Tours
In 2006 our tour, Italy by Design escorted 20 design professionals on a comprehensive work/study tour to explore the architecture, art and history of this fascinating country.
Hosted by our bi-lingual guides we covered the north, including the Milan and Como regions where we visited factories, showrooms, galleries and construction sites. On to Tuscany, we stayed in a 17th century villa and explored the region’s art, architecture and history including a memorable visit to the Michaelangelo cave on the famous Carrara marble mountain.
From there via Eurostar to Venice we experienced four captivating days of opera, textiles, architecture and design and we took a wonderful tour of the Murano glass factories. We also visited the changing face of Venice; The Junghens, a modern development in complete contrast to the historical island. In Vicenza, Palladio’s designs inspired us as did the professor of history who opened our eyes, hearts and minds to the work of this genius..
As well as the wonderful architecture and design, we experienced the fashions, wines, food and culture of each region in an atmosphere of mutual admiration for the way of life of this beautiful land.
The following is a selection of testimonials from our 2006 tour:
The tour "Italy by Design" was a whirlwind of furniture, fabrics, artisans, buildings, history and building sites. Each appointment, was relevant and complementary to others on our journey. The hospitality of the proprietors was wonderful too, so warm and welcoming. Tour guide Isabella's superior organisational skills kept the appointments coming at a cracking pace, so no time was wasted. And yet we still had time for a hydrofoil trip across Lake Como (one of the most beautiful places on the planet) to the village of Bellagio, and a spot of shopping in Firenze. My Mother's higlight was the tour of the Carrra marble mines. Mine, the walking tour around Vicenza with the Professore, expert in Palladian architecture.The accommodation was delightful - as were the tour group meals. The tour driver was a maestro and Isabella's commentary was always interesting and relevant. [Especially for ladies - do ask her how a bidet is used ....]
I believe reading and language studies were a great help to me in preparing for this wonderful trip, but it was not enough! The subtleties, the nuances, the everyday lifes "little things" that are so different in another country and culture are really the province of a "Local". The wonderful thing as an Australian was to be shown around Italy by Australians because our guides Isabella and Luigi, not only with their prodigious knowledge of history, culture, food and wine, could also explain everyday customs.We had a fantastic time.
Yvette Middleton (Architect) & Tilli Polain (Interior Designer) - Sydney, Australia
Italy by Design was a fantastic opportunity to see and do things one would not be able to do without professional input and organisation.The mountain of marble was such an exhilarating experience - wouldn't have missed it - the highlight for me and a really informative insight into those who contribute to the beauty of our daily lives. The passion each craftsman showed in presenting their work to us was truly inspirational. I already have a friend interested in your trip for 2008.
Sue Deal, Designer, Queensland Australia
Leo and I really enjoyed Italy by Design and the way that you were able to combine so many different things to give us a whole-of-Italy experience. We wanted to thank you for the incredible ease with which you dealt with everyone as there were many different personalities and you handled them with class and style. We will definitely recommend you and Luigi to anyone who wants to take a trip to Italy. We have told many people about the trip and they cannot believe the amount of things we were able to see and do
Lori and Leo Higgins, Building Developers, Queensland Australia