ITALY

This small group tour (at least half the size of most tours), with its' tasty focus on food, wine and culture, will show you an intimate side of Italy!  You will travel through Italy's countryside, including medieval Sienna, the cliff-hugging Cinque Terre harbors and off the beaten path hill towns and vistas.  And have time to spend in and around Florence and Venice as well!

Our adventures provide many included events as well as the flexibility to enjoy free time to focus on exactly what you are interested in.  The perfect tailor-made adventure!

Trip Itinerary

Day 1|Oct 3

Arrive in Rome, Italy.  Depending on your arrival time, you have the day to explore.  Our adventure begins at the hotel for an evening welcome meeting.   

Optional Activities: Twilight Trastevere Walking Food Tour, half-day sightseeing, Vatican, etc.

DAY 2|Oct 4

Morning departure to Pienza to the area around Lake Bolsena, abundant with beautiful black volcanic sands and the largest volcanic lake in Europe.  The area is known for its cuisine with trattorias and pizza parlors in every town and village around the lake.  You will have time to explore, possibly walk around the lake and have lunch.  Our next stop will be in Montepulciano for a wine cellar tour and tasting and time to stroll around the town.  Our hotel for the next two nights will be in Chianciano Terme.   (Breakfast)

DAY 3|Oct 5

Today is a full day excursion in Tuscany.  We will spend part of the day in Sienna on a morning walking tour and visit to the Sienna Cathedral.  Sienna is famous for its Gothic-era buildings and its gorgeous central piazza- Il Campo.  Some people consider it the finest piazza in all of Europe!  The Sienna Cathedral is a 13th century structure sitting at the highest point in Sienna.  Inside and out, it is lavished with statues and mosaics, including great art such as Michelangelo statues and Bernini sculptures inside.  The marble pulpit was carved by Nicola Pisano in 1268!

Before heading back to the hotel, we will stop at a local ceseficio for a cheese tasting- famous in that area for pecorino cheese.  (Breakfast)

DAY 4|Oct 6

Chianti region here we come!  Our day will be spent in some of the smaller towns in the region such as Castellina in Chianti.  Castellina In Chianti is set in the wine-famous Chianti Hills. The many wonderful sights include the imposing 14th-century Rocca (Fortress), offering spectacular views of the town and surrounding countryside, the 16th-century San Salvatore church and the Via delle Volte medieval arched passageway. Just outside of town are the pre-Roman Etruscan burial tombs of Monte Calvario and the Necropolis of Poggino.  After lunch on your own, we will visit a winery in the region that offers wine, olive oil and cantucci tasting!  We then head to Florence where you will have the evening free!  (Breakfast)

DAY 5|OCT  7

Spend the day in Florence on your own.  

Optional Activities : Half-day or full day sightseeing, choice of cooking classes, market or foodie walking tours, museum and gallery tours, etc!  (Breakfast)

DAY 6|Oct 8

Today we have time to explore Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The name dates back to the 15th century and is derived from the five little medieval villages standing on stony spurs along five miles of the rocky coastline: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso.  The day will be spent at leisure walking between the villages or at the beach or sipping wine at a cafe overlooking the Mediterranean.  We will head back to Florence in the evening.(Breakfast)

Optional Activities:  Head to Portovenere to relax or take boat to island of Palmaria or take bus/train to Riomaggiore and walk along the "Sentiero del A'more" on way to Manarola - with its multi colored houses.  Then negotiate the 365 steps up to Corniglia for awesome views.  Depending on timing, continue to Vernazza or head back.

DAY 7|OCT 9

Ah!  Venice!  On our way, we will experience a stop in Bologna with a 3 hour walking food tour, visit local markets and squares, and tour and taste of balsamic vinegar in the Modena area.  We will arrive in the Venice area with free time in the evening and for dinner.  (Breakfast, light lunch)

DAY 8| OCT 10

The day is yours in Venice with the opportunity to visit St Mark's Square, the Bridge of Sighs, or perhaps the lavish Doges' Palace.  (Breakfast)

Optional Activities: Gondola ride, walking tour, or ferry over to Burano

DAY 9|Oct 11

Your tour ends after breakfast.  Depending on your time of departure, you may have additional time in Venice to wander the narrow cobblestone streets.  (Breakfast)

 
 

 

 

 

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Eight (8) nights accommodation

Cinque Terre card (rail and trail access)

9 breakfasts; 1 lunch

Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned coach and on foot

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Air Fare, Airport transfers, Gratuities, Meals where not specified, and Optional excursions

Payment and CANCELLATION POLICY

An initial non-refundable deposit of $350 is required at time of reservation.

50% of full payment is due no later than March 1, 20XX

Final payment is due by June 1, 20XX.

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Cancellations made within 90 days of departure will not be refundable.  

Cancellations made between 91-120 days of departure will be refunded at 50% of payment made.

Pricing

  • Land portion: $xx  based on double occupancy.

  • Single supplement available.

  • Roommate matching available.