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Join one a
women's tour to Tuscany & Umbria.
Women's tours of Tuscany and Umbria are one of our special
tours to Italy featuring Tuscany, Florence
and the possibility of including a tour of
Rome and Venice.
A FABULOUS UPSCALE TOURS OPEN
TO ALL ADULTS.
TUSCANY & UMBRIA TOUR
Sept. 17 - 23, 2008
- OPEN TO ALL ADULTS
Limited to 14 people
OPTIONAL
TOURS OF ROME & VENICE ARE AVAILABLE

This tour will take you to Assisi, Orvieto, Montefalco,
Spoleto, Florence and Tuscany - Siena, Monterrigioni.
Art,
Culture, Architecture, Elegant
Accommodations, Special Dinners, Wine
Tasting in Umbrian and Tuscany and more...........
Arrival
airport is Rome
Departure airport is Florence, unless doing Venice Option
or if booking the next tour.
COST
OF TUSCANY & UMBRIA TOUR:
$3,195.00
Double Occupancy
Single
Supplement Cost: $595.00
Single
Occupancy Supplement applies, if you do not
want a roommate.
ITINERARY
(B = Breakfast,
L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
NOTE:
Planned activities may change to
take advantage of opportunities. Activities or order of activities are subject to
change due to scheduling, unforeseen closures, etc. We
reserve the right to replace any of the listed
activities.
Tues. Sept. 16
- Fly to Italy
NOTE: Those
doing the optional tour or Rome will travel to the meeting point of the
tour. We'll plan all this with you.
Day 1 Wed. Sept. 17
- Arrival Day in
Rome, Transfer to Spoleto, Cocktail
Reception, Welcome Dinner, Overnight in Spoleto
We will meet you at the airport and our private
transfer will take us to Spoleto, our home base
in Umbria. It is a beautiful ancient city,
which have been in existence since 241 B.C. and
boasts an incredible history.
Check
in and rest. Those of you who are
interested in getting a quick lunch may join us.
We will meet in the lobby bar at
6:00pm for our Welcome Cocktail followed by our
group dinner. (Attire is dressy casual.) Dinner tonight
is in an excellent restaurant where you'll feast to
fabulous Umbrian cuisine. Wine will be
served with dinner. (D)
Day 2
Thurs. Sept. 18 - Spoleto Walking Tour, Overnight in Spoleto
You will have a guided tour of Spoleto.
Meet everyone in the hotel lobby at 10:00am. 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.
Spoleto is a beautiful city and it's fun to wander around the twisty,
narrow, steep streets. Pop into some of the shops.
Spoleto is off the beaten path with lots of shops mainly for the people
of Spoleto. English is not widely spoken in this part of the country and
so learn a few Italian words.
The group will lunch together. You're free after lunch.
Cooking class is planned for
late afternoon/evening. Details on the start time to
follow. Tonight, we will dine on what we will be prepared.
(B, L, D)
Day 3 - Fri., Sept. 19 - 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 4 - Sat., Sept. 20 - Transfer to Siena,
Excursion to Orvieto, Overnight in Siena
Today
at 9:30am, we’ll leave Spoleto, stop in the very charming city of
Orvieto, before continuing to Siena in Tuscany, where we will be based
for the next 2 days. You will stop in Orvieto for 4 – 5 hours where
you will have a guided tour of this charming walled city, followed by
some free time to explore and have lunch. Orivieto is known for its
beautiful cathedral, Orvieto classico wine and ceramics.
You
will proceed to Siena from Orvieto. Early evening, you will have a
short orientation of Siena to get you acquainted with the city to get
you comfortable exploring on your own. Explore this beautiful and
car-free city. The historic city of Siena is now a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. Note that Siena is very famous for the twice yearly
bareback horse race called Palio that all the different neighborhoods
vigorously and passionately participate. You will see evidence of this
special event when you roam the neighborhoods.
You'll
have a list of sites to visit, a map, and a restaurant list.
Their
enormous square, Il Campo, is lined with cafes, restaurants and shops.
Consider having dinner outside at one of the restaurants at Il Campo or
for a more Italian experience, head to the Mercato area. Refer to your
Restaurant List. (B)
Day 5 - Sun., Sept. 21 – Florence Excursion, Leisure Day in Siena,
Overnight in Siena
Part of the day today
is
to do as you please. Today, at around 9:00am, we will go into Florence
to do the Accademia museum to see the Statue of David. (The
Accademia and Uffizi will be closed the next day which is a Monday).
We expect to be back in Siena at 2:30pm. Later today in Siena pop
into the beautiful Gothic cathedral and also see the frescoes in the
adjoining Piccolomini library. You may have time to do a museum or
just enjoy Siena's wonderful neighborhoods. Also, Siena has many
enjoyable shops around the Duomo(cathedral). The main drag is Banchi di
Sopra where specialty shops can be found. Siena is
also famous for ceramics and sweets like pan forte (kind of a fruitcake)
and ricciarelli. Stop at one of the specialty food shops and purchase
some to take home.
You're
on your own for dinner. Please consult your Restaurant List. (B)
Day 6 - Mon., Sept. 22 – Transfer to Florence, Walking Tour, Overnight
in Florence
Today, you will leave for Florence early, at 8:30am. You’ll drop
off your bags at your hotel in Florence and your fantastic guide will
lead you on a walking tour of this fabulous city. The tour will cover
some of the most major sites of the city, including The Cathedral with
it's famous dome, Ponte Vecchio, beautiful piazzas and palaces. The
tour will also take you to Santa Croce Church with its beautiful
cloisters and home to some of the best artworks like the frescoes of
Giotto, Canova, Donatello to name a few. Tombs of famous Florentines
like Galileo, Machiavelli, Ghiberti and morel. More information on the
tour to follow.
We
will give a list of things you can do for your free time. You will
lunch on your own. Refer to your Restaurant List. Let your tour
manager know if you want company. You will notice that there are
countless eateries, cafes, wine bars offering light fares and
restaurants everywhere.
Florence has a lot to offer. Lots of museums, shops, open markets and
magnificent squares are there for you to explore. Florence is famous
for its leather and gold shops. You'll welcome this free time. Enjoy!
Farewell Dinner is
planned for tonight. Details to follow.(D)
Day
7
- Tues., Sept. 23
- Florence, Departure Day
Have breakfast.
Enjoy Florence one last time before your flight
home.
Those
who are continuing to Venice (optional tour)
will take the train with us. Details to
follow.
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OPTIONAL ROME - Sept. 15 - 17,
2008
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.
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OPTIONAL 3-DAY TOUR OF ROME
Day 1 - Mon., Sept. 15 - Arrival
in Rome, Free Time to Explore, Overnight in Rome
You will be on an overnight flight to Rome. Check into your hotel and rest a bit.
We will meet later in the afternoon and explore Rome together.
We'll head to
some of the famous squares like Spanish
Steps, Trevi Fountain and Pantheon. Shopping, cafes, and wine bars are everywhere.
We are available for dinner if you want
company. You will have our cell phone numbers,
so you can call us. Consult your Restaurant List.
Day 2 -
Tues., Sept. 16 -
Ancient Rome Tour, Vatican City Tour: St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel,
Overnight in Rome
NOTE: MODEST
DRESS TO ENTER THE CATHEDRAL AS IN ALL CHURCHES
IN ITALY. SHOULDERS
AND KNEES MUST BE COVERED. NO SHORTS
PLEASE.
We will meet our local professional tour guide at 9:30am for our tour
today. We will immerse you in the discovery of art, history and religion of
the smallest State in the world, The Vatican City. You will visit St.
Peters 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
- Wed., Sep. 17
-
Rome, Shuttle to Spoleto
Have breakfast. Explore Rome this morning
a bit before continuing with us to start our tour of Tuscany & Umbria.
Our private transportation will pick us up at the hotel. (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
-
Gratuities
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OPTIONAL VENICE - Sept. 23 - 25,
2008
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
Scroll down for full
details & itinerary.
==============================
ITINERARY
OPTIONAL 3-DAY TOUR OF VENICE
(Will start immediately
following Tuscany-Umbria Tour)
Day 1 - Sept. 23
- 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
Includes:
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Accommodations for 2 nights with
breakfast daily
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First Class train tickets from Florence
to Venice
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Porters service at train stations
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Water Taxi from train station to hotel
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Guided Walking Tour of the city
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Services of your tour escort
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Gratuities
Not Included:
There is always the possibility of sharing
the cost of airport transfer (water taxi) with fellow travelers.
Inquire.
Leave Florence early in the morning. Check into your hotel
and head out to lunch. Refer to your Restaurant List. Let us
know if you want company for lunch.
Our tour of Venice begins at 3:00pm. We'll
meet our guide at the hotel lobby at that time. 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.
You're free after the tour.
After
dinner, head to the famous 300-year-old Caffe Florian in St. Mark’s
square.
You may be tempted to purchase artwork in the square or sit down or listen to
an outdoor orchestra while in one of the
most beautiful squares in the world. (B)
Day 2 - Sept. 24 Leisure
Day, Overnight in Venice
Please let us know your plans. You're invited to do the city with us or
venture out on your own. Venice has so much for a visitor to see and
do. One just need to walk out of the hotel to realize this. Consult
your Activities Sheet for our suggestions.
We suggest a quick visit to fun,
lighthearted 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. Explore on your own or with your tour
manager.
(B)
Day 3 - Sept. 25 Venice,
Departure for Home.
Have breakfast and enjoy Venice one last
time. Prepare to leave for the airport. (B)
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Never been to Italy?
Don't worry. We will help you along the way.
You will receive lots of information from us well before you leave for
Italy.
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 the city and visit the
city's treasures like Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Ghiberti's Gate of Paradise,
Piazza della Signoria,
Guided tour of Accademia museum 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 with wine 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; 1 transfer is included.
Airport Transfer from Spoleto
to Rome Airport; 1 transfer is included.
Gratuities (excluding Tour
Manager's) to guides,
drivers, concierges, chambermaids and hotel restaurant staff
Maps, Restaurant and Activity
Suggestion Lists
Maps
Maps, Restaurant and Activity
Suggestion Lists
Not Included:
Airline Tickets
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 to drivers, tours guides
and restaurants
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
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