DETAILED ITINERARY PAGE

Join a fabulous upscale women's tour to Tuscany and Umbria.

 TUSCANY & UMBRIA

Open to All Adults

May 31 - June 6, 2008

Limited to 14 people

Art, Culture, Architecture, Elegant Accommodations, Special Dinners, Wine Tasting, Shopping and more........... 

Touring: Florence, Assisi, Montefalco, Spoleto, Orvieto, Bevagna, Tuscany-Siena, Monteriggioni

 

PLUS AN OPPORTUNITY TO TOUR ROME & VENICE

 

Arrival airport is in Florence

Departure airport is in Rome

Arrival and Departure Airports will be different if doing our optional tours.

 

NOTE:

Schedule your flights to leave after 10:00am to make our shuttle to Rome airport for your flight home.  If you cannot make the shuttle, you can take a train to Rome but this involves a train transfer or train to center of Rome from Spoleto and a private car can take you to the airport.  There is also the possibility to share the cost of transfer back to Rome airport with other travelers.

 

ITINERARY

(B = Breakfast,  L = Lunch,  D = Dinner)

NOTE:  Planned activities may change to take advantage of opportunities or unforeseen closures and situation beyond our control.   Activities or order of activities are also subject to change.

 

Day 1 -  Fri., May 30  -  Fly to Italy

 

Day 2  -  Sat., May 31  - Arrival Day in Florence, Orientation Tour of Florence, Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner, Overnight in Florence

NOTE:  IF you are interested in visiting the Uffizi museum, please let us know ahead of time so we can secure the tickets for you.

 

Check into your hotel in Florence.  Relax and rest a little.  We'll meet at the hotel bar at around noon or when you are ready.  We'll get started immediately.  We'll have an orientation walk followed by free time in Florence.  Welcome Cocktails and Dinner will follow.  (D)

 

 

Day 3   Sun.,  June 1  -  Walking Tour of Florence, Accademia, Monteriggioni, Siena, Overnight in Siena

At 9:00am, a fantastic guide will lead a 3-hour walking tour of Florence covering the major highlights of the city like the Accademia museum for the Statue of David, the cathedral with it's famous dome, Ponte Vecchio (old bridge), Santa Croce, Piazza Signoria, and much more.  Free time after the tour.  As always, your tour manager is available to explore the city with you to see more sites, have a meal, go to the markets or anything that may be of interest to you or the group. 

 

Consult your Restaurant and Activity Lists for our suggestions. 

Florence has a lot to offer.  Lots of museums, shops, open markets and magnificent squares are there for you to explore.  Leather goods and gold are some of the popular things to acquire. 

 

We will depart for Siena at 4:00pm and stop in tiny but extremely charming Monterioggioni.    We'll arrive there at around 5:15pm.  We'll check into our hotel and at 7:00pm.  You're on your own for dinner or the group can have a meal together with your tour manager.  We'll have an orientation walk after dinner.  You will given a map and you can consult your Restaurant and Activity Lists for our suggestions.   (B)

 

 

Day 4  -  Mon., June 2  - Leisure Time, Overnight in Siena

 

You will explore Siena on your own or with your tour escort/manager, if you want company.  With your tour escort you can visit the cathedral and walk the various neighborhood of this car-free, walled city.

 

You'll have a list of sites to visit, a map, and a restaurant list.  This is a delightful city to explore.  A definite "must see".  This was home to St. Catherine of Siena, who was responsible for bringing the Pope from Avignon to Rome.  It is famous for the twice yearly bareback horse race called Palio that all the different neighborhoods vigorously and passionately participate.  It has many enjoyable shops.  It is also famous for ceramics and sweets like panforte (kind of a fruitcake) and ricciarelli.   Stop at one of the specialty food shops on the major drag and purchase some to take home. (B)

 

 

Day 5  -  Tues.,  June 3 -  Transfer Spoleto, Orvieto, Overnight in Spoleto

Today at 9:00am, we'll make our way to  Spoleto.  First stop in Orvieto, another beautiful walled town.   We will arrive at around 10:30am.  We'll have a guided tour of the Umbria's grand city and it's beautiful cathedral with a chapel that has Luca Signorellil's beautiful, colorful frescoes with vivid scenes of Apocalypse.  Orvieto has great museums and an interesting underground remains: Etruscan and medieval caves, an old olive press and more.  Orvieto is also famous for ceramics and wine, the well-known Orvieto Classico.   You are free after the tour to have lunch and explore the city.

 

We will proceed to Spoleto after our time in Orvieto.  Free time on your own this late afternoon.  Cocktail reception is planned before dinner.  Dinner tonight will showcase Umbrian cuisine and wine.  (B, D)

 

 

Day 6  -  Wed., - June 4 -  Tour of Spoleto, Excursion to Bevagna, Overnight in Spoleto

You will have a guided tour of Spoleto.  Free time after the tour.  Spoleto is a beautiful city and it's fun to wander around the twisty, narrow, steep streets.   Enjoy this beautiful ancient city with rich in Roman antiquities, is off the tourist path.  It has a  Roman bridge, an incredible engineering wonder, that is 230 meters long and 81 meters high. 

 

Group lunch after the tour.  In the afternoon, we will tour charming walled city of Bevagna, one of the most attractive places in Umbria, with many Roman antiquities (ruins of Roman temples and theater), attractive squares and a few interesting churches. (B, L, D)

 


Day 7 - Thurs., -  June 5 - Assisi, Montefalco, Wine Tasting, Overnight in Spoleto

After breakfast at 9:30am, we'll go on an all-day tour of Assisi and Montefalco.  We will travel by our private minibus.  A local licensed guide will lead the tours.  You will visit one of the most spectacular hill towns of Umbria.  Magical Assisi is beautifully preserved and rich in history.  It is built up the steep slopes of Mount Subasio.  This city is the hometown of St. Francis and this city is a tribute to the saint.  You will visit the Basilica of St. Francis, where his tomb can be found.  Other sites include various Roman ruins like an arena, arches, Temple of Minerva, Roman forum, Chiesa di Santa Chiara, Piazza del Comune.

 

You're on your own for lunch in Assisi.  We'll provide you with a list of restaurants to choose from.  Have a light lunch today as we have a big meal plan for you tonight.

 

We will also go to Montefalco which is very well known for its very unique and perhaps the best red wine in Umbria called, Sangrantino.  It has another claim to fame.  It is the birthplace of 8 saints!  We will stop for do some wine tasting. 

 

On our way home, a stop at Cashmere factory outlet is possible, if the group is interested and if time permits.

 

Dinner is planned for this evening in.  Meet everyone in the hotel lobby at 7:30pm.   A wonderful dinner awaits.  (B, D)

 

 

Day 8  -  Fri., - June 6  - Spoleto/Rome, Departure Day

Have breakfast.   Prepare for your flight home.  A shuttle will take you to Rome airport.  We have one shuttle leaving very early in the morning for the airport in Rome.  Please coordinate your flights with us to take advantage of the shuttle.  Otherwise, you will have to take the train to Rome airport.  You may also share the cost of another shuttle with other travelers who cannot make our scheduled shuttle.

 

Or how about spending one night in Rome or do our optional Rome tour?  We highly recommend this as Spoleto is 1 1/2 to 2 hours away and most flights from Rome to the US leaves in the morning.  Book a later flight, if possible.   Your transfer back from Spoleto to Rome is included in the tour but we are only including 1 transfer.  Book your flight as late as possible in the day, no earlier than 9:30am.  Enjoy Rome for the day and catch your flight one day later.  We'll be happy to book your accommodation for the extra day in Rome.  We can also set up a transfer for you to the airport.  (B)

 

TOTAL COST OF TUSCANY & UMBRIA TOUR:

$3,195.00 Double Occupancy

Single Occupancy Supplement applies, if you do not want a roommate.

Single Supplement Cost: $565.00

 

==============================

OPTIONAL ROME TOUR COST:

$795.00 Per Person Double Occupancy

Single Occupancy Supplement applies, if you do not want a roommate.

Single Supplement Cost: $365.00

Non-refundable deposit of $250 required

Scroll down for full details & itinerary.

==============================

OPTIONAL VENICE TOUR COST:

$770.00 Per Person Double Occupancy

Single Occupancy Supplement applies, if you do not want a roommate.

Single Supplement Cost: $410.00

Scroll down WAY DOWN for full details & itinerary.

 ================================

OPTIONAL 3-DAY TOUR OF ROME

 

Day 1 -  Fri. - June 6 - Arrival in Rome, Free Time to Explore, Overnight in Rome

Explore Rome with your tour manager or on your own.  We'll head to some of the famous square, Piazza Navona, Campo dei Fiori, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain.   Shopping, cafes, coffee & wine bars are everywhere.

 

For dinner, consider the lots of eateries close to the hotel if you're tired of walking.  Walk up to Piazza Navona and Pantheon.  These are gorgeous piazzas filled with sidewalk cafes and restaurants.  Local artists are also everywhere.  Consider bringing home a watercolor piece depicting sceneries of Rome.  Your tour manager is available, if you want company. 

 

 

Day 2 -  Sat. - June 7 - Ancient Rome Sites and Vatican City: St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, Overnight in Rome
 

At 8:00am, you'll meet an excellent local guide who will immerse your in the discovery of art, history and religion of the smallest State in the world, The Vatican City. You will visit St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel for Michelangelo's Last Judgment frescos and the Vatican Museum. 


You will tour St. Peter's Basilica and view Michelangelo's famous Pieta, Bernini's amazing Baldacchino, the tombs of the Popes including John Paul II and the tomb of St. Peter's. 

 

After the tour, we will take you to Piazza Navona area where you may have lunch.  After you have lunch, we will take you for a walking tour of Ancient Rome and see some of the finest samples of the finest Roman architectural engineering.  You will see and hear about fascinating stories related to the Colosseum, which stands near the center of present-day Rome. This immense amphitheatre once held 50,000 spectators.


You will also see the forum, once the administration, business and commercial center of Ancient Rome, where the first civilization of Rome started   There are numerous sites within the forum: numerous temples, Basilicas, arches.


You will visit the Pantheon, with its best-preserved dome was the biggest in Europe until the Renaissance. Other sites of Ancient Rome also includes Arch of Constantine and Piazza del Campidoglio, which was designed by Michelangelo. (Order of how we view sites may vary.)
  (B)

 

 

Day 3  - Fri.  -  June 8   Departure for Home

 

Have breakfast.  Explore Rome this morning a bit before catching your flight home.  (B)

 

 

Includes:

  • Accommodations for 2 nights with breakfast daily

  • Services of your tour escort

  • 3 Hour Private Guided Walking Tour of Ancient Rome

  • 3 Hour Private Guided Visit to The Vatican

  • First class train ticket from Florence to Rome

  • Gratuities to Rome guide

Not Included:

  • Airport transfer on departure day

OPTIONAL ROME TOUR COST:

$795.00 Per Person Double Occupancy

Single Occupancy Supplement applies, if you do not want a roommate.

Single Supplement Cost: $395.00

Non-refundable deposit of $250 required

 

 

If you've never been to Rome we highly recommend you do the suggested guided tours.  This will make your visit to Rome much more meaningful.

 

===============================

 

OPTIONAL 3-DAY TOUR OF VENICE

 

Day 1 - Thurs., May 29  Arrival in Venice, Venice Walking Tour: St. Mark's Square, The Duomo, Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs and More, Doge's Palace, Overnight in Venice


Leave the US the day before.  It's an overnight flight.  

 

Our tour of Venice begins at 3:00pm. We'll meet the guide at 3:00pm by the piano at Florian cafe located in St. Mark's Square.  We will start the tour in San Marco to visit St. Mark's square. See the ancient political and administrative center of the Republic of Venice, the Doge's Palace, the seat of the government including the prisons and the famous Bridge of Sighs, St Mark's Church with its gold mosaics, Rialto Market and more.

Please let us know if you would like to join us for dinner.  We have a list of restaurants for you that you can try if you're dining alone.  Consult your Restaurant List. 
(B)
 

 

Day 2 - Fri., May 30  - Tour of Venice,  Overnight in Venice

Please let us know if you would like to join us for dinner.   Consult your Restaurant List.

 

We suggest a quick visit to fun, light-hearted Peggy Guggenheim museum.  The museum is in a mansion, her old home on the Grand Canal.  This tour will also take you to a nice and quieter part of Venice.  We'll be happy to take you there.  Just let us know.  (B)

 

 

Day 3 -  Sat., May 31   Venice, Arrival in Florence.

 

Have breakfast and enjoy Venice one last time.  Prepare to leave for Florence.  (B)

 

Details of Venice Option:

Includes:

  • Accommodations for 2 nights with breakfast daily

  • First Class train tickets from Venice to Florence

  • Porters at Venice and Florence train station

  • Guided Walking Tour of the city

  • Services of your tour escorts

  • Gratuities to Venice Guide

  • Entrance fees to sites included in the tour

OPTIONAL VENICE TOUR COST:

$795.00 Per Person Double Occupancy

Single Occupancy Supplement applies, if you do not want a roommate.

Single Supplement Cost: $410.00

Non-refundable deposit of $250 required

===============================

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lots of free time for impromptu activities the group can do:  train to Lucca, Pisa or other places, wine tasting, trips to the market, etc.

 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Guided tour of Florence and visit the city's treasures like Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Ghiberti's Gate of Paradise, Piazza della Signoria,

 

Guided tour of Accademia museum in Florence for the Statue of David.

 

Tour of beautiful cities and the countryside of Umbria and Tuscany.

 

Excursion to Siena in Tuscany

 

Guided tour of Assisi for sites like the Roman arena, Roman forum and St. Francis Basilica

 

Special meals with wine that highlights both Umbrian and Tuscan meals

 

Guided tour of the beautiful Umbrian hilltown of Spoleto and see Roman Antiquities: a spectacular Roman bridge, Roman theater

12th-century cathedral 

 

Italian Wine Appreciation; wine is served with all meals

 

Wine Tasting in Montefalco

 

Cooking Class

Package Includes:

7 Days of Land Tour

 

Elegant Accommodations: 4 Star Hotels

 

Breakfasts Daily

 

1 Lunch and 4 Dinners with Wine

 

Professionally Guided Private Tours to All Cities, Sites, Museums - Guides are scholars with background in history, art and architecture

 

Cocktails in Umbria

 

Services of Your Tour Manager Throughout the Tour

 

Entrance & Reservation Fees to Museums, Sites

 

Private Transportation to All Planned Activities

 

Airport Transfer from Rome Airport to Hotel in Umbria; One Transfer Is Scheduled

 

Gratuities (exccluding Tour Manager's)

 

Maps

 

Maps, Restaurant and Activity Suggestion Lists

 

 

Not Included:

Airline Tickets

 

Airport Transfers, unless indicated.

 

Gratuity to Tour Manager
 

 

VENICE OPTION

 

HIGHLIGHTS

Guided Tour of the art and architecture treasures: St. Mark's Square and Cathedral in Venice, Doge's Palace

 

Guided Tour of  Doge's Palace, Rialto Market, Bridge of Sigh in Venice

 

Package Includes:

 

Accommodations for 2 nights

Breakfast daily

 

First Class train tickets from Florence to Venice

 

Private boat transfer from train station to hotel

 

Guided Walking Tour of the city

 

Services of your tour escorts

 

Gratuities

 

Not Included:

Airport Transfer on Departure Day Gratuity to your tour manager/escort

 

ROME OPTION

 

HIGHLIGHTS

Guided Tour of Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica

 

Guided Tour of Ancient Architecture and Ruins of Rome - Roman Forum, Colosseum, Pantheon, Arch of Constantine

 

Beautiful Plazas in Rome - including

Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain in ROME.

 

Package Includes:

Accommodations for 2 nights

 

Breakfast daily

 

Services of your tour escorts

 

3-Hour Private guided walking Tour of Ancient Rome

 

3-Hour private guided tour to The Vatican

 

Gratuities to all services

 


 Copyright © 2006 Well Arranged Travel, Inc. ®
All Rights Reserved

512-892-2747 - Local        866-513-3968 - US Toll Free      512-535-2029 - Fax

info@wellarrangedtravel.com