Italy Best of Italy Tour

THE BEST OF ITALY
14 DAYS FROM $1,879 US
Details below or click here for more information INQUIRY FORM
Phone: 1-888-682-6449/1-303-670-5640
Fax: (425) 984-7676

Italy If this is your first time to Italy this is a great way to see all the highlights including Capri and Sorrento. This is a very popular, world class, economy tour, departing year round with twice a week departures spring through fall.

Day 1

BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT

Day 2 ARRIVAL IN ROME, ITALY

Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this ancient capital. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

Day 3 ROME

The ”Eternal City”—a city steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting and absolutely unique! Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts in St. Peter’s Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum. (B)

Day 4 ROME-FLORENCE AREA

This morning, vistas of undulating hills, austere rows of cypress trees, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and rural villages form the backdrop of your journey through beautiful Tuscany. Reach Florence in time to enjoy the included walking tour with a Local Guide, featuring most of the city highlights. You will see the Piazza Santa Croce; the beautiful Piazza Signoria; the Palazzo Vecchio and its courtyard; the Loggia dei Lanzi; and, to top it all, the Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Door of the Baptistry known as the “Gate of Paradise.” (B,D)

Day 5 FLORENCE. EXCURSION TO PISA

An easy drive this morning to see more of the Tuscan countryside on the way to Pisa. Stop for a visit and see the Square of Miracles and the amazing Leaning Tower. Return to Florence for the afternoon. End the day by joining the optional Tuscan dinner in a typical restaurant. (B)

Day 6 FLORENCE AREA-MILAN-LAKE MAGGIORE

This morning, leave hilly Tuscany to travel north into the plains of Lombardy, crossing the great River Po with new and quite different scenery as you approach Milan for a stop to see its great Duomo. Overnight in Baveno in the Lake Maggiore area. (B)

Day 7 LAKE MAGGIORE

Time to relax and get to know the area. Lake Maggiore is one of Italy’s largest lakes and is located on the very edge of Alpine Switzerland. In fact, on clear days you can see the peaks of the Swiss Alps. Take advantage of the included excursion to visit Lugano and its lake in Switzerland. (B) Map

Day 8 LAKE MAGGIORE-VERONA-VENICE AREA

Travel across the Po river plain and stop in the romantic city of Verona to see Romeo and Juliet's balcony, and enjoy some time at leisure, before reaching the Venice Area. (B)

Day 9 VENICE

Venice is more like a marvelous film set than a real live city, with its criss-crossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and little quiet piazzas. The included orientation starts with a boat ride and is followed by time at leisure and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers fashion their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. Don’t miss out on the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you. (B,D)

Day 10 VENICE AREA-RAVENNA-ASSISI-PERUGIA

An interesting drive southwards right across the Po Delta to Ravenna. In the afternoon, journey to Assisi, enclosed by ramparts and little changed since the Middle Ages. This is the town of the deeply mystical and poetic St. Francis—see the Church of St. Clare, founder of the Order of Poor Clares, the medieval castle, and cathedral. Overnight in beautiful nearby Perugia, capital of Umbria. (B,D)

Day 11 PERUGIA-SORRENTO

Drive south on the autostrada to Pompeii. Time stopped for the rich, aristocratic town of Pompeii with the terrible eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. On the included visit you can see the remains of luxurious villas, temples, theater, and forum. Next, Sorrento, set on a plateau above the waters of the Bay of Naples. Wander the winding streets lined with shops and stalls, and sit with a glass of wine absorbing the easygoing life of this charming resort. (B)

Day 12 SORRENTO. BOAT TRIP TO CAPRI

This legendary island is surrounded by rocky coastline where the crashing sea has formed awe-inspiring caves. The town with its pretty piazza, maze of streets, fashionable boutiques, and smart restaurants is a mecca for the jet set. An optional island tour is available. (B,D)

Day 13 SORRENTO-ROME

A comfortable drive northwards this morning for arrival in Rome, well in time to enjoy most of the afternoon and evening. (B)

Day 14

YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY (B)

INCLUDED FEATURES

Visits to Pisa, Milan, Lake Maggiore, Lugano, Verona, Venice, Ravenna, Assisi, Sorrento, CapriSpecial Departure:December 23 - Christmas in Rome

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS

Tuscany, Italian Lake District, Bay of Naples

INSIDE VISITS

Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.

GUIDES

Local Guides for city sightseeing in Rome, Florence, Pompeii. Services of a professional Tour Director while touring

MEALS

12 buffet breakfast (B); 4 dinners (D)

HOTELS

Rome Pineta Palace (F), Florence Area Europa (ST) at Signa or Meridiana (ST) at Florence, Lake Maggiore Simplon (F) at Baveno or Splendid (F) at Baveno, Venice Area Poppi (ST) at Mira, Perugia Holiday Inn (F) or Ilgo (ST), Sorrento Central Park (ST) at Massalubrense or Rivage (ST)

Departures:

March - December

Prices:
From approx $1,879 US per person double occupancy

Many other tours of Italy available on request
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