May 2023
Your Dream Delivered
Tour Highlights
The floating city of Venice • Truffle hunt and private lunch in Umbria • Seaside escape along the Mediterranean coast in Levanto • Small town discovery in Tuscany • Unforgettable Florence
Encounter, explore and embrace the many facets of authentic Italy. You’ll enjoy excellent cuisine, stunning scenery, impressive architecture, and rich history at some of Italy’s iconic destinations. But you’ll also discover smaller out-of-the-way places that many overlook, meet Italians and come to understand their way of life in close-to-culture experiences.
Small groups
Attentive,
personalized service
Private local guides
and transportation
10 Days in the Heart of Italy
TUSCAN HISTORY & CHARM
Day 1, Thurs May 11 – Welcome to Italy. Arrive in Florence with private transportation to Arezzo, Florence’s sister city. Get a insider’s look at this often overlooked jewel before a welcome dinner.
Day 2, Fri May 12 – Charming Cortona. Take in the essence of small-town life in Tuscany, including a gallery destination featuring Etruscan history and handcrafted works of art, all showcased by its owner, your host.
Day 3, Sat May 13 – Truffle hunt and family artisans. Travel to an enclosed small private wood to hunt for truffles. Then watch as the chef owner prepares them into a simple but elegant lunch. In the afternoon, hear the Busatti family story how fine linens have been designed for one hundred years.
Day 4, Sun May 14 – Florence. Explore the Renaissance’s birthplace, visit iconic piazzas, and take a walking tour of this small but impressive city. Enjoy free time to explore your favorite museums. Then visit some of Florence’s lesser-known treasures with your local guide.
Four nights in Arrezzo
SEASIDE ESCAPE
Day 5, Mon May 15 – Historic Lucca. Wind your way through the Italian countryside to Lucca to walk or bike on top of ramparts first built during ancient Rome. Then it’s on to Levanto, your home for the next three nights.
Day 6, Tues May 16 – Seaside in Levanto. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, this little seaside town is the perfect place for beach time, light hikes or just time to relax and unwind.
Day 7, Wed May 17 – Cinque Terre. Explore five picturesque villages overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Hike the trails, go for a boat ride (optional) and enjoy outstanding cuisine and fresh seafood locally prepared.
Three nights in Levanto
FLOATING CITY
Day 8, Thurs May 18 – Parma. Leave early morning for Parma, famed not only for the cheese for which it’s famous, but also for the fifteenth century Castello di Torrechiara. From there make your way to Venice.
Day 9, Fri May 19 – All things Venice. Glide through the canals on a gondola ride. Learn about Venetian history, explore St. Mark’s Basilica and wander the twists and turns of Venice. It’s the best way to discover the city! Wrap up the day with a farewell dinner.
Day 10, Sat May 20 – Arrivederci. Enjoy free time to explore on your own before departing for home. Please come again!
Two nights in Venice
Due to weather and other factors, itinerary is subject to change.
Discover the Heart of Italy
10 Days!
May 11 – May 20, 2023
Tour Price
$4699
based on double occupancy
Space is limited!
Rome Add on
Historic Rome – pre-trip add-on, May 9-10, 2023
Private guide
2 nights’ accommodation
Rome walking tour
Transportation to Florence
$999 pp based on double occupancy
How is this tour unique?
Besides enjoying Classic Italy, you’ll explore destinations that many people don’t get to visit. You’ll get the inside scoop on Italian culture and history from a local and have fun while doing it. Just by taking a tour you’ll be benefitting people making a difference in the lives of Italian communities. Your vacation really does do a world of good!
What does the tour price include?
- Private bi-lingual guide
- Private ground transportation
- Airport pick up on the first day of the tour
- Nine nights in great hotels
- All activities and entrance fees per the itinerary, unless indicated as optional
- All breakfasts and one other meal daily
- Hands-on cultural experiences
- Personalized customer service, including detailed packet with cultural information, travel tips, and suggested packing list.
Does not international airfare, alcoholic beverages and gratuities.
Hotels and itinerary subject to change.
What are some cultural activities included in this tour?
Throughout the tour, we’ll introduce you to local artisans and cultural insights. Here’s a sampling:
- Enjoy homemade pasta with a local Italian family.
- Learn about and sample dishes unique to different regions of Italy. Good food is a must on every tour!
- Meet a small business owner and hear the inside story on Italian artisans today and in the past.
