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Italy's Great Cities Tour ~ Best in Class
Small-Group 16 Guests or Less, Off-the-Beaten-Path

Discover Italy's Great Cities: Venice, Florence, Rome | Cortona, Tuscany, Assisi, Umbria
10 Days round-trip air travel
(not included), 9 Days Land, 8 Nights deluxe accommodation
Italy Small Group Tour ~ Sightseeing & Excursions
Italy's Great Cities Tour Itinerary

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Early Bird Sale: $240/Couple: Book by March 11, 2011 and pay land portion in full to earn this promotion.

ITALY'S GREAT CITIES TOUR

10 Days Land Only
$3,898
2011 Departures
March 14, 28 Special Rate
April 4, 18 Special Rate
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
June 6, 13, 20, 27
July 4, 11, 18, 25
Aug 2, 16
Sep 5, 12, 19, 26
Oct 3, 10, 17, 24
Nov 7, 14, 21 Special Rate
Dec 5, 19
2012 Departures
March 12, 26
April 2, 9, 16, 30
May 7, 14, 21, 28
June 4, 11, 18, 25
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Aug 6, 13, 20
Sep 3, 10, 17, 24
Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Nov 5, 12, 19, 26
Dec 3, 10, 17, 31

Italy's Great Cities Tour - Itinerary
Itinerary: A Small Group Tour of 16 Guests or Less.
We also feature this same itinerary with our Classic Budget Tour package - same itinerary, budget hotels.

(Re)Discover Italy with us on this deluxe Itinerary ~ No big group, deluxe hotels located truly in the city centers, private boat in Venice and small, private coach along the Tuscan Wine Road into Assisi.

Day 1 | Depart the United States on your Trans-Atlantic flight to Europe. This is the published date of departure. Yes, we can arrange your air travel from the QueensLander air department. We’ll work with you to get the absolutely lowest-fare available based on your travel preferences. We utilize both our own air department and online agencies to find the best rate. At the end of the Great Cities Tour you should set your flight to return from Rome. Or if you are extending to the Amalfi Coast, then you should set your flight to return from Naples.

Day 2 | Welcome to Venice, Italy ~ We Stay in the Very Heart of San Marco!

We've tried to include everything! However, make note the following items are not included:

• Arrival and Departure Transfers ($124 per person Venice across the Lagoon between 9am and 12:30pm ~ $59 Rome Hotel to Rome Airport)
• Lunches - Actually one lunch is included in Tuscany. Our Tour Captain will offer great, affordable options for you everyday.
• Three of the 8 Dinners are bit included though our Tour Captain will invite you to join them to unique restaurants each of these evenings.

 

That's it ~ everything else excluding personal item purchases is included.

 

Our tour captain will meet you at the hotel or if you've opted for our Arrival Transfer you will be met at the airport or train station. Arrive in style and enjoy the Bay of Venice! We make our way to our hotel in the heart of Venice located very near St. Mark's Square.  Enjoy a great location in Venice with our hotel and then join the Tour Captain in the lobby tonight for an included Welcome Dinner to Venice!    Ah Venice!!

 

· INCLUDED HOST ORIENTATION WALKABOUT: Join your Tour Captain Host for a Welcome Orientation Walk on your arrival day in Venice. Find out where the major landmarks are located, ATM machines and other helpful sites ~ Hey, where's Harry's Bar? I'm ready for my Bellini!

Walking Level: Light, Leisurely Pace; Volume: Light

INCLUDED WELCOME DINNER TONIGHT: Join your Tour Captain for a Welcome Feast in Venice, Italy. Experience what can only be described as a tour of the best cuisine in Italy!
~ Our approach to dining is unique: We've collected our favorites dishes from the incredible restaurants we visit for each included dinner. However, if none of the entrees meet your fancy simply order from the regular menu. Your Tour Captain is there to make sure your dining experience goes smoothly and will help you interpret any menu item. For the included dinners, your Tour Captain Host will provide the appetizers featuring regional cuisine and will select your vino for the evening ~ a variety of red and white wine from the region you're traveling.

DELUXE HOTEL: Hotel Saturnia & International <click to read Read TripAdvisor© Reviews of QueensLander's Hotels Review>


Important: About our Hotel & Villa Properties Featured in This Tour: QueensLander’s hotel and villa properties feature centuries old structures with uniquely designed rooms and floor plans. Each hotel or villa will feature rooms that differ in size and characteristic. They have been inspected by our program director and meet our property standards. Some rooms will feature views of traditional Italian roof-tops, walls, interior and exterior courtyards, while others may have views of distant landscapes and piazzas. Each room is randomly assigned by the hotel staff.

Day 3 | Venice | Grand Canal, Giudecca Canal, St. Mark's Square, Doges' Palace, Bridge of Sighs

Start your morning sightseeing in style as your Tour Captain and our local Guide escorts you throughout Venice! We tour by walking today, with in-depth visits to St. Mark's Square and St. Mark's Basilica, the DOGES' PALACE and the Bridge of Sighs. The romance of this city is apparent every step of the way, from Venetian glass blowers fashioning their craft in their traditional style to the classic gondola ride.  Enjoy a boat ride on Luigi’s new authentic Venetian boat over to the Isle of Murano to experience the original glass blowers – quite fascinating to observe!

 

The Magic of Wandering Through Venice ~ discover your "lost adventure" in this romantic city!

We return to San Marco where the afternoon is your's at leisure: discover the magic of the canals and myriad sidewalks as you explore and delightfully get "lost" in the city of Venice.

 

Dinner in Venice, anyone?

You may opt to join your Tour Captain tonight for dinner (departs from lobby) or opt to explore on your own throughout Venice. Tonight enjoy an included Gondola ride through the canals of Venice with professional musicians!

 

DAILY HOT BREAKFAST INCLUDED

• INCLUDED GUIDED TOUR WITH CINZIA, LOCAL GUIDE ~ Today ENJOY ADMISSION & SIGHTSEEING to:

~ Admission and tour of Doges Palace (Duke or Governor's Palace - seat of Venetian Power)

~ Admission and tour of Bridge of Sighs - The bridge made famous for its window and last view of blue sky and freedom as prisoners are marched to their sentence.

~ Admission and tour of Prison

~ Admission and tour of Basilica San Marco

~ Tour of Piazza San Marco

~ Private Boat Ride of Grand Canal: View the palaces, churches and edifices that create the backdrop that is Venice! Rialto Bridge, Ca d'Oro (Palazzo Santa Sofia), and hear and see where the legends of Casanova, Marco Polo and other infamous Venetians dwelled!

~ Admission and demonstration on Isle of Murano to see Authentic Glass Blowing by Venetian family.

~ Private Gondola Experience with our musicians tonight -  

Walking Level: Moderate, Leisurely Pace: Volume: Moderate

Day 4 | Venice to Florence | Birthplace of the Renaissance, Roman Capital, Michelangelo
 

We embark on the EuroStar via 1st Class service with reserved seats to Florence. Florence is the city of Arts and birthplace to the Renaissance. After transferring from the Florence Train Station, we check-in to our hotel to freshen up and meet in the lobby for a short walk through the cobblestones streets to dinner.

Enjoy 2 nights at the Helvetia & Bristol Hotel. The Helvetia & Bristol is authentic Italiano and perfectly located in the heart of Firenze (Florence!). 

Tonight included dining at a delightful restaurant, fully authentic! Florence welcomes us with a variety of regional cuisine, beverages and a sampling of fine local wines.

 

· DAILY BREAKFAST INCLUDED

• INCLUDED HOST ORIENTATION WALKABOUT: Join your Tour Captain Host for a Welcome Orientation Walk on your arrival day in Florence. Find out where the major landmarks are located, ATM machines and other helpful sites ~ Hey, is that the Arno River?
~ Admission and tour of Santa Croce ~ The Basilica di Santa Croce (Basilica of the Holy Cross) is the principal Franciscan church in Florence, Italy, and a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic Church. It is the burial place of some of the most illustrious Italians, such as Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, Foscolo, Gentile, Rossini, and Marconi, thus it is known also as the Temple of the Italian Glories (Tempio dell'Itale Glorie).
Walking Level: Light, Leisurely Pace: Volume: Light

 

· INCLUDED REGIONAL WINES WITH DINNER TONIGHT ~ Free-choice dining means you select what you'd like from the menu ~ the Tour Captain is available to help you interpret the menu. Your Tour Captain Host will provide the appetizers featuring regional cuisine and will select your vino for the evening ~ a variety of red and white wine from the region!

• 5 STAR DELUXE HOTEL: Hotel Helvetia & Bristol <click to read Read TripAdvisor© Reviews of QueensLander's Hotels Review>

Day 5 | Discovering Florence ~ Firenze
 

Today join your Tour Captain and our local guide on a guided tour of Florence. Florence boasts a variety of fine sights to see, including Santa Maria del Fiore, the Baptistry's Bronze "Gate of Paradise," Giotto's Bell Tower, Signoria Square and the Accademia Galleria where Michelangelo's David is housed. We also visit Piazza Republica, Piazza Signoria and the "old bridge" - Ponte Vecchio - the only bridge to survive World War II bombing. A great tour and perfectly balanced day allows you to enjoy the afternoon for shopping and sightseeing on your own.

Consider Optionals: We highly recommend the Uffizi Gallery if you want to dig deeper into the vast riches of Florence’s art and heritage. This afternoon you may also choose from our Authentic Italian Cooking Experience. Inquire with reservations if you're interested in this outstanding culinary experience.

Tonight’s dinner is optional – join your Tour Captain in the lobby or explore Florence on your own tonight for a great feast!

 

· BREAKFAST INCLUDED

• INCLUDED GUIDED TOUR WITH SUSANNA, LOCAL GUIDE ~ Today ENJOY ADMISSION & SIGHTSEEING to:

~ Admission and tour of Galleria dell'Accademia ~ first art school of Europe featuring the original The David by Micehelangelo ~ Enjoy up close and personal inspection of Michelangelo's most famous creation.

~ Admission and tour of Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore ~ The "Duomo," Baptistery and Giotto's Campanile

~ Admission and tour of The Baptistery ~ This history of the Baptistery is explored and experienced with inside admission. Between 1330 and 1336, Andrea Pisano had created a first door in bronze with golden figures in relief. Later in 1401, a competition was launched for a second door (and seems to be the first public competition in the history of art) and was won by Lorenzo Ghiberti.

~ Sightseeing tour of Piazza della Republica, Piazza Signoria and the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) and the only bridge to survive World War II Bombing

Walking Level: Moderate, Leisurely Pace; Volume: Moderate to Ample

Day 6 | Under the Tuscan Sun – Discovering San Gimignano and our Castle ~ Castello della Paneretta ~ in the heart of beautiful Tuscany and Chianti region
 

This morning we enter deep into the heart of Tuscany with a stop in the hilltop village of San Gimignano - One of San Gimignano’s most impressive sights is the medieval skyline made up of 13 remaining towers dating back from the 11th century. San Gimignano rises on a hill dominating the Elsa Valley. The town increased in wealth and developed greatly during the Middle-Ages thanks to the "Via Francigena" the trading and pilgrim's route that crossed it. Once in San Gimignano, we enjoy free time to explore the city of towers. San Gimignano also has several distractions for shopping – so dig in and enjoy! – from San Gimi we're off to our castle ~ Castello della Paneretta ~ for a tour of the cellars and a delightful wine tasting with appetizers. Experience the castle grounds with a tour of the cellars along with wine-tasting featuring palate-pleasing appetizers including pecorino cheese and bruschetta!  You’ll get your fill of classic Chianti and Tuscan vino along with delicate cuisine.

After a late afternoon, leisurely drive we arrive in Cortona for our night in the very heart of Tuscany - absolutely beautiful - an authentic welcome dinner is included.


·  BREAKFAST INCLUDED

·  INCLUDED DINING TONIGHT: Join your Tour Captain for a welcome dinner in Toscana at Paola & Franco's place. Tonight, enjoy authentic dining from Paola's small Tuscan kitchen. It's an event to be savored and not rushed ~ like all Italian dining events!


 DELUXE VILLA HOTEL: 1 Night at Villa Marsili (click for hotel reviews)
Reviews by Read TripAdvisor© Reviews of QueensLander's Hotels


• INCLUDED SIGHTSEEING AND ADMISSION ~ Today ENJOY ADMISSION & SIGHTSEEING to:

~ Sightseeing and free time in Tuscan town of San Gimignano

~ Admission, Tour and Wine Tasting at Castello della Paneretta ~ located in the heart of Tuscany ~ Beautiful Views and Estate

~ Tuscany's Wine Road: Winding through the Tuscan hills and landscapes on through Umbria, the "wine road" offer views with remarkable beauty characterized by vineyards and wine cellars and distant rolling landscapes and villages up in the hills.

Walking Level: Light to Moderate, Leisurely Pace, Volume: Moderate

Day 7 | Cortona in Arezzo, Toscana | Saint Frances of Assisi in Umbria | To Rome

After breakfast, enjoy morning in Cortona – is a small but fascinating city in the province of Arezzo, Tuscany, central Italy, situated on a commanding hill, and overlooking Lake Trasimeno. Its cyclopean walls, still in great part preserved, are said to be 3000 years old. It was one of the twelve cities of Etruria and is our host this morning as we observe Italian life in Tuscany! Depart midday for Assisi. Assisi including the Basilica: the mystic city of Saint Francis surrounded by ancient walls lays on top of the green slopes of Mount Subasio. Its rose-stone buildings complemented by winding narrow streets, palaces, balconies with blooming flowers will hold you spellbound. You will have a visit of the Basilica of Saint Francis, with the masterpieces of Giotto and Cimabue.

·  BREAKFAST INCLUDED

• ASSISI: INCLUDED SIGHTSEEING AND ADMISSION WITH LOCAL GUIDE, GIUSEPPE ~ Today ENJOY ADMISSION & SIGHTSEEING to:

~ Sightseeing and free time in Tuscan town of Cortona

~ Admission and Guided Tour of Assisi ~ The birthplace of Saint Francis, who founded the Franciscan religious order in the town in 1208, and St. Clare (Chiara d'Offreducci), the founder of the Poor Clares.

Walking Level: Light, Leisurely Pace


Then we're off to Rome
– where all roads lead. We check into our hotel, the Grand Hotel de la Minerve, in the very heart of Old Rome! Truly, you cannot get much more in the heart of Rome than with this perfectly located property.

 

• ROME: INCLUDED HOST ORIENTATION WALKABOUT: Join your Tour Captain Host for a Welcome Orientation. Walk on your arrival day in Rome. Find out where the major landmarks are located, ATM machines and other helpful sites ~ Hey, is that the Tiber River?

~ Campo de Fiore, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, the very heart of Rome will be explored during the Orientation Walkabout and throughout your stay in Rome.

Walking Level: Light, Leisurely Pace; Volume: Light

 

INCLUDED DINING TONIGHT: Join your Tour Captain for a welcome dinner in Roma.

•5 STAR DELUXE HOTEL:  3 Nights at Grand Hotel de la Minerve
Reviews by Read TripAdvisor© Reviews of QueensLander's Hotels

Day 8 | Welcome to Rome ~ Today we have in-depth touring of Rome with the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square, Imperial Rome, Roman Forum & the Colosseum, Bernini and Vatican City

There was a dream that was Rome . You could only whisper it. Anything more than a whisper and it would vanish, it was so fragile.

 

After a great breakfast we begin our tour of Rome with our local guide, Cynthia.

We depart the hotel in our transfer vehicle to Imperial Rome. We begin in the heart of the Empire with one of its most famous structures, the Colosseum. We skip the line and enter directly for an incredible walk back in history. Afterwards, we continue to walk the original town forum of Rome, which is a live archaeological dig! We continue to Circus Maximus, the Senate's Chamber, the Temple of Julius Casear, the Arch of Titus, Capitoline Hill and the "Wedding Cake" or Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II (the first King of a unified Italy). We also drive by the Mouth of Truth of Roman Holiday fame, the Jewish Quarter and twoof the most famous vias or streets, Via Condotti and Via del Corso.

Mid-day we return to the Pantheon where you have time for lunch at your own expense before entering the Pantheon with our guide.

 

After lunch and the Pantheon, we hop over the Tiber River to enjoy admission and a tour of Vatican City. Our tour includes the Vatican museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica – however, make note the Pope may close any of the Vatican at any time without notice for a variety of reasons. After exiting the Vatican via St. Peter’s square you may opt to walk back to the hotel or enjoy the vehicle transfer.

 

Ask your Tour Captain about optional tours later today or tomorrow but consider dining tonight for our optional dinner.

 

· BREAKFAST INCLUDED

· OPTIONAL DINING TONIGHT: Join your Tour Captain for dining out tonight in!

• INCLUDED SIGHTSEEING AND ADMISSION WITH LOCAL GUIDE, CYNTHIA ~ Today ENJOY ADMISSION & SIGHTSEEING to:

~ Admission and Guided Tour of Heart of The Empire: Roman Forum walk through archaeological dig

~ Admission and Guided Tour of Colosseum ~ There once was a dream that was Rome

~ Sightseeing Stop with historical commentary above Circus Maximus, Capitoline Hill and sightseeing drive to Jewish Quarter and Mouth of Truth.

~ Admission and Guided Tour to St. Peter's Basilica (if available by Pope)

~ Admission and Guided Tour of Sistine Chapel (If available by Pope)

~ Admission and Guided Tour of Vatican City Museum

~ Entrance and Guided Tour of Pantheon

~ Enjoy walking tour to the famous Trevi Fountain, the delightful Piazza di Spagna or Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona where mock nautical battles took place in the venue.  

Walking Level: Moderate, Leisurely Pace; Volume: Ample

Day 9 | Roman Holiday ~ Create Your Own Roman Holiday Today

Enjoy a free day in Rome to sightsee and explore on your own. Go back to the Colosseum and explore the Forum deeper. Your Tour Captain will have a variety of activities you can opt for or you can explore on your own. Tonight, enjoy our farewell Gala dinner at an authentic Roman restaurant with your Tour Captain. Our days have been filled with new sights, tastes and discoveries - tonight enjoy reflecting on the incredible journey we've had together!

 

What about an Excursion?

Roman Holiday Self-Guided Walk
What about the Roman Holiday Film Walk Tour? Enjoy a full day's adventure on this self-guided tour of Rome as you retrace the steps of the classic film starring the dashing Gregory Peck as he cons, entertains and then falls for the beautiful Audrey Hepburn, all amid the beautiful backdrop of Rome.

 

Pompeii? Yes, it's possible by train (1 hour, 10 minutes each direction) and we offer our private transfer service in Naples with our private guide. Inquire for pricing. Recommended: We highly recommend you extend your stay with the Amalfi Coast extension which includes the Pompeii Excursion as well as the Isle of Capri instead of taking the lengthy day trip to Pompeii from Rome!

 

BREAKFAST INCLUDED

• INCLUDED QUEENSLANDER FAREWELL EVENT & DINNER ~ One of our favorite nights of fun and celebration as we toast one another to a wonderful trek together. The venue and the music make for the perfect ending to your Italian vacation.  

Day 10 | Check Out or Extend Further. Arrividerci Day or Extend Your Adventure.
Catch flights for the USA from Rome . Until we meet again, may your days be full of discovery and your nights full of good friends. Or are you extending to the Enchanted Amalfi Coast? or some other exotic destination...inquire with reservations for details.

Extend Your Stay in Rome?

Considering staying longer in Rome: Add a night or two or more at our 5 Star propp=erty:

These rates are inclusive of breakfast and taxes at Grand Hotel de la Minerve:

$595 per room per night inclusive of taxes and breakfast.
NOTE: These rates are for the best rooms of the house, not standard rooms. Rates may change - inquire with reservations for final quotation.
 

·         BREAKFAST INCLUDED

·         DEPARTURE TRANSFER $59 PER PERSON, minimum two passengers.

 

  ***Tour Ends***

Extend your Italian Vacation!

Amalfi Coast 3 Day Extension
~Discover the beauty that is the Amalfi Coast with Positano, Amalfi and Sorrento. Breathtaking!

Sicily 3 Day Extension
~Palermo, Messina and so much more await you in Sicily!

Cinque Terre 4 Day Extension
~The truly undiscovered Italian Cinque Terre (five lands) boasts territory that few make it to!

Italian Lakes 6 Day Extension
~Lake Como, Bellagio, Maggiore and more await you in the north of Italy!

 

Italy Tours, Italy Tour Packages, Italy escorted tours, Italy Vacations


Small Groups
Great Guides
All Admissions

Off-the-Beaten-Path



You'll discover unique dining experiences
with cuisine that bursts forth the flavor of Italy!

Discover Small Group Italy Touring –
"We loved QueensLander's Italy Tour – everything
was perfectly arranged each step of the way!"
– Joe & Billie Devine, Italy Tour
Manhattan Beach, California

"Discover the cuisine and delicious wine - it
literally flows on this tour - every dinner
and the amazing wine road in Tuscany - wonderful!"

Yes, you can extend your vacation
to the Amalfi Coast and other parts of Italy ~ see extensions below!

Extend your Italian Vacation!

Amalfi Coast 4 Day 3 Night Extension
~Discover the beauty that is the Amalfi Coast with Positano, Amalfi and Sorrento. Breathtaking!

Tuscany 5 Day 4 Night Extension
~Discover the authentic Tuscany in a pre or post tour extension.

Sicily 4 Day 3 Night Deluxe Extension
~Palermo, Messina and so much more await you in Sicily!

Cinque Terre 4 Day 3 Night Extension
~The truly undiscovered Italian Cinque Terre (five lands) boasts territory that few make it to!

Italian Lakes 4 Day Extension
~Lake Como, Bellagio and more await you in the north of Italy. Based in Varenna...

Italy's Great Cities Tour
Hotels & Highlights


Admissions throughout, Small Group Touring with QueensLander's exclusive approach to Italy Touring, all gratuities included, no tipping guide, driver or tour captain - Worry Free! Hotels have been personally inspected by our own Hotel Snob, Mark Story.

Hotel Saturnia & International, VeniceItaly Tours' hotel in Venice, Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo
Located near St. Mark's Square, the Saturnia is a delightful way to start your Italy Tour - a 14th century palace. Or perhaps the Palace Bonvecchiati or Cavalletto.

The Hotel Helvetia & Bristol in Florence is part of the Leading Hotels of the World is situated perfectly in the heart of Florence and is about a 3 minute leisurely walk to the Ponte Vecchio and Duomo. Or perhaps you'll enjoy Grand Hotel Baglioni or similar.

In Cortona you will enjoy the Villa Marsilli or similar.
Hotel San Michele in Cortona, Italy While enjoying your time 'under the Tuscan sun' discover the romance of this quaint Tuscan town.


In Rome, the Hotel de la Minerve or similar.

Rome provides perfect location near the Spanish Steps and boutique shopping areas as well as the Tiber River!
The lovely Homs Hotel in Rome, Italy


Extending to Amalfi Coast?
Hotel Bellevue Syrene (5 Star) or Hotel BelAir (4 Star) in Sorrento.
The luxurious Bellevue Syrene Hotel or Bel Air Hotel in Sorrento Okay, so you won't want to leave these hotels. Perched perfectly on the cliffs at Sorrento and each guest room has an incredible view!

Venice Video: Watch Italian Band play inside Doges Palace

Small Group Touring™ - Only Way To Go!
Many companies boast interesting itineraries and complement that with a large group of bus junkies (some times upwards of 75 people!). With QueensLander's Italy's Great Cities Tour you are guaranteed a small group tour experience of this delightful land. We mean it when we say small: average size groups range from 10 to 16 passengers.

Licensed Professional Italian Guides
We are proud to comply with Italy law and offer only professional, licensed guides throughout our Italy's Great Cities Tour experience. In Venice, we meet Cinzia and Luigi, our boat driver. In Florence, it's Susanna. In Rome, it's Cynthia. Bilingual, friendly and knowledgeable.

   

 



 

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