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Tauck
OFFER ID 1524578
Classica Italia, Small Groups
Small, intimate groups... stays at some of the world's favorite hotels... a journey through Italy, unlike any other where you'll experience the best of Italy in destinations with names that include Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Tuscany, Cinque Terre, Rome, Venice and the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence...
As you contemplate Michelangelo's vast painted drama on the Sistine Chapel ceiling... drive along the blue Mediterranean on the incomparable Amalfi Coast... wander the lavish halls of the Doge's Palace on an after-hours visit... explore the haunting ruins of ancient Rome at the Colosseum or Pompeii, where time stands eternally still... consider the passion of the Renaissance in the art masterpieces of the Uffizi... cross cobblestone piazzas under the Tuscan sun... savor your first taste of Umbrian cuisine... you'll be personally inspired by the art of traveling "small"...
13 nights from $14,290 per person
Tauck World Discovery: Classica Italia, Small Groups
Day 1 Sorrento, Italy
Arrive in Naples... and cocktails in Sorrento
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria. A transfer is included from Naples International Airport or Naples Train Station to Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria in Sorrento. Surrounded by gardens and perched atop a cliff overlooking the Gulf of Naples in Sorrento's historic center, your landmark hotel has stunning views. Join us for a welcome cocktail reception at the hotel, followed by dinner at a nearby local restaurant. Note: For guests who pre-stay or arrive early in Sorrento an optional daytime sightseeing tour from Sorrento to the island of Capri on Day 1 is available at additional cost; see Pricing & Availability for details or ask at booking.
Rise early for an unhurried drive along the Amalfi Coast, one of the most spectacular drives in the world! Fantastic rock formations drop vertically into the sea; sub-tropical vegetation on the hillsides, together with colorful Mediterranean flora, create bewitching landscapes. Stop for a visit in the seaside cathedral town of Amalfi on the Bay of Salerno, with its many medieval antiquities. Continue winding through vine-draped hills to Ravello, a "terrace over the sea" known for its dramatic villas; its panoramic views of the coast offer a picture-perfect backdrop for a lunch of local specialties. Return to Sorrento in the afternoon to explore its charming piazzas, small alleys, historic center and old Roman streets on your own this evening.
Travel from Sorrento to Pompeii, a prosperous Roman city of 27,000 until it was frozen in time at the moment it was completely buried by volcanic ash from the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. The doomed city lay undisturbed for more than 1,700 years, until excavations began in the 18th century and are still in progress today. Most Italy vacations include a visit to Pompeii – but with Tauck, a walk through the ruins of Pompeii with a local expert provides a special connection as you learn what life was like in Italy in the 1st century AD. Arrive late afternoon in Rome, where you'll spend the next three nights.
Explore the glories of "eternal" Rome – once the virtual capital of the ancient world, and now Italy's capital city – with a local guide who knows them best. See the ruins of the Imperial Palace; the Circus Maximus, the 4th-century BC stadium where chariot races were held; and the Forum, best known as the location for important political, social and religious activities in ancient Rome. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free for you to pursue what interests you most in Rome on your own.
No trip to Rome would be complete without a visit to the Vatican, a state and city all in one. First, your small-group sightseeing is highlighted by a visit to St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square... then, following an afternoon at leisure, a Tauck Exclusive after-hours tour of the Vatican Museums, home to a vast collection of art treasures (subject to availability and day of the tour may vary). This after-hours visit means you'll avoid the long lines and the usual crowds found earlier in the day; the experience is rich when you explore the treasures in the Vatican Museums at your own pace. See the Candelabra Gallery, Map Gallery, and the Tapestries; in the Sistine Chapel, gaze in amazement at Michelangelo's masterpiece ceiling – and be able to contemplate all that you see in quieter surroundings. It's a highlight that makes Classica Italia, Small Groups one of Tauck's most memorable Italian vacations... one that you'll remember forever.
Journey to Orvieto, set on a 984-foot-high plateau overlooking vineyards below. Visit the Duomo of Orvieto, a notable Romanesque-Gothic cathedral built over a span of 300 years. The façade is a visual treat, a blend of sculpture and mosaic splashed with a palette of colors and magnificent bronze doors. Inside, view inspiring frescoes by renowned artists. After a trattoria lunch near the Piazza del Duomo, continue through the wine-producing regions of Umbria to your hotel in Brufa.
Take a short drive to Assisi, a well-preserved medieval hillside town spread across the slopes of a mountain. Assisi was the home of St. Francis, who left a position of wealth and turned to a life of poverty, chastity and obedience, founding the order whose followers became known as Franciscans. The town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its significant art and architecture. You'll visit St. Francis Basilica, built by the people, which today houses some of Italy's great 13th- and 14th-century frescoes, as well as the final resting place of Assisi's beloved favorite son, the patron saint of animals. Enjoy some free time in the center of town, then return to your hotel for the evening.
Depart Umbria and traverse Tuscany's lush, rolling landscapes; the beauty of nature has blended with the ingenuity of mankind for centuries – your travels through the rolling Tuscan hills take you through landscapes dotted with olive and fig trees that produce delectable local food products. Arrive at your hotel late afternoon.
Travel this morning to lovely Cinque Terre. For hundreds of years, Cinque Terre was accessible only by sea – five picture-book fishing villages nestled between the Mediterranean's blue waters and the rugged coastal mountains. Cruise along the Italian Riviera (weather permitting) for unparalleled views of this dramatic coast en route to the village of Vernazza for free time and lunch as you please. Experience a taste of daily life as you stroll the cobblestone streets and alleyways, stopping to sample locally produced wine, olives, and citrus fruit. Get a different perspective of the scenery as you travel back to La Spezia by train. Journey to Florence for a three-night stay in the heart of the city.
Art and architecture whisper the history of the ages in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Your in-depth exploration of this beautiful city begins with a briefing by an art history lecturer, whose insights prepare you for a guided walking tour of Florence's Renaissance heart. Then enjoy a guided visit through the collections of works by many of the greatest artists of the 14th and 15th centuries – including Michelangelo's famous sculpture of David and paintings by Botticelli, Uccello, Ghirlandaio, del Sarto and others – at the inimitable Galleria dell'Accademia. Flourishing for more than four centuries, this world-renowned institution was established in 1563 as the first art school in Europe. After a guided walking tour and lunch at a local restaurant, the rest of the day and evening are yours to enjoy as you wish in Florence.
Today, Florence is yours to explore as you please. Tonight, you're in for a treat as you join our local expert for a guided tour of Florence's inspiring Uffizi Gallery, a highlight of Tauck's Italy vacations. Originally a suite of offices, it was first used to display the Medici family's private art treasures in 1581 – thereby making it the oldest art gallery in the world. Its vast collection includes some of the most revered works of the Italian Renaissance, such as Botticelli's The Birth of Venus, Michelangelo's The Holy Family, da Vinci's unfinished Adoration of the Magi, Bellini's Allegory and Raphael's Madonna of the Goldfinch.
Your journey continues as a high-speedtrain whisks you from Florence to Venice. Built on 118 small islands traversed by a canal network, this extraordinary city is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Transfer by canal boat to your hotel, conveniently located near the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco); after lunch at your hotel, you'll indulge in the quintessential Venetian experience, a serenade aboard a gondola on the canals followed by an afternoon to explore Venice as you wish. Join us tonight for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
This morning, enjoy a guided tour with your local guide through St. Mark's Square and an inside visit of the Doge's Palace, with its lavishly decorated rooms and Venetian masterpieces – including the legendary Bridge of Sighs, and the palace prison. The day is free to do as you please in Venice – and to say that you have a lot to choose from is an understatement. There's visiting the museums, an eclectic group housing some of the world's most famed art; strolling the winding, narrow streets that lead to countless bridges; taking a boat to one of the islands in the Venetian Lagoon such as Murano, Burano or Torcello where the arts, centuries-old crafts, and a kaleidoscope of color wait. This evening, join us for a farewell cocktail reception at the hotel, followed by a private Venetian music recital.
Tour ends: Venice. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal to Marco Polo Airport and/or Santa Lucia (only) Train Station; you should allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in at the airport.
A lovely and unspoiled walled city, Lucca once enjoyed a position of power in Italy second only to Florence. Today, it's famous as the birthplace of composer Giacomo Puccini, as well as for its silks and olive oil, and it has become a favorite spot for artists and writers.
When in Lucca, do what the locals do: Enjoy a leisurely walk while taking in the town's best sights. Spend some time walking along the city's ramparts, 3 mi/5 km long and wide enough to have grassy lawns and an occasional park bench. In town, take a walk down the medieval streets, stopping at the 14th-century Duomo San Martino to see Nicola Pisano's Descent From the Cross and the Volto Santo (Holy Face). It is said to have been carved by Nicodemus, who witnessed the Crucifixion, and is one of medieval Europe's most famous relics.
Walk down the Via Fullungo, which cuts through the middle of town leading to the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, the site of a former oval Roman theater now lined with buildings. The original amphitheater retains its structure 6 ft/2 m below the road, with remains still visible in the buildings and shops surrounding the plaza.
Although you can see Lucca in half a day, you may want to linger to soak in its tranquil atmosphere and enjoy the many fine restaurants.
Naples: Food Tour of Naples - 4 hours
Along with your expert guide, head into the heart of the historic centre of Naples and explore one of Naples’ best food markets. Your guide will lead you through the market stalls and shops, where you can sample some of the delicious local specialties. Continue along the alleys of the historic city centre to discover the most picturesque corners of Naples. Sites include the Greek ruins of Bellini square, the street of music (San Biagio dei Librai), San Gregorio Armeno street (famous for shops selling nativity scenes), Decumani and old churches decorated in Rococo style.
Stop for a wine tasting in one of the most famous wine shops in the city before the highlight of your tour: lunch in one of the world’s oldest pizzerias! Naples is the birthplace of the pizza. The Naples pizza margherita features a soft yet satisfyingly chewy base, all puffed up and charred at the edges, the merest smear of tomato sauce, the odd dot of mozzarella and a few basil leaves. Not to be missed is the pizza fritta - the original pizza and unique to Naples - a deep fried pizza filled with ricotta cheese. Heaven on a plate!
Highlights:
Naples: The City of Naples - 8 hours
Naples' historic city centre is the largest in Europe, covering 4,200 acres and enclosing 27 centuries of history. One of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world with Bronze Age Greek settlements dating back to the second millennium BC, the area was re-founded as Neápolis (‘new city’) in the sixth century BC, becoming a lynchpin of Magna Graecia and playing a key role in the merging of Greek culture into Roman society.
Explore Naples today with your expert guide. Highlights include the Spaccanapoli district, the magnificent Duomo cathedral, the Cappella Sansevero with its virtuosic sculptural masterpiece the Cristo Velato, as well as lesser-known gems such as the San Giovanni a Carbonara. Today’s tour encompasses artistic-historic treasures and plenty of local colour. Along the way, enjoy a bite of Naples’ famous street food ‘frittura’, a sinfully delicious mix of deep fried aubergines (eggplant), zucchini, mozzarella, arancini (rice croquettes), cauliflower, or potato croquettes.
Continue your sightseeing tour in the historic centre of Naples. Visit the Castel Nuovo, the imposing medieval structure built by the Angevins to defend the city. You may also wish to visit the adjoining Palazzo Reale (The Royal Palace Museum and Royal apartments), built in the 17th century. The magnificently decorated halls and rooms contain the original Bourbon furnishings, paintings, statues and porcelain. Enjoy a panoramic drive to reach the magnificent Carthusian Monastery, the Certosa di San Martino situated on Vomero Hill, where you may visit the luxuriously decorated Baroque Style church.
Highlights:
Naples: Historic Pompeii & Vesuvius - 9 hours
Travel outside Naples today for an excursion to Pompeii. Upon arrival at Pompeii, enjoy a walking tour of this once opulent town. The extensive and varied ruins of Pompeii now provide us with a rich history of life at the time of the Roman Empire. Destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 BC, this dugout treasure represents an amazing day trip for children and adults alike. On view are temples, forums, amphitheatres, a brothel and the casts of those killed by the falling ash and pumice stone.
Mount Vesuvius – 1281 meters high – was brought into volcanological history after the eruption of 79 BC, when it destroyed the towns and thousands of residents of Pompeii, Stabiae, and Herculaneum. Climb till the summit of the ‘mount’ this afternoon with your guide and admire the splendid views across the Bay of Naples. Lose yourself admiring its slopes, once covered with vineyards and woods that nowadays provide a spectacular backdrop for the bustling town below.
Highlights:
Venice: Splendours of Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours
Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours
Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 7 hours
Venice: Lagoon Islands - 7 hours
Today you will be met by your local English-speaking guide for a full day excursion by private motor-boat to explore the Lagoon Islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.
Venice lies in the centre of a vast lagoon that stretches for about 30 miles from north to south, studded by numerous small islands, mostly deserted. This amazing environment is what drove the Venetians to establish their city here, a perfectly secure and inaccessible little world. Enjoy the beauty of a ride across the waters of the lagoon; visit the island of Murano, where glass has been made for over 700 years and where you can see the age-old techniques of glass blowing still in use today.
Continue to Torcello, to see the breathtaking mosaics in the Basilica di Santa Maria dell’Assunta, the oldest building on the lagoon. After a leisurely lunch (payable locally) you reach the island of Burano, a quaint and colourful fisherman island famous for its lace and charming architecture.
Highlights:
Sprawled across seven legendary hills, romantic and beautiful Rome was one
of the great centers of the ancient world. Although its beginning is shrouded
in legend and its development is full of intrigue and struggle, Rome has always
been and remains the Eternal City.
Rome enjoyed its greatest splendor during the 1st and 2nd centuries when art
flourished, monumental works of architecture were erected, and the mighty Roman
legions swept outward, conquering all of Italy. These victorious armies then
swept across the Mediterranean and beyond to conquer most of the known world.
With Rome's establishment as capital of the western world, a new ascent to glory
began.
Today's Rome, with its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious
parks, tree-lined boulevards, fountains, outdoor cafes and elegant shops, is
one of the world’s most attractive and exciting cities. Among the most famous
monuments is the Colosseum. As you walk its cool, dark passageways, imagine
the voices that once filled the arena as 50,000 spectators watched combats between
muscled gladiators and ferocious animals.
Stop to see the remains of the Forum, once the city's political and commercial
center. In later times, Rome's squares were enhanced with such imposing structures
as the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and grandiose fountains like the Fontana di
Trevi. Join the millions who stand in awe of Christendom’s most magnificent
church and admire the timeless masterpieces of Michelangelo's frescoes in the
Sistine Chapel.
Rome jars the senses and captures the soul. Grasp all you can during the short,
precious time you have available in the Eternal City. With so much to see and
do, a day or two will only allow you a sampling of the city's marvelous treasures.
Caution: As in many big cities and tourist destinations purse snatching
and pickpocketing is common. Valuable jewelry and excess cash are best left
in a safety deposit box in your hotel.
Shopping For most visitors shopping for beautiful Italian leather articles,
designer shoes, fashions for men and women, linens, knitwear, silk scarves and
ties is a favorite pastime. Except for tourist-oriented shops, the majority
of stores are closed on Sundays. Some of the department stores, such as Rinascente,
open in the late afternoon on Sundays.
Cuisine Rome's choice of restaurants is mindboggling as is the variety
of cuisine. Whether your meal is at a top-rated restaurant or a rustic trattoria,
you can be sure that you will enjoy your food, especially when accompanied by
wines from the hill towns surrounding Rome.
Other Sights Rome's attractions are endless, and depending on how much
time you have at your disposal a careful selection has to be made about what
to see. Be aware of horrendous traffic conditions and major construction work
all around the city in preparation of Jubilee 2000, the Holy Year. Some of the
sights not to be missed:
Piazza Venezia - This busy square is easily recognized by its imposing Vittorio
Emanuele II Monument. The white marble structure was inaugurated in 1911 as
a symbol of Italy’s unification.
The Forum - Once the civic heart of ancient Rome, today the remains include
a series of ruins, marble fragments, isolated columns and some worn arches.
Colosseum - No visit to Rome is complete without a stop at this awe-inspiring
theater, which is among the world’s most celebrated buildings. Here ancient
Rome flocked to see gladiatorial contests and numerous other spectacles.
Trevi Fountain - Take a stroll to Rome's famous fountain. A spectacular fantasy
of mythical sea creatures and cascades of splashing water, the fountain is one
of the city's foremost attractions. Legend has it that visitors must toss a
coin into the fountain to ensure their return to Rome.
St. Peter's Square - Part of Vatican City, this square created by Bernini
is considered one of the loveliest squares in the world. Twin Doric colonnades
topped with statues of various saints and martyrs flank either side of the square.
In the center stands an 84-foot obelisk, brought from Egypt in 37 A.D.
St. Peter's Basilica - At the head of the square stands Christendom's most
magnificent church, which was begun in 1452 on the site where St. Peter was
buried. Throughout the following 200 years, such Renaissance masters as Bramante,
Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini worked on its design and created an unparalleled
masterpiece. Of special note are Michelangelo's Pieta and the bronze canopy
over the high altar by Bernini. The immense dome was designed by Michelangelo.
Vatican Museum - To see this museum's immense collection would take days.
As you enter, there are special posters that plot a choice of four color-coded
itineraries. They are repeated throughout the museum and are easy to follow.
It is a good idea to pickup a leaflet at the main entrance and concentrate on
exhibits of major interest. Of course, the Sistine Chapel is a must. Most likely
you may have to wait in line to enter.
Sorrento: The Ancient City of Pompeii - 6 Hours
Sorrento: The Iconic Amalfi Coast - 6 Hours
Sorrento: Capri Exploration by Private Motorboat – 8 hours
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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