Medieval art, classic monuments, strong religious significance, hearty Italian meals and savory wines describe Italian culture.
Travelers can now experience the wonders of Italy with two new trips. The first is a 10-day Incredible Italy tour for ,099, and the second is the 8-day Splendid Sicily tour for ,799.
“Italy is famous for its impressive history, culture, religious significance, art, and picturesque coasts,” says Peggy Goldman, President of Friendly Planet Travel. “We are thrilled to continue to offer tours to Italy as part of our extensive list of Friendly Planet destinations.”
Both tours include round-trip airfare from New York, including fuel surcharges; all ground transportation and transfers; accommodations in superior and deluxe hotels; breakfast daily plus several additional meals and wine, mineral water, and coffee or cappuccino at all lunches and dinners. The package also includes headphones (whisper technology) for enhanced sightseeing; a comprehensive touring program, including entrance fees; a professional, English-speaking tour manager with local guides in major cities and more.
The 10 day Incredible Italy journey begins in Venice where travelers stay for two nights, exploring this splendid “City of Canals,” its, ancient palaces, winding streets and picturesque bridges and world-famous museums. A half-day tour of St. Mark’s Square, including the Basilica, the Doge Palace and other sites is included. The tour then continues to Padua to visit the Basilica of St. Anthony and Modena, ancient town known for its luxury Italian sports cars like Ferrari and Lamborghini as well as the gourmet specialty, balsamic vinegar from Modena. From there the tour then arrives in the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence, to spend three nights enjoying such treasures as the magnificent statue of David by Michelangelo; the Piazza del Duomo; Giotto’s Bell Tower; the Baptistery, and more.
In addition, travelers will take a day trip to one of the world’s best-known sights —the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Leaving the rolling Tuscan hills en route to Rome, travelers will stop at Magione Castle, which dates back to 1150 AD. Olive trees and grape vines surround the sprawling estate, which contains a wonderful wine cellar. Before continuing to Assisi, travelers will enjoy a lecture by a wine expert and wine tasting. Last stop before arriving in Rome is the mystical town of Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and birthplace of St. Francis. Visit the Basilica which houses some of the masterpieces of Cimabue and Giotto.
Travelers then spend three nights in Rome, enjoying an included tour of Vatican City takes travelers through the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square, St. Peter’s Basilica, Piazza Venezia, and the Coliseum. Optional tours of the Catacombs, St. Peter in Chains, the Pantheon, Tivolo Gardens, or Ostia Antica are also available. Friendly Planet Travel’s 10-day Incredible Italy tour is available for $3,099 on November 4, if booked by May 9. Other dates are available at slightly higher rates.
Friendly Planet Travel, www.FriendlyPlanet.com