Who travels with us?

Our tours are planned for the curious traveller whether travelling alone or with a partner, with a general or wider interest in the culture, history, arts and architecture of the places we visit together. We make a particular accent on talks and lectures given in the morning when we travel and on site in a knowledgeable manner with context and humour.  We also use an audio guide system on all our tours allowing our lecturers, guides and tour managers to talk to our guests via a microphone. Participants are able to listen via a comfortable earpiece and a small portable receiver which works well in all internal and external spaces. It thus permits our guests to listen with greater independence without needing to strain to hear.

Where do we go?

Our expertise is based predominantly in Italy, its surrounding neighbours and the wider European continent. Furthermore, we continue to look further afield and the wider world including the USA. Our tours are designed to include a range of destination-centred cultural interests in art history, architecture, architecture, music, horticulture and of course, good food and wine. Our team all have a background across academia, travel and their related professional experiences based in the countries we feature.  

How many participants do we accept on each visit?

Participant numbers vary between a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 22 participants, depending on the visit. Many of our visits can be tailored for private groups from as few as a handful to larger groups for societies and alumni organisations. We also use an audio guide system on all our tours allowing our lecturers, guides and tour managers to talk to our guests via a microphone. Participants are able to listen via a comfortable earpiece and a small portable receiver which is works well in all internal and external spaces. It thus permits our guests to listen with greater independence without needing to strain to hear. 

What level of comfort is provided?

The accent of all our tours is a gentle-pace, visually and intellectually stimulating culture and excellent food and wine. Flights are always with scheduled airlines, our hotels are excellent 3 stars and very comfortable four and five star mostly owner-managed hotels based on location, comfort and reputation. Double rooms can be twin or single king or queen bedded. Single rooms are always double for single use in king or queen beds. Buffet or served breakfast is always included.

For us, food and wine are as important as the cultural content of our tours. Whilst we do include either a formal lunch or dinner on most days, we do allow plenty of free time in our destinations to explore, relax and dine privately. In particular, we always offer our single guests (and any couples too) at least one of our free evenings to dine together ‘going Dutch’. We also provide a restaurant list ahead of our departure to allow you to make independent arrangements which we can also arrange prior to our arrival and on site.   

Is it possible to vary any of the visit details?

It is possible to join the tour independently of our flight and travel arrangements especially if you are travelling from a different airport within or outside of the UK. It is also possible to upgrade your airline seat and hotel room and extend your stay prior to and after the published dates of the tour, subject to availability. Please note that individual changes may incur a supplement in the published price of the tour. Please contact our bonding agent Millennium Tours and James Hill Travels for any questions or queries before making alternative arrangements. 

What level of fitness do I require?

Our tours generally involve a reasonable amount of standing and walking, sometimes across uneven ground, or over cobbled streets, or up and down steps and inclines. While we do not have an upper age limit for participants, we require you to have a level of fitness which does not spoil other participants' enjoyment of the tour and you should be able to walk at a reasonable pace and/or stand for at least twenty minutes without aid or requiring a rest. Please note that not all galleries and museums have lifts and may not have seating. Foldable seats and walking aides are an advisable addition to your visit and are recommended. We would also remind you that once you have made a booking, should your level of mobility change it is a condition of your booking that you inform us at the earliest opportunity. If you are in any doubt please do contact us for advice on the tour’s suitability for you.

Do we surcharge?

We guarantee that once you have paid your deposit, the cost of your booking will not be subject to any fuel and currency surcharges. We do reserve the right to apply nominal increases to the published package price in the unlikely event of the introduction of new airport taxes or changes in rates such as VAT which may occur.

Please contact Millennium Tours for any ad hoc travel arrangements you would like and James Hill Travels for any questions or queries related to our current programme and future tours.