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Essence of Italy
Trip Valid:
01/01/2008 to 31/12/2008
Duration:
21 days (ex Rome)
Highlights:
Walk the ancient streets of Rome, See the artistic treasures of Florence, Cycle through Tuscany, Walk the Cinque Terre, Feast on local delicacies, Relax by Lake Como, Explore the laneways of Venice, Visit the medieval towns of Umbria
Trip Code:
ZSD
Guarantee:
Departure is guaranteed
Group Size:
Minimum 1, Maximum 12
Price:
USD $2515
*(plus local payment EUR €300 and EUR €150)
pricing for United States: change country
Extras:
view 2008 airport transfers and pre- & post-trip accommodation prices
Three weeks that encompass the very best of northern Italy. Wander through medieval villages and along rugged coastlines. Explore ancient wonders in eternal cities. Cycle through the rolling hills of Tuscany and feast on Umbrian delicacies. Join us to experience the true essence of Italy.
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passenger feedback rating: 4.61 out of 5 how does this work?
meals included: No meals included
transport: Train, ferry, local bus, metro, cable car, bicycle, walking
accommodation: Hotels (17 nts), apartments (3 nts)
budget: Allow EUR €735 for meals not included.
departs: Departs every Mon from Apr to Oct
we also recommend:
To see more of Italy try our Amalfi Coast and More trip heading south to Sorrento (ZSS)
Or include a trip to Sicily to round off your Italian holiday on our Sicilian Experience trip (ZSM)
Spend a week in your own apartment in Lucca, waking to church bells, shopping at local delis and preparing your own Italian feasts (ZAL)
Days 1-2 Rome
Wander through lively piazzas, visit the ancient Forum and the Pantheon, linger over mouth-watering gelati and much more. The Eternal City of Rome truly has it all.
Days 2-3 Florence
See the romantic Ponte Vecchio, the 13th century Duomo and the many statues and monuments that make Florence one of the finest outdoor museums in the world. Climb uphill to Piazzale Michelangelo to watch the sunset across the rooftops of this enchanting city.
Days 4-6 Lucca and Pisa
Visit one of Italy's hidden gems. The walled town of Lucca beckons for a stroll through its charming cobblestone streets. Then cycle across scenic Tuscan landscapes for a fun afternoon in the counrtyside. From here, Pisa is just a short train ride away. Learn why the Leaning Tower does just that.
Days 7-8 Cinque Terre
The coastal path between Italy's Cinque Terre offers breathtaking views of mountains, the Mediterranean and the small pastel-coloured villages nestled in between.
Days 9-10 Piedmont
After a stop in ritzy seaside Portofino, tickle those tastebuds in Piedmont, home to the unique white tartufo (truffle) and some excellent local wines.
Days 11-12 Milan and Italian Lakes
After a short stop in fashionable Milan for a spot of chic shopping, travel to Lake Como. Take the ferry across the blue waters to Bellagio, then take free time to cruise to the lakeside villages of Varenna, Cadenabbia or Villa Carlotta. For the fit, there are numerous hiking opportunities, or just kick back beside the glittering lake and relax.
Days 13-15 Venice
Beautiful and inspiring, Venice is a city of canals, cobblestone piazzas, ornate churches and elegant eateries. Explore the sights or soak up the old-world atmosphere in one of the many cafes.
Days 16-17 Gubbio
Travel to the medieval town of Gubbio, set amid the beautiful hills of Umbria. Take the cable car up to the Basilica di Sant'Ubaldo to enjoy the breathtaking views. After a healthy dose of fresh mountain air, fill up on local delicacies such as pecorino cheese.
Days 18-19 Assisi and Spello
Follow the footsteps of pilgrims in Assisi, home of St Francis and St Gabriel. Stop in at an enoteca to sample exclusive local wines on a day trip to Spello.
Days 20-21 Rome
The journey comes full circle when the train pulls back into Rome. There is time to take in some more sights, or why not sample some of the city's exciting nightlife.
| start date | finish date | places available | bookings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 01 Sep 08 | Sun 21 Sep 08 | bookings closed | |
| Mon 08 Sep 08 | Sun 28 Sep 08 | bookings closed | |
| Mon 15 Sep 08 | Sun 05 Oct 08 | bookings closed | |
| Mon 22 Sep 08 | Sun 12 Oct 08 | 2 | late request |
| Mon 29 Sep 08 | Sun 19 Oct 08 | 4 | book now |
| Mon 06 Oct 08 | Sun 26 Oct 08 | 1 | book now |
| Mon 06 Apr 09 | Sun 26 Apr 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 13 Apr 09 | Sun 03 May 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 20 Apr 09 | Sun 10 May 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 27 Apr 09 | Sun 17 May 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 04 May 09 | Sun 24 May 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 11 May 09 | Sun 31 May 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 18 May 09 | Sun 07 Jun 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 25 May 09 | Sun 14 Jun 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 01 Jun 09 | Sun 21 Jun 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 08 Jun 09 | Sun 28 Jun 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 15 Jun 09 | Sun 05 Jul 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 22 Jun 09 | Sun 12 Jul 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 29 Jun 09 | Sun 19 Jul 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 06 Jul 09 | Sun 26 Jul 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 13 Jul 09 | Sun 02 Aug 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 20 Jul 09 | Sun 09 Aug 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 27 Jul 09 | Sun 16 Aug 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 03 Aug 09 | Sun 23 Aug 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 10 Aug 09 | Sun 30 Aug 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 17 Aug 09 | Sun 06 Sep 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 24 Aug 09 | Sun 13 Sep 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 31 Aug 09 | Sun 20 Sep 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 07 Sep 09 | Sun 27 Sep 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 14 Sep 09 | Sun 04 Oct 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 21 Sep 09 | Sun 11 Oct 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 28 Sep 09 | Sun 18 Oct 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 05 Oct 09 | Sun 25 Oct 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 12 Oct 09 | Sun 01 Nov 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 05 Apr 10 | Sun 25 Apr 10 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 12 Apr 10 | Sun 02 May 10 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 19 Apr 10 | Sun 09 May 10 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 26 Apr 10 | Sun 16 May 10 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 03 May 10 | Sun 23 May 10 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 10 May 10 | Sun 30 May 10 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 17 May 10 | Sun 06 Jun 10 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 24 May 10 | Sun 13 Jun 10 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 31 May 10 | Sun 20 Jun 10 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 07 Jun 10 | Sun 27 Jun 10 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 14 Jun 10 | Sun 04 Jul 10 | 7+ | book now |
The Trip Notes provide you with detailed information about your trip.
This is where you will find everything you need to know... from what's included to suggestions about what to take. This is also where you will find the most up-to-date itinerary and any late changes.
The Trip Notes provide you with a detailed outline of your trip itinerary, and important information like where to meet your group, what to pack, what's included, estimates of spending money requirements and much more. They make great reading.
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On 07 June the Australian Government issued an updated travel warning for East Timor strongly advising against travel to East Timor because of the extremely dangerous security situation. Australians in the country are advised to leave. The Travel Warning remains at Category 5 - Do Not Travel.
On Tuesday 07 June we have taken the decision to cancel the remainder of our East Timor trips scheduled to depart in 2006. All travellers will be notified and given the opportunity to transfer to another trip or obtain a full refund (land content only). We very much regret having to take this action and our thoughts and sympathies are with the people of East Timor during this troubled time.
We are confident of being able to resume our normal schedule of trips to East Timor in 2007 and hope that those travellers who have had to cancel their plans this year will travel with us to East Timor in 2007.
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