(Anaheim, November 2011) "“ Italy has long been a favorite destination for Trafalgar travelers, and the recently launched 2012 Italy brochure packs in 20 itineraries with more inclusions than ever before. Trafalgar's Italy guided vacations include a number of new Be My Guest dining experiences, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in Italian culture through authentic meals in family homes and private villas.

Guests booking the 11-day Italian Discovery (from $2799) or 14-day Italian Glory (from $4050) guided vacations can look forward to an authentic Italian dinner at Agriturismo Villa Il Leccio, a villa just outside of Florence owned by the Landi family for 8 generations. Surrounded by countryside of olive groves and vineyards, the private villa sits amongst a garden of oak trees with magnificent views of the rolling Chianti hills. Upon arrival, guests visit the cellar and tour the ancient villa with its beautifully frescoed reception areas. They'll then settle in for a delicious dinner made of fresh produce from the kitchen garden, with dishes chosen to highlight the region's specialties. Starting with traditional Italian salads and crostinis, the meal continues with a main course of pappardelle with wild boar and chicken cooked in Chianti wine, then ends with homemade cake and ice cream.

The 8-day Italian Holiday (from $2050) and the 11-day Family Experience Gladiators, Gondolas and Gold (from $2799) trips give guests a different experience with dinner at a grand 15th century olive oil estate overlooking the city of Florence. Fattoria di Maiano is a completely organic estate with 300 hectares of olive groves and over 20,000 olive trees, its beautiful rooms and grounds having been the setting for many films, including 'A Room With a View'. While touring the estate with a family member of owner Count Miari Fulcis, guests will be served an aperitif and enjoy an olive oil estate before gathering in the dining room for a delicious evening meal of bruschetta, pollo alla cacciatora, cake and Chianti Ruffina wine.

"With Italy being Trafalgar's number one destination in Europe, we wanted to offer our guests the most authentic travel experiences possible, allowing them to enjoy their destination as a local," says Paul Wiseman, President of Trafalgar USA. "By bringing them to Agriturismo Villa Il Leccio and Fattoria di Maiano for our signature Be My Guest experiences, we're welcoming travelers to view the world from the inside and really immerse themselves in Italian culture."
Trafalgar is encouraging travelers to book their 2012 summer Europe vacations early, offering up to $1,000 per couple savings* when booked and paid in full by December 1, 2011 for travel between April 1 and October 31, 2012. (*Conditions apply.  For offer details visit www.trafalgar.com)