ITALIAN GEMS with Sonya Moore – 10 Days Tour [5-14 Sep, 2023]

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$3,599.00
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  • Vacation Style Holiday Type
  • Activity Level Leisurely
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  • Group Size Medium Group
    30
All about the ITALIAN GEMS with Sonya Moore – 10 Days Tour [5-14 Sep, 2023].

Experience the Iconic sites of the Eternal City. Discover the treasures of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. See the gems of the Renaissance in Florence’s Academy Gallery, including Michelangelo’s David. Marvel at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Explore Venice’s famous Canals

The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.
  • 08 Nights’ Accommodation in listed hotels or similar based on DBL / TWN sharing basis
  • Daily Breakfast
  • 2 Lunches, 2 Dinner
  • Entrance to the attractions – Vatican Museums/Sistine Chapel (Rome); St Peter Basilica – Earphones Rental (Rome); Single Ticket – Monumental Complex Santa, Maria Del Fiore (Florence); Square of Miracles And Tower (Pisa); Ferro Lazzarini Artistic Glassware (Murano)
  • Transport in private / scheduled touring vehicles
  • Wine Experience in Tuscany
  • Headsets throughout your trip
  • Services of English-speaking assistant for all transfers and sightseeing
  • International roundtrip airfare ex Washington (IAD) in economy class
  • Air taxes and fuel surcharges
  • All local applicable taxes
What is not included in this tour?Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.
  • All other meals
  • All other sightseeing or Services
  • Gratuities for meals, tourist guides, drivers [ Recommended: EUR 7 per person per day]
  • Beverages during the meals
  • Visa fee
  • City Taxes:
  • Rome – EUR 6 per person per night. The same will need to be paid locally
  • Florence – EUR 4.90 per person per night. The same will need to be paid locally
  • Venice – EUR 4,50 per person per night. The same will need to be paid locally
  • Covid Testing RTPCR Fee, if required
  • Porterage at the hotel
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal expenses such as alcoholic and other beverages, telephone calls, and laundry
  • Any other services or Items not mentioned above as included
  • Local city taxes if applicable to be paid directly at hotels upon check out
  1. Day 1 -5 Sep, 2023 USA - Rome [-/-/-]

    Board your overnight flight to Rome today

  2. Day 2 - 6 Sep, 2023 Rome - Arrival [-/-/D]

    Upon arrival in Rome, claim your bags and proceed toward the arrival hall. Our representative will meet you and assist you with your transfer to the hotel. (Standard check-in time is 3:00 pm)

    This evening all participants will gather for dinner in the hotel restaurant where you will become acquainted with your fellow travelers, we can discuss the coming days at leisure with your Tour Guide.

    Overnight in Rome

    Meals: Dinner

  3. Day 3 - 7 Sep, 2023 Rome Sightseeing [B/L/-]

    Today Discover Roman’s squares and fountains and historical attractions at Vatican City

    In the morning, you will visit the Theater of Marcellus, the most ancient theater discovered. Then you will explore the Jewish Ghetto and its fascinating archaeological area of Porticus Octaviae. You will later move on to Campo de’ Fiori, famous for its open-air food market.

    Your tour in the city center of Rome will then continue to the famous Pantheon. You will stop at the Pantheon, world’s largest dome. Then you will arrive in the beautiful Piazza Navona, one of the largest Roman squares, with the famous Bernini’s Fountain. Talking about fountains, you will be able to see the world famous Trevi Fountain, an icon of Rome.

    Your visit of the city center will end with a stop in Piazza di Spagna, where you will see the Spanish StepsYou will then move to a typical restaurant in which you will have a delicious lunch, before moving to the Vatican City.

    After your lunch and before the end of your tour, you will be taken to the most important Catholic site. You will enter the Vatican Museums, admire the Papal art collection, and observe the stunning Museo Gregoriano Profano which documents various moments and themes in classical art, from Ancient Greece through to the late Imperial Roman age.

    Visit the Sistine Chapel, where the Popes are elected, to admire Michelangelo’s famous ceiling. Continue to St. Peter’s Basilica, house of Pope, to wonder at another of his works, the emotive ‘Pietà,’ and stand beneath the dome completed after his death.

    The tour will continue to St. Peter’s Square, with the famous Bernini’s double Colonnade.

    Rest of the day is at leisure. Stroll to the boutiques of the Via del Corso and Via Nazionale or visit the elegant designer stores near the Spanish Steps? As night falls, why not sip a glass of prosecco at a sidewalk cafe in the Piazza Navona, the ’Living Room of Rome’, and enjoy life’s pageantry pass by?

    Overnight in Rome

    Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

  4. Day 4 - 8 Sep, 2023 Rome [B/-/-]

    After breakfast, full day at leisure. Head out and explore Rome to the fullest! Prepare to mix and match 2500+ years of history and discover your own version of Rome. The Eternal City dazzles with iconic Roman ruins, a wealth of art and architecture, and lively historic squares, but Rome can also overwhelm first-time visitors who want to see as many highlights as possible in a limited amount of time.

    Suggest to pre-book one of our suggested add-on tour –

    Add on – Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Tour – USD 99 Per person (minimum 20 travelers)

    Relive the 3,000 years of Roman history on this tour. Explore the ancient Capital – from the Colosseum to the Roman Forum – from the venerable monuments built by the ancient Romans to the more recent Renaissance masterpieces.

    You will begin at the center of Rome itself, at the Palatine Hill. According to the Roman foundation myth, this is where the twins Romulus and Remus were suckled by a she-wolf nearly 3,000 years ago.

    Proceeding onward, you will visit the Colosseum, where your guide will regale you with tales of the incredibly (and sometimes beastly!) exploits that once went on there. You’ll hear about the battles of ancient gladiators against one another as well as wild beasts harvested from around the world, and other public spectacles the likes of which have never since been seen.

    After the Colosseum, you will visit the Roman Forum, once the center of Roman government and public life for both the Empire and the Republic. The tour concludes at the Arch of Titus – perhaps the archetypal model for all triumphal arches constructed since in many areas of the world, including the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

    There is no better way to relive the glory and majesty of Ancient Rome than on this incredible tour, to visit Colosseum, Roman Forum and all Ancient Rome’s landmarks.

    Overnight in Rome

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5 - 9 Sep, 2023 Rome - Florence [B/-/-]

    Meet your guide in the morning, we will leave Rome, heading north towards Florence known as the “Cradle of the Italian Renaissance”. Crossing the region of Tuscany, you will be able to enjoy the extraordinary landscapes, formed by colored hills, splendid vineyards and olive groves of this marvelous land, there will be wonderful panoramas with the medieval towns and villages situated on the hills. Going beyond the Chianti area we will arrive in Florence, an enchanting city that never ceases to amaze us, with its masterpieces of art and Renaissance architecture. Our first stop will be in Piazza Michelangelo to observe the extraordinary panoramic view of the city, then we will go to the historic center to visit the most important artistic and architectural treasures; we will stop in Piazza del Duomo to visit the Cathedral of ”Santa Maria del Fiore”, the Baptistery of San Giovanni and the Campanile of Giotto, monuments of inestimable architectural value and for its colored marbles. After we will go to the Piazza della Signoria which represents the historical pole of the civil life of Florence, here you will see the fountain of Neptune and the Palazzo della Signoria or Palazzo Vecchio, one of the symbols of the city, in front of this building you can see and take pictures with a copy of Michelangelo’s famous David. A few meters away is the majestic Uffizi Gallery, one of the most important museums in the world with works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and many other great artists. Weather permitting, you can also visit the Accademia Gallery, another very important museum for the number of visitors after the Uffizi. Later continuing with our walk, we will reach the ancient, famous and evocative Ponte Vecchio, dotted with local goldsmiths.

    Rest of the day is free to explore. In the evening, you can dine at your favorite restaurant. In this district you can find restaurants serving Italian and several international cuisines.

    Overnight in Florence

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6 - 10 Sep, 2023 Florence- Free Day [B/-/-]

    Note: This is the recommended day to plan Milan trip on own arrangements. See train schedule here: https://www.raileurope.com/

    Full day to wander in Florence, check out the museums, the monuments and some local leather markets in complete freedom or pre-book one of our suggested optional tour.

    Add-on – Siena, Chianti, San Gimignano Day trio from Florence including Lunch – USD 120 Per person [Minimum 20 Pax ]

    Depart from Florence and ride south through the Tuscan countryside. After a scenic drive past the vineyards, arrive in San Gimignano, a medieval hill town best known for its impressive towers and frescoes. Soak up some free time to explore its streets independently before heading to Monteriggioni for a short visit. Then it’s on to the charming village of Chianti for a visit to a hilltop winery. Sit down and sample fine local wines, accompanied by snacks before tucking into a 3-course Chianti-style lunch. Finally, head to Siena and admire the Renaissance artwork inside with your guide before taking off on a walking tour. Take note of the uniquely striped marble of the Siena Cathedral and, if you’ve upgraded, head inside for a guided tour. Your trip concludes with transportation back to Florence.

    Overnight in Florence

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7 - 11 Sep, 2023 Florence- Free Day [B/-/-]

    Full day to wander in Florence, check out the museums, the monuments and some local leather markets in complete freedom or pre-book one of our suggested optional tour.

    Add-on – Full day trip to Cinque Terre including Lunch – USD 145 Per person [minimum 20 pax]

    Cinque Terre is one of Italy’s most captivating landscapes. Translated as ‘five lands,’ the region is made up of five unique fishing villages that line the Italian Riviera. Your day trip begins in central Florence, where meet your guide and hop aboard your coach to head out toward the seashore. Stop first in the southernmost village of Riomaggiore, which dates back to the 13th century. Beloved for its local wine and incomparable scenery, admire the pastel-colored buildings as you follow your guide along the cobblestone streets. Head to the tiny village of Manarola next, home to medieval relics and a plethora of grapevines. Stroll the harbor and take snapshots of the beautiful, bright buildings that cling to the cliff. Then, weather permitting, hop aboard your boat to travel to Monterosso. If you choose to include lunch with your ticket, settle down in one of the village’s restaurants for a traditional helping of seafood and pasta, complemented by wine and water. Afterward, with taste buds and stomach sated, enjoy some time to explore independently. Unpack your bathing suit and hit the jeweled waters of Monterosso’s stunning beaches. Make a final stop in Vernazza, bordered by terraced olive groves that are said to produce some of the finest olive oil in Italy. Explore the bustling square and winding streets at your leisure, before returning back to Florence.

    Overnight in Florence

    Meals: Breakfast

  8. Day 8 - 12 Sep, 2023 Florence-Pisa-Venice [B/L/-]

    After breakfast, we will depart for Venice. Along the way stop at beautiful Tuscan town of Pisa.  Enjoy a walking tour of the center, taking in the main monuments of Cathedral Square (Piazza dei Miracoli). Explore inside Duomo di Pisa, and see the Baptistry, Campo Santo and of course, the square’s crowning glory – the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Pose for obligatory pictures in front of the famously lopsided tower, and then learn about the Romanesque architecture of the equally enchanting Duomo, standing just next to it.

    A special stop is made at a Tuscan winery and farm to enjoy lunch and sample local wines and specialties.

    After lunch, continue towards Venice. Relax and enjoy the scenery as you cross the spectacular Apennine Mountains, through the Emilia-Romagna region – one of Europe’s most intensely farmed fertile plains. Continue through the marshes of the Venetian Lagoon before crossing the causeway into the floating city of Venice.  Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and then spend the rest of your evening at leisure.

    Overnight in Venice

    Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

  9. Day 9 - 13 Sep, 2023 Venice [B/-/D]

    This morning you enjoy a Boat Tour through the famous Venetian Lagoon as you travel to the Island of Murano to see a glass blowing demonstration. Then we make our way to St. Mark’s Square where it’s your choice!

    Join a local expert who will take you on a walking tour of this famous square to view the Basilica and visit the impressive Doge’s Palace along with the legendary Bridge of Sighs -OR- step off the beaten path and explore the Castello Sestiere district with a local expert; see for yourself how the locals live as you walk canal by canal through the narrow streets lined with churches and historic buildings. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

    Continue your tour by boarding your gondola. Float along while enjoying the tranquility of Venice’s canals Enjoy the spectacular view of the Rialto Bridge from the water, and see imposing palazzi such as Ca’ Farsetti, the seat of the municipal government. Admire Palazzo Grimani, the largest building overlooking the Grand Canal and which now hosts the Court of Appeals.

    Continue down Rio San Luca where it passes Palazzo Manin, the residence of the last doge of Venice, Ludovico Manin, and today the Bank of Italy’s Regional headquarters building, before returning to end again at Bacino Orseolo.

    Later enjoy farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

    Overnight in Venice

    Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

  10. Day 10 - 14 Sep, 2023 Venice Departure [B/-/-]

    Today marks the end of your Highlights of Italy vacation. After breakfast and check-out, you’ll be transferred to Venice airport for your flight home.

     

     

Hotel Accommodation
CITY HOTEL NAME NO. OF NIGHTS
ROME  MILTON ROMA HOTEL  

03 NIGHTS

FLORENCE HOTEL FH 55 GRAND HOTEL MEDITERRANEO FIRENZE 03 NIGHTS
VENICE HOTEL AMADEUS 02 NIGHTS
We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Registration Deposit (Non-refundable / Non-transferrable): US$900 per person:

Registration Deposit Due date: 25th Jan 2023

50% Deposit Date: 23rd April 2023

Full Balance:     22nd June 2023

Virtually everything! Hotels, most meals, all of the activities described in the itinerary pages, airport transfers and local guides. Experience and professional Tour Directors and local guides will be with you every step of the way, ensuring a worry free vacation.

A well paced and unhurried itinerary is our goal, after all, you are on vacation! Touring days begin and end at reasonable hours and include frequent stops. You will walk for about 2.5 hours daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with few hills or stairs. You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.

While the occasional early morning departure is necessary, we do our best to ensure a leisurely vacation

We consider adequate travel insurance to be essential. Travel insurance is widely available to purchase. Voyages Hub has signed with World Nomads for providing travel insurance to our travelers. For Insurance quote and purchase, please click – http://voyageshub.com/insurance/. It is the personal responsibility of each traveler to ensure that they have adequate travel insurance cover. Please read the policy details carefully. It is each traveler’s personal responsibility to ensure that the insurance cover purchased is suitable and adequate for their particular needs. Voyages Hub will not be responsible or liable for any consequence of any nature arising from the failure to comply with the responsibility of providing for adequate travel insurance cover.

  • Up to 121 days before departure: $800 per person Non-Refundable Deposit & interruption insurance is retained
  • 120-60 days before departure: 50% of cost per person
  • 59 days or fewer before departure: No refund is available.
  • Note: A person becoming a single as a result of the roommate’s cancellation must pay the single supplement.

We use hotels that are closely monitoring COVID-19 updates and adhering to the guidelines that are set by the National Health Organization and WHO. Along with the Government directions  are preparing to safely reopen and accept guests with thorough precautionary standards set in place, to ensure a safe, healthy and welcoming environment!

Cleanliness and hygiene standards at hotels are of high importance and they have implemented additional measures that meet the latest guidance on hygiene and cleaning, to ensure the safety of our guests and team daily. The hotels are using cleaning & environmentally friendly products and protocols that are effective against viruses.  They are conducting enhanced training and corona virus awareness, updating our team in response to the new standards COVID -19 has set for our well-being, onward

A post signage on entrance door that no one with a fever or symptoms of COVID-19 will be permitted in the hotel Public spaces. They will perform cleaning and disinfection in all public spaces with increased frequency; Hand sanitizers have been placed at all areas  and team facilities including lobby, dining outlets and reception desk, bathrooms and offices. The hotels will provide  surgical masks and gloves to guests and staff according to the new guidelines . Designated signage at all public areas, notifying guests of keeping social distance, wearing masks, use hand sanitizers.

Elevators, must be used by one passenger at a time, or guests sharing the same room. Still, we encourage you to use the stairs.

Rooms. Key prevention protocols are followed to clean the rooms with particular attention paid to high touch items. A rigorous cleaning after guest depart and before the next arrival.  More detailed information is provided in each room

Back of House.  Screening of all teams, in each shift before entering  the Hotel, for symptoms to  Immediately exclude anyone. In the spaces where  Hotels team is working we are increasing the frequency of cleaning and focusing on high-touch areas like  entrances, locker rooms, laundry rooms and  offices

The hotels will ensure to follow Food Safety Policies as well with daily cleaning and disinfection of the kitchen and other food preparation areas, surfaces, proper cooking and storage of food and hygiene practices.

(Please visit individual Hotel Website for Covid-19 related information)

Our suppliers use transport companies, those have implemented to enhance hygiene protocols, to comply with physical distancing requirements by relevant government authorities and to give you peace of mind when you are travelling during these new times.

Following the outbreak of COVID-19, the transport companies  have taken additional measures to elevate our hygiene and sanitary practices in accordance with guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and as required, applicable government regulations.

The Driver training provides them with the latest hygiene protocols. They will clean and disinfect all surfaces including handrails, door handles, tables, seats, air-conditioning filters and overhead lockers on a daily basis.

All our guests are asked to follow hygiene practices recommended by the World Health Organisation including the thorough and regular washing of hands and sanitizing when required.

Hand sanitizer will be available on board for your use throughout the day.

Please bring your own washable face mask and gloves with you, and additional hand sanitizer to make you feel comfortable, as these will be required to be worn in public in some countries.

Should an unexpected situation arise, additional face masks, rubber gloves, antiviral sprays and wipes will be available for guest distribution on all trips.

The health and safety of our passengers and employees is our top priority. As questions and concerns arise as a result of COVID-19, our group of companies has taken a number of precautionary measures to provide the highest level of protection for our customers and team.

Our COVID-19 measures include:

  • The vehicles interiors are completely cleaned and sanitized daily.
  • Drivers now perform a thorough cleaning of the vehicle’s interior surfaces with disinfectant wipes between each trip.
  • Drivers have been issued protective disposable rubber gloves and masks.
  • With the exception of dispatcher, office staff are now working remotely, from home.
  • All employees have been instructed to self monitor, self isolate and seek immediate medical attention if they show any symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Under no circumstance will we allow sick employees to report for work.

We are closely monitoring the situation with guidance from the U.S. Department of State and other relevant U.S. and international authorities. In the event that the international and domestic travel bans and restrictions, governmental orders, and public health advisories will not be sufficiently lifted in time for your tour to depart as scheduled, or that these or other external events make it impractical for suppliers to provide their services at all or in a manner that does not meet our safety and quality standards, **we will notify you around 45 days prior to departure**. If this happens, we will work with you to re-evaluate your plans and options for travel.

Covid-19 Reschedule: Your tour qualifies from a reschedule to a future date based on government advisories. A mutually agreed date with the tour leader will be announced and all the deposits will be retained for future travel for the same trip.

  • In order to enter Italy, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
  • We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
  • There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
  • If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
  • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to Voyageshub/entry-requirements
  • Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
  • Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
  • Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
  • Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
  • We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
  • A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
  • You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
  • It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
  • At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
  • If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
  • If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Voyages Hub at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
  • Tuscany is world-famous for its wine, oil, sauces, and pasta. Menus favor subtle, lighter pasta and desserts made with nuts, fruit, and honey.
  • For more authentic meals, try local trattorias, small restaurants set away from the main piazzas. A typical Italian meal includes wines and the occasional beer, followed by a few sips of after-dinner drinks like grappa or limoncello.
  • Italy operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses Types C, F, or L plugs with two or three small, round pins.
  • We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
  • The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
  • Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
  • Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
  • There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
  • Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
  • Italy is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
  • When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.
  • At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep currency exchange rates in mind.
  • We recommend tipping the equivalent of $ 7 USD to $ 10 USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $ 3 USD per person per day for your driver.
  • If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $ 2 USD per local guide.
  • Tips can only be paid in cash.
  • You will use the euro on this tour.
  • Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
  • We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
  • You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
  • Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
  • International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Voyages Hub reserves the right to levy a surcharge commensurate to the fuel increase at the time of operation of this movement.

Terms and Conditions and Additional Important Information

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