Special Interest Tours

Amalfi Coast Tour 2027

5 Days 9 Destinations

Experience the Amalfi Coast and Naples through iconic towns, coastal landscapes and rich history, from ancient ruins to cliffside villages.

Best of Puglia | 7 Day Small Group Tour 2027

7 Days 8 Destinations

Discover Puglia from a single base, exploring Alberobello, Matera, Lecce and its beautiful whitewashed towns, with regional food, wine and local experiences along the way.

Best of Sardinia | 7 Day Small Group Tour 2027

7 Days 5 Destinations

Discover Sardinia through ancient archaeological sites, distinctive local traditions and beautiful coastal landscapes, travelling from Cagliari through the island’s interior to Bosa and Alghero.

Best of Sicily | 7 Day Small Group Tour 2027

7 Days 9 Destinations

Discover Sicily through ancient sites, baroque towns and a remarkable food culture, travelling from Palermo through Agrigento and the south-east to Siracusa and Taormina.

Fantastic Puglia | 8 Day Small Group Tour 2027

8 Days 10 Destinations

Discover Puglia on an eight-day small group tour through whitewashed towns, trulli, Lecce and Otranto, with a visit to remarkable Matera and authentic masseria flavours along the way.

Fantastic Sardinia | 7 Day Small Group Tour 2027

7 Days 12 Destinations

Discover a distinctly different side of Italy on a beautifully paced small group tour through Sardinia, combining Barbagia, Alghero and the Costa Smeralda with ancient heritage, regional cuisine and enduring island traditions.

Florence & Venice Art & Architecture | 8 Day Small Group Tour 2027

8 Days 2 Destinations

Discover the artistic treasures of Florence and Venice on an expert-led journey through Renaissance masterpieces, remarkable galleries, historic churches and some of Italy’s finest architecture.

In the Shadow of the Dolomites 2027 | Small Group Tour

13 Days 11 Destinations

Explore northern Italy's mountain cultures on this 13-day small group journey through the Dolomites and beyond.

Italian Lakes Discovery | 9 Day Small Group Tour 2027

9 Days 9 Destinations

Discover the elegance of Italy’s most beautiful lakes on a relaxed small group journey through Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta and Lake Como, with private cruises, historic villas, charming lakeside towns and exceptional regional food and wine.

Local Tour of Puglia 2027

7 Days 8 Destinations

UNESCO-listed Alberobello and Matera, baroque Lecce, and Adriatic coastal gems. Enjoy a locally hosted small group week in Puglia with guided day tours, hidden villages, and authentic regional experiences.

Piedmont & Valle d’Aosta | 15 Day Small Group Tour 2027

15 Days 10 Destinations

A 15-day small group journey through Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta, combining Turin, the Langhe wine hills, alpine scenery, historic castles and the islands of Lake Maggiore.

Piedmont Tour 2027 | Small Group Tour

7 Days 7 Destinations

Experience Piedmont through historic cities, vineyard landscapes and exceptional food and wine, designed for travellers who appreciate culture, flavour and refined Italian living.

Puglia - The Road Less Travelled Tour 2027 | Small Group Tour

14 Days 13 Destinations

A slower journey through southern Italy’s most authentic and culturally rich landscapes

Puglia & Matera | 12 Day Small Group Tour 2027

12 Days 13 Destinations

Explore Puglia from the Gargano coast to Salento on a 12-day journey through historic towns, coastal landscapes and local food traditions, with a memorable day in Matera.

Puglia & Matera | 8 Day Small Group Tour 2027

8 Days 9 Destinations

Explore Puglia and Matera over 8 days, discovering the wonderful culture, hidden treasures, and flavours of this incredible part of the world.

Puglia & Matera 2027 | 10 Day Small Group Tour

10 Days 12 Destinations

10 Day Small Group Tour Through Puglia's Ancient Cities, Coastal Gems and Baroque Heart

The Great Gardens of Italy Tour 2027

14 Days 9 Destinations

Discover Italy’s finest gardens on an intimate, small group journey designed for garden enthusiasts and cultural travellers alike.

Tuscany Villages Tour 2027 | Small Group Tour

5 Days 10 Destinations

Explore Tuscany through its villages, landscapes and local traditions, blending iconic towns with authentic experiences in the region’s true heartland.

Veneto: Venice, Vineyards & Villas | 14 Day Small Group Tour 2027

14 Days 12 Destinations

Travel through the Veneto at an unhurried pace, moving from Venice and its lagoon islands to the Prosecco Hills, Vicenza, Padova, country villas, Verona and Lake Garda. This small group tour balances guided cultural depth with regional food, wine and enough free time to enjoy each base properly.

Amalfi Coast + Cilento Bike Tour | 6-Day Cycling & Hiking Tour

6 Days 18 Destinations

Cycle from Maratea through the Cilento Coast to Amalfi, with coastal climbs, the Path of the Gods, Paestum and regional food along the way.

Civilisations of Sicily | History & Culture Tour

13 Days 11 Destinations

Mediterranean Crossroads: Three Thousand Years of Creativity

Classic Fantastic | 11 Days Rome to Rome

11 Days 9 Destinations

An 11-day combination tour linking Italy’s classic northbound route with Pompeii and the Sorrento Coast, while keeping logistics simple from Rome.

Classic Fantastic | 4 Days Rome to Venice

4 Days 6 Destinations

A value-focused larger-group journey from Rome to Venice through Assisi, Siena, Florence and Bologna, with guided touring and regional food experiences.

Classic Fantastic | 5 Day Escorted Tour 2026–27

5 Days 7 Destinations

A larger-group loop from Rome through Assisi, Siena, Florence, Bologna, Venice and Montepulciano, combining classic sightseeing with regional food and wine.

Classic Fantastic | 8 Day Escorted Tour 2026–27

8 Days 7 Destinations

Discover Rome and some of Italy’s great cities on an eight-day escorted tour through Assisi, Florence, Bologna and Venice, with Vatican treasures, Tuscan wine country and memorable regional food experiences.

Dolomites Bike + Adventure Tour | 6-Day Cycling & Hiking Tour

6 Days 19 Destinations

Cycle and hike through the Dolomites, linking Bressanone, Alta Badia and Cortina with alpine scenery, regional food and mountain hotels.

Early Christian & Medieval Rome

8 Days 1 Destinations

Rare Splendours from Tempestuous Times

Essential Rome Tour

7 Days 1 Destinations

The Complete Spectrum of Art, Architecture and Antiquities

Fantastic Alpina & Dolomiti | 9 Day Small Group Tour 2027

9 Days 14 Destinations

Milan, the Bernina Express, Lake Garda, South Tyrol and the Dolomites come together on this scenic 9 day small group journey through northern Italy.

Fantastic Italia Classica | 11 Day Small Group Tour 2027

11 Days 8 Destinations

Travel from Venice to Naples on an 11-day small group tour through Florence, Rome, Pompeii and Sorrento, combining Italy’s great cities with Tuscany and the landscapes, history and flavours of the south.

Fantastic Italia Classica | 8 Day Small Group Tour 2027

8 Days 5 Destinations

Discover Italy’s classic city route on an eight-day small group tour from Venice to Rome, travelling through Bologna, Florence and San Gimignano with guided sightseeing, regional flavours and time to enjoy each destination.

Fantastic Italian Masterpieces & the Magical Lakes Combo | 12 Day Escorted Tour 2027

12 Days 14 Destinations

Journey from Rome to Milan on a 12-day Fantastic Combo escorted tour through some of Italy's great art cities before slowing the scenery down among vineyards, lakes and mountains. Florence, Venice and Verona are joined by Lake Garda, Lake Como, Bellagio and a spectacular journey on the Bernina Express.

Fantastic Italian Masterpieces, Magical Lakes & Liguria Combo | 15 Day Escorted Tour 2027

15 Days 20 Destinations

See Italy change before your eyes on a 15-day Fantastic Combo journey from Rome through the great art cities, northern lakes and Alps to the colourful Ligurian coast. Along the way are Florence, Venice, Lake Como, the Bernina Express, Portofino, Cinque Terre and the food traditions of Modena.

Fantastic Italian Masterpieces, Magical Lakes, The Alps & Dolomites Combo | 17 Day Escorted Tour 2027

17 Days 25 Destinations

Travel from the art and history of Rome, Florence and Venice into the lakes and high mountains of northern Italy on this 17-day Fantastic Combo escorted journey. Lake Como, the Bernina Express, South Tyrol and the Dolomites bring an increasingly dramatic backdrop as the tour heads north.

Fantastic North Lakes, Venice & Milan with Bernina Express | 8 Day Small Group Tour 2027

8 Days 10 Destinations

Travel from Venice to Milan on an eight-day small group tour through Verona, Franciacorta, Lake Garda and Lake Como, culminating in the spectacular alpine scenery of the Bernina Express.

Fantastic Rome & Puglia Combo | 11 Day Escorted Tour 2027

11 Days 12 Destinations

Travel from Rome into the heart of Puglia on an 11-day Fantastic Combo escorted journey through some of southern Italy's most distinctive towns, landscapes and flavours. Discover Bari, Alberobello, Matera, Lecce and Otranto, wander the whitewashed streets of Locorotondo and Ostuni, and experience Puglia's wonderful food traditions along the way.

Fantastic Sicily | 7 Day Small Group Tour 2027

7 Days 9 Destinations

Travel from Palermo to Taormina on a beautifully paced small group tour through Sicily, combining remarkable historic sites with regional food and wine, Mount Etna and an elegant finish on the island’s eastern coast.

Fantastic Southern Lights Combo: Rome, Sorrento, Capri & Puglia | 12 Day Escorted Tour 2027

12 Days 13 Destinations

Experience two wonderfully different sides of southern Italy on a 12-day Fantastic Combo escorted journey from Rome to Bari. Discover ancient Pompeii, Sorrento and the island of Capri before travelling east to the trulli, whitewashed towns, baroque cities and wonderful food traditions of Puglia.

Florence Revisited | Cultural Tour

7 Days 1 Destinations

Art Off the Beaten Track and in Private Collections

Genoa & Turin Palaces & Galleries Tour

7 Days 7 Destinations

Drawing on the grand cities of Genoa and Turin, this tour explores magnificent palaces, world-class art collections and centuries of history in two of Italy’s most overlooked cultural treasures.

Italian Coast-to-Coast Journey Bike Tour | 7-Day Cycling Challenge

7 Days 19 Destinations

Ride from the Adriatic to the Ligurian Sea across Le Marche, Umbria and Tuscany on a demanding seven-day road-cycling challenge.

Ligurian Coast Tour

7 Days 9 Destinations

Discover the dramatic beauty of the Ligurian coast, where colourful seaside villages, historic towns and spectacular cliffside landscapes combine with art, culture and coastal charm.

Milan with Bernina Express, Liguria & Venice 2027 | 8 Day Small Group Tour

8 Days 9 Destinations

Milan, the Bernina Express, Portofino, Cinque Terre and Venice come together on an 8-day small group journey through northern Italy, with Ferrari heritage and regional food experiences along the way.

Palaces & Villas of Rome | Architecture Tour

7 Days 1 Destinations

From Empire to Papacy: The Power of Magnificence

Piedmont Truffle Bike Tour | 6-Day Cycling Tour

6 Days 16 Destinations

Cycle Piedmont’s wine country, hunt white truffles and enjoy Barolo, Barbaresco, regional cuisine and luxury stays over six days.

Pompeii & Herculaneum | Archaeology Tour

6 Days 6 Destinations

Antiquities of the Bay of Naples

Puglia Bike Tour | 6-Day Cycling Tour

6 Days 17 Destinations

Cycle from Otranto and the Salento coast to the trulli of the Valle d’Itria and Puglia’s olive-growing Adriatic plain.

Puglia Walking Tour 2027 | 7 Day Small Group Tour

7 Days 7 Destinations

Walk through olive groves, vineyards, trulli country and ancient landscapes on a relaxed seven-day small group tour of Puglia, with long lunches, local guides and six nights in Polignano a Mare.

Sardinia Bike Tour | 6-Day Cycling Tour

6 Days 14 Destinations

Cycle from Costa Smeralda and La Maddalena into Sardinia’s mountainous interior, finishing beside the Gulf of Orosei.

Sicily & Malta | 11 Day Small Group Tour 2027

11 Days 12 Destinations

An 11-day small group journey linking Sicily and Malta, with escorted touring in Sicily, guided sightseeing in Malta, regional food and wine experiences, and a flight from Catania to Valletta included.

Sicily Bike Tour | 6-Day Cycling Tour

6 Days 15 Destinations

Cycle south-eastern Sicily from the Val di Noto to Mount Etna and Taormina, with Baroque towns, farm lunches and volcanic wines.

Sicily Carousel & Aeolian Islands | 11 Day Small Group Tour 2027

11 Days 18 Destinations

Travel Palermo to Palermo on an 11-day Sicily and Aeolian Islands journey that combines escorted small group touring with a semi-independent island extension. Palermo, Erice, Marsala, Piazza Armerina, Catania, Syracuse, Mount Etna and Taormina lead into Lipari, Panarea, Stromboli and Salina for a broader view of Sicily and its volcanic islands.

Sicily Carousel Signature | 8 Day Small Group Tour 2027

8 Days 13 Destinations

Travel from Catania to Palermo on an eight-day small group Sicily tour that balances the island's Greek, Roman, Norman and baroque heritage with food, wine and time to explore. Syracuse, Mount Etna, Taormina, Agrigento, Monreale, Erice and Marsala are woven together in a route that gives Sicily real shape rather than simply ticking off sights.

Verona + Lake Garda Bike Tour | 6-Day Cycling Tour

6 Days 15 Destinations

Cycle the Veneto from Mantua and the Mincio River to Lake Garda, Valpolicella and Verona, with wine, cooking and a private lake cruise.

Sicily Carousel Tour 2026

8 Days 11 Destinations

Discover Sicily’s UNESCO treasures, vibrant food culture, historic towns and dramatic coastlines on an eight-day small group journey through the island’s most iconic destinations.

A Sicilian Odyssey 2026

10 Days 6 Destinations

A myriad of cultures intertwined by Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Muslim, and of course, Italian influences.

A Week In Naples, Capri & Amalfi

8 Days 8 Destinations

From ancient treasures frozen in time to the brilliant blue of the “Divine Coast,” immerse yourself in daily life, past and present

A Week in Piedmont | Women Only Tour

8 Days 6 Destinations

Introducing Tauck Women-Only Departures on select journeys – offered exclusively for women seeking meaningful travel experiences. Price on request!

A Week In Puglia | 8 Day Small Group Tour 2026

8 Days 5 Destinations

Discover the heel of Italy’s “boot,” known for its centuries-old farmhouses, whitewashed limestone houses, and endless Adriatic Sea coastlines.

A Week In Venice, Florence & Rome

8 Days 4 Destinations

Travel from Florence through the Chianti hills, in the heart of the Chianti Classico region, on a day trip to Badia di Passignano; the hilly landscape, basking in golds and greens, is filled with

Abruzzo Italy Grande Tour 2026

9 Days 11 Destinations

An immersive journey through Italy’s most authentic and unspoilt region, where tradition and landscape remain deeply connected

Abruzzo Italy Primo Tour 2026

6 Days 9 Destinations

A considered journey through Abruzzo’s villages, landscapes and enduring local traditions

Amalfi Coast Tour 2026

6 Days 9 Destinations

An immersive journey along the Amalfi Coast, blending iconic destinations with authentic local experiences, regional cuisine and the rhythm of everyday coastal life

Bari & Lecce: Focaccia with Pasticciotto Experience 2026

5 Days 2 Destinations

A five-day taste of Puglia combining coastal Bari and baroque Lecce, with private guided walks, iconic local food tastings (focaccia barese and pasticciotto), and easy rail travel between the two cities.

Best of Puglia Tour 2026

7 Days 8 Destinations

Experience Puglia through guided visits, iconic sights and a delicious journey into local cuisine, designed for curious and seasoned travellers alike.

Best of Sicily & Malta 2026

12 Days 21 Destinations

12-day journey combining an escorted small group tour of Sicily’s UNESCO-rich highlights with a relaxed stay in Malta, including food and wine experiences from street food in Siracusa to cellar visits in Marsala

Catania & the Aeolian Islands 2026

7 Days 7 Destinations

Private island-hopping escape from Catania to the Aeolian Islands, featuring Lipari base stays, scenic boat trips, volcano views, and relaxed coastal downtime

City Break Tropea 2026

3 Days 1 Destinations

A relaxed 3-day coastal escape in Tropea featuring a small-group boat cruise along the Costa degli Dei, swimming stops, and time to explore Calabria’s cliffside gem.

Classic Italy, Alps & Dolomites 2026

13 Days 16 Destinations

A 13-day larger group journey from Rome to Milan combining iconic Italian cities and breathtaking scenery

Discovering Sicily's Roots

6 Days 6 Destinations

A private, culture-rich Sicily journey from Palermo to Catania, featuring UNESCO sites, medieval towns, wine tastings, Mount Etna, and time in Taormina.

Emilia Romagna Tour

13 Days 14 Destinations

An intimate small-group journey through Emilia-Romagna, from Parma and Bologna to Romagna vineyards and Ravenna mosaics, with tastings, artisans and lagoon cruising.

Fantastic | 5 Day Escorted Tour 2026

5 Days 7 Destinations

Experience the Eternal City on a relaxed five-day small group tour featuring ancient Roman landmarks, Vatican treasures, elegant piazzas, authentic local cuisine and plenty of time to explore at your own pace.

Fantastic | 8 Day Escorted Tour 2026

8 Days 9 Destinations

An 8-day Rome return tour covering Assisi, Siena, Florence, Bologna and Venice, plus Vatican Museums, Tuscan wine country, and signature food experiences.

Fantastic Alps, Dolomites & Lakes with Bernina Express | 9 Day Small Group Tour 2026

9 Days 11 Destinations

Journey from Milan through the spectacular landscapes of northern Italy on a nine-day small group tour featuring the Bernina Express, the Italian Alps and Dolomites, beautiful lakes, South Tyrol towns and distinctive regional flavours.

Fantastic Italy | 11 Day Escorted Tour 2026

11 Days 10 Destinations

Experience Italy’s classic cities and the Bay of Naples on an 11-day escorted tour from Rome, combining Florence and Venice with Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri, plus Vatican sightseeing and regional food experiences.

Fantastic Milan with Bernina Express, Liguria & Venice 2026

8 Days 12 Destinations

Travel from Milan to Venice on an eight-day small group tour featuring the spectacular Bernina Express, the Ligurian coast and Cinque Terre, before continuing through Emilia-Romagna for Ferrari heritage and traditional balsamic vinegar.

Fantastic North Lakes, Venice & Milan with Bernina Express | 8 Day Small Group Tour 2026

8 Days 10 Destinations

Travel from Venice to Milan on an eight-day small group tour through Verona, Franciacorta and the Italian Lakes, taking in Lake Garda and Lake Como before an unforgettable journey aboard the Bernina Express.

Fantastic Puglia | 8 Day Small Group Tour 2026

8 Days 11 Destinations

Explore Puglia and Matera on a relaxed small-group journey from Bari, with UNESCO sites, white towns, baroque Lecce, coastal Otranto and masseria dining.

Fantastic Rome & Puglia Combo | 11 Day Escorted Tour 2026

11 Days 12 Destinations

An 11-day larger-group route from Rome through Puglia and Matera, combining southern highlights, local food experiences, and comfortable 4-star stays.

Fantastic Sardinia | 7 Day Small Group Tour 2026

7 Days 12 Destinations

Travel from Cagliari to Olbia on a small group tour through Sardinia, combining spectacular coastal scenery, ancient Nuragic sites, mural villages and authentic food experiences that reveal the island’s distinctive character.

Fantastic Sicily | 7 Day Small Group Tour 2026

7 Days 9 Destinations

Travel across Sicily from Palermo to Taormina on a small group tour rich in history and regional character, from Norman Monreale and ancient Agrigento to baroque towns, Marsala wine country and Mount Etna.

Florence & Venice Escapade 2026

5 Days 3 Destinations

A polished 5-day Florence-to-Venice mini journey pairing Renaissance Florence, a guided Pisa excursion, high-speed rail, and a classic gondola experience in Venice.

Gastronomic Piedmont Tour

7 Days 7 Destinations

Immerse yourself in Piedmont’s culinary heart with truffle hunts, Barolo tastings, Michelin meals, local producers and stunning Langhe landscapes on this 7-day gourmet tour.

In the Shadow of the Dolomites Tour

13 Days 5 Destinations

Explore northern Italy's mountain cultures on this 13-day small group journey through the Dolomites and beyond.

Italian Lakes Discovery Tour 2026

9 Days 9 Destinations

Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta and Lake Como on a relaxed 9 day small group journey, with alpine landscapes, private boat trips and time to enjoy the lakes at an unhurried pace.

Jewels of the South 2026

7 Days 6 Destinations

A premium week from Rome to Naples via Sorrento, Pompeii, Capri and Positano—handpicked 4-star stays, seamless transfers, and iconic experiences done properly.

Lake Como & Bernina Express | 4 Day Private Tour 2026

4 Days 3 Destinations

A private Lake Como escape with a full-day Bernina Express experience to St Moritz, combining alpine scenery, flexible free time, and comfortable lakeside accommodation.

Local Tour of Puglia 2026

7 Days 8 Destinations

Piedmont Small Group Tour 2026

6 Days 7 Destinations

Experience Piedmont through historic cities, vineyard landscapes and exceptional food and wine, designed for travellers who appreciate culture, flavour and refined Italian living.

Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta Tour 2026 | Small Group Tour

14 Days 13 Destinations

Explore Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta – A two-week immersion in Italy’s wine, history, and mountain landscapes.

Puglia & Matera | 8 Day Small Group Tour 2026

8 Days 9 Destinations

An 8-day Puglia and Matera small-group journey through UNESCO towns, whitewashed centres, Adriatic coastlines, and regional food experiences.

Puglia & Matera 12 Days Tour 2026

12 Days 13 Destinations

An immersive 12-day Puglia and Matera journey linking UNESCO landmarks, Adriatic towns, food and wine experiences, and comfortable small-group touring.

Puglia & Matera 5 Days Tour

5 Days 6 Destinations

A compact 5-day Puglia and Matera small-group route combining Bari, Trani, Castel del Monte, Alberobello and the Sassi with regional tastings.

Rhine Enchantment, Milan to Amsterdam

11 Days 5 Destinations

An 11-day Tauck river cruise from Milan to Amsterdam, combining Lake Como, Rhine towns, exclusive events, and luxury cruise inclusions.

Sardinia Small Group Tour 2026

7 Days 8 Destinations

Discover Sardinia through archaeology, living traditions and regional food, on a small group journey across one of Italy’s most distinctive islands.

Sicilian Soul 2026

11 Days 12 Destinations

An 11-day private Sicily journey from Palermo to Catania, blending wine, food, archaeology, boutique stays, and high-end island experiences.

Sicily - Palermo to Catania 2026

8 Days 12 Destinations

An 8-day private Sicily circuit from Palermo, covering iconic archaeological sites, Mount Etna, baroque towns, winery visits, and classic Sicilian food experiences.

Sicily Carousel and Aeolian Islands Tour 2026

12 Days 16 Destinations

A 12-day Sicily and Aeolian Islands journey from Catania, combining UNESCO treasures, wine and food experiences, Mount Etna, and island cruising.

Sicily Small Group Tour 2026

7 Days 5 Destinations

Sicily is an absolutely fascinating place to visit, being a crossroads of civilisations with a range of diverse influences. Our Sicily tours provide a well rounded experience covering the diverse

Southern Lights: Rome, Sorrento, Capri & Puglia 2026

12 Days 14 Destinations

A generous, experience-rich journey through Southern Italy, pairing Rome, Sorrento and Capri with the UNESCO treasures, flavours and white towns of Puglia.

Special Christmas Puglia & Matera

7 Days 9 Destinations

A festive small-group Christmas journey through Puglia and Matera, featuring UNESCO icons, baroque Lecce, white towns, street food, markets, and seasonal traditions.

The Beautiful Coast, Sorrento and Amalfi 2026

5 Days 4 Destinations

A 5-day Rome, Sorrento and Amalfi mini tour combining scenic transfers, coastal stays, and time on the Amalfi Coast without overcomplicating the route.

The Road Less Travelled Tour Puglia 2026

14 Days 14 Destinations

Uncover the rustic charm and rich traditions of Puglia on a small group tour that balances immersive cultural experiences with relaxed moments to explore whitewashed towns, olive groves, and seaside

The Ultimate Alps & Dolomites Tour

13 Days 6 Destinations

Indulge in an exquisite Alpine interlude, a meticulously crafted symphony of grandeur amidst the majestic landscapes of Switzerland, Italy, Germany, and Austria. This journey transcends a mere pause