Italy boasts a wealth of diversity in its beauty, museums, wineries and Country side. On this wonderful Tour of Italy, you will experience a variety of the best of what Italy has to offer. You will begin your Italian journey in beautiful Venice, the city built on the water. Surrounded by canals, this maze-like city features Cathedrals, Museums, St. Marks Square, and a wealth of boutiques to buy Murano glass.
Our next stop is the Tuscany region with Florence which is known as the museum capital. Enjoy a tour of the city with time for you to visit any museums of your choice. You will then head to the gorgeous countryside of Tuscany your time will allow you to visit the many quaint and picturesque Hill towns and wineries that make up the glorious Tuscany area. You will also experience an authentic Italian cooking class.
Your next stop is Rome where you will enjoy a private tour of the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel. Rome is also known as the "outdoor museum city". With so many sites to see, just driving around the city offers a full perspective on this historical place.
You will lastly continue your journey to the beautiful Amalfi Coast with visits to the towns of Sorrento, Ravello, Positano and of course a day trip to the island of Capri.
Itinerary
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Day 1: June 3, 2023 - Arrive at Venice, Italy (VCE) in the AM.
Transfer via Vaporetto (boat) to the island of Venice. Check in to your hotel. Your hotel is within close proximity of the Saint Marks square which is the main center of Venice. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure and simply "get lost", as is the custom here, among the many streets, shops, and canals. Tonight, enjoy a gondola ride through the famous canals that make up Venice followed by our welcome dinner.
Hotel Saturnia International for 2 nights. (D)
Day 2: June 4 - Venice Full Day
After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of some of the famous sites Venice has to offer, such as Saint Marks square, the Basilica Di San Marco, Dodges Palace, Saint Marks Bell Tower, and the San Zacarria Church. Your local Italian guide will explain the history of each site, as well as how Venice came to be built on the water. You will finish your tour at the local outdoor market loaded with fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish, a site not to be missed. Afterwards, time at your leisure to choose from the following: a boat trip to Murano Island to see the Murano glass making techniques and the gallery, or a ferry ride around the island of Venice for a view of the sites from the water. You may also opt to wonder the streets and get lost a bit while shopping for Murano glass works and leather handbags. Dinner at your leisure this evening. (B)
Day 3: June 5 - Venice - Florence
This morning we depart via train for the short trip to Florence. Your guide will take you on a walking tour of the city, giving you the highlights of the many sculptures, outdoor museums, and sites Florence has become famous for. You will also have the chance to visit the Accademia, where Michelangelo's "Statue of David" is kept. The remainder of the day can be spent visiting any museums of your choice such as the Pitti Palace and Gardens, Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo. Later we transfer to the hill town of San Gimignano where we will stay for 3 nights. (B)
San Gimignano is truly a little gem; it is so precious that UNESCO has declared it a "World Heritage Site. "Walking through the Old City means plunging into the Middle Ages and getting a taste of what the city must have been like more than seven hundred years ago. The Old City is enclosed with 13th century walls and is accessed by two main streets that intersect to create two wonderful piazzas. The Towers and House-Towers belonged to the old merchant and financier aristocracy, who competed with one another through their massive buildings rising above all the others. Some of them are perfectly preserved, while others were demolished when one family prevailed over another. Highlights: The Duomo, Palazzo Comunale, Torre Grossa, Montesaffoli fortress.
Day 4: June 6 - Tuscan Winery tour
Today is a special day as you will enjoy visiting local Italian wineries and taste a variety of wines from the Tuscan region. Offering a variety such as Chianti Classico and so much more your day is filled with surprises. Each winery is unique and special in its own right. You will also be treated to a very special Wine lunch at one of the wineries. (B, L)
Day 5: June 7 - Tuscan Hill Towns Tour
After breakfast enjoy a full day tour through the Tuscan hill towns. We tour the surrounding Hill towns of Sienna, Montepulciano and Voltera. Enjoy a lunch stop along the way in one of these beautiful towns. Explore the winding streets, cathedrals, shops and panoramic views of the Tuscan Valley down below. Remainder of the day and evening at leisure to relax and enjoy the town at your leisure. (B, L)
Siena’s heart is its central piazza the Il Campo, known worldwide for the famous Palio run here, a horse race run around the piazza two times every summer. The Campo is dominated by the red Palazzo Pubblico and its tower, Torre del Mangia and the Duomo of Siena. Highlights: Duomo, Torre di Mangia, Piazza del Campo.
Volterra stands on a rocky hill some 1770 feet above the sea level, located between the rivers Bra and Cecina, and it is surrounded by strong walls. A filming site for "Twilight New Moon Movie" this city offers breathtaking views to the valleys below as well as many wonderful sites to visit. Highlights: The Duomo, Palazzo Publico, Porta dell Arco.
Montepulciano is a medieval town of rare beauty highly recommended. The city is full of elegant Renaissance palaces, ancient churches, charming squares and hidden corners, boasts vast panoramas all over the wonderful Val d'Orcia and Val di Chiana valleys that surround it. Montepulciano has received great attention following the filming of the vampire saga Twilight sequel New Moon here and has seen a notable increase in visitors. Piazza Grande is the heart of Montepulciano and the setting for its main events. A walk through Montepulciano is the best way to view the town and its beautiful landmarks as well as enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside covered by vineyards producing the famous Nobile!
Day 6: June 8 - Transfer to Rome - Vatican Tour
We transfer this morning to Rome via train. Check in at our hotel in the city center. Enjoy some lunch and then we are treated to a Vatican Tour. Our private tour of the Vatican gives you an in-depth view of the best sites of the Vatican. Enjoy the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museum, St. Peter's Square and more. This is truly a highlight of Rome. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to visit any remaining sites of your personal interest. Your local guide is on hand to suggest to you any sites or activities you wish.
River Palace Hotel for 2 nights (B,L)
Day 7: June 9 - Rome Full Day Tour
After breakfast we depart with our local tour guide and will be given an in-depth tour of the city's highlights. These sites include The Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, St. Peters church, Colosseum, and more. Enjoy the evening at your leisure. You may also opt to take an evening tour of Rome as the city all lite up at night is truly a site to see. (B, L)
Day 8: June 10 - Transfer to Amalfi Coast
Take the Fast train from Rome to Naples just a little over an hour journey. Arrive in Naples late morning and enjoy a transfer to beautiful Sorrento. Check into your seaside 4* hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to enjoy the beach, gorgeous sea views or take a walk into the quaint town of Sorrento filled with shops, dining and views galore. This evening we enjoy a Pizza making class in town where you will learn firsthand how to make real authentic Italian Pizza. Then enjoy a pizza dinner with some Italian Wine.
Hotel Grand Aminta for 3 nights. (B, D)
Day 9: June 11 - Amalfi Coast Tour
Today you will enjoy a tour of the famous and beautifully breathtaking Amalfi Coast. We start our day first visiting the town of Amalfi, then on to the postcard perfect Positano. Famous scene from the movie "Under the Tuscan Sun" next we visit the town of Ravello. It's quaint streets and gorgeous ocean views around every corner are truly spectacular. You will have several photo stops and time for lunch along the way. Remainder of the day and evening at leisure. (B)
Thousands of years of history, an enchanting mountaintop setting on Italy’s most beautiful coastline and views that have captivated countless people, inspiring artists is Ravello. Yet it’s just the beginning of what you will find in this charming village on the Amalfi Coast. There are still stories to be uncovered along its medieval streets, garden villas and ancient stone pathways. Ravello has been named the City of Music and is home to the Ravello Festival, the striking Auditorium Oscar Niemeyer and a vibrant cultural scene.
The town of Amalfi Italy is located on the picturesque Amalfi Coast between Sorrento and Salerno. If features some interesting attractions and landmarks including the Duomo, Bell Tower and beach. There are also several interesting art galleries and museums and a beautiful seaside promenade.
Day 10 June 12 - The Isle of Capri
Today you take a short ferry ride from the port of Sorrento to the Island of Capri. Begin your visit with a guided tour of this famous and quaint island. Stop for a lunch break and then explore the island at your leisure. Returning back to Sorrento enjoy a bit more time here with your farewell dinner tonight. (B, D)
Day 11 June 13 - Departure Day
After breakfast depart via private transfer for the Naples airport. (NAP) Please note the transfer time from Sorrento to the airport is about 1 hour. Flights need to be booked accordingly. Please consult with us for the best air options. (B)
Tour Details
Cost: $4360.00 per person based on double occupancy (Roommates can be provided)
Single Supplement: $1030.00
Booking/full payment deadline 60 days prior to departure
Arrival transfer via boat - Venice airport to city
Private Departure transfers from Sorrento to Naples airport. One transfer included based on flight departure times. Very early or late transfers outside of group not inlcuded.
Transfers for separate Arrival/Departures other than group transfers
Meals not listed
Additional nights
Gratuities for drivers, guides, tour leader
Additional tours
Personal Expenses
Airfare - You fly into Venice (VCE) and out of Naples (NAP)
Tour Gallery
FAQ
Entry Requirements: Visitors from the US, Canada and Australia need a valid passport, Visas are not required for Americans, Canadians or Australians visiting for less than 3 months. If you are a citizen of another E.U. country, you do not need a passport, only an identity card. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you intend to leave the European Union. Make sure you check your passport expiry date at least 2 months prior to travel. Before traveling abroad it's a good idea to make two photocopies of your passport, driver's license and credit cards. Leave one copy at home with a friend or family member and another bring with you. Please see current COVID entry requirements listed on the Overview page.
Time Zone: Italy is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and 9 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time in the United States.
Weather: Italy has a fairly continental climate, which becomes more Mediterranean the closer you get to the Adriatic Sea. The temperatures average 55 - 80 degrees (F) with low humidity. Nights will be cooler.
Currency: The Italian national currency is the Euro. Foreign currency can be exchanged at post offices, banks, and exchange offices. Some hotels and travel agencies also will exchange currency, but beware of the service charges, which can be as high as 3% - 5%. Airports usually charge the highest fees. The best way to get cash in the local currency is from an ATM. Keep in mind that most banks impose a fee every time a card is used at another bank's ATM, and that fee can be higher for international transactions ($5 or more) so try and withdraw as few times as possible. Credit cards are accepted by most shops and restaurants however check with your credit card company regarding foreign exchange fees. You will also have a better chance making deals at local shops if paying with cash.
Electricity: Voltage in Italy is 200 volts AC and the plug is a typical European plug with two round prongs.
Taxes/VAT: As a member of the European Union, Italy imposes a 22% value-added tax on most goods and services. The VAT is already included in the displayed price. Visitors from outside the EU can get a VAT tax refund at the airport when departing, but the minimum that you must spend at one store to obtain the refund is 155.00 Euro. The VAT refunds are not made for services. To get a VAT refund on purchases that qualify, present your passport to the salesperson and ask for the special stamped form. Present the form with your purchases at the booth marked IVA Tax Refunds at the airport, as you leave EU. Your refund should arrive by check or be credited to your credit card within a few weeks.
Health: No vaccines are required to enter Italy.
Activity level: Medium - During the Tour, we will travel by private vehicle or train to each town. At each city we will be walking quite a bit. To be able to fully enjoy the tour and participate in scheduled activities, you need to be able to walk, at a leisurely pace, up to 3 or so miles on some days, many times this is on cobbled stone streets and uneven surfaces. You should be able to stand unassisted for up to 30 minutes at times during the tours. You will need be able to climb stairs, get on and off the boat, without any assistance. At times you will need manage your own luggage on and off the train. This trip is pretty easy for the average person however you need to ready for the physical requirements. If you can't or choose not to participate in certain activities this is at your own discretion. However, it cannot affect the groups participation nor can any tours or activities or refunds be offered or changed due to an individual not being able or not wanting to participate.
island of Venice. Check in to your hotel. Your hotel is within close proximity of the Saint Marks square which is the main center of Venice. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure and simply "get lost", as is the custom here, among the many streets, shops, and canals. Tonight, enjoy a gondola ride through the famous canals that make up Venice followed by our welcome dinner.
Hotel Saturnia International for 2 nights. (D)
Duomo, Palazzo Publico, Porta dell Arco.
