Italys Treasures (12 Days starting from $2,799)

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Collette > Italys Treasures

Italys Treasures
12 Days starting from $2,799

Countries Visited:
Italy, Switzerland

Length:	12 Days
Type:	First Class Tour
Category:	Europe Tour
Operator:	Collette
Tour Code:	3501

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About This Tour

Discover Italy's hidden treasures off the beaten path on this Explorations tour that journeys through the resort towns, countryside of Northern Italy, Tuscany and neighboring Switzerland. Ride the Centovalli Express Train from Lake Maggiore to the lakeside Swiss resort, Locarno. Wander a Florentine food market, then join a chef to learn the secrets of Tuscan cuisine. Explore the remote fishing villages of the Cinque Terre. Cruise to Isola di San Giulio. Linger in Venice for two nights.

What's Included
Itinerary
Dates & Prices
Sightseeing
Details

Services of a professional tour manager.

10 buffet breakfast(s), 2 lunch(es), 5 dinner(s) including local wines

Baggage handling from hotel to hotel.

Airport transfers with Collette's air package.

Hotels:

STRESA Regina Palace Hotel or Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees

ITALIAN RIVIERA Grand Hotel dei Castelli

CORTONA Villa Aurea

VENICE Grand Hotel Dei Dogi

On some dates alternate hotels my be used. Add a pre night stay in Venice. Prices start at $150.00 per person.

Day 1
Overnight Flight
From the majestic Italian lake region and the relaxed ambiance of the Riviera, to the rolling Tuscan hills and the romantic canals of Venice, experience the richness of Italian art, culture, food and fine wine.

Day 2
Stresa, Italy - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Stresa, on the shore of Lago Maggiore. Tonight you are transported by boat to your welcome dinner on Isola dei Pescatori, the most picturesque of the Borromean Islands - a wonderful opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers.

Day 3
Stresa - Lago Maggiore - Locarno, Switzerland - Stresa
This morning, travel on the breathtaking Centovalli Express Train. This train offers you an unforgettable journey across one of the most wild and scenic areas in the region, as you travel through the mountains and cross the border into Switzerland to visit the town of Locarno. This lovely old town has a glorious location… it is nestled on a sweeping curve of the bay and is known for having the most sunshine of anywhere in Switzerland! Return to Stresa, where the evening is at leisure to experience the best of this picturesque region. Explore the piazzas of the town center with flower lined alleys, cobblestone streets, lakeside promenades and historic buildings boasting Renaissance facades.

Day 4
Stresa - Orta - Italian Riviera
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the Italian language you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Depart Italy’s lake region for one of the most picturesque spots of the Ligurian coast, Sestri Levante. En route, stop at Lake Orta, one of Italy’s hidden treasures. Upon arrival you will take a boat ride to Isola di San Giulio where you will walk the grounds of this gorgeous and still working convent. Take time to experience this enchanting lakeside resort with its many outdoor cafes and shops before continuing on to the Italian Riviera.

Day 5
Italian Riviera - Portofino - Cinque Terre
This morning, head to the lovely seaside town of Santa Margherita Ligure and join us on a scenic boat ride* to the glamorous town of Portofino. Known as a getaway for the wealthy, the town’s colorful harbor has fishing boats dotted amongst mega yachts against a backdrop of Cypress trees and pastel-colored buildings. Next, continue your travels to the lovely Cinque Terre. Board a train for a spectacular journey through the villages of Cinque Terre. This rugged coastal area is an Italian treasure with terraced vineyards and a nearly inaccessible string of fishing villages tucked between the mountains and the azure beauty of the Mediterranean. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring these magical villages at leisure.

Day 6
Italian Riviera - Lucca - Cortona
Begin your journey with a drive to the city of Lucca, one of Tuscany’s hidden gems. Encircled by 16th century Renaissance walls originally built to defend the town, Lucca’s charming piazza is nestled in the center. Enjoy a walking tour with a local expert and visit the 14th century Cathedral of San Martino, Lucca’s medieval streets, Piazza S. Michele in Foro and Piazza Napoleone. Your day ends in the Etruscan town of Cortona, in a villa tucked away in the uniquely beautiful Tuscan countryside, where you will enjoy a relaxing four-night stay. This evening’s dinner will allow you to sample delicious Tuscan cuisine in one of medieval Cortona’s typical locandas.

Day 7
Cortona - Florence - Cortona
Spend time exploring Florence, the cradle of Italy''s Renaissance. To begin, your Tuscan cooking lesson awaits! Start your morning with a walk through the local market and learn about some of the fresh ingredients used in Tuscan recipes. Next, meet the chef at one of Florence''s restaurants for a lesson on Tuscan cooking. Afterwards, enjoy the delicious lunch you have created, expertly paired with wine from the area. Following lunch, a walking tour highlights many of the city’s treasures, including the Academia and the Statue of the David, the Piazza del Duomo, center of religious life in medieval Florence, and the Piazza della Signoria with its many sculptures.

Day 8
Cortona - Siena - San Gimignano - Cortona
Today, travel to the rose-hued medieval city of Siena. Join a local expert for a walking tour through narrow Gothic streets and visit the dramatic cathedral. You will next arrive at the hilltop town of San Gimignano, punctuated by tall medieval towers, affording spectacular views of the Tuscan hills below.

Day 9
Cortona - Tuscan Countryside - Cortona
Today you will visit a winery in the heart of Tuscany. Upon arrival, enjoy a pleasant walk on a Chianti road, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, on the way to the historical oil mill. Visit the wine cellar and learn how they produce their wines before beginning your wine tasting. End your experience with a delicious typical Tuscan lunch featuring the winery’s own organic wines. Upon your return to the villa, relax and enjoy a free evening to explore the area.

Day 10
Cortona - Bologna - Venice
En route to Venice, stop in Bologna, rich in history and culinary tradition and surrounded by hills. The center of this city is virtually untouched since the Renaissance. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the historic center, including its historic buildings and specialty food shops, where you may have the opportunity to sample some of their wares. Continue as your tour travels toward the truly unique city of Venice, built on 117 islands with 150 canals and 400 bridges.

Day 11
Venice
This morning enjoy a boat trip** (weather permitting) to Murano Island for a fascinating glass-blowing demonstration. Return to charming St. Mark’s Square, the hub of Venetian city life. A local expert will take you on a walking tour featuring the Clock Tower with its famous Moors, St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the legendary Bridge of Sighs. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a marvelous trip to Italy.

Day 12
Venice - Depart for Home
Your tour ends today in Venice.

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)
3/13/2009 - 3/24/2009	$2,799	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
4/17/2009 - 4/28/2009	$2,799	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
4/24/2009 - 5/5/2009	$2,799	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
5/8/2009 - 5/19/2009	$3,199	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
5/15/2009 - 5/26/2009	$3,199	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
6/19/2009 - 6/30/2009	$3,199	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
7/17/2009 - 7/28/2009	$3,199	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
8/21/2009 - 9/1/2009	$3,199	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
9/11/2009 - 9/22/2009	$3,199	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
9/18/2009 - 9/29/2009	$3,199	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
9/25/2009 - 10/6/2009	$3,199	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
10/9/2009 - 10/20/2009	$3,199	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
11/6/2009 - 11/17/2009	$3,099	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
3/12/2010 - 3/23/2010	$2,999	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
4/9/2010 - 4/20/2010	$3,099	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us

Know Before You Go.... Single accommodations are limited. The boat ride to Portofino operates on a weather permitting basis. when the weather is uncooperative, travel will be by bus. On occasion, due to inclement weather, your boat trip to Murano Island may be substituted with a visit to a local glass factory in Venice. Most national museums in Florence, including the Uffizi Gallery and Academy, are closed Mondays. Collette air passengers will arrive into the Milan airport. All Collette transfers will depart from the Milan airport for Stresa. Passport & Visa Information Certain countries require a minimum of 6 months passport validity. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements. IMPORTANT: We recommend that our clients traveling abroad take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact. Time Zone Italy is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. Electricity An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug. Voltage for Europe is 220. Elevation Elevation on this tour will not exceed 1000 feet.

Italian Lake Region, Italian Riviera, Pisa, Florence, Italian Cooking Class, Siena, San Gimignano, Wine Tasting, Venice.

Take a boat ride to your welcome dinner on Isola dei Pescatori.

Explore Lake Orta, one of Italy’s hidden treasures.

A scenic boat ride* shows you the glamorous town of Portofino.

Explore Lucca’s charming piazza and medieval streets.

Enjoy regional Italian wines with every dinner.

Know Before You Go....

Single accommodations are limited.

The boat ride to Portofino operates on a weather permitting basis. when the weather is uncooperative, travel will be by bus.

On occasion, due to inclement weather, your boat trip to Murano Island may be substituted with a visit to a local glass factory in Venice.

Most national museums in Florence, including the Uffizi Gallery and Academy, are closed Mondays.

Collette air passengers will arrive into the Milan airport. All Collette transfers will depart from the Milan airport for Stresa.

Passport & Visa Information
Certain countries require a minimum of 6 months passport validity. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements.

IMPORTANT: We recommend that our clients traveling abroad take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact.

Time Zone
Italy is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

Electricity
An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug. Voltage for Europe is 220.

Elevation
Elevation on this tour will not exceed 1000 feet.

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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.