Perillo knows Italy, and we specialize in unfolding its amazing facets just for you! Of course, Italy is rich in Art & History, and famous for its Food & Wine , while the canals of Venice guaranty it to be the most Romantic country on earth! But did you know that Shopping in Rome, Florence and Sorrento is also an art if not a science? Yet there is also another side of Italia, the quaint hillside small towns & villages, which is possibly the countryside of your Family Roots, the churches and cathedrals that are part of the romance as well as the Religion. Planning a First Trip to Italy, or a travel veteran, Perillo Tours is your best way to go!

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• Gala Dinner Dance at the Casina di Macchia Madama (April-Oct2008 only)
• Worry-Free & Fully Escorted
• First Class Hotels
• Buffet Breakfast & Dinner Daily with Wines
• All Gratuities (hotel & restaurant)

Itinerary:

Day 1 Cities Visited: DEPART THE USA
We're off. And like kids, we're giddy about the journey ahead of us.

Day 2 Cities Visited: Palermo BUON GIORNO, PALERMO
Benvenuti a Palermo! We are pleased to offer complimentary transfers from the Palermo airport to your hotel at 11:30am, 12:30pm amd 2:30pm. Your Perillo representative will be at the airport to greet you. After check-in, take a look around the neighborhood or simply relax.

This evening we enjoy a welcome drink followed by dinner and the first of many local wines to be sampled in the days ahead.

Day 3 Cities Visited: Palermo HISTORIC PALERMO
This morning, with our expert local guide, we set out to explore the fascinating capital city. We'll visit the royal Palace which General George Patton turned into his headquarters in 1943. We'll also take in the Palace of the Normans, the Palatine Chapel, the Cathedrals of Palermo and Monreale and other highlights of the city.

We're on our own this afternoon. Perhaps a visit to the Quattro Canti (four corners) in the city's old historic district. Tonight, we dine in a local Palermo restaurant, enjoying true Sicilian food and wine.

Day 4 Cities Visited: Marsala VISIT TO MARSALA & SELINUNTE
This morning we traverse the beautiful coastal road to Marsala, where Englishman, John Woodhouse, introduced fortified wine in 1796. We'll have a chance to tour a wine cellar and enjoy a taste of the famous thick, dark wine.

This afternoon we visit the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Selinus -- an acropolis of majestic temples overlooking the sea.

Tonight we'll enjoy another dinner out in Palermo with fine wines and our new friends.

Day 5 Cities Visited: Siracusa PALERMO TO TAORMINA, VIA SIRACUSA
We bid farewell to Palermo this morning with stunning Taormina in our sights. On the way, we'll visit Sicily's most important Greek city of antiquity --- Siracusa (Syracuse). Archimedes, the Greek mathematician, was slain here by the Romans. Plato taught here!

The archaeological garden is peppered with attractions: the Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater and the 'Ear of Dionysus'. But what an ear! Nearly 200 feet long, you can enter the inner chamber of the "ear" where tearing a piece of paper sounds like a gun shot. A forerunner to modern day "bugging" - the tyrant Dionysus eavesdropped on prisoners in the "ear". Many have proclaimed Taormina to be the most beautiful place on earth. Now you can decide for yourself. After a long day, we'll enjoy a relaxing dinner in our hotel.

Day 6 Cities Visited: Taormina - A LOOK AT TAORMINA
After this morning's leisurely tour, you will know why Taormina is the 'jewel of Italy'. Its winding streets and secluded gardens behind stone walls are truly enchanting. The Greek and Roman outdoor theater is a sight in itself. But from here, we take in the view of Mt. Etna. Europe's greatest natural wonder, it offers a rare contrast --- snow-covered slopes and flowing lava.

It's a free afternoon. Why not stroll the medieval streets, lined with interesting little shops? Or take in the sea at one of the nearby beaches? Tonight, we enjoy those wines with dinner at a lovely local restaurant.

Day 7 Cities Visited: Taormina - FREE DAY IN TAORMINA
Sleep late, have a leisurely breakfast, take a swim, stroll through the Public Gardens, shop! This is when you might think --- "I really should have convinced my friends and family to go on this trip." Well, call Perillo when you get home and we'll all go back next year!

Ask your tour guide about the many ways to fritter away a day in paradise. Tonight we'll have dinner in our hotel. Have you tried "pesce spada" yet? Swordfish is Sicily's favorite fish.

Day 8 Cities Visited: Naples - STRAITS OF MESSINA TO NAPLES
It's a short drive to Messina where we board our steamer across the Straits of Messina. Reggio ahead - the golden sun above - the blue water below - it's great to be alive!

Nestled at the tip of Calabria is Reggio - with her homes climbing up the serene slopes, hugging the hills, their faces to the sun and sea - expressing in a gaze the warmth of her people.

Now we motor north, up the rugged Calabrian spine across the Apennines to Naples. Dinner tonight is with our friends at the hotel.

Day 9 Cities Visited: Capri - THE ISLE OF CAPRI
Naples at our stern, Capri at our bow, this morning we cross the Bay of Naples to the world's most enchanting island. A free day on Capri can include the famed Blue Grotto, a chairlift to the top of Mount Solaro or just peaceful relaxation.

Later this afternoon, we'll sail back to Naples. Tonight, we'll enjoy some great Neapolitan specialties washed down with the fine wines.

Day 10 Cities Visited: Naples - NAPLES AND THE AMALFI COAST
This morning we'll tour the colorful city of Naples, including San Severo Chapel and the Santa Chiara and Gesu Nuovo churches. We travel the world-famous Amalfi Coast, admiring the picturesque village of Positano. Each corner we turn is more beautiful. Happily, we meander through the charming town of Amalfi, knowing why it's considered 'the most beautiful stretch of scenery in the Mediterranean'. Our eyes filled with loveliness, we travel back to Naples to dine at one of the nicest restaurants along the coast.

Day 11 Cities Visited: Pompeii - TO ROME, VIA POMPEII
Pompeii! A city perfectly preserved as it was on that fateful day 2,000 years ago, when ash and lava literally stopped it in its tracks. You'll see the tragic fossils of people attempting to escape, along with their children and dogs.

Back to the present day, along the Highway of the Sun, we're soon in Rome. Eleven days in Italy? How's your Italian? "Chi viaggia con Perillo, viaggia tranquillo!"

Tonight we'll enjoy dinner at our hotel.

Day 12 Cities Visited: Rome - IMPERIAL ROME
Today we'll visit the birthplace of the Roman Empire. With our expert local guide, we'll board our coach for a panoramic tour of Castel St. Angelo, the Roman Forum, Largo Argentina (where Caesar was stabbed by Brutus), the Jewish Ghetto and the Circus Maximus. Then we'll enter the Colosseum, reliving the brutal entertainment of the gladiators and the lions, refereed by the Emperor himself. What do "thumbs up" and "thumbs down" really mean? It's not what you think.

Tonight we'll eat at one of my favorite Roman restaurants. Two thumbs up!

Day 13 Cities Visited: Rome - CHRISTIAN ROME & GALA FAREWELL
This morning we're off to the Vatican Museums, a treasure trove of ancient Greek sculptures, medieval tapestries and Renaissance paintings. Our visit culminates in the Sistine Chapel, the room where the Pope is elected. We enter in total silence, not wanting to disturb Michelangelo's famed frescoes depicting the 'End of Times'.

Next we visit St. Peter's Basilica, by far the largest church in Christendom. We'll see Michelangelo's Pieta, sculpted when he was just 24. I'm always amazed by the mosaic 'paintings' created from tiny chips of 100,000 different shades of color and Bernini's seven- story bronze canopy above the main altar.

Tonight, get ready for our Gala Party at Casina di Macchia Madama - an extravagant dinner with flowing wines and dancing to our own orchestra. A memorable night with your new friends. Salute! (Not included on departures between Jan 1 - Apr 9 and Nov 1 - Dec 31, the Gala will be replaced by a dinner out at a local restaurant)

No tears, you'll exchange e-mails with your newly found friends and maybe meet your tour guide again on your next Perillo Tour.

Day 14 Cities Visited: FLIGHT HOME
This morning we board our flight home, arriving in the USA the same day. While we say 'arrivederci' to Italy, we realize we're taking a little piece of it back home with us.

Note: The days of sightseeing and dinners out may vary. In the rare instance where alternate hotel arrangements are necessary, a similar First Class hotel will be substituted.

2008 Dates & Rates:

• Worry-Free & Fully Escorted
• First Class Hotels
• Buffet Breakfast Daily
• All Gratuities (hotel & restaurant)

Itinerary:

Day 1 Cities Visited: OFF WE GOI
We barely look back as we jet off to the land of amore.

Day 2 Cities Visited: Milan - BUON GIORNO MILAN
Benvenuti a Milano! Starting November 2007, we are pleased to offer complimentary transfers from the Milan airport to your hotel at 8:45am, 11:30am amd 12:30pm. Your Perillo representative will be at the airport to greet you.

This afternoon, we're on our own to wander, explore and find the first of many dining gems. Your tour director will also have lots of great suggestions.

Day 3 Cities Visited: Lugano (Switzerland) and Como ITALY'S MAGNIFICENT LAKE REGION - LUGANO & LAKE COMO
This morning's visit to Lugano is actually in Switzerland, but this Alpine paradise clings to its Italian roots. The natural beauty is accompanied by great shops filled with Swiss specialties - like clocks, watches and, of course, chocolate! Next we visit Como, the charming town and pristine lake of the same name, lined with lovely villas.

Day 4 Cities Visited: Milan and Verona - MILAN TO VENICE, VIA JULIET'S VERONA
This morning we explore fashionable Milan, beginning with a panoramic drive around the city and a visit to the impressive gothic Duomo. We'll stroll through the spectacular glass-topped Galleria, the world's first shopping mall, amd on to the famed La Scala Opera House.

We big farewell to Milan and our drive to Venice is delightfully interrupted by a visit to romantic Verona. We'll stand in the courtyard below Juliet's balcony were Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers professed their love.

Then Venice arrives to us as in a dream. Time stands still as massive gothic buildings float by in a shroud of mist. Gondolas drift along, not just for show, but to deliver the staples of everyday life.

Tonight, as you happen upon a charming Venetian eatery, you'll see just why this tour is so popular.

Day 5 Cities Visited: Venice - A DAY IN VENICE
This morning we'll meet our local expert for a walking tour, seeing St. Mark's Square, the great Byzantine Basilica and inside the Doge's Palace, one of the world's most stunning examples of gothic art. A very important 'rite of passage' for Venice visitors is getting completely lost in the city's charming labyrinth of canals, bridges and tiny piazzas. Fear not - being a small island, it's impossible to stray very far. Maybe this would be the ideal evening for a traditional Venetian feast.

Day 6 Cities Visited: Florence and Padua - TO FLORENCE VIA PADUA
We say farewell to Venice but arrive joyfully relaxed in Padua. Strolling through the charming college town (Galileo attended University here), we enjoy a visit to the Basilica, where the remains of St. Anthony are interred. Then, a short journey later, it's welcome to Florence, home of Dante, Boccaccio, Botticelli, da Vinci, and my favorite city in the world! Once settled in our hotel, our tour director will happily offer this evening's restaurant suggestions and recommendations.

Joy, joy, joy - for scholars and shoppers - we're in Florence!

Day 7 Cities Visited: Florence - FLORENCE - BIRTHPLACE OF THE RENAISSANCE AND A SHOPPER'S PARADISE
Today we'll enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the town atop Piazzale Michelangelo, followed by a tour of the Academy of Fine Arts where Michelangelo's proud "David" stands. We'll see the majestic Duomo built in 1296, Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistery with it's renowed "Gates of Paradise" doors. We follow the medieval streets to the most striking square in Florence, Piazza della Signoria and then to Santa Croce Church. There's plenty of time to shop this afternoon.

You'll be sure to find a perfect Florentine dinner spot tonight.

Day 8 Cities Visited: Pisa PISA!
Just a short drive away is Pisa. As we near the most photographed building in the world, our imaginations kick into gear, wondering "how" and "why". You'll soon find out!

We'll take our own photographs of the famous bell tower, along with the beautiful Cathedral and Baptistery.

The rest of the day is yours - all yours!

Day 9 Cities Visited: Sorrento - TO SORRENTO WE GO
Our journey to Sorrento takes us through the rolling hills, scenic vineyards and post-card perfect vistas of Umbria and Tuscany. Along the way, we'll comfortably travel by the beautiful Tiber River Valley and the medieval villages of Orvieto and Orte. Soon, we are in Sorrento, high on a beautiful plateau, greeted by the sapphire blue Gulf of Naples and majestic Mount Vesuvius. Nestled now in Sorrento, you'll see another side of Italian cuisine.

Day 10 Cities Visited: Capri - THE ISLE OF CAPRI
Naples at our stern, Capri at our bow, this morning we cross the bay of Naples to the world's most enchanting island. The vacation spot of emperors and movie stars, you'll be equally captivated by the charms of Capri.

Tonight, still glowing from the sun, it's dinner on your own in Sorrento.

Day 11 Cities Visited: Naples and Pompeii - POMPEII, NAPLES & ROME
I love to see the awe on the faces of visitors to Pompeii. Imagine an entire city perfectly preserved as it was on the fateful day almost 2000 years ago, when ash and lava literally stopped it in its tracks. You'll see the tragic fossils of people attempting to escape, and also the 'secret room'. But I'll say no more about that - you'll just have to take the tour!

Later this morning, we continue onto Naples, birthplace of Caruso, Sophia Loren and my grandfather Joseph Perillo. We enjoy a brief panoramic tour of this vibrant city with proud Mt. Vesuvius above and the Bay of Naples below.

A few hours later, we enter the gates of Rome and settle into our hotel. Now we're in Rome, you'll get to eat as the Romans do.

Day 12 Cities Visited: Rome - THE VATICAN CITY & THE SISTINE CHAPEL
This morning we visit Vatican City, "headquarters" for more than a billion Catholics worldwide. We begin at the Vatican Museum, a treasure trove of sculptures, paintings and tapestries. Our visit culminates in the Sistine Chapel, the room where the Pope is elected. We enter in total silence, not wanting to disturb Michelangelo's famed frescoes depicting the 'End of Times'.  Next we visit colossal St. Peter's Basilica. Home to Michelangelo's Pieta, Bernini's seven-story bronze altar canopy, astonishing mosaics and priceless sculptures.

This afternoon, Rome is all yours to enjoy.

Day 13 Cities Visited: Rome - IMPERIAL ROME
This morning we'll board our coach for a panoramic tour of imperial Rome including Castel Sant' Angelo, the Roman Forum, Largo Argentina (where Caesar was stabbed by Brutus), the Jewish Ghetto, and Circus Maximus. Then we'll enter the Colosseum, reliving the brutal entertainment of the gladiators and the lions, refereed by the Emperor himself.

You can shop on streets brimming with the latest in fashion and crafts, linger at outside cafes watching the world go by, visit museums, stroll the cobblestone streets, fountain by fountain by fountain!

Day 14 Cities Visited: CIAO
Our enchanting journey is nearly over, but on our trip home, we have so many perfect and delicious memories to keep us company. Thanks for joining us. Grazie.

2008 Dates & Rates: