2023 Quilt Tours Brochure - Catalog - Page 37
Discover the legendary beauty of Italy seeing the art of Michelangelo,
vineyards of Florence, ruins of Rome, and the famous canals of Venice.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1 ROME ARRIVAL – TOUR BEGINS
Welcome to Rome! This evening, meet your Tour
Manager and traveling companions, and leave the
hotel for a special welcome Aperitivo and lively
Italian cooking demo at one of Rome’s local
restaurants. D
DAY 2 ROME
On a locally guided walking tour of Rome, wander
along the Roman Forum exploring the Piazza
Venzia, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps.
Our final stop will be at St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the
most important churches in Christendom, and until
recently, the largest in the world. The remainder of the
day is at leisure for you to independently explore the
“Etheral City”. Perhaps enjoy an al fresco lunch or
discover the cavernous interior of St. Peter’s Basilica. B
DAY 3 ROME - VATICAN CITY - ROME
Soak in the green splendor of nature, away from
the bustling city life on a morning tour of the
Vatican Gardens. Our guided walking tour strolls
shaded walkways on meandering paths witnessing
emerald green foliage, multi-colored flowers and
ancient sculptures that date back to medieval times.
At the Vatican Museums, our docent will guide
us through the Museums’ highlights, such as the
Gallery of Maps, the Gallery of Tapestries and of
course, the Sistine Chapel. The remainder of the
afternoon is yours to roam freely through the
museum and to enjoy one of the world’s greatest
Art collections. Gather tonight to toast farewell
to Rome while savoring local Italian fare at our
beachside group dinner. BD
DAY 4 ROME - SIENA - FLORENCE
Journey to Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage
site and get to know the local lifestyle in a contrada
(neighborhood) whose community is centered
around the colorful Palio horse race. Next, a short
journey through Tuscany’s verdant vineyards, a
family-owned wine estate welcomes us. After a
tour, we’ll gather for an authentic Tuscan lunch
and toast with wines produced on-site. Next,
explore the majesty of Siena Cathedral with its
Mosaic Floor, the Piccolomini Library and the
“Gate of Heaven”. Later, arrive in Florence,
capital of Italy’s Tuscany region. B
DAY 5 FLORENCE
Our morning walking tour features the Renaissance
city’s cultural treasures and monuments. See
the glittering storefronts on the Ponte Vecchio
(“Old Bridge”), the only Florentine bridge to survive
WWII, wander past the Palazzo Vecchio, the
Piazza della Signoria, and Santa Croce. See
world-famous masterpieces of Renaissance art at
Florence’s Accademia Gallery. See the iconic ‘David’
sculpture and other awe-inspiring pieces while our
guide shares background information and highlights
on the works of Michelangelo. After the tour, enjoy
the remainder of your time at leisure in Florence. B
DAY 6 FLORENCE - PISA - FLORENCE
Explore Italy’s largest museum of historical and
contemporary textile production and art on a guided
tour of the Museo del Tessuto (Textile Museum).
Next, visit the ancient maritime Republic of Pisa
to discover the Piazza Dei Miracoli, the Duomo
(Cathedral), and the famous Leaning Tower. Upon
arrival in Pisa, journey by mini train to Cathedral
Square to admire the impressive the historic sites
around you. Later, return to Florence to savor
Tuscan cuisine at the included dinner. B D
Leaning Tower, Pisa
DAY 7 FLORENCE - PADUA - VENICE
Departing Florence, travel to Padua to discover its
historical charm. Explore the Prato della Valle, one
of the biggest Squares of the City. Later, we’ll visit the
famous Sant Antonio Basilica, a religious symbol
of the city where are the remains of the Saint that
welcomes tourists every year on pilgrimage. Next,
cross the Apennine Mountains en route to Venice,
where 117 islands are connected by a latticework of
150 canals and 400 bridges. Tonight, experience the
breathtaking beauty of St Mark’s Basilica, as you stroll
the sidewalks and foot bridges of this magical city. B
DAY 8 VENICE - MURANO ISLAND - VENICE
This morning, embark on a private boat trip
around the UNESCO-listed Venice Lagoon and
admire the views as we glide past San Giorgio
Island, Certosa Island, and Sant Erasmo Island.
Arrive at Murano Island to experience the island’s
claim to fame—Murano glass—as we visit a glass
factory, enjoy a traditional glass-blowing demonstration, and perhaps purchase some exquisite handmade souvenirs. The remainder of the day is
at leisure for you to explore Venice. B
Murano/Burano Islands
Venice
$5,695 Per Person/Double Occupancy
$1,200 Additional/Single Occupancy
YOUR VACATION INCLUDES
AIRFARE & TRANSFERS
Round-trip international airfare from Chicago (ORD).
Group transfer upon arrival and for departure.
9 NIGHTS
Hotel accommodations, including baggage handling
13 MEALS
American breakfast (B) daily, 4 dinners (D)
SIGHTSEEING & ACTIVITIES
Guided sightseeing with your Tour Manager as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary; visits, admissions
and special features are shown in bold.
Padua
Pisa
TAPESTRY SERIES
ESSENTIAL ITALY
SEPTEMBER 24–October 3, 2023
Florence
PROFESSIONAL TOUR MANAGER
Full time, English-speaking throughout the trip
Siena
TOP-RATED HIGHLIGHTS
• Kick-off Welcome Dinner
• Italian Cooking Demonstration
Italy
• Expert Local City Guides
• Roman Forum
• Spanish Steps
• Trevi Fountain
Tyrrhenian Sea
• St. Peter’s Basilica
• Vatican Gardens Tour
DAY 9 VENICE
• Vatican Museum Guided Tour
This morning, we’ll join a local guide at St. Mark’s
• Sistine Chapel
Square on a walking tour through the area
• Tuscan Wine Estate
highlighting St. Mark’s Basilica, Piazza San Marco,
• Wine Cellar & Vineyard Tour
Doge’s Palace, Sansovinian Library, and the Rilato
• Siena Cathedral
Bridge. Next, partake in one of Venice’s most famous Ionian Sea• Florence Guided Walking Tour
pastimes – a gondola cruise. Take a pleasant stroll
• Accademia Gallery + David Sculpture
toward the Grand Canal to board your gondola. As
• Museo del Tessuto
you relax in your elegant watercraft, your gondolier
• Pisa Day Trip
navigates the Grand Canal. The remainder of the day
• Antonio Basilica
is yours to independently explore the hidden spots
• Murano Island
of this charming city. Gather tonight to toast the end
• Glass Blowing Demonstration
• Venice Guided Walking Tour
of your Italian adventure at our Italian Farewell
• Gondola Ride
Dinner. B D
• Italian Farewell Dinner
• Thirteen Meals: 9 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
DAY 10 VENICE - TOUR ENDS
After a leisurely breakfast, swap addresses with new
HAND-SELECTED HOTELS
friends before transferring to Venice Marco Polo
ROME: Le Méridien Visconti Rome
International Airport to begin the journey home. B
FLORENCE: Hotel De La Ville
VENICE: Hilton Molino Stucky Venice
Vatican City
Rome
Adriatic Sea
Call 1.800.346.9820
www.CountryHeritageTours.com
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