Classic Italy, Small Groups

Tauck tours - All Tauck specials on Tauck Escorted tours, Tauck River Cruises & Small Ship Sailings. Pavlus Travel is the World's Largest seller of Tauck tours. We feature the latest prices on Tauck European Vacations. Tauck is number one on the list of Top 10 tour companies. Our entire staff have graduated from the Tauck Academy. Pavlus Travel are simply Tauck experts and can answer all questions including Tauck Guest Protection Plan. Never any service fees. You will find every European Tour of your dreams with Tauck.
Call Us 800.528.9300

Classic Italy, Small Groups



Tour Description:

A grand tour – in a small, intimate group... a trip of a lifetime through the most sought-after destinations in Italy with names like the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Rome, Venice and 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"...

Map for Classic Italy, Small Groups
Click for larger view.

Dates & Pricing

Sunday 14 Apr 24 — Saturday 27 Apr 24Starting at $11,790Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 30 Apr 24 — Monday 13 May 24Starting at $12,490Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 05 May 24 — Saturday 18 May 24Starting at $12,790Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 12 May 24 — Saturday 25 May 24Starting at $12,790Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 16 May 24 — Wednesday 29 May 24Starting at $12,490Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 19 May 24 — Saturday 01 Jun 24Starting at $12,790Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 30 May 24 — Wednesday 12 Jun 24Starting at $12,490Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 16 Jun 24 — Saturday 29 Jun 24Starting at $12,490Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 20 Jun 24 — Wednesday 03 Jul 24Starting at $12,490Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 23 Jun 24 — Saturday 06 Jul 24Starting at $12,490Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 30 Jun 24 — Saturday 13 Jul 24Starting at $10,990Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 14 Jul 24 — Saturday 27 Jul 24Starting at $10,990Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 21 Jul 24 — Saturday 03 Aug 24Starting at $10,990Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 04 Aug 24 — Saturday 17 Aug 24Starting at $10,990Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 18 Aug 24 — Saturday 31 Aug 24Starting at $10,990Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 29 Aug 24 — Wednesday 11 Sep 24Starting at $12,490Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 03 Sep 24 — Monday 16 Sep 24Starting at $12,490Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 08 Sep 24 — Saturday 21 Sep 24Starting at $12,790Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 17 Sep 24 — Monday 30 Sep 24Starting at $12,490Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 29 Sep 24 — Saturday 12 Oct 24Starting at $12,790Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 01 Oct 24 — Monday 14 Oct 24Starting at $12,490Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 08 Oct 24 — Monday 21 Oct 24Starting at $12,490Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 10 Oct 24 — Wednesday 23 Oct 24Starting at $12,490Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Tuesday 15 Oct 24 — Monday 28 Oct 24Starting at $11,790Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Thursday 17 Oct 24 — Wednesday 30 Oct 24Starting at $11,790Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 20 Oct 24 — Saturday 02 Nov 24Starting at $11,790Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Check Mark Icon Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.


Destination & Sightseeing

A grand tour – in a small, intimate group... a trip of a lifetime through the most sought-after destinations in Italy with names like the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Rome, Venice and 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"...

Highlights
TAUCK'S YELLOW ROADS – Encounter spectacular scenery around every bend on a drive along the celebrated Amalfi Coast – the perfect blending of earth, sea and sky
SMALL GROUP DEPARTURES averaging 24 Tauck guests – A small group size means a more personal travel experience highlighted by stays at chic smaller hotels in fabulous locations
TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – After-hours guided tour of remarkable St. Mark's Basilica in Venice
TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – After-hours guided visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, without the crowds – see the Vatican treasures at your own pace
A wine tasting from local vineyards in Umbria

ITINERARY

Arrive in Naples... and cocktails in Sorrento
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Grand Hotel La Favorita. A transfer is included from Naples International Airport or Naples Train Station to Grand Hotel La Favorita in Sorrento. Surrounded by gardens and perched atop a cliff overlooking the Gulf of Naples in Sorrento's historic center, your landmark hotel has a rooftop restaurant and poolside terrace with stunning views. Classic Italy, Small Groups gets underway with a welcome cocktail reception at the hotel, followed by dinner at a nearby local restaurant. Note: We're offering guests who pre-stay or arrive early in Sorrento an optional daytime sightseeing tour from Sorrento to the Isle of Capri on Day 1; see Pricing & Availability for details or ask at booking.

Winding along the fabulous Amalfi Coast
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.

A guided tour of Pompeii and on to Rome
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.

A Day in Imperial Rome
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.

St. Peter's & after-hours at the Vatican Museums
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 Classic Italy, Small Groups one of Tauck's most memorable Italian vacations... one that you'll remember forever.

Orvieto's Duomo & a recital in Umbria
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. Arrive in the little town of San Martino in Campo – just outside of Umbria's capital city, Perugia – and your home for the next two nights, Posta Donini. The present-day hotel was created from two renovated villas dating to the 17th century – former homes to the Donini counts – whose guest rooms feature wood-beamed ceilings, canopy beds, period furniture, frescoes, drapery and exquisite fabrics; its warm hospitality, elegant decor and exquisite cuisine are reminiscent of the aristocratic country houses of centuries past. Tonight, attend a private recital in the frescoed music room of the Donini family, followed by dinner at the hotel.

Old Assisi & a taste of wine & chocolate
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. Please join us tonight for a private wine tasting at the hotel, followed by dinner with wine included.

The Tuscan countryside to Lucca
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.

A storybook day in Cinque Terre and on to Florence
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.

The art of Renaissance Florence, revealed today
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. On select "Ferragamo" departures, today includes an exclusive visit to the Ferragamo Museum in Florence, and a wine tasting reception hosted by a member of the Ferragamo family; ask at booking for details.

Masterpieces of the Uffizi Gallery and more 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.

On to Venice for the Doge's Palace & more
Your journey continues as a high-speed train 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. 

Venice as you please & St. Mark's after-hours
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 another memorable Tauck Exclusive: a private after-hours guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica, the centerpiece of the square and the very heart of the city... without the distraction of crowds, with the ability to enjoy it at your own pace!

Journey Home
Tour ends: Venice. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Splendid Venice 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.

Check Mark Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.

People have asked, What's the relationship between Pavlus and Tauck. It's simple, Pavlus Travel is the Worlds largest seller of Tauck tours. We enjoy a close working relationship. Another question, Are Tauck tours worth the money? They sure are. Yes, Tauck is a bit more expensive. Everything is taken care for you on your tours. Tauck tour directors are all employees of Tauck unlike virtually every other escorted European Tour Company. We highly recommend Tauck verses any other tour company. There are two other questions asked often of our staff, What is the Tauck guest protection plan and what is the Tauck cancellation policy? Our staff will be pleased to provide complete answers to you. We always welcome questions on any travel topic.