We've got so many amazing places to recommend in Europe this summer. Tuscany - gorgeous villas and country houses, wonderful palazzo hotels and superb vineyards.
The Magnificent Villa Mangiacane 
In Halkidiki, Greece there is the superb Sani Resort Hotel - perfect for families and a real five star experience for mums and dads!!
For the more learned why not join our one week Learn Italian Course in Le Marche - running in either May or October, 2010. Contact us to learn more: www.grand-tourist.com
Children have fun on the beach at Sani 
It has been a busy year at Grand Tourist with a successful 'Learn Italian in Luxury' programme based in Le Marche, Italy - where we were guests at the wonderful Santo Stefano country house, owned by the wonderful Sheila and John.
We were also honoured to lead the WCFM group to Istanbul in September (providing the Master's Outing) for the members.
I've just come back from two weeks in India - so I am raring to go with exciting and interesting new offerings from Grand Tourist in 2010.
For me the highlights of India were walking in the foothills of the Himalayas, visiting the Ganges at Varanasi and seeing the Taj Mahal at dawn. Nothing can prepare you for the beauty and elegance of the Taj - the sparkling white stone, the symmetry of the design are truly awe-inspiring.
For sheer joy and compassion my vote goes to the Sikh pilgrims at the Golden Temple, Amritsar - the Sikh community were so welcoming - I was honoured to visit their shrine and to experience their incredible hospitality. Every visitor to the temple is provided with a meal and accommodation (free of charge) - should they require it.
India is a spectacular country - life is lived on the streets in glorious technicolour every minute of every day!
M
The 'Learn Italian in Luxury' trip was hugely enjoyable- a fantastic group of people - great characters and great company. A big thank you to everyone for making such a marvellous week.
In fact it has been an amazing year for Grand Tourist - it has been our pleasure to look after just over 100 passengers and to ensure that their holiday experiences have been exceptional. In fact looking back over the year I guess some of the highlights would have to be:
The wonderful WCFM group in Istanbul for a long weekend (that's the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers to you and me).
The bevy of beauties from Bournemouth (and nearby) travelling riotiously through Europe by train - first class of course - and finally ending up in Rome for a 60th birthday party and to throw coins in the trevi fountain. 'Three Coins in a Fountain' for a very special lady.
The serious shoppers from Newcastle who enjoyed the silk factories and studios of Lake Como and the amazing factory shops of Le Marche including bargains from Prada, Tods and Armani - all thanks to Grand Tourist.
Janet, Holly, Emma and Sarah thank you for your company and look forward to welcoming everyone again soon on a Grand Tourist holiday experience.
After a fleeting visit to Barcelona to see Leonard Cohen in concert I'm off to Le Marche, Italy on 3rd October. My destination is the gorgeous Santo Stefano - a magnificent country house nestling in the rolling hills about 25 kms from Ancona.
Here in a luxurious and elegant setting Grand Tourist is running a one week 'Learn Italian in Style' course with daily lessons, a sympathetic local Italian teacher and incredible food & wine. It promises to be a week of relaxation, learning and gastronomic joy!! We've got one place left on this incredible trip if any last minute linguists would care to join us! Contact janet@grand-tourist.com for more details. Looking forward to Santo Stefano with Grand Tourist !!
La Dolce Vita Show celebrates all things Italian, food & wine, travel, property, history and culture. Why not head down to Olympia this weekend and indulge in the sights and sounds of 'La Dolce Vita' albeit in West Kensington!
Come and visit Grand Tourist at Stand T 219 (travel section) and we'll help you plan your next extraordinary trip to Italia.
Why not join us on a terrace in Italy to 'Learn Italian in Luxury' this one week course runs from 03-10 October 2009. Everything is included (apart from flights) and it is fantastic - £1395 pp. NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT!!!!!
See you soon, Ciao amici..........................Janet x
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As I sit here in the cold and damp of a British winter I think of Italy's blue skies and warm terracotta shades. I think of a terrace in Italy where a small group of us are learning and improving our Italian.
I want to be back there now enjoying the views, the cadence of the language, the aromas of coffee and brioches.
