Inspirations & Insights
ATG Escorted ‘Inspirations and Insights’ trips offer walking in picturesque landscapes with a focus on special interests or a specific area. Be inspired by great Italian gardens, fabulous spring flowers, Renaissance frescos and local festivals, or enjoy workshops in painting, photography and yoga.
Expect relaxed days of easy to moderate walking, punctuated by stops to absorb your surroundings. There is always the option to walk as much or as little as you like. Groups are small, with a maximum of 16 people.
Our Escorted trips are all-inclusive with the best hotels and restaurants, celebrated ATG picnic lunches, an ATG Tour Leader and Manager, and a comfortable minibus for transfers.
Italy
Insight into the lives and works of some of the greatest artists of the Renaissance and their frescos still in their idyllic original locations.
• Evening presentations on Renaissance frescoes and technique
• Visits to frescoes in Siena, Florence, Assisi & Perugia
• Nights, with time to explore, in delightful Orvieto & Perugia
• 5 nights at Pieve a Castello, ATG’s Tuscan retreat
Italy
Find and identify the unique flora of the wild Gargano Peninsula with ATG. We walk pilgrim paths, farm and woodland tracks to discover astonishing displays of spring flowers.
• One of Europe’s most notable regions for wild orchids
• Ancient pilgrim paths through the Gargano National Park
• Spectacular views across the coast and Adriatic Sea
• Picturesque white-washed fishing villages & fresh seafood
Italy
We explore the high, open pastures and valleys of the Sibillini National Park to discover a breathtaking variety and profusion of flowers.
• Rare mountain tulips, orchids, wild peonies and more…
• Little-visited, enchanting landscapes of Umbria
• Ancient abbeys, early frescos & Lombard relics
• Culinary delights including truffles, cured meats & cheeses
Italy
We combine visits to diverse gardens in the regions of Rome, Siena and Florence with sightseeing and gentle, optional walks into the Tuscan countryside.
• Visit Ninfa, ‘the world’s most romantic garden’
• Optional afternoon visit to Siena
• 5 nights at Pieve a Castello, ATG’s very own Tuscan retreat
• Private concert in Pieve’s pre-Romanesque church
Italy
A week combining morning tutored painting sessions in the glorious Tuscan countryside with afternoon excursions to nearby towns and optional walks.
• Led by a renowned artist specialising in landscapes
• All, including beginners, are welcome!
• Visit medieval hilltop towns including San Gimignano
• Private concert featuring superb musicians
Italy
An experience like no other of Il Palio, the celebrated annual horse race in the medieval city of Siena, following every stage, from the trials to the final spectacle.
• Lively presentations on the traditions of Siena & the Palio
• Visits to Monteriggioni, San Gimignano & Siena
• Pre-Palio dinner with one of the competing contrade
• Race views from private palazzo with prosecco & canapés
Italy
Staying at Pieve a Castello, ATG’s privately owned historic residence, explore a wonderful array of habitats, all supporting a rich variety of flora.
• Rare species including Etruscan violets
• Tour the Botanic Gardens in Siena
• Visit to medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano
• Birdspotting opportunities in the remote Colline Metallifere
Italy
Enjoy a mix of garden visits and sightseeing around Lucca, Florence and Siena with gentle walking amid typical Tuscan landscapes of undulating vineyards and olive groves.
• Exceptional variety of Tuscan gardens
• 5 nights at Pieve a Castello, ATG’s Tuscan retreat
• Private concert in Pieve’s proto-Romanesque church
• Free afternoons to explore Lucca and Siena
Spain
We find easy ancient paths and tracks leading through a dramatic variety of mountain scenery with views across the wild historic heart of Catalonia.
• Peregrine falcons, golden eagles & griffon vultures
• Superb, isolated Romanesque churches
• Optional walks allowing time to relax at your country hotel
• Superb cuisine from one of Spain’s top cooks
Italy
Walk ancient shepherds’ paths to discover the spectacular beauty of Sardinia’s interior and fascination of its remote pre-historic sites.
• Pre-historic ritual sites, dwellings and unique mountaintop villages
• Explore underground chasms, gorges and dry riverbeds
• Swim in remote coves fringed with pink oleander flowers
• Boat trip to Bue Marino sea cave
