May 7th - 18th
10 nights with air (from LAX) - $ 3,395
TO GET ON OUR WAIT-LIST PLEASE FILL OUT THE TRIP FORM
It's time again for our Best of Italy trip with the added destination of Venice for 2-nights. Last time we did this trip we took a train from Florence to Venice and just stayed for the day. This time we will fly into Venice for 2-nights, then take in 3-nights in Florence, 3-nights in Siena (Tuscany) and 2-nights in Rome. We will return from Rome. We've got great air and the folks from the east coast will be able to meet the group in Philly.
Starting off with Venice will certainly kick this trip off with a bang. Venice is one of my all time favorite places on earth. If you've never been I'm quite confident you will be completely blown away by what you will be seeing. Our hotel is perfectly situated to get us on the island of Venice by bus or train. We get in pretty early on the 8th so we'll have 2 full days to tour this amazing destination.
We'll then travel by train from Venice to Florence (about 2 hours). Florence is situated in central Italy, in the heart of Tuscany. Florence's museums, palaces, and churches house some of thegreatest artistic treasures in the world. The most popular and important sites in Florence include the Cathedral , the Baptistery, the Uffizi , the Bargello , and the Accademia . The churches of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce are veritable art galleries, and the library of San Lorenzois a magnificent exhibition of Michelangelo's architectural genius.
The memory of the Medici, who for centuries commanded the city’s fortunes and were, as generous patrons, instrumental in unleashing the Renaissance, lives on. To this day the family crest of six balls adorns many public buildings. The city’s artists and sculptors regaled the city with their finest creations. Michelangelo, Leonardo, Donatello, Giotto, the Lippis, Masaccio, Botticelli, Pontormo and a host of others left their mark, and formidable galleries such as the Uffizi, Pitti and Accademia today house many of their works.
While in Florence, besides touring this incredible citywe will organize a side trip to Pisa and Cinque Terra. But Florence itself will amaze you and since this is our 3rd trip there so we've got it dialed in with the very best places for our tours. Our hotel is perfectly situated just outside of the city center - an easy walk to all the attractions.
From Florence we will use our motor coach to get to Siena. Again our hotel is right outside of the old city in the ideal location. It's a hotel that I've used on a past Siena trip that everyone really loved.
Siena is wonderful with a beautiful piazza, winding, cobblestone streets and tons of history. We'll also take daily bus tours (included in package) to several of the nearby medieval towns set up on hillsides that are just extremely picturesque. Some of the towns we have visited on past trips include Val D’Elsa , San Gimignano , Pienza and another of my favorite places - Montepulciano where we will set up some wine tasting at a classic winery. This is Tuscany at it's best and the scenery will amaze you.
Finally wehead to Rome. If you've never been, you will certainly be blown away. Everything is just amazing - the Piazza's, the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, the Coliseum and all the many other ruins and sights make this city unforgettable. Our hotel is one that I've used on past Rome trips that everyone really loved and only a 10 minute walk to the Vatican!
Our group rate for the 10-nights, airfare, 3 city tours and daily breakfast will be just $3,395 from from LAX. And unlike some of our trips with a huge departure tax, this one is a very reasonable $138. Deposit of $200 to sign up.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT (your own room): $1,025
OUR AIR:
Deduct $1,250 with your own air
Flight: US Airways 716 Departure:Los Angeles
07MAY/828A Arrival:Philadelphia 07MAY/445P
Flight: US Airways 714 Departure: Philadelphia 07MAY/645P
Arrival:Venice Marco Polo 08MAY/915A
Flight: US Airways 721 Departure:Rome Fiumicino 18MAY/1105A
Arrival:Charlotte 18MAY/345P
Flight: US Airways 721 Departure:Charlotte 18MAY/600P
Arrival:Los Angeles 18MAY/758P
INCLUDES:
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
HOTELS:
Siena:
*** HOTEL CHIUSARELLI
REVIEW
We
stayed here in 2009 and everyone loved it!
Our three star Hotel is located in the center of Siena
, known as one of the most beautiful art
cities
in Italy, which is still faithful to its
traditions, such as Palio
. The building is a
Neoclassical villa which was built around the 1860s and became
one of the first hotels in Siena. In 2010, it was completely
restored, maintaining its original style.
Rome:
**** Hotel Giulio
Cesare
REVIEW
We stayed here in 2012 and it's ideal. 10
minute walk to Vatican!
Located down a tranquil street of Rome
's Prati
district
and a few minutes away from Saint Peter's
basilica
and Piazza del Popolo, the 4-star
facility
Hotel Giulio Cesare
awaits you in the
elegant and upscale setting of an ancient patrician villa
,
which dates back to the end of the 19th century.
Set in the heart of the historical city center , Hotel Giulio Cesare provides the ideal location for both business travelers and tourists on a trip to discover Rome.