about our programs
Discovering Italy provides specialised programs in arts, history and culture, food and language. Most programs are based in Umbria, mid-way between Rome and Florence, but range across all of Central Italy.
Programs offer a wide variety of activities and educational resources, both guided and unguided, for individuals, small groups, special focus groups and schools. Language programs are provided by university qualified Italian language teachers across ALL levels. Cooking classes are conducted by professional chefs or our “home-based” cooks who are specialists in their field and passionate about Umbrian cuisine and traditions.
For Ready-Made Groups: we can facilitate your travel arrangements from Australia by arranging and coordinating airfares and advising on all travel requirements including personal or group travel insurances.
Getting There: if you need assistance, or would just enjoy being looked after, there are a lot of little things we can do to make a difference to your trip. Before you leave Australia, we offer to support you throughout the organisation of your trip, we can arrange airfares and insurance, offer advice on climate, currency, and many other things to help your trip get off to a great start.
Once in Italy: we can offer 24-hour assistance. We can arrange for you to be met on your arrival by a host, at the arrivals hall in Rome airport. We understand a long haul flight is difficult for everyone and that you may be jetlagged. Assistance on arrival, therefore, is always appreciated. We can be there to welcome you, offer support, language assistance, help sort out any arrival problems and escort you to your accommodation.
Medical facilities: Italy has a large number of excellent health and medical facilities, and all our accommodation facililties have good emergency procedures. It is imperative that all travellers have adequate travel insurance.
Transport , airport transfers and excursions: professional transport agencies and drivers are used at all times.
Program costs: typically include your selection of accommodation with private bathroom facilities and breakfasts, a variety of lunches and dinners with venues carefully chosen to provide the best overview of local cuisines. These will be indicated on your personal program. Depending on your program: entrances to museums, guides, excursions (ie to oil and wine tastings, etc.) and all internal transport costs will be included. All class costs will be included. Cooking classes typically include an apron and all recipes prepared as part of the class (no minimum participants). Program costs do not include: passport and visa fees, travel insurance, excess baggage charges, airfares*, airport departure and other taxes, gratuities, extra meals, telephone charges, laundry, drinks, optional tours, and any item of a personal nature.
*we can quote air travel and insurances for you, and include these prices in our individual quotation or make travel agency recommendations for you.
The SAMPLE PROGRAMS outlined here & in our brochures are a suggested basic package, however, we are more than happy to discuss alternatives or additions to our programs depending on your needs. If you like, we can also write a completely customised program in consultation with you. We can also offer a discount for ready-made groups of 4 or more and for return clients.
At Discovering Italy we are happy to work with you to develop an itinerary with inclusions that are just right - ask us how . . .
