Discover the enchanting cities, historical monuments, and mouth-watering cuisine for which Italy is famous during an exciting 10-day tour. Perfect for first-time visitors.
Cultural & Culinary Exploration Series
Travel dates: June 21 – 30, 2011
Reserve your space with deposit today!
Get to know fellow travelers during our private group tour designed especially for first-time visitors to Italy. We’ll visit the three principal cities of Art – Rome, Florence & Venice. We’ll tour must-see historical sites like the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, the Colosseum, ancient Medieval city of San Gimignano, Michelangelo’s David, Doge’s Palace and much more!
ITINERARY:
Day One – Arrive in the Eternal City -(Rome)
Arrive at the Rome Airport where we’ll meet the driver that will be with us 8 hours a day for the first six days of our tour. You’ll be escorted to your hotel which is centrally located in Rome. Experience your first genuine Italian meal during a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant that evening. Stay in Rome overnight.
Day Two – Vatican Museum Guided Tour (Rome)
Start the day with a buffet breakfast at your hotel. Explore the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica during our private guided tour. Spend the afternoon at leisure in the Eternal City. Visit the main squares or explore local shops.
Day Three – Tour of Ancient Rome
Visit ancient historical sites including the Roman Forum, Church of San Pietro in Vincoli with Michelangelo’s statue of Moses, the Colosseum, and much more.
Day Four – Depart Rome. Stop in Assisi. Arrival in Florence.
Depart your hotel in Rome after breakfast. Our driver will take us to Assisi for an independent visit of the beautiful Basilica of St. Francis before continuing on to our accommodations in Florence. Enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant. Stay in Florence overnight.
Day Five – Walking Tour of Florence and Accademia Gallery
See Michelangelo’s David in person at Academia. View the exterior of the magnificent Cathedral with Giotto Bell’s Tower and Brunelleschi Cupola, Signoria Square with the imposing Loggia dei Lanzi and Ponte Vecchio the Ancient Bridge. Spend the afternoon at leisure discovering the Cradle of Renaissance. Stay in Florence overnight.
Day Six – Tour of Chianti / San Gimignano / Siena
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Take a panoramic tour of this wonderful country area and a private guided visit of the Medieval ancient city of San Gimignano. Its original 14th-century town planning and architecture is still almost intact including 15 of the 72 towers once standing, antique noble houses, narrow lanes and squares. Enjoy a visit of a typical wine cellar and wine tasting. A guided visit of Siena, another wonderful medieval jewel. See the magnificent Piazza del Campo, the Duomo and the many streets and alley surrounding this Medieval city. Stay in Florence overnight.
Day Seven – Travel to Venice
After breakfast at your hotel depart for Venice. We’ll be dropped off at Tronchetto Venice. Private transfer with assistance to the hotel in the city center by motor launch. Stay overnight in Venice.
Day Eight – Walking Tour of Venice and Doge’s Palace
Start the day with breakfast at your hotel. Then explore Venice during a walking tour of the city. Visit the Golden Basilica of St. Mark and Doge’s Palace. Take an unforgettable gondola ride in the afternoon. Share memories over a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day Nine – Depart Venice
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Take a private transfer with assistance to the Airport (motor launch) and depart on your flight back home taking with you memory of this Italian journey through its most beautiful cities!
What’s Included
- 8 nights accommodation (3 nights in Rome, 3 nights in Florence, 2 nights in Venice)
- All transfers and sightseeing by private luxury coach with Professional driver/guide for duration
- Buffet breakfast each morning, three dinners – one in each city
- Guided services as per itinerary: 1 half day Rome (3 hours) / 1 half day Vatican (4 hours) / 1 half
day Florence (3 hours) / 1 full day Chianti, S. Gimignano and Siena (6 hours) / 1 half day Venice
(2 hours) - Reserved admissions and headphones where necessary for: Vatican Museums and Sistine
Chapel / Coliseum / Accademia / Doge’s Palace - Gondola ride
What’s Not Included
- Airfare*
- Meals not indicated
- Alcoholic beverages except where indicated
- Tips and gratuities
Premium Member Cost – $2,981 double occupancy
Basic, Non-Member Cost – $3,134 double occupancy
Single supplement – $600
Installment payments are available!
Premium Members: Initial deposit of $300 and 7 payments of $383.
Basic /Non-members: Initial deposit of $500 and 6 payments of $439.
Payment in full deadline is March 12, 2011.
Payments are due every 30 days, unless custom payment arrangements are made in advance.
Register for your customized Italian Getaway now!
Please note: Airfare is not included in the price above. However, discounted group airfare prices will be available to group members in October 2011 through Alitalia. All registered travelers will be alerted when group airfare prices are available. Group prices will be quoted with JFK as gateway.
