Tour Features • Optional contracted transatlantic air transportation available from all US gateways • First-class hotels for 9 nights • 15 included meals consisting of: - 9 buffet breakfasts - 1 dinner at hotel PLUS - Dining Plan: 3 dinners and 2 lunches at popular restaurants featuring regional cuisine, including: - Festive dinner in Florence - Lunch in Assisi - Festive dinner in Rome - Lunch in Ravello - Farewell dinner party in Sorrento • Welcome cocktail reception in Rome • Special wine-tasting at Magione Castle • Wine, mineral water and coffee or cappuccino served with lunch and dinner at hotels and restaurants • Touring by private deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach • Professional Central Holidays Tour Director • Sightseeing as indicated, including local guide and all entrance fees • FREE airport arrival and departure transfers • Travel bag, one per person • Document holder and luggage tags • HEAR CLEAR - Personalized audio system to hear every word your guide says, even from a distance • Hotel taxes (including city tax) and service charges

Itinerary

Day 1 Tue Depart USA Evening departure. Meals and refreshments served on board. Day 2 Wed Florence Morning arrival into Florence's Peretola Airport. Here you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure to allow you to get acquainted with the city where Renaissance reached its highest point. Florence is also a city that boasts a cuisine of high quality. You may explore restaurants on your own or have your tour director assist in your selection. Day 3 Thu Florence (Dinner with Music & Merriment In a Tuscan Villa) Morning tour takes you to Michelangelo Square, for a panoramic view of the city, and the Accademia to see Michelangelo's original "David" statue, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry with its "Gates of Paradise" doors, Signoria Square and Santa Croce Church. Afternoon is free. Tonight enjoy a festive dinner with wine and music at a charming villa located on a beautiful Tuscan hillside outside Florence. (B, D) Day 4 Fri Florence (Pisa Excursion) This morning is free for some last minute shopping, or join an optional tour to Siena famous for "Il Palio", the bareback horse race. During this optional excursion, you will travel through the heart and hills of Tuscany to explore breathtaking landscapes with Chianti vineyards, cypress trees, olive groves, and medieval villages. In the afternoon enjoy an included excursion to one of the world's best-known sights - the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Late afternoon return to Florence and dinner on your own. Your tour director will suggest Florentine restaurants you will certainly enjoy. (B) Day 5 Sat Florence/Magione/Assisi/Rome (Special Wine Tasting At Magione Castle) Morning departure for Rome. Drive through the serene Tuscan and Umbrian countryside, passing by the shores of Lake Trasimeno with a stop at the Magione Castle, dating back to 1150-1170 A.D. The Castle is presently the private residence of the Prince and Grand Master of Sovereign Military Order of Knights of Malta. Today the castle is surrounded by the rolling terrain of a 3,724-acre farm. The farm is partly devoted to vineyards (74 acres) and an olive grove (59 acres). The highlight of the tour will be the castle cellar, with its XV century walls and vaults, housing thermo-conditioned stainless steel basins as well as barriques (oak barrels) to preserve a superior quality of red wines. Here a wine expert will lecture on the vinification process that takes place at the castle, followed by a delicious tasting of the varieties of wines produced at the castle. Subsequently proceed to Assisi where you will have lunch at a local restaurant. The town of Assisi is a Unesco World Heritage Site, and a unique example of continuity of a city sanctuary. There will be a guided tour of St. Francis Basilica, including the crypt with the remains of St. Francis as well as masterpieces by Cimabue and Giotto. Arrive in Rome in the late afternoon and enjoy a welcome cocktail reception. Later, experience a taste of the Roman dining scene on your own. After dinner, explore the exciting Roman Dolce Vita and nightlife. (B, L) Day 6 Sun Rome Rome is filled with monuments, fountains, antiquities and other sites worth exploring. Use this free day to discover the ancient and modern aspects of cosmopolitan Rome for yourself. You might also choose to take an optional tour of the Catacombs, St. Peter in Chains, the Pantheon, Tivoli Gardens or Ostia Antica. There's only one Rome, so make sure you bring home enough memories to last a lifetime. In the evening again discover on your own why Roman trattorias are famous for their fine cuisine. After dinner, explore the exciting Roman Dolce Vita and nightlife. (B) Day 7 Mon Rome This morning experience a very special privately guided tour of the priceless collection of art and treasures in the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum. You will be amazed by the beautiful wall frescoes created by Michelangelo, Perugino and Botticelli. The unique ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is surely one of Michelangelo's greatest achievements. Continue to St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the Christian world, built over the tomb of St. Peter. Then proceed to the Piazza Venezia and Roman Forum, with a stop at the Colosseum - a testament to the greatness of Rome's past. Continue your full day tour by viewing the Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus, the Great Synagogue, Isola Tiberina and Castel Sant'Angelo. Tonight bid arrivederci to Rome at a special dinner with wine in a lovely Roman restaurant. (B, D) Day 8 Tue Rome/Naples/Pompeii/Sorrento This morning drive south along the Highway of the Sun to Naples, where you will have an orientation drive highlighting Via Caracciolo (the seafront promenade), the San Carlo Opera House, Santa Lucia, and the Angevin Castle. Before heading to Sorrento, stop in Pompeii (the ancient city covered by volcanic lava 2,000 years ago), with a guided tour of the remarkably preserved ruins of temples, houses, gardens and public buildings. Then drive along the spectacular coast road of the Bay of Naples to Sorrento, the famous resort town of orange and lemon groves. Dinner at your hotel restaurant is included. (B, D) Day 9 Wed Sorrento/Positano/Amalfi/Ravello/Sorrento (Cruise From Positano To Amalfi Along The Celebrated Coastline) Leave Sorrento in the morning for Positano. Brief stop at the Belvedere to enjoy a unique view of Moorish architecture blended with pastel colored houses. Descend to town by minibus, passing elegant boutiques and craft shops and still have time to visit its charming center. Weather permitting, board a motorlaunch and cruise along the coast to Amalfi. Otherwise, you will reach Amalfi by motorcoach. A walking tour of Amalfi's old town will highlight its powerful 11th century maritime republic history. Continue to Ravello, arriving in time for lunch at a restaurant with a spectacular view of the Amalfi coast and the Bay of Salerno. After lunch you may like to visit Villa Rufolo whose tropical gardens inspired Wagner's Opera "Parsifal" or simply stroll around the center of town to buy souvenirs or indulge in a gelato. Return to Sorrento where your tour director can assist with your selection of dinner venues. (B, L) Day 10 Thu Sorrento (Capri Excursion) A morning jetfoil whisks you across the blue Bay of Naples to the fabled Isle of Capri, where you will ascend to the Piazzetta (the center of town), visit the Floral Gardens of Caesar Augustus, and still have free time for lunch and some shopping before returning to the pier by funicular to board the jetfoil back to Sorrento. Enjoy a farewell dinner in a trendy Sorrento restaurant. (B, D) Day 11 Fri Sorrento to USA (or extend your stay) Morning transfer to Naples' Capodichino Airport for your return flight home. Meals and refreshments served aloft. (B)

2011 Scheduled Departures Dates in RED = Sold Out Departures Dates in GREEN = Available Departures Now that you have chosen your package, the following chart below shows “Land Only” rates. To add your airfare, go to Book your Package, select "Flight + Land", select your departure date and departure city and you will add our most competitive airfares to your land price.

Dates City Type First Class Hotels

Mar. 28. (2012)   Land Only     $2,799

Apr. 4, 11, 18, 25. (2012)   Land Only     $2,859

May. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. (2012)   Land Only     $3,049

Jun. 6, 13, 20. (2012)   Land Only     $3,049

Jun. 27. (2012)   Land Only     $2,899

Jul. 4, 11, 18, 25. (2012)   Land Only     $2,699

Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22. (2012)   Land Only     $2,699

Aug. 29. (2012)   Land Only     $2,849

Sep. 5. (2012)   Land Only     $2,949

Sep. 12, 19, 26. (2012)   Land Only     $3,049

Oct. 3, 10. (2012)   Land Only     $2,999

Oct. 17, 24. (2012)   Land Only     $2,899

Oct. 31. (2012)   Land Only     $2,559

Nov. 7. (2012)   Land Only     $2,559

 

City First Class Hotels with Package

Rome Visconti Palace

Florence Adriatico

Rivoli

Sorrento Grand Hotel La Pace

Special Airfares are available for this selected packages.

All prices are based per person on double occupancy.
Plus applicable airport taxes and fees.

Supplements & Reductions for 2012

Single Supplement: $ 610.00 per person
Reduction for third person sharing twin-bedded room: $ 150.00

Please note that as of January 1st, 2011 the City of Rome has introduced an overnight accommodation tax for all guests staying at any hotels (Law number 78 dated 05/31/2010). This small fee (2 or 3 Euros, per person, per day depending on hotel category) will be collected locally by the hotels.

MS AmacelloView Deck Plan

The MS Amacello has redefined European river cruising with innovations that have set new standards in the industry, setting new standards in river cruising and offering a number of features, which no other European river cruise ship can match. The MS Amacello carries 148 passengers in unequaled luxury, comfort and style and is staffed by a highly-trained professional crew, with an ongoing emphasis on personal service. Staterooms: Inside your exquisitely decorated stateroom, you'll find all the amenities of a fine hotel with white-on-white plush bedding, a cozy sitting area, Infotainment System, hair dryer, safe, terry bathrobes, individually controlled air-conditioning and ample closet space. All staterooms and Jr. Suites are outside; over 82% feature large French balconies, which are a true delight when relaxing in your stateroom. Junior Suites: aboard our ship are extra spacious at 255 square feet, featuring a comfortable sitting area with a sofa and two chairs, floor-to-ceiling windows with French balconies and luxurious, bathrooms with bathtubs and showers.The MS Amacello’s maiden voyage took place on March 8, 2008. Technical Data: Built: 2008 - Built in: Holland - Length: 360 feet - Width: 38 feet - Crew: 41 (European) - Staterooms: 71 - Jr. Suites: 4 - Ship Registry: Built in Switzerland - Home port: Basel

Amenities
State-of-the-art Public Areas. This vessel features an array of amenities specifically designed for comfort, convenience and luxury with The latest high-tech features: Wellness Area: Located in the aft area of the Violin Deck, including a glassed-in fitness room, massage and beauty salon. The ship has an Elevator, which very few river cruise ships feature, reaching four different levels: the Restaurant level (1), the Staterooms on the Cello Deck (2), the Lobby and Panorama Lounge (3) and the Staterooms on the Violin Deck (4). Infotainment Systems: Every stateroom is equipped with monitor, keyboard with Internet access, English language TV stations, a large movie selection and numerous music programs. Our satellite telephone system allows you to call home for a nominal fee. Bicycles: Each ship has plenty of bicycles which can be used to explore the small towns. Most regions offer well-maintained bicycle river side paths.

Dining
Our onboard culinary staff offers sophisticated menus comprised of wonderful soups, fresh produce, high quality choice cut meats, and fresh fish and seafood. Start your day with a lavish gourmet champagne breakfast buffet. Choose from a rich assortment of breads, croissants and pastries, a variety of fresh fruit, yogurt, cereals, and smoked salmon. Sample the delicious cheeses, cold cuts and local sausages, as well as our daily regional specials. Return from your shore excursion to a delicious lunch with mouth-watering hot or cold appetizers, homemade soups, a selection of great entrees, finish off with a delectable dessert and complimentary cappuccino. In the evening, be our honored guest for an elegant dinner or a traditional theme night with a feast of regional specialties. Enjoy delicious cuisine and complimentary free-flowing wines from the local vintners. A truly memorable dining experience.

Half-day afternoon Uffizi Gallery Call for Price
	This Tour is Available from: Florence Afternoon Tour Departure time: 2:30pm Schedule: Daily. Duration: 3 hours Highlights: Fiesole, to visit Franciscan Church of Santa Croce, burial site of Machiavelli, Galileo, Michelangelo, Rossini and Galleria Degli Uffizi for paintings by Leonardo, Giotto, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Raffaello. On Mondays, the visit of the Uffizi will be replaced by a visit of Palazzo Vecchio

Half-day Chianti Call for Price
	This Tour is Available from: Florence Chianti Departure time: 2:15pm Schedule: From November to March on Wednesdays only. From April to October on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays only Duration: 4 hours Highlights: Visit to Chianti Classico wine producing area and local wine cellars for wine tasting. See the Tuscan countryside, famous for its green valleys, cypress trees, vineyards and olive groves.

Half-day morning city tour Call for Price
	This Tour is Available from: Florence Morning Tour Departure time: 9:30am Schedule: Daily Duration: 3 hours Highlights: Piazzale Michelangelo for city view, Accademia Delle Belle Arti with David by Michelangelo, Cathedral complex with Brunelleschi s Cupola, Giotto s Bell Tower, and Baptistry. On Mondays, the visit of the Accademia will be replaces by a visit of the Bargello Museum or of the Medici Chapels

Half-day Pisa Call for Price
	This Tour is Available from: Florence Pisa Departure time: 2:00pm Schedule: From November to March: on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays only. From April to October: Daily. Duration: 5 hours Highlights: Visit Pisa and its Piazza dei Miracoli where the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral and the Baptistry are located.

Full-day Siena and San Gimignano Call for Price
	This Tour is Available from: Florence Siena and San Gimignano Departure time: 9:15am Schedule:From November to March: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays only. From April to October: Daily Duration: 9 hours Highlights: In Siena, visit Cathedral, Piazza del Campo, Palazzo Comunale, Libreria Piccolomini and Museo del Duomo. After free time for lunch on your own, visit San Gimignano, famous for its medieval towers and magnificent views.

Half-day ancient Ostia Call for Price
	This Tour is Available from: Rome Ancient Ostia Departure time: Between 8:00am and 8:40am Schedule: From March to October and on Tuesdays and Fridays only Duration: 3 hours Highlights: Via delle Tombe, Porta Romana, Decumanus Maximus, Terme di Nettuno, theatre built by Agrippa, Forum, Capitolium, temple of Rome and Augustus, Basilica, House of Diana, Thermopolium, Via dei Dipinti, and Museo Ostiense.

Full-day Capri Call for Price
	This Tour is Available from: Rome Capri Departure time: Between 6:30am and 7:15am Schedule: Daily, except Christmas and New Year s Day Duration: Full day Highlights: Travel by motorcoach to Naples and board the hovercraft to Marina Grande. Weather permitting, board motorboats to the Blue Grotto. Panoramic drive to Anacapri. Lunch at a local restaurant. NOTE: If bad weather conditions will not permit the trip from Naples to Capri, a tour of Pompeii will be offered instead (the difference in price will be refunded).

Half-day Christian Rome Call for Price
	This Tour is Available from: Rome Christian Rome Departure time: Between 2:00pm and 2:40pm (from March to October) and between 1:30pm and 2:15pm (from November to February) Schedule: Daily, except Easter, Christmas and New Year s Day Duration: 3 hours Highlights: Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Holy Staircase, Basilica of Saint John in Laterano, ancient Appian Way, Catacombs of San Callisto, Santa Domitilla or San Sebastiano, Baths of Emperor Caracalla.

Classical and Imperial Rome Call for Price
	This Tour is Available from: Rome Classical and Imperial Rome with lunch Departure time: Between 8:00am and 8:40am Schedule: Daily Duration: Appros. 6 hours Highlights: Basilica of St Peter (visit are not allowed during religious functions), Piazza della Repubblica,Trevi Fountain, the Colonna of Marco Aurelio, Palazzo di Montecitorio, the Pantheon (including visit), Palazzo Madama, Piazza Navona. After lunch see Piazza Venezia, Piazza del Campidoglio, Roman Forum, Circus Maximus, Pyramid of Caius Cestius, Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, Colosseum.

Full-day Florence Call for Price
	This Tour is Available from: Rome Florence Departure time: Between 6:30am and 7:15am Schedule: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only from March to October. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, except Christmas and New Year s Day from November to February. Duration: Full day Highlights: Academia Museum, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Baptistry, Giotto Bell Tower, Piazza della Signoria, Piazza and Church of Santa Croce. Lunch included at typical Florentine restaurant.

Half-day Imperial Rome Call for Price
	This Tour is Available from: Rome Imperial Rome Departure time: Between 2:00pm and 2:40pm (from March to October) and between 1:30pm and 2:15pm (from November to February) Schedule: Daily Duration: 3 hours Highlights: Piazza Venezia, Piazza del Campidoglio, Roman Forum, Circus Maximus, Pyramid of Caius Cestius, Basilica of St. PAul Outside the Walls, Colosseum.

Full-day Naples & Vesuvius Call for Price
	This Tour is Available from: Rome Naples and Vesuvius Departure time: 6:30am Schedule: Daily, except Christmas and New Year s Day Duration: Full day Highlights: In Naples, see of Castel Dell'Ovo, Piazza del Plebescito, Royal Palace, Basilica of San Francesco Di Paola, San Carlo Opera House, Gallery of Umberto I and Maschio Angioino. Continue to Mount Vesuvius.

Full-day Orvieto & Assisi Call for Price
	This Tour is Available from: Rome Orvieto and Assisi Departure time: Between 6:30am and 7:15am Schedule: Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays only from March to October. Mondays and Fridays only from November to February. Duration: Full day Highlights: Orvieto (including lunch), Trasimeno Lake, Assisi (including Church of St. Claire, Townhall Square with its People Palace, Roman Temple dedicated to Minerva, St Francis Basilica) and town of Santa Maria degli Angeli.

Half-day Papal audience Call for Price
	This Tour is Available from: Rome Papal Audience Departure time: Between 7:00am and 7:40am Schedule: Wednesdays only, based on His Holiness schedule Duration: 3-4 hours Highlights: The Papal Audience takes place in St. Peter Square, St. Peter Basilica or the Audience Hall, based on weather conditions and the number of participating pilgrims.

Papal blessing at Castel Gandolfo Call for Price
	This Tour is Available from: Rome Papal blessing at Castelgandolfo Departure time: Between 7:00am and 7:40am Schedule: Sundays, during summer months only and based on His Holiness schedule Duration: 4 hours Highlights: Travel along the ancient Appian Way to His Holiness summer residence, near volcanic lake of Albano. The Papal Blessing will take place in the square facing the Papal palace of Castelgandolfo.

Half-day Roman Castles Call for Price
	This Tour is Available from: Rome Roman Castles Departure time: Between 2:00pm and 2:40pm Schedule: From April to October and on Tuesdays and Saturdays only Duration: 4 hours Highlights: View Baths of Caracalla, Ancient Appian Way, Road of the Lakes, Colli Albani. Visit Castelgandolfo, Rocca di Papa, Grottaferrata, and Frascati, including local wine tasting.

Rome by night Call for Price
	This Tour is Available from: Rome Rome by night with dinner Departure time: 7:00pm Schedule: Daily, except Christmas Eve and New Year s Eve Duration: 3-4 hours Highlights: Panoramic tour of the city including a stop at the Trevi Fountain, followed by a traditional Roman dinner at a typical local restaurant (including drinks).

Half-day Tivoli Call for Price
	This Tour is Available from: Rome Tivoli Departure time: Between 2:00pm and 2:40pm (from March to September) and between 8:00am and 8:40am (from October to February) Schedule: Daily (except Mondays) - from March to October. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays only from November to February. Duration: 4 hours Highlights: Villa Adriana, Villa d'Este and its fountains

Half-day Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel Call for Price
	This Tour is Available from: Rome Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Departure time: Between 7:00am and 7:40am Schedule: Daily, except Sundays and Religious Holidays Duration: 3 hours Highlights: Vatican Museums, Gallery of the Tapestries and the Geographical Maps, Sistine Chapel.