Grand Tour of Italy 2009 (17 Days starting from $3,775)

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Trafalgar > Grand Tour of Italy 2009

Grand Tour of Italy 2009
17 Days starting from $3,775

Countries Visited:
Italy

Length:	17 Days
Type:	First Class Europe & Britain 2009
Category:	Regional
Operator:	Trafalgar
Tour Code:	TT-ITGA-2009

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About This Tour

Cities Visited:
Rome, Gargano Peninsula, Lecce, Sorrento, Isle of Capri, Pompeii, Assisi, Venice, Bolzano, Verona, Milan, Santa Margherita, Portofino, Florence, Siena

Travel through the top, toe and heel of Italy and experience an Italian holiday like no other. Brush up on your Italian language skills and visit mountain ranges, lakes, historical cities and smaller regions - all on one vacation with Trafalgar!

What's Included
Itinerary
Dates & Prices
Sightseeing
Details
SPECIALS

Sightseeing Highlights

Rome: Sightseeing tour includes views of the Forum and Circus Maximus plus visits to St. Peters Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum.
Alberobello: Visit this town of ''Trulli''.
Lecce: Sightseeing includes the Basilica and Piazza del Duomo.
Sorrento: Orientation tour includes a visit to an Inlaid Wood factory.
Isle of Capri: Orientation includes views of the Faraglioni Rocks.
Pompeii: A guided tour of the excavations.
Monte Cassino: Visit the World War II Cemetery.
Assisi: Sightseeing including St. Francis'' Basilica and Santa Maria degli Angeli.
Ravenna: Visit Church of St. Apollinaris in Classe.
Venice: Canal cruise by private launch. View St. Mark''s Square, Doges'' Palace and more. Visit a glass-blowing factory.
Cortina d''Ampezzo: Visit this ski resort.
Verona: Guided walking tour seeing the Roman Arena and Juliet''s balcony.
Milan: Orientation including the Duomo and La Scala Opera House.
Pavia: Visit the Carthusian Abbey.
Portofino: Cruise to this exclusive resort on the Italian Riviera.
Pisa: Visit the Square of Miracles, and see the Leaning Tower and Baptistry.
Florence: Sightseeing tour includes Signoria Square, the Duomo and a visit to the Santa Croce Basilica. Views from Piazzale Michelangelo.
Siena: Orientation includes the Piazza del Campo and the marble Cathedral.

Dining Highlights

15 Buffet breakfasts
8 three-course dinners
‘Be My Guest’ speciality dinner with wine of local produce on a working lemon farm.
Farewell Dinner with wine in Rome.

25 meals in total (see day-by-day itinerary)

First Class Travel Highlights

First Class hotel accommodation includes twin-bedded rooms with private facilities, all hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes.
Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and a washroom onboard.
The services of one of Trafalgar''s top professional multi-lingual Tour Directors.
A qualified local city guide in Rome, Lecce, Pompeii, Verona, Milan, Assisi and Florence.
Cruise to the Isle of Capri.
A stylish wallet, tour documents and map book journal
Airport transfers are provided on Day 2 and Day 17, (conditions apply)

Airport Transfers
Group transfers on arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport will operate at 09.30, 12.30 and 15.30. Return transfers from the last hotel will arrive at Rome Fiumicino Airport at 07.00, 18.45 and 09.30.

London Gateways: Transfers can be expensive, particularly between the airport and your London hotel. But when you book your Trafalgar tour and take advantage of our land and air packages, we have included a FREE transfer to and from London’s airports and your Trafalgar London hotel. For passengers who have their own flight arrangements we offer you the opportunity to purchase inexpensive transfers to and from London’s Heathrow – Trafalgar has negotiated special rates for the Dot2Dot transfer from London’s Heathr
Important – Please Note: Passengers will only be entitled to transfers to and from London Airports providing the following conditions are met:
For included transfers: Your flights must be booked directly by Trafalgar no fewer than 21 days prior to departure. For chargeable transfers: Your Travel Agent provides detailed flight information to Trafalgar no fewer than 21 days prior to departure. Once transfers are booked they cannot be changed.
For London arrivals, you must stay at a London hotel booked by Trafalgar on the night of arrival and the night prior to your departure date.
Trafalgar only includes one inbound and one outbound transfer.
In the event of flight delays outside of Trafalgar’s control, the transfers will be deemed to be cancelled.
All transfers are based on group transfers. No refund is therefore available for missed transfers, or passengers not using this service.
In the event of unforeseen events (such as road or rail works, strikes or demonstrations), Trafalgar will not be responsible for delayed or cancelled transfers.
Heathrow Airport National Express Dot2Dot will pick up and drop off in time to meet all flights to/from London’s Heathrow Airport. For guests arriving at the Dot2Dot desk after 22.00 hrs please make use of the courtesy phone to arrange your transfer to your Trafalgar hotel.
Gatwick Airport Passengers who have booked Trafalgar’s Land and Air packages arriving at London’s Gatwick Airport are provided with a Gatwick Express train voucher. The Gatwick Express train journey from Gatwick Airport to London’s Victoria Station takes 30 minutes. Guests then need to make their way from Victoria Station to their Trafalgar hotel.
European Gateways: With Trafalgar all passengers will receive complimentary arrival and departure transfers on the scheduled arrival and departure day of their tour at the times specified below. Please ensure your Travel Agent reserves your flight to co-ordinate with the transfer times shown.
Trafalgar Bonus - Passengers who book Trafalgar''s Land+Air package and who arrive or depart outside of these specified times on the scheduled arrival and departure day of the tour will also be provided with a transfer.
Passengers arriving before or leaving after the scheduled tour days are not entitled to a transfer but may book and purchase one through Trafalgar providing that they also purchase the additional pre and/or post tour hotel night(s) from Trafalgar. Please ask for prices of transfers at the time of booking your extra night accommodation.
Land only passengers arriving or departing on the scheduled tour arrival or departure days but whose flights don''t coincide with the listed transfer times below may also book and purchase these transfers. Flight details must be provided to Trafalgar not less than 21 days before the flight departure.
Click here to see scheduled transfer times.

Day 1 - Depart USA Overnight flight to Rome

Day 2 - Arrive Rome (2 nights) Welcome to Rome, the capital of Italy, and the Eternal City! After check-in, there''s time to unwind before meeting your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink with your fellow travelers.

Hotel: Ateneo Garden Palace (2 nights)

Day 3 - Rome sightseeing and at leisure Our sightseeing begins with a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica and then we cross the Tiber to ancient Rome where we overlook the Forum and the Circus Maximus, renowned for chariot races, and we visit the mighty Colosseum to relive the stories of the gladiators! Later we have free time to explore or relax in a sidewalk café and watch Rome go by! (Buffet breakfast)

Day 4 - Sistine Chapel – Gargano Peninsula First we enjoy a guided visit of Michelangelo’s miraculous Sistine Chapel, then we leave Rome and drive eastwards through the Abruzzi Mountains to the Adriatic coast. We reach the Gargano peninsula before arriving at our hotel, where we dine tonight. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Manfredi Regio

Day 5 - Gargano Peninsula – Alberobello – Lecce This morning, a drive along the coast takes us to the region of the Trulli – strange white dry-stone structures with conical roofs. We visit the unique town of Alberobello en route to beautiful Lecce. Here our guided sightseeing tour shows us this delightful city including the stunning basilica and its monumental Piazza del Duomo. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: President

Day 6 - Lecce – Sorrento (2 nights) Today our Tour Director will show us a Hidden Treasure, but first we drive to Bari and along the autostrada taking us to the Gulf of Salerno and on to Sorrento. Here orientation shows us the Piazza Tasso and Corso Italia with its boutiques and cafés. Tonight, we enjoy dinner in our hotel. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Grand Hotel La Pace (2 nights)

Day 7 - Isle of Capri Excursion This morning we will visit an inlaid wood workshop where we see a demonstration of this local craft. Then we cruise across to the beautiful Isle of Capri for the day. Here orientation takes us up to Capri town where we enjoy a walking tour using our audio system to admire views of the Faraglioni Rocks and Marina Piccola. Then we visit the Piazzetta where the rich and famous sip their cappuccinos – followed by free time to perhaps ascend to Anacapri. At the end of the afternoon we cruise back to Sorrento. Tonight we drive out by minibus to a unique family run restaurant, perched high above the Bay of Naples, surrounded by lemon groves and enjoy a delicious dinner of home cooked local produce. (Buffet breakfast / ''Be My Guest'' Dinner)

Day 8 - Sorrento – Pompeii – Assisi It''s a short drive to Pompeii for a guided walking tour with our audio system of the excavations of the town petrified by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Then we drive through Campania, stopping at Monte Cassino to visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery. Next on through the hills of Frascati and Umbria en route to Assisi, St. Francis'' town. (Buffeet breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Grand Hotel

Day 9 - Assisi – Ravenna – Venice (Lido) (2 nights) Our morning walking tour with audio equipment in Assisi includes the upper and lower basilicas with their Giotto frescoes plus we see the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. From here we travel through the Apennines stopping to visit the Church of St. Apollinaris in Classe to admire the mosaics. Then we continue on to the magical city of Venice for our two-night stay. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Le Boulevard (2 nights)

Day 10 - Venice sightseeing and at leisure Today we savour the sights and sounds as we cruise to St. Mark''s Square on our private launch, seeing the Bridge of Sighs, Doge’s Palace and St. Mark''s Basilica which is adorned with magnificent and colourful glass mozaics. Afterwards, we visit a Murano glass-blowing workshop for a demonstration of this craft. At leisure maybe enjoy a local seafood lunch on the Island of Burano. (Buffet breakfast)

Day 11 - Venice (Lido) – Cortina d''Ampezzo – Bolzano (Dolomites) Today through the Veneto plains to world-famous Cortina d''Ampezzo located in the Dolomites, it is a popular winter sport resort and hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 1956. Here we will see the Olympic ski-jump before time at leisure. Later, we enjoy a stunning drive along the Tre Croci Pass via Dobiacco and Brunico to Bolzano. This evening we dine at our hotel. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Alpi

Day 12 - Bolzano (Dolomites) – Verona – Milan Today we''re off to Verona for a guided walking tour using our effective audio system to see Juliet''s balcony and the Roman Arena which is still used each year for the magnificent Verona Music Festival. Then we arrive in Milan – home to the Italian fashion gurus. A walking tour using audio system with our local guide here shows us the Duomo, the Galleria, and the world famous La Scala Opera House. Later, perhaps visit one of the museums or shop in the boutiques! (Buffet breakfast)

Hotel: Atahotel Quark

Day 13 - Milan – Pavia – Santa Margherita We stop at Pavia to enjoy a guided visit of the Carthusian abbey by one of the monks (when available). Next we pass Genoa, Columbus’ birthplace, en route to the Italian Riviera. We stay in the famous resort of Santa Margherita in Liguria for the night. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Park Hotel Suisse

Day 14 - Santa Margherita – Portofino – Pisa – Florence (2 nights) This morning we cruise to nearby Portofino (weather permitting), an internationally loved resort. Then past the quarries of Carrara to Pisa where we view the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Cathedral in the Square of Miracles. Finally, we reach the city that was the jewel of the Renaissance, Florence. During our stay in this beautiful city, our Tour Director will share with us the secret of another Hidden Treasure! (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Grand Mediterraneo (2 nights)

Day 15 - Florence sightseeing and at leisure Our guided walking tour with an audio system includes the Duomo, Giotto''s Bell Tower, the Baptistery and a visit to Santa Croce Basilica, burial place of many great Italians including Michelangelo. Later you may wish to shop for fine quality leather goods and 18-carat gold designer jewellery for which this city is so famous! There are also many wonderful museums to visit – your Tour Director can advise you on how to make the most of your time in this city. (Buffet breakfast)

Day 16 - Florence – Siena – Rome We drive through the Chianti vineyards to the medieval city of Siena where we see the Piazza del Campo, scene of the annual Palio horse races and the cathedral. The horse races are held twice a year on July 2 and August 16, in which ten horses and riders represent ten of the seventeen city wards. Time at leisure before we return to Rome. This evening we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with our Tour Director and fellow travelers. (Buffet breakfast / Farewell dinner)

Hotel: Sheraton Golf

Day 17 - Rome - USA This morning we bid farewell to our Tour Director and touring friends as our Italian vacation comes to an end. There are airport transfers available, conditions apply. (Buffet breakfast)

Free airport transfers Transfers on Day 2 at Rome Fiumicino Airport will operate at 09.30, 12.30, 15.30 and 18.45. Passengers arriving later should make their own way to the first hotel. Return transfers on the last touring day will arrive at Rome Fiumicino Airport at 07.00 and 09.30.

Click here to check rates and availability online, 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Or, to speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301. Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
4/17/2009 - 5/3/2009	$3,825	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
4/24/2009 - 5/10/2009	$3,825	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
5/1/2009 - 5/17/2009	$3,825	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
5/8/2009 - 5/24/2009	$3,825	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
5/15/2009 - 5/31/2009	$3,825	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
5/22/2009 - 6/7/2009	$3,825	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
5/29/2009 - 6/14/2009	$3,825	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
6/5/2009 - 6/21/2009	$3,825	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
6/12/2009 - 6/28/2009	$3,825	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
6/19/2009 - 7/5/2009	$3,825	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
6/26/2009 - 7/12/2009	$3,825	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
7/3/2009 - 7/19/2009	$3,825	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
7/10/2009 - 7/26/2009	$3,825	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
7/17/2009 - 8/2/2009	$3,825	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
7/24/2009 - 8/9/2009	$3,825	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
7/31/2009 - 8/16/2009	$3,775	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
8/7/2009 - 8/23/2009	$3,775	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
8/14/2009 - 8/30/2009	$3,775	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
8/21/2009 - 9/6/2009	$3,775	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
8/28/2009 - 9/13/2009	$3,775	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
9/4/2009 - 9/20/2009	$3,850	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
9/11/2009 - 9/27/2009	$3,850	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
9/18/2009 - 10/4/2009	$3,850	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
9/25/2009 - 10/11/2009	$3,850	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
10/2/2009 - 10/18/2009	$3,850	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
10/9/2009 - 10/25/2009	$3,850	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us

This list indicates brochure rates and dates. * For single travellers purchasing the twin-share option, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Please note: In addition to being sold out or on a request basis only, a tour departure may not be displayed on this site for operation reasons. For details on discounts that apply to this tour please refer to a brochure or see your Travel Agent. The displayed prices are based on twin-share accommodation. A single supplement price is available on request.

Rome
Trulli
Alberobello
Lecce
Sorrento
Isle of Capri
Pompeii
Monte Cassino
Assisi
Ravenna
Venice
Cortina d''Ampezzo
Verona
Milan
Pavia
Portofino
Pisa
Florence
Siena

This list indicates brochure rates and dates.
* For single travellers purchasing the twin-share option, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms.
Please note: In addition to being sold out or on a request basis only, a tour departure may not be displayed on this site for operation reasons.
For details on discounts that apply to this tour please refer to a brochure or see your Travel Agent.
The displayed prices are based on twin-share accommodation. A single supplement price is available on request.

CURRENT SPECIALS:

Cruise Solo at NO Additional Charge

Trafalgar / Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has waived single supplements on a variety of 2009 Europe river cruises, which means solo travelers can cruise at no additional charge.

This offer is valid on the following cruises:

Burgundy & Provence

Tulips & Windmills

Enchanting Danube

Eastern Europe Explorer

Danube Discovery

Rhine Discovery

Grand European Discovery

Paris and Normandy

Grand France

Portugal, Spain, & the Douro River Valley (Cruise Only)

Paris & European River Romance

Paris & Grand European Waterways

Paris & the Heart of Europe

Contact your travel specialist at 1-800-942-3301.

**Conditions apply. Valid on select departures. See you travel agent for further details.

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Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.