Rome, Umbria, Perugia, Vatican City, Assisi, Monte Subasio, Siena, San Gimignano, Florence
Live "la dolce vita" during this 9-day guided tour of Italy. Explore the Vatican Museums, walk the narrow cobblestone streets of Siena to the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo and see the Torre del Mangia, the second-tallest tower in Italy. Visit a family-run olive mill, where a third-generation olive maker will share how its olives become the decadent oil you’ll taste at the mill. In San Gimignano, eat the best gelato in the world - literally. You’ll meet a world champion gelato maestro who will welcome you into his ice cream parlor to indulge in his favorite flavors. Alongside a local expert, marvel at the cathedral at the center of Florence: Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, nicknamed "the Duomo" for its awe-inspiring crown made by a master goldsmith.
Engaging Experiences These special places and experiences are considered tour highlights. Look for them in the daily itineraries.
NH Roma Centro
Dinner
Included
Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and baroque churches. Settle in before joining your travel director for a private visit for Insight Vacations guests to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, welcomed by the Rector of the basilica. Gaze in awe at the Byzantine mosaics, illuminated for this evening's experience, and see the first sculpture by Bernini. End the day getting to know your fellow travelers over Roman specialties during dinner at a local restaurant.
Sangallo Palace Hotel
Breakfast,
Lunch
Included
See the imposing Basilica of St. Peter in Vatican City before crossing the Tiber into Ancient Rome and imagining the gladiatorial combats and sounds of roaring spectators as you visit the mighty Colosseum with your local expert. Journey north to the Umbrian village of Baschi. Immerse yourself in the flavors and culture of the region and learn about the secrets of Italian food culture as you join Giovanni and his dog Chris for a truffle hunting session. Afterwards, be entertained by Chef Lorenzo with a fun pasta demonstration and enjoy a delicious lunch accompanied by Orvieto Classico wine. Join a local expert in Perugia to navigate the underground labyrinth of little streets, alleys, and arches. Walk along Corso Vannucci, resplendent in pale-pink stone, passing the princely Priors' Palace, the cathedral, and the finely sculptured Great Fountain in the main square.
Sangallo Palace Hotel
Breakfast,
Dinner
Included
During a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, visit an artisanal workshop to meet Marta, recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant, and her weavers. See how the fascinating art of loom-weaving textiles has been passed down through the generations and learn how this ancient craft is being preserved. Afterwards, you will be free to enjoy the many delights of Umbria's capital city. For dinner, choose your ideal ambience and palate-pleasing menu from a hand-picked selection of Perugian restaurants for your dine-around evening. Buon appetito!
Sangallo Palace Hotel
Breakfast
Included
Journey to Assisi, one of Italy's most beautiful medieval hilltop towns, set high up in the mountains and enclosed by fortress walls. In the valley, see the famous Church of St. Mary of the Angels, much venerated as the place of St. Francis' death, then continue up Mount Subasio to the upper town. Step inside the massive, 13th-century Basilica of St. Francis with your local expert to learn how Giotto masterfully painted frescoes that inspired a variety of Renaissance artists.
Villasanpaolo
Breakfast,
Dinner
Included
Follow the shores of Lake Trasimeno and continue to the narrow-cobbled streets of Siena. Standing in the shell-shaped Campo, imagine the frenzied atmosphere of the biannual Palio horse race and see the Town Hall. Explore Siena. Choose to visit the medieval Cathedral. Alternatively, sample panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert. Travel to your home for the next three nights, a delightful villa near the medieval town of San Gimignano.
Villasanpaolo
Breakfast
Included
In the morning, your travel director will show you San Gimignano's medieval skyscrapers, serpentine streets and hidden squares. The town is also home to world champion gelato maestro Sergio Dondoli. At his artisan ice cream parlour on Piazza della Cisterna, the jaunty gelataio doles out his silky, frozen treats in a range of unique flavors for you to try. The rest of the day is at leisure; why not join an optional experience to Pisa and Lucca?
Villasanpaolo
Breakfast,
Dinner
Included
The morning is devoted to the Renaissance city of Florence. A fascinating walking exploration with a local expert takes you to the marble-clad cathedral crowned by Brunelleschi's dome. See the baptistery with its beautiful Gates of Paradise and Giotto's splendid bell tower. Walk on to Piazza della Signoria with its open-air gallery of Renaissance sculptures, followed by free time to shop for top-quality Florentine leather or gold. Toast to your travels during a delicious farm-to-table dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy tasting flavorsome dishes prepared with locally grown ingredients, sourced from the farm or nearby Tuscan region. Relax as the pairing of home-made pastas with the farm's own traditional Chianti wine rounds off your great Italian adventure.
Hotel St. Martin
Breakfast
Included
Leave behind the tower topped town of San Gimignano. Enjoy rolling Tuscan hills as you journey through the Italian countryside, making your way to Ancient Rome. On arrival, enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
Breakfast
Included
Bid farewell to the glories of Italy. Departure transfers arrive at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport.
2025 Tour Dates
SEPTEMBER
28
:
$3,495
|
Prices are subject to change.
Pricing is per person,
double occupancy,
land only, based on September 8, 2024 travel date.
Single supplement from $1,590.
Call AAA for current airfare rates and availability.
All this makes it AAA Vacations®
AAA Complimentary Inclusion: $80 per person on tour credit towards optional excursion.
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Package: Guided
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