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Italy's Northern Highlights from $2199

10 Days (2 nts. Venice, 3 nts. Florence, & 3 nts. Rome)

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Visitors revel in renowned attractions and exquisite sites; Doge's Palace in Venice where travelers will see the beautiful rooms decorated by 16 century artists, Piazza Della Signoria in Florence, Rome's Colosseum, plus so much more during their 10-day immersion into "la dolce vita"! Travelers will live the tapestry of sights, sounds, flavors and feelings of the true Italy on this Premier Escorted tour. They will travel in deluxe motorcoaches and stay in well appointed, centrally located first class hotels. Enjoy Italy's renowned and savory cuisine at each lunch or dinner plus such included extras as wines, mineral water, coffee or cappuccino. Experience vinegar tasting in Modena and a wine tasting at a castle in Umbria. But we are sure your heart and soul with delight in the unforgettable sights disseminated along the way. Piazza San Marco in Venice, Michelangelo's masterpiece of the David at the Accademia in Florence and the ceiling frescoed by the artist in the Sistine Chapel in Rome, the grandeur of St. Peter's Square in the Vatican city, St. Francis' town of Assisi, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Even though the included city tours will show the "essential" sights of each city, there will be unlimited art, monuments, landmarks to be discovered and side walk cafes, trattorias and places to mingle with Venetians, Florentines and Romans to enjoy the leisurely way life is lived in Italy.

Tour Features

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Optional contracted transatlantic air transportation available from all US gateways

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First-class hotels for 8 nights

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13 included meals consisting of: - 8 buffet breakfasts PLUS - Dining Plan: 3 dinners and 2 lunches at popular restaurants featuring regional cuisine, including: - Welcome dinner in Venice - Lunch in Modena - Festive dinner in Florence - Lunch in Assisi - Farewell dinner party in Rome PLUS

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Welcome cocktail reception in Venice and in Rome

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Balsamic vinegar tasting in Modena

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Special wine-tasting at Magione Castle

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Wine, mineral water and coffee or cappuccino served with lunch and dinner at hotels and restaurants

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Touring by private deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach

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Professional Central Holidays Tour Director

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Sightseeing as indicated, including local guide and all entrance fees

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FREE airport arrival and departure transfers

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Travel bag, one per person

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Document holder and luggage tags

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HEAR CLEAR - Personalized audio system to hear every word your guide says, even from a distance

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Hotel taxes (including city tax) and service charges

Itinerary

Day 1 Sun Depart USA
Evening departure. Meals and refreshments 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 in Venice. The 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 with enough time for more sightseeing, shopping or relaxation. In the evening, your tour director will assist you in locating restaurants where you will enjoy savoring 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 art, including the large bronze works of Donatello. Continue your scenic drive to Modena, famous for balsamic vinegar and Ferrari sports cars which are manufactured in the nearby town of Maranello. In Modena, you'll be treated to a special balsamic vinegar tasting session plus lunch, featuring local specialties and Lambrusco wine. After lunch continue to Florence, the home of Michelangelo. Tuscan cooking is a true gastronomic feast. 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, 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 6 Fri Florence (Pisa Excursion)
This morning is free for some last minute shopping, or join us for 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 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 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 8 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 9 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 10 Tue Rome to USA (or extend your stay)
Morning transfer to airport for your return flight home. Meals and refreshments served on board. Same day arrival into USA. (B)

Rates

2012 Scheduled Departures

Guaranteed Departures:

Rates (except cruise portion) indicated on the website are subject to currency fluctuations. For an accurate rate, please call our Reservations Department at 1-800-935-5000.

Once we have received the deposit on your booking, the land price is guaranteed from any future fluctuations in the rate of exchange.

Date Range

Rate Type

First Class Hotels

Rates for 2012

May. 20, 27, 2012

Land Only

$2,779

Jun. 3, 10, 17, 2012

Land Only

$2,779

Jun. 24, 2012

Land Only

$2,599

Jul. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2012

Land Only

$2,449

Aug. 5, 12, 19, 2012

Land Only

$2,449

Aug. 26, 2012

Land Only

$2,599

Sep. 2, 2012

Land Only

$2,659

Sep. 9, 16, 23, 30, 2012

Land Only

$2,749

Oct. 7, 2012

Land Only

$2,749

Oct. 14, 21, 2012

Land Only

$2,659

Oct. 28, 2012

Land Only

$2,299

Nov. 4, 18, 2012

Land Only

$2,199

Sightseeing

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.

Naples and Pompeii Call for Price
	This Tour is Available from: Rome Departure time: 6:30am Schedule: Daily, except for Christmas and New Year's Day Duration: Approx. 13 hours Highlights: In Naples, visit Posillipo with views of the Gulf of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius, Santa Lucia with views of Castel Dell'Ovo, Piazza Del Plebiscito, Royal Palace, Basilica of San Francesco Di Paola, San Carlo Opera House, Gallery of Umberto I and Maschio Angioino. En route to Pompeii, view Ercolano, Torre del Greco, Torre Annunziata. Visit of the excavations. Lunch included.

Gondola serenade & dinner Call for Price
	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
	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
	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
	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

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Tour Features 2012 & 2013

Itinerary 2012 & 2013

Rates

Hotels

Sightseeing/Excursions

Information/Restrictions

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