Be part of Travelrite’s sensational 2026 tour Italy "Off the Beaten Track" with exploration of Tuscany, Tivoli, the Amalfi Coast & Puglia; With caring and informative leadership by long-time Italian resident and Australian, Heather Burden
Heather Burden was born and educated in Sydney. In 1979, through her love of skiing, she travelled to the Italian Alps to do a ski season, promptly fell in love with a ski instructor and has lived in Italy for more than 40 years. Since selling her business a few years ago, she now lives in Turin. Heather has an intimate knowledge and love of the history, culture and day-to-day life of Italy and is happy to share the magic of this beautiful country. “I am looking forward to showing you hill towns, villages and other places that get to the heart of the real Italy, beyond the normal tourist route. I want you to live like an Italian, tasting the wines, meeting the people, visiting craft workshops and experiencing other local activities so you can see what Italian life is really like.” – Heather Burden
Experience intimate and personalized travel with our Small Group tours, limited to just 20 passengers. Enjoy the benefits of a close-knit group, allowing for unique access to destinations, deeper connections with fellow travellers, and a more immersive journey. Travelrite International ensures a premium, exclusive travel experience.
Unveil the secrets of Hidden Italy with Travelrite International. Whether you’re drawn to the ancient villas of Tivoli or the therapeutic hot springs of Bagno Vignoni, this adventure offers a unique glimpse into Italy’s hidden wonders. Experience authentic Italian culture and hidden gems with our expertly guided tour.
On this tour we are able to make the most efficient use of time in the most relaxed way possible. Forget about navigating your way through an unfamiliar road system or dealing with parking. No stress and no hassles. Everything is taken care of. Everything is planned. We have found the most interesting places to see, so come and let us look after you.
DAY 1 Thursday October 8, 2026
Bagno Vignoni, Tuscany, Italy
Arrive on your flight from Australia into Rome
airport. Please arrive before midday. Upon arrival
meet Heather Burden and transfer to the Tuscan
village of Bagno Vignoni. Bagno Vignoni, is a
small Orcia River valley village, which has long
been a favourite among painters and travellers
seeking solitude in a beautiful location. We will
stay at a small family-owned, 15th-century hotel
built by Bernardo Rossellino as a summerhouse
for Pope Pius II, who enjoyed the advantage of
the nearby hot mineral springs. Tour members will
enjoy delicious Tuscan dinners each night during
our stay at Bagno Vignoni.
DAY 2 Friday October 9, 2026
Bagno Vignoni
Today we will visit Cortona, a small, charming
town in the Valdichiana, or Chiana Valley, in the
province of Arezzo in southern Tuscany. The city,
enclosed by stone walls dating back to Etruscan
and Roman times, sits on the top of a hill about
600 metres above sea level. This dominant
position over the valley offers a spectacular view
from all over the town of the surrounding valley
and even Lake Trasimeno. On our tour we will
see Piazza della Repubblica, with the Palazzo
Comunale or town hall building overlooking the
square, beautiful Santa Margherita Sanctuary,
patron of the city, and to the Girifalco Fortress.
Various small shops on the main streets of
Cortona offer local handmade items and
gastronomical products. We return to Bagno
Vignoni for our included dinner.
DAY 3 Saturday October 10, 2026
Bagno Vignoni
Today we will visit the town of Pienza, the
birthplace of Pope Pius II and the setting for
the film, The English Patient. It was the pope's
dream to turn his old town of Corsignano into a
utopian model town. He commissioned architect
Rossellino to make it into a jewel of renaissance
architecture. The aroma of pecorino cheese and
other local specialities will tempt us into the many
cheese shops. We enjoy an afternoon's drive
through the beautiful Orcia Valley, with its rolling
hills, to the Brunello wine area of Montalcino to
savour a wine tasting in a well-preserved 14th-
century fortress. We will explore the town, with
time for lunch before we return to the hotel. The
rest of the afternoon will be free to relax.
DAY 4 Sunday October 11, 2026
Tivoli
We depart Bagno Vignoni and visit
Montepulciano, an impressive hill town famous
for its vino nobile wines and food specialities. The
town offers stunning views of the surrounding
vineyards and valleys, along with charming
cobblestone streets and historic sites. We then
continue to the historic town of Tivoli, in the hills
above Rome, and check into our hotel.
DAY 5 Monday October 12, 2026
Tivoli
Today we visit the two major sites of Tivoli.
In the morning, we will visit Hadrian's Villa.
Hadrian's Villa was the grand retreat of Roman
Emperor Hadrian, today comprising the ruins
and archaeological remains of his grand villa
complex showcasing palaces, baths and gardens.
Following a break for lunch we will then visit the
beautiful Villa d'Este. Villa d'Este is a luxurious
16th-century villa, famous for its Renaissance
gardens, elaborate fountains, and exquisite
frescoes. The estate is a UNESCO World Heritage
site, celebrated for its stunning landscape design
and artistic grandeur.
DAY 6 Tuesday October 13, 2026
Sorrento, Amalfi Coast
Today is a day of scenic countryside travel as our
coach takes us south down to the Amalfi Coast
where we will spend the next three nights. We will
stop for lunch along the way.
DAY 7 Wednesday October 14, 2026
Amalfi Coast
This morning, we will visit the town of Ravello,
known as the City of Music which sits high
up above the Amalfi Coast. Here we can visit
the famous Villa Cimbrone. From its terrace,
nicknamed Terrace of Infinity, you can enjoy
incredible views of the Amalfi Coast. Later we
will visit Positano, which enjoys an unsurpassed
position along the Amalfi Coast, where delightful
white and pastel-coloured houses litter the
hillside. Along with the beautiful beaches, its
ancient fishing port, the splendid majolica dome
of the church of Santa Maria Assunta and artisan
shops, you'll enjoy a taste of the dolce vita as you
enjoy a wonderful day tour of the Amalfi Coast.
We return to Sorrento by ferry late afternoon.
DAY 8 Thursday October 15, 2026
Amalfi Coast
Today we catch the ferry to the island of Capri.
We will board a boat on arrival and cruise around the
island, hopefully entering Capri's famous "Grotto
Azzurra", the Blue Grotto (weather permitting).
The afternoon will be free to wander the
picturesque paths, shop, or enjoy a cappuccino
and some people-watching in the famous
Piazzetta. We return to Sorrento late afternoon
and Heather will recommend an interesting
restaurant for dinner.
DAY 9 Friday October 16, 2026
Matera
Today we travel to Matera for a two night stay.
The town lies in a small canyon and contains
ancient cave dwellings. Matera was one of the
2019 European Capitals of Culture. On route
we travel through Potenza, a beautiful town
in the mountains in the Basilicata region of
southern Italy.
DAY 10 Saturday October 17, 2026
Matera
In the morning, we will enjoy a walking tour of
Matera with a local guide. We will visit the world
famous ancient cave dwellings known as "Sassi,"
which are carved into limestone and have been
inhabited for thousands of years. This UNESCO
World Heritage site offers visitors a unique
glimpse into history, with its labyrinthine streets,
rock-hewn churches, and stunning views of the
Gravina Gorge. Following this, in the afternoon
we will take part in a cooking class. Learn to
make fresh pasta, an Italian pasta sauce and
another dish with cultural relevance to Matera
before we sit down and enjoy our food with some
local wines.
DAY 11 Sunday October 18, 2026
Lecce, Puglia
Today we will travel by coach to Lecce, the capital
of Puglia, sometimes called the Florence of the
South, referring to its prominent art. We will spend
the next four nights in Lecce. Upon our arrival in
Lecce we will enjoy a shopping tour throughout
the city with a personal shopper accompanying
us onboard a rickshaw.
DAY 12 Monday October 19, 2026
Puglia
Lecce is over 2000 years old and has a long
affinity with Greek culture. This morning
will have a tour of the town and visit Piazza
Sant'Oronzo, the big civic heart of the town. We
will visit the Roman theatre and its museum in
the centre of Lecce. There will be free time to
wander through little lanes to find the more far-
flung baroque churches. This evening Heather
will recommend an interesting venue for dinner.
DAY 13 Tuesday October 20, 2026
Puglia
Today we travel to the seaside village of Castro
on the eastern coast and visit the beautiful.
Grotto of Zinzulusa. We wander through the town
before heading south towards Santa Maria di
Leuca, the most southerly point on the "heel" of
Italy. There will be time for an included lunch in
Masseria with the local music, La Pizzica, before
returning to Lecce.
DAY 14 Wednesday October 21, 2026
Puglia
Today we will take a short coach trip to the town
of Gallipoli, situated on the west coast of the
Salento Peninsula in the Gulf of Taranto, better
known as "The heel of Italy's boot". We will have
a tour of Gallipoli's Old Town and stroll through
its maze of alleys. The 17th-century Baroque Sant'
Agata Cathedral is in the centre of the town. The
walls and bastions surrounding the old town are
believed to have been built in the 15th century
to fend off attacks, especially from pirates.
Castello Angiono stands near the entrance to
the old town, built on old Byzantine fortifications,
originating in the 11th century. The fortress
guarded the old port, once part of an important
trade route, and was connected to the mainland
by a drawbridge. After free time for lunch, we will
enjoy a wine tasting in nearby Cantina Coppola
before returning to our hotel. This evening, we
have an included farewell dinner to celebrate our
wonderful tour.
DAY 15 Thursday October 22, 2026
Departure
Today our coach will take us back to Brindisi
Airport for onward flights.
| TWIN FARE PER PERSON | SINGLE FARE |
|---|---|
| $6,995 | $8,895 |
You can stay longer in Italy for minimal extra cost. Please contact Travelrite on 1800 630 343 for more information.
International touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the need of assistance from others.
Tour Operator
Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078)
(ATAS A10538) is the tour operator.
Tour Prices
The tour prices are based on general transport, accommodation and other costs at foreign exchange rates at 1 October 2025.
Travelrite International reserves the right to alter the tour price or modify
the tour if any of these factors change, giving any passenger that has
booked the right to withdraw with a full refund of monies paid if the price
increase is greater than 10% of the original price. No alteration to the tour
price will be made within 60 days of departure from Australia.
Deposit and Payment
A non-refundable deposit of $750 per person is required at the
time of booking. Full payment will be required 60 days before departure. An
administrative fee of 1.5% will be added to each payment made by credit
card.
Cancellations
Cancellation more than 60 days from the date of departure from Australia will incur a cancellation fee of $750 per person.
Cancellations 60 days or less from the date of departure will result in the
loss of all monies paid. Travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover
the cost of cancellation fees that could result from a death in the family,
illness, etc.
Minimum Tour Numbers
The tour has been priced on the basis of a
minimum number of passengers having booked 60 days prior to the date
of departure. Travelrite International reserves the right to cancel the tour,
giving a full refund of all monies paid or offer arrangements to proceed with
the tour at a modified price.
Refunds
The tour is based on arrangements that do not allow for any
refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals, or other services
not utilised after the tour has commenced.
Travel Documents
All passengers will need to be in possession of a valid
passport. No visa is required for Australian passport holders.
Baggage
Baggage is at own risk throughout the tour.
Tour Participation
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
Change To The Tour Itinerary
Travelrite International reserves
the right to make changes to the tour itinerary to fit in with operational
requirements. Any change to the itinerary will be replaced with similar
arrangements with an equal or greater value.
Responsibility
Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ATAS No. A10538) is
the tour organiser. Travelrite International acts only as an agent in making
arrangements with carriers, hoteliers and others for the tour. As a result,
we cannot accept liability for any act or omission whatsoever, whether
negligent or otherwise of those carriers, hoteliers or other persons
providing services in connection with the tour over whom we have no direct
or exclusive control. We do not accept responsibility for any injury, damage,
loss, delay, change of schedule or any other events which are beyond our
direct control, such as, but not limited to, war, terrorism, flood, fire, civil
disturbance, force majeure events, acts of government, or any other authorities,
accidents to or failure of machinery or equipment, or industrial action.
The passage contract in use by the carriers concerned, when issued, shall
constitute the sole contract between the transportation companies or
firms and the purchasers of these tours. The contract shall be construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Victoria and any legal action must
be taken in the State of Victoria.
Delays and Unforeseen Events
You engage Travelrite to book this tour
on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite acts as your agent for
the purpose of making contracts between you and the various providers
of accommodation, transportation and other services that comprise the
tour. Travelrite may without reference to you provide or make available
to you, or may as your agent engage any third party to provide or make
available to you, any good or service which Travelrite reasonably believes
is necessary for your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate you
or otherwise accommodate, transport or sustain you in circumstances in which the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint
Travelrite your attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite any cost
thereof and you indemnify Travelrite in respect of any cost it incurs in this
regard. Travelrite advises you to obtain travel insurance generally including
in respect of the risk that any such good or service may become required.
How to Book:
Bookings can be made by sending full names and addresses
of intending tour members with a non-refundable deposit of $750 per person to:
Travelrite International Pty. Ltd.
423 Whitehorse Road
Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning
Toll Free 1800 630 343
Phone: (03) 8803 6868
Email: sales@travelrite.com.au
www.travelrite.com.au
ABOUT TRAVELRITE INTERNATIONAL:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
(ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established family-owned business that’s
been operating in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs for more than 40 years.
Travelrite International is a full member of the Australian Federation of
Travel Agents (AFTA), is fully Accredited with ATAS (A10538) and IATA. As
such they directly represent the major airlines of the world and all major
domestic and international hotel, tour and transport operators.
“My third Travelrite tour and I have never been disappointed.”
“I had a wonderful time on the tour. Really enjoyed the whole two weeks. Great group of people.”
