Ryanair increases Regional flights

Being a Midlands based company, we were pleased to welcome the introduction of new flights to Pisa and Bologna from Birmingham with Ryanair.

As we spend so much time in Puglia, we have been looking for new routes to get to Puglia as we realize that London is inconvenient for many of our clients. Currently the direct flights to the Puglia area, Bari and Brindisi are from Stansted and Gatwick only.

We have started to fly to Milan, Rome or Bologna from the Midlands then take an internal flight to Puglia with an Italian airline and this has worked out very well.

There are now some excellent Italian airlines with internal flights to Puglia which we have used. These include http://www.myair.com/ , http://www.alitalia.com/
http://buy.volareweb.com/ http://www.flyairone.com/

New Italian Language Learning books

We are pleased to hear that Clelia Boscolo – Italian lecturer from our Uni days at The University of Birmingham will be releasing some new Language Learning books in March 2008. Many of our past clients have expressed an interest in Italian language courses and language learning and after previewing the new material we highly recommend these text books.

The new books include :C. Boscolo, Tony Buzan's The Italian Revolution, Level 1, Harper Collins, forthcoming (March 2008) (Levels 2 and 3 will follow in 2009 and 2010), C. Boscolo, Teach Yourself Phone Italian, Hodder, forthcoming (March 2008) and C. Boscolo, Speak Italian, Harper Collins, new edition, forthcoming (March 2008).

Teach yourself phone Italian is ideal for those who would like to prepare for their holiday to Italy. It features 10 realistic 'calls' which cover the situations you are most likely to find yourself in while preparing for a holiday or business abroad.
“This all-audio 75-minute course will get you talking (and understanding!) Italian speakers on the phone faster than you can say 'Pronto'”

In our next newsletter we will release details about the new Italian language and culture courses in Southern Italy.

To register your interest in Discovery’s Italian Language learning holidays, and to receive a detailed programme call 01889 882170

Digital Photography holidays and Painting Holidays in Southern Italy

Photo sent by Jill and Dan Smith who stayed at Trullo Nicola August 2006

“We found the whole area very photogenic & took masses of photos. Cisternino and all the other places we visited were just as good.”

Every year we receive many kind emails from clients with photographs of their travels in Southern Italy. Southern Italy really is a beautiful area full of natural images and a past history which you cannot see in other parts of Europe giving so many opportunities for inspiring photography. Capturing these images on camera tells a story of a hidden Italy which is very different to Northern and central Italy.

Building on our knowledge of the Puglia area and trusted local contacts that we have developed over 5 years we now offer Digital photography for beginners and painting holidays in Puglia. Our base for both itineraries will be in our special new 4 star hotel with sea views situated on the outskirts of Ostuni known as “La Citta’ Bianca” or the white city.

These are both small group relaxed 7 day itineraries. The itineraries include 5 full days of practical tuition with group tutorials one to one and advisory sessions.Some days will be spent in Ostuni other days visiting areas of natural beauty such as Polignano a Mare, Alberobello with the magical trulli and Lecce known as the Florence of the south.

If your partner wants to join us then there are often painting or walking holidays running at the same time.

To register your interest in Discovery’s new collection of activity holidays, and to receive a detailed programme call 01889 882170

Top 5 Romantic Retreats for two in Southern Italy

According to strong feedback from our 2007 questionnaires Discovery Travel Clients choose the following properties as the best retreats for two.

1. Trullo Mimosa, Puglia
2. Trullo, Podere Antica, Puglia
3. The Cove, Campania
4. Villa Eleuthera, Sicily
5. Villa Daisy, Sicily

The feedback is based on quality of accommodation, services provided, location in relation to local amenities and views.