The Best of Italy
July 23 - August 1, 2011 $3140 + air
The three Italian "biggies"...Venice, Florence, and Rome combine to make this the ultimate heart of Italy tour. Whether it be drifting on a gondola in Venice's canals, gaping open-jawed at Brunelleschi's magnificent Renaissance dome, or even licking a gelato at Rome's famous Trevi fountain...there is sure to be a thrilling "wow" moment everyday.
You'll also experience the countryside of Tuscany while visiting Greve in Chianti, Siena, and Volterra. Each offers a unique peek into the culture, history and ambiance of Italian hilltowns. A highlight of the tour is our exclusive cooking class and dinner at Ristorante Del Duce in Volterra.
There is not a better opportunity to take a bite out of Italy! Saturate your trip with "thrifty and tasteful" travels served up stress-free and cuisine heavy..
July 23, 2011: Venice — Meet your Exploring Europe tour guide at 3:00 p.m. in our hotel lobby for drinks, introductions, and a tour orientation. Later enjoy a relaxed walking tour of our hotel neighborhood designed to acclimate you to Venice and your new time zone. We'll have an early dinner featuring tasty Venetian cuisine. Relax and settle in for the remainder of the evening. Sleep 2 nights in Venice or the Venice lido.
July 24: Venice— Today you'll be joined by a local Venetian guide who will show you St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Piazza San Marco. Afterwards we’ll have lunch followed by a free afternoon and evening to explore more of Venice on your own.
July 25: Florence — We’ll take the train down to Florence this morning and in less than four hours you’ll be knee-deep in the Renaissance! A local guide will show you the picture-packed Galleria Uffizzi containing the best collection of Renaissance paintings in the world. Dinner tonight will feature fine Tuscan fare at a nearby restaurant. Sleep 2 nights in Florence.
July 26: Florence — Today’s highlights include a visit to the Galleria Accademia, home of Michelangelo’s David. Additionally, you’ll visit the Duomo (famous for Brunelleschi’s dome) and experience a walking tour of the historic city center. There will be several opportunities to get out on your own for shopping, another museum, or simply to relax. After a free afternoon, join the group for a wine and cheese picnic overlooking the cityscape of Florence.
July 27: Chianti region — Soon you'll be cruising through the countryside of Tuscany. We'll make a thought-provoking stop at Florence American Cemetery and Memorial where 4,402 of our military dead are buried. Then it's on to Greve in Chianti for a high-tech tasting of over 180 wines from Tuscany (at your expense). By late afternoon you’ll arrive in Siena where your Exploring Europe guide will introduce you to the sights of this fascinating town. Sleep 1 night in Siena.
July 28: Siena and Volterra — You’ll have the morning free to roam around Siena taking in a Contrada neighborhood, the magnificent Duomo, Il Campo, and the San Dominico church. After lunch we'll travel by private bus to Volterra, a lovely hilltown in western Tuscany. Here, your Exploring Europe guide will show you around town and turn you loose for the remainder of the day to do some exploring own your own. Sleep 2 nights in Volterra.
July 29: Volterra — Today, enjoy an informative walking tour of the historic town center. The remainder of the morning and early afternoon is event-free. Later you'll gather at Ristorante Del Duca where husband and wife chefs, Genuino and Ivana, will put you to work in the kitchen whipping up some fantastic "Tuscan-style" recipes. After a hard day in the kitchen, a relaxing apperitivo is all you'll need to get your taste buds watering for the amazing meal you've prepared. Enjoy your gourmet food and wine dinner in the lovely Ristorante Del Duca.
July 30: Rome — Most of the morning will be devoted to traveling down to Rome. Once settled in, we'll dive right into the heart of ancient Rome with a guided visit to the Colosseum and Forum. Dinner tonight will be at a local trattoria with lots of character and traditional food. Sleep 2 nights in Rome.
July 31: Vatican City and Rome's Historic Core — Enjoy a guided tour of the treasure-packed Vatican Museum followed by a visit to St. Peter's Basilica, the world's largest church building. After lunch we'll begin our walking tour of Rome's historic central core visiting the Pantheon and several wonderful churches in the area. Following dinner, we’ll take a floodlit stroll ending at the famous Trevi fountain.
August 1: Your tour ends today after breakfast. Your Exploring Europe will be available to help you make your transfer to the airport or other destinations in Europe.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE TOUR COST?
- Accommodations each night in clean and safe European-style hotels with private bath. Double or twin accomodations.
- All breakfasts and six lunches or dinners.
- Amazing dining experiences at some of David's personal favorite restaurants. You can expect fine regional fare, and plenty of it, at all our dining experiences.
- Tuscany cooking experience at ristorante Del Duca in Volterra.
- Group transportation from the hotel in Venice to the departure hotel in Rome.
- All tips and gratuities to guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
- Full time services of a travel-savvy Exploring Europe guide and local experts dedicated to bringing to life the art, history, and culture of Europe.
- Emergency medical insurance, trip delay insurance, baggage loss or damage insurance, and limited tour cancellation insurance.
-David McGuffin's Exploring Europe Tour Handbook covering the major sights and destinations visited on this tour itinerary.
· All tours and admissions to more these cultural and sightseeing venues: Venice walking tour ▪ guided tour of the Doges palace and St. Marks Basilica ▪ Guided tour of the Uffizi Galley ▪ Florence walking tour ▪ Entrance to see Michelangelo's David ▪ Siens walking tour ▪ Volterra walking tour ▪ Private cooking class in tuscany ▪ American Cemetery in Florence ▪ Chianti village touring and wine tasting ▪ Guided tour of the Colesseum and Roman Forum ▪ Guided tour of the Vatican Museum and St. Peter's Basilica ▪Rome historical center walking tour ▪ and much more (itinerary specifics are subject to change).
- Our Unconditional Tour Price Guarantee that will not change for any reason.
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance offered at affordable rates.
