Small groups translate to great experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour of Italy! With more room to roam in Rome and space to savor the pleasures and treasures of Umbria and Tuscany, you’ll never miss a sight, bite, or decadent delight from the Eternal City to the timeless traditions of culture, cuisine, and captivating romance in Venice and Florence. Share the sweet life with your small group companions while dipping into chocolate, discovering secret recipes, daydreaming by gondola, or drinking wine with a few of your closest amici. And find more amore in the avenues and venues that are perfect for small groups on this Small Group Discovery tour in Umbria and Tuscany. Che bello! Your adventure continues by sea as you embark on a cruise to discover the coastal towns of Croatia. Discover the breathtaking natural beauty by small-ship cruise as you explore Croatian gems like Split, Dubrovnik, and the country of Montenegro! Amble across medieval cobblestones and sample the local specialties in cafes and corner shops—all the while taking in the magnificent Mediterranean and Adriatic seascapes of captivating Croatia.
Designed from the ground up for a maximum of 18 guests in Europe, this Small Group Discovery tour has everything you need to explore with up-close and exclusive experiences that go beyond traditional tours. We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi. Enhance your free time with your GlobusGO mobile app!And that’s not all! Board your small cruise ship to sail from Venice to Dubrovnik.
Notes: Services of the Tour director end on day 9Cruise details:The cruise portion of your vacation is operated by Variety Cruises. Rotation of ports of call may vary with or without prior notice, due to adverse weather conditions, port authority instructions, or other extraordinary conditions.There may be changes to the meals offered depending on weather conditions. Cabin category C - other cabin types are available for a supplement. Please ask your Travel Consultant for cruise ship details. The ship scheduled to depart for the cruise portion of your vacation is the M/Y Callisto, operated by Variety Cruises.
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Time stands still with a small group walk through the Eternal City. Join your personal Local Guide to be amazed by the monumental, artistic, and religious buildings of Rome. Along the way, stop in three local venues that are perfect for small groups to taste local specialties
Day 2
OLIVE YOU, ITALY! For generations, the same family has cared for hectares of fertile ground in the green hearth of Umbria. Take in the scent and the color of the excellent olive oil in this timeless mill as the family shares their history of cultivating Frantoio olives to achieve the authentic characteristic of its delicious flavor
Day 3
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Settle in with your small group to enjoy two nights in the serenity of The Relais Chiostro di Pienza hotel. This former 13th-century Monastery of St. Francis combines austere elegance with Tuscan luxury in the center of the historic hamlet of Pienza
Day 4
TABLE MANNERS Roll up your sleeves with a personal, professional chef to learn the techniques of preparing an authentic Tuscan meal. Master the secret methods of creating your own mouthwatering dishes using fresh, seasonal, and organic ingredients
Day 5
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world’s most magnificent art and architecture. Follow your Local Guide through a maze of must-see sights and legendary landmarks. Discover more about one of Italy’s great fashion designers, Salvatore Ferragamo, with a captivating visit to the Ferragamo Museum. Then mix with the locals as you relax and enjoy an aperitif. Cincin!
Day 6
MOORS & OARS Enjoy the quintessential Venetian experience with a Gondola ride on the iconic canals. Glide through the narrow waterways with the expert of your gondolier who effortlessly steers with just a single oar—while possibly offering a serenade or two. Get a new perspective of the city sights, architecture, picturesque bridges, and bustling waterfronts from the comfort of your private water taxi. Mamma mia!
Day 7
HISTORIC SPOT Locals simply call Piazza San Marco “la piazza,” it forms the social, religious, and political hub of Venice, which Napoleon called “the drawing room of Europe.” St. Mark’s Basilica dominates the square, offering visitors a spectacular view of the great arches, marble embellishments, and the Romanesque carvings of its façade. Also gracing the square is Doge’s Palace – a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. The enclosed Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace with the prison, takes its name from the prisoners breathing in their last view of the Rio di Palazzo on their walk to the prison’s interrogation rooms
Day 8
CULINARY CULTURE Istria, the peninsula on which Rovinj is located, is particularly famous for its gastronomy which has its roots in both Croatian and Italian cuisine. It is fortunate to have a mix of good quality local produce to choose from, fresh fish and seafood from the Adriatic and olive oil and truffles from the land
Day 9
FAMOUS FIRSTS Whilst Sibenek remains in the shadow of some of the more famous Croatian towns, allowing it to maintain traditions and an authentic local life. It can boast that it has also been a leader; it was the first Croatian town to mint its own money, and the first city in the world to have street lighting powered by an alternating current
Day 10
A LEGEND SLEPT HERE Discover one of the world’s best-preserved monuments to Roman architecture - the spectacular Diocletian Palace that was built for the Roman emperor Diocletian at the turn of the 4th-century AD, and forms nearly half of the Old Town of Split. Having served as the emperor's villa, summer house, and military camp, this ancient palace evokes the power and strength of the Roman Empire
Day 11
HISTORY & LEGENDS Rumor has it that the island of Korcula is the birthplace of Marco Polo, and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean. Fishbone street pattern was used in the design of Korcula Old Town for a natural cooling effect that provides shelter in the long, hot summery days
Day 12
HISTORIC SPOT Kotor is a beautiful, walled medieval city of twisting, pink-paved streets, markets, and architecture reflecting Byzantine to Venetian influences. One of the squares contains the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, a monument of Roman culture and one of the most recognizable symbols of the city
Day 13
ART & ARCHITECTURE It isn’t hard to see why the city of Dubrovnik is known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” The old town surrounded by its remarkable city walls is protected by UNESCO. Over the centuries this breathtaking city has been an inspiration to many artists. Game of Thrones fans may recognize this formidable setting and the Rector’s Palace as a film location for the epic TV series.
Accommodations
Rome
Perugia
Pienza
Florence
Venice
Dubrovnik
Fiume First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Via Brescia 5 Rome Italy
Hotel Fiume, built on the turn of the nineteenth century, completely refurbished and recently renovated, offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It features elegantly-furnished and functional rooms, a lovely rooftop terrace with city views and equipped with umbrellas, and and a cosy bar near the lobby. Free Wi-Fi access is available in all guestrooms and public areas of the hotel. The Hotel offers all the comforts in order to make guests feel like "At home away from home".
Hotel La Rosetta Superior Tourist-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Piazza Italia 19 Perugia Italy
La Rosetta is a charming and historic hotel located in the heart of Perugia, offering a blend of traditional elegance and modern amenities. Enjoy comfortable rooms, a welcoming atmosphere, and personalized service, making it a perfect base for exploring the cultural richness of Perugia.
Relais il Chiostro First-Class
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Cordo il Rossellino, 26 Pienza Italy
Housed in a former 15th-century Franciscan Convent set right in the heart of Pienza. This 37-room property is just 100 meters from the main cathedral and is immersed in well-kept gardens, positioned over a panoramic terrace offering lovely views of the Tuscan countryside. All classic guest rooms feature views of either the old town, the Val d¿Orcia countryside or the old convent itself and all come with tea and coffee-making facilities, minibars and satellite TV. The restaurant, serves Tuscan and Italian dishes which (weather permitting) can be enjoyed on the outdoor terrace surrounded by fragrant plants and herbs.
Indigo Florence By Ihg Superior First-Class
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Via Jacopo Da Diacceto, 16/20, Alien Florence Italy
Nestled in the heart of the city, in the neighborhood of Santa Maria Novella nearby the Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery, this lifestyle hotel seamlessly blends modern comfort with authentic Florentine charm boosting 166 elegantly designed guest rooms equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar, and coffee machine. Embark on a culinary journey at the stylish restaurant terrace, where the finest locally sourced ingredients are crafted into mouthwatering dishes giving a contemporary twist to traditional Italian cuisine. A fitness center is available to relax after a day of exploring.
Papadopoli Venezia Superior First-Class
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S.Croce 245 -Giardini Papadopoli Venice Italy
The Hotel Papadopoli Venezia-MGallery Collection is a very exclusive hotel, located in the heart of the city, close to the Grand Canal. It features 96 elegantly decorated guestrooms and suites that offer romantic views of the Papadopoli Gardens or Tolentini Canal. The hotel has a private dock, where guests can arrive directly by boat or water taxi. Its terrace bar and Giardino d'Inverno restaurant are situated in the most luxurious winter garden in Venice.
Royal Hotel Ariston Deluxe
Kardinala Stepinca 31 Dubrovnik Croatia
Perched above the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik¿s Royal Hotel Ariston provides a luxurious escape. This contemporary hotel offers stylish accommodations with amenities such as air-conditioning, satellite TV, a mini-bar, and internet access. The cozy rooms are ideal for savoring a morning coffee or an evening glass of wine while taking in the fresh sea breeze. The hotel features a spa, three dining choices, waterfront pools, and a sunbathing platform, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and rejuvenation.