Colletta di Castelbianco is set among green hills

The celebrated landscapes and seascapes of the Cinque Terre, or “Five Lands,” are well known to American tourists whose unbridled love for this colorful, picture-postcard perfect corner of Liguria has helped to give it the number three slot on National Geographic’s “The 10 Best of Everything List” of Best Walks & Hiking Tours in the world.

Undeniably beautiful, the Cinque Terre's location right on the border with Tuscany, a three-hour train ride from Florence, means that the Five Lands are firmly fixed on the radar screen of international tourists everywhere. But there's a whole other Liguria out there, just waiting to be explored: the so-called Riviera di Ponente, or "Coast of the Setting Sun," that borders on France. Monte Carlo and the French Riviera are only a short train ride to the east while the vineyards of Piedmont's Langhe wine country beckon to the north.

One of our favorite discoveries in this “other Liguria” is Colletta di Castelbianco, a medieval hilltop village that has been restored as a unique internet e-village and it’s ecological, too. Nestled in the lush, green hinterland of the Pennavaire valley only 20 minutes from the coast, Colletta was gradually abandoned by its traditional inhabitants and, by the middle of the 20th century, had fallen into picturesque ruins.

House for rent in Colletta di Castelbianco

Today, Colletta's stone houses and narrow streets have been totally restored and the windows of its self-catering apartments look out over stepped terraces planted with fruitful olive and cherry trees. The careful restoration of the village combines a respect for the aesthetics of its ancient stone staircases and vaulted ceilings of the original structures, while at the same time discreetly incorporating contemporary high technology, sustainable architecture and organic gardening.

All the rental apartments are entirely cabled for high speed broadband internet and digital TV, enabling residents and guests to access the latest technology for telecommuting or entertainment. The Osteria Trapassatomoderno provides a friendly location for relaxing and enjoying the magnificent view of the valley as guests sip a coffee or an aperitif before having dinner in the wine bar and tavern.

The village regularly hosts cultural events such as art exhibitions and concerts, as well as gastronomic events celebrating the best of Italian slow food and wine. Aside from the village's own swimming pool, the surrounding area offers many outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing, as well as an 18-hole golf course at Garlenda and snorkeling or sunbathing on the sandy beaches of the Riviera delle Palme (the celebrated “Palm Tree Coast”).

The Witch's Cave at the Grotte di Toirano

One of the area’s most popular don’t-miss attractions is the prehistoric cave system at Toirano; it makes a fascinating contrast to the high-tech village of Colletta. When these underground caverns were discovered in 1890, traces of cave bears dating back 20,000 years were found, along with stone tools and the prints of naked feet, knees and hands – many of them belonging to children – that were pressed into the soft soil by the Neanderthals who lived here 12,000 years ago.

There are more than 70 caves in the area but only three are open to the public. They can be explored in a 70-minute guided tour given in Italian only (however, English-language guidebooks are for sale and there's a museum and a snack bar on the site). Interspersed with stunning stalagmites and other rock formations is the Cimitero degli Orsi (Cemetery of the Bears) and a complete, reconstructed bear's skeleton. An atmospheric nighttime tour is given at 9 p.m. every Thursday in summertime. Colletta di Castelbianco makes a great base for exploring both these prehistoric caves and Western Liguria's other tourist attractions; to book one of the 24 apartments, call Select Italy at (800) 877-1755.

A sun baked landscape in Apulia

A fabled landscape of pristine beaches, fascinating Baroque architecture, heavenly olive groves and some of the most productive and delicious vineyards in Italy – this is Apulia (in Italian, Puglia), the “heel” on Italy's “boot.” Our brand new Southern Hospitality vacation package offers you the very best of this region in an 8-day escorted trip whose focus is wine.

Forget about Chianti and Pinot Grigio! One-tenth of the wine drunk in Europe is produced in Apulia and some of the names to remember are Verdeca, Malvasia di Salento, Primitivo, Salice Salentino and Negroamaro. Distinctive tastes are achieved through time-honored methods of winemaking to produce memorable red and rosé wines. The hot sun that bakes this land for most of the year means that robust reds with a high sugar content are favored, however, the region also produces some interesting white wines from local grapes.

Four private wine tastings in Andria, Trani, Cellino San Marco and at an ancient winery in Salice Salentino are included on the tour. Each producer offers indigenous varietals accompanied by a selection of carefully chosen appetizers made by Apulian artisans from only the freshest, local ingredients. At a caseificio you can watch expert cheese makers create what is truly one of the world's most delicious foods, while at an olive oil factory in Cisternino you'll taste one of Southern Italy’s best extra-virgin oils.

Frederick II's octagonal stronghold at Castel del Monte

And Apulia’s urban centers are equally compelling: private walking tours of ten different cities and towns introduce you to the Baroque wonders of Lecce (called “the Florence of the South”), to Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II’s octagonal castle at Castel del Monte (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), to Trani’s spectacular cathedral by the sea, and to the unique and mysterious white-washed trulli of Alberobello and Martina Franca.

Only four and five-star hotels are used on this tour, with three relaxing nights spent in the luxurious surroundings of the Masseria Torre Coccaro at Savelletri di Fasano right outside Brindisi. This historic property was originally built as a stronghold against the Turks but has now been converted into a five-star luxury resort not far from the Adriatic Sea. Set among olive groves and almond trees, the Masseria Torre Coccaro offers guests an authentic experience of rural Italy. The well-equipped spa boasts a heated swimming pool, whirlpool and Turkish baths and a wide choice of massages including ayurvedic treatments, shiatsu and reflexology, using all-natural products made from herbs and organic fruits.

So what are you waiting for? Prices for this land only package start at $4,276 per person (in Double occupancy) and the tour is available on June 13, September 5 and October 10 – the best seasons in which to visit alluring Apulia (other tour dates may be available on request). Book a Southern Hospitality vacation package today, and find out why this region won't remain undiscovered for long!

A simple and "to-the-point" train booking interface

Train travel in Italy is very popular right now given its convenience and affordability, especially when compared to the alternatives by car and air. In particular, the highly traveled segments between the major cities – Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Naples – have become even more in demand with the introduction of the Eurostar trains (including super-speedy Alta Velocita' (AV) trains and Eurostar City trains). These "bullet" trains offer multiple departures and quick connections, taking passengers from city center to city center in comfortable carriages with high-style Italian design.

Most Eurostar trains have a snack bar and restaurant service, and in first class there is – on certain segments – a complimentary newspaper and magazine service. In the latest generation cars, outlets right at your seat are provided to plug in your laptop, even in second class. Purchasing a ticket, however, can often be confusing: the Italian website rejects credit cards not issued in Italy and the choice of numerous train types can generate hesitation. As a result, pre-purchase can be a frustrating (or even an impossible) experience.

But not anymore! In response to the steady demand from our customers for a simple, user-friendly service, Select Italy is happy to announce its new and improved Train Ticket Interface. Customers can now easily purchase online all the Eurostar routes by following our clear and easy instructions. Rates are among the most competitive in the US, and delivery is rapidly and securely ensured by e-ticket delivery (paper tickets can be delivered on-demand for a supplemental fee). We currently serve all Eurostar routes; upon request, we can also provide tickets for local routes, night trains with couchette, wagon-lits and cross border routes. Finding and buying your train ticket has never been so simple and convenient!