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THE BEST OF ITALY
MAY 13-23, 2010
  
The stunningly beautiful Amalfi Coast
JOIN US FOR A TOUR OF THE MOST SCENIC, DRAMATIC AND HISTORIC SIGHTS OF ITALY.
WE WILL ENJOY 3 NIGHTS 1ST CLASS ACCOMMODATIONS ON THE AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL AMALFI COAST.
WE WILL TOUR THE RUINS OF HISTORIC POMPEI & EXPLORE THE GORGEOUS ISLAND OF CAPRI. WE WILL SPEND A DAY VISITING THE MOST CHARMING TOWNS ALONG THE AMALFI COAST INCLUDING VISITS TO RAVELLO, AMALFI AND A CHANCE TO SEE THE AMAZING CLIFFS OF POSITANO.. .
NEXT IT’S ON TO ROME, WHERE WE WILL ENJOY 3 DAYS AND NIGHTS. WE WILL TOUR THE COLOSSEUM, THE ROMAN FORUM AND THE ARCH OF CONSTANTINE.
TWO FULL FREE DAYS FOLLOW, GIVING ALL THE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT ST. PETER’S BASILLICA, THE SISTENE CHAPEL, TREVI FOUNTAIN AND SO MUCH MORE IN THE ETERNAL CITY, AT THEIR LEISURE.
WE CONTINUE TO FLORENCE FOR A 2 NIGHT STAY, WITH GUIDED TOURING OF THIS MAGNIFICENT CITY. A FULL FREE DAY TO EXPLORE AT LEISURE OR CHOOSE A 2ND FULL DAY OF INCLUDED TOURING, VISITING THE SCENIC TOWNS OF THE TUSCANY COUNTRYSIDE INCLUDING LUCCA AND SEINA
WE WILL ENJOY AN INCLUDED LUNCH UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN AT A CHARMING TUSCAN WINERY AND SAVOR THE FINE ITALIAN WINES AND OLIVE OILS.
FINALLY, WE WILL MAKE OUR WAY TO VENICE, WHERE WE WILL ENJOY A WALKING TOUR PLUS FREE TIME TO EXPLORE BY FOOT THIS MAGICAL CITY. AN OPTIONAL GONDOLA RIDE THROUGH THE FABLED CANALS OF VENICE AND A FINAL OVERNIGHT IN VENICE COMPLETE OUR MEMORABLE TOUR.
D A Y B Y D A Y I T I N E R A R Y (B,L,D) - INCLUDED BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER)
DAY 01 MAY 13 (THU.) USA
Overnight flight from New York – JFK to Naples Italy, on the doorstep to the amazing Amalfi Coast.(L,D)
–Depart on Air France flight 017 from NEW YORK - KENNEDY to PARIS CHARLES DE GAULLE
Dep. 5:45pm arr. 7:30 am (May 14th)
Connect to AF flight 2378 from PARIS CHARLES DE GAULLE to NAPLES
Dep 9:35am arr 11:50am
Day 02/ MAY 9 (Sat) ROME OR NAPLES / SORRENTO / AMALFI COAST
Arrival at the airport in Naples, meeting with our English-speaking Italian Tour Escort who will assist us to our private deluxe coach for the transfer to our 4 star hotel for the next 3 days, the Hotel Cetus.
The drive to the hotel is in itself, an awesome spectacle as we drive along the coastline , passing amazing panoramic views of cliffs and the sea.
A great hotel having external beauty and inner values...
Hotel Cetus is set in a spectacular panoramic position, overlooking a suggestive promontory on Amalfi sea-coast; an elegant building falling sheer to one of the most beautiful sea in the world.
A refined and careful hospitality together with an accurate and elegant service make all guests feel at home. Due to the exclusive location, Hotel Cetus is ideal for both business and leisure travelers.
Situated on one of the most beautiful beaches on the Amalfi Coast, the Cetus is perched on a dramatic promontory. Refined and relaxed, the hotel features its own exclusive private beach with American-style bar; a casual eatery with close-up sea views
LOCATION
Hotel Cetus is located in the renowned Amalfitana Coast. It is only 300 meters from Cetara, the ancient village of fishermen, that today offers rare beauty, allowing easy walking access to the town.
 
PROPERTY AMENITIES
Restaurants & Bars:
Directly on the beach , a gracious American Bar ideal to taste delicious snacks . The panoramic restaurant offers rich , greedy menus made of sea specialities and regional dishes
Hotel Cetus's on-site restaurant offers rich, and delicious menus made of sea specialties and regional dishes. The a la carte restaurant "Falalella" offers quality international cuisine and the restaurant "Il Gabbiano" serves a great variety of fishes. The 'Falalella' has a romantic terrace where you can admire the beautiful view of the Gulf of Salerno while enjoying your meals. The hotel's wine cellar has a great variety of the best Italian and international wines.
Other facilities in the Cetus Hotel in Amalfi include a modern wellness centre with a solarium, Jacuzzi, Technogym, fitness room, Scottish shower, Turkish bath, body massage and facial room.
Frommers guidebook to the Amalfi Coasst writes
Frommer's Review
This is a great hotel (although being the only one in the village gives it a decided advantage). Located in a spectacular panoramic location (hanging from a cliff) just out of town, the Cetus is your best choice if you decide to stay in this off-the-beaten-path village. For the Costiera, the price is a considerable value. Guest rooms are larger than average, comfortable, and bright, and have colorful tiled floors, bathrooms, and scenic views
 
The Hotel Cetus offers guests a modern facility for body wellness with solarium, Jacuzzi , Technogym ® fitness room, Scottish Shower, Turkish bath, body massage and facial room
Enjoy the rest of the day and evening at leisure
Day 03 MAY 15 (SAT) AMALFI COAST / POMPEII / CAPRI / AMALFI COAST
After the first of our daily included buffet breakfasts, we depart on our chartered air conditioned coach to Pompeii for an half day city tour visiting the Ancient Excavations of the city that was destroyed by a volcanic eruption. This afternoon, we will enjoy a scenic ferry to the island of Capri for a guided tour of this most unique and very scenic isle and then ferry back to Sorrento for the evening at leisure to explore the many trendy restaurants along the waterfront of Sorrento. (B)
    
scenes on the isle of Capri ruins of Pompeii
Day 04/ MAY 16 (SUN) AMALFI COAST
Today we will enjoy a Full day guided tour through the Amalfi Coast. We will visit the charming towns of Ravello and Amalfi with gorgeous views and an opportunity to browse their shops, cafes and more. On the return ride along the breathtaking coastline, we will stop in Positano from above to view its fabulous Cliffside vistas and scenes of the quaint town below. (B)
The Latteri mountains along the Amalfi Coast
The Mediterranean sea along the coast of Ravello
Day 05/ MAY 17 (MON) AMALFI COAST / ROME
Departure this morning by our private chartered air conditioned coach to Rome, where we will enjoy on arrival a half day guided city tour of Imperial Rome, including the: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Arch of Constantine and Trevi Fountain(B)
At the end of our tour we will check into our hotel for the next 2 nights, the 4 star RESIDENZA DI RIPETTA HOTEL, just a short walk from the famed Collesseum, the Trevi Fountain, The Spanish Steps and the Via Veneto , the most prestigious shopping avenue in Rome.
Click the following link to the hotel’s website:
http://www.ripetta.it/
Rooms feature in room safes for your convenience hair dryers and even min refrigerators. The hotel will impress you with its grand lobby and as well as quaint courtyard to enjoy a drink or just socialize after a day of sightseeing
Click here to read reviews of the hotel from travelers
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187791-d239502-Reviews-Residenza_di_Ripetta-Rome_Lazio.html
The Grand Lobby of our hotel in Rome.
spacious hallway corridors in the hotel
The hotel is ideally located close to the Imperial Roman Forums, The Spanish Steps, Piazza Del Popolo and the Trevi fountain.. It is also very near to the most fashionable Roman shopping area, and not far from the Termini railway station and the underground station for easy transit throughout Rome
Day 06/ MAY 18 (TUE) ROME
Today enjoy a full free day in Rome to visit the city at your own pace. Must see attractions are St. Peter’s Basillica and Michaelangelo’s famed ceiling masterpieces inside the Sistene Chapel. Don’t forget to save time for some shopping of fabulous Italian leathers or other goods. (B)
   
- Exterior of St. Peter’s Basillica
- The dome and observation deck of St. Peter’s Basillica
- Michelangelo’s ceiling on the Sistene Chapel
- Sistine Chapel walls
Day 07/ MAY 19 (WED) ROME
Today enjoy another full free day in Rome to visit the city at your own pace.
Day 8/ May 20 (THUR) FLORENCE
Today we depart by coach to magnificent Florence where we will spend our next 2 nights. We will enjoy a city tour with local guide to visit the city the city nicknamed " The Cradle of Renaissance". Following our tour enjoy free time to explore at your leisure. Visit Michaelangelo’s towering statue of David, walk along the quaint shore of the River Arno and of course, enjoy many shopping opportunities for fine Italian goods. (B)
We will check in to our hotel for the next two nights, the 4 star hotel Cellai , just a short 10 minute walk from the main attractions of Florence, or similar.
Hotel Cellai is located in the heart of the historic center of Florence, surrounded by monuments, churches and buildings of extraordinary beauty. All the most interesting and evocative city sites are within a short walking distance, passing through little streets full of charm
This exclusive hotel in Florence is very close to the San Lorenzo Market, in a gigantic iron and glass building, where natives gather to buy local food and wine specialties. The Galleria dell'Accademia is just a short distance away, hosting the famous statue of David by Michelangelo, as is the Duomo with its splendid dome by Brunelleschi
http://www.hotelcellai.it/
Flooring in stone or terracotta, stone arches, antique furniture and priceless, artistic furnishing accessories characterize the many lounges available to guests wishing to read or relax in the company of others. Some of the most evocative rooms include the splendid Fireplace lounge, the Garibaldi lounge and the Terrace, a sort of "open lounge area" overlooking the Florence skyline.
The breakfast room is a "winter garden" with a large skylight where guests are served a delicious, candlelight breakfast each morning, with classical music playing in the background.
  
- Images of The River Arno and Ponte Vechio
- Foot Bridge in Florence
- The Bapistry over Florence
Day 08/ MAY 21 (FRI) FLORENCE / SIENA/ LUCCA / FLORENCE
Today choose between a full free day to explore Florence further at your leisure or our included guided coach tour of Tuscany featuring the charming villages of Lucca and Siena with a stop for lunch and wine tasting at a Tuscan winery. Overnight in Florence (B,L)
Day 09/ MAY 22 (SAT) FLORENCE / VENICE / MESTRE
This morning we depart by our private coach to Venice. On arrival we will take a short boat ride to famed St. Mark's Square and enjoy a guided city tour by foot, including St. Mark's Square and Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs and more. The balance of the day is at leisure to explore this magical city.
Make sure to visit one of the Murano glass demonstrations and galleries offering shopping deals for exquisite Italian glass Take an elevator to the top of the Campanile for a panoramic view of Venice. Later this afternoon, try our optional gondola ride through the Grand Canal. Enjoy lunch and dinner at your leisure at one of many charming eateries, some along the canal, where you can watch a scenic sunset over the water.
Our Hotel, the Hotel Ca dei Conti San Marco is a wonderful 4 star hotel in a fantastic location, just a short walk from famed St. Mark’s square, allowing ease of access to walk the scenic byways of Venice or catch one of its many vaporettos (water taxis) for more for reaching exploration of its charm.. The ideal location of our hotel provides are guests with the opportunity to truly get the most of both the day and evening in this amazing city.
Location
Overlooking a picturesque Venetian canal, just a stroll from St. Mark's Square, Ca' dei Conti is in the heart of Venice, on a striking corner which is typical of the city. The immediate surroundings of this elegant hotel in Venice host the magnificent Santa Maria Formosa Church, one of the oldest in Venice, the prestigious Querini Stampalia museum and library, San Zaccaria Church and the famous Bridge of Sighs. Its proximity to Riva degli Schiavoni, with its many vaporetto stops, allows you to easily reach all the most beautiful islands of the Venetian lagoon
Ca' dei Conti offers you that once in a lifetime experience of staying in an age-old Venetian residence. Each detail was attentively studied to bring to life a harmonious atmosphere, where it is a pleasure to take some time out to relax. The typically Venetian atmosphere creates a perfect setting between the hotel and the city: for this reason, Ca' dei Conti is an ideal location to spend your evening.
The building that hosts this prestigious hotel in Venice boasts an illustrious past: built in the XVIII century, it belonged to the aristocratic Armenian Sherimann family until the end of the 1800's. Their coat of arms is recognized in the precious Carrara marble floor in the hall. The hotel was recently renovated and is today equipped with all the most modern comforts, such as an elevator, to offer its guests a most comfortable stay.
 
Every bit of space in Ca' dei Conti is like a jewel waiting to be uncovered: the splendid lounges with Venetian flooring, the hall with two age-old columns with Greek capping and a real well from the 1700's, not to mention the splendid sun terrace where guests can enjoy the summer sun while sipping an aperitif.
The staff of the hotel are at your complete disposition to advise you on itineraries and restaurants and to book tickets to concerts or tours of the city on foot or by gondola.
The rooms in Ca' dei Conti are full of XVIII century charm, without giving up modern day comforts
Enjoy the balance of the day and evening to explore this magical city and return at your leisure to our hotel in its ideal location
       
- Gondolas of Venice
- St. Mark’s Square
- Rialto Bridge
- Bridge of Sighs
Day 10/ MAY 23 (Sun) VENICE-MESTRE / DEPARTURE
This morning we are transferred to the airport for our flight back to New York. (B)
May 23rd Air France flight 1127 from VENICE to PARIS CHARLES DE GAULLE
Dep 9:50 am arr. 11:40am
Connect to AF flight 006 from PARIS CHARLES DE GAULLE to NEW YORK – KENNEDY
Dep 1:35 arr. 3:35pm the same day
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Our Tour of The Best of Italy May 13-23, 2010 includes:
- ROUND TRIP AIR FROM NEW YORK TO NAPLES ITALY AND RETURNING FROM VENICE BACK TO NEW YORK
- 3 nights 4 star accommodations on the Amazing Amalfi Coast
- 3 nights 4 star accommodations in Rome Italy
- 2 nights 4 star accommodations in Florence Italy
- 1 night 4 star accommodations in Venice Italy
- Included tours:
Pompeii
The island of Capri
Rome
Florence
Tuscany including Lucca, Siena and lunch with Italian wine at a Tuscan winery
Venice
- All AIRPORT TRANSFERS IN ITALY
- BREAKFAST DAILY IN ALL HOTELS
- FREE ROOMMATE MATCHING BASED ON AGE, SEX AND SMOKING OR NON SMOKING
ALL FOR ONLY: $2825 + taxes (taxes are $270 and are subject to change by the airline)
Optional single supplement for those not wishing to take advantage of our free roommate matching: $699
Anyone wishing to provide their own air may deduct a total of $895 including tax from the trip package price listed above
RESERVATIONS, DEPOSITS AND FINAL PAYMENTS:
RESERVATIONS CAN BE MADE ONLINE BY CLICKING THE RESERVATION TAB OR BY CALLING 800-717-3231.
A $200 DEPOSIT IS DUE WITHIN 7 DAYS OF MAKING YOUR RESERVATION.
YOU WILL RECEIVE AN EMAIL CONFIRMATION WITHIN ONE BUSINESS DAY OF MAKING YOUR ONLINE RESERVATION AND WITHIN ONE BUSINESS DAY OF MAKING YOUR ONLINE DEPOSIT.
DEPOSITS ARE REFUNDABLE IF CANCELLED BY FRIDAY JAN. 29th AND NON REFUNDABLE THEREAFTER
FINAL PAYMENT IS DUE FRIDAY MARCH 8TH AND IS NON REFUNDABLE
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