Exploring Italy
Tours / Exploring Italy
Travel from the canals of Venice through the lush Tuscan vineyards surrounding Florence. Stop in for a view of the mosaics of Ravenna before exploring historic Rome and Pompeii.
DATE
Sept 18-Oct 1, 2024
GROUP SIZE
8-12 People
TRANSPORT
Cars, Trains, Boats
ACTIVITY
Leisure
BOARD
3-Star, 4-Star Hotels
DURATION
14 Days
Tour Itinerary
DAY 1: TRAVEL DAY
International flights should be arranged to depart from the US on or before September 18th in order to arrive in Venice by 6 p.m. on the tour start date of September 19th.
DAY 2: ARRIVAL
Meet the group leader at the Venice airport and travel to the hotel to drop off luggage. Time for settling into rooms will precede an evening sampling authentic Italian cuisine. Overnight in Venice
DAY 3: VENICE
Cruise the Grand Canal, stroll through St. Mark’s Basilica, visit the shops and wander the alleyways and canals of Venice. Be sure to admire the Murano glassware and the ever-present gondolas as you enjoy this unique and unforgettable city. Overnight in Venice.
DAY 4: VERONA
Famous as the setting of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”, Verona is a beautiful city surrounded by the river Adige. Within its walls you will find a Roman amphitheater, a traditional Italian castle, a clock tower providing an incredible aerial view, churches, markets, shops and more. Overnight in Venice.
DAY 5: MURANO
The island of Murano is known worldwide for its exquisite, blown glass. Along the canals of Murano, you find rows of shops selling every kind of blown glass imaginable. Whether you’re in the market for a unique art piece or just want to window shop, you’ll find plenty to amaze. Overnight in Ravenna.
DAY 6: RAVENNA
Stroll through the ancient churches and baptisteries scattered about the town of Ravenna to view one of the world's most incredible collections of early Christian mosaic artwork. Spend the afternoon luxuriating in an ornate castle hotel. Overnight at Montegufoni Castle near Florence.
DAY 7: FLORENCE
With too much to see in Florence to pack into a single day, we will spread our visit over two days. First, we will explore the Medici Chapel, with its stunning marble interior and collection of reliquaries. We will also visit Santa Croce church and view the city from Piazzale Michelangelo. Overnight near Florence.
DAY 8: FLORENCE
Continuing our tour of Florence, we will take in the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as Il Duomo, and ornately painted baptistery. Consider climbing the Duomo cupola for an awe-inspiring experience. Optional afternoon bus tour of Pisa (additional fee applies). Overnight near Florence.
DAY 9: TUSCAN VILLAGES
Pass the day visiting villages and vineyards in Tuscany. The scenery is stunningly beautiful, the villages are quaint and picturesque, and the food is delicious! Enrich your experience with a cooking class, wine and olive-oil tasting or truffle hunting excursion (additional fees apply). Overnight near Montepulciano.
DAY 10: CIVITA DI BAGNOREGIO
Civita di Bagnoregio is an ancient hilltop village teetering atop a rocky crest high above a vast valley. The only way in or out is by footbridge. People have lived here for over 2500 years. We will spend a few hours exploring here before making our final journey south into Rome. Overnight near Rome.
DAY 11: POMPEII
Travel by train for a day immersed in the tragic ruins of once-vibrant Pompeii. Explore the expansive archaeological site, with Mount Vesuvius as a dominating backdrop. Stroll through the remnants of its homes, public baths, fountains and lanes. Soak in its history at the onsite museum. Overnight in Rome.
DAY 12: ANCIENT ROME
Spend the day exploring Rome’s most famous sites, including the Colosseum, the city ruins at Palatine Hill, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, and the Altar of the Fatherland. We will be sure to spare some time for souvenir shopping and a famous Italian gelato. Overnight in Rome.
DAY 13: VATICAN
Visit the Vatican’s incredible museums, gaze at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, stroll through St. Peter’s Basilica and admire the square where the Pope regularly addresses the public. For those who’d like an extra adventure, climb to the roof of the basilica for a view over the city. Overnight in Rome.
DAY 14: RETURN HOME
The tour concludes with hotel check-out by 11 a.m. Arrangements to Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport will be made for those leaving prior to 11 a.m. Early departures or later departures should plan their own transportation to the airport.
Tour Pricing And Payment Schedule
The Exploring Italy tour scheduled for September 2024 will be $3,850 per person, based on double occupancy. A $50 discount is given for payment in full at initial deposit; otherwise, the following payment schedule applies, per person:
Non-refundable deposit of $350 reserves spot
Payment of $350 due on Nov 1st, 2023
Payment of $350 due on Dec 1st, 2023
Payment of $350 due on Jan 1st, 2024
Payment of $350 due on Feb 1st, 2024
Payment of $350 due on Mar 1st, 2024
Payment of $350 due on Apr 1st, 2024
Payment of $350 due on May 1st, 2024
Payment of $350 due on Jun 1st, 2024
Payment of $350 due on Jul 1st, 2024
Final payment of $350 due on Aug 1st, 2024
If signing up after any deposit deadline, payment for any previous deposits will be due upon sign-up. Prompt payment is appreciated. Late payments are assessed a $25 late fee.
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
Included in the tour cost:
Pre-tour information, such as what to pack and how to exchange currency
Expertise of a tour guide throughout the tour
All sight-seeing and visits, as noted in the itinerary (unless otherwise specified)
All on-tour transportation, including trains, local flights, rental vehicles, and buses
One carry-on suitcase and one personal item due to car size restraints
All accommodations, based on double occupancy; typically, 3-star hotels and bed & breakfasts
Not included in the tour cost:
Travel insurance
International airfare and any related expenses
Expenses due to flight delays, strikes, inclement weather or other irregularities
Passport fees, visas and visa photos as required (NEW for 2024 ETIAS visa required for EU)
Personal items such as souvenirs, laundry services, beverages, snacks, and healthcare
Optional excursions as indicated in the itinerary
Meals as indicated in the tour itinerary
Checked baggage fees and excess baggage charges
Seat requests and seat upgrades
Single traveler supplement
Refunds for tour services not utilized
Other items not specifically mentioned as included
Tour Information
Terms and Conditions
Please thoroughly review the Terms and Conditions on our website. Submitting a deposit for services constitutes a contractual agreement with Aticus Travel and represents your acceptance of the Aticus Travel, LLC Terms & Conditions.
Liability Waiver and Release Form
Please sign and return the Liability Waiver and Release Form for each tour participant. A parent or guardian must sign the form for any minor participants. A tour request is officially submitted when both the tour deposit and the Waiver and Release form are received by Aticus Travel, LLC for each tour participant.
Travel Insurance
Due to the strict cancellation policy, in order to protect your investment, and to provide you with peace of mind, we strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance. Many reputable companies exist and you can look into any of them, but here are a few recommendations to consider: Allianz Global Assistance, TravelEx, World Nomads and Travel Guard.
Packing Checklist and Tips
Please review the packing list for suggestions and tips on what to pack, how much you can take and what to leave at home.
View / Download Packing Checklist and Tips >