ABOUT MP TOURS

Marche (MAR-kay) is plural for marca (march), which refers to the medieval military March of Ancona and marches of Camerino and Fermo. The region is located in Central Italy, about a 2 hour drive south of Venice.

 

From the mountains, to the seaside, to the quaint towns and villages, the Marche is a region untouched by mass tourism. Perhaps the natural topography – very hilly and mountainous inland – has something to do with keeping crowds away. However, beyond the majestic mountains, the spectacular coast emerges and the seaside life beckons.

Piedmont is the home of the worldwide Slow Food Movement. It is the mecca for the most prized white truffles.  Add in chocolates, hazelnuts (think Nutella), cheese, automobiles, architecture, and you’ll have a lot to explore.  But wait, we haven’t even touched on wine – Barolo, Nebbiolo, Barbaresco, oh my!

Puglia (Apulia) is one of the 20 regions in Italy. It is located in the heel of this boot-shaped country and boasts the longest coastline of any region in Italy – 800 kilometres (480 miles).

 

As the largest producer of olive oil for Italy, it nurtures the country economically and gastronomically, since olive oil is the essence of the Mediterranean lifestyle. Puglia’s spectacular rugged coastline makes for stunning seaside explorations. Its food traditions are simple and exceptionally tasty – think pasta, cheese, abundant vegetables and fruits, and bread. The vineyards produce excellent grape varieties, especially Primitivo and Negroamaro, with the second oldest winery in the world – 26 generations, that’s 1100 years of wine-making. So much to experience!

The second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea is Sardegna, or Sardinia in English. About 200 km west of Rome, it is almost impossible to describe. Its tremendous geographical beauty, incredibly ancient history (ruins from 1900 BC!), stunning beaches, and most welcoming people will be the perfect place for your next trip.

Sicilia (Sicily) is one of Italy’s 20 regions on an island just west of the toe of the boot-shaped country, and is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Sicily’s history dates back thousands of years and has been shaped by the influence of many cultures that came to conquer this strategically-positioned island oasis.

The only non-Italian tour in our portfolio, Portugal is located on the southwestern side of Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. It is considered one of the oldest countries on the continent and has been explored, conquered, and settled by civilizations since pre-historic times. Portugal’s appeal comes from its less-travelled (although increasingly more travelled) status. It is also possible to visit a large part of the country without travelling too far.  From the Douro Valley (north) to Lisbon in the centre, to the Algarve (south), there is beauty and variety in foods, landscape, history, and well – everything!