Efforts on to promote lesser-visited Italian regions

Rome: As Italy struggles with over-tourism in Venice, Rome and Florence, Avanti Destinations has teamed up with the national tourism board to promote the lesser-visited regions of Piedmont, Puglia, Sicily and Umbria.

A new 46-page e-brochure, Italy Reimagined, is available on Avanti’s agent portal. It features 16 customizable FIT itineraries, seven of which are new, and 10 new hotels, some in towns and villages never before offered by Avanti.

There are also 20 new experiences such as spa treatments, cooking classes, a “farmer for a day” activity, a four-hour e-biking escorted tour, a sports car tour, truffle hunting, gastronomic walking tours, and tastings of chocolate, cheese, wine and olive oil. 

Most of the itineraries are three or four nights, designed to be combined with each other or added onto longer trips.

“Italy is our most popular destination and one that has great potential for frequent repeat visits by American travelers,” said Paul Barry, Avanti’s executive chairman. “Many people think that if they have been to Rome, Venice, Florence and the Amalfi Coast, they’ve ‘done’ Italy when, in fact, they’ve only scratched the surface of this diverse country.

“Piedmont — in the northwest at the foot of the Alps — and Puglia — along the Adriatic at the heel of the boot in the southeast — are as different as night and day in terms of history, culture, food and wine — and very different from Rome, Venice and Florence. Similarly, Umbria and Sicily give travelers dramatically different and marvelous experiences.”