BELLA ITALIA
Italy Women’s Tour – In A Small Group Setting
Upscale Italy Tour to Rome, Florence, Venice, The Vatican, Tuscany
GROUP SIZE – 8 to 12
Main Destinations: Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany: Siena & Chianti
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Tour Highlights: Book this upscale, escorted Italy women’s tour that includes Italy’s most important cities – Rome, Florence and Venice. On this group tour of Italy you will travel a trio of cities filled with historic, artistic and architectural treasures everyone should see in their lifetime. This escorted women’s tour begins in Rome, where you will see the ancient wonders that have drawn visitors to this capital for centuries: the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, the ancient city wall and gates, Circus Maximus, Piazza Navona, Trevi fountain and more. This Italy women’s tour will take you to the countryside and see Tuscany’s jewel, Siena, the most important city that once rivalled Florence. This tour also includes the Renaissance city of Florence, an architecturally stunning city of Florence, famous for its Renaissance palaces and squares, magnificent museums, gold, leather, is a must especially for first time visitor to Italy. The last stop of this Italy tour is Ithe elegant and magical “floating” city, Venice, a great ending to this fantastic “best of Italy” tour. NOTE: Pre-tour and post-tour accommodations are available. Arrive early or depart later. We’ll make all the arrangements for you. |
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ITINERARY –
Note: Activities or order of activities are subject to change due to possible unforeseen closures, etc. We reserve the right to replace an activity.
(B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
DAY 1: May 21 – Arrival in Rome, Orientation Stroll, Welcome Dinner, Overnight in Rome
This fabulous Italy women’s tour starts in Rome, your home for the next three nights.
Our driver will pick you up at the airport and to take you to your hotel. Your tour director will meet you in the hotel lobby at noon, should you arrive early enough for lunch. An orientation stroll later in the afternoon is planned followed by our Welcome Dinner. (D)
DAY 2: May 22 – Morning Tour of Ancient Rome Tour, Overnight in Rome
Who your local expert guides would be make a tremendous difference in the equality of the guided tours. This morning, our excellent licensed tour guide in Rome will take you on a walking tour of Ancient Rome and see some of the finest feats of Roman architectural engineering. Hear about fascinating stories about the Colosseum, which stands near the center of present-day Rome. You will tour the Roman forum, once the administration, business and commercial center of Ancient Rome, and see its numerous temples, Basilicas, arches and more. Other sites you will visit include the Arch of Constantine and Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo.
Group lunch is planned after the tour. After lunch, you will explore around the Spanish Steps area, see the Trevi fountain. After lunch, you are free to explore on your own. We will have suggestions for dinner. Invite your tour director if yo want company to explore or have dinner.
NOTE: Your tour director will have suggestions on how you may spend all your leisure times. Restaurant suggestions will also be provided daily. Let your tour director know if you want company. (B, L)
DAY 3: May 23 – Morning Vatican Tour: St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, Overnight in Rome
Note: Modest dress to enter the cathedral, as in all churches in Italy. Shoulders and knees must be covered. No shorts please.
Our expert licensed guide in Rome will take you on a guided tour of the Vatican. You will have a reservation for a quick entry.
In your private tour of the Vatican, you will discover a treasure trove of art, history and religion today. The Vatican Museum’s art collection, which our tour group will visit, is one the most important in the world. You will also see the recently restored Sistine Chapel, home to Michelangelo’s Last Judgment frescoes; and tour St. Peter’s Basilica and view Michelangelo’s famous Pieta, and Bernini’s amazing bronze Baldacchino.
The rest of the day is yours to do as you please. We’ll have suggestions for your free time. (B)
DAY 4: May 24 – Private Transportation to Florence, Stop in Tuscany: Siena and Chianti Wine Tasting, Overnight in Florence
Today, you will depart Rome for Florence. We included this wonderful day in Tuscany so you can enjoy the beautiful countryside. Your first stop is Siena, which has key historical sights, including an outstanding Gothic Duomo and the Basilica of San Domenico, which has relics of St. Catherine. Siena also has one of the most beautiful squares in Italy, il Campo, where the famous Palio horse race is held twice a year. Siena also claims one of the oldest universities in Europe, which contributes to the rich cultural scene here, with all sorts of concerts, shows, art exhibitions and sporting activities throughout the year. Group lunch is planned. You will explore a bit before heading to Chainti for wine tasting.
Arrival in Florence late afternoon. Orientation stroll before dinner. Group dinner is planned. (B, L, D)
DAY 5: May 25 – Morning Walking Tour of Florence with Accademia Museum, Afternoon Tour of the Uffizi Gallery, Overnight in Florence
Today, our fantastic guide will take you on a guided walking tour of Florence to see it’s beautiful historical squares, palaces and other famous sites like Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) and the Cathedral (duomo). You will also visit Accademia museum to view some of Michelangelo’s works, including his Statue of David.
Group lunch is planned before the guided tour of the Uffizi gallery. The Uffizi Gallery occupies the top two floors of a building originally designed by Giorgio Vasari, a leading 15th century painter and architect. Today, it is one of the most famous and important art museums in the world. The Uffizi museum houses acclaimed masterpieces by Botticelli, Fra Angelico, Lippi, Raphael, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci and many others. German, Flemish and Dutch masters like Rubens and Rembrandt are also well represented. (B, L)
DAY 6: May 26 – Leisure Day, Overnight in Florence
Available are Optional Tours of any of the following: Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens, Pisa, Lucca, Bologna or Cinque Terre.
Today, you’re free to explore Florence on your own. Florence has many more museums, palaces, shops and open markets. You can also visit the Boboli Gardens – a 16th-century sculpture garden — or go shopping for Florence’s trademark leather and gold. Day trips to like Pisa, Lucca, Cinque Terre, Bologna are available. Inquire. (B)
DAY 7: May 27 – Venice Guided Tour, including St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, Bridge of Sighs; Overnight in Venice
Note: Modest dress to enter the cathedral as in all churches in Italy. Shoulders and knees must be covered. No shorts please.
You’ll leave Florence early this morning and travel to Venice by train. A private transfer to the train station in Florence will be arranged with assistance in getting you and your bags onto the train. In Venice you will be met at the train station and taken to your hotel.
After your group lunch, our fabulous tour guide in Venice will give you a tour of Venice’s most important sites, starting with a tour of St. Mark’s Square. You will go inside Venice’s St. Mark’s Basilica with beautiful gold mosaic walls and marble floors and see the famous Bridge of Sighs, so-called as it was the last view convicts saw before their imprisonment. (B, L)
DAY 8: May 28 – Leisure Day, Farewell Dinner, Overnight in Venice
Enjoy exploring Venice on your own. Today is the last day of your Italy tour so simply wander the different neighborhoods. NOTE: Your tour director can take you on a walk to see other fantastic sites scattered around Venice.
You may consider seeing the brilliant contemporary art collection (small) housed in the Peggy Guggenheim museum, which is wonderfully located in a less touristy part of Venice. The Guggenheim mansion, which faces the Grand Canal, has a lovely garden and cafe.
Or perhaps see one of Venice’s nearby islands, like Murano, famous for its glass blowing or Burano. Both are a short ride away on a public water bus or water taxi. A private boat can be arranged if that’s what you need. Your tour director can assist you in planning your day.
A special dinner is planned tonight to mark the end of this fantastic tour. (B, D)
DAY 9: May 29 – Departure Day
Explore Venice one last time before you catch your flight today. (B)
