoice and must be paid separately prior to departure to Kate St James.

Travel Insurance – please note personal travel insurance is mandatory on all our tours and it is essential for you to insure your travel and tour holiday in case of cancellation due to sickness or any other cause. It is your responsibility to ensure you have adequate insurance and your attendance on tour will only be confirmed once you have signed and returned the Tour Operators Booking Form and Terms & Conditions.  Sundry items not included: Visas and passports, meals other than those specifically noted on itinerary, personal expenses, excess baggage, telephone, laundry, hotel bar fridge, and bar drinks etc. are all at your expense.

Project Travel retains the right to make practical itinerary alterations deemed necessary or for reasons outside their control. Any such alterations are generally of a minor nature; however, you are assured of an equal quality tour in both value and content.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Bookings for musical events and galleries:

Florence - Accademia Galleria Aud$20.00 per person

Florence - Galleria Uffizi           Aud$30.00 per person

Padova - Scrovegni Chapel      Aud$25.00 per person

Venice - Vivaldi ‘Four Seasons’ Concerto approx Euro30.00 per person including booking fees.

The tour operators have no control over program alterations. Strict rules govern pre-booked seats – there is no refund for any reason whatsoever once the tickets have been allocated to the tour operator.

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