Paula Stanghetta December 8, 2021I recently read an article that added a new term to my vocabulary: realistic optimism. The authors described the concept as simple but powerful and it works like this: Believe that everything is going to work out just fine, while accepting that getting there might not be easy. Buoyed by this very reasonable approach to dealing with uncertainty of any kind, I know feel the time has come to set my tour calendar for international travel in 2022.
After two full years without travel, I’m excited about the prospect of venturing off-the-beaten-path into the charming towns and meeting the welcoming people who are part of every MP TOURS experience. Since it’s been so long, allow me to refresh memories with a brief description of our various tours.
Pearls of the Adriatic
This tour takes us to the Adriatic coast and the region of Italy called the Marche (Mar-kay). It is where my story as a human begins, as my paternal grandparents (nonno and nonna) were born here. Most people have never heard of the Marche and that’s what I love most about it. This is an unspoilt area on the magnificent seaside that also has lush hills and stunning landscapes. On this tour, we immerse ourselves into the culinary traditions of the Marchigiani (people from the Marche), where simple and flavourful dishes are the norm. Think seafood, zucchini, eggplant, artichokes, porchetta, salumi, cheese, pasta, and pizza. Did I mention wine? The Marche has 4000 cantine (vineyards) with unforgettable wines. Besides introducing travellers to the culinary traditions by cooking alongside a Master Chef, we visit Unesco World Heritage sites (Urbino), magnificent Frasassi caves (underground), medieval towns designated as the most beautiful in Italy, cheese producers, and historic towns where secrets are waiting to be revealed.
Treasures of Sicily
If you’ve always wanted to experience Sicily and never knew where to go and what to see, this tour will do it all for you. From its metropolitan capital – Palermo – to charming hilltop hideaways, to glorious Mount Etna, the local fresh markets in Catania, the beauty of Siracusa, and the most spectacular Greek ruins (even better than in Greece), you will live the Sicilian story. You will hear about the many layers of conquering civilizations that create a unique tapestry of architecture, food, and language unlike anywhere else in Italy. A highlight of the tour is a day spent truly off-the-beaten-path with a local family as we prepare and enjoy typical Sicilian cuisine and hospitality. Whatever you think of when you think of Sicily, prepare to be amazed and delighted by new thoughts. You will definitely be touched by this incredible island and its humble people.
Tastes of Puglia
Puglia (pooh-li-ah) is located on the Adriatic coast of Italy – 800 km of coast to be quasi-exact! An area that is home to olive trees that date back thousands of years and still produce 40% of the country’s olive oil. This tour explores the iconic village where trulli houses are typical and still in use today. We learn how to make the signature Puglia cheese – Burrata – and discover the region’s diversity in food and history, told by local guides. We stay in two main cities, one on the coast and one near to the coast, which we use as a base for daily adventures, including a boating excursion with lunch and wine on board. No trip to Puglia would be complete without exploring the history of olive trees and sampling some of the finest olive oil on earth. What’s more, you will meet the families who have been producing such ‘liquid gold’ for generations who share their joy and passion for all things olive. We also venture into the neighbouring region of Basilicata to the town of Matera for a full-day tour of an area that is home to inhabitants dating back to prehistoric times. Oh, and we also learn about the life-sustaining significance of bread in this region, while we learn how to make it (and taste it, of course!).
Besides our 3 classic tours, we are planning a couple of unique itineraries described below.
Women, Wellness, and Wine (Marche region)
On this women-only tour, we will indulge in an itinerary that is focused on rejuvenation. In Italy. In a private villa, or perhaps a castle. Think delicious food and wine, outdoor activities like yoga, hiking, water trekking, strolls along the seaside, and visits to wineries. Think leisurely mornings, with savoury breakfasts, light physical activity curated by a certified yoga teacher and wellness expert, lunches in quaint trattorias, afternoon cocktails by the pool, and sunset dinners with fresh, local, exquisite food. Finish the day with a smile as you sip on a beverage of choice, while star-gazing, and recalling some of the most perfect days you will ever experience. What more could we ask for?
Georgia (the country)
You may be surprised to learn that there is a country called Georgia and it is definitely off-the-beaten-path. That, plus the fact that it is the oldest wine-producing area on earth, along with its breathtaking mountains, food, and welcoming people is why MP TOURS is heading there in the Fall of 2022! This will be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure as we explore this ancient country tucked between Europe and Asia. Considered the most ecologically diverse biosphere area on earth, Georgia has subtropical, semi-desert, and alpine climates. It is considered the birthplace of wine-making, has the world’s most unique language, and several Unesco World Heritage Sites. Georgia is a treasure-trove of fascination, food, and folklore that we are excited to put on our travel horizon.
MP TOURS 2022 TRAVEL CALENDAR
Treasures of Sicily (May 7-17)
Pearls of the Adriatic (May 25- June 4)
Women, Wellness, and Wine (August 24-September 2)
Tastes of Puglia (mid-September: Date TBD)
Georgia (September 23-October 1)
Please Note: All dates are subject to change based on travel advisories, restrictions, and flight schedules. Minimum group size is 12. All travellers must comply with COVID protocols, including being fully vaccinated.
What Does Your International Travel in 2022 Look Like?
What next? If you would like to venture with us on any of the tours, please email us with your requested tour. You will be added to our waiting list and contacted with further details.
Let’s all be realistically optimistic about the future of travel!
