PLEASE JOIN LINDSAY AMES AND VICKY MALAKOFF AS WE CO-HOST A SMALL GROUP JOURNEY TO THE HEART OF ITALY!
BELLA ITALIA
SEPTEMBER 10TH – 21ST, 2023
Itinerary
Day 1
September 10th – Welcome to Bella Italia
Buon giorno and welcome to Italy!
Upon arrival each guest will be privately transferred to the Le Méridien Visconti Rome Hotel - located within walking distance of the Spanish Steps and the Vatican. Le Méridien Visconti is a perfect location in the heart of Rome for leisure, business, shopping and nightlife.
This afternoon we will have our first “taste” of Classical Rome during our Art and Gelato walking tour. Stops will include: the Spanish steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Piazza Navona. We’ll be stopping along the way to sample local treats and delicacies.
Day 2
September 11th – The ancient city of Rome
Today we’ll discover the most impressive sites of the ancient city: the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. We’ll be walking through this interesting ensemble of ancient ruins reflecting the 12 centuries of history which created Roman civilization.
Day 3
September 12th – Vatican City – Early Access
We’ll have to get up early for this experience but it will be worth it to see the Vatican Museums, containing amazing treasures of art collected by the Popes over the centuries, without the crowds. This early access tour includes the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica as well.
This evening you’ll have a chance to get to know your fellow travelers over a glass of fine wine and fabulous Italian cooking at a local restaurant.
Day 4
September 13th – Perugia
Today we will leave the city of Rome and head into the countryside of Umbria. Enjoy a walking tour and wine tasting in the town of Orvieto that dates back to the Iron Age (the town, not the wine!)
We will then continue on our travels to the Sina Brufani Hotel. This hotel is located in the heart of Perugia’s ancient city center, one of Umbria’s most prestigious landmarks. Since 1884 Sina Brufani has been the only 5-star luxury hotel to stand out over the city.
Day 5
September 14th – Perugia and Assisi
Today we start by exploring Perugia, a town of Gothic palaces and jazz cafes, where ancient alleys of stone drop precipitously off a 19th-century shopping promenade; a capital city disguised as a medieval hill town.
The Umbrian capital is also one of Italy’s greatest art cities. The artist Perugino was born just to the south of the lake in Città della Pieve and made these bluish-green landscapes his own. In fact, Perugia produced and trained some of Umbria’s finest artists, including Gentile da Fabriano and Perugino’s proteges: Pinturicchio, Lo Spagna, and Raphael.
The biggest name in local industry is Perugina, purveyor of Italy’s finest chocolates. Perugia stages a daily passeggiata (stroll) down Corso Vannucci and plays host to one of Europe’s most celebrated jazz festivals every summer.
In the afternoon, we’ll continue our look into Italy’s medieval past by taking a guided stroll through the lanes of the historic town of Assisi, built at the foot of Mount Subasio.
Day 6
September 15th – Spoleto and Valnerina
This morning we will visit Spoleto, a fascinating art town in the Umbria region. It has a wealth of history, varied cultural heritage and important art events.
In the afternoon we will head to the Valnerina (the valley of the River Nera, southeast of Spoleto) one of the most beautiful of central Italy’s many well-kept secrets, featuring forgotten medieval villages and dramatic mountain scenery.
Day 7 September 16th – Farm to table Umbrian cooking lesson
Today we’ll try our hand at cooking a complete traditional Umbrian menu at a farm house outside Perugia, including various types of bread, focaccia, pasta, sauces, main courses, vegetable dishes and desserts. We’ll consume our effort for lunch which will include wine and coffee.
After lunch, we travel back to Perugia, to explore the city on your own.
Day 8
September 17th – Florence
This morning, we depart for Florence, stopping along the way at Castello di Verrazzano in the Chianti Region. We’ll enjoy a wine tasting and lunch, as well as a tour of the vineyard there.
After lunch we will check into Hotel Berchielli. Built in a traditional Italian style dating back to the 19th century, this hotel is ideally situated in the old town of Florence.
Enjoy exploring the city of Florence on your own this evening.
Day 9
September 18th – Walking tour of Florence
Known for being the Cradle of the Renaissance, Florence is also the most populous city in Tuscany. With its historic city center, vast array of Italian Renaissance art and architecture, and countless museums and art galleries, Florence is a must-see for those interested in art and history.
Today we will have the opportunity to see these master works of Italian Renaissance for ourselves (including the awe-inspiring monumental figure of David) during our walking tour of the city.
Day 10
September 19th – Northern Italy - Milan, Parma, and Lake Maggiore
Following breakfast, we’ll be heading to northern Italy. Our first stop in the region of Lombardy will be the city of Parma. Here you’ll be able to “pig out” during our visit to a Prosciutto factory and taste one of the most famous hams in the world.
Next we will be continuing on our journey in the north with a walking tour of Milan. The undisputed fashion hub of the world and Italy’s second largest city – Milan serves as the region’s capital and offers travelers a glimpse into the cosmopolitan world that is modern-day Italy. With architectural masterpieces like its famous Gothic Duomo and a variety of spectacular art – including Da Vinci’s Last Supper –Milan also captures the essence of ancient Italy.
We will end our day at the Regina Palace Hotel. Located in Stresa, the hotel overlooks the shores of Lake Maggiore and faces the Borromeo Islands. The hotel represents yesteryear’s charm and prestige enriched by the history and the grace of each decade that has passed.
Day 11
September 20th – Lake Maggiore
Formed at the end of the last ice age, and a popular holiday spot since Roman times, the Italian Lakes have an enduring, beguiling beauty.
We will be visiting Lake Maggiore, Italy’s secondlargest lake. Around the lake shore are a series of pretty towns and these serve as gateways to the gorgeous Borromeo islands, which we will be visiting by boat.
Behind the towns, wooded hillsides rise, strewn with decadent villas, lush botanical gardens and even the occasional castle. The snow-capped peaks of Switzerland provide the perfect backdrop for your Instagram post!
Day
12
September 21st – Parting is such sweet sorrow!
Time to head back to reality!
We will be leaving Lake Maggiore and privately transferred to the Milan airport for our flights back home.
Pricing, Terms & Conditions
Bella Italia Small Group Journey
Sept 10 – 21, 2023
Itinerary Map
Included in this small group journey: (maximum of 16 people)
• All tours and activities will be private and accompanied by our knowledgeable local tour guide who will accompany us throughout our journey
• 4/5 star accommodations with breakfast
• Early access tour of the Vatican
• Tours of the wonders of Rome, Milan and Florence
• Sample the local wines at celebrated vineyards and enjoy local food delicacies
• Farm to table cooking experience at an Umbrian farm
• Wander through historic medieval villages located in the regions of Umbria and Tuscany
• Spend the day enjoying a leisurely boat ride on gorgeous Lake Maggiore, Italy’s second largest lake (and a quieter and less touristy version of Lake Como)
• Selected meals
• All airport transfers (pre and post tour dates) and all group transportation during
Not Included
• International flights
• Some meals will be on your own to allow you to explore and experience the local cuisine of your choice.
• Travel Insurance - Travel insurance is highly recommended. For specific details and questions please contact Travelex Insurance. If you would like a quote, please contact your travel advisor directly.
Pricing
- $5,961 per person based on double occupancy
- $7,482 per person based on single occupancy
- Non-refundable deposit due at time of registration - $1,500
-Final Non-Refundable Payment is due on June 10 .
-Payment is to be made by credit card; Visa, MasterCard and Discover are accepted. For questions and trip registration please contact your travel advisor:
Vicky Malakoff
609-933-1763
vicky.malakoff@destinationuncharted.com
Lindsay Ames
727-808-0068
lindsay@largaytravel.com