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Itinerary |
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Day 1 Fri Depart USA Evening departure. Meals and refreshments served on board. Day 2 Sat Rome Morning arrival into Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport. Here you'll be met and transferred by private motorcoach to your hotel in Rome. The balance of the day is at leisure. Enjoy a welcome cocktail reception. Tonight experience a taste of the Roman dining scene on your own and then explore the exciting Roman Dolce Vita and nightlife. Day 3 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 4 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 5 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 6 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 7 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 8 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 9 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 10 Sun Taormina/Syracuse/Taormina (optional "Godfather" tour) Today experience an included excursion to Syracuse. A guided tour of this venerable city highlights the Archaeological Park, Greek Theater, Latomia del Paradiso and Cave of Dionysius' Ear. On the way back to Taormina, we offer a once in a lifetime experience! You may take an optional "Godfather" tour, featuring the authentic villages chosen by Francis Ford Coppola for most of the scenes in the Godfather movies. This is a good way to explore the real untouched Sicilian countryside, local lifestyle and culture. This evening savor a special Sicilian dinner with wine in a restaurant characteristic of this region. (B,D) Day 11 Mon Taormina/Agrigento/Palermo This morning 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 Doric style temples, all constructed within a century, face east, a standard criteria for both Greek and Roman temples so the statue of the god housed in each temple faced the rising sun. 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 12 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., located within a beautiful and natural setting, that ranks as one of the best-preserved Greek architectural sites. 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 special Sicilian lunch in a restaurant by the sea. Then return to Palermo. Your tour director can suggest many interesting quality restaurants that offer ambiance and traditional local cuisine for dinner on your own. (B,L) Day 13 Wed Palermo (optional tour of Cefalu) A morning tour of this remarkable city features the Quattro Canti - a splendid example of Spanish Baroque architecture, the Palace of the Normans and its superb Palatine Chapel, the cathedral, and the famous 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 to relax or take an optional tour with your tour director to the picturesque fishing village of Cefalu. 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 14 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: $ 690.00 per person
Reduction for third person sharing twin-bedded room: $ 285.00
Shipping Information
Sightseeing
| 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. |
Tour Features 2011/12 & 2013
Itinerary 2011/12 & 2013
Rates
Hotels
Sightseeing/Excursions
Information/Restrictions
