Our TV series relies on underwriters to make our programming possible. A very special thank you to Tourissimo for supporting the new Dream of Italy: Tuscan Sun Special on PBS. Award-winning Tourissimo plans cultural, active vacations in Italy that engage all five senses and bring you close to the people keeping ancient traditions alive. In addition to offering fixed departures in some of Italy’s most enchanting areas, they specialize in creating one-of-a-kind itineraries for private groups. Read on to find out about a $250 discount just for Dream of Italy fans.
About Tourissimo
Tourissimo was founded by the husband-and-wife team of Beppe Salerno and Heather Dowd. Beppe is a native of Turin and has been a cycling guide since 2000. Heather has Italian roots (her grandmother was from Calabria) and has worked in adventure travel for 12 years. They started Tourissimo as a way to share the Italy they know and love with their guests. Their itineraries visit some of their favorite places in Italy, including several off-the-beaten-path locations that are still deeply authentic.
I met Heather in person during my last trip to Florence and we chatted about having Italian roots, the importance of immersive cultural experiences while on tour and what it means to her to be a sponsor of PBS programming. She is enthusiastic about all these things and can’t wait to share more with you on tour in Italy.
All of Tourissimo’s tours have an active component (cycling, hiking, multi-sport), and while this might seem challenging, their tours are accessible to almost everyone. This type of travel is active, but slows you down and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the sites, sounds, tastes, smells and feelings around you. They keep their group sizes small (avg.10 people), which ensures an intimate group setting, insider access and a small travel footprint.
Tourissimo Tours
Tuscan Sun Cycling Tour
In honor of their sponsorship, Tourissimo created a weeklong cycling tour in Tuscany that starts in Cortona, the setting of my Tuscan Sun Special, and passes through some of the most stunning areas in the region. From a visit to a thermal spa to a private wine tasting in a castle, this tour is filled with memorable experiences from start to finish. The cycling along rolling hills covered with vineyards and quaint medieval villages is stunning. The tour is fully supported and e-bikes are available. Space limited to 14 people.
Chef Bike Tours
Chef Bike Tours are cycling vacations that focus on the best food and wine a region has to offer. On each departure, Tourissimo invites a chef-rider from north America whose role is to connect the countryside that you ride through each day to the food on your plate each night. They are your “food translators” who ride with you, cook with you and for you, but most of all help you understand the connection between land, food and culture.
Chef Bike Tour of Sicily by Tourissimo from Tourissimo Active Travel on Vimeo.
Magnifica Cycling and Hiking Tours
Magnifica Tours are all-inclusive tours that visit some of Tourissimo’s favorite places and feature the best hotels and experiences. The tours start with a transfer from your arrival airport in Italy and everything is taken care of for you until you’re dropped off at the airport at the end. From gelato and coffee stops, to your beer and wine at dinner and everything else, Magnifica tours are designed for you to leave your wallet in your pocket and enjoy. These are led by senior guides who are experts in the areas they are visiting. Cycling and hiking tours are available.
Private Tours
Tourissimo specializes in creating unforgettable itineraries for private groups. From small family adventures (with as few as two people) to large fundraising cycling holidays, they use their expertise to craft the perfect custom trip for each unique group. You can choose to make any of their existing departures private on dates that work for you, or you can let them know exactly what you’re looking for in your dream vacation to Italy and they will create it for you..
Exclusive Discount for Dream of Italy Subscribers
Tourissimo does not usually discount their tours, but they are offering a special incentive to Dream of Italy subscribers: $250 off per person on any 2020 or 2021 trip. Click HERE to sign up for this discount.
Thank you again to Tourissimo for their support.