April 13–20, 2026

SHEPHERDS AND SAMNITES

Ancient cities atop windswept hills that evoke the staunch resistance of the local Samnite population to a Rome not yet all-powerful … pristine medieval castles and churches against a splendid backdrop of snow-capped mountains … a hearty, sometimes spicy pastoral cuisine … full-bodied Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wine …

Destinations include—among many others— the spectacular ancient sites of Amiternum, Peltuinum, Alba Fucens, and Saepinum and the gracious small cities of Chieti and Benevento.

October 12–19, 2026

CAMPANIA BEYOND NAPLES

This tour focuses on two fascinating and beautiful parts of the Campania region that are too often overshadowed by the powerhouse attractions around the Bay of Naples. Irpinia, the inland northern part of the region and whose main town is Avellino, is known for its Longobard heritage and superb wines, such as Fiano di Avellino and Greco di Tufo. The coastal part of the region south of the Sorrento peninsula is the Cilento, whose beautiful landscape is recognized with a UNESCO designation and protected parkland. We’ll visit Paestum, Capua, and Velia, where Greeks, Etruscans, and Romans met indigenous Italic peoples.

April 5–12, 2027

TRIESTE TO TREVISO

There’s a good deal more to northeastern Italy than Venice. The stretch of the Friuli–Venezia Giulia and Veneto regions along the top of the Adriatic between La Serenissima and Croatia was and is a cultural crossroads with a unique archaeological legacy. Aquileia, enriched by Adriatic trade, boasts a magnificent late-antique basilica as well as the extensive remains of an important ancient port. At the eastern extreme, near the border of Slovenia, Trieste’s Austro- Hungarian heritage is evident in its ornate architecture, coffee culture, and baked ham, while the secret of charming, canal-lined Treviso is beginning to leak out—so there’s not a moment to lose.

October 18–25, 2027

LATIUM

Aeneas fled the flames of Troy and eventually sailed toward his destiny in Italy (after a detour in Carthage). There he found a land with a long seacoast, shimmering volcanic lakes, gentle hills, and friendly locals, the Latins. Their territory, just south of what would become Rome, was Latium, and it is the focus of our April 2027 tour, which makes a circle beginning in Rome through the hills and up the coast back to Rome. Our itinerary includes the emperor Hadrian’s spectacular villa near Tivoli (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the ancient towns of the Castelli Romani, today famed for white wines, great bread, roast pork, and strawberries, and sites like Gabii and Terracina where new finds are rewriting Roman history.

Solo travelers welcome

At Elifant, there’s a seat for everyone at the table. 

History buffs. Art lovers. People who care about the who and the why of traditional food as well as the what. Elifant travelers are curious—and congenial. Many travel solo and enjoy meeting new people. And all appreciate a little pampering.