Classic Italy

DAYS 1-2—BENVENUTI A ITALIA, WELCOME TO ITALY!
After our overnight flight, travel into Rome's city center and settle into the beautiful, centrally located Hotel Mellini for four nights. Today, enjoy a private walking tour of Rome's historic center with a local guide followed by a delicious 3-course welcome dinner at a local ristorante. D

DAY 3—ANCIENT ROME
Discover the majesty and mystery of ancient Rome on a full-day walking tour including a guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Ancient Forum - the centerpiece of ancient Roman life. Later, we'll visit Castel San Angelo, originally a mausoleum to the Emperor Hadrian. Enjoy an evening concert performance in a local church. B, D

DAY 4—THE VATICAN/ROME’S GREAT BASILICAS
Tour the immense collection inside the Vatican Museums with a knowledgeable guide. See beautiful
works of historic art such as the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Enjoy a special visit to the three remaining great basilicas of Rome – St. John in Laterano, Santa Maria Maggiore, and St. Paul Outside the Walls. B, D

DAY 5—BORGHESE GALLERY/FREE AFTERNOON
Enjoy a visit to the famous Borghese Gallery, a beautiful Renaissance era villa which houses the world’s largest collection of Bernini sculptures. Then “do as the Romans do” with free time on your own to explore the Eternal City. B, D

DAY 6—SIENA/MONTEPULCIANO
Transfer to Siena with a stop enroute to the picturesque hilltop village of Montepulciano. Our time in Siena begins with a guided tour of Siena’s historic center, the very heart of Tuscany, before settling into Hotel NH Siena for a 3 night stay. B, D

DAY 7—SAN GIMIGNANO
Relish in the beauty of Tuscany with a full day excursion through the Italian countryside, including a visit to one of Tuscany’s most stunning hilltop towns, San Gimignano, for lunch and tastings at a local winery. Later, tour a farmhouse and enjoy authentic olive oil, bruschetta, and mixed meats. B, L

DAY 8—FLORENCE
Begin your full day adventure with a private walking tour of Florence, the epicenter of the Italian Renaissance that changed the world. Learn about the influential Medici family and the important role they played in shaping the modern world. Later, we'll tour the Accademia Gallery which houses the world-famous David Statue, plus visit the grandiose Florence Cathedral. B, D

DAY 9—VERONA
Drive from Siena to Venice with a stop in Verona for a guided tour of the city, best known for its inspiration of Romeo and Juliet. Upon arrival in Venice, enjoy a boat ride into the canal city before settling into the luxurious Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal for 3 nights. B, D

DAY 10—VENICE
Enjoy a guided tour of Venice, the famous lagoon city that has captivated millions across the world, visiting the greatest highlights of the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, and ending with a private gondola ride. B

DAY 11—FREE DAY/MURANO AND BURANO
Today is your day to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of Venice on your own. B, D

Option—Murano
If you are up for more sightseeing, take an optional excursion to the island of Murano, known primarily for their world-class glass making. Price: $50 per person

DAY 12—ARRIVEDERCI!
Today, we must say goodbye to Italy after a delicious final breakfast. Take a private taxi boat transfer from your hotel to the Venice airport, leaving Italy in style with fond memories and a wider perspective. B

Quality Accommodations
Nights 2-5: Hotel Dei Mellini, Rome
Nights 6-8: Hotel Garden Siena
Nights 9-11: Hotel Cavalletto E Doge Orseolo, Venice

*Because of the historic nature of Rome and other cities highlighted in this tour, travelers should be in good walking condition as many sites are only accessible by foot. While rest times and days at leisure are built in, there may be occasions where we'll be walking up to 5 miles per day. Therefore, extensive walking is required to fully enjoy this tour and some walking will be on uneven paths. While walking canes are allowed, we are unable to accommodate travelers using other mobility devices, including walkers and wheelchairs.

Dates:
Oct 19-30, 2024

Price Per Person:
Double $5,397
Single $6,697
Triple $5,177

Pre/Post Tour Hotel:
$218/night

*A complimentary post-night airport hotel is available upon request from CTD due to our late arrival into ORD. Please make this request of CTD 90 days before departure.

Depart/Return:
Chicago, IL

Inclusions:
Round-trip airfare from the U.S.
Professional, English speaking Tour Director
Welcome Reception and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling at most hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service

Arrival Time
Please schedule your flight into Chicago so that you arrive into Chicago O’Hare (ORD) by 2:15 p.m. on Day 1. When you book your flight to Chicago, we encourage you to take into account the potential for flight delays and cancellations you may face at your home airport. Our recommendation is to allow 3 hours for your flight connections to arrive at your respective airport with time to spare.

Departure Time
You may schedule your flight home to depart Chicago O’Hare (ORD) any time after Midnight on Day 12.* Due to our tour schedule and the time required for airport security measures at check-in, we cannot accommodate any deviations from the above flight schedule.’

*A complimentary post-night airport hotel is available upon request from CTD due to our late arrival into ORD. Please make this request of CTD 90 days before departure.

Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our Pre and Post hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to and from Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Free parking is offered during the tour at our hotel in Chicago with a Pre or Post night booked.

Walking Distance
To fully enjoy your CTD vacation, you should be in good physical health and understand there are times when a good deal of walking is involved in our tours. Those who have difficulty walking may not want to take this trip or should discuss their personal situation with their doctor before deciding. You should be able to walk at a steady pace for a mile at a time for a daily total of three to four miles per day and be able to manage steps to board/de-board the motorcoach several times a day. In addition, many US and European airports require lengthy walks to get from ticketing counters to your departure gate. Due to the lack of proper facilities at some of the farms, ranches, and off-the-beaten-path sites we often visit, we are unable to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.

We are finding that larger European cities are closing their historic districts to motor traffic. This, of course, adds to the amount of walking involved when visiting a city (sometimes on uneven and/or cobblestone walkways). In addition, you should know that you may be required to exit the motorcoach at each stop because local law often does not allow travelers to remain on the motorcoach while it is parked for a scheduled stop.

Average Temps
High of 68°, low of 50°

Currency
Euro

Time Zone
GMT+1 (6 hours ahead of New York)

Hotel Amenities
Hair dryers, TV/cable, coffee/tea makers, and WI-FI available at hotels.

Additional Information

A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.

A valid US Passport is required for travel to/from the United States.

Land Tours begin one day later. Airport transfers are not included with Land Only Tours.

Dress on tour is casual. Comfortable walking shoes are needed.

Travel Protection Available
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.