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Itinerary |
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Day 1 Sun Depart USA Evening departure. Meals and refreshment served on board. Day 2 Mon Venice Morning arrival into Venice's Marco Polo Airport. Here you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure. This evening enjoy a cocktail reception followed by a welcome dinner at a popular restaurant. (D) Day 3 Tue Venice Your morning tour of Venice is on foot and will highlight the Basilica of St. Mark and the Doge's Palace, with its splendid rooms decorated by 16th century artists such as Titian, Tintoretto and Veronese. Also view the Bridge of Sighs and Piombi Prison. Afternoon is at leisure. For dinner, discover on your own a local trattoria and indulge in the pleasures of Venetian cuisine. (B) Day 4 Wed Venice/Padua/Modena/Florence (Special Balsamic Tasting In Modena) This morning depart Venice and stop in Padua to visit the Basilica of St. Anthony and its large bronze works of Donatello. Continue your scenic drive to Modena where, you'll be treated to a special balsamic vinegar tasting session plus lunch, featuring local specialties and Lambrusco wine. After lunch continue to Florence, home of Michelangelo. In the evening your tour director will suggest restaurants according to your preferences. (B, L) Day 5 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 of Florence. (B, D) Day 6 Fri Florence (Pisa Excursion) This morning is free for some personal exploration or last minute shopping. 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. (B) Day 7 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 surrounded by the rolling terrain of a large farm partly devoted to vineyards (74 acres) and an olive grove (59 acres). The highlight of the castle visit will be its XV century cellar, where 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. A guided tour of Assisi's St. Francis Basilica, includes 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. (B, L) Day 8 Sun Rome Rome is filled with monuments, fountains, antiquities and other sites worth exploring. You might also choose to take an optional tour of the Catacombs, St. Peter in Chains, the Pantheon, or Tivoli Gardens. 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 9 Mon Rome This morning experience a privately guided tour of the priceless collection of art and treasures in the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum. The unique ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is surely one of Michelangelo's greatest achievements. Continue to stupendous St. Peter's Basilica, built over the tomb of St. Peter. Then proceed to Piazza Venezia and Roman Forum, with a stop at the Colosseum - a testament to the greatness of Rome's past. Continue your tour by viewing the Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus, the Great Synagogue, and Castel Sant'Angelo. Tonight bid arrivederci to Rome at a special dinner with wine in a lovely Roman restaurant. (B, D) Day 10 Tue Rome/Naples/Pompeii/Sorrento This morning drive to Naples, where you will have an orientation drive highlighting Via Caracciolo (the seafront promenade), the San Carlo Opera House, and the Angevin Castle. Continue to Sorrento, stopping in Pompeii (the ancient city covered by volcanic lava 2,000 years ago), for a guided tour of the remarkably preserved ruins of temples, houses and public buildings. Then drive along the spectacular coastline of the Bay of Naples to Sorrento the famous resort town. Dinner at your hotel restaurant is included. (B, D) Day 11 Wed Sorrento/Positano/Amalfi/Ravello/Sorrento (Cruise From Positano To Amalfi Along The Celebrated Coastline) Leave Sorrento in the morning for Positano, where you 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". Return to Sorrento where your tour director can assist with your selection of dinner venues. (B, L) Day 12 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, arriving in time for dinner at a colorful local restaurant. (B, D) Day 13 Fri Sorrento/Naples/Catania/Taormina Transfer to Naples airport for your flight to Catania. Arrival in Catania airport. Transfer to your hotel in Taormina. Enjoy a cocktail reception before having dinner at your hotel. (B, D) Day 14 Sat Taormina (tour of Mt. Etna Volcano) Morning excursion to the slopes of Mt. Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. This tour also offers an interesting honey-tasting session in Zafferana before climbing to 6,000 feet, where you can enjoy the best views, as you drive through the fertile slopes and villages that sit on ancient volcanic eruptions. In the afternoon there will be a walking tour of Taormina's charming city center and the Greek/Roman amphitheater, with its spectacular view of Giardini Naxos and Mount Etna. Tonight you may experience dinner on your own in one of the many colorful restaurants of Taormina. (B) Day 15 Sun Taormina/Syracuse/Taormina (optional Today experience an included excursion to Syracuse. A guided tour of this historic city highlights the Archaeological Park, Greek Theater, Latomia del Paradiso and Cave of Dionysius' Ear. On your return to Taormina we offer an optional "Godfather" tour, featuring the authentic villages chosen by Francis Ford Coppola for scenes in the Godfather movies. This evening savor a special Sicilian dinner with wine in a restaurant characteristic of this region. (B, D) Day 16 Mon Taormina/Agrigento/Palermo Depart for Agrigento, a hillside town famous for its magnificent Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a guided tour of the valley, dating back to the 5th century B.C. The poet Pindar described the site "the most beautiful city built by mortal men". The best temple is that of Concordia (similar in design to the Parthenon in Athens) which is in an almost perfectly preserved condition. Your local guide will highlight the history and architecture of Concordia and of the other temples that are part of this archaeological treasure-trove. After visiting the Valley of the Temples, resume travel to Palermo, where you arrive in the evening in time for an enjoyable and relaxing dinner at your hotel. (B, D) Day 17 Tue Palermo (Excursion to Segesta/Marsala/Trapani) (Special Tasting Of Marsala Sweet Wine) Journey to Segesta, a large archaeological zone, with a magnificent Doric temple, 420 B.C. to 430 B.C. Continue to the sea town of Marsala, re-discovered in the 18th century by English merchant, John Woodhouse, and known for its sweet wines. Visit a wine cellar and sample some Marsala during a special wine-tasting session. Then drive along Trapani's coastline and stop for a typical Sicilian lunch in a restaurant by the sea. Return to Palermo, where your tour director will suggest many interesting quality restaurants for dinner on your own. (B, L) Day 18 Wed Palermo (optional tour of Cefalu) A morning tour of Palermo features Quattro Canti - a splendid example of Spanish Baroque architecture, the Palace of the Normans and its superb Palatine Chapel, the cathedral, and the Benedictine Abbey of Monreale. Here you will admire a 12th century cathedral, housing very fine mosaics representing a complete cycle of the Old and New Testaments. Balance of the day is at leisure. In the evening, bid arrivederci to your travel companions during a festive farewell dinner with delectable cuisine and sparkling wine in a fashionable restaurant. (B, D) Day 19 Thu Palermo to USA (or extend your stay) Morning transfer to Palermo Airport for your return flight home. Meals and refreshments served on board. Same day arrival into USA. (B) |
Rates
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Information/Restrictions
Special Airfares are available for this selected packages.
Plus applicable airport taxes and fees.
All prices are based per person on double occupancy.
Supplements & Reductions for 2011
Single Supplement: $ 1100.00 per person
Reduction for third person sharing twin-bedded room: $ 345.00
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.
Shipping Information
Sightseeing
| Half-day afternoon Uffizi Gallery Call for Price | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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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. |
| Gondola serenade & dinner Call for Price | |
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This Tour is Available from: Venice Gondola serenade and Dinner Depart from:Gondola Station in Santa Maria del Giglio Departure time:From April to October at 7:30pm. From November to March at 3:30pm Schedule: Daily Duration: 2 hours Highlights: A romantic gondola ride with live music on board, followed by a three-course dinner with drinks at a local restaurant. |
| Half-day Islands excursion Call for Price | |
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This Tour is Available from: Venice Islands excursion Depart from: Serenissima Taxi Pier, next to Ponte della Paglia in San Marco Square Departure time: 9:30am and 2:30pm. From November to March only at 2:30pm. From April to October only at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Schedule: Daily, except Christmas. Duration: 3.5 hours Highlights: Murano, for its glass factories; Burano, for its handmade laces; Torcello, the first settlement on the lagoon. |
| Half-day morning walking tour Call for Price | |
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This Tour is Available from: Venice Morning walking tour Depart from: Tourist Information Office in San Marco Square. Departure time: 9:00am Schedule: Daily, except Christmas and New Year s Day Duration: 2 hours Highlights: St. Mark Square, Basilica, Doge Palace, Prison and Bridge of Sighs. Tour ends with optional visit to glass blowing factory. |
| Venetian legends Call for Price | |
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This Tour is Available from: Venice Venitian legends Depart from: St. Bartolomeo Square, by Goldoni monument. Departure time: 5:00pm Winter - 8:00pm Summer Schedule: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays Duration: Approx. 2 hours Highlights: Unusual walk through the districts of Castello and Cannareggio to discover the darkest side of the Venetian tradition. Ghost stories, mysterious homicides, wars between angels and demons, will be taking you in the middle of a frightening fairy |
Tour Features 2011/12 & 2013
Itinerary 2011/12 & 2013
Rates
Hotels
Sightseeing/Excursions
Information/Restrictions
