Classic Italy

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Classic Italy



Tour Description:

Think of Italy and a host of images comes to mind... the glories of Rome, taking shape in the now silent roars of the Colosseum, priceless works of art by Michelangelo and other famed Italian artists whose masterpieces eternally evoke awe in Europe's greatest museums...

Discover bella Italia on one of Tauck's most popular journeys... in scenic Tuscan hill towns, centuries-old cities and countryside villages, and along the Amalfi Coast… in the treasures of Florence, coloring an era of enlightenment with a rich palette of paintings and architecture by Renaissance luminaries like da Vinci, Botticelli and Brunelleschi... along saltwater roads in Venice lined with magnificent palaces frozen in time... in sun-dappled Tuscan villages, medieval icons reigning over vineyard-draped landscapes that produce wines and foods that are regionally inspired, locally flavored and ultimately delizioso... and on an after-hours guided visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel for an extraordinary look at ageless masterpieces – without the crowds – during a three-night stay in the Eternal City...

Map for Classic Italy
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Dates & Pricing

Wednesday 17 Apr 24 — Tuesday 30 Apr 24Starting at $10,690Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Wednesday 01 May 24 — Tuesday 14 May 24Starting at $11,290Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Wednesday 08 May 24 — Tuesday 21 May 24Starting at $11,290Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 20 May 24 — Sunday 02 Jun 24Starting at $11,290Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Wednesday 22 May 24 — Tuesday 04 Jun 24Starting at $11,290Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Wednesday 12 Jun 24 — Tuesday 25 Jun 24Starting at $11,290Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Wednesday 03 Jul 24 — Tuesday 16 Jul 24Starting at $10,290Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Wednesday 14 Aug 24 — Tuesday 27 Aug 24Starting at $10,290Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 02 Sep 24 — Sunday 15 Sep 24Starting at $11,290Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Wednesday 04 Sep 24 — Tuesday 17 Sep 24Starting at $11,290Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 09 Sep 24 — Sunday 22 Sep 24Starting at $11,290Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Wednesday 11 Sep 24 — Tuesday 24 Sep 24Starting at $11,290Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 16 Sep 24 — Sunday 29 Sep 24Starting at $11,290Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Wednesday 18 Sep 24 — Tuesday 01 Oct 24Starting at $11,290Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 20 Sep 24 — Thursday 03 Oct 24Starting at $11,290Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 23 Sep 24 — Sunday 06 Oct 24Starting at $11,290Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Monday 30 Sep 24 — Sunday 13 Oct 24Starting at $11,290Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 04 Oct 24 — Thursday 17 Oct 24Starting at $11,290Check 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

Think of Italy and a host of images comes to mind... the glories of Rome, taking shape in the now silent roars of the Colosseum, priceless works of art by Michelangelo and other famed Italian artists whose masterpieces eternally evoke awe in Europe's greatest museums...

Discover bella Italia on one of Tauck's most popular journeys... in scenic Tuscan hill towns, centuries-old cities and countryside villages, and along the Amalfi Coast… in the treasures of Florence, coloring an era of enlightenment with a rich palette of paintings and architecture by Renaissance luminaries like da Vinci, Botticelli and Brunelleschi... along saltwater roads in Venice lined with magnificent palaces frozen in time... in sun-dappled Tuscan villages, medieval icons reigning over vineyard-draped landscapes that produce wines and foods that are regionally inspired, locally flavored and ultimately delizioso... and on an after-hours guided visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel for an extraordinary look at ageless masterpieces – without the crowds – during a three-night stay in the Eternal City...



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
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
TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Learn about the masters of the Renaissance in Florence when an art historian shares insights about what you'll see inside the Galleria dell'Accademia and during your special after-hours visit to the Uffizi Galleries
TAUCK EXCLUSIVE –  Avoid the lines and the crowds during an exclusive after-hours tour of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, when it's closed to the public and it's all yours to savor
A boat cruise along the Mediterranean shores of Cinque Terre for an in-depth look at these remote, centuries-old coastal villages (weather permitting)

ITINERARY

Arrive Naples / Sorrento
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Hilton Sorrento Palace. A transfer is included from Naples International Airport to Hilton Sorrento Palace in the southern resort town of Sorrento. Get to know your fellow travelers at a welcome cocktail reception and dinner this evening. Note: We're offering guests who pre-stay or arrive early in Sorrento an optional daytime sightseeing tour from Sorrento to the island of Capri on Day 1; see Pricing & Availability for details or ask at booking.

Discover the Amalfi Coast
Take an unhurried drive along the Amalfi Coast, one of Europe's most dramatic shorelines. Visit Amalfi, where some medieval dwellings date to the 10th century, and Ravello, perched on towering cliffs above the sea. Explore Sorrento's piazzas, old Roman streets and narrow alleys as you please upon your afternoon return, spending the evening as you wish and enjoying dinner on your own.

Ash-Covered Pompeii and on to Rome
Today, explore an ancient community captured in time – the excavated ruins of the Roman city of Pompeii, buried in volcanic ash when Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. Walk through city streets with a local expert, where you'll discover remarkably preserved ancient architecture and artifacts that portray what daily life was like in this 1st-century city. Continue on to remarkable Rome, where your next three nights are spent at InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace, one of the most prestigious addresses on the famed Via Veneto.

After-Hours at the Vatican Museums
Your sightseeing today begins with a drive to St. Peter's Square in Vatican City for a tour of St. Peter's Basilica to view the art and architecture of one of the largest and most famous churches in the world. After a free afternoon spent as you wish in Rome, your evening is highlighted by a special Tauck Exclusive – an after-hours guided visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel (subject to availability and day of the tour may vary). This after-hours visit means you'll avoid the long lines found earlier in the day; the experience is rich when you explore the treasures in the Vatican Museums without the usual crowds. See the Candelabra Gallery, Map Gallery, and the Tapestries. In the Sistine Chapel, you'll view artist Michelangelo's masterpiece frescoes adorning the chapel's ceiling – and be able to contemplate all that you see in quieter surroundings. It's certain to be a true highlight on this most memorable of escorted Italy tours... one that you'll remember forever.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do
Your day begins with a guided sightseeing excursion of Imperial Rome and the many historical landmarks that stand within its boundaries. Once the virtual capital of the ancient world, today Rome is best known as Italy's capital city and is sure to be highlight of your time in this beautiful country. Following your sightseeing, enjoy some free time this afternoon and evening to explore what interests you most in Rome.

Orvieto's Duomo and on to Perugia
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. After a trattoria lunch near the Piazza del Duomo and some time to explore, continue through the wine-producing regions of Umbria. Arrive in the region's capital, Perugia, and your home for the next two nights, Sina Brufani – an elegant 5-star hotel in the heart of the medieval city. Enjoy dinner tonight at the hotel's renowned restaurant.

Medieval Treasures of Assisi
Drive to Assisi, a well-preserved medieval hill town designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its art and architecture, and the hometown of St. Francis, the revered patron saint of animals and founder of the Franciscan order. Visit the Basilica di San Francesco, built to honor Assisi's beloved saint and favorite son and his final resting place. Gaze at the basilica's impressive 13th- and 14th-century frescoes, some of Italy's finest, and enjoy some free time in the center of town. This afternoon, return to your hotel where the remainder of the day is free.

San Gimignano to Pisa
Depart your Umbrian resort and head for Tuscany, where for centuries the beauty of nature has blended with the ingenuities of mankind; your travels through the rolling Tuscan hills take you through golden landscapes dotted with olive and fig trees. Arrive in the hilltop town of San Gimignano, one of its gems. Medieval towers, built in the 12th century by the nobility, are visible from afar. Stroll along the quaint streets and visit Piazza della Cisterna, one of Italy's most picturesque town squares. Continue your journey through lush Tuscan countryside to Bagni di Pisa, a celebrated hotel, for an overnight stay; dine at your hotel this evening.

Cinque Terre's seaside storybook villages
Travel this morning to Cinque Terre, accessible only by sea for hundreds of years; its five picture-book fishing villages nestled between the Mediterranean's blue waters and the rugged coastal mountains. Cruise along the shores of the Italian Riviera (weather permitting) where views of these centuries-old Cinque Terre villages, set on rocky bluffs hemmed in by steep cliffs, are a knockout! Next, travel by train through the mountains to one of the villages, where you'll get a look at daily life – from the colorful fishing boats home from the sea, to the wine, olives, and citrus fruit produced locally. You'll have some time to explore the cobblestone streets and alleyways, perhaps sampling the unique flavors of the local cuisine for lunch. Journey on to the Tuscan city of Florence for a three-night stay in its Renaissance heart; you'll have an opportunity to dine at your hotel's glass-walled rooftop restaurant with 360-degree views of one of the world's most beautiful cities.

The Art of Florence
A briefing by an art history lecturer precedes a walking tour of Florence and 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 Galleria dell'Accademia. Flourishing for more than four centuries, the world-renowned institution was established in 1563 as the first art school in Europe. Following an included lunch, you'll have time on your own in Florence this afternoon; your hotel is right in the heart of the city, which makes it easy to explore! Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant tonight.

Inside the Uffizi Gallery
Today, Florence is yours to enjoy as you please; you may want to visit the Pitti Palace or the Medici Chapels, or stroll across the Ponte Vecchio to the lovely Boboli Gardens. Tonight, join a local expert for an after-hours, guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery, Florence's extraordinary art museum founded by the Medici family in the 16th century; it can be rightfully called the oldest art gallery on Earth. Admire some of the world's greatest art masterpieces on display within its walls, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and more. 

Ride a Fast Train to Venice
Guests rave that one of the things they like best about our Italy tours is traveling by different modes of transportation; Classic Italy continues today with a journey aboard a sleek high-speed train from Florence to Venice. Transfer by canal boat to your hotel, conveniently located near St. Mark's Square; after lunch, 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. Dinner tonight is on your own in Venice, a city embraced by the most popular Italy tours for its many fine restaurants! This evening, depart your hotel for a private, after-hours tour of St. Mark's Basilica, surely to be a highlight during your stay in Venice!

Venice as you wish
This morning, enjoy a guided tour of the sumptuous Doge's Palace, once the official residence of the elected officials of the Venetian Republic. The rest of your day is free to do as you please in Venice  – and to say that you have a lot of choices is an understatement. You might decide to visit the museums, an eclectic group housing some of the world's most famed art; stroll the winding, narrow streets that lead to countless bridges; or perhaps you might choose to take a boat to one of the islands in the Venetian Lagoon, such as Murano, Burano or Torcello, where centuries-old crafts and a kaleidoscope of color are found... This evening, join us for a farewell cocktail re­cep­tion and dinner that marks the end of one of Tauck's most popular escorted Italy tours.

Journey home
Tour ends: Venice. Fly home anytime; a transfer is included from the Hotel Danieli to Venice's Marco Polo Airport. You should allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in.

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.