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Rome, Florence, Pisa, Italian Riviera, Portofino, Chamonix, Geneva, Montreux, Zermatt, Italian Lakes, Venice and Milan
April 25 - May 7, 2010 (13 Day Journey)
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ITINERARY:
Day 1, Sunday, April 25 (USA/Rome)
Overnight flight to Rome. Meal on board.
Day 2, Monday, April 26 (Rome)
"Buongiorno" - Welcome to the Eternal City. Meeting, assistance and transfer to our hotel. Balance of the afternoon is at leisure to relax and/or perhaps a good time to start exploring the wonders of this city. Evening starts with a Thanksgiving prayer, brief orientation followed by a Welcome Dinner.
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Day 3, Tuesday, April 27 (Rome)
Today's highlight is our visit to the Vatican City - the smallest independent country in the world, a self-contained state ruled by the Pope. Stand in the great square designed by Bernini and admire the magnificent dome of St. Peter's Basilica designed by Michelangelo. Our visit includes the Pieta, Tomb of Pope John Paul II and the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's superb ceiling and his mural of the Last Judgment. Then we cross the Tiber to explore ancient Rome with views of the Forum, visit the mighty Colosseum and view over the Circus Maximus where chariot races were held, the world famous nostalgic Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 4, Wednesday, April 28 (Florence/Monticatini, Tuscan Hills)
Papal audience (time permitting). We then drive into the rolling hills of Umbria and through the beautiful Tuscan landscape to the Renaissance City of Florence. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the city which takes in the statue-lined Piazza della Signoria, the Piazza del Duomo with its cathedral and baptistery and the Piazza Santa Croce. Might have some time to shop for quality leather goods before continuing to the spa resort of Montecatini. (Buffet Breakfast/Dinner)
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Day 5, Thursday, April 28 (Pisa/Santa Margherita)
Today we follow the Arno Valley westwards to the City of Pisa - chance to see the famous Leaning Tower, the Cathedral and Baptistery in the Square of Miracles. We then follow the beautiful Ligurian coast and catch sight of the massive marble quarries in the Apennine foothills. Continue through the important naval port of La Spezia and on to our hotel. (Buffet Breakfast/Dinner)
Day 6, Friday, April 30 (Italian Riviera, Excursion to Portofino)
This morning we take the ferry to the Riviera's most elegant resort - Portofino - one of Italy's most romantic destination.
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Renowned for its multicolored houses in a spectacular setting and it is one of the most exclusive towns of Europe. Later return to Santa Margherita and leisurely stroll the elegant streets and visit the Cappuccini Church with its 12th century Statue of the Virgin Mary. Relax and enjoy a cool drink in a cafe overlooking the Mediterranean. (Buffet Breakfast/Dinner)
Day 7, Saturday, May 1 (Chamonix/Lausanne)
We take the highway northwards and towards the Alps. We travel via Alessandria and into the attractive skiing area of the Val d'Aosta to France. Here, in the shadow of Europe's tallest mountain - Mont Blanc, we stop in the resort of Chamonix, high in the French Alps. Then, we descend to the international city of Geneva where we see the Jet d'Eau on the lake, the Reformation Monument and the United Nations Building. Then on to Lausanne. (Buffet Breakfast/ Dinner)
Day 8, Sunday, May 2 (Lausanne/Montreux/Zermatt)
Today we drive eastwards along the lake to Montreux where we stop for photo op of the Chateau de Chillon before continuing to the upper Rhone Valley. We then take the train to the traffic-free resort of Zermatt, in the shadow of the Matterhorn. (Buffet Breakfast/Dinner)
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Day 9, Monday, May 3 (Zermatt)
A day to relax and enjoy the quiet atmosphere of this mountain village, with its attractive cafes, gorgeous boutiques and surrounding green meadows. We'll take a short sightseeing tour of the village, including a visit to the Matterhorn Museum and the historic part of the village. A good time to take a cable car on your own for a better view of the Matterhorn. (Buffet Breakfast/ Dinner)
Day 10, Tuesday, May 4 (Italian Lakes/Venice-Mestre)
Short train ride, then re-board our motorcoach. Cameras ready for a day of stunning scenery! First over the Simplon Pass high in the alps and then down towards the Italian Lakes. We stop in the glorious resort of Stresa on Lake Maggiore, a town of elegant villas facing the picturesque Borromean Islands. Then via Lake Como to Venice. We take the autostrada to Venice - a unique city of 200 islands built on wooden piles in a glassy lagoon. (Buffet Breakfast/ Dinner)
Day 11, Wednesday, May 5 (Venice)
New York has 5th Avenue, Paris has Champs Elysee, but Venice tops them all with its Grand Canal - the great water road filled with gondolas, motorboats and peppermint stick boat moorings. Venice a living treasure. Today starts with a cruise by vaporetto to the heart of Venice - St. Mark's Square. On the way savor the sights and sounds of this unique floating city where all services are provided only either by water or on foot. Marvel the Bridge of Sight, immortalized by Lord Byron. The magnificent and ornate Doge's Palace and the Byzantine Basilica of St. Mark. (Buffet Breakfast)
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Day 12, Thursday, May 6 (Venice/Milan)
Today we drive to Italy's richest, largest and business capital - Milan. Opportunity to see one of the most famous artworks in the world, da Vinci's Last Supper - housed at Santa Maria delle Grazie, and has earned a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Milan is the fashion world's design capital. Shopping here takes on almost religious significance. Our visit also includes the medieval Castello Sforzesco, the breathtaking Duomo - one of the world's largest, most striking gothic cathedrals. Panoramic view of the fabulous La Scala. (Buffet Breakfast/Dinner)
Day 13, Friday, May 7 (Milan/USA)
Arrivederci, Italy; Widerluege Switzerland! Check out - transfer to the airport for our flight back home. (Buffet Breakfast)
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Very Important Information
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Tour Cost: US $2,999.00
Plus: US$499.00
US departure, security fees , fuel surcharge and taxes per person (subject to change)
Your 13 Day Tour includes:
- All air USA/Rome - Milan/USA
- Hotel Accomodations
- Deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach
- Touring and sightseeing as per itinerary
- English speaking guide
- Meals as per itinerary
- Baggage handling (1 piece per person)
- RTA Travel amenities
Reservations and Payments:
A reservation is confirmed only upon receipt of $500.00 deposit. Final payment is usually due 90 days prior to departure.
Cancellations:
All cancellations must be in writing. Deposits are refundable up to 100 days prior to departure with a cancellation charge of US$50.00. Cancellations made after final payment and/or within 90 days of departure are non-refundable. Trip interruptions and no-shows are non-refundable as well.
Insurance:
Trip cancellation insurance and medical coverage is available. We very strongly recommend it.
Not included:
Cost of passport, visas, health documents, insurance, optional sightseeing, items of personal nature such as food and beverage not on the regular d'hote menu.
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Book Now! Seats are Limited!
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