Real Italy

Inclusions

Rediscover Rome, Florence, Venice, Cortona, Siena and other small towns.
The most intriguing corners of the most known Italian cities.

10 nights / 11 days
3 nights in Rome, 2 nights in Cortona, 2 nights in Florence, 3 nights in Venice
Semi Escorted

HIGHLIGHTS
Rome Vatican
Rome Ancient Appia & Catacombs
Tarquinia The jewel of the Etruscan civilization
Caprarola A Villa with one of the most incredible architecture of the 16th Century
Cortona The masterpiece of the Italian Culture
Siena The City of the Palio
San Gimignano Hundreds of Towers
Brunello’s Land Lunch & Wine tasting
Florence The cradle of Italian Arts
Venice The fascinating town built on the water
Culinary Experience 3 dinners with regional menu in local restaurants in Rome, Cortona & Venice plus a lunch with wine tasting in S.Gimignano.

Guaranted Departure – Limited to 14 passengers

2010 Departures

April 10
May 8, 22
June 5, 19
September 11, 18, 25
October 9, 16

2010 Prices

April 10 (2,357 € DBL & 2,214 € TPL)
May 8, 22 (2,500 € DBL & 2,286 € TPL)
June 5, 19 (2,357 € DBL & 2,286 € TPL)
September 11, 18, 25 (2,500 € DBL & 2,286 € TPL)
October 9, 16 (2,286 € DBL & 2,214 € TPL)

Above Prices are per person. To check exchange rates click here

Please note: Ciao Tours will Guarantee the Exchange Rate at the Time of Full Payment or 45 days Prior to Departure

FEATURED PROPERTIES

Rome Barocco, Ambasciatori Royal, Veneto
Cortona San Michele, Villa di Piazzano
Florence Brunelleschi, Laurus, Villa Fiesole
Venice Principe, Colombina or Palazzo Selvadego

Hotel may be substituted with similar category

What is included

Bus as per itinerary
•Tour Host
3 nights in Hotel**** Rome
2 nights in hotel **** in Cortona
2 nights in hotel**** in Florence
3 nights in hotel**** in Venice
Daily Breakfast
4 dinners & 1 lunch with wine tasting
Wines and Mineral Water always included with meals
Visit of the Vatican, entrance fee included
Visit tof the catacombs and Ancient Appia, entrance fee included
Visit of Tarquinia and Caprarola, entrance fee included
Visit of Siena and San Gimignano
Visit of Cortona
Walking tour of Florence
Walking tour of Venice
Train from Florence to Venice and transfer from the railway station to the hotel in Venice
Luggage handling at hotel and railway station
Hotel and City Tax

What is not included

Porterage at airport
Tips
Meals not mentioned in the program
Travel Insurance
Arrival transfer
Departure transfer
Optional Excursions

Cancellation Policy

45/31 days before departure: 15%
30/21 days before departure: 40%
20/8 days before departure: 50%
7 days or less before: 100%

Daily Itinerary

day 1 (friday - arrival)

Welcome to Italy!
Upon arrival at Rome airport please proceed through the Passport Control and collect your luggage inside the customs area. Transfer on your own to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the Eternal City.
In the evening, meeting at the hotel with tour host which will provide information regarding the program and literature of the destination that are about to be visited.
Overnight in Rome.

day 2 sunday - rome (breakfast, dinner)

Breakfast
Spend the morning at leisure exploring Rome on your own, from Etruscan to Roman times, Medieval Churches and Renaissance palaces, Rome offers an incredible range of sights and experiences.
Afternoon visit to the Old Via Appia, S.Maria Maggiore, S. Giovani, Scala Santa and the Catacombs.
Rome is well known for its Trattoria and homemade pasta. Tonight you will enjoy a great dinner served in a traditional Roman Trattoria, away from the touristic crowds and amongst the locals.
Overnight in Rome

day 3 monday – rome (breakfast)

After breakfast morning at leisure.
In the afternoon transfer to the Vatican for a guided visit of the Museum. Vatican art and history have always left a profound impression on visitors to Rome: discover the masterpieces of Greek and Roman ancient art, works of Raphael, Michelangelo and Caravaggio, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica.
After the tour ends return to the hotel by private coach.
Overnight in Rome.

day 4 tuesday – tarquinia & caprarola (breakfast, dinner

Breakfast
Full day visit of the Etruscan sites of Tarquinia and Tuscania.
The Etruscans are the mysterious fathers of the Romans, distinguished by its own language and culture, endured from an unknown prehistoric time prior to the founding of Rome until its complete assimilation to Italic Rome in the Roman Republic.
In the afternoon, continue to Caprarola to visit the magnificent Villa Farnese and the Gardens. The whole Villa Farnese complex was designed under commission from Cardinal Alessandro Farnese and the gardens are considered among the best in Italy. After the visit, continue to Cortona and enjoy the magnificent landscape of the Tuscan countryside.
Dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Cortona.

day 5 wednesday – cortona (breakfast, dinner)

Breakfast
Today enjoy a full day visit of Cortona. The town perches above the lofty hills of olive groves and vineyards overlooking Lake Trasimeno and the plain of Valdichiana. It is one of the oldest cities in Tuscany and its Etruscan roots have been indelibly imprinted onto its foundations. Cortona also stakes a claim as a 'City of Art', having spawned the great artists, Luca Signorelli and Pietra da Cortona. Tuscany has a great tradition for food and it is know for its wines. Tonight enjoy the savours of this region in a local Trattoria. Overnight in Cortona.

day 6 thursday – siena and san gimignano (breakfast, lunch)

Breakfast
Transfer to Florence with a stop in Siena and San Gimignano, two cities that like other Tuscan hill towns, was first settled in the time of the Etruscans. These two towns are considered two of the most beautiful places in central Italy, with an incredible history and magnificent architecture. Stop in a local Farm House for lunch and wine tasting. Arrival in Florence and check in at hotel.
Overnight in Florence

day 7 friday – florence (breakfast)

Breakfast
Also Florence is an Etruscan city. In the morning enjoy the sights with a guide for a walking tour of the city.
Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring Florence on your own or take the opportunity to visit Pisa or Lucca or drive along the Chianti hills.
Overnight in Florence

day 8 saturday – (breakfast, dinner)

Breakfast
Today, transfer to Venice by train.
The new high-speed train Frecciarossa is the best way to reach Venice and it is an experience itself.
Relax in the comfortable chair of Frecciarossa and enjoy the landscape of northern Tuscany, Bologna and Venetian Laguna. At your arrival in Venice S.Lucia, you will find our assistant that will lead your transfer to the Hotel.
The afternoon is free at leisure.
In the evening, enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner in a local restaurant on the Canal Grande.
Overnight in Venice

day 9 sunday – (breakfast)

Breakfast
In the morning, visit Venice with your guide.
The guide will introduce not only the most known paths of the city but also some undiscovered corners far from the usual crowds. Imagine an ordinary day in the Venice of Marco Polo and walk the same streets of the Venetian merchants narrated by Shakespeare. In the afternoon, free time to continue your exploration of the lagoon.
Overnight in Venice

day 10 monday – (breakfast)

Breakfast
Day at leisure to discover Venice or the islands of the lagoon.
Overnight in Venice

day 11 tuesday – (breakfast)

Breakfast
Transfer on your own to the airport or railway station

Conclusion of Tour