11 Day Enchanting Italy (Friday Departure)

$1899 Land Only

$2459* Air & Land

Home : : Italy Travel: Apr 2008 - Oct 2008

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Highlights Escorted Package Includes Flights NYC-Venice, Naples-NYC. Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices Airline fuel surcharges 9 nights First Class accommodations 2 nights Plaza, Venice Mestre 2 nights Mediterraneo, Florence 3 nights Palatino, Rome 2 nights Central, Sorrento▲ All transfers 16 meals: 9 buffet breakfasts, 7 dinners with wine Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach Services of English-speaking tour managers throughout Services of local guides in all major cities Entrance fees per itinerary Special Features Doges' Palace, Venice Wine tasting with local specialties at Tuscan countryside farm Michelangelo's David, Florence Basilica of St. Francis, Assisi Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel, Rome Forum & Colosseum, Rome Dinner with Opera Singers, Rome Wine & mineral water with all dinners Whisper technology enhanced touring ▲ Some departures may stay at the Hotel Cristina in Sorrento. Itinerary DAY 1, Friday - Depart USA Depart the USA for Italy. Your flight includes meals, drinks and in-flight entertainment DAY 2, Saturday - Arrive in Venice Arrive in Venice and transfer to your hotel. The Hotel Plaza in Venice Mestre is located directly opposite the railway station, only a few minutes train journey from Venice Island. Round trip train tickets for two full days are provided at no additional charge should you choose to further explore Venice Island on your own. Balance of the day at leisure. This evening, enjoy an orientation meeting with your tour escort, followed by a welcome dinner Overnight: Venice Meals: Dinner DAY 3, Sunday - Tour Venice Today begins with a boat ride to the Island of Murano, known throughout the world for its glass manufacturing industry. Visit St. Mark's Square to begin a guided walking tour of romantic Venice. View the Golden Basilica of San Marco, the Bridge of Sighs and visit the Doges' Palace, whose facade features a massive late-Gothic gate, known as the Porta della Carta. Take the remainder of the day to explore Venice on your own Optionals: Gondola Tour (PM) Overnight: Venice Meals: Breakfast DAY 4, Monday - Venice, Pisa, Florence Travel through the stunning panorama of Tuscany to Pisa. On arrival, view the famous Piazza del Miracoli with its Leaning Tower, the Baptistery, the Duomo, and the Monumental Cemetery. The four monuments of this extraordinary piazza make for a unique architectural blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. En route to Florence, visit a local Tuscan farm in the countryside for a wine tasting with local specialties Overnight: Florence Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 5, Tuesday - Tour Florence Today's morning tour begins with a visit to the Accademia of Fine Arts, where Michelangelo's David is housed. Walk to the Duomo, celebrated for its magnificent dome designed by Brunelleschi, and view the Baptistery's renowned "Gates of Paradise" by Ghiberti. Continue to explore the open air art museum of Signoria Square ending at Ponte Vecchio, known as the "Old Bridge." Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in Florence. This evening, dine in an authentic Tuscan restaurant in the countryside Optional: Uffizi Tour (PM) Overnight: Florence Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 6, Wednesday - Florence, Assisi, Rome Today travel along the famous "Sun Route" motorway to the medieval the city of Assisi, world-known for its 13th century Basilica of St. Francis and Giotto's frescoes. Continue to Rome for dinner and overnight Overnight: Rome Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 7, Thursday - Tour Vatican Museum Today begins with the visit to the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo's breathtaking Sistine Chapel. Stroll through St. Peter's Square, passing Bernini's famous colonnade, to visit St. Peter's Basilica, where you will view Michelangelo's Pieta. This highly-finished marble sculpture depicts the body of Jesus in the arms of Mary after the Crucifixion, and was created for the funeral monument of French cardinal Jean de Billheres. The remainder of the day is at leisure Optionals: Walking tour of Piazzas and Fountains of Rome (PM) Overnight: Rome Meals: Breakfast DAY 8, Friday - Tour Ancient Rome This morning, a historic tour of "ancient Rome" takes you to the Roman Forum, the political center during the Roman Republic, the triumphal Arch of Constantine, the Arch of Titus and the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater built in the Roman Empire. Afternoon at leisure. Tonight, dine in a typical Roman restaurant with wine and music, then enjoy an illuminated tour of the city Overnight: Rome Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 9, Saturday - Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento Drive south, passing by the famous Monte Cassino Abbey, founded by St. Benedict of Norcia in 529. Destroyed on four separate occasions, it was last rebuilt after being the site of fierce fighting during the Second World War. View Mt. Vesuvius in passing the Bay of Naples, before reaching Pompeii. Visit the ruins of this best preserved Roman city, including the Temples of Apollo and Jupiter, and the Forum. Continue to Sorrento Overnight: Sorrento Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 10, Sunday - Full Day in Sorrento Enjoy a full day at leisure in Sorrento. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant Optionals: Capri Tour Overnight: Sorrento Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 11, Monday - Depart for the USA Transfer to the airport in Naples for your departure flight Meals: Breakfast Optionals Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, and save money. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Gondola Ride with Music Day #3 01 Apr 2008 - 30 Apr 2009     $59 This is one of the highlights of any Italian holiday, a relaxing ride in a Venetian gondola through centuries old canals, past lavish palaces, under famous arched bridges, accompanied by music. Uffizi Tour 1:30 PM Day #5 01 May 2008 - 31 Mar 2009     $65 Skip the long lines and enjoy a tour of the Uffizi Gallery with an expert guide. Located in the Palazzo degli Uffizi, the gallery is one of the oldest and most prominent collections of art in the world. Originally the private collection of the Medici family, the palazzo was opened to the public in 1765. Your tour highlights exceptional examples of Florentine painting with an aim to help you better understand the works of masters including Giotto, Fra Angelico, Filippo Lippi, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Following the tour, enjoy a refreshing break at the museum's cafeteria, offering a breathtaking view of the city. Afterward, continue to explore the galleries at your leisure. Tour departs from the reservation entrance door outside the Uffizi Gallery at 1:30 PM. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure. Piazzas of Rome Day #7 01 Apr 2008 - 30 Apr 2009     $42 A half day walking tour to explore the Eternal City. Stand in awe in front of the majestic Spanish Steps, and with your local guide stroll through the most characteristic Piazzas of Rome, including Trevi Fountain (Three coins), the monumental Pantheon -- best preserved of Roman buildings -- and the baroque Piazza Navona. Full Day Capri Day #10 01 Apr 2008 - 30 Apr 2009     $109 Sail to the magical Island of Capri with a local guide, visit the charming village of Capri and the famous gardens of Caesar Augustus with the expertise of a local guide for an unforgettable day! Tour includes: local guide, round trip transportation to port, round trip transportation by fast boat, minibus or cable car transportation on the island. Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, and save money. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Rates & Hotels Click On A Date To Book Online * All Prices are in USD 2008 Land Only Air & Land May 16 (Sold Out) 2439 3279 May 23 2399 3239 May 30 2399 3239 Jun 6 2439 3279 Jun 13 2479 3319 Jun 20 2439 3599 Jun 27 2399 3559 Jul 4 2439 3599 Jul 11 2199 3359 Jul 18 2199 3359 Jul 25; Aug 1 2179 3339 Aug 8; 15 2179 3219 Aug 22 2179 3219 Aug 29 2399 3439 Sep 12 (Sold Out) 2439 3269 Sep 19 (Sold Out) 2439 3099 Sep 26 2439 3099 Oct 3 2439 3139 Oct 10 2439 3189 Oct 17 2439 3079 Oct 24 2399 3149 Oct 31; Nov 7 2399 2979 Nov 14 2149 2729 Nov 21 2059 2639 Nov 28 2069 2649 Dec 5 2069 2629 2009 Land Only Air & Land Jan 30 1899 2459 Feb 20 2229 2789 Mar 6; 13 2099 2659 Mar 20; 27 2349 2969 *Not included: airport taxes, fees & September 11th Security Fee, restaurant tips of $15, optional tours, tips to local guides, driver, and tour manager (see Terms & Conditions). Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers. Some departures may stay at the Hotel Cristina in Sorrento. Hotel Plans 11 Day Enchanting Italy (Friday Departure) - [details] Hotel Plaza   Venice Mestre This first class hotel is located on mainland Venice (Mestre), only a few minutes from the attractions of Venice Island. [more] Grand Hotel Mediterraneo   Florence This superior tourist class hotel is situated on the bank of the River Arno, within walking distance of the city center. [more] Grand Hotel Palatino   Rome This first class hotel is located in the heart of ancient Rome, just a short walk from the Colosseum. [more] Hotel Central   Sorrento This first class hotel is well-located near the city center, overlooking the Bay of Naples. [more] Package Date: Select Date   Pre/Post Accommodations Pre-Accommodations: Nights   Post-Accommodations: Nights   Include Flight? Yes No Inner Air Departure City Departure Date   Return Date   Preferred Airline [Any] Accesrail Aces Airlines Aegean Airlines Aer Lingus Aero California Aerocontinente Aeroflot Russian Airlines Aerolineas Argentinas Aerolineas Internacionales Aeromar Aeromexico Aeropostal Airlines Aerosvit Airlines Afrinat International Airlines Air Alm Air Canada Air Caraibes Air China International Air D'ayiti Air Europa Air France Air India Air Jamaica Air Liberte/Aom Air Malta Air New Zealand Air Pacific Air Santo Domingo Air Tahiti Nui Air Transat Airtran Airways Alaska Airlines Alitalia Airlines All Nippon Airways Allegro Airlines Aloha Airlines America West Airlines American Airlines American Trans Air Amtrak Asiana Airlines Austrian Airlines Aviacsa Avianca Azteca Airlines Bahamasair Big Sky Airlines British Airways British Midland Airways Bwia Intl Airways Caribbean Star Airlines Caribbean Sun Airlines Cathay Pacific Airways Cayman Airways China Airlines China Eastern Airlines China Southern Airlines Continental Airlines Copa Croatia Airlines Crossair Dba Swiss Csa Czech Airlines Delta Airlines Deutsche Ba Dutch Caribbean Airlines Egyptair El Al Israel Airlines Emirates Era Aviation Ethiopian Airlines Eva Airways Finnair Oy Frontier Airlines Garuda Indonesian Airways Ghana Airways GOL Linhas Aereas Great Lakes Aviation Great Plains Airlines Gulf Air Hahn Air Hawaiian Airlines Iberia Icelandair Indigo Airlines Isair Japan Air Lines Jet Airways Klm Royal Dutch Airlines Korean Air Kuwait Airways Lacsa Airlines Lan Argentina Lan Chile Airlines Lanecuador Lanperu Lapa Lin Aer Privadas Liat (1974) Lloyd Aereo Boliviano Lot Polish Airlines Ltu International Airways Lufthansa Airlines Malaysia Airlines System Malev Hungarian Airlines Martinair Holland Meridiana Mesa Air Lines Mexicana Airlines Middle East Airlines Midwest Express Airlines National Airlines North American Airlines Northwest Airlines Olympic Airways Pakistan Intl Airlines Penair Philippine Airlines Pluna Lineas Polynesian Airlines Qantas Airways Qatar Airways Royal Air Maroc Royal Jordanian Airlines Saudi Arabian Airlines Scandinavian Airlines Singapore Airlines Sn Brussels Airlines Solair South African Airways Southern Winds Southwest Airlines Spanair Spirit Airlines Sun Country Airlines Surinam Airways Swisswings Ag Taca International Airlines Tam Airlines Tam Mercosur Tap Air Portugal Tarom Romanian Air Transport Thai Airways Turkish Airlines Ukraine International Airlines United Airlines Universal Airlines US Airways Varig Airlines Vasp Brazilian Airlines Via Rail Canada Virgin Atlantic Airways Virgin Blue Virgin Express # of Adults # of Children 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 -- 1 2 3 Preferred Class Economy Business What is Airfare Type? Gate 1 Travel Airfare - These are Gate 1 Travel fares which allow you to book your trip while paying a minimal deposit at time of booking. Instant Purchase/Published Airfare - These are fares that airlines have published which require payment in full at time of purchase. In some cases, these fares may be displayed as Gate 1 Airfare with Instant Purchase Requirement. To find the lowest available airfare, select [ANY] and you will get results for both kinds of airfare. Each of these fare types has its own set of restrictions which cover changes, cancellations, fuel surcharges, etc. Please refer to our terms and conditions for full details. Airfare Type [Any] Gate 1 Travel Airfare Only Published Airfare Only We are unable to reserve airline seats for you until 11 months prior to your date of travel. Until then, we offer a choice of airfares from major US cities which you may select for your reservation. Your final flight details, airfare, airport taxes and fees will be advised 11 months prior to travel. Airfares are subject to change. Air reservations may be completed no more than 11 months prior to the date of travel. For travel more than 11 months prior, please call Gate 1 at (800) 682-3333. Accommodations Select Number of Rooms   1 2 3 4 Room 1 # of Adults 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 # of Children -- 1 2 3 First Child Age