A La Carte Tours

Italy 2007
Venice - Florence - Rome

How about joining us for an exciting vacation in sunny Italy !
Three nights in the legendary and unique city of Venice or as the Italians call it, Venezia. You’ve seen movies filmed there as well as travel documentaries so many of the famous places you’ll see will be familiar.
St. Mark’s Square is the place to start in Venice with the basilica and nearby campanile and the adjacent Doge’s Palace with it’s Bridge of Sighs. An included tour will lead the way.
You will have a totally free day to perhaps visit the Rialto Bridge with it’s splendid views of the Grand Canal or take a water taxi to the interesting islands of Murano, famous for it’s glass blowing and Burano, one of the often overlooked treasures of the Venetian islands. Or, explore the narrow and winding streets of Venice on your own for unexpected sights and pleasures including a stop at a local gelato shop. Board one of Venice’s famous gondolas for a different look at this unique city on water from it’s narrow canals where you’ll see ancient bridges and palaces from centuries past. Or just find a good spot to rest and just people watch. A very interesting opportunity.
Our hotel will be the Hotel Buon Pesce located on the Lido Island across the lagoon from St. Mark’s Square. Water taxis to all local destinations leave frequently a short distance from the hotel.
From Venice we travel by private air-conditioned motor coach across the landscapes of Tuscany to Florence (Firenze in Italian) and the birthplace of the Renaissance for another three night stay.
The sights in Florence are so abundant that seeing what you personally want to see will present a definite challenge. Our included guided tour will include the Duomo (cathedral) with it’s famous and massive dome, Ghiberti’s legendary Gates of Paradise at the Baptistery, the Church of Santa Croce and the Piazza della Signoria.
On your own you will definitely want to visit the Academia to view works of Michelangelo including “David”, perhaps the most admired work of art in the entire city and maybe the world. And, you may choose to visit the Uffitzi Gallery, one of the top three art museums in the world.
Also, not to be forgotten is the famous bridge in Florence, the Ponte Vecchio with it’s shops and great view of the Arno River as it glides through the city. Two free days are included to allow you to see these sights.
Optional trips from Florence include half-day trip excursions to Pisa to see the leaning tower and cathedral, a full day excursion to Siena and San Gimignano with it’s famous towers with wine tasting and an evening visit to Fiesole with dinner.
Our hotel in Florence will be designated before departure.

After reluctantly leaving Florence we travel on our motor coach through the Umbria area of Italy toward the great city of Rome (Roma) for a four night visit. Before arriving we visit the medieval town of Orvieto, accessed by funicular and home to a great cathedral and splendid view of the surrounding country side. A relaxing break in today’s journey.
The next morning we will enjoy a guided tour of the Eternal City seeing the Coliseum and Forum ruins among other sites. The next two days are free for you to explore Rome on your own or with friends in our group. The Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and many beautiful churches are easily reached. You may also want to visit the Roman Catacombs. Gelato shops are plentiful here also.
During your free days you may decide to take a half-day guided tour of Vatican City which features St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Also available is a full-day excursion to the ruins of Pompeii. Also available is a Dinner with Tenors evening.
Our hotel in Rome is the Mercure Hotel Plaza Bologna.

On Day 12 we will transfer to the airport for our return home.

The trip includes: