You've always dreamed about a vacation to Italy... and now you can travel there with ease since we've taken care of all the details! Explore the classic sites of Italy on this 12-day adventure through the country’s greatest treasures. Beginning in Rome’s Eternal City, heading up through the heart of Tuscany, and capping off in the picturesque lagoon city of Venice, we promise this will be a fully immersive experience of Classic Italy.
- Private guided tours with skip-the-line access
- Tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
- Visit a local winery in Tuscany for tasting and lunch
- Tour of the Colosseum and Ancient Forum
- Walking tour of Florence and visit to the David Statue
- Gondola ride through the canals of Venice
DAY 1—OVERNIGHT FLIGHT TO ROME (Meals included in flight)
DAY 2—WELCOME TO ITALY!
Join a private coach transfer into Rome’s city center and settle into the beautiful centrally located Hotel Mellini for 4 nights. This evening, enjoy a private walking tour of Rome’s historic center with a local guide followed by a delicious 3-course welcome dinner at a local ristorante. D
DAY 3—ANCIENT ROME
Discover the majesty and mystery of ancient Rome on a full-day walking tour including a guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Ancient Forum - the centerpiece of ancient Roman life. Later, we'll visit Castel San Angelo, originally a mausoleum to the Emperor Hadrian. Enjoy an evening concert performance in a local church. B, D
DAY 4—THE VATICAN/ROME’S GREAT BASILICAS
Today, experience the power of Vatican City with a private guide as we tour the immense collection inside the Vatican Museums. Housing some of the most renowned sculptures, paintings and works of art in the world, you'll see beautiful works of historic art such as the the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Later enjoy a special visit to the three remaining great basilicas of Rome – St. John in Laterano, Santa Maria Maggiore, and St. Paul Outside the Walls. B
DAY 5—BORGHESE GALLERY/FREE AFTERNOON
Enjoy a visit to the famous Borghese Gallery, a beautiful Renaissance era villa which houses the world’s largest collection of Bernini sculptures. Then “do as the Romans do” with free time on your own to explore the Eternal City. B, D
DAY 6—SIENA/MONTEPULCIANO
Transfer to Siena with a stop enroute to the picturesque hilltop village of Montepulciano. Our time in Siena begins with a guided tour of Siena’s historic center, the very heart of Tuscany, before settling into the perfectly located NH Hotel for 3 nights. B, D
DAY 7—SAN GIMIGNANO
Relish in the beauty of Tuscany with a full day excursion through the Italian countryside, including a visit to one of Tuscany’s most stunning hilltop towns, San Gimignano, for lunch and tastings at a local winery. Later, tour a farmhouse and enjoy authentic olive oil, bruschetta, and mixed meats. B, L
DAY 8—FLORENCE
Begin your full day adventure with a private walking tour of Florence, the epicenter of the Italian Renaissance that changed the world. Learn about the influential Medici family and the important role they played in shaping the modern world. Later, we'll tour the Accademia Gallery which houses the world-famous David Statue, plus visit the grandiose Florence Cathedral. B, D
DAY 9—VERONA
Drive from Siena to Venice with a stop in Verona for a guided tour of the city, best known for its inspiration of Romeo and Juliet. Upon arrival in Venice, enjoy a boat ride into the canal city before settling into the luxurious Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal for 3 nights. B, D
DAY 10—VENICE
Enjoy a guided tour of Venice, the famous lagoon city that has captivated millions across the world, visiting the greatest highlights of the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, and ending with a private gondola ride. B, D
DAY 11—FREE DAY/MURANO AND BURANO
Today is your day to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of Venice on your own. B, D
Option—Murano and Burano
If you are up for more sightseeing, take an optional excursion to the islands of Murano and Burano, known primarily for their world-class glass making. Price: $50 per person
DAY 12—ARRIVEDERCI!
Today, we must say goodbye to Italy after a delicious final breakfast. Take a private taxi boat transfer from your hotel to the Venice airport, leaving Italy in style with fond memories and a wider perspective. B
Quality Accommodations
Nights 2-5: Hotel Dei Mellini, Rome
Nights 6-8: Hotel NH Siena, Siena
Nights 9-11: Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal, Venice
*Because of the historic nature of Rome and other cities highlighted in this tour, travelers should be in good walking condition as many sites are only accessible by foot. While rest times and days at leisure are built in, there may be occasions where we'll be walking 2-4 miles per day. Therefore, extensive walking is required to fully enjoy this tour and some walking will be on uneven paths. While walking canes are allowed, we are unable to accommodate travelers using other mobility devices, including walkers and wheelchairs.
Dates:
Oct 13-24, 2023
Price Per Person:
Double $5,397
Single $6,645
Pre/Post Tour Hotel:
$198/night
Depart/Return:
Chicago, IL
Inclusions:
Round-trip airfare from the U.S.
Professional, English speaking Tour Director
Welcome Reception and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling of one suitcase per person at hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service
Arrival Time
Schedule your flight into Chicago O'Hare International Airport on Day 1 by 1:00 p.m. Our group flight departs Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Rome at 4:10 p.m.
Departure Time
Schedule your flight home to depart Chicago O'Hare International Airport any time after 9:15 p.m. on Day 12. Our group flight arrives into Chicago O'Hare International Airport from Venice at 6:15 p.m. An overnight stay may be necessary.
Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our Pre and Post hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to and from Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Free parking is offered during the tour at our hotel in Chicago with a Pre or Post night booked.
Walking Distance
To fully enjoy your CTD vacation, you should be in good physical
health and understand there are times when a good deal of walking is
involved in our tours. Those who have difficulty walking may not want to
take this trip or should discuss their personal situation with their
doctor before deciding. You should be able to walk at a steady pace for a
mile at a time for a daily total of three to four miles per day and be
able to manage steps to board/de-board the motorcoach several times a
day. In addition, many US and European airports require lengthy walks to
get from ticketing counters to your departure gate. Due to the lack of
proper facilities at some of the farms, ranches, and off-the-beaten-path
sites we often visit, we are unable to accommodate walkers and
wheelchairs.
We are finding that larger European cities are closing their historic districts to motor traffic. This, of course, adds to the amount of walking involved when visiting a city (sometimes on uneven and/or cobblestone walkways). In addition, you should know that you may be required to exit the motorcoach at each stop because local law often does not allow travelers to remain on the motorcoach while it is parked for a scheduled stop.
Average Temps
High of 68°, low of 50°
Currency
Euro
Time Zone
GMT+1 (6 hours ahead of New York)
Hotel Amenities
Hair dryers, TV/cable, coffee/tea makers, and WI-FI available at hotels.
Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
Dress on tour is casual. Comfortable walking shoes are needed.
A valid US Passport is required for travel to/from the United States.
Travel Protection Available
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.
