ITALY WITH FRIENDS "ITALIAN HOLIDAY" TOUR May 3-15, 2016 (Itinerary is subject to change and variations with and/or without notice.) DAY 0 Monday, May 2, 2016 - DEPART USA Remember you will arrive in Europe the day after you depart the USA. You will need to book your air travel so that you arrive into Florence (FLR) on Wednesday, May 3, 2016 by 3 PM to meet with the group for orientation. Day 1 Tuesday, May 3, 2016 - Benvenuto to Italy! Welcome to Florence, or Firenze in Italian. After time to get to know each other we will jump right into the Renaissance, with a walking tour of Florence s most important sights, including the Duomo, Baptistery, with its Gates of Paradise, Piazza Signoria, and finally the Ponte Vecchio. We will then enjoy our welcome dinner and will toast our adventures ahead with a glass of sparkling Prosecco. Salute! (D) Moderate DAY 2 Wednesday, May 4, 2016 Florence, Birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. FLORENCE cannot really be described in words, it must be experienced. Florence is an outdoor museum and you will enjoy just strolling through its medieval streets and taking in all the sculpture, art and architecture that surrounds you. We will start our day with a visit to the Central Market, which is filled with all types of food items produced throughout Italy. You will also find the San Lorenzo market here. This is a great place to find bargains and souvenirs. We will then visit the Accademia Museum to enjoy seeing Michelangelo s masterpiece, DAVID, along with a few other treasures. Seeing the real David is truly an unforgettable experience. There will also be time for lunch together. Afterwards you will have time for your own pursuits. You might wish to visit one of the many wonderful museums. Shopping abounds in Florence and it is a great place to find souvenirs and gifts. There are several leather markets. My favorite chocolate shop Rivoire is located right on the Piazza Signoria. You can find delicious treats and some unusual gifts. (B) (L) Moderate DAY 3 Thursday, May 5, 2016 - Chianti and Castello Verrazzano. On our way out of Florence we will make a stop at Piazzale Michelangelo. This large square overlooking the city from across the river provides marvelous views of Florence and the stunning dome of the Duomo. There is also a huge fake David located here. We will then make a stop at the American Military Cemetery located just outside of Florence. The compelling sight of endless rows of white marble crosses recalls the heroism of the young Americans who fought so valiantly to free Italy from the grips of fascism during World War II. The 1940's may seem very long ago, but during WWII this area was terribly ravaged by the fighting. I believe it is our duty and our privilege to visit this site and honor all of those fallen heroes. No trip to Italy would be complete without a visit to a local winery. We will visit one of the oldest in the region, the 11 th Century Castello Verrazzano. The hilltop location of this estate and winery is just spectacular. The countryside surrounding Verrazzano is dotted with castles, vineyards and olive groves and is truly magnificent. You will enjoy a guided tour of the castle grounds and ancient ageing cellars, followed by a feast of homemade Tuscan favorites accompanied by a range of delicious wines made by the Verrazzano winery. You will have the opportunity to learn the art of wine making and wine tasting in this relaxed and amusing setting. You will also have the opportunity to purchase any of the products like wine, olive oil or the OMG basalmico that you enjoyed with your lunch. We will then head to SAN GIMIGNANO, one of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany. San
Gimignano is known as the city of towers. This is one of the most popular hill towns in Tuscany, and one of my favorites as well. You will truly enjoy exploring this quintessential medieval town. I always encourage everyone to rise early if possible to see the village before it comes alive with locals and tourists. It is like a fairytale setting. After a short orientation walking tour of the village, you will have time for your own pursuits. (B) (L) Light DAY 4 Friday, May 6, 2016 Magical San Gimignano. San Gimignano is always a favorite stop on the tour. You will have the whole day to enjoy this perfect medieval village. You will have time to relax and just enjoy the view from your room. You might wish to visit the one time Duomo with lovely frescos that teach the new and old testaments. There are even several torture museums to wander through. You will find wonderful shopping along the main streets. Beware; there are some of the best artisan shops in Tuscany right here. This has always been an important trading center. It was on the famous Via Francigena: the most traveled of the medieval roads that pilgrims traveled to Rome. From the 8 th century, it was the route through France that linked Canterbury Cathedral in England and Rome, the heart of Christianity. Today you will find locally owned shops selling ceramics, soaps, leather goods, etc. You will also find a great selection of paintings and prints of the Tuscan area. You will find all sorts of enticements in San Gimignano. Also, not to be missed is the award winning gelato at the gelateria right across from our hotel. We will meet later for another delicious Tuscan meal. We will toast our trip so far with a delicious Vernaccia, the local white wine, at our dinner with a view from the excellent restaurant La Terrazza. (B) (D) Light DAY 5 Saturday, May 7, 2016 - Siena, Tuscan Treasures. This morning we say farewell to San Gimignano and head out to discover more of Tuscany. We will make a short stop in the tiny village of Monteriggioni. This walled village will take your breath away at first sight, nestled on the top of a small hill, with 14 towers still standing in a perfectly preserved circle. It is such a gem that it is hard to believe it is not a creation by Disney. Then we are off to SIENA. This popular Tuscan city has a medieval character that has survived to an amazing extent. Siena s heart is the shell shaped Piazza del Campo or Il Campo. This is one of Italy s most famous and most beautiful squares. The Palio, a renowned and ancient horse race takes place twice a year right here. We will enjoy a walking tour of the highlights of Siena. We will visit the massive Duomo, one of the most ornate in Italy. The inside of the Duomo is as ornate as the outside with its famous marble floors and sculpture by Michelangelo, Pisano and Bernini. The Piccolomini Library has some stunning frescos that depict the life of Pope Pius II. We will then head to our overnight destination near the hill town of Cortona. Borgo Il Melone is a lovely farmhouse/villa and you will enjoy time to relax in this beautiful setting. We will enjoy dinner together after time to settle in. (B) (D) Strenuous DAY 6 Sunday, May 8, 2016 A Pilgrimage in the Footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi. Today we make our way into the region of Umbria, the Green Heart of Italy. We will visit the magnificent walled city of Assisi, the home of St. Francis. We will take plenty of time to enjoy this beautiful hill town and all its treasures. The serene Basilica of St. Francis stands proud over the city and you will have time to visit both the upper and lower chapels and pay your respects to the tomb of St. Francis. Assisi was once an important Roman town and there are some good reminders like the Temple of Minerva. Assisi is full of lovely arches throughout the town, along with many artisan shops selling the popular Christmas crèches. It is said that St. Francis made the first nativity scene to help humanize and, therefore, teach the Christmas message. We will also visit the glorious Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, which marks the spot where Francis lived, worked, and died. It s a grandiose church built around the humble chapel where Francis first begun his ministry in the valley below. We will then return to Cortona for a short visit. We will enjoy dinner together once again. (B) (D) Strenuous
Day 7 Monday, May 9, 2016 - Orvieto, Grand Hill Town of Umbria. This morning we move south. Our first stop will be a visit to CIVITA DI BAGNOREGIO, a tiny village perched high on a pinnacle in a huge canyon in the region of Lazio. Isolated by earthquakes and erosion and known as the Dead City, it is today an inland island of only a few inhabitants and accessible only on a foot bridge over 300 yards long. At least you do not have to ride a donkey as in the past. We will take time to enjoy the amazing views from our high perch. There will also be time for lunch here. We will then make our way to nearby Orvieto, the Grand Hill Town of Umbria. It sits majestically atop an outcrop of volcanic tufa stone with thousands of caves underneath the city, dug out during Etruscan, Medieval and Renaissance times. Orvieto was once an important Etruscan city. Today it is famous for one of Italy s most beautiful Gothic cathedrals, and a delicious white wine, Orvieto Classico. On our way to Orvieto, we will stop for a tasting of Orvieto Classico at one of the local wineries. After time to settle in to our hotel, we will take time to enjoy Orvieto. We will visit the Duomo, 300 years in construction, with its San Brizio Chapel covered in frescos by Luca Signorelli. Then we will tour the fascinating Orvieto Underground to see thousands of years of archaeological history. After some free time we will enjoy dinner together in a restaurant that specializes in Etruscan dishes. (B) (D) Strenuous Day 8 Tuesday, May 10, 2016 - Amazing Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. This morning we will head out early and head further south to visit the amazing Amalfi Coast. On the way we will stop for a visit to the one time lively port city of Pompeii. After Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79, it was covered by ash and preserved for us to wander its ruins today. It is truly one of the most amazing ancient sights in Italy. We will then head to our Coastal hideaway and enjoy a visit to SORRENTO. Sorrento is a lovely coastal town where the smell of lemons and oranges permeate the air. We will get acquainted with Sorrento and its narrow Roman-grid streets. We will enjoy a delicious dinner and will toast our adventures in this area with the local Lemoncello. Salute! (B) (D) Strenuous Day 9 Wednesday, May 11, 2016 - The Divine Amalfi Coast Escape. Today will be a full day of discovery on a drive along the famous Amalfi Coast, the most amazing of all the Mediterranean shores. (This excursion could possibly be done by boat depending on the weather.) You will visit lovely towns like Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. There will be time for lunch along the way. You will return to the Sorrento area for dinner together with the group. (B) (D) Moderate DAY 10 Thursday, May 12, 2016 La Dolce Far Niente. You will have time today to enjoy more of this heavenly location just as you like. You can spend more time in Sorrento. You could take the train to other areas along the coast. You could hop a ferry to the magical Isle of Capri. Hire a private boat for fun in the Mediterranean. It is your day to spend as you like, even enjoying the sweetness of doing nothing. (B) DAY 11 Friday, May 13, 2016 - The Eternal City of Rome. We say farewell to the coast and head back north for a visit to the Eternal City of Rome. We will start our sightseeing with a visit to the Colosseum, one of the most impressive sights in the entire city of Rome. We will visit inside and learn about Bread and Circuses and the Gladiatorial games. We will take a break for a simple lunch and a little rest before visiting the Roman Forum. We will visit inside and walk among the ancients as we learn all about the history of this great civilization.
There will be time to learn of the origins of Rome as we visit the Campidoglio which sits on the Capitoline Hill. We will continue our exploration with a visit to Piazza Navona, the Pantheon and the church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. We will end our evening at another famous landmark, the Spanish Steps. This is truly the meeting place in Rome. You will then have some free time. (B) (L) Very Strenuous DAY 12 Saturday, May 14, 2016 - The Treasures of Vatican City This morning on our walk into central Rome we will pass several lovely parks that make a nice place to rest or enjoy a picnic. The Piazza del Quirinale provides a panoramic view over Rome. From here we will follow the crowds to one of the most popular spots in Rome, the Trevi Fountain. Then it s off to Campo de Fiore with its lively market. We will continue our walk crossing the Tiber River on the Ponte Sant Angelo with its beautiful statues of angels. This bridge leads to the Castel Sant Angelo, built as a tomb for the emperor Hadrian. From here we will cross into VATICAN CITY, a tiny independent country. We will spend a big part of our day visiting the Vatican Museum with its famous Sistine Chapel followed by a visit inside St. Peter s Basilica, the largest and grandest church in Christendom. We will also enjoy lunch together at a little outdoor cafe. You will then have some time for your own pursuits. We will meet later for our farewell dinner together. (B) (L) (D) Strenuous DAY 13 - Sunday, May 15, 2016 - Arrivederci Italia! It will be hard to say arrivederci, but I know you will take home wonderful memories of your time spent with friends on your trip of a lifetime experiencing your Italian Holiday!!! Graci e Ciao! (B)
THE FOLLOWING IS INCLUDED IN YOUR ITALY WITH FRIENDS TOUR: 12 nights accommodation in 3-4 star, centrally located hotels with private bath or shower. Many meals included: 12 breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L), and 8 dinners (D). All ground transportation in Italy during tour. (Does not include airfare. Does not include transportation to and from the airport or train station) Guided sightseeing and entrance fees to select sights, wineries and museums as described in itinerary. Local VAT taxes and government fees, gas, highway tolls and parking fees. Pre-tour visit with helpful travel information. Plenty of memories to last a lifetime. Surprises along the way. NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR: Does not include airfare. Does not include transportation to and/or from the airport in Rome or Venice. Does not include remaining meals, alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks at included meals. Does not include personal expenses such as internet use, laundry, mini-bar, or extra transportation in tour towns. Does not include travel insurance. ITALIAN HOLIDAY TOUR 2016 - LAND ONLY TOUR PRICES: Tour begins in Florence and ends in Rome; tour is for 13 days and 12 nights. The total cost per person is $3299 with double occupancy. (Includes taxes, fees, and Euro exchange rate adjustment.) Single occupancy supplement is $900. A $500 deposit (non-refundable) will hold your place on the tour. Tours are limited in size. (Usually only 8 people unless I have another driver.) Payment is accepted by check or credit card through PayPal. (5% fee if using PayPal) Your deposit is credited against the total tour cost. Final payment is required no later than 60 days prior to departure. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Prepare for a physically demanding tour. Age is not a concern so long as you are physically fit, a very good walker at an energetic pace, and able to stand for extended periods of time and climb lots of hills and stairs. All of the above could be done in all sorts of weather and temperatures. You are required to load and unload your bags into the van, and to carry your bag to your room. This sometimes could be a short distance from the hotel. Most days our sightseeing will cover anywhere from 2-8 miles of walking, sometimes over uneven surfaces. Plan to get in shape before you head to Italy.