ABSOLUTE ITALY Via Maggio 35 50125 Florence, Italy Phone: (39) 055-212877 Italy Itinerary for Mr and Mrs Sauls Monday, April 24, 2017 Arrival Day Upon arrival in the Venice Airport please collect your luggage and exit the baggage claim area where you'll find your assistant waiting with a porter for private transfer by boat to the Bauer Palazzo. Arrival with flight _DL 474 at _11:30 a.m._ Due to new security rules, once you collect your luggage and exit the baggage claim area, you will need to choose between turning left or right and you absolutely need to go left in order to properly meet your assistant. Includes an assistant upon arrival at the airport to accompany guests to the private boat and coordinate porterage and ends with hotel check-in. Porterage included. Have time to get settled into your hotel and to relax after a long flight. Then reach the Stazio Gondolieri Trinità Bauer (next to the Bauer Palazzo) at 5:00 p.m. to have a unique experience! Gondola ride (35 minutes) Discover the beautiful secondary canals such as Rio dei Barcaioli where Mozart lived, and Rio dell Ovo arriving to the Grand Canal. From here you will enjoy the spectacular view of the Rialto Bridge from the water, and the imposing palazzi such as Ca Farsetti and Palazzo Grimani. The tour continues down Rio San Luca where it passes Palazzo Manin, residence of the last doge of Venice, Ludovico Manin, and today the Bank of Italy s Regional headquarters building, before returning to end again at Bacino Orseolo. In the magic setting of Venice music is a really romantic accompaniment. The serenade in gondola is an unforgettable experience: musicians and traditional Venetian folksongs while riding the canals. 35 minutes private gondola ride with musicians on board Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Morning At Leisure Venice Walking Tour (3 hours) Our expert guide will meet you in the lobby at 1:00 p.m. and escort you on a walking tour of this romantic city that begins in San Marco Square with the magnificent Basilica of San Marco. One of the most unique cities in the world, Venice offers priceless art, stunning
architecture and an element of mystery with its canals and winding alleyways. Admire the church s rich, detailed mosaics and the sculptures that adorn this enchanting structure. Next, learn about Venetian art and style with a tour of the gothic Doge s Palace that dates to approximately 1309, and its trove of treasures. This visit concludes in the Rialto area where clients will stroll over the city s oldest and best-known Rialto Bridge. Doge s Palace entry fees of 21 per adult and 14 from 6-18 years old to be prepaid. Wednesday, April 26, 2017 Transfer to Florence by Train Please meet your private assistant at 9:30 a.m. in the hotel lobby to transfer you via private boat to the Venice train station in time to catch your train to Florence leaving at 10:25 a.m. Upon arrival at the Florence train station please disembark the train and meet your private driver at the head of the track. You will be transferred by private sedan to the hotel Brunelleschi. Have time to get settled into you hotel and then meet your guide in the lobby at 3:00 p.m. for your afternoon tour: Florence Walking Tour with Accademia (3 hours) Meet your guide in your hotel lobby for a tour of the intriguing city of Florence that boasts some of the best preserved Renaissance architectural monuments in Italy. Walk its winding cobblestone streets with your expert guide and visit Brunelleschi s Duomo, Piazza Della Repubblica, Piazza della Signoria, the Ponte Vecchio lined with centuries-old jewelry shops that is topped by the Medici families secret passageway. Enter the Accademia Gallery with a reservation and visit the famous David, the statue that established Michelangelo as the greatest sculptor of his time. Learn about the making and history of this glorious sculpture, and tour Michelangelo s other works in residence Entry fees of 18 per adult and 5 for youths 17 yrs and younger with Valid ID for the Accademia and are prepaid Thursday, April 27, 2017 Florence Cooking Lessons (3 hours) Please meet your chef at the Apicius School in Via Guelfa 85, class begins at 10:00 a.m. Please note that in Florence there can be two number 85 s an a single street, and the one you want is black, and not red. Clients will learn how to cook authentic, delicious Italian food during this hands-on cooking lesson with notable Florentine chefs from top local restaurants. The Classic Italian Menu class gives you the opportunity to choose a personalized menu (tou choice MENU 2) consisting of Appetizer, Pasta, Main Course and Dessert. Students will enjoy eating the meal they have prepared with their chef, accompanied by local wine. After the cooking lesson have time on your own before starting your food experience with an expert foodie guide through the streets of Florence: Florence Gastronomic Tour (2 ½ hours) Meet your guide at 3:00 p.m. in Piazza della Repubblica in front of the Tall Marble Column situated in front of Gilli Cafe & La Rinascente Department Store.
Enjoy a light walking tour with an expert foodie guide through the streets of Florence and stop along the way to sample the best of the local fare, learning about the cultural traditions and artisanal craftsmanship that goes into creating these special Florentine treats. Start with a historic cafè where you will try the famous truffle sandwiches accompanied by Prosecco wine, then proceed to a local bakery to try the best focaccia and Florentine pastries. A visit to a shop specializing in salumi and cheeses follows, with tastings, and end the tour at a gelateria for a scoop of a special flavor. Available Mon-Sun afternoons and includes all tastings; substitutions may be required due to local store closings. This is a small group tour with maximum 12 participants. Friday, April 28, 2017 A Day in Siena and San Gimignano Driver Service (8 hours) Meet your private driver in the hotel lobby at 10:00 a.m. to begin your tour through the scenic hills of Tuscany. The first stop is the picturesque city of San Gimignano with its impressive medieval towers. Stroll the streets of this charming town enjoying the morning on your own. Make sure to see the Piazza della Cisterna and the Piazza del Duomo, taking a peek at the local wares and wines in the shops that line the town s characteristic cobblestone streets before departing to Siena. Have lunch in a local trattoria (to be paid directly) and then enjoy the afternoon in Siena, where you will have time to explore the town on your own, or add a walking tour with expert local guide. We recommend a visit to the historic Piazza del Campo where the famous horserace "Il Palio" takes place every summer and brightens the city s streets with colourful flags and lively festivities organized by each of the city s competing neighborhoods. Next visit the Palazzo Pubblico and the stunning cathedral that boasts a collection of works of art by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Bernini. Meet up with your driver again to return to Florence by 6:00 p.m. 8 hours driver 2h guide in Siena Entry fees to be paid directly. Saturday, April 29, 2017 Transfer to Rome by Train Please meet your private driver in the hotel lobby at 9:00 a.m. to transfer you to the Florence train station in time to catch your train to Rome scheduled to depart at 9:52 a.m. Upon your arrival at the Rome train station (11:25 a.m.), please collect your luggage and disembark your train, and exit at the security gate in front of track number 13, where you will see the Calvin Klein store and you will find your driver at the exit bearing a sign with your last name. Transfer to the hotel Baglioni Regina. Transfer to Florence station Two 1st class train tickets Transfer to Rome hotel Have time to get settled into your hotel and have lunch on your own. Then meet your guide in the lobby at 1:30 p.m. for the afternoon tour:
The Vatican Experience: St Peter s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel with Reserved Entrance (4 hours) Your private guide will meet you in your hotel at 1:30 p.m. and you will proceed by taxi (to be paid directly) to the Vatican. Enter with a reservation and tour the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter s Basilica. Enjoy an informative tour of the Vatican accompanied by an expert guide with pre-reserved entrance times to the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. Our special relationship with the Vatican enables us to reserve your entrance to avoid waiting in the immense lines that one finds most of the year. Transfer by taxi to the Vatican for this four hour in-depth tour where you will learn about the great artists who helped to embellish one of the most fascinating sovereign states in the world. Visit the Vatican museums which includes some of the world s most precious artistic and religious treasures including the Galleries of Maps, Candelabras and Tapestries, the Raphael Rooms, and Michelangelo s stunning frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Afterwards, a visit to St Peter s Basilica completes the tour with its splendid sculptures and mosaics of great historic and religious importance. Tickets are an additional 19 for adults and 14 for kids 6-18 years of age, and pre- purchased ahead of time. Sunday, April 30, 2017 Roman Churches Tour (6 hours) Your private guide will meet you in your hotel at 10:00 a.m. to begin your full day tour in Rome to discover some of the beautiful churches of the Rome city. The Basilica of St. John in Lateran is the mother of all churches and seat of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope. The church offers a precious apse mosaics, one of Rome's most beautiful cloisters, a famous tabernacle and an ancient gate from the Roman Senate. We complete the visit with the Scala Santa and the Baptistry, where, according to tradition, Constantin the Great was baptized. The Basilica of Saint Mary Mayor is the most important of innumerable churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The Pauline Chapel preserves the "Salus Popoli Romani", an extraordinary icon showing the Madonna and Child. The Basilica contains a marvelous mosaic with stories of Our Lady and the tomb of the great artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The Basilica of St. Paul outside the Walls is situated in fact outside the ancient city walls and one of the old Roman roads leads us there. The Basilica was erected on the Saint's tomb and it offers us a cicle of mosaic portraits of Popes, starting with St. Peter's up to St. John Paul II. Furthermore, we admire a marvelous Easter candelabrum, Arnolfo di Cambio's ciborium and the old cloister which survived a devastating fire. The Basilica of St. Lorenz outside the Walls is today the result of two different churches grown around the venerated tomb of the martyr. The church shows us a rare example of a 'matroneum', sustained by a superb ancient trabeation. Next to the Basilica we find Rome's monumental cemetery. The Basilica of Santa Croce in Jerusalem was erected on the Imperial Palace, private residence of Empress Helen, Constantine's mother. In the chapel dedicated to her we admire one of the richest collections of relics, the paving stones are said to have been laid on a substantial amount of earth from Golgotha. The Basilica of St. Sebastian already preserved Peter's and Paul's venerated remains and today St. Sebastian's tomb, together with an exceptional wooden carved ceiling and Gian Lorenzo Bernini's last masterpiece. Tour includes a stop for lunch (to be paid directly). 6 hours private guided tour Includes car and driver. Entry fees and lunch are to be paid directly.
Monday, May 01, 2017 Classic Rome Tour (3 hours) Meet your driver and guide in the lobby of the hotel at 10:00 a.m. and start this delightful tour, full of historical anecdotes. You will visit the main artistic and architectural monuments of Classic Rome. View Nicola Salvi s theatrical design the Trevi Fountain, Bernini s Baroque style in Piazza Navona, feel the charm of the Spanish Steps and witness the most extraordinary and best preserved ancient building in Rome, the Pantheon. Includes car and driver. Tuesday, May 02, 2017 Departure Day Please meet your private driver at 9:00 a.m. in the hotel lobby to transfer you to the Rome FCO airport in time to catch your flight DL 445 at 12:30 p.m. Absolute Italy Policies Cancellation Policy: More than 30 days before travel From 29-15 days before travel From 14-8 days before travel Within 7 days or No Show 15 euro fee per service 25% cancellation fee 50% cancellation fee 100% cancellation fee Late Change Fee: A 20% fee will be charged for late changes to itineraries, dates or times of services for changes submitted within 7 days of travel, in addition to any vendor s cancellation fees. Transfer Details for Arrivals: Airports: Driver will be found bearing a sign with the client s last name AFTER clients have retrieved their luggage and exited the Customs area. Drivers are not allowed access to the restricted Baggage Claim area. Train stations: Driver will be found at the head of the track bearing a sign with the client s last name. Ports: Driver will be found in the main Arrivals area with a sign bearing the client s last name; they cannot arrive at the gangplank/exit stairs. Transfer Details for Departures: Airports: Service is to curbside as close as possible to client s entry point. Extra VIP assistance and porterage is able to be booked at extra cost at the Rome airport. Train stations: Service is to curbside as close as possible to client s entry point. Extra VIP assistance and porterage is able to be booked at extra cost at the Rome station. Late Arrivals: Clients who miss their transfer or see that their plane, train or ship will not arrive at the scheduled time need to notify our office ahead of time so that we can attempt to reschedule their transfer. Every attempt will be made to modify the time of the transfer; but in some cases it may be necessary to book a new driver and in that case an additional fee will be charged. If a client does not see his driver upon arrival, he needs to contact our office at: (+39) 055-212877 so that we can assist them in meeting. If a client misses a transfer for any reason, the transfer is not refundable. Clients who do not exit the Arrivals area of airports within an hour of the flight s arrival time will be responsible for drivers waiting time charges.
Contacting Our Office: If while in Italy you have questions about your services we will gladly help you when you call our office number listed at the top of this itinerary, but please contact us during normal office hours, until 5 p.m. in the Spring and 7 p.m. during the Summer. Please do not use the emergency number for general inquiries. Gratuities Gratuities are not included in the tour and transfer prices and are at the clients discretion, but a 10-20% tip is customary for drivers and guides and should be given to them directly at the end of the service