Cupid
Italy Vacation Package to Venice, Florence, Rome, Sicily: 14 Day Italy Vacation
Venice, Florence, Rome, Sicily: 13 nights
This spectacular fourteen-day thirteen-night Italian luxury vacation package provides a fascinating and comprehensive introduction the most beautiful cities in in Italy: Venice, Florence and Rome. In addition, you will spend four fabulous days in Sicily, where the sun truly does shine a little brighter! Marvel at the dazzling splendour of Venice; and the charms and effervescence of Florence, aka "The City of Lilies."
Nothing can compare to the grandeur and history of Rome with its superb museums and San Marco Square. In addition, Sicily may surprise you! This part of Italy is rustic yet impressively scenic.
Day trips to the Island of Capri, Pompeii and Tuscany are well within the realm of possibility.
This package is designed to acquaint travelers with Italy and all of her wonders. Breakfast and most dinners will be provided. Lunch is not included unless stated.
Day 1 (VENICE ARRIVAL TRANSFER)
By the time the pilot drops the landing gear, your personal chauffeur will already be awaiting your arrival. After collecting your luggage, your multilingual driver will spirit you away to a luxury hotel by means of a private vessel. You are free to spend the rest of the day relaxing in your lavish hotel suite, or, wandering around the streets of Venice, Italy. Actually, getting lost in Venice can be quite enchanting! There is a myriad of charming pathways and empty squares to explore—something new around every corner! The Rialto Market is another intriguing option, with its array of fish and unusual food items. Bonus: it is in proximity to the Rialto Bridge, which is always a great "photo opp". You can always check with your travel consultant for suggestions on what to see and do.
Day 2 (VENICE WALKING TOUR)
After a nice breakfast, your licensed, English speaking guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and escort you through Venice to San Marco Square - the beginning of today's private walking tour. This tour will take you inside the Palazzo Ducale di Venezia, and across the famous Bridge of Sighs. The bridge was named such by Lord Byron, during the 19th century. The story goes that the convicts sighed mournfully at their final glimpse of Venice while crossing the bridge on their way down to the gallows. In contrast, legend has it that sweethearts will be imparted eternal love and harmony if they share a kiss on a gondola at sunset beneath the Bridge Of Sighs.
Day 3 (VENICE)
You are free to roam as you will today; and explore Venice to your heart's content. San Sebastiano is a little off the beaten path, and its exterior is rather modest, but wait until you go inside! Italian painter, Paolo Veronese decorated the walls of his parish church with outstanding paintings during the mid-to-late 16th century. The newly refurbished sacristy houses some of Paolo Veronese's earliest works, dating from 1555. In proximity is the church of Angelo Raffaele that offers some exquisite paintings by the Guardi family.
For a walk on the darker side, explore the Ca’Dario, a Palazzo with an attractive Venetian Renaissance architecture along Grand Canal. Its striking rainbow marble facade produces a hypnotic reflection in the Grand Canal, once captured by none other than Claude Monet. Unfortunately, the place seems to be haunted. Beginning with the original owner's daughter, Giovanni Dario, several of its owners have met with mysterious or violent ends, lost millions, and/or became dreadfully ill. Rumor has it that this kind of talk was enough to discourage Woody Allen from purchasing the castle in the 1990s.
Day 4 (VENICE - FLORENCE)
Today, we are off to the fantastic city of Florence! The afternoon and evening will find you on your own in this beautiful city. After you finish admiring its stunning architecture and lavish churches, why not tour the La Specola? Having been the Medici family's private collection, it is now Europe's oldest public museum. La Specola officially opened to the public in 1775. Anyone who appeared to be "clean" was allowed to enter. The wax anatomically correct reproductions were wildly popular-the museum was graced with the presence of such celebrities as Goethe-who promptly wrote The Sorrows of Young Werther, a book about wax mannequins. Unexpectedly empty in the tourist crammed Florence, give the long lines a miss and spend some time in La Specola. No doubt, you will be hungry afterward, and luckily, there are many charming restaurants and cafe’s in Florence from which to choose.
Day 5 (FLORENCE WALKING TOUR)
Have a nourishing breakfast; your energetic travel guide has a walking tour planned. Today, you will experience the city of Florence—also known as the "City of the Lilies." On this journey, you will explore the historical city streets (if only they could talk) that lead to the huge, Gothic Duomo complex. Its exterior, finished in green, white, and pink marble, has several ornate doors and thought-provoking statues. Purchase a ticket and climb the 463 stairs to the top. The view is worth the legwork. Inside, Brunelleschi's Dome is a masterpiece. There, you will see Giotto's bell tower, the bronze doors of Baptistery, mosaics and a marble pavement of the zodiac. The day will wind down with a visit to either the Uffizi Gallery or the Accademia Museum.
Day 6 (FLORENCE)
Once again, you are left to your own devices to discover the lovely city of Florence. Perhaps a day trip is in order. Anyone for Pisa? After a scenic drive through the colorful Tuscan countryside, you will wind along the levee contouring the River Arno as you drive into Pisa. If you are interested in seeing the Leaning Tower, please book tickets in advance, as there is always a long line. If museums are your thing, the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo provides the best summation of Piazza dei Miracoli's triad of architectural masterpieces Home to basilica canons between the 12th and 17th centuries, it offers an abundance of pieces once exhibited in the cathedral, tower and baptistery. Highlights include Giovanni Pisano's ivory sculpture of the Madonna and Child (1300) and his (Madonna of the Colloquium).
Day 7 (FLORENCE - ROME)
After a healthy breakfast, your driver will whisk you off in luxury to the lovely city of Rome! The afternoon and evening are yours to explore, discover and enjoy the Eternal City. One of the unique sites in Rome is commonly referred to as The Bone Church. Its proper name is The Capuchin Crypt, which is located beneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini. For many visitors, especially teenagers, this is a must-see attraction: thousands of bones nailed to the walls and ceiling in complex designs. Many piled one upon another. You will see light fixtures—made of human bones-- dangling from the ceiling. Picture frames, too, designed of skeletal remains of friars and other people. It is projected that the crypt comprises the bones of about 4,ooo people. Legend has it that these bones were used to ornament the chapels and walls of the crypt, as a celebration of life. In another direction, The Spanish Steps aka Scalinata della Trinita dei Monti, affords the ideal venue for (live) people-watching. As well as the great vistas from outside, inside you will see some brilliant frescoes by Daniele da Volterra. His Deposizione is regarded as a work of genius in the mannerist genre of painting.
Day 8 (ROME SIGHTSEEING TOUR)
After breakfast, your licensed, multilingual guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to escort you on delightful adventure through Rome: The City of Seven Hills. You and your guide will tour the mystical ruins of the Imperial era. First, you will visit the Piazza Venezia from whose balcony Mussolini's gave his speeches during the Fascism period. Opposite the square, you will see the imposing Vittorio Emanuele's Monument; the Altare della Patria - which was erected in 1884. It is affectionately known as "the typewriter" due to its shape. These days, little remains of the ancient temple of Jupiter, one of the most serious losses of Roman architecture. Today, a staircase designed by Michelangelo in 1530 ascends the compound of the Capitol. Goethe described it as an enchanted desert palace. There truly is an aura of magic and tranquility around the place. At the focal point of Piazza del Campidoglio, the statue of Marcus Aurelius stands proudly.
Day 9 (ROME)
Today is a day to spend doing whatever you please. A day trip to Tuscany might be fun! You will see the best of the wine country by traveling to the exquisite Val d'Orcia region. Here, you will enjoy the striking landscape at which medieval towns cleave to sunlit hills and rural farms beautify the countryside.
Day 10 (ROME TO SICILY)
Today we are off to Sicily. Your chauffeur will drive you to the airport where you will board your flight to Sicily. Upon your arrival sunshiny Sicily, one of our escorts will be waiting to drive you to your luxury hotel. Enjoy the day relaxing or taking a walk through the quaint villages along the coastline. Sicily is a city filled with breathtaking baroque architecture—specifically Palazzo Beneventano and Palazzo Fava - and edged by precarious cliffs. Off the beaten path, there is rarely another tourist to be seen. From here, you may choose to visit the Modica Marina and Sampieri along Sicily's southern coast. Its sandy stretches of beach and, as well as rock-strewn inlets are worth the the rip.
Day 11 - 12 - 13 (SICILY)
Sicily; a land abundant in history and culture, is ripe for discovery and exploration. Somewhat of a dichotomy, Sicily is home to energetic, tantalizing cities filled with modern art while in certain of villages time seems to have stood still. For something a bit unusual, take a ride to the town of Ispica, about 8 miles southeast of Modica. Situated at the crown of the six-mile-long gorge, is a cave called The Cava d'Ispica. Once used as a Neolithic funeral site, the caves were converted into cave dwellings during medieval times The valley is lush and green; and you can walk an overgrown path length of the gorge.
Another must-see is the Cattedrale di San Pietro: an extraordinary church atop a uneven flight of stairs silhouetted with full-scale statues of the Apostles. Be sure and check with your Leisure Travel Guide for their insights as to activities and sites in Sicily.
Day 14 (SICILY)
After breakfast, you will be driven to the airport to meet your plane for the flight home.
3 Nights Venice3 Nights Florence3 Nights Rome4 Nights Sicily