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10-Nights Best of Italy from $4,699
Collette
OFFER ID 1612534
Best of Italy
Be whisked away into the beauty and history of Italy when you journey to Venice, Florence, and Rome. Journey to the wine-producing Romagna countryside for a relaxing 3-night stay in a wine resort, and visit the Republic of San Marino, an enclave state of Italy. See how gondola oars are crafted before cruising the canals of Venice on one yourself. Witness a performance of Vivaldi’s famous Four Seasons in the city he lived in. Explore the ancient underground tunnels of Chiusi’s Labyrinth of Porsenna. Try your hand at making Italian culinary classics before sitting down to dinner. Discover the city’s catacombs and explore Rome’s artistic masterpieces. Come along with us and embrace the history, culture, art and romance of this incredible country.
10 nights from $4,699 per person
Itinerary Details
Best of Italy
Day 1 Overnight Flight
Join us for a fabulous Italian adventure featuring the magic of Venice, Florence and Rome. Journey to the wine-producing Romagna countryside for a 2-night stay in a wine resort, and visit the Republic of San Marino, an enclave state of Italy. Come along with us and embrace the history, culture, art and romance of this incredible country.
Day 2 Venice, Italy
Hotel: Maison Venezia UNA Esperienze
Welcome to enchanting Venice (UNESCO) with its 117 tiny islands surrounded by a latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges. This evening, meet your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner.(D)
Day 3 Venice
Hotel: Maison Venezia UNA Esperienze
This morning, explore the traditional Venetian craftsmanship behind one of the city’s symbols: the sleek, iconic gondola boats. Visit a local Remèr oar-making workshop, one of only a handful still active in the city. Then, join a local guide for a walking tour of Venice’s most iconic sights. Pause for the perfect view over the Bridge of Sighs and take in St. Mark’s Square, adorned with marbled palaces and gilded basilicas. Travel by boat to Murano for an expert glass-blowing demonstration, a renowned tradition on the island. This evening, glide along the canals during a gondola ride* before delving into Venice’s classical music heritage while attending a live performance of the Four Seasons** composed by the great Venetian Antonio Vivaldi.(B)
Day 4 Venice - Po River Sailing - Romagna Countryside
Hotel: Borgo Conde Wine Resort, Romagna Countryside
Say “Ciao” to Venice as you journey towards the Romagna region, famous for its epicurean lifestyle and its joie de vivre. Along the way, visit the Po Delta (UNESCO). Since ancient times, this delta has been the border between the Venice and Ravenna regions, once two independent states. These wetlands will give you a glimpse into what Venice and Ravenna looked like to ancient Roman settlers making their way here from the south. You’ll explore these wetlands by pontoon boat,* learning about how the ecosystem here actually aided the Romans in escaping the barbarians that harried them. You’ll also learn about the lives of fisherman and farmers whose lives have changed very little over the last 1000 years. Take in the tranquil scenery before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, continue to your hotel nestled among vineyards in the Romagna countryside and settle in for your 3-night stay.(B, L, D)
Day 5 Romagna Countryside
Hotel: Borgo Conde Wine Resort, Romagna Countryside
Today, it’s your choice! Bask in the bucolic landscape at your wine resort hotel and pamper yourself with an organic wine-infused mud treatment in the onsite spa -OR- spend the day exploring Ravenna (UNESCO). During the darkness that enveloped the last days of the Roman Empire, Ravenna emerged as a center of power thanks to its strategic position. The city’s rulers – the Byzantines, the Goths – adorned its churches with dazzling mosaics. During a guided walking tour, discover the city’s most illustrious monuments including the mosaics that inspired Cole Porter’s Night and Day. This evening, join the local chef for a hands-on cooking class centered on Romagna’s most typical pasta dishes with colorful names such as garganelli or strozzapreti (priest-stranglers), and enjoy the results of your work for dinner.(B, D)
Day 6 Romagna Countryside
Hotel: Borgo Conde Wine Resort, Romagna Countryside
Grab your passport*** and journey to the landlocked Republic of San Marino, the fifth-smallest country in the world. Perched at the top of Mount Titano, the old town of San Marino (UNESCO) gives visitors sweeping views over the Adriatic Riviera and the gentle rolling hills of the Romagna countryside. Explore the Old Town’s intricate system of fortification towers, walls, gates and bastions during time at leisure. This evening, wrap up your stay in the Romagna Countryside with a wine-pairing dinner at your wine resort hotel.(B, D)
Day 7 Romagna Countryside - Florence
Hotel: Grand Hotel Cavour
Today, travel to the Emilia region, Italy’s foodie haven. Meet students and teachers at a vocational high school**** for an Impact Moment dedicated to the Culinary Arts and Agriculture. Here, Italy’s future chefs and farmers learn how to make Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese according to traditional codes, dating back to the 1300s. Students also try their hand aging Balsamic vinegar, a generational process taking anything from 12 to 25 years. Enjoy a farm-to-table light lunch prepared by the culinary students using ingredients from the School’s farm. Later, continue to Florence (UNESCO), the “Cradle of the Renaissance” and your home for the next 2 nights.(B, L)
Day 8 Florence
Hotel: Grand Hotel Cavour
This morning, meet a local expert for a walking tour of a city that is a work of art all on its own. Your guide will highlight the Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Baptistery. You’ll also visit the Piazza della Signoria with its impressive Palazzo Vecchio. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Florence’s cultural riches independently. Perhaps you’ll visit one of the city’s many museums,***** such as the Uffizi or Academy Gallery, where Michelangelo’s David is kept.(B)
Day 9 Florence - Chiusi - Rome
Hotel: Ponte Sisto Hotel
This morning, traverse southern Tuscany, the ancient land of the Etruscans. This mysterious civilization predated the Romans, who assimilated them, erasing most of their way of life, even though many early kings of Rome were Etruscans. By all accounts, they were an advanced society and culture. On a guided walking tour of Chiusi, once part of the Etruscan Dodecapolis, you'll explore the town’s underground water system – which has so many twists and turns that it was nicknamed Labyrinth of King Porsenna. You’ll also visit the small archeological museum housing some of the most interesting artifacts archeologists found in the surrounding hills. Arrive in Rome (UNESCO) in the afternoon and settle in for a 3-night stay.(B)
Day 10 Rome
Hotel: Ponte Sisto Hotel
This morning, explore Rome’s early Christian legacy during a visit of the Catacombs. Then, delve into Rome’s second Golden Age on a walking tour exploring its Renaissance and Baroque heritage and featuring Caravaggio’s paintings, alongside the Pantheon and Navona Square. The afternoon is yours to explore more of Italy’s capital city. Perhaps you’ll stroll down the monumental avenue of the Imperial Forums for views of the Colosseum, or climb the Capitol Hill with its monumental piazza designed by Michelangelo.(B)
Day 11 Rome
Hotel: Ponte Sisto Hotel
Make the most of a free day in the Eternal City. Perhaps you’ll stroll through the Borghese Gardens for views of the city’s skyline or join an optional guided tour of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter’s Basilica.****** Gather tonight to toast the end of your Italian adventure during a food tour* in Rome’s bohemian Trastevere district.(B, D)
Day 12 Rome - Tour Ends
Your tour comes to a close today, leaving you with many fond memories of incredible Italy.(B)
Sprawled across seven legendary hills, romantic and beautiful Rome was one
of the great centers of the ancient world. Although its beginning is shrouded
in legend and its development is full of intrigue and struggle, Rome has always
been and remains the Eternal City.
Rome enjoyed its greatest splendor during the 1st and 2nd centuries when art
flourished, monumental works of architecture were erected, and the mighty Roman
legions swept outward, conquering all of Italy. These victorious armies then
swept across the Mediterranean and beyond to conquer most of the known world.
With Rome's establishment as capital of the western world, a new ascent to glory
began.
Today's Rome, with its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious
parks, tree-lined boulevards, fountains, outdoor cafes and elegant shops, is
one of the world’s most attractive and exciting cities. Among the most famous
monuments is the Colosseum. As you walk its cool, dark passageways, imagine
the voices that once filled the arena as 50,000 spectators watched combats between
muscled gladiators and ferocious animals.
Stop to see the remains of the Forum, once the city's political and commercial
center. In later times, Rome's squares were enhanced with such imposing structures
as the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and grandiose fountains like the Fontana di
Trevi. Join the millions who stand in awe of Christendom’s most magnificent
church and admire the timeless masterpieces of Michelangelo's frescoes in the
Sistine Chapel.
Rome jars the senses and captures the soul. Grasp all you can during the short,
precious time you have available in the Eternal City. With so much to see and
do, a day or two will only allow you a sampling of the city's marvelous treasures.
Caution: As in many big cities and tourist destinations purse snatching
and pickpocketing is common. Valuable jewelry and excess cash are best left
in a safety deposit box in your hotel.
Shopping For most visitors shopping for beautiful Italian leather articles,
designer shoes, fashions for men and women, linens, knitwear, silk scarves and
ties is a favorite pastime. Except for tourist-oriented shops, the majority
of stores are closed on Sundays. Some of the department stores, such as Rinascente,
open in the late afternoon on Sundays.
Cuisine Rome's choice of restaurants is mindboggling as is the variety
of cuisine. Whether your meal is at a top-rated restaurant or a rustic trattoria,
you can be sure that you will enjoy your food, especially when accompanied by
wines from the hill towns surrounding Rome.
Other Sights Rome's attractions are endless, and depending on how much
time you have at your disposal a careful selection has to be made about what
to see. Be aware of horrendous traffic conditions and major construction work
all around the city in preparation of Jubilee 2000, the Holy Year. Some of the
sights not to be missed:
Piazza Venezia - This busy square is easily recognized by its imposing Vittorio
Emanuele II Monument. The white marble structure was inaugurated in 1911 as
a symbol of Italy’s unification.
The Forum - Once the civic heart of ancient Rome, today the remains include
a series of ruins, marble fragments, isolated columns and some worn arches.
Colosseum - No visit to Rome is complete without a stop at this awe-inspiring
theater, which is among the world’s most celebrated buildings. Here ancient
Rome flocked to see gladiatorial contests and numerous other spectacles.
Trevi Fountain - Take a stroll to Rome's famous fountain. A spectacular fantasy
of mythical sea creatures and cascades of splashing water, the fountain is one
of the city's foremost attractions. Legend has it that visitors must toss a
coin into the fountain to ensure their return to Rome.
St. Peter's Square - Part of Vatican City, this square created by Bernini
is considered one of the loveliest squares in the world. Twin Doric colonnades
topped with statues of various saints and martyrs flank either side of the square.
In the center stands an 84-foot obelisk, brought from Egypt in 37 A.D.
St. Peter's Basilica - At the head of the square stands Christendom's most
magnificent church, which was begun in 1452 on the site where St. Peter was
buried. Throughout the following 200 years, such Renaissance masters as Bramante,
Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini worked on its design and created an unparalleled
masterpiece. Of special note are Michelangelo's Pieta and the bronze canopy
over the high altar by Bernini. The immense dome was designed by Michelangelo.
Vatican Museum - To see this museum's immense collection would take days.
As you enter, there are special posters that plot a choice of four color-coded
itineraries. They are repeated throughout the museum and are easy to follow.
It is a good idea to pickup a leaflet at the main entrance and concentrate on
exhibits of major interest. Of course, the Sistine Chapel is a must. Most likely
you may have to wait in line to enter.
Excursions
Venice: Splendours of Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours
Venice: Splendours of Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours
Highlights:
- Admire the wonderful architecture of the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica
Tour can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Return private motorboat transfers between the harbour and central Venice
- An expert English-speaking guide (4 hours)
- Entrance fees to all named sights and museums
- All taxes
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs.
- Gratuities
Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours
Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours
Highlights:
- Admire the many art treasures on display in the Frari Church
- See the masterpieces on display in the Accademia Gallery
Tour Can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Return private motorboat transfers between the harbour and central Venice
- An expert English-speaking guide (4 hours)
- Entrance fees to all stated sights and museums
- All taxes
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 7 hours
Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 7 hours
Highlights:
- Visit Verona's impressive Amphitheatre
- See Juliet's House and its famous balcony
Tour Can Operate: Mornings
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan transfers between Venice cruise terminal and Verona
- An expert English-speaking guide in Verona (3 hours)
- Entrance fees to the stated sightseeing
- All taxes
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Venice - St. Marks, Grand Canal and Murano - 6 hours
Venice - St. Marks, Grand Canal and Murano - 6 hours
- Introduction to the history of Venice
- Visit to private glass producer in Murano
- Tour of Grand Canal by private boat
- Reservations to St.Marks and Doge's Palace - no lines
Included:
- Private English speaking guide for the day and private boat.
- Clients are picked up and dropped off at the Port
Meals
Venice: Lagoon Islands - 7 hours
Venice: Lagoon Islands - 7 hours
Today you will be met by your local English-speaking guide for a full day excursion by private motor-boat to explore the Lagoon Islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.
Venice lies in the centre of a vast lagoon that stretches for about 30 miles from north to south, studded by numerous small islands, mostly deserted. This amazing environment is what drove the Venetians to establish their city here, a perfectly secure and inaccessible little world. Enjoy the beauty of a ride across the waters of the lagoon; visit the island of Murano, where glass has been made for over 700 years and where you can see the age-old techniques of glass blowing still in use today.
Continue to Torcello, to see the breathtaking mosaics in the Basilica di Santa Maria dell’Assunta, the oldest building on the lagoon. After a leisurely lunch (payable locally) you reach the island of Burano, a quaint and colourful fisherman island famous for its lace and charming architecture.
Highlights:
- Cruise across the lagoon to Murano, where glass has been made for over 700 years using the same techniques
- Explore Torcello and Burano, a colourful fishing village famous for its lace and charming architecture
Tour can Operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Low
Inclusions:
• Return private motorboat transfer between the harbour and the islands
• An expert local guide (7 hours)
• Entrance fees
• All taxes
Exclusions:
• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities
The story of Murano and Burano
The story of Murano and Burano
Hop on a private boat and start sailing through the Venice lagoon! This unique tour will let you discover the authentic side of Venice by exploring two famous islands – Murano and Burano. First stop, Murano – an epicenter of the most sophisticated glass production in the world. “Il vetro di Murano”, the glass of Murano, is a special type of glass made for decades. You will visit one of the traditional factories and take part in a glass-blowing demonstration. Pretty exclusive, don’t you think?
Your next stop is Burano – a small, fishermen’s island, famous for its heritage of lace embroidery that it’s still today made by hand only. It is often mentioned as one of the prettiest towns in Italy and also one of the most unique thanks to two characteristics: its canals and its colorful houses that make the island a real rainbow of colors! This tour will surely let you remember the Venice Lagoon forever.
Highlights:
- Unique island experience
- Personal guide
Tour can operate: Morning or afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private guide
- Private boat
- Lunch
- Drinks
- Gratuities
- Items purchased for personal use
The Canal Grande cruise followed by a walking tour of Venice
The Canal Grande cruise followed by a walking tour of Venice
Are you ready to start this tour with a private boat cruise down the most spectacular “boulevard” in the world? Yes, we are talking about The Canal Grande, Venice’s main artery. Just hop on your private boat and enjoy the scenic views of all the marvelous palaces and side alley’s canals. Sit back and relax while you absorb the breath-taking beauty and uniqueness of Venice. After the ride, the guide will take you through Calli, Callette, Ponti, Campi and Campielli. You will reach Rialto bridge, that was the only way to cross the great Canal on foot, for centuries. You can indulge in great experience of the famous local market filled with interesting products and learn more about the area that was once a significant place for trading goods.
Highlights:
-
unique sightseeing experience
-
Personal guide
Tour Duration: up to 4h
Tour can operate: Morning / Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Easy
Inclusions:
- Private guide
-
No line entrance tickets for Doge’s Palace and St. Mark Basilic
Not Included:
- Lunch
- Tips
- Drinks
- Transfers
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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