Hugh Morgan's Top 3 Travel Destinations in Italy & Why?

The Gulf of Naples
The Gulf of Naples is steeped in Greek, Roman and more recently Spanish history, where mythology and legend mesh with Byzantine and Catholic Christian cultures. Highlights for me are: the old quarter of Naples; the Museum of Archaeology at Naples; the nearby excavation at Pompeii; the breathtakingly beautiful scenery along the coast of the Amalfi-Sorrento peninsula.

Umbria
Umbria is a real favourite. The towns of this landlocked region of central Italy are mediaeval in character, restrained and quintessentially Italian. I guess I am a little biased when it comes to Umbria, having studied at Perugia in the early sixties. Umbria happens to be the least densely populated of all the Italian regions: it has a certain wonderful tranquility about it and lovely scenery.

Venice
This city is an amazingly cosmopolitan labyrinth, is a hugely mysterious city. Its palaces and churches appear to float on the lagoon, and it's a treasure trove of Western art and culture. Winter's my favourite time to visit this majestic city: it's a season when there are fewer visitors and a time of year when the daylight is soft and gentle, even misty.

Favourite Foods
Where do you start, as every region has something special to offer. The challenge is not to overindulge!

Best Travel Tip
When participants ask what the weather will be like, I always reply: hot, cold, wet and dry - in other words, be prepared for anything!

What Can't You Leave Home Without? Address lists, reading glasses and sunscreen.

Most Memorable Travel Experience
Impossible to choose one, as I've been travelling for over fifty years. Often the experience is made as much by the people you're with as the place you're visiting.

HobbiesLearning new languages - my most current passion is Russian! I enjoy going to art galleries and interesting lectures. I enjoy entertaining.

Favourite Books or Movies
Films like the Miracle of Berne, Goodbye Lenin and Lives of Others that focus on times of social change interest me.

Thoughts on Odyssey Travel
I enjoy leading Odyssey programs because the itineraries are interesting and fully-inclusive and I get great feedback from participants.

Hugh Morgan will be leading our Inverno Italiano program, scheduled to depart in Decmeber 2009