Italy Tours and Italy Vacations: Book an Italy tour with Atlas Tours, a smart way to go. Atlas has Italy tours, and Italy vacations to suit your budget. Italian tours, group vacations, bus tours, flight, hotel travel package. Travel to Italy with the best Italy tour operator. We have gone through all of our most popular tour operators and we separated them according to how many days they are, tour class, and tour information. 

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At dawn, watch fishermen launch their brightly colored boats into the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean as they have for centuries. Wake up to the scents of espresso and freshly baked bread. Explore ancient monuments, their stone walls fragrant with jasmine. Immerse yourself in Sicily’s history, with ruins of the Greek, Phoenician, and Roman civilizations as much a part of everyday life as the striking beauty of Mount Etna, towering over this lovely island.

• See the active volcano site of Mt. Etna

• Explore Agrigento's Valley of the Temples

• Ferry across the Strait of Messina to Reggio Calabria

• View the world's largest collection of mosaic art at the cathedral of Monreal

DAYS 1 & 2, Wednesday & Thursday - Depart for Palermo, ITALY
Depart your home city on Wednesday for Palermo. Upon arrival on Thursday, you will be met and transferred directly to your hotel. Relax in the Villa Igiea Hilton, one of Sicily’s most famous hotels. Enjoy its jasmine gardens and dine beneath glittering chandeliers in its famed restaurant, Belle Époque. Built towards the end of the 19th century, its interiors are a masterpiece of Italian Art Nouveau, featuring exquisite hand-painted frescoes by Ettore de Maria Bergler. From your deluxe room or suite, enjoy a spectacular view of the sunset and the expansive horizon of the Mediterranean Sea. This evening you will enjoy welcome cocktails and dinner to meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers and to hear about the unforgettable
journey ahead. Villa Igiea Hilton

DAY 3, Friday - Palermo
Situated on the Conca d’Oro at the foot of Monte Pellegrino, Palermo is a city born to
seduce and it is perhaps no accident that the ancient Phoenicians referred to the city
as Ziz, or “flower.” Stroll its intricate streets and admire the blending of architectural
styles that mark its history. Palermo and its personality come from the people
who have populated it over the ages – the Byzantines, Arabs and Normans – all who
have left their indelible mark in the form of rich, artistic heritage. Palermo is old, and in spite of certain beauty marks, it looks it. The Phoenicians established a trading post here in the 8th century B.C. When the Roman conquest came in 254 B.C., Palermo went into decline, as the new conquerors shifted their power and trading to Syracuse on the east coast. Palermo's Arab-Norman buildings have no equal and the entire city is a treasure trove of museums and Baroque oratories. Its outdoor markets, such as raucous Vucceria, evoke North Africa and are still dominated by the influence of the Arabs who departed centuries ago. Old and historic quarters, such as Kalsa, are being restored and given a new lease on life with the opening of restaurants, galleries, and cafes.

Palermo, Sicily’s regional capital, is a linchpin of Mediterranean life a bridge between Europe and Africa. With its magnificent geographical position, legendary climate, fertile land and abundant water, Palermo was a cradle of civilization, a transit point, landing place, and battlefield for territorial ambitions. It is one of the few cities that has preserved considerable traces of the culture of its successive conquerors: from the Romans to the Byzantines, from the Arabs to the Normans, from the Swabians to the French, from the Spaniards to the Austrians, they have all left unmistakable marks of their passing. The Pisan Tower of the Norman’s Royal Palace looks much as it did nine centuries ago and the Palace's interior evokes much of its former grandeur. A masterpiece of Sicilian Norman architecture, it was founded in 1185 and not completed until the 19th century. The mosaics of the Palatine Chapel in the Norman Palace are of exquisite craftsmanship. A few majestic corridors crowned by vaulted ceilings are the Royal Palaces silent testaments to another era, when the Normans polyglot Kingdom of Sicily was the most prosperous country in Europe. You will travel to Monreale, a town located on the slope of Mount Caputo about four miles south of Palermo. It overlooks the Conca d'Oro, the beautiful valley beyond Palermo. Monreale is world-renowned for its 12th century cathedral, a dazzling mixture of Arab, Byzantine and Norman artistic styles framed by traditional Romanesque architecture. The beautiful mosaics in Monreale Cathedral are said to be one of the world's largest displays of this art, surpassed only by Istanbul's Basilica of Saint Sofia. Monreale's mosaics emblazon practically every inch of the vast interior more surface area than the splendid Church of Saint Mark in Venice. A special treat awaits you as you will be welcomed by the Countess Federico for delightful conversation over cocktails at her mnsion Villa Igiea Hilton

DAY 4, Saturday - Segesta, Erice & Mazara del Vallo
If you love the grace and beauty of ancient Greek architecture, you are wise to
visit Sicily. This morning, we explore Segesta, an abandoned ancient city located
in the province of Trapani. It was built by the mysterious Elymis with the help of
the Greeks of Athens in 500 B.C. Segesta is known for its magnificent Doric temple
and ranked as one of the best preserved Greek architectural sites to be found
any place. Continue to the beautiful Phoenician and Hellenistic town of Erice, dedicated to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of fertility and love. On the top of Mount San Giuliano, among the silent clouds, Erice commands a superb scenic location. You’ll be captivated by the seaside scenery, the intricate maze of cobblestone streets,
and the churches and monasteries scattered throughout the town. Continue
to Mazara del Vallo and your luxury hotel.Kempinski Hotel Giardino di Costanza

DAY 5, Sunday - Mazara del Valo, Selinunte
This morning excursion is to Selinunte, an abandoned ancient Greek city, with ruins
of an acropolis and numerous temples that overlook the Mediterranean Sea
about twenty meters below. The city was founded in the seventh century BC,
and effectively destroyed in 409 BC. Selinunte's glorious heyday lasted for a period
of about two centuries, when it was one of the most progressive Greek cities in Sicily, famous throughout Magna Grecia. Balance of the day is at leisure to indulge in the fabulous facilities of your luxury hotel Kempinski Hotel Giardino di Costanza

DAY 6, Monday - Agrigento, Siracusa
Arrive in the classical city of Agrigento, founded as the Greek city of Akragas around
582 B.C. The extraordinary saga of Agrigento includes being renamed Agrigentum
by the Romans, and Girgenti by the Saracens, both of whom left their mark on this
remarkable place. You’ll visit the Valley of the Temples, a series of temples that were erected in the 5th century B.C. as a testimony to the prosperity of the city at that time. The only one to survive intact, the Temple of Concord, was converted into a Christian church in the 6th century. Among the other temples you will visit are the Temple of Hera Lacinia, traditionally dedicated to the protector of matrimony and childbirth. Quaint charm and historic grandeur mingle here. All the buildings face east,
respecting the classical criterion (both Greek and Roman)that the entrance to the cella (the central chamber or sanctuary of a temple where the statue of the god was
housed) could be illuminated by the rays of the rising sun, the source and blood of life. For lunch, we dine at a local Sicilian trattoria, before continuing to Siracusa, the
great city of legend and home of Archimedes. Magnificent remnants of the ancient
world surround you and commingle with modern life. We take an expert guided walk around the island discovering the rich history and tides of conquest that have shaped
this city since its birth. We will spend the night at the prestigious Grand Hotel Des Etrangers in the heart of Ortigia Island, with stunning sea views of the Mediterranean. Grand Hotel Des Etrangers

DAY 7, Tuesday - Taormina
Ancient Siracusa was a Greek city that flourished from 733 until 211 B.C. when it was conquered by Rome. When the Roman general Marcellus entered the gates, he was
so amazed by the richness and beauty of the city that he refrained from destroying
the temples and buildings that were he legacy of the Greeks. The highlight of your visit to Siracusa will be the archaeological park, including the ruins of the Teatro
Greco, built in the 5th century B.C., where the great dramatist Aeschylus staged
plays. The Amfiteatro Romano (Roman Amphitheatre) was used by the gladiators and built in the 2nd century A.D. You also visit the Archaeological Museum Paolo Orsi, which provides an understanding of Sicily’s prehistory. The oldest portion of Siracusa, an island called Ortigia, harbors the famous Spring of Arethusa of Greek mythology, as well as the Temple of Apollo. After a delicious lunch, you’ll embark on a walking tour of the island, including a visit to the Cathedral. Arrive in Taormina with its fabulous position high on the rocky plateau opposite dramatic Mount Etna. Taormina is an ideal setting for a Mediterranean getaway. Blessed with a mild climate, beautiful landscape and serene outlook, it is considered one of the world’s most picturesque resort cities.
It was famously celebrated as such in 1787 when German poet Johann Wolfgang
Goethe described this place as “a strip of paradise on the earth.” Taormina was
not much bigger than a village at that time a small fortress between the walls built
by the Arabians almost one thousand years before. Goethe is only one of the many poets and philosophers who have sung its praises over the millennia. Taormina was a 19th century haunt of the English aristocracy. It was here that a self-exiled D.H. Lawrence was inspired to write Lady Chatterley’s Lover, one of the most passionate and erotic love stories of its era. San Domenico Palace Hotel

DAY 8, Wednesday - Taormina
On a funicular ride we’ll get up close and personal with Mt. Etna, Sicily’s tallest peak and Europe’s tallest active volcano. Visit the site of the Silvestri Crater and observe the lava formations. As lava flows along the snow-covered slopes at night, it leaves
a stream of steam and light in its wake. Taormina has endlessly winding medieval streets and tiny passages, each with its own secrets. Some of these intriguing places are secluded gardens hidden by stone walls; others are set on terraces overlooking the coast or in more public but equally pleasant squares. Taormina is beautiful by day, but in the evenings its atmosphere is simply enchanting. The highlight of your visit is the Greek Theater, built just before the Roman occupation of Sicily. In the 1st century A.D. modifications were made to the original theater and its function was changed from the presentation of music and drama to the Rman specialty of gladiator combat. Today the theater continues to host prestigious events. On a walking tour, you’ll view the fine palaces that dot the old town center. There are many noble residences, like the wonderful Palazzo Corvaja, Palazzo dei Duchi di Santo Stefano, and the churches, every one built with a peculiar architecture style, from Chiesa dei Cappuccini to Chiesa di San Pancrazio, which was built on the remains of a Hellenistic temple. San Domenico Palace Hotel

DAY 9, Thursday - Taormina & Reggio Calabria
We drive to Messina to board a ferry and cruise across the Straits of Messina to Reggio Calabria in mainland Italy. This small town of less than two hundred thousand
inhabitants is surrounded by rich groves of olives, vines and citrus trees. In fact,
half the world production of Bergamot comes from the region. Our destination in Reggio Calabria is the National Archeological Museum famed for its mysterious bronze warriors and the two Rice Warriors. Made in Greece in the 5th century BC, these two statues were discovered in the sea of Riace in 1972. They are notable for their remarkable expressive features, enhanced by the mix media used in the detail of their eyes; ivory and limestone corneas, vitreous pupils and silver eyelashes. In the evening enjoy a farewell cocktail and dinner party with your fellow travelers. San Domenico Palace Hotel

DAY 10 , Friday - Depart for Home
This morning you will be transferred (approximately 1½ hours to the airport in Catania for your flight back home or to your next destination.

NOTE: The Daily Itinerary above is subject to change dependent upon local conditions and/or operational changes or improvements. The specific times and order of inclusions within each destination may also be altered to best accommodate unscheduled closure, special events, weather, traffic, etc. Please contact your Vacation Planner before scheduling any coinciding appointments. You will receive an up-dated itinerary approximately 30 days prior to your journey’s scheduled departure date.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Price From $7,195
* Other Pricing Categories Available, please call
Single Supplement $1,895
 

The perfect introduction to Venice, Florence and Rome — “must-see” sights for the first-time visitor.

• Includes all of the traditional favorites: Venice, Florence, Rome and two nights in the Tuscan city of Siena

• Romantic gondola ride in Venice, the perfect way to see the city

• Comfortable first-class rail travel between Venice and Florence

• Freedom of choice to dine at one of A&K’s recommended restaurants in select cities

• A private visit and wine tasting at a Chianti wine cellar

• A private visit to a Sienese Contrada Museum to learn about the tradition of the Palio horse race

• A stylish end to your trip at the luxurious St. Regis Grand in Rome — ideally located near the fashionable shopping district

• Personal headphones provided to ensure perfect communication with your guide in large areas

DAYS 1-2: USA or Canada/Venice, Italy
Depart on an overnight flight to Venice. On arrival, transfer by private launch to your prestigious hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. This evening gather for a welcome dinner at the hotel. Hotel Bauer D

DAY 3: Venice
Walk with your specialist local guide this morning and admire the sights of this astonishingly beautiful city: St. Mark's Basilica, the Bell Tower and the Doge's Palace. This evening, after a romantic gondola ride, dine à la carte in your choice of recommended traditional trattorias. Hotel Bauer B D

DAY 4: Venice/Florence
Transfer by private launch to join the train to Florence. With a specialist local guide, see the glorious Renaissance palaces, statues and churches of this beautiful city with a visit to the Accademia Gallery, housing Michelangelo's famous David. Helvetia & Bristol B L D

DAY 5: Florence
Today is at leisure. Helvetia & Bristol B

DAY 6: Florence/San Gimignano/Siena
Drive through the Tuscan countryside to the picturesque town of San Gimignano. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Chianti for a private visit to a wine cellar and wine tasting. Grand Hotel Continental B L

DAY 7: Siena
Spend the day exploring the highlights of this enchanting medieval city, including a private visit to a Contrada Museum. This evening, dine à la carte in your hotel. Grand Hotel Continental B D

DAY 8: Siena/Assisi/Rome
Depart by coach to the Umbrian hill town of Assisi, famous for Giotto's magnificent frescoes. Explore the town and have lunch before continuing to Rome for an evening at leisure. St. Regis Grand Hotel B L

DAY 9: Rome and Vatican City
Begin your visit to Vatican City at St. Peter's Square, then explore the magnifificent Vatican Museum, including the Sistine Chapel with its famous frescoed ceiling by Michelangelo. After lunch, visit the Roman Forum, the Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel. St. Regis Grand Hotel B L D

DAY 10: Rome/USA or Canada
After breakfast transfer to the airport to board a homebound flight. B

WE RECOMMEND…
Upgrade your room to a Palatial Panoramic Double with Grand Canal view at Bauer Il Palazzo from $640 per person per night.

Extend your stay in Rome or continue to the Amalfi Coast

The price shown is in USD. Price is per person, based on double occupancy.
Departures are limited to 24 passengers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRICE PER PERSON (land arrangements)
Double occupancy.....$7,620
Single supplement.....$2,210
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Holiday surcharge will apply. Call for details.
Departure dates, prices and availability may change at any time.

Prices and departures may vary from what is displayed on this web site. Please call us at 800-942-3301 to confirm the latest pricing and departure information
 

Travel in first-class luxury to the gems of northern and southern Italy.

• Design Your DaySM with a selection of activities and sightseeing options available in designated cities
• Stays at the most acclaimed hotels in each area visited
• Ravenna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its remarkable mosaics
• First-class travel on the fast Eurostar train from Bologna to Milan, the most comfortable way to travel between the two cities
• Freedom of choice to dine at one of A&K’s recommended restaurants in select cities
• Personal headphones provided to ensure perfect communication with your guide in large areas
• A&K’s Traveling Bell Boy® service, so you never have to have your bags out early or wait for your luggage to be delivered to your room

DAYS 1-2: USA or Canada/Milan/Lake Como
Depart on an overnight flight to Milan, where you are met and transferred to your hotel located on the shores Lake Como. This afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for welcome drinks and dinner. Villa d'Este D

DAY 3: Lake Como
Cruise to lovely Bellagio, inspiring poets and romantics for centuries. After lunch, visit Villa Balbianello before returning to the hotel to take in the relaxing ambience. Dine at a local restaurant. Villa d'Este B D

DAY 4: Lake Como/Milan/Bologna
Travel to Milan, the Italian capital of industry and fashion. Visit the elegant 19th-century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele arcade, one of the oldest shopping malls in Italy, and the imposing Duomo (cathedral), the largest Gothic building in Italy. Continue in first-class comfort on the Eurostar train to Bologna with lunch on board. On arrival, walk through its historic central area to the 14th-century Basilica of San Petronio, the Santo Stefano church complex and the medieval "leaning towers," the Torre Garisenda and Torre degli Asinelli. Dinner this evening is à la carte at your hotel. Grand Hotel Baglioni B L D

DAY 5: Bologna/Ravenna/Bologna
Drive to Ravenna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its remarkable mosaics. Visit the 6th-century Cathedral of San Vitale and in nearby Classe, stop at the exquisite Basilica of Sant'Apollinare. After lunch, return to Bologna where the afternoon is at leisure. Dine à la carte at your choice of A&K's recommended restaurants. Grand Hotel Baglioni B L D

DAY 6: Bologna/Pompeii/Ravello
Fly from Bologna to Naples, then drive to Pompeii where excavations reveal the well-preserved ruins resulting from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Continue to picturesque, hillside Ravello overlooking the scenic Amalfi Coast. Dinner is à la carte at your hotel. Hotel Caruso B L D

DAY 7: Ravello/Amalfi Coast/Ravello
Discover the delightful Amalfi Coast, with a stop at Amalfi's St. Andrew's Cathedral. After some leisure time, continue to beautiful Positano, perched on the cliffs overlooking the sea. After lunch, wander the winding lanes, shop in its boutiques or relax in a seaside café. Return to Ravello for an à la carte dinner at one of a selection of local restaurants. Hotel Caruso B L D

DAY 8: Ravello
Design Your Day with a full-day excursion to Capri or join a local guide for sightseeing in Ravello. This evening gather with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner at your hotel. Hotel Caruso B D

DAY 9: Ravello/Naples/Rome
Drive to Naples and join a specialist local guide for a visit to the National Archaeological Museum, housing artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum, as well as one of the world's largest collections of Roman mural paintings. After lunch, check in to your hotel in Rome. Hotel de Russie B L

DAY 10: Rome/USA or Canada
Board your homebound flight. B

WE RECOMMEND…
Upgrade your room to a Junior Suite with full lake view at Villa d'Este, Lake Como - from $570 per person per night.

Extend your trip to Rome or fly to Venice

The price shown is in USD. Price is per person, based on double occupancy.
PRICE PER PERSON (land arrangements)

Double occupancy.....$12,475
Single supplement.....$2,850

Internal airfare:
(Bologna/Naples)
Economy class..... $325
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Holiday surcharge will apply. Call for details.
Departure dates, prices and availability may change at any time.

Prices and departures may vary from what is displayed on this web site. Please call us at 800-942-3301 to confirm the latest pricing and departure information.
 

Enjoy sunrise over the canals of Venice, a balmy afternoon in Rome when the flowers are in bloom, and moonlight drenching the mystical Isle of Capri. Travel to Italy for the best of what life has to offer—sumptuous boutique hotels with views of ancient monuments and cobblestone streets, private visits to some of the most magnificent art collections in the world, rare wines and exquisite cuisine that will make you think you’ve gone to heaven.

DAYS 1 & 2, Monday & Tuesday
Depart for Venice, ITALY Depart your home city on Monday for Venice. Upon arrival on Tuesday, you will be met and transferred directly to your hotel. Built in the late 14th century as a palace for the Dandolo Doge of Venice, the Daniele Hotel is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. Tonight attend a welcome cocktail and dinner party to meet your Travcoa Travel Director and fellow travelers and hear about the exciting days ahead. Danieli Hotel

DAY 3, Wednesday - Venice
Get to know this most famous of cities on foot and by gondola, starting with a private
visit to the Doge’s Palace. You’ll concentrate on the area around St. Mark’s Square
and Basilica, one of the most opulent churches in the world. Known as the “Church of
Gold,” it is embellished with marble, mosaics, gold and priceless works of art. Next to the Basilica is the rose-and-white marble Palazzo Ducale, where you’ll find
Tintoretto’s famous Paradise, the world’s largest oil painting. Inside the palace,
climb the Sansovino stairway of gold and cross the “Bridge of Sighs,” which
prisoners crossed following judgment. Late in the afternoon take a romantic gondola
ride through the canals as your gondolier serenades you and you revel in Venice’s Renaissance beauty. Danieli Hotel

DAY 4, Thursday Pisa & Siena
Depart Venice for the ancient Maritime Republic of Pisa on the banks of the Arno River. View the Leaning Tower of Pisa, where Galileo reputedly dropped objects to test his theories of gravity and velocity. Explore the Field of Miracles, Baptistery and Cathedral of the Piazza del Duomo. In the afternoon continue into the heart of Tuscany, to Siena, a magical city with an air of mystery that pervades the streets and piazzas. The name burnt sienna comes from the red clay of the Sienese hills and countryside that creates the distinctive coloration of the houses and buildins in this classic Tuscan hill town. Your luxury hotel is a 17th century palace located in the heart of Siena, a few steps from Piazza del Campo and the Duomo and in the pedestrian shopping area.

DAY 5, Friday - San Gimignano & Florence
This morning get to know the medieval city on a walking tour.Visit the Piazza del
Campo, famous worldwide for its horse races, the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo – home of Duccio’s famous La Maesta – and Siena’s Duomo, a Gothic architectural masterpiece. The Duomo (Cathedral) is a spectacular example of Gothic Italian
architecture, and the accompanying museum houses magnificent works by Italian masters such as Duccio and Giotto. Lunch is Italian style -including Chianti wine tasting. After lunch, continue through the hill towns of Tuscany, stop at the enchanting 14th century hill town of San Gimignano. No cars are allowed within its medieval walls. Stroll the narrow streets viewing the fortress like palaces and medieval towers. Continue with your scenic drive to beautiful Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Your luxury hotel sits high on the banks of the Arno River, neighboring Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery and Pitti Palace.Westin Excelsior Hotel

DAY 6, Saturday Florence
This morning visit the Church of Santa Croce, a Gothic church containing tombs of
many famous artists and personages, including Michelangelo, Ghiberti, Machiavelli
and Galileo. The interior is enhanced by the radiant frescoes of Giotto and
Brunelleschi's classical Cappella de Pazzi is the masterpiece of the Renaissance
architecture. View Florence’s oldest building, the Romanesque Bapitistry. Ghiberti competed with other artists for the right to sculpt the finely detailed bronze doors, called the “Gates of Paradise,” designed by fellow artist Michelangelo. One of the oldest buildings in Florence, it was initially the city's cathedral. The Duomo is the center of the Florence, adorned with pink, white and green marble. No other building stands higher than the Duomo, which was first designed in 1294. The exterior is covered in marble walls which are a mixture of white, green, and red. The interior is quite bare and cold compared to the warm exterior. One of the largest churches in the Catholic world, it once held a congregation of 10,000 people. You will have the afternoon at leisure to relax or explore more of Florence on your own Westin Excelsior
Hotel

DAY 7, Sunday - Florence
Today enjoy a full day guided tour of Florence. View the whole city of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo and its splendid church of San Miniato. Continue to the incomparable Uffizi Palace, one of the most loved monuments of Florence. It is an architectural work of great importance that shelters masterpieces of inestimable value. The Uffizi Gallery contains rooms and rooms of art collections – some of the artists exhibited are Filippo Lippi, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. The Galleries were bequeathed to the people of Tuscany by the last Medici, and house art collected over three centuries. The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most famous and celebrated museums in the world. Explore the Academy of Fine Arts, highlighted by Michelangelo’s David, commissioned in 1501 by the Florentine Republic when Michelangelo was only 25 years old. From a seemingly unusable block of marble, he sculpted one of the greatest masterpieces. You’ll have the remainder of the day to continue exploring Florence on your own. Westin Excelsior Hotel

DAY 8, Monday - Naples & Capri
This morning depart for a scenic TGV train ride to Naples. Upon arrival, transfer by
private hydrofoil for a 40-minute ride to the Isle of Capri, the land that has drawn
emperors, writers and artists for centuries. Enjoy the island’s mountainous landscape,
quaint villages and resort atmosphere. Your luxury hotel was originally built in 1845. It is located in the heart of town, just a few steps from the Piazzetta, the island’s social hub. The prestigious property is surrounded by its own enchanting gardens and its terraces overlook the sea. Grand Hotel Quisisana

DAY 9, Tuesday - Capri
In the morning, visit the charming Villa San Michelle, original home of physician and
author Axel Munthe. The home and gardens are now a museum furnished with
antiques from Capri’s classical era. Spend the afternoon exploring the stunning Blue Grotto by boat, hidden for centuries and rediscovered in 1826. The dramatic shades of blue in the water are due to a natural phenomenon of light refraction. Later to window shop in the unique boutiques, visit the you’ll have time monastery, enjoy the breathtaking view from the belvedere overlooking the Faraglioni, or go for a swim at the village of Marina Piccola, down a steep and winding staircase cut into rock. Grand Hotel Quisisana

DAY 10, Wednesday - The Amalfi Coast & Positano
Travel to Sorrento by hydrofoil this morning and depart on a drive along the Amalfi
Coast road. Enjoy breathtaking views of coastal mountains and sheer cliffs plunging into the sea. Discover the charming hillside village of Positano,
considered the pearl of the Amalfi Coast. Continue to Amalfi, the largest town along
the coast and an established seaside resort since Edwardian times, when the British
upper class spent their winters here. Explore its beautiful cathedral and streets
lined with quaint shops and cafés. Return to Capri for a final night on this enchanted
isle. Grand Hotel Quisisana

DAY 11, Thursday - aples, Pompeii & Rome
Today we drive to Rome. En route, stop at Pompeii to visit the ruins. Pompeii joined
the Roman Empire in 310 BC and became an important industrial and trading center
and home to many influential ad wealthy Romans. Then Mt. Vesuvius erupted
in AD 79. Shortly after midday flames shot into the sky and an immense black cloud covered the sun. For three days, volcanic matter, lapilli and red-hot scoriae rained down on Pompeii making a blanket 15 to 20 feet deep over the entire area. Artifacts and people were encased in the ash as it cooled. Today, you can see the excavated city, preserved as it was for a moment in time, before it was buried beneath the ashes of Mt. Vesuvius. Continue your scenic drive to Rome. Upon arrival check-in to your luxury hotel, located within walking distance of the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and Via Veneto. Two thousand years of history have made the artistic and architectural patrimony of Rome so rich that it is hard to know whereto start your
explorations. St. Regis Grand Hotel

DAY 12, Friday - Rome
This morning experience the glorious High Renaissance and Baroque architecture of
St. Peter’s Basilica. The largest church in the world, built over the tomb of St.
Peter, it is also the most breathtaking architectural achievement of the
Renaissance. Examine Michelangelo’s dome and his exquisite Pieta, and Bernini's
bronze baldachin over the papal altar. Then view the imposing complex of the
Vatican Museums, containing numerous outstanding masterpieces. Visit the
stunning Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo's masterpiece and a milestone in the
history of Western art. Commissioned in 1508, the fresco of more than
10,000 square ft. of the Sistine Chapel's ceiling was a task that took four
years to complete. This evening, revel in the grandeur that was Rome
on a horse-drawn carriage ride through its ancient streets. St. Regis Grand Hotel

DAY 13, Saturday - Rome
In the morning explore the Pantheon, one of the architectural wonders of the world.
This one-time pagan temple is the best preserved monument of Imperial Rome and
houses the tombs of Italian kings and the artist Raphael. See the Arch of Constantine, built in A.D. 315, and the Colosseum – massive and majestic, this ruin is ancient Rome's hallmark monument. The Colosseum could hold more than 50,000 spectators and before the imperial box, gladiators would salute the emperor and cry, Ave, imperator, morituri te salutant (Hail, emperor, men soon to die salute thee). Enjoy the panoramic view from Palatine Hill, where the early Roman emperors had
their palaces and where 16th century cardinals strolled in elaborate Italian
gardens. See the Roman Forum, once the civic heart of Republican Rome. Today it
is a series of isolated marble fragments, columns, and arches, but once it was filled with magnificent temples, palaces, and shops. It embraces the ruins of almost 900 years. As you wander through, let your imagination dwell on Cicero, Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony, who delivered the funeral address in Caesar's honor from the rostrum just left of the Arch of Septimius Severus. After lunch in a local restaurant, explore the Pantheon, one of the architectural wonders of the world. This one-time pagan temple is the best-preserved monument of Imperial Rome and houses the tombs of Italian kings and the artist Raphael. A drive along the Appian Way illuminates more of the history of Rome. Tonight you and your fellow travelers will enjoy a farewell dinner party with your Travel Director. Before you leave Rome, don’t forget to toss a coin over your shoulder into the Trevi Fountain so that you will soon return. St. Regis Grand Hotel

DAY 14, Sunday - Depart for Home
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home or on to your next destination.

NOTE: The Daily Itinerary above is subject to change dependent upon local conditions and/or operational changes or improvements. The specific times and order of inclusions within each destination may also be altered to best accommodate unscheduled closure, special events, weather, traffic, etc. Please contact your Vacation Planner before scheduling any coinciding appointments. You will receive an up-dated, itinerary approximately 30 days prior to your journey’s scheduled departure
date.

Monday, June 2, 2008
Monday, September 01, 2008

Price From: $14,895 *Other Pricing Categories Available
Single Supplement: $4,895 *Other Pricing Categories Available

We stay in some of the world's finest hotels and boituqe properties and where possible, we offer a choice of room categories:

Venice, Hotel Danieli: Designed to meet the demands of Europe's traveling nobility, the 5-star Hotel Danieli’s main building is the original 14th century palace of Doge Dandolo, lavishly appointed with pink marble, stained glass, gold leaf columns and Murano glass chandeliers. With stylish décor and comfortable furnishings, each Hotel Danieli guest room gracefully reflects the warmth and rich cultural heritage of Venice, offering conditioning, a television, direct dial telephones and a self-service mini-bar.

Siena, Grand Hotel Continental: In Piazza Salimberti, the heart of the ancient medieval city of Siena and just steps away from the delightful Piazza del Campo, the 5-star Grand Hotel Continental is a splendid aristocratic 17-century palace that now plays a vital role of the cultural heritage of Siena. Faithful restoration has not only given the hotel back its original architectural features, but has also brought to light old decorations and magnificent frescoes. The hotel is a member of Great Hotels of the World and the imposing walls of the Palazzo Gori greet you as you enter the glass doors. All the hotel's 51 guest rooms are beautifully decorated with rich fabrics and antique furniture dating back to the 17th century. Your deluxe room is equipped with air conditioning, private bathroom, safe, hairdryer, mini-bar, satellite TV, dial direct telephone, writing desk, heating and Internet connection. You can enjoy an intimate dinner at the Sapordivino Restaurant, which specializes in typical Tuscan dishes, or in the privacy of your guestroom. Located on the ground floor of the hotel is a small and elegant piazza featuring the Sapordivino Wine Bar and Restaurant and a delightful Italian-style garden.

Florence, Westin Excelsior Hotel: Neighboring the famous Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery and Pitti Palace, the 5-star Westin Excelsior Hotel combines luxurious modern accommodations with seven centuries of Florentine history. It’s presence on Piazza Ognissanti is impressive, featuring newly refurbished guest rooms and a professional staff dedicated to impeccable service. Sitting high on the banks of the Arno River, the hotel also offers spectacular views of the panoramic Tuscan countryside, the colored terracotta rooftops and the landmarks of Florence. These are just a few of the reasons it was recently named to Condé Nast Traveler’s 2002 Gold List. Your luxurious guestroom features Westin’s Heavenly Bed, air-conditioning, direct telephone, mini-bar, in-room safe, satellite/cable TV, data port, bathrobes and hair dryer. Using the freshest seasonal and regional ingredients, the award-winning chef presents traditional Mediterranean and revised Tuscan cuisine at Il Cestello restaurant. Bar Donatello, named for the foremost sculptor of the Renaissance, offers a relaxing atmosphere and a piano bar.

Capri, Grand Hotel Quisisana: From 1845 onwards the 5-star Grand Hotel Quisisana has been receiving guests in an atmosphere of exclusive elegance and great hotel tradition. The Quisisana is now a symbol of Capri, nearly as much as the Blue Grotto, and it is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Behind the city-like facade lies a deluxe resort hotel with dining, accommodation and sports facilities that rank among the finest in Italy. Guest accommodations are provided in 150 stylish rooms and suites, with the Faraglioni Rocks and Marina Piccola visible in the distance. Your deluxe room has a parkside view. Recreational facilities at the Quisisana are extensive. You can sunbathe on comfortable lounges around the large outdoor pool, play tennis on one of two courts, or relax in the elegant atmosphere of the Quisi Club, taking advantage of its indoor pool, beauty parlor, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and massage facilities. The bars and restaurants of the hotel invite you to spend pleasant moments in an enchanting atmosphere. The Quisi Terrace Bar is the front terrace of the hotel and serves aperitifs and after dinner drinks with live music. The Krug Room Wine Bar has a diverse menu combined with excellent selection of wines available by the glass. The Quisi Restaurant welcomes you for a candlelight dinner in elegant surroundings. La Colombaia Restaurant, adjacent to the pool, serves buffet lunch or Neapolitan pizza and Quisi & Sushi offers creations from Japan’s culinary art.

Rome, St. Regis Grand Hotel: Built in 1894 as the first deluxe hotel in Rome, the 5-star St. Regis Grand is within walking distance of the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and Via Veneto. Upon reopening in mid-December 1999, after an extensive restoration and renovation, the St. Regis Grand reclaimed its status as the finest hotel in Rome and one of the best in the world. This honor has been re-emphasized by recently being named to Conde Nast Travelers 2002 Gold List. The St. Regis Grand features luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites in an eclectic combination of Empire, Regency and Louis XV styles. Every guest room has a unique hand-painted fresco depicting a Roman scene installed above the beds' headboards, and features Murano glass chandeliers and Hermes bathroom amenities. You can enjoy a unique dining experience at the restaurant Vivendo, nominated by Zagat as the number one restaurant in Rome, and the Gold Key award winner for design and decor. The private wine cellar, Di Vino, selected to be depositaire de l’ enotheque Dom Perignon, offers private dining with regional and international menus enhanced by a wide selection of wines to complement each course.