Earlier this year, MiNDFOOD in partnership with Trafalgar, gave one lucky reader a 10-day guided holiday to Italy with flights included.
The lucky winner had this to say about the incredible opportunity: “I got such a surprise when Michael (Editor-in-Chief) rang and told me that I’d won the trip to Italy for 10 days. I couldn’t believe it as I’ve never won anything like this. Even when I entered the competition, I didn’t take note of any of the details as I really didn’t believe I had a chance of winning. Michael even had to remind me of what I’d written in my 25 words or less?!
Thank you so much to MiNDFOOD for this opportunity and to Trafalgar tours for offering the prize. I’m so excited to be traveling to Italy and can’t wait for March 25 when the tour starts in Rome!”
Jill, from the Central Coast, will be partaking in Trafalgar’s Great Italian Cities guided holiday, experiencing the famous sights of Rome, Florence and Venice, on a trip that will provide memories to last a lifetime.
Her experience will be published in the June issue of MiNDFOOD.
When in Rome… do as the Trafalgar Travel Directors recommend
Italy, a country synonymous with romance, beauty and most importantly, food, has been a must-see destination for centuries.
What separates Trafalgar from other travel companies is their attention to detail and insider experiences that offer guests an escape unlike any other. Patricia O’Brien, one of Trafalgar’s Travel Directors, sings the praises of her favourite country.
“When you come to Italy there are so many things to see. Apart from seeing the iconic sites, which are of course very important, try to take some time to go to a local food market which are very important places for Italians to do their daily shopping. They are so colourful and the fresh food all looks and smells so wonderful.”
On Trafalgar’s Great Italian Cities guided holiday, guests will experience the famous sights of Rome, Florence and Venice, on a trip that will provide memories to last a lifetime.
Guests will arrive in Rome, where they will begin the first leg of their Italian journey. Taking in the famous sights of the Eternal City, you will be guided through the rich cultural history of destinations like Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica and the Colosseum. Make sure you take a moment to soak in the surroundings as you sip on an Aperol Spritz or a glass of prosecco.
From Rome, travel north to the mystical town of Assisi where your Local Specialist will introduce you to the splendour of Giotto’s enchanting frescoes at St. Francis’ Basilica.
Travel Director, Monica Propescu, says that Assisi, is one of the undiscovered gems of Italy. “Assisi is my favourite place. I find the countryside and the city are a true reflection of the spiritual side of Italy – a quiet corner in the middle of a busy Italian region.”
Travel back in time and experience the birthplace of the Renaissance – Florence, with a sightseeing tour that will guide you through the imposing palazzi in all its glory. View the city from the Ponte Vecchio and take in the surroundings before travelling to Pisa, where you will be invited to experience an evening of decadence during a special Be My Guest dinner.
Fattoria Di Maiano, an ancient olive oil estate, has roots that date back to the fifteenth century. Its grounds boast an olive oil mill and ancient nunnery and overlook the city of Florence and the beautiful Tuscan hills.
The estate was once visited by Queen Victoria when at one point the property was owned by an eccentric English family – who built ‘follies’ in the gardens – these can still be seen today.
Guests will be welcomed to the estate by Count Miari Fulcis, owner of the grand villa that was the very same villa used in Zeffereli’s ‘Tea with Mussolini’.
Jill will be experiencing this on day six of her guided holiday.
Travel Director, Calvin Goodenough, loves Florence, “it has all the grandeur of a great city but with the intimacy of a small town.”
Travel to Venice where the Local Specialist will introduce you to this magical city via gondola, taking you through the rich cultural history of this island city. The next day guests will explore the magnificence of St. Mark’s Square, marvel at Doge’s Palace and witness the spectacular artisanship of Venice’s traditional glass makers.
“It does not matter how many times I have visited Venice, I am always eager to arrive there,” says Travel Director Antonio Bruzzese.
Finally, take a trip through the backstreets of the beautiful city, with your Local Specialist, to a centuries-old food market, where you will indulge in mouthwatering fare before setting off on your own journey through the cobblestone ‘calle’ or streets.
The beauty and grandeur of a destination such as Italy. is made all the more memorable with insider experiences such as those provided by Trafalgar.
