Italy Sept

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1 Italy Sept Air on American $809 Land $1899 per person based on Double Rates subject to change until booked. Sept 20 Boston to Rome Sept 29 Venice Boston Air on American $809 per person Air on American Sept 21 Arrive Rome Clear Customs Transfer to hotel Depart Airport at 8:45am Arrive hotel 9:45am Drop luggage as rooms not ready until 1 pm. Hotel Baily Hotel Rome **** - Rome by Golf Cart We ll show the highlights you shouldn t miss and some of the tucked away sites: Coliseum (outside), Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps. Its visit and, while you re with us in the golf cart, we d rather show you around places you d never find otherwise. Your tour will at the Coliseum. Coliseum tickets Tickets with Audio Guide to Coliseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Mobile Tickets Audio Guide Valid for 2 days Get access to the Coliseum along with an audioguide in 14 languages and a 1 hour 10 minute long narration. Next, head to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill and enjoy a hassle free entry to the archaeological complex. Tickets are valid for a period of two days, ensuring you don t miss out on anything.

2 A taxi back to the hotel will be under 10 Euros There are lots of Restaurants near the hotel in all price ranges. The hotel concierge will help you find a restaurant based on your needs. Sept 22 Breakfast at the hotel. 8: 00 Am depart by taxi to the Vatican 15 Euros 8:30 Vatican tour with private guide and small group tour See the highlights of Vatican City with an expert guide, visiting the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter s Basilica! After paying your entrance fee directly to our staff on the day of your arrival, head inside the world s largest collection of private art with an expert guide, and see for yourself why the Vatican is a mecca for millions of travelers. Explore intriguing sites like Raphael s Rooms (available only during the 8:30 morning tour) and then visit the Sistine Chapel to see incredible frescoes by Michelangelo. Finish with a tour of St Peter s Basilica, and see the beautiful La Pieta sculpture while learning about it from your guide. Choose from a selection of different start times or upgrade to a small-group tour (16 people maximum). Important: Entrance tickets to the Vatican Museums are NOT included and will be provided by the agency at an additional cost (on the spot). After meeting your guide in Vatican City, pay your entrance fees directly inside our office, and then head inside the incredible Vatican Museums with your skip-the-line ticket. As you walk through its corridors, your guide will regale you with tales of Vatican saintliness and sin an intriguing insight into the holiest place in the Christian world. At a time when Italian art blazed a trail around the world, the Vatican employed only the best Renaissance and Baroque architects to furnish their surroundings. No surprise then that the popes amassed one of the world s finest collections of sculptures, carvings, frescoes and paintings a visual feast for art connoisseurs and amateurs alike. Walk through breathtaking galleries like Raphael s Rooms, a series of interconnecting papal chambers that showcase the artistic genius of Renaissance master Raphael and his pupils. Stop to look at mesmerizing paintings like the School of Athens, which features images of Michelangelo and Raphael himself, and hear about the rivalries that resulted in some of the most influential works of Western art ever created. Stroll through more captivating rooms including the Gallery of the Maps and Gallery of the Tapestries, and then head inside the Sistine Chapel the popes private place of worship. Besides its sacredness, the main draw of the Sistine Chapel is the incredible frescoes, created solely by Michelangelo. Gaze skyward at The Creation of Adam ceiling fresco, and look to the back wall to see The Last Judgement. Finish with a walk inside St Peter s Basilica Italy s largest and infinitely most spectacular church that s built on the site of St Peter s supposed burial place. Marvel at La Pieta, one of Michelangelo s early sculptures, and stop to rub the foot of St Peter himself for good luck and a blessing. Your tour then finishes outside the church. 2:30 Frascati and Castel Gandolfo Escape the heat and hustle of Rome with a half-day trip around the hill towns of Castelli Romani. Visit Lake Albano, Rocca di Papa, Castel Gandolfo, Grottaferrata and Frascati, and sample locally-made wine while learning about wine production in the area. This half-day tour is an excellent opportunity to see an untrammeled swath of the Roman countryside while learning about the history of the area from your local guide. Highlights Half-day trip to Castelli Romani from Rome, led by an expert local guide Admire the scenery of the Alban Hills where the pretty Castelli Romani towns are found Visit Lake Albano and Castelgandolfo, the summer home of the pope Explore the pretty towns of Rocca di Papa and Grottaferrata

3 Sample a glass of Frascati in the town where it's produced What You Can Expect Enjoy a glass of wine in Frascati Get picked up at your hotel in Rome or choose to meet your guide near Termini Station. Then hop on your comfortable coach for the journey to idyllic Castelli Romani, a collection of hill top towns outside of Rome. The guided tour takes you first along the legendary Appian Way, the ancient Roman road that went southward all the way to Brindisi. See the Baths of Caracalla and the Chapel of Domine Quo Vadis along the way. The first stop is Castel Gandolfo, where the pope historically retreats in the summer to escape the heat of Rome. The placid diminutive town is packed with historic sites, including the Church of St. Thomas of Villanova, designed by Baroque master, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. After lingering a while in town, head with your guide to Grottaferrata and Rocca di Papa, two small towns that are known for their gastronomic delights. Learn about why porchetta, a juicy pork dish, is famous here, and then head further up into the Alban Hills to the village of Frascati, a spot well known for its wine production. Take in the incredible views of the surrounding countryside, perhaps wander around the village on your own for a short time, exploring all its nooks, and then sample a glass of locally-made wine. Hop back on the coach and head back to Rome where you'll be dropped either at Termini Station or another central location. Hotel Baily Hotel Rome **** Sept 23 Breakfast at hotel Today is a free day to explore Rome as you wish. Perhaps you will want to do a walking tour, visit the museums, shop. Take a walking tour explore ancient Rome. Go on the hunt for some of the best food in Rome on this culinary walking tour through the areas of Campo de Fiori, Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto. With a guide, spend 3.5 hours learning the local secrets of the Eternal City and sample traditional Italian favorites like gelato and pasta, as well as local specialties like fried artichokes. Limited to 12 people, this tour offers a more personal sightseeing experience. Highlights 3.5-hour Rome food walking tour to Trastevere, Campo di Fiori and the Jewish Ghetto Find favorite local eateries in Rome with your guide Visit Campo de' Fiori s market to meet local traders and sample their quality produce Explore vibrant Trastevere and try food like a classic Roman pasta dish, gelato and tomato-free pizza Small-group tour with a maximum of 12 people for an intimate sightseeing experience What You Can Expect Small-Group Rome Food Walking Tour: Trastevere, Campo di Fiori and Jewish Ghetto Your Rome culinary adventure starts in Piazza Farnese, where you ll meet your guide and set off on your walking tour, making your way first to Campo de Fiori. Visit the popular food market here, where stalls overflow with fresh veggies, meats and cheeses. While you take in the bustling atmosphere, meet some of the vendors, who will provide samples of their tasty goods. Next, head over to Trastevere, a quaint neighborhood whose cobbled lanes are home to favorite local restaurants and cafes. Walk through the district with your guide, stopping at various eateries for tastings of classic Roman dishes like pasta, pizza bianca (pizza with no tomato sauce), fresh mozzarella cheese, locally cured salami and artisan gelato. Then continue to the Jewish Ghetto, a bohemian district south of Rome s historical center known for its vintage shops and art studios. Stop by local grocery stores and delicatessens around Piazza della Cinque Scole for samples of specialties like risotto balls, known as suppli, and fried artichokes and codfish. With a full stomach, your tour ends in Trastevere. Hotel Baily Hotel Rome **** Sept 24 Breakfast at Hotel Train to Florence

4 Train departs at 8:35 and arrives at 10:07 Hotel Beatrice Address: Via Fiume 11, Florence, FI, Italy Phone: It is a five minute walk from the train station to the hotel. The Hotel Beatrice is a charming boutique hotel close to the restaurants, shopping art galleries, museums and the Cathedral. We suggest that after you drop luggage take a stroll to the City Market place or the Lorenzo Market to get a true flavor of the city. Tour departs at 1:15 pm and returns at 7:30 pm Experience the famous beauty and flavor of Italy s Chianti wine region on this half-day tour from Florence. Travel through the rolling hills and vineyards of the Tuscan countryside, stopping at two estate wineries to taste authentic Chianti wines and snack on regional specialties like bruschetta and cheese. Visit the picturesque village of Greve for a sense of true country life, and enjoy leisure time to explore the winding medieval streets and artisan shops. Highlights Half-day Chianti wine experience from Florence Travel through the rolling hills and historic vineyards of the Tuscan countryside Tour two wineries to taste excellent Chianti wine and Tuscan finger food Meet winemakers and learn about traditional production methods Visit the charming medieval village of Greve What You Can Expect Grapes Tucked in the center of Tuscany is the picture-framed Chianti. Famous for its carefully-tended farmlands, rolling hills, wines and rural treats. This trip gives you the chance to open the picture and step inside. A truly get-away-from-it-all trip, plunging you into the beauties and traditions of the Chianti region, renowned world-wide for its wines and special cheeses and meats. After meeting your guide you will go to visit a rustic wine estate. Here you will be met and hosted by the owners, who will show you the tricks-of-the-trade and let you into all the secrets of the best Chianti red wine. You'll be able to relish homemade snacks and sip a suave wine. Then we drive through the charming landscapes of the region to arrive at Greve in Chianti, the famous and probably best known Chianti wine town. Here you'll be free to wander through the town and explore its alleyways or sit in the main square and watch the world go by. But you'll also be able to take in the beautiful Medieval buildings and peek in the picturesque artisan shops. But the day isn't over yet! Nestling in the olive groves, gentle hills and vineyards you'll be taken to visit another wine estate, where you can relax and pick up tips to be the perfect sommelier! The day over you'll return back to Florence after a day truly serene and satisfying. Sept 25 Breakfast at Hotel Tour Departs 8:30 Piaza San Marco Experience the Tuscan capital's top attractions on a small-group, 3-hour walking tour through Florence. Begin with skip-the-line access to view Michelangelo's 'David' in the Accademia Gallery, and learn how the House of

5 Medici shaped Florence into a helm of arts and humanities. Then visit the Duomo, the city's iconic, Gothic-style cathedral, as well as the Baptistery to hear the fascinating origins of the Gates of Paradise. Afterward stroll the local streets, taking in landmarks like the Ponte Vecchio bridge. Highlights Small-group walking tour of Florence Visit Florence's iconic sights and learn the stories behind them Enjoy skip-the-line access to the Accademia Gallery See Michelangelo's David, as well as his partially-finished Slaves in the Accademia Stroll along Florence streets, taking in sights like the Piazza della Signoria and the romantic Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo (from outside) Receive personalized attention with your small group What You Can Expect Duomo di Firenze Start by skipping the line at the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo s David, as well as his partiallyfinished Slaves, for insight into how he turned jagged rock into the beautiful, lifelike figures of his sculptures. You ll also hear stories of Leonardo Da Vinci and the powerful Medici family, whose patronage made Florence one of the hot beds of the Renaissance art world. Next you ll head to another stone structure that changed world history - Florence Duomo. As you admire the Dome from outside you ll hear the story of how its architect Brunelleschi recovered lost knowledge and expanded the realm of what was deemed humanly possible all in his pursuit of building it. After the Duomo you ll take to the streets to see more of Florence s landmarks, including the Palazzo Vecchio, the statues of the Orsanmichele church, the Pizza della Repubblica and Piazza della Signoria, the Porcellino pig (rub his nose for good luck!) and of course, Italy s most picturesque bridge, the Ponte Vecchio. As you walk, the sites will come to life with the stories told by your English speaking guide. In an intimate group of 15 people or fewer you will have plenty of time to ask questions and learn about the incredible history of this city from the ground up. Itinerary Sites Visited: Michelangelo s David and Slaves in the Accademia Ponte Vecchio Baptistery Doors and Gates of Pradise Piazza della Signoria Palazzo Vecchio (from outside) Orsanmichele Church (from outside) Piazza della Repubblica In the afternoon explore the botanical gardens, the Medici palace, take a cooking class, explore the old town. Sept 26 Breakfast at hotel Train to Venice Train departs at 9:30 and arrives 11:35 Venice is a city of Canals ( the transfers can get you close to the hotel but you may have to walk across a plaza. Hotel Royal San Marco Address: Per S. Marco, 848, Venezia VE, Italy Phone: Rooms in Venus are not large and average 165 square feet. This is a great hotel by St. Marks Square. Tour starts at 1:15 and finishes at 4:15.

6 See the best of Venice in a day on a tour that combines a guided walk with a cruise along the bustling Grand Canal. Hear the history of St Mark s Square and Rialto Bridge from a guide, and visit St Mark s Basilica with a skip-the-line ticket to beat the long admission lines. Discover the tucked-away treasures of Venice s backstreets and charming canals, and then finish on a high note: a water taxi cruise on the Grand Canal. Highlights 3-hour combination walking and boat tour of Venice Enjoy a 2-hour walking tour including the famous monuments of St Mark s square Gain skip-the-line entry to St Mark's Basilica See Campo Santa Maria Formosa, the home of Marco Polo and the Rialto Bridge Explore small back streets, narrow passageways and piazzas as you learn about historical Venice from your guide Cruise along the Grand Canal on a 1-hour water taxi ride Break for lunch and shopping with free time between tours What You Can Expect Visit St. Mark's Basilica Start your Venice in one day tour with a 2-hour guided walk to learn about the city s key monuments. In St Mark s Square, hear the history behind legendary sights such as St Mark s Basilica and the Doge s Palace prisons. Admission lines at top Venice attractions are long and no more so than at St Mark s Basilica. Use your skip-theline ticket to bypass the lines and step straight inside. Then admire the acclaimed mosaics that adorn the basilica s interior as you explore with your guide. From St Mark s Basilica, continue to Scuola Grande di San Marco (aka Ospedale Civile). Today the historic building is used as a museum and hospital, but, in its medieval heyday it functioned as a school that helped to lay the foundations for Venice s trade empire. Leave the tourist crowds behind, and follow your guide around the winding alleyways that form the backstreets of Venice. Explore narrow passageways that cut between sun-bleached palazzos, and admire the bridges that cross the canals. Pass through Campo Santa Maria Formosa to see its gothic palaces, and have your camera ready for Marco Polo s House. Say good by to your guide at Rialto Bridge, and make the most of some free time before your 1-hour water taxi cruise along the Grand Canal. As you glide down the waterway, listen to stories about the eye-catching palaces and churches that line your route, and hear fun facts about the famous residents that have lived on the equally famous street. Continue with a tour of the smaller, lesser-seen canals. Hop back on to dry land to finish your experience in central Venice. Please note: There will be a break between the Venice Walking Tour and Grand Canal Boat Tour, for you to spend time at leisure. The duration of this break will vary depending on the season. Details of the exact meeting location and time for the Grand Canal Boat Tour will be given by your guide after the walking tour. There are hundreds of restaurants near the hotel in all price ranges. Sept 27 Breakfast at Hotel Tour departs Get a taste for the hill towns near Venice with this small-group tour of Veneto. Wander the charming medieval streets and gardens of Asolo and Bassano del Grappa, and visit the well-preserved Villa Barbaro, designed by the famous Renaissance architect Palladio. Savor Veneto cuisine at a local restaurant, and toast your trip with a bubbly glass of prosecco at a vineyard tasting. Numbers are limited to 8 people to ensure an intimate, personalized experience.

7 Highlights Full-day trip from Venice to the Veneto hill towns by minivan Small group tour for a more personalized experience Delightful gardens and villas of Asolo Guided tour and shopping in Bassano del Grappa Visit Palladian Villa Barbaro Optional lunch in a typical trattoria Walking tour of Marostica Sample prosecco at a Veneto vineyard English-speaking driver/guide What You Can Expect Visit the hill town of Asolo! Escape the crowds of Venice for a full day of sightseeing in the enchanting hill towns of Veneto. Meet your guide in central Venice in the morning, and hop aboard a comfortable minivan for the approximately 1-hour drive north. Stop in the village of Marostica for a stroll through the charming medieval streets and see the square where the town s famous living chess game is played. Continue on to Asolo, where you can wander around lovely gardens and historic villas in this town known as the pearl of Veneto. At nearby Bassano del Grappa, take a guided tour and then enjoy leisure time to shop for local artisan goods. Perhaps even pick up a bottle of the potent grappa liqueur for which the town is known. In Maser, explore the historic grandeur of Villa Barbaro a wonderfully preserved estate designed by renowned Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio. Stroll through well-manicured gardens and admire frescoes by Veronese that adorn the grand hallways and public rooms of the villa. When it s time for lunch, savor delicious Veneto cuisine at a local restaurant (own expense). Opt to include regional wine pairings with your meal if you like. Finally, drive through rolling vineyards on the way to a prosecco winery, where you ll raise a glass of the beloved sparkling wine and toast your day in the country. In the evening take a Gondola ride through the canals. on own Sept 28 Breakfast at hotel Voyage across the Venetian Lagoon to the artisan islands of Murano and Burano on a 5-hour tour. In lovely Murano, visit the 12th-century San Donato Church and watch a demonstration of traditional Venetian glassblowing techniques at a local workshop. After free time to explore and shop for glass treasures, hop back

8 in the boat for the short trip to Burano. Explore the island on a guided walking tour and visit a factory to see how delicate Venetian lace has been made for centuries. Highlights 5-hour day trip to the artisan islands of Murano and Burano from Venice Cruise across the Venetian Lagoon in a motorboat Stroll through the picturesque island of Murano and visit a 12th-century church Watch a live glassblowing demonstration at a local workshop Learn about traditional Venetian lace-making methods in Burano Enjoy free time to dine and shop for unique souvenirs What You Can Expect Burano Your tour begins at a central meeting point in Venice, then you will board a two-story boat to make the journey to Murano. Along the way, your English-speaking guide will provide cultural and historical info about the islands and the lagoon of Venice When you reach Murano, you will get off in a residential area of the island and will walk through the silent streets to reach San Donato Cathedral. The church is a rare sample of Roman style architecture with an ancient mosaic floor, a wooden keel ceiling and a gold mosaic Madonna on the apse. With a 15 minute walk to the city center, you will reach a glass factory for a glass blowing demonstration. There will be about a half-hour hour of free time for shopping or optional workshops for children of mosaic or glass bead jewelry (10 Euro) shopping Your next stop is Burano island for a walk to and discover hidden and picturesque corners, followed by a trip to a lace factory and a short amount of free time. On the way back to Venice you will be served a glass of prosecco on board (nonalcoholic drinks for children). Our dj will choose some nice music for the return journey. Sept 29 Breakfast at Hotel Transfer to Airport Depart 5 Am for airport ( ) I want Cancellation insurance at $190 per person ( ) I decline insurance protection Full payment is due upon reservation. Final payment is due 60 days before departure. Make checks payable to: Tye s Top Tour & Travel Cancellations within 75 days of departure will result in a loss of your deposit. Cancellation within 60 days will result in a 25% cancellation penalty, within 45 days a 50% penalty, within 30 days, a 75% penalty, and within 7 days, no refund. Tye s Tours 9 Riverside Dr. Merrimack, NH info@tyestours.com