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Italy First-Class Tours

Italy Tours and Italy Tour Vacations: Book an Italy tour with Atlas Travel, a leading seller of Italy tour vacations. We have Italy tours, travel packages, and Italy tour vacations to suit your every need. Italian tours, cruises, bus tours, and train travel packages are several of the many Italy tour vacations we have to offer. Travel to Italy with you escorted Italy Tour and Italy tour operator. All the work is done for you. All you have to do is find the perfect Italy Tour for yourself. We have gone through all of our most popular tour operators and we separated them according to how many days they, tour category, and tour information. 

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Italian Concerto
12 Days starting from $2,750.00

Countries Visited:
Italy

Length: 12 Days
Type: FIRST CLASS 2008
Category: Regional Europe
Operator: Trafalgar
Tour Code: ITCO
   
About This Tour


Cities Visited:
Rome, Amalfi Coast, Isle of Capri, Pompeii, Florence, Ravenna, Venice
 
What's Included
Sightseeing Highlights
 
  • Rome: Sightseeing tour includes views of the Forum and Circus Maximus plus visits to St. Peters Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum.
  • Montecassino: Visit the famous abbey and see the Polish cemetery.
  • Paestum: Visit the excavations of the ancient Greek Temples.
  • Isle of Capri: Orientation includes views of the Faraglioni Rocks and visits the famous ''Piazzetta''. Funicular to Capri town.
  • Amalfi: Spectacular Amalfi coastal drive. Orientation of the town includes the Romanesque church.
  • Pompeii: A guided tour of the excavations.
  • Florence: Sightseeing tour features Signoria Square, the Baptistery and visits the Santa Croce Basilica. Included wine tasting.
  • Ravenna: Visit the Baslilica of St Apollinaris in Classe to see the mosaics.
  • Venice: Private cruise to St. Mark''s Square. See the Bridge of Sighs, Doges Palace, St. Mark''s Basilica and Bell Tower. Witness the art of Murano glass blowing.
  • Scenic drives Apennine mountains, Amalfi coastal route, Umbrian and Chianti hills and the Po delta.
  • Where Trafalgar considers that our excellent audio system will enhance the commentary made by our local guides, making your tour of a city clearer and more entertaining, it will be included.
Dining Highlights
 
  • 1 Welcome Drink with your Tour Director in Rome
  • 10 hot buffet breakfasts
  • 3 three-course dinners in hotels
  • 1 local speciality restaurant dinner in Florence
  • Farewell Dinner with wine in Venice
15 meals in total (see day-by-day itinerary)
First Class Travel Highlights
 
  • The services of one of Trafalgar''s top professional multi-lingual Tour Directors.
  • A qualified local city guide in Rome, Paestum, Pompeii and Florence.
  • Chauffeur driven on Trafalgar''s luxury air-conditioned coaches with onboard washroom.
  • Cruise to the Isle of Capri.
  • Rome Fiumicino Airport Transfer is provided on Day 2 and Venice Airport Transfer is provided on Day 12.
  • You''ll stay in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
  • All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
  • A stylish wallet, tour documents and map book journal.
Airport Transfers
Group transfers on arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport will operate at 09.30, 12.30 and 15.30. Return transfers from the last hotel will arrive at Venice Airport at 08.00.
  • London Gateways: Transfers can be expensive, particularly between the Airport and central London. When you book your tour with Trafalgar your transfers to and from the airport are included. It''s that simple. Trafalgar has included a Free transfer to and from your airport and Central London.
  • Important – Please Note: Passengers will only be entitled to transfers to and from London Airports providing the following conditions are met:
  • You are staying at a London hotel, booked by Trafalgar, on the night of your arrival and the night prior to the date of your departure.
  • Flights are either booked by Trafalgar or detailed information on flights is provided by your Travel Agent not less than 21 days prior to departure.
  • Only one included transfer both inbound and outbound per tour is included by Trafalgar. Transfers are by express train to a Central London Rail Station.
  • Heathrow Airport: Inbound transfers operate between 06.00-21.30. Outbound transfers are timed to connect with scheduled flights departing between 08.00-23.00. Transfers will be by coach. Gatwick Airport: Inbound transfers operate between 06.00-12.30. Outbound transfers are timed to connect with scheduled flights departing between 08.00-23.00. Transfers will be by express train and coach. Transfers outside these times will be at the passengers own expense.
  • In the event of unforeseen events (road or rail works, demonstrations, strikes) Trafalgar will not be held responsible for delayed or cancelled transfers.
  • No refund is available for passengers not utilising this service.
  • Why not upgrade to a Hotelink transfer from the Airport to-the-door of your Trafalgar London hotel? (please ask Trafalgar or your travel agent of the additional upgrade price per person when booking)
  • European Gateways: With Trafalgar all passengers will receive complimentary arrival and departure transfers on the scheduled arrival and departure day of their tour at the times specified below. Please ensure your Travel Agent reserves your flight to co-ordinate with the transfer times shown.
  • Trafalgar Bonus - Passengers who book Trafalgar''s Land+Air package and who arrive or depart outside of these specified times on the scheduled arrival and departure day of the tour will also be provided with a transfer.
  • Passengers arriving before or leaving after the scheduled tour days are not entitled to a transfer but may book and purchase one through Trafalgar providing that they also purchase the additional pre and/or post tour hotel night(s) from Trafalgar. Please ask for prices of transfers at the time of booking your extra night accommodation.
  • Land only passengers arriving or departing on the scheduled tour arrival or departure days but whose flights don''t coincide with the listed transfer times below may also book and purchase these transfers. Flight details must be provided to Trafalgar not less than 21 days before the flight departure.
  • Click here to see scheduled transfer times.

Itinerary

  • Day 1- Depart USA Overnight flight to Rome.
     
  • Day 2 - Arrive Rome (3 nights) Welcome to Italy! You are met at Rome Fiumicino airport and transferred to your hotel. There''s time to relax and unwind, before joining our Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Drink when you will learn more about the tour ahead. Later, why not enjoy Rome by night?
    Hotel: Ateneo Garden Palace (3 nights)
     
  • Day 3 - Rome sightseeing & at leisure This morning, with a local guide, we enjoy an excellent and clear commentary on the magnificent works of Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel thanks to our effective audio system. Our guided tour continues through St. Peter''s Basilica, where among other great works, we can admire Michelangelo''s moving Pieta. From here we cross the Tiber to Ancient Rome, where we will overlook the Forum, see the Circus Maximus where chariot racing took place and visit the mighty Colosseum. Then enjoy time at leisure in the grandeur of this monumental city. Tonight, why not enjoy dinner in a typical trattoria? (Buffet Breakfast)
     
  • Day 4 - Rome at leisure A completely free day to enjoy the delights that this wonderful city has to offer. Maybe take a trip outside the old city walls, in order to visit the ancient catacombs or take an excursion into the hills to the Sabine town of Tivoli with its magnificent Villa d''Este and refreshing fountains. Or, you may wish to visit the museums and gardens in the Villa Borghese or just while away the hours at a sidewalk café in one of the many piazzas of the city. (Buffet Breakfast)
     
  • Day 5 - Rome – Abbey of Monte Cassino – Paestum – Amalfi Coast (Maiori) (3 nights) Today we travel past the Apennine Mountains and up to the Abbey of Monte Cassino, famous for its part in World War II. We visit the Abbey and see the Polish Cemetery and then return to the autostrada and past the city of Naples, for a walking tour around the excavations of the ancient Greek Temples at Paestum using our audio system, before continuing to the legendary Amalfi Coast, where we spend the next three nights. This evening, dinner is included at our hotel. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner) 
    Hotel: Panorama (3 nights)
     
  • Day 6 - Amalfi Drive – Isle of Capri excursion This morning we cross the Mediterranean Sea to the magical island of Capri. We ascend to Capri town by funicular and enjoy a walking tour of this part of the island which includes views of the Faraglioni Rocks and Marina Piccola, plus the famous ''Piazzetta'', home to the international jet–set. Later we return to our hotel in Maiori, either by driving along the world famous Amalfi coast, passing Positano, or sometimes we return by boat. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
     
  • Day 7 - Amalfi town excursion Today we take a trip to Amalfi town where our Tour Director takes us on an orientation tour featuring the medieval streets and the spectacular Romanesque church. The rest of the day is at leisure. Maybe take a trip to Ravello and visit the splendid Villa Rufolo or enjoy shopping in the boutiques and spend the evening sipping ''Limoncello'' whilst overlooking the glorious Bay of Naples? (Buffet Breakfast)
     
  • Day 8 - Amalfi Coast (Maiori) – Pompeii – Florence (2 nights) This morning we head towards Naples and soon arrive at Pompeii – literally ''petrified'' by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Here we enjoy a guided walking tour with audio system of the excavations with a local expert. Then on through the Umbrian hills and into the Chianti vineyards to Florence. Tonight we enjoy a dinner of a selection of different pizzas and wine in the city''s best pizzeria! (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner) 
    Hotel: Londra (2 nights)

     
  • Day 9 - Florence sightseeing & Wine Tasting Today our walking tour with a local guide using our effective audio system, shows us the city''s main sights, from the multi-coloured ''Duomo'' to the Piazza Signoria with its amazing sculptures and a visit to the Santa Croce Basilica. Then, before time at leisure, our Tour Director shares a Hidden Treasure of Florence with us and invites us to a wine tasting of some of the most popular Tuscan wines. Tonight, why not enjoy a Florentine banquet in one of the elegant ''palazzos''? (Buffet Breakfast)
     
  • Day 10 - Florence – Ravenna – Venice (Island) (2 nights) Today we head for some awe-inspiring scenery as we travel over the Apennines via Forli to Ravenna. We stop to visit the Basilica of Sant Apollinaris in Classe with its stunning Byzantine mosaics. Then along the Strada Romea through a section of the Po Delta and past ''fisherman''s Venice'' the town of Chioggia to the waterbound city of Venice, built on over 200 islands in the Lagoon. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
    Hotel: Bellini (2 nights)

     
  • Day 11 - Venice orientation and at leisure Savour the sights and sounds of this Byzantine city on canals as we enjoy an included canal cruise to St Mark''s Square seeing the Palladian Churches of the Redeemer and St George as well as the elegant Customs House, Doges Palace, Bridge of Sighs and top of the Grand Canal. We stroll across St Mark''s Square with time to admire the Basilica and its ''campanile'' to visit one of the oldest Murano Glass workshops on the island. Here we will witness a demonstration of glass blowing – by one of the few remaining craftsmen able to create beautiful objects out of molten crystal. This evening we will enjoy a Farewell Dinner together with our Tour Director and new found friends. (Buffet Breakfast, Farewell Dinner)
     
  • Day 12 - Venice (Island) - USA ''Buon viaggio'' to your newly made friends as we transfer you to Venice’s airport for your return flight to America.(Buffet Breakfast)
    Please do not schedule any flights before 10.30am. 

Dates & Prices

To book a tour, call and speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.
         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
4/20/2008 - 5/1/2008
$2,799
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4/27/2008 - 5/8/2008
$2,799
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5/4/2008 - 5/15/2008
$2,825
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5/11/2008 - 5/22/2008
$2,825
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5/18/2008 - 5/29/2008
$2,825
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5/25/2008 - 6/5/2008
$2,825
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6/1/2008 - 6/12/2008
$2,825
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6/8/2008 - 6/19/2008
$2,825
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6/15/2008 - 6/26/2008
$2,825
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6/22/2008 - 7/3/2008
$2,825
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6/29/2008 - 7/10/2008
$2,790
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7/6/2008 - 7/17/2008
$2,790
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7/13/2008 - 7/24/2008
$2,790
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7/20/2008 - 7/31/2008
$2,790
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7/27/2008 - 8/7/2008
$2,790
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8/3/2008 - 8/14/2008
$2,775
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8/10/2008 - 8/21/2008
$2,775
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8/17/2008 - 8/28/2008
$2,775
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8/24/2008 - 9/4/2008
$2,750
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8/31/2008 - 9/11/2008
$2,850
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9/7/2008 - 9/18/2008
$2,850
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9/14/2008 - 9/25/2008
$2,850
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9/28/2008 - 10/9/2008
$2,850
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10/5/2008 - 10/16/2008
$2,850
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Sightseeing Highlights
  • Rome
  • Montecassino
  • Paestum
  • Isle of Capri
  • Amalfi
  • Pompeii
  • Florence
  • Ravenna
  • Venice
Italian Vistas
13 Days starting from $2,199.00

Countries Visited:
Italy

Length: 13 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: Europe Tour
Operator: Collette
Tour Code: 3334
   
 
About This Tour


Cities Visited:
Rome, Florence, Venice, Stresa, Isle of Capri, Vietri Sul Mare

Take an exciting journey to the traditional cities of Rome, Florence, Venice and Stresa. Multiple-night stays in centrally-located hotels let you truly experience the local flavor of these popular Italian destinations. Beginning in Rome, visit such architectural delights as the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, and the Circus Maximus. You'll then travel along the Bay of Naples for a stop at the captivating Isle of Capri. Tour the excavated ruins of Pompeii and enjoy the panoramic views of the resort town of Sorrento. You'll travel the breathtaking Amalfi Coast before arriving in the northern region of Tuscany. A cultural treasure-trove, Florence is filled with artistic gems, many of which are housed in the Academy Gallery where you’ll see Michelangelo's impressive Statue of David. In the Piazza del Duomo, see the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, one of the largest in the Christian world. En route to Venice, you'll visit the dramatic Leaning Tower of Pisa and medieval Padua with its impressive six-domed Saints Basilica. Your final stay will be in Stresa, located in the picturesque Italian Lake District. A visit to Lugano, Switzerland, and a fabulous farewell dinner on Isola Bella, one of the scenic Borromean Islands, is a perfect ending to your vacation.
 
What's Included

Enjoy the services of a professional tour manager who accompanies you throughout your trip.

Meals
11 Breakfast(s), 7 Dinner(s)

Hotel Accommodations:
Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges

ROMEGrand Hotel Palatino or Hotel Mediterraneo
VIETRI SUL MARELloyd's Baia Hotel
FLORENCEGrand Hotel Baglioni or Hotel Astoria
VENICEHotel Carlton & Grand Canal or Hotel PrincipeSTRESARegina Palace or Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees

On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

Complimentary hotel-to-hotel baggage handling.
Sightseeing
Private transportation via a deluxe, climate-controlled motorcoach

Itinerary

Day 1
Overnight Flight
Welcome to Italy, a land rich in history, culture, art and romance. Your familiarization tour begins with an overnight flight to Rome, Italy.

Day 2
Arrive Rome, Italy
In Rome you have free time to relax or perhaps independently explore the city. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner to celebrate the beginning of your journey.

Day 3
Rome
Begin your day with a tour of classical Rome featuring the impressive Piazza Venezia, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine, and the famous Trevi Fountain. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore Rome.

Day 4
Rome - Naples - Vietri-sul-Mare
Journeying toward the region of Campania via the Autostrada, you travel along the brilliant Bay of Naples. At Pompeii, see the excavated ruins of the ancient Roman city at the base of Mount Vesuvius. End the day in Vietri-sul-Mare, on the breathtaking Amalfi Coast.

Day 5
Vietri - Sorrento - Amalfi Drive - Vietri-sul-Mare
Begin your day exploring the popular seaside resort town of Sorrento. Next, travel the Amalfi Drive where stunning views exist around every bend in the road. En route, you will view picturesque Positano. In Amalfi, enjoy free time to explore the town square, ceramic shops and cafes.

Day 6
Vietri-sul-Mare - Florence
Welcome to the northern region of Tuscany. Florence, the “Cradle of the Italian Renaissance”, offers spectacular culture, art and cuisine. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 7
Florence
In Florence, the “Cradle of Italian Renaissance,” you see Michelangelo’s famous Statue of David, located in the Academy Gallery. On your cultural tour of Florence, view the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore, located in the religious center of the Piazza Del Duomo. You also view the Palazzo Vecchio and the Church of Santa Croce, burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. This evening join your fellow travelers for a memorable farewell dinner celebrating the end of a wonderful familiarization trip to Italy.

Day 8
Florence - Depart for Home
Your Familiarization tour ends today in Florence.

Dates & Prices

To book a tour, call and speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.
         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
2/24/2008 - 2/24/2008
$2,199
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Call Us
Call Us
3/1/2008 - 3/1/2008
$2,199
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3/3/2008 - 3/3/2008
$2,199
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3/8/2008 - 3/8/2008
$2,199
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3/10/2008 - 3/10/2008
$2,199
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3/24/2008 - 3/24/2008
$2,349
Call Us
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Call Us
3/27/2008 - 3/27/2008
$2,349
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
3/27/2008 - 3/27/2008
$2,349
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
3/29/2008 - 3/29/2008
$2,349
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
3/31/2008 - 3/31/2008
$2,349
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Call Us
Call Us
4/3/2008 - 4/3/2008
$2,649
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
4/7/2008 - 4/7/2008
$2,649
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
4/14/2008 - 4/14/2008
$2,649
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
4/21/2008 - 4/21/2008
$2,649
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
4/28/2008 - 4/28/2008
$2,649
Call Us
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4/28/2008 - 4/28/2008
$2,649
Call Us
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Call Us
5/12/2008 - 5/12/2008
$2,949
Call Us
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5/17/2008 - 5/17/2008
$2,949
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
5/24/2008 - 5/24/2008
$2,949
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
6/2/2008 - 6/2/2008
$2,949
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
6/14/2008 - 6/14/2008
$2,949
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
7/7/2008 - 7/7/2008
$2,599
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
7/21/2008 - 7/21/2008
$2,599
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
7/28/2008 - 7/28/2008
$2,599
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
8/11/2008 - 8/11/2008
$2,599
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
9/8/2008 - 9/8/2008
$2,949
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
9/15/2008 - 9/15/2008
$2,949
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
9/20/2008 - 9/20/2008
$2,949
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
9/22/2008 - 9/22/2008
$2,949
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
9/27/2008 - 9/27/2008
$2,949
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
10/4/2008 - 10/4/2008
$2,949
Call Us
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10/6/2008 - 10/6/2008
$2,949
Call Us
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Call Us
10/6/2008 - 10/6/2008
$2,949
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
10/11/2008 - 10/11/2008
$2,949
Call Us
Call Us
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10/13/2008 - 10/13/2008
$2,949
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10/18/2008 - 10/18/2008
$2,949
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Call Us
10/20/2008 - 10/20/2008
$2,949
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10/25/2008 - 10/25/2008
$2,949
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11/1/2008 - 11/1/2008
$2,749
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11/1/2008 - 11/1/2008
$2,749
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11/3/2008 - 11/3/2008
$2,749
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11/8/2008 - 11/8/2008
$2,749
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11/8/2008 - 11/8/2008
$2,749
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11/10/2008 - 11/10/2008
$2,749
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11/10/2008 - 11/10/2008
$2,749
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11/29/2008 - 11/29/2008
$2,549
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1/26/2009 - 1/26/2009
$2,499
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3/2/2009 - 3/2/2009
$2,499
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3/14/2009 - 3/14/2009
$2,499
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3/21/2009 - 3/21/2009
$2,649
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3/28/2009 - 3/28/2009
$2,649
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4/13/2009 - 4/13/2009
$2,949
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4/25/2009 - 4/25/2009
$2,949
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Sightseeing Highlights


Sail to the enchanting Isle of Capri and explore this island paradise.
Enjoy the magic of the Italian lakes in the captivating resort of Stresa.
Savor local delicacies, traditional music and fine Italian wines during your welcome dinner.
A guided walking tour of Venice illustrates how this city gained its wealth and power.
Enjoy wine with every included dinner!
Savor local delicacies, traditional music and fine Italian wines during your welcome dinner.
A guided walking tour of Venice illustrates how this city gained its wealth and power.
Enjoy wine with every included dinner!
Sail to the enchanting Isle of Capri and explore this island paradise.
Enjoy the magic of the Italian lakes in the captivating resort of Stresa.
Tour of Classical Rome see Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine.
Visit St. Peter's Basilica, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona during a Christian Rome city tour.
Language Discovery: Your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language you will experience on your tour. Learn key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the local people you meet.
 
ITALIAN MOSAIC
14 Days starting from $2,499.00

Countries Visited:
Italy

Length: 14 Days
Type: Other Tours
Category: Other Tours
Operator: Globus
Tour Code: ZI-2008
   
About This Tour


Cities Visited:
ROME
Welcome dinner at a local restaurant; guided sightseeing including headsets, visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square & Basilica, and the Colosseum and Roman Forum

PISA
Picture stop at the Leaning Tower

FLORENCE
Guided sightseeing including headsets, visit Michelangelo’s David, the cathedral, and Signoria Square

MILAN
Orientation including the Galleria and the Duomo

LUGANO (SWITZERLAND)
Afternoon stop

VERONA
Orientation including Juliet’s Balcony and the Arena

VENICE
Private boat ride; guided sightseeing including headsets, visit St. Mark’s Square & Basilica, Doges’ Palace and the Bridge of Sighs; glassblowers’ demonstration

RAVENNA
Visit the Basilica of St. Apollinaris in Classe

ASSISI
Visit St. Francis’ Basilica

POMPEII
Guided visit of the excavations including headsets

SORRENTO-CAPRI
By jet/hydrofoil

CAPRI
Guided sightseeing, visit Villa San Michele in Anacapri

MONTECASSINO
Visit the abbey

This classic Italian 14-day vacation is our most popular, with departures throughout the year. Two night stays in Rome, Florence, Lake Maggiore, Venice, and Sorrento, plus one night in St. Francis’ Assisi, offer plenty of time to visit the main sights with a Local Guide. Discover St. Peter’s, the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, Michelangelo’s David, St. Mark’s and Doges’ Palace with the Bridge of Sighs. Stops are also made in Pisa to see the Leaning Tower, and in dynamic Milan, in subtropical Lugano in Switzerland, in Verona, in Ravenna, and in Montecassino to visit the medieval Abbey. The two nights in Sorrento include visits to Pompeii at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, and to the Isle of Capri, with a visit to Villa San Michele in Anacapri.
 
What's Included

City Highlights
ROME
Welcome dinner at a local restaurant; guided sightseeing including headsets, visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square & Basilica, and the Colosseum and Roman Forum

PISA
Picture stop at the Leaning Tower

FLORENCE
Guided sightseeing including headsets, visit Michelangelo’s David, the cathedral, and Signoria Square

MILAN
Orientation including the Galleria and the Duomo

LUGANO (SWITZERLAND)
Afternoon stop

VERONA
Orientation including Juliet’s Balcony and the Arena

VENICE
Private boat ride; guided sightseeing including headsets, visit St. Mark’s Square & Basilica, Doges’ Palace and the Bridge of Sighs; glassblowers’ demonstration

RAVENNA
Visit the Basilica of St. Apollinaris in Classe

ASSISI
Visit St. Francis’ Basilica

POMPEII
Guided visit of the excavations including headsets

SORRENTO-CAPRI
By jet/hydrofoil

CAPRI
Guided sightseeing, visit Villa San Michele in Anacapri

MONTECASSINO
Visit the abbey

Meals
Buffet breakfast (BB) daily; 6 three-course dinners (D) (departures 0102-0327 & 1030-0401: 5 three-course dinners), including a special welcome dinner with wine in Rome

Hotels:
ROME Cicerone (SF) or Starhotels Metropole (SF) or Holiday Inn Rome West (F) or Villa Pamphili (F), FLORENCE Grand Hotel Mediterraneo (F), LAKE MAGGIORE Grand Hotel Bristol (F) at Stresa or Grand Hotel Dino (F) at Baveno or Starhotels Ritz (F) at Milan (0108-0401 & 1028-0331), VENICE Ambasciatori (F) at Mestre, ASISI Dei Priori (F), SORRENTO Grand Hotel Cesare Augusto (F) or Corallo (F)

Itinerary

Day 1:
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in Rome, Italy. Time to rest or start exploring the Eternal City. At 6 p.m. meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a special welcome dinner with wine at one of Rome’s lively restaurants. (D)

Day 3:
Rome. Sightseeing with your Local Guide starts with a visit to the VATICAN MUSEUMS and SISTINE CHAPEL (arranged next morning if closed today), world famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling paintings and The Last Judgement. Continue to monumental ST. PETER’S SQUARE and BASILICA. Cross the Tiber and visit the COLOSSEUM and the ROMAN FORUM, where Roman Legions marched in triumph. Then time for independent activities and exciting optional excursion possibilities. (BB)

Day 4:
Rome–Pisa–Florence. North to Pisa for pictures of its amazing Leaning Tower. Continue to Florence, the capital of Tuscany and home to Renaissance splendor. (BB,D)

Day 5:
Florence. Follow your Local Guide to the ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS with Michelangelo’s David and the magnificent CATHEDRAL. Admire Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s “Gate of Paradise,” and sculpture-studded SIGNORIA SQUARE. Afternoon free to relax or to find out more about Florence’s artistic wealth. Why not join an optional dinner at a Tuscan restaurant? (BB)

Day 6:
Florence–Milan–Lugano, Switzerland–Lake Maggiore, Italy. Drive through the Apennine hills past Bologna, home of Europe’s oldest university, to dynamic Milan. Orientation features its GOTHIC DUOMO, glass-domed GALLERIA, and famed Scala Opera House. Then continue to Lugano in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. A leisurely break to stroll along the lake, window-shop the refined Via Nassa, or sip an espresso on the Piazza Riforma. Next, a scenic drive along Lake Maggiore, one of Italy’s most beautiful areas. Spend two nights at your elegant resort. (BB,D)

Day 7:
At Leisure by Lake Maggiore. A restful day to sleep in or maybe join an optional excursion to the baroque palace and peacock gardens of enchanting Isola Bella (open Mar. 26-Oct. 23, subject to change). (BB,D)

Day 8:
Lake Maggiore–Verona–Venice. East to Verona, medieval setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, to see Juliet’s Balcony and the wellpreserved Arena. Join the locals for lunch before continuing to Venice, deemed by some the most romantic city in the world. (BB)

Day 9:
Venice. Enter in style by PRIVATE BOAT to meet your Local Guide. Highlights of your walking tour are ST. MARK’S SQUARE and the byzantine BASILICA, lavish DOGES’ PALACE and the BRIDGE OF SIGHS. Then watch skilled GLASSBLOWERS fashion their delicate objects in the age-old manner. Later, discover Venice at your own pace or take an optional gondola ride. (BB,D)

Day 10:
Venice–Ravenna–Assisi. Follow the sparkling Adriatic coast to Ravenna to see the mosaics in the 6th century BASILICA OF ST. APOLLINARIS IN CLASSE. Afternoon arrival in Assisi to visit the massive 13th-century lower BASILICA OF ST. FRANCIS. Then time to take in this peaceful town on your own. (BB,D)

Day 11:
Assisi–Pompeii–Sorrento. Today visit POMPEII, the Roman city both destroyed and preserved by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Overnight in the charming, bayside resort of Sorrento. (BB)

Day 12:
Sorrento. Excursion to Capri. Glide across the blue bay to the beautiful Isle of Capri. Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a visit to VILLA SAN MICHELE in Anacapri. Time to explore at your own pace before returning to Sorrento. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (BB)

Day 13:
Sorrento–Montecassino–Rome. On your way to Rome, stop to visit the ABBEY OF MONTECASSINO. Tonight consider saying Arrivederci to your traveling companions at an optional festive dinner in one of Rome’s fine restaurants. (BB)

Day 14:
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)

Dates & Prices

To book a tour, call and speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.
         
Touring Date
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Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
4/4/2008 - 4/17/2008
$2,499
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4/7/2008 - 4/20/2008
$2,509
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4/9/2008 - 4/22/2008
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4/11/2008 - 4/24/2008
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4/12/2008 - 4/25/2008
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4/14/2008 - 4/27/2008
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4/14/2008 - 4/27/2008
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4/16/2008 - 4/29/2008
$2,569
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4/18/2008 - 5/1/2008
$2,569
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4/19/2008 - 5/2/2008
$2,569
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4/21/2008 - 5/4/2008
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4/23/2008 - 5/6/2008
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4/25/2008 - 5/8/2008
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4/26/2008 - 5/9/2008
$2,569
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4/28/2008 - 5/11/2008
$2,569
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4/30/2008 - 5/13/2008
$2,599
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5/2/2008 - 5/15/2008
$2,599
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5/3/2008 - 5/16/2008
$2,599
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5/5/2008 - 5/18/2008
$2,599
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5/7/2008 - 5/20/2008
$2,599
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5/9/2008 - 5/22/2008
$2,599
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5/10/2008 - 5/23/2008
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5/12/2008 - 5/25/2008
$2,599
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5/14/2008 - 5/27/2008
$2,599
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5/16/2008 - 5/29/2008
$2,599
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5/17/2008 - 5/30/2008
$2,599
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5/19/2008 - 6/1/2008
$2,599
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5/21/2008 - 6/3/2008
$2,599
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5/23/2008 - 6/5/2008
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5/24/2008 - 6/6/2008
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5/26/2008 - 6/8/2008
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5/28/2008 - 6/10/2008
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5/30/2008 - 6/12/2008
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5/31/2008 - 6/13/2008
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6/2/2008 - 6/15/2008
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6/4/2008 - 6/17/2008
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6/6/2008 - 6/19/2008
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6/7/2008 - 6/20/2008
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6/9/2008 - 6/22/2008
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6/11/2008 - 6/24/2008
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6/13/2008 - 6/26/2008
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6/14/2008 - 6/27/2008
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6/16/2008 - 6/29/