Tour Features • Air transportation from NYC (only included with Air/Land plan) OTHER GATEWAYS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST • 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 PLUS - Special wine-tasting at Magione Castle in Magione • Wine, mineral water and coffee or cappuccino served with lunch and dinner at hotels and restaurants • Touring by private 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 and service charges

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) NEW! 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's 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 in time to 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 Celebr Leave Sorrento in the morning for Positano. Brief stop at the Belvedere to enjoy a unique view of Moorish architecture blended with pastelcolored 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)

2010 & 2011 Scheduled Departures Guaranteed Departures: Sep. 8, 22 & Oct. 6, 20, 2010 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

Jul. 28. (2010)   Land Only     $2,549

Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25. (2010)   Land Only     $2,549

Sep. 1. (2010)   Land Only     $2,799

Sep. 8, 15, 22, 29. (2010)   Land Only     $2,899

Oct. 6, 13, 20. (2010)   Land Only     $2,849

Oct. 27. (2010)   Land Only     $2,799

Nov. 3, 10. (2010)   Land Only     $2,549

Mar. 30. (2011)   Land Only     $2,599

Apr. 6, 13, 20, 27. (2011)   Land Only     $2,599

May. 4, 11, 18, 25. (2011)   Land Only     $2,649

Jun. 1, 8, 15, 22. (2011)   Land Only     $2,649

Jun. 29. (2011)   Land Only     $2,549

Jul. 6, 13, 20, 27. (2011)   Land Only     $2,399

Aug. 3, 10, 17. (2011)   Land Only     $2,399

Aug. 24. (2011)   Land Only     $2,499

Aug. 31. (2011)   Land Only     $2,599

Sep. 7, 14, 21, 28. (2011)   Land Only     $2,599

Oct. 5, 12, 19. (2011)   Land Only     $2,599

Oct. 26. (2011)   Land Only     $2,499

Nov. 2, 9. (2011)   Land Only     $2,299

 

City First Class Hotels Associated with Package

Rome Visconti Palace

Florence NH Anglo American

NH Firenze

Sorrento Conca Park Hotel

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 2010

Single Supplement: $ 650.00 per person
Reduction for third person sharing twin-bedded room: $ 180.00

View Deck Plan



Amenities


Dining

Half-day afternoon Uffizi Gallery $85 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 $81 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 $85 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 $81 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 $112 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 $71 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 $152 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 $51 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 $108 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 $176 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 $32 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 $168 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 $154 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 $32 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 $51 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 $51 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 $112 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 $72 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 $72 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.