11 Day Italian Memories - South - Small Group Minivan 8 pax or Minibus 16 pax - Land Only

Itinerary

DAY 1 Thurs – BOSTON / PISA: Overnight flight to Pisa, Italy.

DAY 2 Fri – PISA / FLORENCE: Mid-day arrival into Pisa. Prior to transferring to Florence, spend couple hours visiting home of the gleaming white monuments of Piazza dei Miracoli (square of miracles) which houses the Duomo, the leaning tower, and the baptistry.  The most famous is the Leaning Tower of Pisa an iconic UNESCO site, which is recognized around the world. Late afternoons continue to Florence and check-in at your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to savor the Renaissance splendor of the Tuscan capital your own way.   

DAY 3 Sat – FLORENCE: This morning, enjoy a walking city tour of Florence. Start at the majestic Piazza del Duomo to see the Cathedral crowned by Brunelleschi’s awe-inspiring Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery with Ghiberti’s splendid bronze “Gates of Paradise.” Then, visit the Academy of Fine Arts, where Michelangelo’s David is displayed. The tour ends at the Piazzale Michelangelo with a spectacular view over Florence. Tonight, we enjoy a Tuscan dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)

DAY 4 Sun – FLORENCE: Day at leisure to enjoy exploring the Cradle of the Renaissance, visiting Florence’s magnificent Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Basilica of Santa Croce. (B)

DAY 5 Mon - FLORENCE / SIENA / ASSISI / ROME:   Early morning departure for Siena - This gothic city is constructed on three hills in the heart of Tuscany. This monumental and medieval city is encircled by its ancient walls and is famous for its splendid square "Piazza del Campo," designed in the shape of a shell. Here, every year the famous "Paleo" takes place. See also the elegant Palace and the Cathedral. Continue to Assisi. Stop in this splendid and mystic town for a panoramic visit of its Basilica of St Francis and the church of St. Maria degli Angeli. Early evening arrival into Rome.  (B)

DAY 6 Tues – ROME:  Day at leisure in Rome. Use the time left on your 48-hour pass at your own pace to explore the Roman sites. View the Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus, the  synagogue, Isola Tiberina and Castel Sant ‘Angelo. (B)

DAY 7 Wed – ROME: Early morning discover the Vatican on a 3-hour St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums Tour. Navigate the vast complex of rooms, artwork, and history with your guide, who will bring the ancient collection to life. Skip all the entrance lines to explore halls such as the Gallery of the Maps and Raphael’s Rooms; step inside the Sistine Chapel to admire ‘The Creation of Adam’ by Michelangelo’; and hear little-known tales about sacred St Peter’s Basilica. Tonight, bid arrivederci to Rome at a special dinner with wine in a lovely local Roman trattoria. (B, D)  

DAY 8 Thurs – ROME / POMPEII / SORRENTO: After breakfast we depart early, taking the highway “of the sun” through the regions of Lazio and Campania, where you will arrive in Pompeii, visit the excavations of the famous Roman city, destroyed, and buried under ashes and forever preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Leaving Pompeii you will drive along the Sorrentine coast, arriving in Sorrento. Check in for dinner and an overnight in your hotel. (B, D)

Day 9 Fri – SORRENTO / Capri: You will be transferred   from your hotel to the port of Piano di Sorrento, depart to Capri, sailing along the Sorrento Coast. Along the way you will admire the ancient fishing village of Marina Grande, the ruins of a Roman villa near Bagni della Regina Giovanna, the natural waterfall that flows from the rock, and other interesting attractions along the coast. Arrive at Capri and tour the island by boat with stops to visit the Marvelous Grotto, the White Grotto, the Green Grotto, and the Blue Grotto (subject to sea and weather conditions). Along the way, admire the Natural Arch, the Villa Curzio Malaparte, the Faraglioni rocks and the Lighthouse of Punta Carena. Disembark on the island for approximately 4 hours to explore Capri by land. Shop in the exclusive boutiques or enjoy a lunch (on your own) at one of the delicious restaurants. Then, depart from Capri for your return trip to Sorrento. Return to the port of Piano di Sorrento and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. (B)

DAY 10 Sat – SORRENTO / AMALFI COAST: We depart early today for our panoramic tour of the Amalfi coast. We journey over the local hills onto the famous Coastal Road. Enjoy the views as you journey to your first stop at the pretty Village of Positano with an hour of free time to explore the quaint town with its shops and take in the atmosphere. Continue along the Coastal Road to Amalfi and enjoy free time. Leisure over a delicious, Southern Italian lunch … and take in the unique Mediterranean atmosphere. We continue the higher Town of Ravello. Free time to enjoy Ravello’s stunning gardens and views down and across the whole bay, shop and explore…before re-joining your transport and journeying back to your Hotel in Sorrento. (B, L)

DAY 11 Sun – SORRENTO / NAPLES / USA:   After breakfast we travel to Naples Airport for your return flight home. Transfer time from Sorrento to Naples Airport is approximately 1 1/2 hours.  (B)

Package Includes:

• Roundtrip airport transfers (Classic Holidays must issue airline tickets)

• First-class hotel accommodations for 9 nights.

• 13 included meals consisting of – 9 Breakfasts,1 Lunch, 3 dinners

• Touring by private air-conditioned minivan

• Hop On Hop Off Bus 48 hr. pass in Rome

• Guided Vatican half day tour includes Sistine Chapel plus more

• Siena Cathedral entrance pass to sites per itinerary

• Entrance tickets to Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's David plus

• Panoramic Sightseeing and walking tour as indicated on itinerary

• Pompeii entrance ticket with audio guide

• Island of Capri day trip - includes transportation to town of Capri and AnaCapri.

• Panoramic Day trip of Amalfi Coast visiting Positano, Amalfi and Ravello

• One 25 inch suitcase per customer

• Hotel taxes and service charges includes Hotel Local City Tax

TRANSFERS: Airport transfers are included per itinerary only when airfare is purchased from Classic Holidays. Taxi service or private ground transfers are available for those purchasing their airfare elsewhere at additional cost.

Price Excludes: Airfare & airport taxes (except those which are specified), passports & visas, laundry, telephone calls, drinks, food  not indicated in the itinerary, expenses of a personal nature, excess luggage and transfer of the same, optional excursions & excursions during the cruise, gratuities of any kind, Personal expenses, Customary tips to your drivers, guides and escorts