15 Day Classic Italy with 7 Day Western Mediterranean Cruise - MSC Sinfonia

$2979 Land Only

$3729* Air & Land

Home : : Italy Travel: Apr 2008 - Oct 2008

Adjust font size:

HighlightsHighlights ItineraryItinerary Optional ToursOptional Tours Dates & PricesDates & Prices Full PackageFull Package Travel TipsTravel Tips

Highlights Escorted Package Includes Flights NYC-Venice, Rome-NYC Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices Airline fuel surcharges 13 nights accommodations 2 nights Carlton, Venice 2 nights Mediterraneo, Florence 2 nights Nova Domus, Rome 7 nights sea cruise on MSC Sinfonia (Category 3) inside cabin with two twin beds, convertible to 1 queen bed All transfers 28 meals: 13 buffet breakfasts, 6 lunches, 9 dinners Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach Services of an English-speaking tour manager on Day 2-8 Services of local guides in all major cities per itinerary 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 Wine & mineral water with all dinners Whisper technology enhanced touring Cruise Features: fitness center, casino, disco, internet cafe Itinerary DAY 1, Sunday - Depart USA Depart the USA for Italy. Your flight includes meals, drinks and in-flight entertainment DAY 2, Monday - Arrive in Venice Arrive in Venice and transfer to your hotel. 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, Tuesday - 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 Doge's 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 , Wednesday - 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, Thursday - 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 remainder of the day at leisure Optional: Tuscan Evening with Dinner Optional: Uffizi Tour (PM) Overnight: Florence Meals: Breakfast DAY 6, Friday - 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. Optionals: Dinner with Opera Singers and Illumination Drive Overnight: Rome Meals: Breakfast DAY 7, Saturday - 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. Remainder of the day at leisure. Optionals: Walking tour of Piazzas and Fountains of Rome (PM) Overnight: Rome Meals: Breakfast DAY 8, Sunday - Depart Rome, Cruise to Genoa Full day at leisure. This afternoon, transfer to the pier in Civitavecchia (Rome, Italy) to board ship for 8:00 p.m.departure. Overnight: Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 9, Monday - Genoa Enjoy a full day at leisure in Genoa (Liguria,Italy) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Once the hometown of Christopher Columbus, this city offers cathedral spires, ancient fortresses, tiny alleyways and charming street cafes. Nearby Portofino has some of the most attractive and wealthy resorts on the Ligurian Coast Overnight: Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 10, Tuesday - Monte Carlo Early morning arrive in the port of Monte Carlo (Monaco) and enjoy the morning at leisure from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Nothing more than a tiny Principality, Monaco steals much more of the international limelight than its size decently permits. But it's the Grand Casino, of course, where you must peer into the enchanting Salon Rose to see its naked nymph-clad ceiling. It's also the palace and the cathedral, the Rock of Monaco and the harbor, packed to the gills with million-dollar motor yachts—and those are just the modest ones Overnight: Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 11, Wednesday - Valencia With the morning at sea, arrive this afternoon in Valencia (Spain), and enjoy the balance of the day from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at leisure. Known as the "Garden City," Valencia is the third-largest city in Spain. Its City Gates, City Hall, and Cathedral are all impressive architectural feats, and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences complex, designed by Santiago Calatrava, is equally compelling Overnight: Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 12, Thursday - At Sea Overnight: Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 13, Friday - Malta Morning at sea. Afternoon in La Valletta (Malta) from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thick sandstone walls fortify Valletta, holding within its stone streets and glorious architecture. It feels like a travesty, walking over the detailed inlaid marble floors of the cathedrals, but they are there to be seen and appreciated. The Silent City is Medina, on the far side of the island, where no cars are permitted to disrupt the serene streets. Keep an eye out for the legendary, aged yellow buses of Malta which appear to be on their last legs, but are in fact a revered and flawlessly maintained piece of Maltese heritage Overnight: Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 14, Saturday - Tunis Enjoy the morning at leisure in Tunis (Tunisia), from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Make sure to visit the Kasbah, the Seat of Government and enjoy the panoramic view of the Great Mosque, with its imposing minaret dominating the Souk, where merchants display rich carpets, ornate jewelry, exotic perfumes and fine fabrics Overnight: Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 15, Sunday - Depart for the USA Disembark cruise in Civitavecchia (Rome, Italy) at 8:00 a.m. Transfer to the airport 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. Dinner at a Tuscan Restaurant Day #5 01 Apr 2008 - 30 Apr 2009     $79 Come join us for a Tuscan Feast tonight! An enjoyable ride through the lovely Tuscan hills will take us to a villa where a sumptuous Tuscan dinner will be served. As we enjoy the appetizers, the home-made pastas, the meats and dessert, let the wine flow and the music accompany our experience! Includes round-trip transportation, 5-course dinner with entertainment, and unlimited wine. Uffizi Tour 1:30 PM Day #5 01 May 2008 - 19 May 2008     $65 21 May 2008 - 23 Jun 2008     $65 25 Jun 2008 - 30 Jun 2008     $65 02 Jul 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. Dinner with Opera Singers & Illuminated Drive Day #6 01 Apr 2008 - 30 Apr 2009     $89 Optional opera dinner, complete with wine and music, and followed by a illuminated tour of Rome by night. 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. 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/Cruise Only Air & Land/Cruise May 25 (Sold Out) 2989 3989 Jun 15 3079 4329 Jul 13 2979 4509 Aug 10 3079 4099 Sep 21 2999 3729 Oct 5 2779 3509 *Not included: airport taxes, fees & September 11th Security Fee, restaurant tips of $5, optional tours, tips to local guides, driver, and tour manager, cruise line surcharge, taxes and fees of $169.50, shore excursions and cruise tips (see Terms & Conditions). Besides daily breakfast, lunch and dinner the available meals on cruise portion also include midnight buffet and additional choices from the room service menu, open 24 hours a day Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers but does include transfer from hotel to port. Single and Triple Cabins are available on request only. Return flight booking must be after 12PM (Noon) Cabin Categories Cabin 3 - [details] Mediterranean Shipping Cruises   Rome Boasting an Italian elegance, central to the MSC family offering, comfort with wide open public spaces, excellent facilities from bars to cafes to restaurants to the casino and nightly entertainment and more. [more] Hotel Carlton & Grand Canal   Venice This first class hotel is located on the Grand Canal and is just a few minutes from the shopping and historical center. [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] Quality Hotel Nova Domus   Rome This first class hotel is centrally located, within walking distance to Vatican City and Museum and the Sistine Chapel of Michelangelo. [more] Cabin 8 - [details] Mediterranean Shipping Cruises   Rome Boasting an Italian elegance, central to the MSC family offering, comfort with wide open public spaces, excellent facilities from bars to cafes to restaurants to the casino and nightly entertainment and more. [more] Hotel Carlton & Grand Canal   Venice This first class hotel is located on the Grand Canal and is just a few minutes from the shopping and historical center. [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] Quality Hotel Nova Domus   Rome This first class hotel is centrally located, within walking distance to Vatican City and Museum and the Sistine Chapel of Michelangelo. [more] Cabin 11 - [details] Mediterranean Shipping Cruises   Rome Boasting an Italian elegance, central to the MSC family offering, comfort with wide open public spaces, excellent facilities from bars to cafes to restaurants to the casino and nightly entertainment and more. [more] Hotel Carlton & Grand Canal   Venice This first class hotel is located on the Grand Canal and is just a few minutes from the shopping and historical center. [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] Quality Hotel Nova Domus   Rome This first class hotel is centrally located, within walking distance to Vatican City and Museum and the Sistine Chapel of Michelangelo. [more] Package Date: Select Date   Pre/Post Accommodations Pre-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.