Available through March 31, 2024
For Members Only
$6299*
After March 31, 2024
Members $6599 | Non-Members $6999
Community Membership Available at $295 for the year.
Barbara Lerche
Director of Adult Life
Venice
Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal Hotel Carlton overlooks the Grand Canal in Venice and houses a rooftop cocktail bar, equipped with a terrace.This romantic 4-star hotel features elegant interior design and is fitted with Murano glass chandeliers and antique furniture. All rooms have air conditioning, satellite TV, minibar and private bathroom with hairdryer.
Florence
Hotel Villa Neroli Villa Neroli is surrounded by a relaxing 6,000 m2 garden, a 10-minute drive from the historic center of Florence. It features an outdoor pool and free Wi-Fi. This former monastery has been converted into a stylish hotel with an elegant entrance and lounge area. Villa Neroli's rooms have air conditioning and classic furnishings and all have views of the surrounding greenery and include satellite TV and a minibar.
Rome
Hotel Orazio Palace Roma Offering modern interiors and a relaxing garden, the Orazio Palace Hotel is located in Rome's Prati quarter. It offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and soft bathrobes and slippers. Each room at the Orazio Palace is fitted with a satellite flat-screen TV, and a mini-bar. The private bathroom includes a shower and hairdryer. There is a 24-hour front desk at the property, together with a concierge. Trips and excursions can also be booked on site.
Day 1
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Arrive in Venice
Benvenuti to beautiful Italy! Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred by private boat taxi to our hotel on the Grand Canal. This evening our tour director hosts an orientation followed by a welcome dinner with wine.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Venice
Today, we'll embark on a boat tour to the island of Murano, world-renowned for its long tradition of glass craftsmanship. Next, we'll return to Venice for a walking tour with a local guide who brings this remarkable city to life as we view Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square); the golden Byzantine Basilica di San Marco (Saint Mark's Basilica, entry fee included); the Doge's Palace and its famous Bridge of Sighs (exterior views only). Late this afternoon we'll lose ourselves in Venice as we explore cobblestone streets, marveling at attractions, and shopping for unique crafts and souvenirs. Later we might consider an optional gondola ride on the illustrious Grand Canal.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 3
Thursday, September 12, 2024
Venice – Pisa – Florence
Our journey takes us south to Pisa and on to Florence today. We'll see the famous Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the bell tower of Pisa Cathedral known for its four-degree slant. Next, we'll visit a Tuscan countryside farm for a wine tasting and sampling of local specialties. We'll continue to Florence, the splendid capital of Tuscany. Before we reach our hotel, we'll stop at Michelangelo Square to enjoy an incredible panoramic view of Florence's historic center.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 4
Friday, September 13, 2024
Florence
Our morning tour of Forence, the cradle of the Renaissance, begins with the Galleria dell'Accademia, an art museum best known for housing the iconic marble statue, Michelangelo's David. We'll also enjoy sculpture-filled Piazza della Signoria (Signoria Square), the magnificent Duomo (cathedral), and Ponte Vecchio, the "Old Bridge", lined with craft shops. This afternoon is free to explore local museums, stroll along the scenic Arno River, or we might consider an optional visit to the Uffizi Gallery. Tonight, a special treat awaits. We'll head to the hills surrounding Florence to savor a delicious dinner complete with wine at a picturesque Tuscan villa.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Florence – Assissi – Rome
Today, we'll travel through the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany and Umbria to the wonderfully preserved medieval hill town of Assisi, the birthplace of Saint Francis, founder of the Franciscan religious order. We'll see the fabled pilgrimage site, Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, which is comprised of an Upper and Lower church, and a crypt where Saint Francis is interred. Both the upper and lower church feature elaborate frescoes by different Italian artists including Florentine artist, Giotto. Late this afternoon, we'll arrive in Rome, "the Eternal City" where we can settle into our centrally located hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 6
Sunday, September 15, 2024
Rome
This morning, we'll travel back in time to Imperial Rome. In the Colosseum, we'll listen to the echos of centuries of gladiatorial combat and public spectacles. We'll walk under the Arch of Constantine, and marvel at the ruins of the Roman Forum, the day-to-day heart of ancient Rome. Our afternoon is free to explore the city's elaborate piazzas and fountains independently. In the late afternoon, we'll come together for a culinary walking tour in the Trastevere neighborhood where our expert foodie guide can provide us with a better understanding of Italian food culture and traditions. Note: Due to high demand, the timing and order of sightseeing across days 6–8 in Rome may be rearranged to ensure our group is able to experience all included visits.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7
Monday, September 16, 2024
Vatican City
We'll experience one of Christendom's most sacred places this morning: the Vatican. Our visits include the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica (erected over the apostle's tomb), the gloriously painted Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museum which is abundant with priceless collections of art and treasures. Tonight, be our guest at a lavish gala dinner at a typical Roman restaurant complete with wine and entertainment. We'll cap our evening with an included tour of illuminated Rome by night.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8
Sunday, September 17, 2024
Depart Italy
After breakfast today, transfer to the airport for your return flight back to the U.S.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Gondola Ride
One of the highlights of all Italy vacations! Experience a piece of Venetian history during a relaxing gondola ride on the illustrious Grand Canal. Glide along the centuries-old canals, past lavish palaces and under famous arched bridges. Note: This is not a private gondola ride, and the gondola holds a maximum of five passengers. Pickup details to be advised locally.
*MUST BE PRE-BOOKED! This tour must be pre-booked prior to final payment as it is not available to book in-destination.
$34 USD per person
Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most visited museums in the world, collecting masterpieces from the 12th to the 17th century, including the Golden Age of the Italian Renaissance. We'll marvel at works by Giotto, Fra Angelico, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Botticelli, and more. Throughout our visit, our guide will take us on a journey of Italian painting spanning centuries, making these works of art truly come to life.
*MUST BE PRE-BOOKED! This tour must be pre-booked prior to final payment as it is not available to book in-destination.
$77 USD per person
Wednesday, March 27 at 7PM
Free and Open to public
Come hear about what we have planned for this wonderful trip to Italy.
People will need to register in advance and will receive a Zoom link prior to Info Session.
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