A Week in Italy

From Rome's monumental Colosseum to Florence's architectural masterpieces to medieval hill towns, our one-week Umbria, Lazio and Tuscany tour is filled with special experiences - including the Tour Operators exclusive, after-hours visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel - a rare opportunity to contemplate the inspirational treasures, without the crowds! Three nights in the heart of Rome set the stage for viewing landmark sights such as the Roman Forum, ornate architectural masterpieces such as St. Peter's and preserved ancient hill towns dotting the countryside like Siena, Perugia, Assisi and Orvieto. And art historians and local guides provide the inside story behind Florence's art masterpieces, before your guided visit to the Uffizi Gallery.

Day 1 - Ciao bella Roma
Your one-week Umbria and Tuscany tour begins at 6:00 PM at the Hotel Majestic Roma. A transfer is included from Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino to Hotel Majestic Roma. You'll understand why Rome is called the Eternal City from the first moment you arrive - past and present blend together effortlessly at every view. Get to know your fellow travelers this evening at a welcome cocktail reception and dinner.

Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Hotel Majestic Roma, Rome, Italy

Day 2 - Rome and The Tour Operators exclusive after-hours visit to the Vatican Museums
Take a walking tour of Rome, accompanied by a local guide, then spend some free as you please before a special visit to the Vatican. The Tour Operator has arranged for an after-hours guided visit to the Vatican Museums, including the Candelabra Gallery, the Map Gallery, and the Tapestries, as well as the Sistine Chapel (day of the tour may vary). This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the treasures of the Vatican without the crowds - where discoveries include the fact that the floor of the Sistine Chapel is almost as amazing as the ceiling! You'll view Michelangelo's frescoes of The Last Judgment on the altar, and of course Genesis on the ceiling. There's a good chance that today will be one of the most memorable days on this Florence, Rome, Umbria and Tuscany tour.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Hotel Majestic Roma, Rome, Italy

Day 3 - A day well spent in the Eternal City
First up is a view of the Roman Forum (from above), and a tour of the Colosseum, which opened in 80 AD for gladiator battles. You'll also view the art and architecture of amazing St. Peter's Basilica, and visit St. Peter's Square. The remainder of the day is clear to pursue whatever interests you most in glorious Rome. Map

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Hotel Majestic Roma, Rome, Italy

Day 4 - A little taste of the country life in Umbria
Travel north to Orvieto, set on a 984-foot plateau overlooking vineyards below; enjoy a guided visit to the town's 14th-century Duomo, one of Italy's most renowned Romanesque-Gothic cathedrals, built over a span of 300 years. After time to explore and have lunch on your own in Orvieto, hit Tauck's Yellow Roads once again for a journey to Perugia, capital of Umbria. Your home for the next two nights is a luxury hilltop hotel overlooking the Umbrian valley below, boasting some of the most remarkable views in the region.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Brufani Palace, Perugia, Italy

Day 5 - Medieval musings in Assisi
Embark on an excursion to hilltop Assisi, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its art and architecture, and renowned as the home town of St. Francis, the beloved patron saint of animals. A highlight is the Basilica di San Francesco, built by St. Francis' followers and the saint's final resting place; a local expert shares insights on the Basilica's 13th- and 14th-century frescoes during your tour. Take some time to stroll the cobblestone lanes on your own, then attend a wine tasting and lunch at the osteria of a famed winery before you return to Perugia, a city that has been ruled by the Etruscans and the Romans, and was once under direct control of the Papal State. Enjoy the pleasures of small-town Italian life this evening!

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Hotel Brufani Palace, Perugia, Italy

Day 6 - In the heart of Tuscany tour Siena
Traverse Tuscany's lush landscapes to Siena and visit its black-and-white Duomo, one of Italy's great cathedrals, with scenes inlaid in the marble floors and sculpture by Michelangelo. See the Piazza del Campo where the famous Palio bareback horse race is held, before continuing on to Florence. Your first stop in the "birthplace of the Renaissance" is the Galleria dell'Accademia, where you'll feast your eyes on acclaimed works of art including Michelangelo's marble statue of David. In the evening, a lecture by a local art historian helps you better appreciate the incredible artwork you'll see throughout the city.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Bernini Palace Hotel, Florence, Italy

Day 7 - A local expert talks art and architecture in Florence
Walk among some of Florence's landmark sights with a local expert, prior to a tour of the Uffizi Gallery, the world's oldest art gallery and one of Europe's greatest art museums. Gaze in wonder at works by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Sandro Botticelli, and more. The rest of the day is free in Florence to explore this showpiece city of the Renaissance as you please. Join us this evening to share favorite moments of the week at a farewell cocktail reception and dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Bernini Palace Hotel, Florence, Italy

Day 8 - Arrivederci Italy
The Tour Operator's Umbria and Tuscany tour ends in Florence. Fly home anytime; a transfer is included from the Bernini Palace Hotel to Aeorporto di Firenze. You should allow 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in.

Meals: Breakfast

Night 1, 2 & 3: Hotel Majestic Roma
Rome, Italy

A jewel of neoclassic elegance built in 1889, Hotel Majestic Roma is set on the renowned Via Veneto within walking distance of the Spanish Steps and the Villa Borghese Gardens. This intriguing hotel was constructed in the shape of a piano to accommodate a bend in the Via Veneto; its distinctive antiques and fresco-adorned ceilings make it a special place to stay. Welcoming guest rooms, with their unique combinations of fabrics used for drapes and bedspreads, feature either queen- or king-size beds, air conditioning, direct dial phone, satellite and cable TV channels, hair dryer, safe, mini bar and Carrara marble bathroom. The Fitness Center, available to guests 24-hours a day, is equipped with the latest in exercise equipment. La Ninfa restaurant, offering Mediterranean cuisine and cocktails on the terrace in a cozy, informal atmosphere, is one of Rome’s best-kept secrets. A part of the scenery in Fellini’s Dolce Vita, it has long been a favorite choice of royalty and celebrities.

Night 4 & 5: Hotel Brufani Palace
Perugia, Italy

The deluxe Hotel Brufani Palace occupies a unique location on a hilltop in the historic center of Perugia, close to all the principal sites of interest. Evoking the exclusiveness of which the city of Perugia is proud, guests during the hotel's 100-year history have included the Prince of Monaco and the Queen Mother of England, as well as many famous actors and noted politicians who have prized its beauty, refinement and superb views of Umbria. Within the Sireneuse Club, there is an indoor swimming pool with a transparent bottom that reveals millennium-old Etruscan ruins, as well as a gym, sauna, steam bath and whirlpool. Guest rooms are traditionally furnished and offer all the modern amenities sought by today’s sophisticated travelers. The readers of Condé Nast Traveler have included the Hotel Brufani Palace on their Gold List.

Night 6 & 7: Bernini Palace Hotel
Florence, Italy

The hotel located in closest proximity to the Uffizi Gallery in the center of the city, the historic building that houses the Bernini Palace Hotel evokes the magic of Florence during the rule of the Medici family. The hotel occupies a 15th-century building that was the parliament of the Kingdom of Italy when Florence was the capital. The splendid ceiling fresco in the Parliament Room is intriguing, as are the portraits of the political leaders of the time who met within these walls. The Bernini Palace Hotel is a cozy hotel with a delightfully elegant yet warm and homey ambience.

INCLUSIVE PRICES
Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, special dinners, sightseeing, admissions, luggage handling and the services of the Tour Director, local guides and drivers are included. A representative of the Tour Operator will meet you at Rome Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino) Airport and provide transportation to the Hotel Majestic Roma, regardless of the day and time of your arrival, provided you have furnished us with accurate flight arrival information at least two weeks prior to the start of your tour. The Tour Operator will also provide transportation from the Bernini Palace Hotel to Aeroporto di Firenze on whatever day you choose to depart.

Hotel Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. The Tour Operators standard is to provide the best available hotels without sacrificing value. Although the quality may differ slightly from place to place, the Tour Operators commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bedded rooms with a rollaway cot or a sofa bed, when 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.

Tour Director – A Week in… 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 gratuities for restaurant and hotel staff, and local guides are included.

No Options Sold – Your Tour Director will assist you 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 the Extend This Journey section on this website and discuss it with the 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, mineral waters and soft drinks, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, individual airport transfers, 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.