Once In a Lifetime Travel

This Italian Tour was made for you!

From Rome to Venice and everything inbetween
The Real Italy Tour
May 12 - 26, 2008

Prior to Start Date

Arrive in Rome. Valet pick-up at the airport will bring you directly to your hotel where you will find a refreshing welcome basket. Rest and relax. Your hotel is located just a stone’s throw from Campo de’ Fiori. We will enjoy a dinner together as a group tonight, followed by a night walk across the heart of Rome..

Day 1

After breakfast in our hotel, we will briefly explore the local market before heading off to the Vatican City for a tour of the church and Museum. Evening free to explore.

Day 2

This morning we will be touring the Colosseum and Roman Forum followed by a picnic on the hotel terrace and then a free evening to rest or explore.

Day 3

After a relaxing morning with some last minute shopping and sites, we will be heading into the countryside to stay at a beautiful agriturismo near Orvieto. After checking in and checking out the property, we will enjoy dinner served by our hosts. Watch out for grandpa's after dinner drinks!

Day 4

Today we will explore a quaint little hill town named Civita, then spend the day in Orvieto. We will return in the evening and share another dinner together with our hosts.

Day 5

We are off after breakfast, heading into Tuscany to Siena. With so much to see and enjoy in Siena, I have left the day for just doing that. We will see the duomo and the energetic can climb the clock tower. Free evening in Siena with a chance to enjoy our host’s spectacular view.

Day 6

After breakfast, we will be heading through some of the best wine country in the region. We will be stopping at a spectular abbey in the morning to witness monks as they perform their chants, unchanged for hundreds of years. Later we drive to Montepulciano and explore. Dinner together in Siena.

Day 7

We will be heading to my favorite destination on the tour by train this morning, the Cinque Terre. Today will be spent relaxing and exploring our home base of Vernazza after our arrival. Free evening agonizing over which delicious restaurant to eat at..

Day 8

I will be leading a hike through each of the five villages today. Join me for part or all of this trek. Trains run constantly and connect each village if you begin to feel weary. Later in the evening, join me as we dine together with the comical twin brothers of Il Pirata.

Day 9

Today is your vacation within the vacation. Let me know ahead of time if you want to schedule an appointment with the local massage therapist. Just enjoy and relax, there is no place on earth better to do this in than the Cinque Terre.

Day 10

As we hop a train to Florence, we will shift gears and jump into the bustle of the big city. The day will be spent seeing some of the major sites. Dinner together at a fun family style trattoria.

Day 11

Today we will head out of the city limits on a wonderful guided wine tour that includes a traditional Tuscan lunch. Early evening we will finish the rest of the major sites in Florence. Evening free to enjoy all the action.

Day 12

Our last stop is Venice. After arrival and Grand Canal tour on the city vaporetto, we will have a chance to climb the bell tower and see what everyone is talking about. Later in evening we will participate in a local favorite, the pub crawl. The night is free to roam!

Day 13

Our last day ends here in Venice and we will wrap up the sites in the afternoon, giving you most of the day free. Take your time soaking up the last of your Italian vacation. This evening includes a fantastic farewell dinner near our hotel.

Day 14

Water taxi to the airport, unless you’ve decided to stay a while longer…

Cost: 3750$, Must depart from US on May 11th due to time changes

A 400$ non refundable deposit will hold your place in line. I believe in small groups, so my tours are limited to 6-12 people.

What's included: The tour fee includes an orientation night and pre-trip day pack loaded with goodies, all accomodations, transfers to and from the airport, all transportation (train, van rental, taxi and water boats), all and any tips, entrance fees to all sites visited, two private guided tours in Rome, wine tour with lunch, seven dinners, four lunches, all breakfasts except in the riviera, and my personal expertise and assistance. Worry free traveling knowing that I have taken care of all the details.

What's not included: Air transportation is not included. The remaining meals, any sites seen on your own and personal shopping.

Where will we sleep? Each accomodation is thoughtfully chosen to give you the best overall experience of Italy and the culture. The rooms will all have a private bathroom, will all be safe and clean and wonderfully located. I have picked a variety of stops including a luxurious hotel in Venice, an agriturismo (or farmhouse) in the countryside, some smaller family-run hotels and privately run rooms. I usually can not provide single rooms but I will place single travelers with same sex roommates.

What about the euro? I have calculated the dollar against the euro as best as I can. Your price is guaranteed no matter what happens. Should the euro turn in my favor, you can expect some extra perks during the trip. Any savings due to the currency rate will be passed on to you.

What next? After paying your 400$ deposit, the remaining amount is due March 1st 2008. All you have to do is pack your bag and show up!