When planning a small group tour, a considerable amount of research needs to be put into the trip before we can bring travelers to a destination.  So this week Linda and I will be on the road putting together plans for several different trips.  We'll be visiting Germany, Austria and Italy.  For the details of our itinerary, read today's blog post.

Rome and Florence are beautiful, there is no doubt about it.  However, there is a side to Italy that is less touristy, more authentic, filled with natural beauty, architecture, history, culture, and great food.  It is also less crowded and more affordable.   In May of 2016 The Traveling Professor will offer another small group tour to Italy, this one to Venice and the Veneto region to include Padua, Verona, Vicenza, and Treviso.   Read today's blog post to find out more.

First timers always visit Rome, Florence, and Venice.   Our most popular small group tours to Italy involves Rome, Venice, and Florence also.  However, we recommend to get past the tourists and trinket shops to get a more intimate view of Italy.   In the past few years, I've discovered the Veneto region of Italy.  I love the authentic culture, food, in a relaxed atmosphere.  Check out my blog post and I will tell you more about Verona, Vicenza, Padua and Lake Garda.

The top spots to visit in Italy are Rome, Florence and Venice.  But after visiting these places I looked for something a little more laid-back, a little less touristy and crowded, a little bit more authentic.   So, I traveled to Padua in the Veneto region last March and fell in love with it.   I liked it so much that we will be offering regular small group tours to Padau and the Veneto region of Italy in 2014.   Read my blog post to see why you want to put Padua on the list on the next tour to Italy.