Umbria -Archaeology in the Hill Towns

Umbria -Archaeology in the Hill Towns
Instead of concentrating on the medieval churches and their paintings, we go further back to tribes of pre-Roman Umbria and the gradual increase in importance of the area during the Roman period.
This is an unusual way of looking at the beautiful area of Umbria, home to the classic landscapes of tall cypress trees, ancient hilltop towns and olive groves which, for many travellers, represent the essence of central Italy.

The Iron Age Umbrian tribes inhabited independent cities which were as likely to be at war with each other as with outsiders. They shared a common language, related to Latin, but more closely related to that of the Samnite tribes to the south.

In 220BC, Caius Flaminius built a great road through Umbria which linked Rome to the East coast of Italy. This road had a dramatic effect on the communities of Umbria; those situated close by could take advantage of it and flourish, and those further away declined. In the turmoil of Rome’s civil wars, control of the road became important and Umbria was turned into a battlefield.
The trip is based in a single hotel in an attractively renovated fortified 15th century house on the plain west of Assisi.

Our tour traces the changing fortunes of the Umbrian landscape, the development and flourishing of Roman settlements in the valley, sited for ease of communication and trade, and the later creation of hill-towns sited for defence.

Rome to Ravenna Following Emperors

Rome to Ravenna Following Emperors, Popes and Kings on the Via Flaminia
An exciting journey through a swathe of Italy’s history and archaeology, from coast to coast across Italy and over the Apennine mountains to link the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic coasts. This is the route followed by the Via Flaminia, the ancient consular road that was the preferred means of crossing the mountainous spine of the peninsula for Roman imperial officials, ultimately leading them onwards to Gaul and the Danube frontier. The road traversed the peaks and valleys, penetrating the highest mountain via the Furlo pass, a road tunnel that is still used.

The towns along its route were centres of a rich economic and social life. Outliers of the Samnite world, their strategic positions brought them wealth, and in the Middle Ages this was invested in some extraordinary architecture and art. The Lombards of Spoleto, former Byzantine mercenaries in the 6th century AD, became one of the major powers of Italy in the Dark Ages.

This route continued in importance in later eras. It was the delicate jugular vein that linked together the last vestiges of Roman Italy following the Barbarian invasions, and when the Popes seized power in central Italy at the time of the Emperor Charlemagne in the 8th century it held together the Papal States, the so-called Republic of St. Peter.

The road finally descends to the Adriatic, and the coastal city of Ravenna where the final western Emperors, Ostrogothic Kings and Byzantine governors built splendid mosaic-filled churches and palaces behind the impenetrable dykes and marshes. The cities were minor centres of the Renaissance too. The Dukes of Urbino were major patrons of artists like Piero della Francesca.

Central America and Mexico

Central America and Mexico: Exploring Mayan sites, colourful markets, local homestay, vibrant nightlife, swimming in the Caribbean's crystal blue waters, wandering the cobblestone streets of colonial towns, sampling new food and drink.

Live like you mean it on a legendary 46-day journey through six countries. Swap San José's bustling streets for lush jungles, Mayan pyramids and amazing white sand beaches. Share coffee with the locals or—if it’s to your liking—toss back a tequila in a colonial plaza and experience Central American culture with others who share your appetite for adventure. Perfect for the adventurer on a shoestring who wants to explore the region’s diversity, this trip will provide a sampling of the best of Central America.
As it is located in the central highlands, San José enjoys a moderate climate. The heat and humidity of the coast and lowland areas may affect you with a general sense of lethargy and/or loss of appetite. This is no cause for alarm, it is simply a reaction to the heat. Be sure to drink plenty of water (cold bottled water is available everywhere) and do not attempt too much in any given day.

Like most cities, San José has its good and bad sides. It is the centre of government, theatre, and art, as well as of air pollution and congestion. It has beautiful parks and museums, and a few beggers on the streets. It is big and often noisy, but even from its crowded downtown streets, you’ll often enjoy a view of the surrounding lush mountains.

Probably the hardest thing you will do in San José, other than get safely across busy streets, is keep the street numbering systems straight. Street and avenue numbers are posted on buildings at the corners of some intersections. Keep looking as you walk, and you will eventually find one.

Southhall travel- Anatolia & Cappadocia

Southhall travel- Anatolia & Cappadocia
The history and prehistory of central Anatolia has been an extraordinarily rich pageant. At times this was the home of her own culturally distinctive kingdoms and empires. At other times it was part of the Hellenistic world, the Roman Empire or at the centre of Turkish Empires. Some were led here by the Silk Road and the Spice Route, whilst others came from the Mediterranean.
The history and prehistory of central Anatolia has been an extraordinarily rich pageant. My wife lent me One Day.At times this was the home of her own culturally distinctive kingdoms and empires. At other times it was part of the Hellenistic world, the Roman Empire or at the centre of Turkish Empires. Some were led here by the Silk Road and the Spice Route, whilst others came from the Mediterranean.

Our programme provides the framework for a journey through a massive sweep of time starting with the earliest Neolithic city in the Near East at Çatal Höyük, and follows the story through the superbly-sited Hittite capital city of Hattusas, to the capital of the Phrygian realm of King Midas at Gordion and Kerkenes Dağ, a remote and utterly spectacular forgotten mountain city, which has been excavated for many years by your Guide Lecturer.

We discover hidden early Christian churches and monasteries cut into the strange rock formations of eroded volcanic tuffs - a fairytale landscape. Isolated cells were carved out of the pinnacles by ascetic monks and entire settlements were created underground. The elegant monuments of pre- Ottoman Seljuk Turkey we see as we travel provide a final chapter to our story through the millennia.

This year we fly into Konya, saving one day-long journey and enabling us to begin the story with the earliest site.

I regularly go on the net and research golfing holidays and Mauritius looks good. There are interesting things there such as the capital, Port Louis, and formal gardens and a zoo with giant tortoises, so there are things for all the family, I've checked. Eve has come to terms with my golf obsession.

Single travel- Berlin city break guide- Why go?

Single trave- Berlin city break guide
Why go?

Because since the fall of its world-famous Wall, Berlin has busied itself with becoming one of the most stimulating creative and cultural centres in Europe. These days it’s a city of many faces, known equally as a hedonistic hub (parties here often go on for days rather than hours), a magnet for history buffs (the city was at the heart of much of the turbulent 20th century) and, increasingly, as a destination for families – thanks to a wealth of green spaces (see the sprawling Tiergarten), lots of indoor and outdoor playgrounds plus plenty of attractions to keep the little ones occupied.

And despite the cheap rents and bohemian reputation (the city’s unofficial motto is “Poor But Sexy”), there’s also a lot on offer for well-heeled and business travellers, from ritzy hotels and classy boutiques to Michelin-starred dining spots. A grand European all-rounder? And then some…
When to go?
Tales of Berlin’s notoriously long and harsh winters send shivers up the spines of visitors before they’ve even arrived – but don’t worry, they’re not that much worse than those in Britain. Still, the preferred time to visit is in the warmer months (April-September), when you can explore the city’s waterways and parks, as well as the numerous lakes (and sights) that lie within striking distance of the centre.
You have now a unique opportunity to share your own travel to Tuscany story with the rest of the world!
Spring and autumn are also pleasant times to visit Berlin, and there are plenty of cultural events happening all year round. To paraphrase comedian Billy Connolly: there's no such thing as a bad time to visit Berlin, just bring the right clothing…