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

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

Day 1 | Depart the United States on your Trans-Atlantic flight to Europe.
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!

Our tour representative will meet you upon arrival at the Venice airport or Train Station. Opt to take our Arrival Transfer for $95 per person (minimum two passengers). 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?

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!
~ 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!

• DELUXE HOTEL: Hotel Saturnia & International <click to read Review> or similar ~
NOTE: 2010 tours are booked at Hotel Saturnia & International with the exception of one departure. Please inquire.

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.  

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 (smaller groups of less than 10 passengers may utilize taxi service arranged and included by Tour Captain), 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 or similar. 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.

· 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?
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 Review>or similar

• Some itineraries use Grand Hotel Baglioni or similar ~

NOTE: 2010 tours are booked at Hotel Helvetia & Bristol with the exception of one departure. Please inquire.  

Day 5 | Discovering Florence
 

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. 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 phenom class.

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 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).

~ 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 Villa Dievole Estate in the heart of beautiful Tuscany and Chianti regions
 

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 Villa Dievole Estate 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. We overnight tonight in Cortona in the heart of Tuscany - absolutely beautiful!

·  BREAKFAST INCLUDED

·  INCLUDED DINING TONIGHT: Join your Tour Captain for a welcome dinner in Toscana!

• 1 Night at Villa Marsili (click for hotel reviews), Villa Dievole or Relais alla Corte del Sole or similar
Reviews by

• 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 Villa Dievole ~ located in the heart of Tuscany ~ Beautiful Views and Estate

~ Tuscany's Wine Road: Winding through the Tuscan hills, the wine roads offer views with remarkable beauty characterized by vineyards, wine cellars and rolling landscape.

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

Day 7 | Cortona in Arezzo, Toscana | 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 12:00 for departure for Assisi. Assisi including the Basilica: the mystic city of St.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 St. Francis, with the masterpieces of Giotto and Cimabue. Then we're off to Rome – where all roads lead. We check into our hotel, the Grand Hotel de la Minerve or similar - about 2 minutes from the Spanish Steps.

·  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?

Walking Level: Light, Leisurely Pace; Volume: Light

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

• 3 Nights at Grand Hotel de la Minerve or similar  
Reviews by

• 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 St. 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

Day 8 | Welcome to Rome !  Today we have in-depth touring of Rome with the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square, 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 walking tour of Rome! We begin along the banks of the Tiber River in the heart of Rome. Your Tour Captain provides commentary at important points along the route including Castello San Angelo, the Justice Palace and finally arriving at St. Peter’s square. We navigate along the outer perimeter of the square before meeting our local guide for admission and tour of Vatican City. Our 2 hour 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 – smaller groups will take taxis to relocate to the Pantheon where you will enjoy a delightful lunch at one of the many restaurants in the Piazza (not included). After lunch, we continue our tour and go back in time as we visit the Roman Forum with admission to the Colosseum – one of the most impressive sights in the entire city of Rome – and did you know, all of Rome is a live archaeological dig? Literally, new discoveries are happening all of the time! Ask your Tour Captain about optional tours later today or tomorrow but join him tonight for dinner (optional).

· 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

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 at the Spanish Steps 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.

Day Trip to Pompeii ~ Round-trip transportation, private guide with admission
What about Pompeii? Enjoy a full day's adventure to Pompeii: Enjoy train to Naples where you're met by our tour representative and taken to Pompeii entrance. Meet our private guide, Giuseppe, and enjoy a full exploration of this most moving and historical site. Return to Rome late afternoon. $379 per person, minimum two guests.

• BREAKFAST INCLUDED

• INCLUDED FAREWELL GALA & 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
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.
 

·         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!