ITALIA Il Bel Paese - Travels with Audrey

Italia,
Il Bel Paese
(Naples, Sorrento, Amalfi coast, Rome, Florence, Venice)
First time to Italy?
When you think about a visit to Italy, there is usually a list of "must see" sights.
Many restrict themselves to the country’s star cities, but with us you will discover there is more to
Italy than Michelangelo’s masterpieces and Roman ruins. So due to popular requests and keeping
our travel philosophy in mind, we carefully crafted the perfect tour for you to see and experience
the best Italy has to offer, from major must-see attractions while taking you to some lesser-known
gems; giving you the chance to enjoy the authentic local experiences, from historical sites to
savoring delicious regional cuisine, without the overwhelming task of planning it yourself. With
local sightseeing skip the line access, unique excursions and authentic experiences from your
welcome dinner in Rome to your farewell dinner in Venice. We do not create the cheapest tours
nor the shortest, but we feel we have created the best tour for the first time traveler to Italy or the
return traveler who wishes to explore already visited places more in depth.
If you have been “Dreaming of Italy” then this might be the perfect tour for you.
Need a vacation? Then why not take the ultimate escape and head to Italy. Join me on this amazing
itinerary discovering some of the best Italy has to offer and some of its most famous sites.
Tour starts in Naples and ends in Venice
Your arrival and departure airports are:
Nápoli (Naples)/Capodichino International Airport (NAP)
Venice is Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
$3990
BLE OCCUPANCY
BASED ON DOU
Single supplement applies to anyone
traveling alone) Triple/family rooms are
possible, but sometimes not available.
Prices will be calculated accordingly.
Overview
In Goethe's classic Italian Journey, he calls Italy the "garden of Europe." The beauty of
the landscape is just the beginning of what Italy has to offer the visitor. From the cafés
that line its elegant piazzas to the scenic Alps, magnificent seas and unrivaled
architecture and historical sights, there are activities for every interest in Italy. And
when you’re done sightseeing, Italy’s shopping is world class and its cuisine nothing
short of legendary.
Italy, “Il bel paese” (beautiful country-how Italians refer to their country) is one of
Europe’s great seducers. Blessed with an unparalleled cultural heritage, food that is
imitated the world over and a landscape that combines alpine peaks, stunning
coastlines and remote wilderness, its’s been beguiling travelers for centuries. Italy is
truly a country which takes your breath away as you visit the historic sites, savor local
Italian food and wine, enjoy private guided tours in Rome, Naples, Herculaneum,
Florence and Venice, engage in the experiences that make Italy so very special and
unique.
Topping the Unesco charts with 51 world heritage sites, Italy offers the full gamut,
ranging from historic city centres and man-made masterpieces to snow-capped
mountains and areas of outstanding natural beauty.
This vacation from Rome, down to Naples and the Amalfi coast, up to Florence and
Venice, touches on the country’s unparalleled artistic and architectural legacy, taking in
ancient roman ruins, priceless renaissance paintings, and great cathedrals and to cap it
all off Venice’s unique canal scape.
With so much to see and experience, this vacation to Italy is sure to take your breath
away.
Book this Italy tour for an inspiring introduction to the best of Italy, not only for its
museums, cities and monuments but also its fantastic food, wine, culture and people.
Are you ready for a wonderful unique small group vacation?
Highlights
• Enjoy Italy with a small group of like-minded travelers of 6 to 16
• Savor tasty regional cuisine in specially chosen local authentic trattorias and restaurants
• Wander Sorrento’s bustling streets, lined with craft shops and enjoy breath-taking views of
the Gulf of Naples
• Visit the impressive Greek temples of Paestum, dating back to the 6th century BC
• See how Mozzarella di Bufala is made at an organic farm
• Visit the legendary idyllic island of Capri and find serenity on the chair lift from Ana Capri
for fantastic vistas
• Visit Herculaneum a superbly conserved Roman fishing town to relive ancient history
• Enjoy the awe inspiring views on the Amalfi coast road and visit the inspiring coastal villages
along the Costiera, including Positano, Amalfi and Ravello
• Enjoy a private walking tour of the oldest city in Europe, Naples
• Walk through Rome’s amazing sites with an expert local guide in Rome with skip the line
access to step back in time while visiting the Colosseum and Roman Forum
• Visit the Vatican museums, the impressive Saint Peter’s basilica, Sistine chapel with your
own private guide and skip the line access
• Visit Orvieto, a delightful village in Umbria, boasting one of central Italy’s most spectacular
Gothic Cathedrals
• See Florence’s Renaissance masterpieces at the impressive Galleria dell’ Accademia (first art
school of Europe) featuring Michaelangelo’s David up close and personal with your own
private guide-Florence a true art lover’s dream
• Enjoy orientation walks by your tour manager: Sorrento, Capri, Rome (Spanish steps, Trevi
fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona), Orvieto, Civita di Bagnoregio, Florence, Venice
• Visit one of the most magical and romantic cities in the world, Venice and marvel at the
11th century mosaics of St Mark’s Basilica, wind your way through the ancient romantic
waterways of Venice perhaps on a Gondola
• Enjoy a private boat ride to the Island of Murano with a visit to a traditional glass blowing
factory followed by a visit to the islands of Burano and Torcello
NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change with or without notice. Sequence of day trips may
vary. Final itinerary will be sent to you 60 days prior to your vacation. Included meals
are indicated on itineraries. Price listed is subject to change with or without notice
prior to full payment of your vacation.
Tour inclusions
A unique escorted small group tour of 14 days, limited to only 6 to 16 guests. Don’t delay
and reserve your spots! For availability, please contact: travelswithaudrey@gmail.com
Come experience Italy like never before!
• Private transportation while on tour (air conditioned vans or mini buses)
• Train tickets while on tour (Naples to Rome, Florence to Venice)
• Private transfer upon arrival in Naples to your hotel in Sorrento
• Private transfers from hotel to Vatican city and back to hotel
• Private walking tours with English speaking local experts of Naples, Herculaneum,
Paestum, Rome, Vatican city, Florence and Venice (whisper sets included in Rome,
Florence and Venice)
• Full day Amafli Coast Highway guided tour including visits to Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello
• Full day guided tour to Paestum and mozzarella farm visit
• Taxi and ferry tickets for the island of Capri with tour manager
• 13 nights in hand-picked classic accommodations with private bath or shower, including
daily Breakfast with tea and coffee (4 in Sorrento, 3 in Rome, 3 in Florence, 3 in Venice)
standard rooms, suites available at an extra cost.
• Preferred access tickets to Colosseum, Roman Forum, St Peter’s basilica, Vatican
museums and Sistine chapel, Accademia gallery in Florence, The Doge Palace and Basilica
San Marco in Venice (Enjoy included admission to Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico
Nazionale and Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana at your leisure)
entrance fees to Paestum, Villa Rufolo in Ravello
• Half day private boat excursion to the islands of the lagoon (Murano with visit to glass
blowing factory, Burano, Torcello)
• Wine tasting in the Umbria/Tuscany regions
• Meals: all breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners (1 in Sorrento, 1 in Rome, 1 in Florence, 1 in
Venice) included meals are shown on the itinerary as B-L-D. Beverages include water,
coffee and with some meals with wine included (choice of red or white). Tour Manager will
invite you to join them to unique restaurants each night, regardless of whether the dinner
is included or not.
• Free time for you to choose your own optional experiences (options are available at an
added cost)
• An expert Tour Manager (driver/guide)
• gratuities for drivers and restaurant staff at included meals
• Customer Loyalty Reward: receive a $200.00 credit towards any future vacations you take
with Travels with Audrey
What is not included
Not included: transfers on departure day to Venice Marco Polo Airport (please check with
us for pricing), airfare, personal travel insurance, gratuities for guides and any other
personal travel expenses not associated with tour package and anything not specified to
be included.
Portage is not included. You must be physically fit to pull and manage your luggage
(including carry on).
Local city taxes imposed on hotels by local municipalities are not included and must be
paid by guest in Euro directly to hotel at checkout. (These range anywhere from 2 - 4 Euro
per person, per night, depending on city)
Remember, airfare is a completely separate arrangement from your land tour. It is your
responsibility to arrive at the point of tour start (Naples) on time.
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance is strongly recommended.
Travels with Audrey RECOMMENDS YOU BOOK EARLY
Hotel availability may occasionally be an issue on Audrey’s unique small group tours of
6-12 guests. This is due to popularity and/or high season. A supplement may be applied if
our normal set of hotels in each city is not available. Your hotels will be finalized about 90
days prior to the tour and will be available in your Pre tour documents mailed to you 60
days prior to your tour. Book early!
TO REGISTER, please either fill in your information online, or download the Guest
Registration Form in downloadable PDF format, Terms and Conditions and the Liability
Waiver and Release form. Both the Guest Registration form and the Liability Waiver and
Release form must be completed, signed and returned. A 20% of the overall tour price per
person deposit is required to be officially registered for this tour (personal check, money
order, wire transfer, electronic transfer, within the United States only, and credit cards
accepted. Upon receipt of the completed Guest Registration Form we will send you the
payment details. After your deposit has been accredited we will send you an invoice with
the due date for the balance of payment.
For more information, please contact: travelswithaudrey@gmail.com
If you have any questions, please call us at 778 402 6440 and we will get back to you as
soon as possible.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVAL NAPLES (D)
Welcome to Italia!
Southern Italy is a fascinating area with its Roman and Greek temples, and extensive
archaeological remains. Naples, founded by the Greeks is one of the oldest cities in the world.
You will need to book your air travel so that you arrive into the Naples Airport (NAP) by noon
for pickup and transfer to your Sorrento hotel, overlooking the beautiful bay of Naples and
powerful Mount Vesuvius. The transfer will be by van and is included in the price.
Sorrento lies in one of the most beautiful areas in Italy. Here mountains erupt from the
Mediterranean and pastel-hued villages cling to their sides. This area is filled with dazzling
antiquities like Herculaneum and Pompeii and breath taking natural wonders. You will spend
the next few days in this picturesque region that has been a favorite vacation destination since
Roman times.
Your Travels with Audrey tour starts at 3:00PM in the hotel lobby where we all meet for an
orientation walk and an opportunity to meet your fellow travelers. You will have time to
freshen up before your included dinner tonight.
INCLUDED WELCOME DINNER TONIGHT: Tonight you are in for a special treat for your
Welcome Dinner at our unique authentic local restaurant
Overnight at Hotel Il Nido (or similar)
Your Unique Small Group Tour Vacation of Italy is underway!
ITINERARY
DAY 2: PAESTUM AND MOZZARELLA DI BUFALA (B-L)
Today we have a full day of wonderful discoveries!
Your professional Italian Driver will pick you up after breakfast for a day of unique discoveries
with a visit of Paestum, some of the world’s best preserved Greek temples.
Paestum is situated along the central west coast of Italy, south of both Naples and Salerno.
Once a time-honored Greek colony, Paestum remains off the beaten path yet there are few
destinations in the country that are as rewarding as this ancient community. Another great
reward for visitors who visit Paestum is the solitude throughout the area. Often, there is not a
soul around. A far cry from its Italian counterparts such as Milan, Rome, and Florence,
Paestum's combination of historic monuments, peaceful surroundings, and coastal location
make it an ideal stop.
The stately honey-colored temples were once part of the Greek colonies that once held sway
over much of southern Italy. The Greeks capitulated to the romans in 273BC and Poseidonia,
as it was known, remained a thriving trading port until the fall of the Roman Empire.
After your visit, time to stop for a special treat! A visit of a farm that produces the superbly
soft and creamy mozzarella made from the organic mild of water buffalo. Late afternoon we
return to Sorrento.
OPTIONAL DINNER- enjoy dinner at your leisure this evening
A day on the Amalfi coast is incomplete without at least a taste of the limoncello, featuring the
local citrus crop.
Overnight at Hotel Il Nido (or similar)
ITINERARY
(continued)
DAY 3: LA DOLCE FAR NIENTE (B)
Capri playground of roman emperors
Today is a day you can spend as you like:
You can spend time wondering the narrow alleys of Sorrento, with wonderful shops (linen
clothing, crafts, jewelry, ceramics), known as the city of orange and lemon groves. Sample the
local popular liqueur in a local shops, Limoncello, or quite simply sit by the pool (weather
permitting) enjoying the sweetness of doing nothing.
For those wishing to visit Capri (weather permitting), your tour manager will accompany you
after breakfast to the world’s most enchanting island. You can explore to your heart’s content on
your own or with your tour manager (Includes taxi to ferry dock and your round trip ferry ticket).
You may choose to stay on the island all day or choose for the balance of the afternoon and
evening to simply explore the sights and ambiance of Sorrento, a special Italian resort town.
On the island we recommend sharing the cost of a convertible taxi cab for the time you need it
and your tour manager can also show you some awesome simple hikes.
A vacation spot of Roman emperors and movie stars for centuries, you’ll be equally captivated
by the charms of Capri. The jaw dropping and spectacular scenery is sure to impress any traveler
and the colorful bougainvillea, fragrant lemon groves and grapevines are a delight for any
photo-fanatic.
Tiberius had his Villa Jovis built here, now an evocative cliff top ruin with breathtaking views,
and his ruling seat in AD26 and Emperor Augustus made it his private playground.
The hallmarks of this 5 square mile getaways surrounded by emerald waters are the Faraglioni,
three needlelike rocks towering just off the rugged coast.
It’s also a hugely popular day-trip destination and a summer favorite of holidaying VIPs.
Inevitably, the two main centers, Capri Town and its uphill rival Anacapri, are almost entirely
given over to tourism, with the high prices that predictably follow. But explore beyond the swish
cafes and designer boutiques and you’ll find that Capri retains an unspoiled charm. All of this
overlooks the deep blue water that laps into secluded coves and mysterious grottoes.
Take a chairlift to the top of Monte Solaro and take in the views of the cliffs and sea so dramatic
that the hair will stand up on the back of your neck. Visit the church of St Michael, known for its
18h century majolica floor depicting the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden.
You’ll be as captivated by Capri as Emperor Tiberius who used the Blue Grotto as his personal
swimming pool.
ITINERARY
(continued)
In Anacapri, we also highly recommend visiting Villa San Michele: is a magical place that must
be experienced. Some speak of Feng shui perfection, about a node for magnetic flows, and
others about its enchanting beauty. Villa San Michele is undoubtedly unique and a living
example of the dream that became reality with its lush Mediterranean gardens that offer a
chance to escape the day tripping crowds. “The soul needs more space than the body”
For lunch why not try “La Fontelina”where the sun, the sea, good wine and great food comes
together simply but gloriously on a sun-dappled seaside terrace with the Faraglioni in sight.
Diners can sunbathe and swim before and after a lunch that is likely to include the restaurant’s
signature fruit filled sangria and simple “insalata caprese”, the islands specialty of super fresh
mozzarella and just picked tomatoes.
Optional tours and activities:
A day in Pompeii: Pompeii is the most famous and visited archaeological site in the world
(Includes round trip transfer and private tour)
Cooking lesson: please inquire with us about the various types of cooking lessons and cost
available in Sorrento
OPTIONAL DINNER-Enjoy dinner at your leisure
Overnight at Hotel Il Nido (or similar)
ITINERARY
(continued)
DAY 4: DIVINE AMALFI COAST ESCAPE and HERCULANEUM (B)
“Italy’s Dream Drive”
Today is a full day of discovery, leaving at 08:30, for a guided tour of Herculaneum and a drive
along the famous and spectacular Amalfi Coast, one of Europe’s most dramatic shorelines and a
Unesco World Heritage site.
Herculaneum: The eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79 completely engulfed the towns of Pompeii and
the wealthy Roman seaside resort of Herculaneum with debris. Herculaneum was covered with a
thick layer of lava and mud - this layer preserved it almost perfectly, whilst Pompeii was covered
in cinders and volcanic ash. Archaeological excavations have uncovered private villas, shops,
bathhouses, and a fascinating range of everyday objects.
The small town of Herculaneum offers the most concise and moving monument to the great
eruption. Its ruins might be less extensive than those of Pompeii, but they are far better
preserved. Many of the buildings have weathered the centuries so well that they look virtually
the same as they would have done millennia ago.
After your visit of Herculaneum, our scenic drive will take us over the Monti Lattari (Lattari
Mountains) over to our first stop on the Amalfi Coast, the charming town of Ravello. Perched
1100 feet above Amalfi, on towering cliffs above the sea is aptly described as “the place where
poets go to die”. From your included visit of the romantic gardens of Villa Rufolo, enjoy the never
ending views of the turquoise blue sea.
After lunch, continue to Amalfi, once a mighty maritime republic; enjoy a walk through town and
a chance to visit the Duomo di Sant’Andrea which glitters when the sun strikes the 12th century
gold mosaics on its façade.
On our way back toward Sorrento, we stop in Positano, the pearl of the Amalfi coast, with its
colorful houses clinging to the hillside overlooking the sea.
On Italy’s most scenic stretch of coastline, famously steep and narrow and kinked with hairpin
turns, it winds up cliffs and down into deep gorges, the colors thrill, a living kaleidoscope that
swirls and changes with every turn: pastel hued villages terraced into the hillside, deep green
gardens blanketed with brilliant blooms, sunny yellow of the local lemons, and the turquoise
waters of the Mediterranean.
The towns have inspired writers and artists for centuries from 14th century writer Giovanni
Boccaccio to 19th century composer Richard Wagner and 20th century playwright Tennessee
Williams. John Steinbeck described it as “a dream place that is not quite real when you are there
and beckoningly real after you have gone”.
OPTIONAL DINNER-Enjoy dinner at your leisure this evening
Overnight at Hotel Il Nido (or similar)
ITINERARY
(continued)
DAY 5: NAPLES, PIZZA (B-D)
Twenty five centuries of culture, Neapolitan style
When most visitors think of Italian food, they are usually thinking of the dishes of Naples and
Sorrento, spaghetti with tomato and basil, mozzarella and pizza, which are from this area.
After breakfast, our private transportation and driver will pick you up for a private guided tour
of Naples, seeing Piazza del Gesù, Gesu Nuovo Church, the Monastery of Santa Chiara, the
church of San Domenico Maggiore, the Chapel of San Severo (with the Veiled Christ), and time
permitting the Cathedral of Naples.
Let’s not forget to have lunch at a local historical Pizza place, in the city that created Pizza!
Naples: Naples is Italy’s most misunderstood city and is also one of its finest. The Unesco
listed “centro storico” (historical center) is an intoxicating warren of streets packed with
ancient churches, citrus filled cloisters and first rate pizzerias. It is here, under the washing
lines, that you will find classic Neapolitan street life, overloaded Vespas hurtling through
cobbled alleyways and bullying market vendors. Move towards the sea and the cityscape
opens up. Imperious palaces flank beautiful squares where Gucci clad shoppers strut their
stuff, then lunch in chandeliered cafes. This is Royal Naples, the Naples of the Bourbons, that
so impressed the 18th century grand tour visitors.
More than two millennia of history stokes the vitality and energy of this modern day port city
famous for its high spirited, chaotic, everyday life, Naples was the seat of a powerful,
independent kingdom for more than 500 years and drew Europe’s finest architects and artists.
Explore its many historic overlays in the colorful Spaccanapoli, at the heart of the old city.
ITINERARY
(continued)
The bay fronting Castel Nuovo, a massive fortification dating back to the 13th century, holds
the civic museum; Palazzo Reale, the art jammed 17th century palace that was home to the
Naples monarchs and the famed Teatro di San Carlo opera house, one of Europe’s largest and
most splendid.
Then it is time for your high speed train to take you up to Rome.
“If there was no Rome, I would dream of her”, Sir Laurence Olivier in Spartacus
Romans call Rome, “Roma Caput Mundi”, Rome Capital of the world. Start the trip of a lifetime
in one of the world’s most fascinating cities! Your hotel is located right in the historical heart
of the city, steps away from the major historical sites.
An epic, monumental metropolis, Italy’s capital is a city of thrilling beauty and high drama. Its
historic centre, which according to Unesco, boasts some of the major monuments of antiquity,
has been a world heritage site since 1980.
After checking in to your hotel in Rome located in the historical heart of the city walking
distance to all major sites, you will have time to freshen up before meeting your tour manager
for an orientation walk through the streets of this fascinating city, Rome.
On your walk with your tour manager you will have a chance to see some amazing sites, Santa
Maria sopra Minerva (a must see Gothic church), Pantheon (the best preserved of Rome’s
ancient monuments and one of the most influential buildings in the world), Piazza Navona,
Spanish Steps, Trevi fountain to throw in your coin!
INCLUDED WELCOME DINNER TONIGHT: In the evening enjoy of a Welcome Dinner in an
authentic local Roman trattoria
Overnight at Hotel Aberdeen (or similar)
ITINERARY
(continued)
DAY 6: ROME OF THE CAESARS (B)
After breakfast, your sightseeing today is with a local expert guide on your private walking tour
of ancient Rome; visit with skip the line access (no waiting in line) the Roman Forum, once the
beating heart of the ancient city, followed by the most iconic ancient monument, the Colosseum. Travel back in time in the Roman Forum where you will be walking through the site along
the Via Sacra (Sacred Way), seeing the Temple of the Vestal Virgins, Arch of Titus, Arch of
Constantine, the temple of Caesar where he was burned, Curia or Senate House, Palatine Hill
and Capitoline Hill.
The Colosseum was officially designated as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007.
The towering 1st century AD amphitheater where gladiators met in mortal combat and condemned criminals fought off wild beasts.
After your guided tour (approximately 3 hours), spend lunch and the afternoon pursuing your
own passions. Here are just a few of our recommendations:
1. No visit to Rome would be complete without visiting a few of the many churches and
basilicas: the basilica of St John Lateran, the medieval basilica of San Clemente, Santa Maria
Maggiore, all repositories of relics and magnificent art.
2. Borghese gallery, with a rich collection of the finest artists, like Bernini, Casanova,
Caravaggio and other treasures to fill several rooms in this wonderful 17th century villa
(We can arrange admission tickets, please check with us at time of booking for pricing).
3. For a touch of mystery explore the ancient Christian burial sites tunneled under the old
Apian way. The murky catacombs of St. Callistus hold some 170.000 graves (now empty),
the crypt of St Cecilia, and paintings from the second and third century’s AD.
4. Take in the swirling traffic and exuberance of life in the Italian capital and it is easy to
believe that all roads lead to Rome. The city can overwhelm its visitors with millennia of
history, unrivaled art collections, neighborhoods that feel like small villages and an enviable
marriage of carpe diem and la dolce vita. See the sights, embrace the vitality, and do as the
Romans do: linger awhile with an espresso or aperitivo while watching the amazing
spectacle that is Rome unfold.
Lucian, the second century Greek rhetorician, described Rome as “a bit of paradise” and 15th
century Tuscan scholar Gian Francesco Poggio Bracciolini praised the city as “the most beautiful and magnificent of all those that either have been or shall be”. These opinions about the
eternal city survive and why not? Almost 3000 years of history, layer upon layer of it, testify
not only to the genius, perseverance and adaptability to the people who founded Rome and
developed it through the ages, but also to that of those who followed.
OPTIONAL DINNER- Enjoy dinner at your leisure tonight
You may opt to join your Tour Manager tonight for dinner or opt to explore on your own
Overnight at Hotel Aberdeen (or similar)
ITINERARY
(continued)
DAY 7: TREASURES OF VATICAN CITY (B)
This morning meet your tour manager and your professional private expert guide in the lobby
of your hotel and board your vehicle for a quick transfer to another country, separate and
distinct from Italy! The Vatican: the smallest state in the world, one eight the size of Central
Park in New York City.
With your local expert guide and skip the line entrance tickets, you will tour the Vatican museums (including the Hall of Maps, Gallery of Tapestries), Sistine chapel (a very impressive head
tilting chapel where you see The Last Judgment, painting by Michelangelo, during the years
1535 to 1541) and St Peter’s Basilica, the largest and grandest church in Christendom. See
Michelangelo’s Pieta, sculpted when he was only 24, as well as Bernini’s seven story bronze
canopy located above the main altar; and as the tour draws to a close, you can admire the
magnificent St Peter’s Square where you can see the balcony from which the Pope delivers his
public addresses.
For many visitors, a guided tour of Vatican City is a dream come true experience. With us you
save yourself a very long 2 to 3 hour line (Visit approximately 3 hours and return to hotel via
private transfer in time for lunch)
Usually we enjoy early admission around 08:15/08:30 AM to avoid large cruise groups, but
please note that the visit of St Peter’s Basilica is subject to availability based on the events
planned for the Jubilee 2016
For your afternoon at leisure today, we recommend the following options:
1. Castel Sant' Angelo: The Mausoleum of Hadrian has served a variety of uses throughout
history. It was initially commissioned by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for
himself and his family. In front runs the Tiber river and the one of the many bridges of
Rome, the Ponte Sant' Angelo with its beautiful statues of angels by Bernini.
2. Shop on Via Condotti, close to the Spanish steps, the top fashion street in Rome, with Italian
upscale fashion shops.
OPTIONAL DINNER TONIGHT-Enjoy dinner at your leisure tonight
Overnight at Hotel Aberdeen (or similar)
ITINERARY
(continued)
DAY 8: CIVITA DI BAGNOREGIO/ORVIETO (B-D)
This morning we say "arrivederci" to Roma and head into the Italian countryside.
Today’s first visit is to the unique charming medieval hamlet of Civita di Bagnoregio in the
region of Lazio, isolated by earthquakes and erosion creating an inland island of only a few
inhabitants, accessible now only on foot across a 300 meter bridge! It is a true marvel and one
of the most spectacular sights in all of Italy.
Then we are off to spectacular Umbrian hilltop town of Orvieto, famous for its Duomo and its
white wine, Orvieto classic. The town sits on an outcrop of volcanic tufa rock, with thousands
of caves underneath the city, dug out during Etruscan, Medieval and Renaissance times. You
will have a chance to explore the town with your tour manager after lunch (free for you to
enjoy at your own leisure) including one of Italy’s most famous Gothic Cathedrals.
Just before traveling up to Florence, passing beautiful rolling hills of Umbria and Tuscany, you
will get a chance to visit a family owned winery and taste the local famous wine, Orvieto
Classico.
After checking in to your hotel in Florence located in the historical heart of the city, within
walking distance to all major sites, you will have time to freshen up before meeting your tour
manager for a short orientation walk through the cobblestone streets on your way to your
included dinner.
Your tour manager would love to show you one of the most spectacular settings, magical
location before going for dinner, but it will require taking taxis at your own cost. But well
worth it! (Dependent on sunset time and weather)
INCLUDED DINNER: Tonight, we’ll bring you to our favorite local restaurant or a typical
Tuscan dinner
Overnight at Hotel Rivoli (or similar)
ITINERARY
(continued)
DAY 9: RENAISSANCE DISCOVERIES (B)
Florence, the cradle of the renaissance and home of Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Medici,
Florence is magnetic, romantic, unique and busy. A couple of days is not long enough here but
is enough for a breathless introduction to the city’s top sights.
Today start the day with a private walking tour in the heart of Florence, the birthplace of
Renaissance, visiting some of Florence’s most important sights. Included on the tour are the
Galleria dell’Accademia (first art school in Europe) to see Michelangelo’s masterpiece, David,
up close and personal, with your skip the line tickets (no waiting in line), Duomo Santa Maria
del Fiore, Dante’s house, Orsanmichele church, Piazza della Signoria, finishing at the Ponte
Vecchio.
The capital of Tuscany, Firenze (Florence) is, most famously, the cradle of the Renaissance,
epitomized by the cupola that Filippo Brunelleschi designed for the Duomo more than 600
years ago. Michelangelo’s David and countless other treasures fill the city’s museums and
churches. The Florentine lifestyle is a work of art in itself, to be savored in historic cafes,
welcoming trattorias, trendy boutiques and the city’s medieval streets and piazzas rimmed
with fortress like palazzos.
Your tour manager can walk you to the Mercato Centrale (market) after your tour, a great place
for lunch and shopping for typical Tuscan delicacies. Your tour manager can also show you the
best place in town to buy excellent quality leather!
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For the afternoon you are free to explore this magnificent city, and there are so many choices:
The first fashion city of Italy has great shoe and clothing stores; spend time in the Uffizi gallery
which houses one of the world’s great art collections including works by Botticelli, Leonardo
da Vinci, Raphael and many other Renaissance maestros; Palazzo Vecchio; Pitti Palace and the
Boboli gardens; Medici Chapel; Galileo museum or climb the Duomo for an awe inspiring view
of the city, to name a few.
Or quite simply stroll through the medieval streets taking in the sculptures, art and architecture that surround you.
Though Florence’s’ top tourist sites are popular for a reason, take a local’s advice to escape the
crowds, and see things everybody else misses. “While the tourist hordes flock to Michelangelo’s David and the Uffizi”, says medieval historian Gloria Papaccio, “we Florentines come to the
peaceful chapel of the Palazzo Medici Riccardi to revel in the ideal vision of the Renaissance. A
three fresco cycle painted in 1460 and tucked away in the depths of a palace that belonged to
the Medici, the powerful banking dynasty that dominated Florence for almost four centuries.
Museo Nazionale del Bargello is to renaissance sculpture what the Uffizi is to paining. A gothic
fortress from 1255 is houses Italy’s greatest collection of renaissance sculpture.
Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, with its original 13th century facade, with some of Florence’s
greatest treasures: frescoes by Domenico Ghirlandaio, Filippino Lippi, Nardo di Gione. Two
famous crosses, one by Giotto and one by Brunelleschi; Masaccio’s Trinita and the pulpit from
which Galileo was denounced for saying the earth orbits the sun.
Visit the famous Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria just around the corner on Via
Della Scala. Since 1221 monks have formulated balms and ointments from herbs still used
today for soaps and scents (great for purchasing unique gifts)
Medici chapels: Michelangelo’s first architectural project, to house the remains of Lorenzo the
Magnificent and other members of the ruling clan.
OPTIONAL DINNER: Tonight enjoy dinner on your own at a local Florentine restaurant. Be
sure to try “Ribollita,” one of Florence’s most popular specialties. This hearty soup is made
from cannellini beans, vegetables, red cabbage and chunks of bread
Overnight at Hotel Rivoli (or similar)
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DAY 10: FULL FREE DAY IN FLORENCE (B)
Most tour operators do not offer a free day in Florence, and there are so many options available for travellers on their independent free day for each guest to decide what to see and do.
Optional tours for today are:
1. You could choose a guided tour to Pisa to view the Leaning Tower of Pisa, among the most
instantly recognizable structures on earth along with the Cathedral and Baptistery.
Architects say it would be world famous even if it were perfectly straight.
2. One of Italy's most popular activities for locals is shopping, which abounds in Florence
where you will find many of the famous designer shops. There are several leather markets
and the Ponte Vecchio is known for its many gold and silver shops. You can find delicious
treats and some unusual gifts. You can even visit the Shoe Museum in the Ferragamo shop.
You might want to stop into my favorite chocolate shop, Rivoire, located right on Piazza
Signoria. You can find delicious treats and some unusual gifts.
3. Tuscany's cuisine is world famous. Today could be the day you give yourself that
opportunity to learn how to prepare a Tuscan meal yourself with great cooking class
options. (please check with us for options and prices)
You will cross the Arno River to the Oltrarno district where you will find the kitchen of
InTavola cooking courses. Here, with the guidance of a professional chef, you will prepare
several courses from starters like bruschetta, homemade pasta and sauce, a main course
and finally dessert. You will then sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor with a little vino
in a beautiful setting that you will never forget. This experience is always a highlight for
many travelers
4. Or you could choose a guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, one of the largest,
oldest, and most outstanding art museums in the world, if you wish to dig deeper into the
vast riches of Florence's art heritage. We can arrange admission tickets and private guide
for you in advance.
OPTIONAL DINNER- Enjoy dinner at your leisure tonight
You may opt to join your Tour Manager tonight for dinner or opt to explore on your own.
Overnight at Hotel Rivoli (or similar)
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DAY 11: ROMANTIC VENICE (B)
“Your visit to Venice becomes a perpetual love affair”, Henry James
Your tour continues today with a journey aboard the sleek high speed train from Florence to
Venice, known as La Serenissima (the most serene). Transfer by canal boat to your hotel, conveniently located in the historical heart of the city, near St Mark’s square.
Welcome to Venice!
The Queen of the Adriatic, an elegant and magical floating city!
A magnificent, unforgettable, hauntingly beautiful city and one of the world’s most enchanting.
For 1000 years it was one of Europe’s great sea powers. No matter how many times you visit
this floating city, there is always something new to discover.
Many first-time visitors are often stirred deeply by this almost fantasy world unlike anything
they have ever seen before.
Visiting Venice without an experienced tour manager or guide can be difficult, as most visitors
do not know where to go or what to look for. After lunch, embark on an orientation walk with
your tour manager who will show you some of the back streets of Venice leading to St Mark’s
square. Napoleon referred to this square as “the most beautiful drawing room in Europe”.
Enjoy a skip the line entrance to the Basilica, including the balcony which provides amazing
views over Piazza San Marco, a balcony few visitors take the time to see. For sheer wow factor
little can compare with the Basilica di San Marco and its 24 carat gold mosaics.
Learn from your experienced and knowledgeable tour manager all about Venice, and some of
the important sights on this orientation walk.
This evening before dinner, enjoy your included once in a lifetime gondola ride with private
serenade with professional musicians (weather permitting).
OPTIONAL DINNER- In the evening let’s enjoy a special activity together, cicchetti crawl
(Venice’s version of tapas), and a unique Venetian tradition. This is optional, but what great
way to discover another side of Venice, with good wine and new friends. Now that is Italian!
Overnight at Hotel Ala (or similar)
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DAY 12: EXPLORE VENICE (B)
After breakfast, you will meet your local expert guide for a private walking tour of this fascinating city that for centuries was Europe’s top superpower. But what will be unique is that she
will lead you along its intricate alleyways, to lesser known gems that few tourists see, where
locals carry on their daily life, finishing at the famous Piazza San Marco and a tour of the
sumptuous Doge Palace (once the official residence of the elected officials of the Venetian
Republic) and the Bridge of Sighs.
After lunch, your own private boat will take you over to the Murano islands for a visit to a
traditional glass factory and demonstration where glass masters have been creating the most
intricate designs for chandeliers, vases, jewellery for over five centuries. Yes, you may purchase
glass but this is not required or the intent of our visit.
For the remainder of the afternoon enjoy Venice with your tour manager, off the beaten path.
Enjoy your private boat ride over to the lesser travelled to islands of the lagoon. Visit these
unique islands, that unfortunately many travellers to Venice miss visiting. Get to enjoy Venice
from the sea, as it was intended to. Check out the precious and historical island of Burano, a
colourful quaint fishing village with brightly coloured homes of the “buranesi” fishermen that
appears worlds away from Venice.
Burano is best known for its exquisitely hand embroidered linens. It is still a small community
where time stands still.
After a lunch break, visit the island of Torcello, perhaps the most charming of the islands. It
was the first of the lagoon islands to be called home by the mainland population fleeing Attila
and his Huns, but today consists of little more than one long canal leading to vineyards and the
oldest Venetian monument the Cattedrale di Torcello (Santa Maria Assunta) whose foundations date from the 7th century.
“Venice’s lagoon islands-give Venice the time it deserves. Enjoy the lesser known islands in its
lagoon as well as the world famous sites. Most of the 3 million people that visit Venice each
year trudge around on foot and spend less than a day in the city, sticking to the central islands
that are home to St Mark’s square the Doge Palace and the Rialto Bridge. But la Serenessima,
as Venice is k known, has a lot more to discover. Take to the water like Venetians do and visit
scarcely populated islands like Torcello one of the most magical with its cathedral Santa Maria
Assunta with 12h century mosaics. Nearby island of Burano with its pastel painted houses has
been famous for lacemaking since the 15th century.”
OPTIONAL DINNER: Enjoy dinner at your leisure tonight or join your tour manager at one of t
their local favourites.
Overnight at Hotel Ala (or similar)
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(continued)
DAY 13: VENICE AT YOUR LEISURE (B-D)
Today is your day to explore this city on water to discover its magic, its mystic, feel a sense of
freedom and peace from lack of traffic noise and indulge in all things Venetian. You will have a
chance to “get lost” in the city’s labyrinth of canals, bridges and small campos.
Venice confuses and enchants, so toss the map and let yourself wander. Give in to this fragile,
watery world built on over 100 small islands and lose yourself among byzantine domes and
palazzos. Step back in time to when Venezia, the queen of the Adriatic, ruled much of the
Mediterranean world. Meander through neighborhoods where not much has changed since
native son Marco Polo set sail for the distant corners of the world, courtesans and doges
passed in the shadows in the narrow alleyways, and Casanova glided down the Grand Canal
on his way to a nocturnal rendez-vous.
It won’t hurt to master the phrase “Dov’e’ Piazza San Marco?”
Choices are endless!
You could enjoy the included admission to Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale and
Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana at your leisure. Other options we
recommend are Gallerie dell’Accademia with the most extensive collection of venetian masters in the world, Chiesa dei Frari an immense Franciscan bastion build in 13th century which
stands out as a showcase for titian, Ca’Rezzonico dedicated to 18tth century Venice, to name
a few.
A whole city floating on a lagoon, Venice is a magical combination of grand palazzos, magnificent churches and ordinary houses amid a network of age old alleyways and canals. Museums
and art galleries attest to the city’s glorious past, when it was a wealthy superpower. A stroll
through some of the quieter sestrieri (districts) is the best way to gauge the pulse of this
unique city.
FAREWELL DINNER EXPERIENCE: We will toast the success of your adventures through Italy
with your last night of the tour of Italy in Venice.
It will be hard to say arrivederci, but I know you will take home great memories of your time
spent with friends, new friends and family on your trip of a lifetime experiencing “Italia, Il bel
Paese”!
Following dinner, I always like to take my guests for one last look at Piazza San Marco (weather permitting), to enjoy one last moment in Venice, one of the greatest, most beloved, and
most beautiful cities in all of Italy.
Overnight at Hotel Ala (or similar)
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(continued)
DAY 14: DEPARTURE DAY (B)
For your transfer to Marco Polo airport or if you choose to extend your vacation in Italy, contact us for details
If you are not traveling to Italy during the dates of our tours but would like to travel to Italy
with your own private group of friends or family, please contact us.
Travels with Audrey has hand-picked an extensive list of quality properties across France and
Italy and to ensure the very best experience on each of Audrey’s tours hotels may vary to
those listed in this itinerary.
The earlier a tour is reserved the better the chances of having the ones listed.
Audrey specializes in small group tours for mature travellers, providing guests with delights
that excite the senses and that are genuine, intimate and unique experiences of France and
Italy. With a balance of culture, food, wine and stunning natural and man-made landscapes,
tours capture everything that a guest would be looking for in an Italian or French experience.
Audrey warmly invites you to come along and experience la Belle France, Bell’Italia, together
with like-minded travellers.
“I look forward to meeting you and traveling with you”
Mobility: All Travels with Audrey’s tours involve lots of walking, standing for longer periods of
time and require guests to board and disembark vans/mini coaches several times a day making
this tour not suitable for those with reduced mobility. You will also have to handle your own
luggage especially on the trains. We walk on our tours because we feel this is the best way to
experience a place but our pace is usually unhurried.
Please Note: Any optional tours, experiences, and/or entrance fees which are not already
included in this tour, are at an added cost, which will be indicated on your invoice and any that
you choose to book independently upon arrival are at your own expense.