ITALY’S TREASURES

         

Here are a few examples of vacations we have arranged.  They are shown to give you an idea of what is possible.  Remember they have all been customized to meet the requirements of our clients.  The important thing to consider when requesting a customized vacation, is that we can offer you more alternatives when we have more time to plan.   Italy is one of the most popular vacation destinations.  It is not uncommon to book 6 months or more in advance. So if you want the best price and accommodation choices, it is worth planning ahead.

ROME AND AMALFI COAST

7 NIGHTS – GROUP OF 9 - $1800 US P/P

CATEGORY – “I CAN’T BELIEVE I CAN AFFORD ALL THIS”

The following is yet another customized family vacation.  The plan was to rekindle fond memories of the home once known. The accommodations, all with private bathrooms, are rated 3 or 4 stars.  The transfers, tours and boat tour were private. 

DAY 1 - This morning your group arrives at Fiumicino (Rome’s) Airport. Upon exiting the customs halls, your private chauffeur will be holding a card with your name on it.  He will drive your hotel. The hotel, a 3 star establishment, is perfect for your reunion: a small, charming inn with a historical flavor and friendly management.  Just a few yards from St. Peter's and right across the river from the Baroque center of the city.

Today, you do not have any organized tours booked.  If you have time and energy, visit Castel Sant'Angelo.   This was originally built as a mausoleum, which was then converted to a papal fortress in the 6th century.  Its underground passageways were sometimes used to provide safe-haven for the pope to get to the Vatican.   There is a café on the top floor where you can relax while enjoying some of the best views of Rome.

DAY 2  – Today, you will be taking a full 5 hour private tour (plus lunch break).  Your private tour guide will greet you at the hotel lobby at 10:00 am. You will visit some of the main sights of  Rome. You will explore the ruins of the largest ancient empire as your guide takes you inside the Colosseum and the ancient Roman Forum, bringing to life the sights and sounds that filled them more than two millennia ago.  You should discuss with your guide what he/she plans on visiting to ensure this meets your expectations.  This is your private tour.

DAY 3 – Today’s tour begins at noon.  You will be visiting The Vatican and its Museums, on your private 5 hour walking tour. Centuries of religious history, architectural treasures and some of the world's greatest works of art by such visionary artists as Michelangelo and Raphael lie within the Vatican walls, and your private guide can give you an insider's view of their significance, heritage and meaning.

This 5-hour tour (plus lunch break) does not include the 13 Euro/person for the Vatican Museum tickets.  Your private guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to commence your tour, and can pace and shape the day according to your interests and needs.

DAY 4 - Today, you will be going to Sorrento. You will be met at the hotel lobby at about 7:00 a.m.  You will stop in Pompeii and see such structures as the huge Forum, great Temples, homes and shops that were buried under ash and pumice stone raining down from Mt. Vesuvius. An authorized tour guide will meet you and no doubt mention that before Vesuvius erupted in August of 79 A.D, Pompeii was a prosperous place with more than 20,000 inhabitants. Today, two-thirds of the city has been excavated and the ruins of a flourishing civilization have been brought to life once more. Later on, you’ll also get a chance to walk around the crater of the impressive giant, Mt. Vesuvius.  And after a long day in the van, you’ll finally arrive in Sorrento.

You are staying in a little piece of heaven in the heart of Sorrento. It is situated nearby Piazza Torquato Tasso, centre of the city. The location lets the guests easily reach every service the city offers. The structure is part of an ancient and noble villa.

DAY 5 - After yesterday’s long day in the car, today you have the chance to stretch your legs. You can visit Sorrento on your own. There are plenty to visit but for one day, I suggest you take the double decker bus tour.  It is very informative and you hop on and off whenever you like.  But if you are looking for something more, I’ve found some great information on www.sorrentotour.it/artandculture/sorrentomap.html

DAY 6 - This morning you will be met by your English speaking driver/tour guide. He will be at the hotel at 9:00 a.m.  This will be an exciting day.  You’ll be driving along the narrow winding road along the Amalfi Coast.  You’ll get to stop in Positano, Amalfi and Ravello with plenty time to explore around, for a little shopping and lunch.

The Amalfi Coast is the most famous drive in all of Italy. You start your day by driving along the Amalfi Coast and stop by Positano, a picturesque fishing village which has become something of a colony for artists and writers. With white houses and terraced gardens clinging to the cliffs and a colourful port dotted with fishing boats, it is surely the Pearl of the Italian shore! Narrow winding streets that slowly descend from the hilltop to the beautiful beach will warmly welcome you for a stroll where you may find the perfect summer clothes you were looking after in some of the fashion designers' boutique.

Amalfi’s panorama is wonderful. White houses cling on the rocks. Every street hides a square, where in the past people used to sell his merchandise. 

Ravello is situated about 5 km from Amalfi; up on the mountain, overlooking the coast from Maiori to Amalfi. Ravello was founded in the VI century A.D., reaching the apex of the splendour in the X and XI century; following the same sort of the Amalfi Republic, even after obtaining the independence from her, when they refused to follow, in the XI century, Amalfi in a war against Guiscardo. 

DAY 7 - A perfect way to end your stay in the Amalfi coast – a private boat tour to Capri. It is a modern boat equipped with fresh water shower and fridge, and an English speaking sailor. It will stop at the best places, including Blue Grotto, with plenty of time for walking around and of course to have lunch.

DAY 8 - Well, it’s time to have your bags packed.  You will be driven to the Naples airport for your flight back home.

TUSCANY & VENICE FOR SPRING BREAK

8  NIGHTS –  FAMILY OF 4  - $1500 US P/P

CATEGORY – “I CAN’T BELIEVE I CAN AFFORD ALL THIS”

Here is a package prepared for a family of four during the children’s school break.  The family had been to Italy before and wanted to see a little of Tuscany and Venice.

DAY 1

Today, you will be met at the airport in Florence and driven to your hotel in Florence.  A short walk away, and you are at the Duomo. The day is yours to do as you wish. Perhaps you want to take in some appetizers on the rooftop of your hotel.

DAY 2

Your personal tour guide will pick you up at about 9:30 and drive to Assisi. Assisi was added to
Unesco's World Heritage List in 2000.  Well known as being the birthplace of the Franciscan Order – St. Francis of Assisi.  Its focus is the universal message of peace and tolerance to all religions and beliefs.

DAY 3

Today, you get to witness the architectural wonder of the Leaning Tower of Pisa for yourself. On the way to Pisa you will stop in Lucca.  Lucca has a long history.  Today, its streets still follow the pattern of the former Roman colony founded in 180 BC.  You’ll discover its peaceful narrow lanes winding among the medieval buildings and then…suddenly revealing churches and piazzas.  Time permitting; you’ll also stop in to Montecatini Terme. It is one of Tuscany’s spa towns.  It has a variety of spa architecture and beautiful parks.  On top of the hill, is another village called Montecatini Alto with a great panoramic view and old buildings with local familiar atmosphere.

DAY 4

A day to enjoy on your own.  I know you’ve been to Florence before, but if you want to do some sightseeing or shopping, it is just a matter of a short walk.  Or maybe you want to spend the day renting bicycles and touring the nearby scenery? You mentioned the children liked to go hiking.  This is your opportunity to do as you please.

DAY 5

Your last tour with your guide takes you to Siena and San Gimignano. Once again you will leave the hotel around 9:00am and head to Siena. Siena considered "just" the 2nd most beautiful city in Tuscany.  Walking through its XIII century streets, seeing its palaces, churches and famous square you will appreciate the most beautiful and magical atmosphere. The city having been one of the most powerful banking city in the world during the Middle Ages, features some of the most important works of art in Italy. Siena also hosts the Palio …Siena’s semi-annual horse race. Each of the city's contrade, or neighbourhoods, competes in a barebacked race in honour or the Virgin Mary. Il Campo, the main square, serves as the racetrack, with sand and walls placed around its perimeter. It is definitely something you must see and experience. San Gimignano, the famous town of the fine towers, is considered one of the main tourist attractions in the region and a medieval jewel. San Gimignano’s silhouette rises from the hills of the Upper Elsa Valley.  Most of this original 14th-century town’s architecture is still intact.  It is thanks to this continuity that 15 out of the 72 towers once standing can still be admired today as well as antique noble houses, narrow lanes and squares.

DAY 6

Today, you take the train to Venice. You have already purchased your train tickets. When you take the vaporetto, exit at San Marco station and you are only a few blocks away from your hotel. Make sure you take a 3-day pass for the vaporettos.  You’ll be able to get around so much easier this way.

DAY 7

Enjoy your time in Venice.  Tour the different sights and stop at the different islands.  You don’t want to miss Lido and its beautiful beach.

Isn’t it amazing to walk in a city with no vehicle traffic?  It truly is unique.

DAY 8

Another day to enjoy the magic of Venice.  Have you been to the glass factories in Murano yet?  What did you think of Burano’s spectacular lacework? So much to see, in such a small area.

DAY 9

Well, it’s time to say Arrivederci.  Your flight leaves from Venice’s airport this morning.

ROME AND TUSCANY

10 NIGHTS – GROUP OF 4 - $1800 US P/P

CATEGORY – “I CAN’T BELIEVE I CAN AFFORD ALL THIS”

.

Here is a sample of a customized vacation package prepared for a group of 4 people.  The accommodations varied.  Some were shared apartments with private bedrooms and kitchen facilities. Others were hotel rooms with beautiful views.  The transfer from Rome to Tuscany as well as the tours in Tuscany are in a private car for the four only. 

DAY 1

Your flight arrives in Rome this morning and you will be met at the airport to be then driven to your apartment. 

DAYS 1- 3

The apartment offers you the opportunity to live amongst the Romans!  You can get your morning espresso and biscotti at the “bar” next door.  Enjoy the fresh fruits in the nearby market to savour while you are exploring the city’s history.

The apartment is centrally located, just off Campo di Fiori.  From there you can walk to almost anywhere – the Pantheon, Trevi fountains, Colloseum.

Take the time to enjoy Rome’s lifestyle.  You are on your own during your stay in Rome.

DAY 4

This morning you have made arrangements to get to Florence by train.  Once at the train station, you will be greeted by a driver who will drive you to your “villa” in Tuscany.  Your villa is located in a renovated Benedictine Convent now turned into an exhibition space and country retreat.  Your apartment includes a full kitchen and two bedrooms.

DAY 5  

Today your journey begins when you are picked up at 9:00 a.m. to visit the beautiful countryside of Chianti. Chianti, well known for its wine is one of the most beautiful countryside in the world.  The natural beauty of the land as well as its walled medieval towns, castles and stone farmhouses, will inspire you.  You will visit small towns such as Radda in Chianti.  There you will be surprised to see how a village, dating back over 4000 years old, deserted many times over has now come back to life. Volpaia, known as the wedding town as it was given as a wedding gift, serves marvellously as a winery. When you are in the small town of Greve, you will find an old style butcher shop with prosciutto and salami hanging from the ceiling of an old style butcher shop. Go downstairs and smell the aging cheeses.  Don’t miss the tasting bar. Of course no tour of Chianti would be proper without a tour of a winery. So your group will have the opportunity to visit an old winery where the Chianti Classico is till made like 500 years ago.  You will return to your apartment with a feeling of great fulfillment.

DAY 6

Today when your guide picks you up at 9:00 a.m., you are in for an amazing day! You will drive outside of Tuscany into the Ligurian coast to Cinque Terre.  Now the drive is a good 3 hours, but once you get into the Liguria province, by the Liguria mare, you will not believe the breathtaking views of the cliffs and water front. Cinque Terre’s sea, hills, vineyards and old fishing villages all help make this trip exceptional. You will be amazed at the unique terraced vineyards sustained by dry walling. The brightly coloured houses add to the perfect example of landscape architecture created by man in inaccessible surroundings.

DAY 7

Today, you will have the opportunity to spend the day in Florence, or stay in.  You have this day to do as you wish. You may make arrangements with your guide, if you have a special request.  However, Florence should not be missed – afterall it is just a short taxi ride away.  You have the chance to combine a morning sightseeing tour of the city’s museums and the afternoon shopping at one of their many markets.  It is totally up to you.

DAY 8

You are back for another delightful day with your guide. You get to witness the architectural wonder of the Leaning Tower of Pisa for yourself. On the way to Pisa you will stop in Lucca.  Lucca has a long history.  Today, its streets still follow the pattern of the former Roman colony founded in 180 BC.  You’ll discover its peaceful narrow lanes winding among the medieval buildings and then…suddenly revealing churches and piazzas.  Time permitting; you’ll also stop in to Montecatini Terme. It is one of Tuscany’s spa towns.  It has a variety of spa architecture and beautiful parks.  On top of the hill, is another village called Montecatini Alto with a great panoramic view and old buildings with local familiar atmosphere.

DAY 9

Your last tour with your guide takes you to Siena and San Gimignano. Once again you will leave the hotel around 9:00am and head to Siena. Siena considered "just" the 2nd most beautiful city in Tuscany.  Walking through its XIII century streets, seeing its palaces, churches and famous square you will appreciate the most beautiful and magical atmosphere. The city having been one of the most powerful banking city in the world during the Middle Ages, features some of the most important works of art in Italy. Siena also hosts the Palio …Siena’s semi-annual horse race. Each of the city's contrade, or neighbourhoods, competes in a barebacked race in honour or the Virgin Mary. Il Campo, the main square, serves as the racetrack, with sand and walls placed around its perimeter. It is definitely something you must see and experience. San Gimignano, the famous town of the fine towers, is considered one of the main tourist attractions in the region and a medieval jewel. San Gimignano’s silhouette rises from the hills of the Upper Elsa Valley.  Most of this original 14th-century town’s architecture is still intact.  It is thanks to this continuity that 15 out of the 72 towers once standing can still be admired today as well as antique noble houses, narrow lanes and squares.

DAY 10

What better way to end a week than by having another day at leisure.  Anything else you want to see or buy, today is the day for it.  You are free to do as you wish on your own. Unless, of course, you want to pre-arrange an excursion or wait and see if your tour guide is available and plan something with him.  If you are shopping, don’t forget it must fit into your suitcases.

DAY 11

Today, you are leaving Tuscany.  You will be driven to the airport in Florence in time to catch your flight back home.

ROME & TUSCANY

11 NIGHTS – 2 PEOPLE -  $3000 US P/P

CATEGORY – “I CAN’T BELIEVE I CAN AFFORD ALL THIS”

Here is a sample of a customized vacation package we prepared for a 2 people.  The accommodations, all with private bathrooms, are rated 3 or 4 stars.  The transfers and tours in Tuscany were private.  Their personal guide was available to them to ensure their questions were all answered.

DAY 1

Transfer from Leonardo Da Vinci airport to your hotel in Rome.

DAYS 1-4

You will be staying in Rome for 4 nights.  While in Rome, you can walk and visit all the sights nearby. Take the time to enjoy Rome’s lifestyle.  You are on your own during your stay in Rome. If you wish I can arrange for some private tours.

DAY 5

This morning you start your visit to beautiful Tuscany.  Your personal tour guide will meet you at 10:30 a.m. and it’s off to your hotel in Tuscany.    Enjoy the scenery on the way and start being amazed at Italy’s countryside beauty.  Once you get to your hotel, get acquainted with the village shops and the people.  Before the end of the week, they will know your names.  You will be spending the week here.

DAY 6

You'll tour the beautiful countryside of Chianti. Chianti, well known for its wine is one of the most beautiful countryside in the world. The natural beauty of the land as well as its walled medieval towns, castles and stone farmhouses, will inspire you. You will visit small towns such as Radda in Chianti. There you will be surprised to see how a village, dating back over 4000 years old, deserted many times over has now come back to life. Volpaia, known as the wedding town as it was given as a wedding gift, serves marvellously as a winery. When you are in the small town of Greve, you will find an old style butcher shop with prosciutto and salami hanging from the ceiling of an old style butcher shop. Go downstairs and smell the aging cheeses. Don’t miss the tasting bar. Of course no tour of Chianti would be proper without a tour of a winery. So your group will have the opportunity to visit an old winery where the Chianti Classico is till made like 500 years ago. You will return to your hotel with a feeling of great fulfillment.

DAY 7

This is one of my favorite tours; so even if you decide to change one of the other days, don’t miss this excursion. Today when your guide picks you up at 9:00 a.m., you are in for an amazing day! You will drive outside of Tuscany into the Ligurian coast to Cinque Terre. Now the drive is a good 3 hours, but once you get into the Liguria province, by the Liguria mare, you will not believe the breathtaking views of the cliffs and water front. Cinque Terre’s sea, hills, vineyards and old fishing villages all help make this trip exceptional. You will be amazed at the unique terraced vineyards sustained by dry walling. The brightly coloured houses add to the perfect example of landscape architecture created by man in inaccessible surroundings.

DAY 8

Today is a “free day”.  I can pre-arrange some private tours for you or once you have met your tour guide, you may want to discuss with him the possibilities your “free day” has to offer. Here are some ideas:
1) You can go to Florence on your own (you can take a public bus into town) and visit yourselves or even book a "group tour".
2) You can go to Florence on your own and then meet up with a Florence tour guide which I can pre arrange.
3) You can have your guide, drive you to Florence and arrange for some museum visit and pick you up later, if he/she is available.
I must explain that these old historic cities are part of UNESCO and you must be licensed separately in order to give tours. So your guide, is not allowed to tour the museums inside of Florence itself.
Florence is safe, regardless of what you read. And once you are in the city, along with a map, you can visit on your own and save a lot of $$$. But of course your guide can also drive you around Tuscany he is always willing to share his love for Tuscany with everyone so I am sure you can come to a great decision.

DAY 9

You are back for another delightful day with your guide. You get to witness the architectural wonder of the Leaning Tower of Pisa for yourself. On the way to Pisa you will stop in Lucca. Lucca has a long history. Today, its streets still follow the pattern of the former Roman colony founded in 180 BC. You’ll discover its peaceful narrow lanes winding among the medieval buildings and then…suddenly revealing
churches and piazzas. You will also have the chance of a stop in to Montecatini Terme. It is one of Tuscany’s spa towns. It has a variety of spa architecture and beautiful parks. On top of the hill, is another village called Montecatini Alto with a great panoramic view and old buildings with local familiar atmosphere.

DAY  10

Your last tour with your guide.  Another memorable day planned. Today you visit Siena and San Gimignano. Once again you will leave the hotel around 9:00am and head to Siena. Siena considered "just" the 2nd most beautiful city in Tuscany. Walking through its XIII century streets, seeing its palaces, churches and famous square you will appreciate the most beautiful and magical atmosphere. The city having been one of the most powerful banking city in the world during the Middle Ages, features some of the most important works of art in Italy. Siena also hosts the Palio …Siena’s semi-annual horse race. Each of the city's contrade, or neighbourhoods, competes in a barebacked race in honour or the Virgin Mary. Il Campo, the main square, serves as the racetrack, with sand and walls placed around its perimeter.It is definitely something you must see and experience.
San Gimignano, the famous town of the fine towers, is considered one of the main tourist attractions in the region and a medieval jewel. San Gimignano’s silhouette rises from the hills of the Upper Elsa Valley. Most of this original 14th-century town’s architecture is still intact. It is thanks to this continuity that 15 out of the 72 towers once standing can still be admired today as well as antique noble houses, narrow lanes and squares.

DAY 11

This is another free day for the two of you to enjoy.  Maybe you and your tour guide have decided on something that will make your wishes come true. Or maybe, you’ve decided to enjoy the village.

DAY 12

I’m afraid today you go back home. We have arranged for a transfer to the Airport.   

Contact us now and tell us what your vacation wishes are.  We will be happy to be of service.

www.travelworlddiscovery.com

E-mail: travelworlddiscovery@yahoo.com

Phone (613) 830-7338