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13 nights/ 14  days

Featuring Venice, Padua, BOLOGNA, Montecatini, Florence, Siena, Pisa, Lucca,  Cortona,  Sorrento, Pompeii, Naples and more.
from $2295
November 08 to November 21

Nov. 8  DAY 1: USA – ITALY

Depart Newark on an overnight flight for Venice.

Nov. 9  DAY 2: VENICE- PADUA: BELLA ITALIA AWAITS YOU!

Upon arrival you are greeted by your English speaking professional tour escort who will be with you the next 12 days, and transferred to the hotel. Once we settle into our rooms and freshen up we meet for a tour of nearby Padua.

A lovely university town famous for its education and dedication to faith, exemplified by the majesty of the Basilica of San Anthony which we tour. Tonight we have a welcome dinner in a nearby restaurant with a choice of beverages and wine. Overnight Padua. (D)

Nov. 10  DAY 3: VENICE:

All that we have heard about the beauty of Venice is true. We transfer to the island by boats, and are stunned at the magnificence of the city as we approach it by water. Our walking tour encompasses highlights of the city, including the famous St. Mark’s Square, Byzantine Basilica, Bridge of Sighs and Dodge’s Palace from the outside. (inside visit $ 22.00 USD more). The tour ends at Harry’s Bar, where Bellini was born, and you may wish to go in and sample the famous drink, or just have a quick peak at the bar which has been visited by so many famous an infamous people before you head off on your own to explore the city.

OPTIONAL TOUR:

In the footsteps of Casanova, a famous Latin lover, the inspiration for many books, films and tall tales, some true and many well… you decide after the tour….

Walking tour in the afternoon about 4 hours. You still start with view of Palazzo Merati , where Casanova was born in 1807 and continue to Campo San Maurizio where he spent most of his life. Then we go to the Rialto, the romantic secretive spot where Casanova used to meet his lovers. Near Harry’s Bar you will see the theatre where he used to play cards in disguise. The Palazzo Ducale prison is where he was imprisoned for many years and from where we take the boat to Murano, where he consummated his most legendary romantic story with a mysterious sister of the Santa Maria degli Angeli convent. This is a juicy story!!! The tour includes a guide and a boat to the island of Murano, where you have some time to shop for the famous Murano glass. Minimum 10 passengers for a private guided tour with entrance fees $ 85.00 per person.

If you choose to have an afternoon on your own then we suggest an island visit to either one of the islands Murano or Burano on your own. Overnight Padua. (B.D.)

Nov. 11  DAY 4:  VENICE- BOLOGNA- MONTECATINI

We depart Padua for Bologna, which are the gastronome’s delight and the food basket of Italy. We have time to explore the famous piazza and to peek into the shops brimming with fragrant goodies, before we settle down for a lunch of local specialties and Lambrusco wine, which is from this region. Then continue to your hotel in the spa town of Montecatini. Dinner is on your own as you have many choices in this lovely Tuscan town. Overnight Montecatini. (B.L)

Nov. 12  DAY 5: FLORENCe

We drive a short distance to the Renaissance city of Florence. Our walking tour includes the stirring sights of Florence highlighting: Giotto's Bell Tower, Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise, and Brunelleschi's Dome. We also visit Academia to see the statue of David by Michelangelo. The tour ends in Signoria Square and the Church of the Holy Cross, the burial place of many famous Italians including Dante and Michelangelo. Afternoon is at leisure to explore the city or visit the incomparable Uffizi Gallery on your own. You may purchase tickets in advance through the internet for the museums in Italy.

OPTIONAL TOUR: 

Jewels of Florence   ( 04 hours ) . Florence is known for its fashionable and creative jewelry design. We take you to see the artist studios and the famous collection seen by very few. Our walking tour starts at the Quartiere Oltrarno where you will visit one of the studios where gold, silver and precious stones are made into fine jewelry. Continue to the museum Opificio delle Pietre Dure  (open only twice a week in the afternoon on Tuesday and Thursday ) where the current incredible collection of gems  includes works in pietra dura and polychrome marbles, as well as works in scagliola (imitation marble), paintings on stone, oil paintings and work tools are displayed. Of particular interest the Mediciean coat of arms with putti. You may decide to shop in the store for unique gifts. Minimum 10 passengers for private guided tour with entrance fees. $ 65.00

Overnight  Montecatini. (B. D.)

Nov. 13  DAY 6: PISA- LUCCA

Full day excursion takes us to Pisa where we wander around the Square of Miracles with the famous Leaning Tower and have a narrated tour of Pisa's Duomo and Baptistery and Camposanto Monumente. After lunch on your own we take a short drive to Lucca, home of the great composer, Giacomo Puccini, lovely hanging gardens, secret passages and charming squares. We have a short tour, including a garden visit and time on your own in this perfect Tuscan town, before we return to Montecatini for overnight. (B. D)

Nov. 14  DAY 7:  SIENA-CORTONA

Today we visit Cortona and Siena.   We drive southwest through the heart of Italian wine country, over the rolling hills of Chianti. Our escort will lead us to Piazza del Campo, through the narrow streets, past medieval towers and walls, to see where the exhilarating “Palio” horse race takes place.  We also stop to see the Cathedral of St. Catherine, who along with St. Francis is the Patron Saint of Italy.  After lunch we suggest you enjoy some "Ricciarelli" cookies, a specialty of Siena along with a small glass of the local Vin Santo (Holy Wine).  Then we visit the  Cortona of “ Under the Tuscan Sun” book by Francis Mayes fame, which inspired many to come to Tuscany, and which you may wish to read before the trip (or at least see the movie). Overnight Montecatini. (B.D)

NOv 15  DAY 8- MONTECATINI AS YOU LIKE IT-SHOPPING OR SPA

Today we have a day of shopping in the nearby outlets, which include everything from Olive Oil to Tuscan and Umbrian pottery, Venetian glass and famous designer clothes, bags, shoes and accessories. This is heaven for the ladies, at bargain prices. Or if you prefer to stay in Montecatini and enjoy the spa town of Montecatini Terme, with its world renowned  health spa centers, the most charming being Terme Tettuccio. The surroundings are movie like, (entering through a mélange of beautiful Carrara marble, with iron gates and frescoed walls, lush greenery and delightful orchestra/ensemble playing in the background).  This is the home of Princess Marcela Borghese and her famous Borghese cosmetic and skin care line. Overnight Montecatini. (B.D)

Nov. 16  DAY 9- MONTECATINI- SORRENTO

This morning we leave the rolling hills of Tuscany and head south to Sorrento. We enjoy a lovely afternoon in the town know for limoncello and citrus trees. The air is permeated with the tangy fresh smell of lemon and orange, flowers are in full bloom everywhere and each street is a picture taking opportunity. Enroute we drive along the Sorrento Bay and stop for picture taking as this is one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Overnight Sorrento. (B.D.)

Nov 17  DAY 10- SORRENTO AS YOU LIKE IT

A day at leisure to relax, stroll the narrow streets or take an optional tour to Pompeii. The ancient city of Pompeii is a remarkable testament to the fury of nature. The ashes from  the volcanic eruption of Mt. Vusuvius destroyed a very organized and artistically inclined civilization and we witness today some incredible scenes of their lives, covered by ashes. Our two hour guided tour takes us through the houses and the piazzas as our local guide paints picture of the inhabitant's daily lives. (Optional $ 45.00) Overnight Sorrento. (B.)

Nov. 18 DAY 11- SOORENTO -NAPLES- ROME-

We depart for Naples, for a visit to the Bay of Naples. We also have a chance to sample the original Neopolitan pizza as Naples is home of pizza and buffalo mozzarella cheese. Afternoon is at leisure in Rome. Overnight Rome. (B.)

Nov. 19 DAY 12- ROME-

Full day tour of Rome including visits to the Coliseum, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navone, St. Paul Outside the Walls, the Bone Church and more.  The day begins in the Trastevere section of Rome where we enjoy a visit to an open air market, and time to wander among the stalls brimming with an incredible bounty of fruits, and vegetables, meats and breads, for an hour before we start the city tour.

OPTIONAL TOUR: EXEDRA Rome-

 We takes you to the marvelous hotel Exedra, in the afternoon. This is one of the best luxury hotels in Rome, where you have a refreshing drink at the opulent "Dark Bar". We suggest a quintessential Italian drink of Campari and soda, and then have a choice of several mini spa treatments and the use of the spa for couple of hours. You will feel pampered and energized in this very luxurious setting, an afternoon to remember. You are so worth it! The day ends with a stop at the roof top pool for a beautiful view of Rome.  Minimum 10 passengers $ 150.00. Overnight Rome. (B.D.)

Nov. 20 DAY 13- ROME-

This morning we visit St. Peter's Basilica and have a guided tour of the Vatican Museum (with headphones). Rest of the day at leisure for shopping or visiting Borghese Gallery on your own. Tickets can be purchased over the internet in advance. Tonight we have a Rome by night tour and a farewell dinner in a typical Roman restaurant with wine, music and great food. Overnight Rome. (B. F/D)

Nov. 21 DAY 14-

RETURN U.S.A. - Transfer to Rome Airport for our return flight to USA. (B)

 

 

YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:

  • Roundtrip are Newark/Venice x Rome/Newark
  • Transportation by luxury air conditioned motorcoach.
  • Accommodations will be in excellent three and four star centrally, located
  • hotels 
  • Buffet breakfast daily, lunch and dinner as noted (22 meals total)
  • Comprehensive sightseeing as per itinerary
  • Welcome dinner and Farewell dinner with wine and music
  • Illuminated Rome  tour
  • All admission charges and local taxes
  • English speaking tour escort.
  • Baggage handling of one suitcase per person.
  • Select International Travel Portfolio

Prices:


Price is based on double occupancy per person pricing................$ 2895.00

Single supplement.............................................................$  395.00

Airport taxes and fuel surcharges ...............$ 384.00 (subject to change at ticketing based on fuel surcharges at the time)

Land only ..........................................$  2295.00

Land only programs begin and end at the hotel.

Terms and conditions:


-          $ 500.00 per person deposit is required to reserve space along with a copy of the passport and optional insurance premium.

-          Final payment is due 60 days before departure. We accept payment by check only issued to Select International Tours Inc.,

-          Prices are subject to change based on Fuel surcharges and taxes at time of ticketing.

-          Land rates are based on the exchange rate of 1.40 USD to the Euro and will be recalculated based on the exchange rate at the time of full payment. Rates can be guaranteed with full payment.

-          All payments are refundable up until 90 days before departure (some airlines may have different cancellation fees). Within 90 days all payments are non-refundable regardless of the reason for cancellation.

-          We highly recommend trip protection insurance (details can be found at www.selectinternationaltours.com
 
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