Home-Based Travel Agent - July 2008 - (Page 53)

including legendary Tuscany. This region has become so well traveled, tour operators are now offering more packages to neighboring Umbria as an alternative. Piemonte (Turin’s region) also has emerged as a leading alternative to Tuscany for oenophiles—this is where such prized wines as Barolo and Dolcetto come from. Moving south from Rome, you come to the unforgettably picturesque and romantic Amalfi coast. Sorrento, Positano and Ravello are the main towns here; Naples is usually the jumping-off point, and side trips to the islands of Capri and Ischia are often on the itinerary. Also in southern Italy, the region of Puglia (Bari is its largest city) extends along the east coast—the heel of the boot. The “toe” comprises Calabria and its many seaside destinations. Fi- nally, there are the Mediterranean islands of Italy, including Sicily, Sardinia and the smaller, less-famous but much-raved-about Aeolians. Because Italy is both a place that people return to again and again and a top choice for those just beginning to explore the continent, a vast array of tours and packages is available to travelers. While highlights tours remain best-sellers, operators have been expanding their range of specialized tour products. And it’s getting ever more specialized. One of 2008’s new itineraries from active operator Backroads, for instance, is a biking and hiking trip in the Dolomites designed for parents and children. This year, Backroads also introduced a tour line called Insider, with Tuscany/Umbria being one of the dozen inaugural Insider trips worldwide. The emphasis is less on physical activity and more on personal, in-depth encounters and experiences with the local culture—artisans, chefs, historians, vintners and such. Walking and biking tours are a popular niche in the Italy market. Not surprisingly, so are food and wine—a market no longer being served only by specialty operators. Trafalgar Tours and other companies known for their general-interest tours have started adding culinary activities to some itineraries. Trafalgar’s 11-day “Flavours of Italy,” for example, includes a cooking lesson at a Tuscany restaurant and tastings and lunch at an olive oil mill. Mainstream operators are creating Continued on page 54 Bellagio is one of several beautiful towns on Lake Como JULY/AUGUST 2008 Home-BasedTravelAgent 53

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Home Based Travel Agent - July 2008 Contents Editor's Note Publisher's Note Your Lifeline Agent Spotlight New Technology Industry News Hot Deals Tips for a Smooth Trip Agent Symposium Hotels For the Traveler - Destinations - Mexico For the Agent - Destinations - Mexico For the Traveler - Destinations - Dubai For the Agent - Destinations - Dubai Thailand For the Traveler - Cruise For the Agent - Cruise For the Traveler - Tours For the Agent - Tours New Products

Home-Based Travel Agent - July 2008

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