12 Day Enchanting Italy (Friday Departure)

$2099 Land Only

$2889* Air & Land

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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 10 nights First Class accommodations 2 nights Grand Hotel Principe , Venice 2 nights Grand Hotel Mediterraneo, Florence 3 nights Grand Hotel Palatino, Rome 3 nights Hotel Central, Sorrento All transfers 16 meals: 10 buffet breakfasts, 6 dinners with wine Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach Services of English-speaking tour manager 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 Visit to the excavations at Pompeii Wine & mineral water with all dinners Whisper technology enhanced touring 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 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, Sunday - Venice City Tour 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 Ride with Music (PM) Overnight: Venice Meals: Breakfast DAY 4, Monday - Pisa Sightseeing En Route to 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. Evening at leisure Overnight: Florence Meals: Breakfast DAY 5, Tuesday - Florence City Tour 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 Overnight: Florence Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 6, Wednesday - Sun Route Via Assisi to Rome Today travel along the famous "Sun Route" motorway to the medieval the city of Assisi, renowned for its 13th century Basilica of St. Francis and Giotto's frescoes. Continue to your hotel in Rome Overnight: Rome Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 7, Thursday - Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel 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 is considered to be among the most compelling of all works of art in the Western world. The remainder of the day is at leisure Optionals: Piazzas 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 - Pompeii Tour, Travel to 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. Strikingly beautiful and picturesque, even by Italian standards, Sorrento is set along the sea, with stunning escarpments plunging into the Gulf of Naples. Take a walk to see firsthand why this town has long been beloved by poets and artists Optionals: Full Day Capri Overnight: Sorrento Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 11, Monday - Full Day in Sorrento Spend your last day in Sorrento at leisure. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and perhaps take advantage of the opportunity to sip an authentic limoncello, the region's signature drink, at a cafe Overnight: Sorrento Meals: Breakfast DAY 12, Tuesday - 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, save money, and protect your investment. 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. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure. Gondola Ride with Music Day #3 01 Apr 2008 - 30 Apr 2009     $59 01 May 2009 - 30 Apr 2010     $62 One of the highlights of any Italian holiday! Enjoy a relaxing gondola ride with music along the famous Grand Canal, and experience a piece of Venetian history. Glide along the centuries old canals, past lavish palaces and under famous arched bridges (the Gondola holds a maximum of six passengers. Please note that this is not a private gondola ride). Pickup details to be advised locally. Piazzas of Rome Day #7 01 Apr 2008 - 30 Apr 2009     $42 01 May 2009 - 30 Apr 2010     $42 This half day walking tour takes you to explore the grand piazzas of the Eternal City. Stand in awe in front of the majestic Spanish Steps, the longest and widest decorative steps in Europe, and with your local guide stroll through the most characteristic "piazzas and vias " of Rome. Stop to admire the breathtaking grandeur of the Trevi Fountain and take the opportunity to toss in one, two, or three coins, each of which is supposed to bring a unique kind of good fortune. View the monumental Pantheon, the best preserved of any Roman building and admire the baroque Piazza Navona, which follows the shape of the ancient Roman Diocletian Stadium, with Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers and the Egyptian Obelisk. Pick up details to be advised locally. Full Day Capri Day #10 01 Apr 2008 - 30 Apr 2009     $109 01 May 2009 - 30 Apr 2010     $109 Enjoy a full day journey to the colorful Isle of Capri by boat. Visit the lovely Anacapri and explore the charming shops and chic boutiques as you stroll the island's narrow streets. Continue to see "La Piazzetta," the social heart of the island, on your way to the open-air Gardens of Augustus, from where you will appreciate breathtaking views of the famous Faraglioni rocks. Tour includes: local guide, round trip transportation to port, round trip transportation by fast boat, minibus or cable car transportation on the island. Pickup details to be advised locally. Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. 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. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure. Rates & Hotels Click On A Date To Book Online * All Prices are in USD 2009 Land Only Air & Land Apr 3 2199 2939 Apr 10 2289 2999 Apr 17 2299 3039 Apr 24 2289 2999 May 1 2299 3039 May 8 2289 2999 May 15 2299 3069 May 22 2299 3169 May 29; Jun 5 2299 3379 Jun 12; 19; 26; Jul 3 2399 3479 Jul 10 2199 3279 Jul 17 2189 3299 Jul 24; 31 2199 3339 Aug 7; 14 2189 3299 Aug 21 2199 3279 Aug 28 2399 3479 Sep 4 2489 3199 Sep 18; 25; Oct 2; 9; 16 2489 3199 Oct 23 2499 3119 Oct 30 2399 3149 Nov 6 2299 2919 Nov 13 2099 2849 Nov 20 2099 2719 Nov 27 2099 2889 Dec 4 2099 2719 Dec 18 2099 2889 Dec 25 2299 3089 2010 Land Only Air & Land Jan 15; 29; Feb 12; 19; Mar 5; 12 2099 2889 Mar 19 2199 2989 Mar 26 2299 3089 *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 12 Day Enchanting Italy (Friday Departure) - [details]   Grand Hotel Principe   Venice This first class hotel is a prestigious ancient palace situated on the Grand Canal, just after the Scalzi Bridge. [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   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 Berlin 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 One Airlines 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 DragonAir Airlines Dutch Caribbean Airlines Egyptair El Al Israel Airlines Emirates Era Aviation Ethiopian Airlines Etihad Airways Eva Airways Finnair Oy Frontier Airlines Garuda Indonesian Airways Ghana Airways GOL Linhas Aereas Great Lakes Aviation Great Plains Airlines Gulf Air Hahn Air Hainan Airlines Hawaiian Airlines Iberia Icelandair Indigo Airlines Isair Japan Air Lines Jet Airways JetBlue 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 SkyEurope 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 -- 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Second Child Age -- 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Third Child Age -- 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Room 2 # of Adults -- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 # of Children -- 1 2 3 First Child Age -- 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Second Child Age -- 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Third Child Age -- 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Room 3 # of Adults -- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 # of Children -- 1 2 3 First Child Age -- 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Second Child Age -- 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Third Child Age --