On this&#160;vacation package to Amalfi Coast Italy, travelers experience the magic of Italy's great triad...Venice, Florence, Rome plus Sorrento. Relax in the comfort of one of our modern, air-conditioned motorcoaches and stay at lovely first class hotels. Enjoy Rome's welcome cocktail and many lunches and dinners at colorful restaurants offering savory regional specialties with the extra perks of free wines, mineral water, coffee or cappuccino. Join an interesting vinegar tasting in Modena and a wine tasting in a local winery on this&#160;Italy tour package. Experience Venice, famed island city of enchanting palaces, gondolas, and piazzas. Delve into the Renaissance city of Florence and see Palazzo Pitti and Michelangelo's statue of the David in the Accademia. On your way to Rome stop in Assisi, the town intimately linked to St. Francis life. In Vatican City visit the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica and Square and, at the Sistine Chapel, see Michelangelo's magnificent ceiling and walls frescoes painted by many celebrated artists. Visit the Spanish Steps, Navona Square and Trevi Fountain, and enjoy Rome's &#34;Dolce Vita&#34;. Travel to Sorrento via Naples and tour Pompeii's well-preserved remains. From the resort of Sorrento there will be special excursions to other iconic jet-set resorts such as Positano, Ravello, Amalfi and its enchanting coastline, and the romantic isle of Capri. All this and much more is what our &#34;Magnificent Italy &amp; the Amalfi Coast&#34;&#160;Italy vacation tour package&#160;is all about.

Morning arrival into Venice&#8217;s Marco Polo Airport. Here you&#8217;ll be met and transferred to your hotel in Venice. The balance of the day is at leisure. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner at a popular restaurant. (D)&#160;&#160;

MON I VENICE 

Your morning tour of Venice is on foot and will highlight the Basilica of St. Mark and the Doge&#8217;s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and Piombi Prison. End the tour with a stop at a &#8220;Bacaro&#8221; for a &#8220;cicchetto. The Bacari, also known as cicchetti bars, are part of the local heritage of food in Venice and they are found in large numbers scattered throughout the historic center. Going for a bacari tour is a local habit but it is also a tasty and convivial pleasure! Afternoon is at leisure with enough time for more sightseeing, shopping or relaxation. (B)

TUE I VENICE 

This morning depart Venice and stop in Maranello, home to the Ferrari Museum! The Museum tells the Ferrari story by delving deep into the history and myth of the &#34;Cavallino&#34; extraordinary roots and taking visitors on a magnificent journey via its most famous and successful F1 cars, legendary sports prototypes and GTs, and, of course, the road cars that have set the benchmark for the entire car industry. After an independent visit of the Museum we will continue to Modena where you&#8217;ll be treated to a special balsamic vinegar tasting session plus lunch, featuring local specialties and Lambrusco wine. After lunch continue to Florence, the home of Michelangelo. (B,L)

WED I VENICE I MARANELLO I MODENA I FLORENCE 

Your morning tour takes you to Michelangelo Square for a panoramic view of the city. Then visit: the Accademia to see Michelangelo&#8217;s original &#8220;David&#8221; statue, Giotto&#8217;s Bell Tower, the Baptistery with its &#8220;Gates of Paradise&#8221; doors, Signoria Square and Santa Croce Church. At the end of the tour you will be treated to a delicious gelato tasting. Legend has it that gelato was first created in Florence. The Medici Family commissioned Bernardo Buontalenti to organize their banquets, and he gave vent to his creativity by inventing a new recipe for a dessert based on milk, honey, egg yolk and a touch of wine. Enjoy your afternoon exploring the treasures of Florence on your own or embark on an optional tour to Pisa featuring dinner at an authentic farmhouse and winery in the enchanting Tuscan countryside. (B)

THU I FLORENCE 

The day is yours to discover the city of Florence, to shop for some local goods or to take an optional excursion to Siena and San Gimignano. Medieval Siena, known for its famed Palio horse races and expansive central Il Campo Plaza, awaits your exploration. Visit Siena&#8217;s Duomo, considered to be one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in Italy. In San Gimignano, stroll the old-world center and take in the fascinating architecture and towers that offer amazing views of the city and the surrounding valley. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

FRI I FLORENCE  

Morning departure for Rome. Drive through the serene Tuscan and Umbrian countryside, passing by the shores of Lake Trasimeno with a stop at a local winery where a wine expert will lecture on the vinification process. After a delicious tasting of the varieties of wines produced there and a light lunch, continue to Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to enjoy your guided tour of St. Francis Basilica. Arrive in Rome in the late afternoon. (B,L)

SAT I FLORENCE I ASSISI I ROME 

This morning, embark on a guided tour of Classical Rome. Stroll along cobbled laneways, stop by the Spanish Steps, one of Rome&#8217;s most recognizable landmarks immortalized in countless postcards and films, toss a coin in the magnificent Trevi Fountain to ensure a return to Rome, see Piazza Navona, one of the finest Baroque masterpieces in papal Rome, and imagine it as the Ancient Stadium of Domitian capable of holding 30 thousand spectators in the ancient times. Afternoon at leisure to discover the Eternal City on your own, for some shopping or to join an optional tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum. Tonight, learn the secrets of the Italian cuisine during a cooking class under the guidance of a chef who will share his passion for food and cooking (B, D)

SUN I ROME 

This morning, experience a very special privately guided tour of the priceless collection of art and treasures in the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum. Rest of the day at leisure to relax or discover why Roman trattorias are famous for their fine cuisine. Tonight, bid arrivederci to Rome at a special festive dinner with wine and music in one of the most famous restaurants in Trastevere. (B,D)

MON I ROME 

This morning, before heading to Sorrento, stop in Pompeii, the ancient city covered by volcanic lava 2,000 years ago, for a guided tour of the remarkably preserved ruins of temples, houses, gardens and public buildings. Then, drive along the spectacular coast road of the Bay of Naples to Sorrento, the famous resort town of orange and lemon groves. Dinner at your hotel restaurant is included. (B,D)

TUE I ROME I POMPEII I SORRENTO 

Today, enjoy a guided excursion to the world-renowned Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This coastal road along the southern edge of Italy's Sorrentine Peninsula offers breathtaking views of a rugged shoreline dotted with picturesque fishing villages, small beaches, terraced vineyards, and lemon groves. After a brief stop at the Belvedere for a unique view of Positano's Moorish architecture blended with pastel color houses, continue to the lovely towns of Amalfi and Ravello. Enjoy a &#8220;Limoncello tasting&#8221; during the tour. Made only by lemons, sugar and pure alcohol, it is the most famous produced liqueur in the south of Italy. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. (B,L)

WED I SORRENTO I POSITANO I AMALFI I RAVELLO I SORRENTO 

A morning jetfoil whisks you across the blue Bay of Naples to the fabled Isle of Capri, where you will ascend to the Piazzetta, visit the Floral Gardens of Caesar Augustus, and still have free time for lunch and some shopping before returning to Sorrento. Tonight dinner is at a local restaurant. (B,D)

THU I SORRENTO I CAPRI I SORRENTO 

Morning transfer to Naples&#8217; Capodichino Airport for your return flight home. (B)

FRI I SORRENTO TO USA (OR EXTEND YOUR STAY) 

MAGNIFICENT ITALY & THE AMALFI COAST

Hotel Cavalletto and Doge Orseolo overlooks the Orseolo Basin, one of the most famous and enchanting places of the old town center, an exclusive access to the splendor of Saint Mark's Square, just 50 meters away. Immediately behind Saint Marks's Square, with rooms overlooking the romantic Orseolo Basin, the Hotel Cavalletto & Doge Orseolo is one of the oldest hotels in Venice. In an extraordinary location, in the heart of the old town center, Hotel Cavalletto & Doge Orseolo offers exclusive access to Saint Mark's Square, where you will find the domes of Saint Mark's Basilica, the imposing Ducal Palace and the tall bell tower.

Grand Hotel Adriatico is just a 5 minute walk from the Santa Maria Novella train station in the heart of Florence allowing for guests to quickly access the city's main attractions. Located 5 minutes from Santa Maria Novella Church and Oltrarno - San Frediano district; and 10 minutes from Piazza Duomo, Uffizi Galleries and Ponte Vecchio.<div>Daily breakfast. City tax not included and to be paid locally.</div>

Nestled in Rome’s historic city center, within walking distance from  Rome Termini Station top tourist destinations, the 4-star Hotel Mediterraneo offers authentic Art Déco hotel accommodation with breathtaking views over Rome. Located in a listed building and distinguished by its 1930’s original décor, Hotel Mediterraneo is the ultimate city retreat.

Designed by Art Deco architect Mario Loreti in 1938, it sits on top of Esquilino Hill, the highest of Rome’s Seven Hills, offering unparalleled views of Rome. The hotel takes its name from the Mediterranean sea, and the marine theme can be admired throughout its 11 floors and 242 rooms. The marble busts of Roman emperors and mosaics depicting the story of Ulysses adorn the hall. The entire interior is dominated by luxurious materials such as wood and marble and the walls are adorned with imposing mosaics. The main hall is completed by a marvelous staircase built with cantilevered blocks of marble - which is still studied by architects today. 

Upon entering the breakfast hall, you will find yourself surrounded by exquisite marine themed decorative elements such as carved oak figureheads depicting tritons and mermaids, while just beyond you will find a stylish bar designed by Loreti featuring an alabaster countertop. This beautifully lit lounge room displays a large parchment map of the Mediterranean Sea and an inlay of precious woods.

Grand Canal and Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, Venice

Balsamic Vinegar of Modena

Santa Maria dei Fiori Duomo, Florence

Spanish Steps, Rome

Positano

Travel on this, one of our best&#160;Italy vacation tour packages&#160;and revel in renowned attractions and exquisite sites from Doge's Palace in Venice where travelers will see the beautiful rooms decorated by 16 century artists, to Piazza Della Signoria in Florence, and the iconic Sistine Chapel in Rome, plus so much more during your 9-day immersion into &#34;la dolce vita!&#34; Central Holidays&#8217;&#160;Northern Italy vacation packages&#160;take travelers to live the tapestry of sights, sounds, flavors, and feelings of the true Italy. Travel via deluxe motorcoach and stay in well-appointed, centrally-located first class hotels on all of our&#160;Italy travel packages&#160;like this inspired escorted travel program. Enjoy Italy's renowned cuisine at each lunch or dinner, featuring included extras such as wines, mineral water, coffee or cappuccino. Your heart and soul will delight in the unforgettable sights along the way: Piazza San Marco in Venice, Michelangelo's masterpiece of the David at the Accademia in Florence and the ceiling frescoed by the artist in the Sistine Chapel in Rome, the grandeur of St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, St. Francis' town of Assisi, and so much more! Come discover virtually unlimited art, monuments, landmarks, side walk cafes, trattorias, and places to mingle with Venetians, Florentines, and Romans in Italy every step of the way on this exciting Italian adventure.

Morning arrival into Venice&#8217;s Marco Polo Airport. Here you&#8217;ll be met and transferred to your hotel in Venice. The balance of the day is at leisure. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner at a popular restaurant. (D)

This morning, embark on a guided tour of Classical Rome. Stroll along cobbled laneways, stop by the Spanish Steps, one of Rome&#8217;s most recognizable landmarks immortalized in countless postcards and films, toss a coin in the magnificent Trevi Fountain to ensure a return to Rome, see Piazza Navona, one of the finest Baroque masterpieces in papal Rome, and imagine it as the Ancient Stadium of Domitian capable of holding 30 thousand spectators in the ancient times. Afternoon at leisure to discover the Eternal City on your own, for some shopping or to join an optional tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum. Tonight, learn the secrets of the Italian cuisine during a cooking class under the guidance of a chef who will share his passion for food and cooking (B, D)

Morning transfer to airport for your return flight home. (B)

TUE I ROME TO USA (OR EXTEND YOUR STAY)

ITALY'S NORTHERN HIGHLIGHTS

Located on the &#8216;Lungarni&#8217; (literally- along Arno- referring to the river of that name) with the Ponte San Niccol&#242; bridge just a few feet away, the Grand Mediterraneo is strategically placed to visit Florence on foot and the ideal choice for joggers and cyclists. We are easily accessible by car and are waiting to offer you the very best of Florentine hospitality.&#10;For those arriving by air we have a shuttle service to and from the Amerigo Vespucci airport in Florence. This service is available by request for a fee.<div> </div><div>Breakfast Included - City Taxes to be paid directly in hotel. </div>

Venice

Prato della Valle, Padua

San Gimignano Countryside

Wine Tasting

Trevi Fountain, Rome

Travelers indulge in a breathtaking 7-day Italy vacation tour of the fascinating diversity of Rome and the Sorrentine Peninsula. Experience history as you stroll Rome's streets, avenues and piazzas. Featured tours take you to explore mesmerizing sights including: the magnificent Spanish Steps, the majestic Trevi Fountain, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel's ceiling, a masterpiece by Michelangelo. On your way to the Sorrentine Peninsula, drive through Naples and Pompeii; the town covered by volcanic lava 2,000 years ago, today left with remarkably preserved ruins of temples, houses, gardens and public buildings. From Sorrento, amid orange and lemon groves, you will take excursions to the villages of the Amalfi coastline...Positano, Amalfi, Ravello and the isle of Capri, all immersed in heavenly climate and facing immense azure seascapes. This Italy tour package is a perfect balance of history and enchanting natural settings you will always treasure.

Morning arrival into Rome&#8217;s Leonardo da Vinci Airport. Here you&#8217;ll be met and transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure.

SAT I ROME 

This morning, before heading to Sorrento, stop in Pompeii, the ancient city covered by volcanic lava 2,000 years ago, for a guided tour of the remarkably preserved ruins of temples, houses, gardens, and public buildings. Then, drive along the spectacular coast road of the Bay of Naples to Sorrento, the famous resort town of orange and lemon groves. Dinner at your hotel restaurant is included. (B,D)

Today, enjoy a guided excursion to the world-renowned Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This coastal road along the southern edge of Italy's Sorrentine Peninsula offers breathtaking views of a rugged shoreline dotted with picturesque fishing villages, small beaches, terraced vineyards, and lemon groves. After a brief stop at the Belvedere for a unique view of Positano's Moorish architecture blended with pastel color houses, continue to the lovely towns of Amalfi and Ravello. Enjoy a &#8220;Limoncello tasting&#8221; during the tour. Made only by lemons, sugar and pure alcohol, it is the most famous produced liqueur in the south of Italy. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. (B,L)

ITALY'S SUNBELT, ROME & THE AMALFI COAST

Set amid the colors and scents of Sorrento, presenting Grand&#10;Hotel Flora. A four-star hotel where architecture, art, passion and flavors&#10;come together to unveil Sorrento and all the surrounding beauties you can enjoy&#10;thanks to its central, unique and privileged vantage point. Its elegant and&#10;refined atmosphere is enhanced by a fine Vietri floor and exquisite furniture&#10;inlays. For years, the Grand Hotel Flora has welcomed and thrilled travelers&#10;from all over the world through a unique hospitality experience. High-quality&#10;service combines with attention to detail to give each guest a tailor-made&#10;stay. Grand Hotel Flora is considered one of the most central and comfortable&#10;4-star hotels, perfect for holidays on the Sorrento Coast.<div> </div><div>Daily breakfast included, hotel city tax not included and to be paid locally</div>

Ruins of the Roman Forum

Amalfi Coast

Capri Island

Ravello Village

On this escorted&#160;Italy tour package&#160;visit Florence, Rome, and Sorrento for 10 days with excursions to some of Italy's most compelling sites...from the splendors of the Renaissance in Florence to the ruins of ancient Rome, to the sunny Amalfi coastline. Come discover some of Italy's most memorable sights on this splendid&#160;Italy vacation tour package...Michelangelo's statue of David in Florence, the crypt with St. Francis remains in Assisi, Rome's Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museum's treasures, St. Peter's Basilica, the Great Synagogue, the unearthed ancient city of Pompeii, which volcanic lava covered 2,000 years ago, Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, the romantic isle of Capri and the Floral Gardens of Augustus and Villas Rufolo's tropical gardens, which inspired Wagner's opera Parsifal. Shop for leather goods and antiques at open-air markets in Florence, at designers' shops in Rome's Via Condotti, or at craft shops in the Amalfi area. Naturally you'll enjoy renowned and savory cuisine and wines on this comprehensive Best of&#160;Italy travel package&#160;by Central Holidays. Get ready to discover the true essence of Italy on this outstanding travel experience.

Morning arrival into Florence&#8217;s Peretola Airport. Here you&#8217;ll be met and transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure to allow you to get acquainted with the city where the Renaissance reached its highest point.

WED I FLORENCE

Your morning tour takes you to Michelangelo Square for a panoramic view of the city. Then visit: the Accademia to see Michelangelo&#8217;s original &#8220;David&#8221; statue, Giotto&#8217;s Bell Tower, the Baptistery with its &#8220;Gates of Paradise&#8221; doors, Signoria Square and Santa Croce Church. Enjoy your afternoon exploring the treasures of Florence on your own or embark on an optional tour to Pisa featuring dinner at an authentic farmhouse and winery in the enchanting Tuscan countryside. (B)

This morning, embark on a guided tour of Classical Rome. Stroll along cobbled laneways, stop by the Spanish Steps, one of Rome&#8217;s most recognizable landmarks immortalized in countless postcards and films, toss a coin in the magnificent Trevi Fountain to ensure a return to Rome, see Piazza Navona, one of the finest Baroque masterpieces in papal Rome, and imagine it as the Ancient Stadium of Domitian capable of holding 30 thousand spectators in the ancient times. Afternoon at leisure to discover the Eternal City on your own, for some shopping or to join an optional tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum. (B)

This morning, before heading to Sorrento, stop in Pompeii, the ancient city covered by volcanic lava 2,000 years ago, for a guided tour of the remarkably preserved ruins of temples, houses, gardens and public buildings. Then, drive along the spectacular coast road of the Bay of Naples to Sorrento, the famous resort town of orange and lemon groves. Dinner at your hotel restaurant is included. (B,D)

Today, enjoy a guided excursion to the world-renowned Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This coastal road along the southern edge of Italy's Sorrentine Peninsula offers breathtaking views of a rugged shoreline dotted with picturesque fishing villages, small beaches, terraced vineyards, and lemon groves. After a brief stop at the Belvedere for a unique view of Positano's Moorish architecture blended with pastel color houses, continue to the lovely towns of Amalfi and Ravello. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. (B,L)

Morning transfer to Naples&#8217; Capodichino Airport for your return flight home. (B)

BEST OF ITALY

Florence

Piazza Del Campo In Siena

Basilica Of St. Francis Of Assisi

Italian Gelato at Trevi Fountain, Rome

Delve into the mysteries and history of enchanting Sardinia on this 7-day/6-night private escorted&#160;Sardinia Italy vacation package&#160;where the dreamiest of white sand beaches and scalloped bays meet with Bronze Aged settlements and mind-bending structures. Stroll along Piscinas&#8217; Dunes, one of the most magnificent beaches of the &#8220;Costa Verde&#8221; known for some of the highest sand dunes in Europe. Explore Tharros Town, a Phoenician port dating back to the 8th century B.C. where many Egyptian scarabs were found. Let history come to life on your private escorted&#160;Italy travel package&#160;as you discover Domus de Janas, one of the largest and most important necropolises, and the Bronze Aged Nuraghe of Santu Antne tower and fortified court that dates back to 1500 BC. Visit the Neolithic archeological site Ziggurat of Monte d'Accoddi, featuring a megalithic altar shaped as a Mesopotamic Ziggurat. Enjoy a Malvasia wine tasting, the local grape in Tresnuraghes, a commune in the Province of Oristano. Venture along to the archaeological site of Nora, an extraordinary example of a city of Punic and Roman times overlooking a glorious beach. Adventure, natural beauty, and amazing history await you on this superb, private escorted&#160;trip to Italy.

Welcome to Sardinia! Upon arrival in Cagliari Airport, you will meet your tour escort and be transferred to Oristano for dinner and overnight. (D)

Cagliari | Oristano

The eastern zone of Sardinia is known for its impressive coal mines, and today you will visit one of the most ancient of these. Your guide will show you this incredible construction and its production workshops. After, head to Piscinas&#8217; Dunes, one of the most magnificent beaches of the &#8220;Costa Verde&#8221; where you can stroll among its sandy hills, known to be some of the highest in Europe. After free time for lunch, visit Tharros Town, a Phoenician port dating back to the 8th century B.C. where many Egyptian scarabs were found. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Oristano. (B,D)

Oristano | Montevecchio Mines | Piscinas' Dunes | Tharros | Oristano

After breakfast head to Bonorva and visit the Domus de Janas, one of the largest and most important necropolises in Sardinia dating back to the Late Neolithic period. Stop in a farm nearby to have a delicious lunch featuring fresh farm to table ingredients. Next, travel on to the Nuraghe of Santu Antine, a magnificent ritual fortress with a central tower surrounded by a fortified court and three side towers set as a perfect triangle that dates back to the 2nd millennium BC. Head to Sassari for dinner and overnight at hotel. (B,L,D)

Oristano | Necropolis of Sant' Andrea Priu | Nuraghe Santu Antine | Sassari

Today we venture along to Codrongianos and visit The Basilica della Santissima Trinit&#224; di Saccargia, the most important Romanesque site on the island. Next, visit the Neolithic archeological site Ziggurat of Monte d&#8217;Accoddi, featuring a megalithic altar shaped as a Mesopotamic Ziggurat, a rectangular stepped tower. Continue on to Alghero for lunch on your own in one of the many restaurants or pubs. Here you can stroll through this beautiful town with its fortified walls and ancient palaces from the Aragonese era. Head back to Sassari for dinner and overnight at hotel. (B,D)

Sassari I Condrongianos I Monte D’Accoddi I Alghero I Sassari

After breakfast, stop in Bosa for a guided tour of the town. From Piazzale Nasiriyah, visit the Cathedral where you can admire the paintings by Emilio Scherer and other important works of art; walk along the Corso Vittorio Emanuele between palaces of the nineteenth century; and see typical houses perched along the hill of Serravalle. Head on to Tresnuraghes for a wine tasting of Malvasia, the typical grapes of this area of Sardinia. Here you will visit a small cellar with high quality production. Enjoy free time for lunch before venturing along to Cagliari for dinner and overnight at hotel. (B,D)

Sassari | Bosa | Cagliari

The day&#8217;s adventuring starts today in Nora, one of the first settlements to be founded in Sardinia by the Phoenicians, situated on a promontory just outside Pula and Southwest of Cagliari. Travel back in time as you stroll along the oldworld Roman Roads and delve into the Roman Architecture. Head back to Cagliari and enjoy free time for lunch on your own. This afternoon you will join in a guided tour of Cagliari, exploring sights including the 17th-century cathedral, known for its ornate Baroque interior as well as two grand-looking towers and its magnificent bastions. Enjoy dinner and overnight in your hotel in Cagliari. (B,D)

Cagliari | Nora | Cagliari

Savor breakfast at your hotel before closing out your enchanting vacation in Sardinia. Transfer to Cagliari airport for your flight home. (B)

Cagliari to USA (or extend your stay)

THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF SARDINIA

Cagliari

Alghero

Oristano

Sassari

Bosa

Get ready to mangia bene! On this exquisite&#160;Italy vacation package, come savor the finest Italian cuisine with hands-on tasting experiences that include famed wines from the Emilia Romagna region of the country. Chock-full of private excursions perfect for tailor creating your ideal&#160;Italy travel package, this fascinating 5-day&#160;trip to Italy&#160;includes a private guided walking tour of Bologna including tasting experiences of chocolate, tortellini, and cured meats; a private tour of Maranello including visits to the Ferrari Museum, Fiorano Track and the Lamborghini or Maserati Museum; a private excursion to the Food Valley including tastings of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Lambrusco wine, and balsamic vinegar; and a fun-filled full day excursion to Parma, including a professionally guided walking tour and visit of a prosciutto factory with tasting.

Arrive and transfer to your hotel in Bologna, the perfect destination for a journey that will tantalize your taste buds, and leave you with unforgettable memories. This evening, get acquainted with the locals and enjoy an &#8220;aperitivo&#8221; at a cocktail bar. Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant. (D)

Bologna

Today, your local guide will introduce you to Bologna, the capital city of Emilia Romagna, often referred to as Italy&#8217;s gastronomic capital. Your exploration of Bologna will start from Piazza Maggiore, the main square and the heart of town, and the center of Bologna&#8217;s political and social life since the 13th Century. The square was also home to one of Europe&#8217;s biggest open-air markets until the mid-1800s, with goods coming from all parts of the world. While strolling with your guide, you will see the statue of Neptune, the Basilica of San Petronio, the Medieval market, the Two Towers and the Archiginnasio, the first permanent seat of the ancient University of Bologna, and the Anatomical Theatre, a hall made of carved wood that was built to carry out anatomy lessons. During your visit of Bologna, you will make a stop at Majani&#8217;s*, the maker of Italy&#8217;s first solid chocolate, and at Atti&#8217;s, a must in Bologna, where you will learn about the history of &#8220;tortellini&#8221; also known as the famous &#8220;Navel of Venus,&#8221; a historical specialty and symbol of Bologna. The tour will end at Tamburini, an informal store/enoteca where everything is made in-house. Here you will taste delicious products, such as mortadella, Parmigiano Reggiano, and salami, accompanied by local wine. (B)

Today, your senses will be awakened by the sights, sounds, and flavors of the &#8220;Fast Car Land.&#8221; Your guide will share the history of the region and why it has been home to some of the most important Italian brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati, and Maserati. Whether you are a sports car fanatic, or simply wanting to extend your Italian cultural experience, you will be amazed with the Ferrari Museum tour. Located next to the actual factory where each &#8220;Cavallino&#8221; is born, this modern museum will take you on a ride thought the history of Ferrari and its iconic sports and race cars. Visit the newly updated Hall of Victories to see the actual world champion F1 cars that have thrilled millions of race fans over the years, and the Fiorano track, created by Enzo Ferrari in 1971 for testing all the cars produced by the Prancing Horse company. After lunch at a local trattoria, your tour will end with a visit of the Maserati or Lamborghini Museum. Overnight in Bologna. (B,L)

Bologna | Maranello | Bologna

Get ready for a day filled with superb local food tasting experiences. The Food Valley is known and appreciated worldwide as the heart of a territory that has for centuries held vast secrets of the area&#8217;s celebrated wine and food. The area boasts 43 PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) products, that range from Parma ham to Parmigiano Reggiano, Modena traditional balsamic vinegar, and Culatello, to mention a few. Regarded by many as the &#8220;King&#8221; of Italian cheeses, you will have the rare opportunity to see up close how Parmigiano Reggiano is created and aged. You will walk into a live production facility and stand side by side with craftsmen as they prepare and work the special milk, fill the iconic molds, and age the cheese to perfection. Finally, you will enjoy a generous tasting of a variety of ages, along with some local Lambrusco wine, to help you understand why this cheese always lives up to its heavenly reputation. After lunch at a local restaurant, we are off to visit an &#8220;acetaia&#8221; for a tasting of its 15, or even 30 year-old barrel-aged balsamic vinegar. Overnight in Bologna. (B,L)

Bologna | Food Valley | Bologna

Today you continue your journey through the Food Valley with a visit of Parma. Your walking tour will start from Piazza Garibaldi, the heart of the city, and continue to the evocative Cathedral and the wonderful Baptistery. Continue your tour with a visit of an artisanal prosciutto production facility. Here, you will tour and see the full process and understand the many painstaking and time-consuming steps required to produce this one of a kind cured meat. We will visit the different seasonal simulation storage rooms before trying some of the highest quality, freshly sliced tastings you will ever have of this classic. Overnight in Bologna. (B)

Bologna | Parma | Bologna

Morning transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

Bologna to USA (or extend your stay)

EXPERIENCE ITALY'S FOOD VALLEY & FAST CARS

Prosciutto Factory, Parma

Fast Car Land

Traditional Maranello Flag Throwers

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Aging

Southern Italy beckons you on this captivating&#160;Naples Italy tour package&#160;chock-full of once-in-a-lifetime moments and culinary experiences for you to enjoy. Explore Naples and take in the historic sights, whizzing around the city on a private Vespa tour. Shop a local market on this distinctive&#160;Italy vacation tour&#160;with a Neapolitan chef and gather ingredients for a hands-on cooking lesson followed by lunch overlooking the Bay of Naples. Learn the secrets of Neapolitan cuisine and join in a cooking class with wine tasting at the historical residence of the Mustilli winery&#8217;s owners. This captivating&#160;Italy vacation package&#160;takes you to try your hand at hand-crafting your own pottery and making a &#8220;corno&#8221; &#8211; a little red horn said to protect against the evil eye. Take part in a gnocchi pasta cooking lesson and wine tasting at a wine estate near the foot of Mount Vesuvius. Exclusive experiences are yours for the taking!

Arrive in glorious Naples in the south of Italy. Here you&#8217;ll be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The balance of the day is at leisure to explore on your own.

Naples

Get ready for an amazing day starting with breakfast at your hotel, then hop on a Vespa for an exciting private tour. Discover the island of Nisida and ride along the panoramic Via Petrarca. Enjoy views from the terrace of Sant&#8217;Antonio a Posillipo, the imposing Castel dell&#8217;Ovo, the elegant Piazza Trieste e Trento, and Piazza Plebiscito. Hop off to explore by foot and break for coffee and cake at the exclusive and panoramic Caf&#233; Miranapoli. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

After breakfast at your hotel, you will meet Marianna, a lovely Neapolitan local chef who will lead your next adventure. Stroll along with her to the local market, shop for fresh ingredients, and then on to the chef&#8217;s home, to start your cooking class. Take part in this hands-on cooking lesson featuring an inspired fish menu including mussels gratin, spaghetti with clams, stuffed squid, and Zeppole di San Giuseppe (famous Neapolitan fritters with cream and cherries). Then savor your delightful lunch with wine overlooking the Gulf of Naples. Afternoon at leisure. (B,L)

Rise and shine with breakfast at your hotel and get ready to learn the secrets of Neapolitan cuisine. Your driver will take you to Sant&#8217;Agata de&#8217; Goti, a village situated in the heart of the Campania countryside dating back to the 5th century. Enjoy a cooking class at the historical residence of the Mustilli winery&#8217;s owners with a meal that celebrates typical local dishes. Sample two wines from the Mustilli selection during your delectable lunch. Return to Naples. (B,L)

Naples I Sant’Agata De’ Goti I Naples

Have breakfast at the hotel and meet your guide for a walking tour through &#8220;Spaccanapoli,&#8221; a sequence of alleys following the ancient Greek grid plan that traverses old Naples. See the handcrafted statues in San Gregorio Armeno, and then continue to a pottery store and try your hand at making a &#8220;corno&#8221; &#8211; a little red horn said to protect against the evil eye. Taste mouth-watering street food at a &#8220;tarallificio&#8221; and visit a fifth-generation umbrella factory before free time for lunch on your own. Continue your tour of Spaccanapoli in the afternoon where you will learn the traditions of clay and terracotta, and decorate your own piece of pottery in a bottega. (B)

After breakfast at your hotel, a short drive will take you to a wine estate situated at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. Here you will learn how to make &#8220;gnocchi,&#8221; a typical local homemade pasta. After the hands-on pasta lesson, visit the vineyards and then enjoy lunch accompanied by five different types of wine that await for you to sample. Tonight, say farewell to Naples with dinner in a private Neapolitan home. Independent return to your hotel. (B,L,D)

Naples | Mount Vesuvius | Naples

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)

Naples to USA (or extend your stay)

COLORS & FLAVORS OF NAPLES

Naples Bay with View of Mount Vesuvius

Fresh Handmade Gnocchi

Spaccanapoli

Street Food in Naples

Pulcinella Puppet from Naples

This independent vacation to Rome lets you customize the ultimate trip just for you. Central Holidays tailor-created When in Rome vacation features a variety of options and additions that cater to all different budgets. Each &#8220;When In&#8221; Italy travel package includes accommodations per the program and breakfast daily, as well as sightseeing, excursions, and experiential activities based on the package selected&#8230;Travel in Simplicity, Travel in Style, or Travel in Luxury. Travel to Rome and soak in the Roman culture as you stroll past ancient ruins, absorb the impressive architecture, explore everything from Imperial temples to early-Christian churches and medieval bell towers to Baroque basilicas and playful piazzas, or taste the mouthwatering regional delicacies at a local trattoria. Visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Spanish Steps, and Trevi Fountain&#8230;and Vatican City&#8217;s Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Square. Italy&#8217;s renowned capital city is a constant among &#8220;top ten&#8221; lists of places to visit that welcomes, embraces, and captivates travelers at every turn.

WHEN IN ROME

Navona Square

Castel Sant' Angelo

Trevi Fountain

St. Peter's Cathedral

Colosseum

Delve into this magical and magnificent city known for its art, history and culture on this independent &#8220;When In&#8221;&#160;vacation to Florence, Italy. Central Holidays tailor-created When in&#160;Florence travel package&#160;features a variety of options and additions that cater to all different budgets. Each &#8220;When In&#8221;&#160;Italy travel package&#160;includes accommodations per the program and breakfast daily, as well as sightseeing, excursions, and experiential activities based on the package selected&#8230;Travel in Simplicity, Travel in Style, or Travel in Luxury. From Brunelleschi&#8217;s Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio to Michelangelo&#8217;s David at the Accademia and the city&#8217;s breathtaking view from Pitti Palace overlooking the famous Boboli Gardens, Florence inspires and delights at every turn.&#160;Travel to Florence&#160;for amazing Renaissance architecture, world- renowned paintings and sculptures, fine leatherwork and jewelry, plus sumptuous food, wine, and culture brimming with historical attractions such as the Piazza della Signoria, the Baptistery, the Duomo Cathedral, and much more.

Flyer Example

WHEN IN FLORENCE

Aerial View of Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiore and Florence

Dome of Florence Baptistery

The Ponte Vecchio

Palazzo Pitti in Florence

Michelangelo's David

Experience this famed island city of enchanting palaces, bridges, and canals on this independent &#8220;When In&#8221;&#160;Venice, Italy vacation. Central Holidays tailor-created When in&#160;Venice travel package&#160;features a variety of options and additions that cater to all different budgets. Each &#8220;When In&#8221;&#160;Italy travel package&#160;includes accommodations per the program and breakfast daily, as well as sightseeing, excursions, and experiential activities based on the package selected&#8230;Travel in Simplicity, Travel in Style, or Travel in Luxury. Your trip to Florence, Italy takes you to discover such renowned sites as the Basilica of St. Mark, Bridge of Sighs, and Doge&#8217;s Palace. Venice is where beauty, charm and romance combine effortlessly along its narrow streets, waterside cafes, and in its main square &#8211; Piazza San Marco where locals and travelers intermingle. Along the Grand Canal, take a Gondola ride at leisure and see some of the most beautiful palaces in Europe. For a captivating look at each island&#8217;s unique offerings, visit nearby Murano, famous as Italy&#8217;s glassmaking capital, and Burano, acclaimed for is picture-perfect colorful houses and hand-made lace.

WHEN IN VENICE

Exterior of Venetian Basilica

Gondola Detail at Grand Canal

Rialto Bridge

Piazza San Marco with Campanile and Doge's Palace

Murano Glass Candy

Travel to Tuscany&#160;for some fun motoring along autostradas and picturesque country roads, taking as much time as you desire to enjoy Italy&#8230;it&#8217;s your ideal tailor-made adventure &#8220;under the Tuscan sun!&#8221; On this independent&#160;trip to Tuscany&#160;discover amazing Renaissance architecture, world-renown paintings and sculptures, fine leatherwork and jewelry, plus sumptuous food, wine, and culture exploring Tuscany where you can visit the acclaimed cities and towns of Florence, Pisa, Siena, Lucca, San Gimignano, Montecatini, and more. Travelers can enjoy the idyllic countryside of Tuscany, discover bliss amid the vineyards and olive groves, and live like a local across the charming villages of one of Italy's most beautiful regions. It&#8217;s no wonder so many romantic films are set in this area! Our Fly and Drive&#160;Italy travel packages&#160;give you flexibility and savings too with splendidly affordable rates negotiated by our destination specialists and backed by our buying power. We secure car rentals discounted as deeply as 50 to 60 percent off local rates, are on hand to confirm your hotel accommodations, and suggest itineraries for you to explore. Coast along autostradas and winding country roads, taking as much time as you like to enjoy your destinations of choice.

Pick up your rental car and begin your exploration of Tuscany in the elegant spa of Montecatini, where water curative effects coexist seamlessly with local gastronomy. (B)

Montecatini Terme

Spend a morning in Pisa and visit Piazza dei Miracoli where the iconic Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, and the Baptistery form a miraculous architectural ensemble. (B)

Montecatini Terme | Pisa | Montecatini Terme (Approx. 68 Miles)

Travel to Arezzo (approx.80 miles), an extraordinary city of art also renowned for its goldsmiths and antiques traders. Explore the old town, home to valuable monuments including the imposing Medici Fortress, the Cathedral and the Diocesan Museum, and Piazza Grande, the beautiful main square surrounded by elegant buildings, medieval towers and the Renaissance style &#8220;Loggiato Vasariano&#8221;. Continue your journey to Siena (approx. 45 miles). (B)

Montecatini Terme | Arezzo | Siena (Approx. 125 Miles)

Siena&#8217;s historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the beautiful Piazza del Campo, where the Palio, the renowned horse race, is staged. In the afternoon, explore San Gimignano (approx. 23 miles), another UNESCO World Heritage site. Emerging from a promontory, this medieval town is still encircled by defensive walls and 15 house-towers that seem to beckon travelers. (B)

Siena | San Gimignano | Siena (Approx. 46 Miles)

Travel through undulating terrain, vineyards, olive groves, hilltop villages, and castles. Stop in Montalcino (approx. 27 miles), a pilgrimage destination of wine collectors, hunting the celebrated Brunello di Montalcino wine. (B)

Siena | Montalcino | Siena (Approx. 54 Miles)

Drop off your car and say &#8220;arrivederci&#8221; to Italy or extend your stay. (B)

Siena to USA (or extend your stay)

TUSCANY

Piazza del Campo, Siena

Pool in Montecatini Terme 

Siena Cathedral

Tour de L'horloge, Montecatini Terme

Cypress Trees in Tuscany

Experience this diverse and spectacular region of Italy on a&#160;Piedmont vacation&#160;at your leisure! Your&#160;trip to Piedmont, Italy&#160;takes you to enjoy&#8230;amazing Eno-Gastronomy -- from the region&#8217;s famed wines...Barolo, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo, Asti...to delicious regional cuisine including its acclaimed white truffles, hazelnuts, chocolate, cheeses, rice varieties and more; Religious and pilgrimage sites &#8211; such as La Passione Di Cristo in Sordevolo (The Passion of Christ) that is performed every five years &#8211; and stays at the Sanctuary of Oropa with its iconic Black Madonna; cultural and experiential visits such as wine tastings in centuries old cellars, opportunities to explore castles, museums, and more...the options are endless. Our Fly and Drive&#160;Italy travel packages&#160;give you flexibility and savings too with splendidly affordable rates negotiated by our destination specialists and backed by our buying power. We secure car rentals discounted as deeply as 50 to 60 percent off local rates, are on hand to confirm your hotel accommodations, and suggest itineraries for you to explore. Visit such captivating places as Biella, with its magnificent Palazzo Cisterna, ancient churches, and charmingly chic Italian city style and Turin with its famed tower designed in 1863 by Alessandro Antonelli, Holy Shroud Museum, historic sites and the world&#8217;s premier Eataly.

Pick up your rental car and begin your discovery of Piedmont, the ancient dominion of the Savoys, the ill-fated royal family who ruled Italy from the Unification in 1870 until abdication in 1946. Today, Piedmont is a mecca for gourmands from every corner of the universe that come to sip its wines, nibble on its cheeses, savor its stupendous meat dishes, and last but far from least, to pay whatever price they must to taste its truffles.

Biella

Today visit Ricetto di Candelo (approx. 3 miles), a perfectly preserved fortified medieval village, Sordevolo (approx. 5 miles), site of a celebrated Passion Play enacted every 5 years, and Oropa Sacred Mount (approx. 6 miles), a UNESCO World Heritage site. (B)

Biella | Ricetto Di Candelo | Sordevolo | Oropa | Biella (Approx. 30 Miles)

Today drive to Turin, once Italy&#8217;s first capital city and today Italy&#8217;s auto industry capital. Check in at your hotel and start exploring this unique city where modernity exists alongside tradition and history. (B)

Biella | Turin (Approx. 51 Miles)

Today visit Asti, a picturesque and charming town, known for its sparkling wine. Among the architectural landmarks are noble palaces, towers and ancient churches, and the magnificent gothic cathedral. Stop for lunch in the triangular shaped Piazza Alfieri, where the town&#8217;s famous Palio (horse race) is staged. (B)

Turin | Asti | Turin (Approx. 70 Miles)

Today is a gastronome&#8217;s grand adventure into the Langhe, the land of white truffle, savory cheeses, and great wines. Travel through verdant vineyards, hilltops with villages and castles, and stop for visits of Barolo and Alba. (B)

Turin | Barolo | Alba | Turin (Approx. 105 Miles)

Turin to USA (or extend your stay)

PIEDMONTE

Turin

View of Biella

San Carlo Square, Turin

Beautiful Old Buildings in Biella

Mountains in Biella

Travel to Umbria&#160;at leisure on this 6-day Independent Fly and Drive&#160;Italy vacation. Located in the center of Italy and known as the country&#8217;s &#8220;green heart&#8221; you will find Umbria boasting awe-inspiring countryside vistas dotted by medieval hill towns, one of Italy&#8217;s largest lakes - Lake Trasimeno; plus historic monuments, churches and museums that date back to Etruscan times. Here you can explore the inspired Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi; indulge in Perugia&#8217;s renowned chocolate; take-in the dramatic town of Orvieto, perched atop a cliff with its medieval duomo, monuments and museums; enjoy the picturesque islands and beaches surrounding Lake Trasimeno, and even visit a mummy museum in Southern Umbria&#8217;s town of Ferentillo. Our Fly and Drive&#160;Italy travel packages&#160;give you flexibility and savings too with splendidly affordable rates negotiated by our destination specialists and backed by our buying power. We secure car rentals discounted as deeply as 50 to 60 percent off local rates, are on hand to confirm your hotel accommodations, and suggest itineraries for you to explore. Come experience the breathtaking Italian countryside at your own pace on a fly and drive vacation this year in Umbria.

Pick up your rental car and begin your exploration of Umbria, a region where the spirituality of the landscape molded great saints. Check in at your hotel and start your visit of the most well preserved Medieval town in Italy. Legend says that the ''wolf of Gubbio'' repented of its sins after meeting St. Francis of Assisi.

Gubbio

Full day at leisure to explore Gubbio, the oldest town in the Umbria region as shown by the Tables of Gubbio housed in the City Museum and the Roman Theatre's ruins. Rich in historical and artistic heritage as well as in ancient traditions that can be found intact in its folklore and products, Gubbio is a town of ochre colored houses, tiled rooftops, towers and narrow cobbled streets. (B)

After a short drive through the fertile Umbrian countryside you are in the Region's capital city, Perugia. The town's Etruscan past is present in the massive Etruscan walls. Additionally, Medieval and Renaissance buildings elegantly dot the city. A famed University for foreign students is found at Palazzo Gallenga. (B)

Gubbio | Perugia (Approx. 26 Miles)

Today drive to Spoleto, a picturesque town that boasts a thousand year old history and still preserves the images of the past in its Medieval and Renaissance architecture. Its stone lanes and its most famous monuments are the setting for International cultural events, such as the Festival of the Two Worlds, a wonderful chance to enjoy a highquality artistic atmosphere. (B)

Perugia | Spoleto | Perugia (Approx. 82 Miles)

Your Umbrian journey takes you south to Orvieto, once an important Etruscan centre and later a papal stronghold. A wealth of historic buildings can be admired in Piazza del Duomo, including the striking facade of the Duomo. At dinner, accompany the succulent local cuisine with a glass of the renowned Orvieto wine. (B)

Perugia | Orvieto (Approx. 47 Miles)

Drop off your car and say ''arrivederci'' to Italy or extend your stay. (B)

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