Women Only

Taste of Italy with Joanne!

April 23 out May 08, 2010

15 Nights/16 Days

Welcome to a taste of Italy. This trip is meant to whet your appetite - and satisfy your curiosity - for all things Italian! Our journey starts in Rome, where all roads truly do lead to the Eternal City! Wander the ancient cobblestone streets, enjoying the age-old sights and smells of markets, vendors, and architecture at every turn and in every piazza.

Take a journey down the Spanish Steps, marvel at the Trevi Fountain and the columns of the Pantheon. Step back through time; see life through that of a gladiator, its participants and spectators, as you peruse the famous Coliseum. The Vatican, its awe-inspiring museum collections, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica are both breath-taking and moving!

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most spectacular destinations in Italy. The Amalfi offers extreme contrasts - from rural to beach to vibrantly urban. On this tour, you will begin by relaxing in a delightfully rural 4 Star Relais Hotel that features uncompromising views of Capri. From there, it's a short walk to the City of Sorrento with its great shopping and vibrant nightlife. The last portion of this tour takes you to the beaches and grottos of Positano. One of the highlights of your trip to the Amalfi will be a private tour of Pompeii. Your personal guide will show you the new excavations now unfolding. Groups are not allowed to view these ruins because of its space.

Travel by train to Florence, the Renaissance city and view the breathtaking artwork of the Uffizi or Michaelangelo's amazing David. Florence is truly an exquisite walking town. Enjoy the earthy scents of porcini mushrooms and handmade leather while wandering the San Lorenzo market. The Duomo is an architectural masterpiece covered in three tones of marble.

Your adventure into the Tuscan countryside begins with tours through Italy's famous Chianti wine region. Your days in Tuscany will be spent discovering small towns rich in Italian history. A warm meal is on the menu - and you are the chef! Enjoy the robust flavors of Nonna's recipes. Remember you eat what you cook!

Landing in Venice, you will find yourself taking in the magical city in all its glory. Sit and Listen to the bells in San Marco square while sipping on a cappuccino or watch the daily life of Venetians unfold on the Grand Canal.

Accommodations

3 Nights Lodging in Central Rome – 4 Star
4 Nights Lodging in Sorrento – 4 Star
with Balcony and Sea View
5 Nights Lodging Central Florence – 4 Star
3 Nights Lodging in Central Venice – 4 Star
Daily Breakfast Included at All Accommodation

Inclusions

15 Nights Lodging in Boutique Hotels
Daily Breakfast at all Accommodation
3 Hosted Dinners with Wine
Private Walking Tours of Venice, Florence, Siena, Pompeii & Rome
Roma Pass – Explore Rome
Wine Tastings
Authentic Italian Cooking Lesson
Private Transfers and Drivers
4 Hour Private Tour of the Vatican with Entrance
35 Minute Private Gondola Ride with Serenade in Venice
Includes All Taxes & Gratuities
Canadian Hostess, Joanne Pinney

2010 Price

5,299€ - 4 Star Accommodation click here to checks To check exchange rates

Above Prices are per person and are based on Twin occupancy.
Please note: Ciao Tours will Guarantee the Exchange Rate at the Time of Full Payment or 45 days Prior to Departure. Alternate Choices are permitted on an Independent Tour at a Cost of $50Cdn Per Person Per Change.

For a Customized Tour Option based on your needs and requests, please contact us with your ideas.

Daily Itinerary

friday, april 23rd

LOCATION Rome(Roma), Italy
TRAVEL Arrive at "Leonardo da Vinci" Airport– Rome (FCO)
Meet Joanne Pinney, Private Transfer to Central Rome Hotel
ACTIVITIES Roma Pass and Explore Rome at Leisure
Dinner Reservations at a Unique Roman Restaurant

HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested visit to Villa Borghese Museum and Park

saturday, april 24th

LOCATION Vatican City, Italy
TRAVEL Private Transfer to Vatican
Explore Rome on Foot or Using Roma Pass Public Transportation Pass
ACTIVITIES 4 Hour Private Guided Tour of the Vatican- includes entrance

HIGHLIGHTS
St. Peter's Basilica, The Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel
Large collection of paintings by the best of the Italian masters from the Renaissance

sunday, april 25th

LOCATION Rome, Italy
TRAVEL Explore Rome on Foot or Using Roma Pass Public Transportation Pass
ACTIVITIES 4 Hour Private Walking Tour of Rome, Hosted Dinner with Wine

HIGHLIGHTS
Coliseum and Forum, Piazza Navona, Fontana di Trevi, Spanish Steps, Pantheon
See the Tiber river and Castel Sant’Angelo

monday, april 26th

LOCATION Pompeii & Sorrento, Italy
TRAVEL Private Transfer from Rome to Sorrento
ACTIVITIES 2 Hour Private Tour of Pompeii

HIGHLIGHTS
Tour the well preserved and in tact town-sight of this ancient city
Breathtaking views of the volcano Vesuvius
Lunch in Naples, the original Pizzeria

tuesday, april 27th

LOCATION Sorrento, Italy
TRAVEL Explore Sorrento on foot
ACTIVITIES Hosted Dinner at a unique Sorrento Restaurant

HIGHLIGHTS
Breathtaking sunsets and fragrances of orange and lemon grass
Visit the marina and the market

wednesday, april 28th

LOCATION Positano, Ravello, Amalfi, Italy
TRAVEL Private Driver for the Day
ACTIVITIES Explore the charming cliff side villages at Leisure

HIGHLIGHTS
See Open Air Opera Setting in Ravello
Try chocolate made with Limoncello- the famous alcohol made locally
Enjoy breathtaking views and the rocky beach
Summer home of Under the Tuscan Sun

thursday, april 29th

LOCATION Island of Capri, Italy
TRAVEL Hydrofoils to Capri
ACTIVITIES Romantic Day wandering Capri
Enjoy a lovely Dinner on the Isle at Leisure

HIGHLIGHTS
A trip around the Island in a open air comfortable boat
Blue Grotto- infamous cave with intense blue waters and light
Anacapri- historical centre
The breathtaking views and local flora and fauna at the summit of Mount Solaro. The summit can be reached conveniently by chairlift or by walking (approx 1 hour)
Faraglioni Rocks-the Stella, Mezzo and Scopolo make up Capri’s iconic Faraglioni rocks that dominate the pretty coastline. The largest of the three rocks is named Scopolo with its famous natural tunnel, is the only habitat of for the species of blue tinted lizard.
Marina Piccola- This beautiful marina lies at the bottom of Mount Solaro and is a popular spot for swimming with its small picturesque pebble beach. It has also been a favorite with artists over the years

friday, april 30th

LOCATION Florence (Firenze), Italy
TRAVEL Private Transfer to Naples Train Station
1st Class ES train to Florence – 3 hours
Private Transfer to Hotel
ACTIVITIES Dinner Reservations in Florence

saturday, may 01st

LOCATION Florence (Firenze), Italy
TRAVEL On foot or Local Bus or Taxi on Own
ACTIVITIES Tour of Florence at Leisure – National Holiday

HIGHLIGHTS
San Lorenzo market, in piazza San Lorenzo
Duomo or Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore and The Cupola (dome) of the Basilica (cathedral), by Brunelleschi
Palazzo Vecchio (Town Hall) and Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) and the Arno River
See a panoramic view of Firenze on the steps of Piazzale Michelangelo
Red roofed Buildings and marble facades

sunday, may 02nd

LOCATION Florence (Firenze), Italy
TRAVEL On foot or Local Bus or Taxi on Own
ACTIVITIES 3 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour, Reservations at the Uffizi Museum

HIGHLIGHTS
Duomo or Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore and The Cupola (dome) of the Basilica (cathedral), by Brunelleschi Palazzo Vecchio (Town Hall) and Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) and the Arno River
Galleria dell’Accademia (featuring the infamous Statue of David)
Birthplace of the Renaissance or Rinascimento
Red roofed Buildings and marble facades
The Uffizi houses one of the most important and oldest (16th c) art collections in the world, featuring the greatest masterpieces of Italian art and a good collection of paintings by those of foreign schools’ The 16thc Palace by Vasari, and also exhibits ancient Roman and 16thc sculptures.

monday, may 03rd

LOCATION Chianti Region in Tuscany, Italy
TRAVEL Private Driver for the Day
ACTIVITIES Authentic Italian Cooking Lesson, Tour Italy's Chianti region at Leisure

HIGHLIGHTS
Quaint Towns featuring rolling countryside dotted with vineyards and olive groves
Chianti Classico Region
Historical Italian Castles, Renaissance Villas, Romanesque Churches
Enjoy the small towns of Greve, Panzano, Castellina and Radda

tuesday, may 04th

LOCATION Siena, Italy
TRAVEL Driver for the Day
ACTIVITIES Wine, Olive Oil Tasting & Lunch with a Ciao Tours, 3 Hour Private Walking Tour of Siena, Tour of Siena

HIGHLIGHTS
Home of the Palio Horse Race
Piazza del Campo, Piazza del Duomo and the Basilica
Museum of Santa Maria della Scala
Palazzo Comunale
San Gimignano - Palazzo del Popolo, Torre Grossa, Piazza del Duomo with the Romanesque Collegiata, Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta

wednesday, may 05th

LOCATION Venice (Venezia), Italy
TRAVEL Private Transfer to Florence Train Station
1st Class ES Train to Venice – 3 hours
Private Transfer to Hotel
ACTIVITIES Dinner Reservations in Venice

thursday, may 06th

LOCATION Venice (Venezia), Italy
TRAVEL On Foot, Water Bus
ACTIVITIES 3 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour of Venice and the San Marco Cathedral

HIGHLIGHTS
Piazza San Marco featuring two of the oldest cafes along with the majestic Ducale Palace and the Ponte dei Sospiri- the Bridge of Sighs
No cars; but a network of canals and bridges with people moving around by boat, gondola or on foot
Rialto Bridge and market area and the Grand Canal

friday, may 07th

LOCATION Venice (Venezia), Italy
TRAVEL On Foot, Water Bus
ACTIVITIES Explore Venice at Leisure, 35 Minute Gondola with Serenade

HIGHLIGHTS
Murano Island famous for hand crafted works of art made from glass
Numerous Bridges, squares (in Venice called Campi) and museums

saturday, may 08th

LOCATION “Marco Polo" Airport– Venezia
TRAVEL Private Transfer to Airport

Conclusion of Tour