ItalyTourTravel

A Week in Italy

A one-week sojourn in Italy takes you to Rome, Tuscany and Umbria, renowned for art, cuisine, wine and unrivaled natural beauty. Spend two nights in the hill town of Todi, where life is much the same as it was 100 years ago. Travel through the vibrant countryside to Assisi, Chianti and Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. Spend three nights in Rome at a hotel adjacent to the lovely Borghese Gardens, with views of the Vatican in the distance.

Tour Itinerary

1. Arrive Rome / Todi
Tour departs: Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino one hour after the arrival of our selected flight(s). The lush countryside surrounding small towns built into the hills of Central Italy's Lazio and Umbria regions gradually appears as you travel north from Rome. Arrive in Orvieto, former stronghold of the Etruscan civilization, set high on a hill that's blanketed in vineyards. Visit the colorful Piazza Duomo and enjoy lunch at a typical trattoria. See one of Italy's greatest cathedrals, with glistening mosaics on its incredible facade; magnificent art blends with striking architecture. View the scenic Tiber Valley en route to your lovely country-style hotel in the center of the medieval hill town of Todi. Artifacts and architecture reflect its ancient Etruscan and medieval heritage. Join us tonight for a welcome reception and dinner. Meals LD

2. Assisi / Umbria / Todi
A visit to Assisi, dramatically built right into the side of a hill, is memorable. The inspirational Basilica di San Francesco is filled with frescoes detailing the life of St. Francis who resided in 13th-century Assisi. The architectural details of centuries-old buildings are stunning, laden with flowers cascading from wall sconces. Explore charming shops set amidst quaint cobblestone streets and lanes. Dining in Italy is a celebration of food; travel to the rural countryside for a "cucina genuina" luncheon at a family-run restaurant. Return to Todi late in the afternoon, traveling through scenic Umbrian landscapes; the remainder of the day is free. Relax at one of Todi's charming restaurants, or pursue your own interests in this medieval town. Meals BL

3. Siena / Tuscany
Travel through the lush landscapes of Tuscany to visit one of the region's most beautiful towns, Siena. Begin in the Piazza del Campo, Siena's central square shaped like an amphitheatre. Twice a year the Sienese celebrate their rich medieval heritage with the running of a horse race called the Palio around this square. Spend a few hours exploring the town and perhaps the Duomo. The cathedral's green, pink and white marble exterior is surpassed only by the exquisite black and white marble geometric patterns found inside. Journey to Florence, city of art and the birthplace of the Renaissance. Join us for a visit to the Galleria dell'Accademia, home of Michelangelo's David. Enjoy a lecture this evening by a local art historian. Meals BD

4. Florence at Leisure
Today is yours to discover the wonderful treasures of Florence. Special reservations have been made for you to visit, at your leisure, the world's greatest masterpieces of art in the extraordinary Uffizi Gallery. You might take a stroll across the ancient Ponte Vecchio; visit the Palazzo Pitti, residence of the Medici Grand Dukes; see the Duomo, featuring one of the world's largest domes; or stop at the beautiful Renaissance-style gardens of the Giardino di Boboli. Meals B

5. Rail to Rome
Leave enchanting Florence and travel by train to Rome, capital of Italy and the ancient world. Following lunch you will see Piazza Barberini, showcasing Bernini's incredible fountain; Palazzo del Quirinale; Piazza Venezia, with the monument to Victor Emmanuel II; Trajan's Forum; Imperial Palaces; San Pietro in Vincoli to view Michelangelo's statue Moses; Circus Maximus; Temple of Vesta and the Synagogue. Walk through the Roman Forum, and envision ancient gladiators at the Colosseum! Spend the remainder of the day as you wish. Meals BL

6. Explore the Vatican
No trip to Rome would be complete without a visit to the Vatican, the world's smallest independent nation. View the vast collection of art and antiquities in the Vatican Museums; a guided tour takes you to the Candelabra Gallery, Map Gallery and the Tapestries. The highlight is a visit to the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo's breathtaking ceiling fresco, depicting the history of the creation, overlooks masterpieces by Italy's greatest artists. Visit St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square, followed by an afternoon at leisure. Dine this evening in Trastevere at one of Rome's oldest, and most charming, restaurants. Meals BD

7. Rome at Leisure
The entire day is free to do as you please. Reservations have been made at the Galleria Borghese, just steps away from your hotel, which features works by Italy's Renaissance and Baroque artists. The Galleria is located near the fascinating Via Veneto, one of Rome's most glamorous boulevards. Join us this evening for a farewell reception and dinner. Meals BD

8. Journey Home
Tour ends: Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino 2 1/2 hours prior to the departure of our selected flight(s). Persons departing other times should secure their own transportation. Taxi is approx. 75 Euros (US $75). Meals B
 

	8 Days / 7 Nights Begins Rome Apr 6, 27 May 11, 25 Jun 8, 22 Jul 13 Aug 3, 17 Sep 7, 14, 28 Oct 12, 19 Additional dates may become available as these sell out. NEW for Families: Offers a similar tour for families of all ages – departures:  June 29; July 6, 16, 20 and 27.

	Price Per Person: Twin $2220 Single $2542 Triple $2087 14 Meals Included. Transatlantic air is additional. Special Airfares – Operator offers special fares in coach and business class on select carriers departing various cities the evening prior to departure dates listed above (subject to availability). Persons taking these flights will be met by the Tour Director outside customs at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino. Persons arriving on other flights may have to use local transportation to the first hotel, which is costly. Taxi is approx. €250 Euros (US $250).

	Night 1,2 Hotel Fonte Cesia Todi, Italy Night 3,4* Grand Hotel Minerva Florence, Italy Night 5,6,7 Hotel Parco dei Principi* Rome, Italy * Tour of Aug 3 may stay at an alternate hotel.

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