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Day 1
DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Rome.
Day 2
ARRIVE ROME (2 NIGHTS)
Welcome to Rome, the capital of Italy! Relax after your journey and meet your Travel Director and companions this evening for a Welcome Reception to hear details about your exciting holiday. Discover the beauty of this city during an evening orientation drive. Pause to enjoy the atmosphere at the buzzing Piazza Navona where you will indulge in a delicious gelato.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 3
ROME SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
View the Colosseum and see Circus Maximus during your sightseeing tour with a Local Guide. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican and view Michelangelo’s Pieta. Consider an excursion inside the Sistine Chapel to see the breath-taking ceiling or spend the rest of the day seeing the sights of your choice.
Day 4
ROME - GREVE IN CHIANTI - COLLE VAL D'ELSA (3 NIGHTS)
Drive through Lazio, and the provinces of Umbria and Tuscany to the charming town of Greve. Visit a wine and olive oil outlet and taste excellent Chiantis and extra virgin olive oils! Greve’s main square has some of the finest food shops in Europe - don’t forget to try the salami. Later, travel through picturesque scenery to your beautiful historic hotel in a characteristic village near Florence. Tonight enjoy a special Be My Guest dinner with wine in a family-owned vineyard overlooking the rolling Chianti Hills.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 5
FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING
Your Local Guide takes you on a walking tour to the Accademia to see Michelangelo’s famous statue of David. Admire Piazza Signoria and the coloured marble Duomo. This evening over a glass of wine, enjoy a short talk from your Travel Director on the basic principles of Italian cuisine and learn a few words of Italian in preparation for your shopping and cooking day tomorrow!
Day 6
TUSCAN LIFESTYLE EXPERIENCE
Begin your day at a fruit and vegetable market in Florence by gaining a Unique Insight into Italian cuisine from a professional chef. Here you will participate in purchases for the fresh produce for your cooking lesson. Take your produce to the restaurant and spend time together preparing your delicious luncheon with a glass of wine! After enjoying a relaxing and memorable Highlight Lunch return to your Tuscan village for the night. Your evening is free to do as you please.
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Day 7
COLLE VAL D'ELSA - PISA - PARMA
This morning stop in Pisa to view the amazing Leaning Tower and the majestic cathedral and baptistery set in the Square of Miracles. Travel to Parma where a memorable Highlight Dinner of local specialities awaits you.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 8
PARMA - BOLOGNA
A short drive will bring you to Bologna. This city is renowned for its culinary tradition and cured meats such as prosciutto, mortadella and salami. It has also given its name to the well-known meat-based pasta sauce called ragù alla bolognese. Here you will enjoy a walking tour with a Local Guide who will enlighten you further on local delicacies. Stop to take in views of the famous Kissing Towers. In your free time you could perhaps try a local delicatessen such as Tamburini to taste some regional specialities. This evening is yours to enjoy in Bologna. You may decide to take an excursion into the countryside, to experience a gourmet dinner in the grounds of an ancient castle.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 9
BOLOGNA - VENICE (2 NIGHTS)
See the Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge’s Palace during your private cruise to St. Mark’s Square. Stop at Giudecca island to visit a glass-blowing workshop for an informative demonstration and see other traditional crafts. Spend time exploring the labyrinth of streets and canals on your own or join an optional activity.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 10
SECRET VENICE WALKING TOUR
Cruise along the Grand Canal to the Rialto Bridge. Your Local Guide brings the city to life during your walking tour. See how the locals shop for food and find out about some of the regional cuisine. Cross the Rialto see a range of curious and beautiful architecture including Marco Polo’s house. The rest of the day is free to explore, or perhaps consider an excursion to Burano for some delicious local seafood! Celebrate this evening with your Travel Director and companions at a special Farewell Dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
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Day 11
VENICE - USA
This morning, say ‘arrivederci’ to your fellow travelers at the end of your wonderful flavors of Italy vacation! Transfers are available. Conditions apply.