9 Day Classic Italy Tour from $1,949

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • 8 days/7 nights
  • 7 nights first-class accommodations
  • All transfers
  • 7 breakfasts, 4 dinners
  • Sightseeing per itinerary in a modern, air-conditioned motorcoach
  • English-speaking tour guide
8-DAY TOUR THROUGH ITALY

With multiple days in each place, you’ll have time to explore Venice’s sophisticated tapestry of beautiful palaces on the Grand Canal, Florence’s famous art museums, and see the imperial city of Rome.

This package includes centrally located hotels, daily buffet breakfast, and captivating guided tours in each city that will reveal… Venice’s St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, with precious art by great 16th century Italian painters and the Bridge of Sighs, the beauty of Florence and Tuscany, the Colosseum in Rome, the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel.

You will also have the chance to taste gastronomic delights and experience alluring side trips including a refreshing jaunt to the Amalfi Coast seaside resorts and romantic Isle of Capri. If you’ve always wanted to visit Italy, this is a terrific travel deal not to be missed!


VIEW ITINERARY

DAY 1, Friday – Depart for Italy

Depart for Italy

 

DAY 2, Saturday – Arrive in Rome

Arrive in Rome and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. This evening, enjoy an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager, followed by a Welcome Dinner. Stay Overnight: Rome.  Dinner included.

 

DAY 3, Sunday – Tour Ancient Rome

The historic tour of ancient Rome begins at the legendary Roman Forum, the central area of the city from which ancient Rome developed. Next, view the triumphal Arch of Constantine, erected by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine’s tenth year of leadership over the Eternal City. On to the mighty Colosseum, the largest amphitheater built in the Roman Empire that seated over 50,000, where gladiator contests and public events were attended by the rich, the poor and by the Emperor himself. Discover the delights of Rome this afternoon on your own. Stop at a local café for lunch and just people-watch, or savor a cappuccino, indulge in a delectable gelato or try a perfect Italian pizza.

Stay Overnight: Rome. Breakfast included.

 

DAY 4, Monday – Vatican Museum and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel*

Today, visit the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo’s incomparable Sistine Chapel. Stroll through St. Peter’s Square, passing Bernini’s famous colonnade to St. Peter’s Basilica. Stand in awe as you view Michelangelo’s Pieta. This highly-finished marble sculpture depicts the body of Jesus in the arms of Mary after the Crucifixion — considered to be among the most compelling of all works of art in the Western world. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure or join the optional walking tour of the Eternal City’s grand piazzas that begins at the Spanish Steps and continues to the legendary Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and the baroque Piazza Navona. Tonight, dinner in a typical Roman restaurant with wine and music, then enjoy an illuminated tour of the city.Optional: Piazzas of Rome (PM).

Stay Overnight: Rome. Breakfast & Dinner included.

 

DAY 5, Tuesday – Medieval Assisi to Florence

Depart Rome to the small medieval town of Assisi perched high on a hill in the Umbria region, with its Roman ruins, winding medieval streets and sacred shrines. Assisi is best known as the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi – patron saint of Italy. Its main attraction is the 13th-century Basilica di San Francesco, one of the artistic highlights of medieval Europe which contains the sacred relics of St. Francis and Giotto’s astonishing frescoes. The town of Assisi has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its significant art and architecture. Afterwards, continue to the lively Renaissance city of Florence, with its priceless art and architecture for overnight.  Stay Overnight: Florence.  Breakfast included.

 

DAY 6, Wednesday – Tour of Florence, Dinner at a Tuscan Villa

Today’s tour of Florence begins with a visit to the Accademia of Fine Arts, where Michelangelo’s David is housed; stand in awe of this glorious work of art. Walk to the magnificent Duomo, celebrated for its magnificent dome designed by Brunelleschi, and view the Baptistery’s renowned “Gates of Paradise” by Ghiberti. Continue on a walk through the open-air museum at Signoria Square, ending at the splendid Ponte Vecchio, also known as the “Old Bridge”. Florence is indeed the center of the world’s finest art and architecture. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in this spectacular Renaissance city, or participate in the optional guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery. Tonight, a delightful evening that begins with a ride through the Tuscan hills to a lovely villa where a sumptuous Tuscan dinner is served along with unlimited wine and entertainment.

Florence and the fine arts are synonymous. This guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery provides insight to the history of the structure and its collections. The tour highlights include exceptional examples of Florentine painting to help you better understand the works of the masters, including Giotto, Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci. After, complimentary beverages at the museum’s cafe, with its breathtaking views of the city. Tour participation guarantees immediate entry to the Gallery, with no lengthy waits in oftentimes two-three hour queues. ** Important: Please note that the Museum has a limited maximum capacity and therefore reserves the right to restrict admission. In this case we may not be able to offer the tour. Price is based on minimum number of passengers. Stay Overnight: Florence.  Breakfast & Dinner included.

 

DAY 7, Thursday – Pisa Sightseeing En Route to Venice

Depart Florence, traveling through the stunning golden landscape of Tuscany, dotted with olive and fig trees, to Pisa where we view the famous Piazza del Miracoli with its Leaning Tower, one of the most instantly recognizable structures on earth. The monuments on the extraordinary Piazza del Duomo create a unique architectural blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Then, visit a traditional Tuscan farm in the countryside for wine tasting coupled with delectable local specialties before continuing to magical Venice for overnight   Overnight: Venice.  Breakfast included.

 

DAY 8, Friday – Boat Ride to Murano, Tour of Venice

The discovery of Venice begins with a boat ride to the Island of Murano, known for its artistic and colorful Murano glassware. Afterwards, to St. Mark’s Square where the guided walking tour of this romantic city begins. View the Golden Basilica of San Marco, built over several centuries in a fusion of Byzantine, Roman and Venetian architecture. Walk via the Bridge of Sighs, created at the beginning of the 17th century to serve as a link between prisons. Then, to the pink marble Doge’s Palace, official residence of the Venetian ruler; its facade is highlighted by a massive late-Gothic gate, known as the Porta della Carta. The rest of the day is yours to explore Venice independently. Or, participate in this afternoon’s optional Gondola Ride with music – it’s definitely one of the highlights of any Italian holiday! Tonight, join in for a Farewell Dinner with your Tour Manager and fellow travelers. Optional: Gondola Ride with Music (PM). Stay Overnight: Venice.  Breakfast & Dinner included.

 

DAY 9, Saturday – Depart Italy

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight

Breakfast included.

Pricing & Departures

Apr 1, 2016 $2,199
Apr 8, 15, 22; May 13, 2016 $2,249
May 20, 27; Jun 3, 10, 17, 2016 $2,349
Jun 24, 2016 $2,299
Jul 1, 8, 2016 $2,249
Jul 15, 22, 29; Aug 5, 2016 $2,049
Aug 19, 2016 $1,949
Sep 2, 9, 2016 $2,299
Sep 16, 30; Oct 7, 14, 21, 2016 $2,349

Additional departure dates available, ask a Travel Team Agent for details

 

 

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Notes:
  • Land only package, airfare can be added
  • Prices are per person based on double occupancy
  • Prices are subject to availability
  • Prices in US dollars unless otherwise noted
  • We have limited space on this package and it is subject to availability and prior sale
  • All package prices are per person based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted
  • Prices reflect cash discount
  • Due to constantly changing policies to baggage restrictions, please check with your airline directly for latest updates and restrictions
  • Information, including prices are subject to change without notice
  • Restrictions and change and/or cancel penalties apply
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