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

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)

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

Turin to USA (or extend your stay)

PIEDMONTE

Turin

View of Biella

San Carlo Square, Turin

Beautiful Old Buildings in Biella

Mountains in Biella

At every turn you will live the authenticity of Italy&#8217;s great Triad &#8211; Venice, Florence, and Rome on this independent&#160;Italy vacation&#160;by rail. On Central Holidays&#8217; Rail programs, we plan all of the main details of your trip, but you set the pace. Simply relax and enjoy it all, traveling between your selected cities and towns by deluxe rail. Make your way from destination to destination in comfort on board Italy&#8217;s splendid trains as you gaze upon spectacular views and vistas that are sure to take your breath away.&#160;Travel to Venice, famed island city of lively piazzas, elegant palaces, gondolas and gondoliers. Delve into the Renaissance city of Florence and discover such iconic sites as the Ponte Vecchio, Michelangelo's statue of the David in the Accademia, Brunelleschi&#8217;s imposing Duomo, and Pitti Palace.&#160;Travel to Rome&#160;and visit the Roman Forum, stop at the Colosseum, and enjoy Rome's &#34;Dolce Vita&#34; through its people, piazzas, historic sites, and tratorrias. Take some time while in the Eternal City to&#160;travel to Vatican City&#160;where you can visit the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica and Square and, at the Sistine Chapel, see Michelangelo's magnificent ceiling and wall frescoes painted by many celebrated artists. It&#8217;s a superb&#160;Italy travel package&#160;by rail that takes you to experience Venice, Florence, and Rome at your own pace.

VENICE, FLORENCE & ROME

Venice

Florence

St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican, Rome

High Speed Passenger Train

Colosseum

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)

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

Get ready to uncover the magic and mystique of one of Italy&#8217;s most intriguing destinations on your independent Fly and Drive&#160;trip to Sicily&#160;where you can tailor-create the ideal vacation at your own pace. The biggest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily beckons with its legendary tales, art, history and traditions. Your flexible&#160;Sicily vacation package&#160;takes you to embrace the island&#8217;s air of mystery&#8230;from the fascinating city of Palermo, the enchanted beauty of Taormina and the majestic ruins of the ancient Greek city of Agrigento, to the millenary salt mine of Trapani, breathtaking panorama of Catania, and archeological treasures of Syracuse&#8230; the enchanting island is waiting for you to explore. 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. Motor along to Modica known for its Baroque architecture and chocolate still made in the traditional way or have an enchanting experience as you journey to the towns where &#34;The Godfather&#34; trilogy was filmed: Savoca and D&#8217;Agro Valley. The options are all yours to revel in at every turn on this independent Fly and Drive&#160;Sicily travel package.

Pick up your rental car and drive to your hotel in Taormina, a town perched above the Ionian Sea with a medieval flair and spectacular Mt. Etna views.

Taormina

Travel up the slopes of Mt. Etna to Nicolosi, starting point for the final ascent of the volcano. On the way back, travel by the lovely resorts of Acireale, Giarre, Giardini and Mazzar?. Enjoy Taormina's lively night scene. (B)

Taormina | Mt. Etna | Taormina (Approx. 72 Miles)

Depart for Catania (approx. 32 miles) and after a view of its Baroque buildings, palaces and churches leave for Agrigento (approx. 104 miles), where you will be astounded by its Valley of Temples. Of the dozen of them, the Concorde is in a good state. (B)

Taormina | Catania | Agrigento (Approx. 136 Miles)

Drive to Segesta (approx. 89 miles). Here the temple is seen from afar. It is one of the most perfectly come down from antiquity. Journey to Erice (approx. 24 miles), a labyrinth of medieval narrow streets defended by walls and towers at an elevation of 2,464 feet with luminous seascapes. Drive to Palermo (approx. 72 miles) and check in at your hotel. (B)

Agrigento | Segesta | Erice | Palermo (Approx. 185 Miles)

The city is rich in history and monuments. Additionally there is an essential site, Monreale (approx. 10 miles), overlooking the Conca d'Oro (the Golden Basin) and boasting a 12th century Cathedral with splendid mosaics. (B)

Palermo

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

Palermo to USA (or extend your stay)

SICILY

Ancient Theatre of Taormina

Palermo Cathedral

Valley of Temples near Agrigento

Catania, Sicily

The Scala dei Turchi, Agrigento

Get ready to enjoy an unforgettable 12-day&#160;Italy vacation&#160;to Lake Como, Venice, Florence, and Rome &#8211; must see&#160;destinations in one of the world&#8217;s top countries for travel. On Central Holidays&#8217; Rail programs, we plan all of the main details of your trip, but you set the pace. Simply relax and enjoy it all, traveling between your selected cities and towns by deluxe rail. Make your way on your&#160;trip to Italy&#160;from destination to destination in comfort on board Italy&#8217;s splendid trains as you gaze upon spectacular views and vistas that are sure to take your breath away. Your trip to Italy features a three-night stay in the Eternal City where inviting locals greet you in lively piazzas and amazing history and culture abound at every turn; don&#8217;t forget to toss three coins in the Trevi Fountain with your wish to return.&#160;Travel to Florence&#160;for three nights to discover the area&#8217;s succulent culinary treats and such iconic sights as Brunelleschi&#8217;s Duomo, Michelangelo&#8217;s David, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio. Stay two nights amid one-of-a-kind Venice. Whether sipping coffee in St. Mark&#8217;s Square, admiring the richness of the Doge&#8217;s Palace, or being serenaded by a gondolier as you cruise along her waterways, travelers will find Venice to be one of the most enchanting and mesmerizing cities on earth. Fascinating Como is your home base for the next three-night stay. Come explore Lake Como, the country&#8217;s third largest lake and one of the deepest lakes in Europe and see sights including the Basilica of Sant&#8217;Abbondio and the Villa Olmo. The best of the best is yours on this&#160;Italy travel package&#160;by rail.

LAKE COMO & ART CITIES

Bellagio Small Village on Lake Como

Gelato and Croce Basilica Church in Florence

Dinner in Rome

Welcome to this wondrous coastal corner of Italy where vistas take your breath away, open-air caf&#233;s serve decadent delicacies, and mountains plunge to the coastline overlooking the azure sea. Our private hosted Amalfi Coast Italy vacation promises you an ultra-fabulous, deluxe vacation where you will stay in luxurious hotels, enjoy touring by private car, and transfers by jetfoil, as well as delectable meals throughout your travels on this, one of our best vacation packages to Amalfi Coast Italy. Traveling on this Private Deluxe Hosted tour offers you the unique opportunity to tailor-create your very own itinerary with your own professional driver and tour guide on-hand to offer a most personalized experience. This unique one-week experience provides the benefits of: a small group size of 2-14 travelers, stays at your choice of an impressive selections of hotels as well as villas and castles in off-the beaten path cities, towns and villages across Italy. Travelers on our vacation to Amalfi Coast Italy welcome the one-on-one attention that they experience in a small group. Central Holidays&#8217; private escorted guides provide uniqueness to each tour, not only with their insights into the region, but also offering diverse options and excursions based on your requests. Beginning in Sorrento and traveling along the gorgeous verdant coastline, indulge in the splendors of Italy&#8217;s south visiting Capri, Naples, Pompeii, Ravello, and Positano. It&#8217;s the ultimate experience in the ultimate coastal destination.

Arrival in Sorrento and balance of the day at leisure to walk around this lovely resort full of villas, gardens in bloom, and hotels overlooking the Gulf of Naples.

Sorrento

A tour guide will be with you all day to provide transfers to the pier for a jetfoil crossing to the fabled Isle of Capri. The magic of the island is everywhere. Walk by spotless narrow streets. Gaze at boutique displays. Sit at an open air cafe of the celebrated &#8216;piazzetta&#8217; where extravagance is the non-noticed norm. Travel over the cornice road to Anacapri, the little village atop the island, and soak in its quiet, cool passageways. Weather permitting you will be rowed into the Blue Grotto (not included). The spectacle of light refractions, turning the water into azure-blue colors is astounding. Lunch in a local restaurant is included. (B,L)

Sorrento | Capri | Sorrento

A full day filled with captivating sights. Drive to Pompeii, a prosperous Roman town buried under a thick layer of ash 2,000 years ago. A guided walk through the ruins will be a fascinating and moving experience. After Pompeii, journey to Naples for a visit of this vibrant and unique city lying in the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius. A savory Pizza and Sfogliatella lunch will bring you back to the 21st century. (B,L)

Sorrento | Pompeii | Naples | Sorrento

Today you will be transferred to Positano, a town of white fishermen&#8217;s houses clustered around the glazed tiled dome of its church and overlooking the turquoise Mediterranean water. After settling at the hotel, start exploring this lovely town. (B)

Sorrento | Positano

Today, travel along the Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The &#8220;Costiera Amalfitana&#8221; is widely considered Italy&#8217;s most scenic stretch of coastline, a landscape of towering bluffs, pastel-hued villages terraced into hillsides, precipitous cornice roads, luxuriant gardens, and expansive vistas over turquoise waters and green-swathed mountains. Arrive in Amalfi, a great seafaring republic that gave the world the oldest maritime code, the Amalfi Tables. After your guided tour and lunch in a local restaurant, continue to Ravello, a lovely town enjoying a stunning location, seeming almost suspended between the sea and the sky. (B,L)

Positano | Amalfi | Ravello | Positano

Full day at leisure to relax on the beach or to browse along the streets that go up and down the hills. At night, enjoy Positano&#8217;s lively and romantic night scene. (B)

Positano

Say &#8220;arrivederci&#8221; to Italy or extend your stay. (B)

Positano to USA (or extend your stay)

THE JEWELS OF THE AMALFI COAST

Positano on the Amalfi Coast

Traditional Ceramics Vases

Pompeii

Sorrento's Lemons

Marina Grande on Capri Island

Travel to Verona, Italy, a medieval gem, dotted with pretty palazzi, and also the renowned setting for three of Shakespeare&#8217;s plays. From here, outstanding and exclusive experiences await you as part of this unique Mosaics Collection program by Central Holidays, featuring hand-crafted travel creations that are brimming with unique inclusions and unforgettable moments to cherish. Mosaics celebrate travel far beyond your dreams and take you to live the enchantment and allure of each place via cultural exchanges and exclusive activities that draw you into each destination like a local. This particular Verona, Italy vacation takes travelers to learn the secrets of Italian cooking firsthand, participating in a hands-on cooking class &#8211; and then savoring your completed meal with a glass of local Valpolicella wine &#8211; simply delicioso! Further along on your trip to Verona, Italy you will have the distinctive opportunity to join in an included private Amarone wine area full day tour led by one of our professional, English-speaking driver/escort, including a delectable wine tasting and lunch. Take time at your own pace to discover the charm of Verona, visiting the &#8220;Centro Storico&#8221; or historic center; taking in the ambiance in Verona&#8217;s largest plaza, Piazza Bra; taking in the views from Torre Dei Lamberti; exploring the medieval and expansive Verona Arena; or simply sitting for a spell to enjoy the local scene at one of the many delightful open-air cafes. Verona and all its treasures are here to welcome you.

VERONA, THE CITY OF ROMEO & JULIET

Piazza Delle Erbe

Bridge Ponte Pietra in Verona on Adige River

Juliet in Verona

Verona Cityscape

Verona Arena

Travel to Turin, the first capital of Italy in 1861 when Victor Emmanuel II of Savoy was proclaimed the first King of Italy. Turin is currently Italy's fourth largest city. This exciting Northern Italy travel package is part of Central Holidays&#8217; inspired Mosaics Collection, featuring hand-crafted travel creations that are brimming with unique inclusions and unforgettable moments to cherish. Mosaics celebrate travel far beyond your dreams and take you to live the enchantment and allure of each place via cultural exchanges and exclusive activities that draw you into each destination like a local. As part of this fantastic Northern Italy vacation package, you will join in a walking tour of the city exploring places such as the Palazzo Reale, Palazzo Madama, the Royal Library and Armoury, the Teatro Regio, and the church of San Lorenzo. Included in your Turin, Italy tour package is a visit to the National Cinema Museum, housed in the Mole Antonelliana, a symbol of the city that was originally built to be a Jewish temple. Originally completed in 1889, this building towers over the city and offers spectacular views of the Alps from its panoramic terrace. Take some time on your own to delve into Turin, having a food and wine celebration visiting &#8220;Eataly&#8221; for some eno-gastronomic shopping, visiting the mesmerizing Holy Shroud Museum, or head out on a chocolate tour and tasting the delights at a local confetteria, such a Caffe Al Bicerin founded in 1763. On a deluxe, private full day tour to the Langhe you will experience decadence in Alba, land of truffles, and have a wine tasting in Barolo. A feast for your senses is all yours to enjoy on this Piedmont, Italy travel package.&#160;&#160;

TURIN, THE ELEGANT FIRST CAPITAL CITY OF ITALY

Cityscape of Turin

Wine Tasting

Serralunga D'Alba Castle

San Carlo Square

Old Town of Alba

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

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

Our Fly and DriveYour&#160;trip to Puglia, Italy&#160;takes you to the &#8220;heel of Italy&#8217;s boot&#8221; and the charming region called Apulia &#8211; steeped in rich history and tradition. Here, you can escape the hustle-and-bustle of city life and enjoy being surrounded by beautiful nature and picturesque coastlines perfect for soaking up the Mediterranean sun. Come explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites and archeological wonders, including the 13 th century castle Castel Del Monte in the town of Andria, and the unique architecture of the ancient Trulli stone houses found in the town of Alberobello. You can bike through thriving gardens, olive and almond groves and vineyards; visit the Basilica of Saint Nicholas; and discover the many cathedrals and churches situated across the land. Our Fly and Drive Italy travel packages 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. From impressive, rocky cliffs to sandy, white beaches of the Apulia region come enjoy all there is to experience on this&#160;Puglia, Italy vacation.

Pick up your rental car and begin your discovery of Apulia in Selva di Fasano. After your check in at the hotel, start exploring the white washed old town with its alleys, courtyards and narrow passages that stand out against the intense green of the olive trees that grow in the area.

Selva Di Fasano

If Selva di Fasano is a symphony in the key of white houses, Alberobello will play out a full 'trullian' concerto, including the Trullo Sovrano, a two-story trullo. (B)

Selva Di Fasano | Alberobello | Selva Di Fasano (Approx. 40 Miles)

Lecce is a place to linger, with a few diverting Roman remains and a wealth of fine architecture scattered about an appealing old town. The exuberant building styles on display in Lecce are the legacy of religious orders (Jesuits, the Teatini and Franciscans), while the flowery style of ''Leccese Baroque'' owed as much to the materials to hand as to the skills of the architects. (B)

Selva Di Fasano | Lecce | Selva Di Fasano (Approx. 92)

In Castellana (approx. 35 miles), magnificent caves were uncovered revealing an infinite variety of richly colored stalactites and stalagmites, a nature miracle. Bari, Apulia's capital, is not far away (approx. 27 miles). A port city with a lovely sea promenade, spotless Old Town, noteworthy Cathedral and 13th Century castle. (B)

Selva Di Fasano | Castellana Grotte | Bari (Approx. 62 Miles)

The great Frederick II built a castle on a promontory near Andria (approx. 36 miles). This castle is today listed among UNESCO World Heritage sites. Next we arrive at a wine producing town located on the Adriatic coastline, Trani (approx. 22 miles). Its ancient harbor is dominated by a slender Romanesque Cathedral, a sight to behold. Drive back to Bari (approx. 28 miles) in time for aperitif and dinner with good Apulian specialties and wines. (B)

Bari | Andria | Trani | Bari (Approx. 86 Miles)

Bari to USA (or extend your stay)

PUGLIA

Bari Province, Puglia

Church of Ss. Maria Addolorata, Fasano

Old Harbour, Bari

Orecchiette Making in Bari

Selva di Fasano

Travel to Italy&#160;at your own pace on this Central Holidays&#8217;&#160;Italy vacation package&#160;by rail. We have planned all of the key elements in this&#160;Italy travel package&#160;that includes 11 nights&#8217; hotel accommodations; insightful half-day city tours in Venice, Florence, and Rome; transportation between cities by first class rail; and your transfer from the railway station in Naples to your hotel in picture-perfect Positano. Simply choose your hotel accommodations, excursions, and activities to create your ideal vacation by rail tailored to your every interest and whim. Then, make your way from destination to destination in comfort on board Italy&#8217;s splendid trains as you gaze upon gorgeous views and vistas that are sure to take your breath away. It&#8217;s a spectacular way to experience Italy&#8217;s most popular destinations with plenty of time to explore in depth.

ITALY BY RAIL - VENICE, FLORENCE, ROME & POSITANO

Rome

This fascinating and tasty Central Holidays hosted trip to Italy experience takes you to get to know the Veneto region via all of your senses, from the magnificent Dolomites&#8230;to the Venetian Lagoon near the Adriatic Sea&#8230;to the city of Venice, sampling its acclaimed vintages and culinary treats all along the way! Delve into the world&#8217;s only &#34;authentic&#34; Prosecco region firsthand on this exquisite Venice travel package as you explore Treviso. Savor delicious authentic Italian meals and sample Veneto wines at superb tastings and sommelier lead experiences. Live the enchantment of Venice from the Bridge of Sighs and Palazzo Ducale to St. Mark&#8217;s Square and beyond to her captivating waterways, churches, and wine history. Tour a winery in Venice, enjoy a prosciutto factory and restaurant in San Daniele del Friuli, and sample a &#34;spritz&#34; aperitif in Oderzo. Stay in a storied Italian countryside residence turned hotel on your Italy vacation package and join in a hands-on cooking class with the chef. On your &#8220;Timeless Elegance and Wine Routes of Veneto&#8221; travel program, you will see the beauty, smell the aromas, taste the flavors, hear the pulse of Italy, and feel the welcoming warmth of the Veneto Region at each and every turn.

Arrive in Venice and transfer to your hotel in Rivarotta Pasiano Pordenone. Once a Benedictine convent dating back to 1000, Villa Luppis was first extended in 1200 by Camaldolese monks. Immersed in a five hectares private park, this elegant country residence is the ideal starting point to discover the Veneto region. Richly decorated in both natural and man-made treasures, its varied landscape ranges from the Venetian lagoon near the Adriatic Sea to rolling hills dotted with world renowned vineyards, and stretching up into the magnificent Dolomites mountain range. Tonight enjoy a welcome drink followed by a gourmet dinner at the hotel. (D)

Venice I Rivarotta Pasiano Pordenone

Start your day with a visit of the lovely city of Treviso. Featuring breathtaking vistas in the foothills of the Alps, overlooking the surrounding valleys, Treviso has become popular with wine aficionados and travelers who wish to explore Italy&#8217;s distinctive and only &#8220;authentic&#8221; Prosecco region firsthand. Once considered &#8220;the Garden of Venice&#8221;, Treviso is a peaceful and idyllic town full of romantic canals, elegant bridges and arcaded streets. Free time for lunch on your own. In the afternoon you will enjoy a wine tasting session at a magnificent Venetian-style Castle winery, one of the most prominent examples of rural heritage of the Venetian region. Tonight, enjoy a gala dinner accompanied by live music at your hotel. (B,D)

Rivarotta Pasiano Pordenone I Treviso I Rivarotta Pasiano Pordenone

The day is yours to relax by the pool or to enjoy some retail therapy. The McArthur Glen designer outlet village is just 15 minutes away from your hotel (transportation will be provided). Take advantage of an additional 10% discount while shopping famous Italian and international brands such as Armani, Valentino, Gucci and many more. Tonight, enjoy a wine tasting session held by the hotel&#8217;s sommelier in the original 13th century ice cellar. Its shelves, stairwells and platforms were built to easily store and access the extensive collection of bottles, with the whites being kept below the reds, where the temperature is lower. End the day with a gourmet dinner at the hotel&#8217;s restaurant. (B,D)

Rivarotta Pasiano Pordenone

Your visit of the Veneto region wouldn&#8217;t be complete without a visit to Venice, the city of magnificent marble palaces on a lagoon. Just like its world-famous Carnevale, Venice thrives on mystery and awe, from the secret passageways that riddle Gothic Palazzo Ducale, to the esoteric powers of the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, and to Saint Mark&#8217;s Basilica, recognized as one of the most refined and accomplished works of Byzantine craftsmanship in the world. This afternoon visit a local winery. See the barrel-stocked cellars and learn about Veneto&#8217;s wine history and its typical grape varieties before enjoying a wine tasting session accompanied by homemade appetizers served up with expert insights from your winery host. Dinner at the hotel. (B,D)

Rivarotta Pasiano Pordenone I Venice I Rivarotta Pasiano Pordenone

This morning, join the Villa&#8217;s chef for a hands-on cooking class featuring traditional northern dishes, and then sit down to lunch. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening, you will be driven to the lovely nearby town of Oderzo. Enjoy a &#8220;spritz&#8221; aperitif, a longtime staple of local bars, before having dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)

This morning you will visit the Mosaic School in Spilimbergo. Established in 1922, it currently has a student population of about 100, with students coming from about 20 countries. Next stop will be in San Daniele del Friuli for a visit of a Prosciuttificio (ham factory). San Daniele ham is the pride of the area, and is well known all over the world by gourmets who appreciate its sweet and refined taste. Enjoy lunch in the prosciuttificio restaurant, before heading to Villa Manin. The centennial history contribute to making this residence the most significant example of the culture of the Venetian villa in the region. Here you will visit the Armory, a museum housing a splendid collection of weapons and armors from different parts of the world. Tonight enjoy a delicious barbecue-style dinner at your hotel. (B,L,D)

Rivarotta Pasiano Pordenone I Spilimbergo I San Daniele Del Friuli I Rivarotta Pasiano Pordenone

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

Rivarotta Pasiano Pordenone I Venice to USA (or extend your stay)

THE TIMELESS ELEGANCE AND WINE ROUTES OF VENETO

Treviso

San Daniele Prosciuttificio (Ham Factory)

St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, Venice

Designer Outlet Village

Spilimbergo

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.

Depart USA to&#160;Venice&#8217;s Marco Polo Airport (flights not included)

Sunday - Depart USA 

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)

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