Italy in September!
Alicia Richmond with Chic on a Shoestring and Keri Evans of Buon Viaggio Italy would like to show you the sights and the shopping September 22nd till October 1st.
Day 1
Sept. 22nd ~ TRAVEL DAY
Fly from your home city to Rome, Italy
Day 2
Sept. 23th ~ ROME
After your overnight flight greet your group in beautiful, historic Rome. Your state-of-the art motor coach will transport you to your hotel in Aurelia. That evening you will be treated to a traditional welcome dinner at al Mino complete with entertainment and a four-course meal.
Day 3
Sept. 24th ~ ROME
After a buffet breakfast, meet with a local tour guide to experience the best Rome has to offer. You will tour Vatican City, including the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica. Stand in awe of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel as you tour the Vatican Museum. Tour the ancient Colosseum and the Roman Forum and experience the ancient history of the Eternal City. After the tour, enjoy free time to explore more famous sights, do some shopping, enjoy dinner (and gelato) and the nightlife of Rome.
Day 4
Sept. 25th ~ VENICE
After a buffet breakfast, board the bus and travel to Venice. Take in the beauty of the Italian countryside and hill towns. Upon arrival, see Venice firsthand on a Gondola ride (optional excursion). Dinner at Hotel Albatros - Mestre.
Day 5
Sept. 26th ~ VENICE
After a buffet breakfast, take the tronchetto (water taxi) to Piazza San Marco where you will meet your local guide. Spend 2-3 hours exploring the floating city of Venice, including a tour of a local glass blowing factory. Enjoy a free afternoon to discover the art, history, and beauty of one of the world’s most famous cities. Travel by boat (of course) to the island of Burano, famous for its exquisite lace, and dine al fresco at a local ristorante. Back to Hotel Albatros - Mestre.
Day 6
Sept. 27th ~ PISA ~ FLORENCE
After a buffet breakfast, board the bus for an exciting trip to Europe’s most ancient maritime city, Pisa. Explore the Field of Miracles including the leaning tower of Pisa (climb to the top if you want to), the Duomo, the Baptistry, and the Camposanto Cemetery. Next stop Florence, where you will be met by a local guide to tour the artistic riches of the city that stood at the heart of the Renaissance.
See Michelangelo’s David, Brunelleschi’s Duomo, and Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise at the Baptistry. Explore the Florence’s famous Piazza, Ponte Vecchio and get a stunning view of the city from Piazza Michelangelo.
Travel to your hotel just outside of Florence in MONTICATINI, a picturesque town famous for its Roman Baths. We will stay here for two nights. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 7
Sept. 28th ~ INCISA ~ MONTICATINI ~ FLORENCE
After a buffet breakfast, travel to the outskirts of Florence for a shopping excursion with Alicia to THE MALL -- a chic and modern outlet that carries all the big name Italian designers at bargain prices; Armani, Fendi, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, to name just a few. We’ll stop at the PRADA outlet to complete your shopping experience. If shopping isn’t your passion, spend a relaxing day in MONTICATINI at the Roman baths or schedule a spa treatment. Experience the charm of this quaint town at your leisure. Or if you’re an art/history buff, spend your day discovering more of FLORENCE (one day just isn’t enough). We’ll meet together for dinner at our hotel in MONTICATINI.
Day 8
Sept. 29th ~ ASSISI
After breakfast, we will journey to ASSISI -- the incredible hill town made famous by St. Francis of Assisi. Learn about this beloved saint who taught anti-materialism, humanism, equality and love. This magical city is flanked by a ruined castle on one side and the famous Basilica of St. Francis on the other. Visit the Basilica of St. Clare’s simple Umbrian Gothic church, and The Chapel of the Crucifix of San Damiano, which boasts the simple wooden cross that changed St. Francis’ life forever. Have your camera ready, you will want to capture this “italian” hill town’s flower boxes, alleys and the view from your room of the Umbrian valley below. Free time for the evening and dinner.
Day 9
Sept. 30th ~ ORVIETTO ~ ROME
After breakfast, board the bus for one last stop on our way back to Rome. The scenery is picturesque on our drive to ORVIETTO. Set on a hilltop in the Umbrian countryside, we will take the funiculare to the top for a few hours of free time to roam the cobblestone streets. If you love italian ceramics, this is where you’ll find the real deal -- amazing handmade pieces that you’ll treasure for a lifetime. They will conveniently ship your items to your home.
Back to ROME where you can take the hotel shuttle to the city for one last look or last minute shopping. Together we will celebrate our last evening in ITALY with a dinner/opera experience at a local ristorante.
ARRIVEDERCI ROMA!
Day 10
Oct. 1st ~ AIRPORT TRANSFERS
NOTE:
- A buffet breakfast wil be included every morning.
- Dinners included are 3 at local ristorante’s, and 3 at hotels. You will be responsible for 2 meals on your own and buying your lunch every day.
- Museum entrance fees included are the Vatican museum, Roman Forum and the Accademia in Florence.
- Local guides in Rome, Venice and Florence are included. You will be responsible for gratuity, recommended you tip 2-3 euro if you are happy with their service.
- You will be responsible for purchasing your short train ride (5 min. and about 2 euro) to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and your tickets inside as there are several options you can choose from. Plan on about around 6-15 euro depending on what you want to see.
- It is customary to tip the bus driver at the end of the tour. He is a big part of the tour experience and he works very hard to keep us happy, safe and on schedule, besides taking care of our luggage. A suggested 3-5 euro per day if you are happy with the service is greatly appreciated.
For more information on packing and travel tips, survival phrases, history of the cities we will be visiting, italian recipes and culture, and photos from previous tours, please visit www.buonviaggioitaly.com or check out Buon Viaggio Italy on facebook to converse with other travelers. Questions? [email protected] or [email protected]
>> Click here for pricing and to sign up or call Dick Jensen Tours at 801-917-1131.
