November 7-15 (Monday-Tuesday)

Revel in the magic of Italy on this 9-day tour that explores the cities of Rome, Florence and Venice.  Sightseeing in Rome features a panoramic tour of the city and a visit to the Colosseum.  A walking tour of Florence features the city’s artistic and architectural gems, including the Church of Santa Croce.  Visit Venice, one of Italy’s most unique cities, and learn her secrets on a walking tour.  While in Milan, stroll the elegant streets and visit the gothic cathedral and galleries of Victor Emanuel II.  Free time in each city provides ample time to shop or further explore.   

Italia Classica

with Collette Vacations

Day 1: Overnight Flight.  Join Collette Vacations for a fabulous vacation in Italy, exploring the magic of Rome, Florence and Venice.  Begin your vacation with an overnight flight to Rome, Italy from Baltimore Washington International Airport.      

Day 2: Arrive Rome, Italy - Tour Begins.  Your tour begins in Rome, “the Eternal City.”  This evening, meet your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner featuring a menu of regional delicacies and fine Italian wines.  (D)    

Day 3: Rome.  Enjoy a tour of Classical Rome viewing the Piazza Venezia, the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus and the Arch of Constantine.  Visit the famed Colosseum, where gladiators and exotic animals once entertained the Roman crowd.  This afternoon you are free to continue exploring Rome on your own.  Perhaps you will take an optional excursion devoted to the splendors of Vatican City, the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica.  (B)

Day 4: Rome - Florence.  Depart Rome this morning for a scenic journey through Italy’s graceful low-lying hills to the spectacular capital of Tuscany, Florence.  En route, partake in a short lesson on the local language.  Upon arrival, learn about the traditional Italian techniques of leather-making during a visit to a family-owned leather shop.  Then, begin your exploration of the great city of Florence!  A local expert provides a leisurely-paced walking tour featuring the Piazza Del Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Baptistry.  You also view the Palazzo Vecchio and the Church of Santa Croce, burial place of Michelangelo and Galileo.  End your day with an informative explanation of Florentine gold and its fascinating techniques at a local gold shop.  (B, D)

Day 5: Florence.  Today is at leisure to relax or continue independently exploring the city’s cultural riches.  Perhaps you would like to sign up for an optional tour to see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa followed by a visit to a Tuscan winery complete with a regional lunch.  (B)

Day 6: Florence - Mogliano Veneto.  This morning you journey through central Italy, crossing over the wooded Apennine Mountains toward the Po River valley.  Arrive in Mogliano Veneto and enjoy a relaxing afternoon in this quaint Venetian town.  You may choose to sign up for an optional excursion to the islands in the Venetian lagoon.  (B, D)  

Day 7: Mogliano Veneto - Venice - Mogliano Veneto.  Board a train toward enchanting Venice, with 117 tiny islands and its latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges.  Your Venetian adventure will begin with a boat trip (weather permitting) to charming St. Mark’s Square, the lively hub of the city’s activity and events.  A local expert will guide you on a walking tour of the area featuring St. Mark’s Basilica and the Clock Tower with its famous Moors.  (B)

Day 8: Mogliano Veneto - Milan - Milan Malpensa.  Say good-bye to the Veneto region as you travel toward the exciting and modern city of Milan.  Visit the magnificent Duomo (Cathedral) and the Vittorio Emmanuele II Gallery in one of the city’s most elegant squares.  Time is allowed to explore the city at your own pace before continuing to nearby Malpensa.  This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner commemorating the end of a fabulous trip through Italy.  (B, D)

Day 9: Milan Malpensa - Tour Ends.  Your tour ends today in the Milan Malpensa area.  (B)

Included:

?  Fully escorted by a Collette Vacations Escort

?  Round trip air from BWI

?  7 nights hotel accommodations     

?  7 breakfasts

?  4 dinners

?  Sightseeing by deluxe touring motor coach through out with a professional driver and tour guide

?  Attractions and admissions per itinerary

?  Portage - one (1) suitcase per person

?  Tips and taxes for included meals

?  Hotel Transfers, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $140.00/PP (subject to increase until paid in full)

?  Excludes Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $150.00/PP

?  Excludes tip for driver and tour guide on tour

?  Excludes transfers to/from BWI Airport

Price:

$2,539.00 Double/PP    $2,509.00 Triple/PP

$2,889.00 Single

Deposit:  $250.00/PP - Due 7 days after booking

Balance Due:  August 25, 2011   

 Notes: 

?  To truly experience the program and destination, you need to be able to participate in physical activities such as longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing stairs and periods of standing.  Some of the touring days may be longer, with select included activities occurring later in the evening.  Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motor coaches, especially in historic areas.  For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.

?  Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.

?  A Passport with a 6 month validity past tour date is required for this tour.  Deposits and cancellation fees, see flyer.

?  Gunther Tours/Collette Vacations reserves the right to impose or pass through fuel surcharges, security surcharges or similar incidental surcharges.  No right of cancellation exists under either of these circumstances.

?  Travel Protection Insurance is strongly recommended.  Please contact Access America at (800) 284-8300.