Classic Italy

Day 1 - Arrive in Naples and head to Sorrento
This comprehensive Italy tour begins at 6:00 PM at Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria. A transfer is included from Naples International Airport to Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria. This Classic Italy tour begins in the southern resort town of Sorrento, where your hotel overlooks the beautiful Bay of Naples and powerful Mt. Vesuvius. Get to know your fellow travelers at a welcome cocktail reception and dinner.

Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, Sorrento, Italy

Day 2 - Amalfi Coast drive - a southern Italy tour highlight
Drive along the Amalfi Coast, one of Europe's most dramatic shorelines. Stop for visits in Amalfi with some houses dating to the 10th century, and Ravello, perched on towering cliffs above the sea. Explore Sorrento's piazzas as you please upon your afternoon return.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, Sorrento, Italy

Day 3 - Explore Pompeii, then on to the Eternal City of Rome
Your Italy tour next explores the excavated ruins of Pompeii, buried in volcanic ash when Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. Walk through city streets with a local expert, where you'll discover remarkably preserved ancient architecture. The next three nights are spent at The Westin Excelsior, Rome, one of the most prestigious addresses on the famed Via Veneto.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: The Westin Excelsior, Rome, Italy

Day 4 - Tour Operator Exclusive - Private after-hours Vatican Museums visit
Sightseeing in Rome is highlighted by a special Tour Operator Exclusive - an after-hours guided visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel (day of the tour may vary). This after-hours visit means you'll avoid the long lines and the usual crowds found earlier in the day. The experience is rich when you explore the treasures in the Vatican Museums at your own pace; see the Candelabra Gallery, Map Gallery, and the Tapestries. In the Sistine Chapel, gaze in amazement at Michelangelo's masterpiece ceiling - and be able to contemplate all that you see in quieter surroundings. This is certain to one of the most memorable days on your Italy tour, one that you'll remember forever.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: The Westin Excelsior, Rome, Italy

Day 5 - A day in Rome of the Caesars
A sightseeing excursion begins the day. In Rome, first capital of ancient Italy tour the Colosseum; see Circus Maximus, the 4th-century BC stadium where chariot races were held, and the ruins of the Imperial Palace. View the Roman Forum from above, then return to the microstate of Vatican City for a tour of St. Peter's Basilica to view the art and architecture, and explore St. Peter's Square. Pursue your own passions in Rome during the afternoon. You'll get a real taste of Italian cuisine this evening when you dine at a traditional restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: The Westin Excelsior, Roma, Italy

Day 6 - Your Italy tour continues with a Duomo and a wine tasting
Journey to Orvieto, set on a 984-foot plateau overlooking vineyards below. Visit the Duomo of Orvieto, a notable Romanesque-Gothic cathedral built over a span of 300 years. After a trattoria lunch near the Piazza del Duomo, continue through the wine-producing regions of Umbria. Arrive in Torgiano, a small village in the Tiber Valley. Hotel Le Tre Vaselle, your home for the next two nights, is a 17th-century country house hotel with its own private vineyard - an opportunity to experience Italy's privileged country life. Tonight you'll attend a wine tasting and sample the vineyard's grapes in the wine museum / osteria.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Le Tre Vaselle, Torgiano, Italy

Day 7 - Step back in time in medieval Assisi - and a chef "shares"
Drive to Assisi, a well-preserved medieval town designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its art and architecture. Visit the Basilica di San Francesco, the burial place of St. Francis, the beloved patron saint of animals. Gaze at the impressive 13th- and 14th-century frescoes, some of Italy's finest, and enjoy some free time in the center of town. This evening, you'll discover the secrets of great Italian cuisine from an Umbrian chef who shares insights into the nuances of Italian cooking at a demonstration. This special Italy tour highlight is truly memorable!

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Le Tre Vaselle, Torgiano, Italy

Day 8 - Traces of Italy's medieval days
In the hilltop town of San Gimignano, see 13 medieval towers that were built in the 12th century by the nobility as both private fortresses and symbols of wealth. Stroll along the narrow streets and visit Piazza della Cisterna, one of Italy's most picturesque town squares. Continue your travels through lush Tuscan landscapes to the seaside resort town of Viareggio, where you'll dine à la carte this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte, Viareggio, Italy

Day 9 - Cinque Terre storybook villages
Visit Cinque Terre, accessible only by sea for hundreds of years. Journey by train through the mountains to one of the villages for a look at daily life in this remote part of Italy. You'll have time to yourself to wander through the town's cobblestone streets, where you'll experience daily life - from colorful fishing boats home from the sea to the wine, olives and citrus fruit produced locally. Cruise along the Mediterranean shores of the Italian Riviera aboard a private boat - views of these centuries-old villages, set on rocky bluffs hemmed in by steep cliffs, are a knockout! Journey on to the Renaissance city of Florence for a three-night stay at one of Italy's finest hotels, a Luxury Collection Hotel by Starwood.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Grand Hotel, Florence, Italy

Day 10 - Become an art aficionado in Florence
Experience Florence, where the arts flourished between the 13th and 16th centuries. Learn about art history from a local art history lecturer, then take a walking tour of Florence. A guided tour of the Galleria dell'Accademia introduces you to some of the world's great art treasures, including Michelangelo's marble statue of David. You'll have time on your own in Florence this afternoon; your hotel is right in the heart of the city, which makes it easy to explore!

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: The Westin Europa & Regina, Venice, Italy

Day 13 - The romance of Venice
The day is open so you can take in the sites you choose. Perhaps tour the Galleria dell'Accademia or the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, or take a boat ride to islands in the lagoon. Share favorite Italy tour highlights with travel companions at the farewell reception and dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: The Westin Europa & Regina, Venice, Italy

Day 14 - Ciao - Italy tour concludes
This two-week Italy tour ends in Venice. Fly home anytime; a transfer is included from The Westin Europa & Regina to Venice's Marco Polo Airport. You should allow a minimum of 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Night 1 & 2:
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
Sorrento, Italy

Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria perches majestically high on a cliff overlooking the blue waters of the Bay of Naples in the midst of the historic center of the beautiful town of Sorrento. Since 1834, its lovely entrance gardens have led crowned heads, heads of state and international celebrities to its elegant and impeccably maintained lounges, parlors and restaurants. The splendors of an age gone by are seen in its original antique furniture and genteel ambiance. Its terraces provide sweeping views of the Bay and Mount Vesuvius, while its five-acre gardens invite one to stroll peacefully at leisure – and the beautiful swimming pool set amidst the gardens beckons.

Night 3, 4 & 5: The Westin Excelsior, Rome
Rome, Italy

Located on the most fashionable street in the Eternal City, Via Veneto, between the famous Piazza Barberini and Villa Borghese and close to many of Rome’s must-see sights, The Westin Excelsior, Rome is a monument to the very best of turn-of-the-century style and grace. Furnished with Renaissance, Imperial and Biedermeir reproductions, each sumptuous guest room features Westin’s signature Heavenly Beds® and lovely decorative touches. The new fitness center is state-of-the-art and features an indoor swimming pool. The readers of Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure agree that The Westin Excelsior, Rome is among the 500 best hotels in the world.

Night 6 & 7: Hotel Le Tre Vaselle
Torgiano, Italy

Set like a jewel in the lush Umbrian landscape just outside the ancient village of Torgiano, the converted 17th-century manor that has become Hotel Le Tre Vaselle pours forth a warm welcome. Many consider the “Le Melograne” restaurant, which offers creative cuisine that faithfully interprets the traditional and seasonal fare of the region, to be the centerpiece of this lovely, classic hotel. The leisure facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, an indoor counter-current swimming pool and a small fitness center. The spacious, comfortable guest rooms enhance the aura of peace and tranquility that permeates Hotel Tre Vaselle.

Night 8: Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte
Viareggio, Italy

Set beside the sea in Viareggio, Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte is an intriguing blend of different styles, which come together to create a delightful ambiance. Guest room décor ranges from international, art deco, colonial and empire to modern, with each floor reflecting a different period influence. A beautiful, heated sunken swimming pool, with Hydro and waterfall massage graces the top floor of the hotel and joins the Restaurant Bar in offering stunning views of the Apuane Mountains and the sea. Dining venues include Il Piccolo Principe.

Night 9, 10 & 11: Grand Hotel, Florence
Florence, Italy

This 18th-century palace turned grand hotel, which sits facing a Renaissance square overlooking the Arno River in the midst of Florence close to many of the museums for which Florence is famous, is a landmark of history and tradition. Known for its fabulous stained-glass ceilings, frescoes, exquisite marble inlays and antique décor, the Grand Hotel, Florence, richly deserves the term “masterpiece.” Spacious guest rooms, which celebrate Florence’s glorious past, are equipped with every modern comfort and amenity. The recently opened Restaurant InCanto offers the opportunity to dine al fresco in good weather in the midst of one of the city’s most beautiful squares with views of the Ponte Vecchio, the Belevedere and the Chiesa del Cestello. A member of The Luxury Collection, the Grand Hotel, Florence, is considered one of the “Top 75 Hotels in Europe” by Condé Nast Traveler and has appeared on the publication’s prestigious Gold Lists in 2005 and 2006.

Night 12 & 13: The Westin Europa & Regina
Venice, Italy

Truly a Venetian landmark, the five beautiful baroque palaces that now comprise The Westin Europa & Regina sit regally overlooking the Grand Canal close to St. Mark’s Square. While the building may date from a time long ago, today’s guests enjoy plush accommodations with every modern convenience, to include Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed®. Sip a cocktail as you watch life on the Grand Canal unfold before you at Bar Tiepolo or dine in style at La Cusina overlooking the most famous waterway in Venice. The readers of Travel + Leisure have named the Westin Europa & Regina one of the 500 best hotels in the world.

INCLUSIVE PRICES

Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, first-class accommodations on the Eurostar train from Florence to Venice, special dinners, sightseeing, admissions, luggage handling and the services of the Tour Director, local drivers and guides are included. A representative of the Tour Operator will meet you at Naples International Airport and provide transportation to Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, regardless of the day and time of your arrival, provided you have furnished us with accurate flight arrival information at least two weeks before to the start of your tour. In Venice, the Tour Operator will provide transportation from The Westin Europa & Regina Hotel to Marco Polo Airport on whatever day you choose to depart.

Hotel Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. The standard is to provide the best available hotels without sacrificing value. Although the quality may differ slightly from place to place, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bedded rooms with a rollaway cot or sofa bed where available and are not recommended for comfort. Adjacent, adjoining and connecting rooms are available by request only and cannot be guaranteed.

Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.

Dining - Most restaurants open for lunch around 12:00 PM and close at 3:00 PM, then re-open again for dinner at 7:30 PM. A "‘coperto", or cover charge, is commonly added to the top of your bill for table service and bread. The typical cover charge ranges from 2-4 Euro per person. A "servizio", or service charge, is often added to the bottom of your bill and ranges from 10-12%. If there is no service charge added to your bill, you may tip as you wish.

Water from the tap is safe to drink; however, restaurants will offer bottled water, usually sparkling, "frizzante", or non-sparkling, "naturale". Ice is not usually offered automatically, as Italians are not fond of it. If you ask for ice, "ghiaccio", you will probably receive a few cubes of ice in a bowl.

Tour Director – Classic Italy is conducted by a Tour Director who remains with the group throughout the tour. Your Tour Director is a professional, fully trained employee of the Tour Operator.

Gratuities Included – All necessary gratuities for restaurant and hotel staff and local guides are included.

No Options Sold – Your Tour Director will assist with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.

NOT INCLUDED

Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from us for travel originating in the United States.

Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, we will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through us. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult your reservations agent when you book your tour.

Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to the Protection Plan for more information.

Personal Expenses - Phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, individual airport transfers, vaccinations, visa fees and services, and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.

Tour Director Gratuities - The customary gratuities to the Tour Director and driver are not included. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.