A Quick Overview
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Are you having a hard time deciding which amazing experience to join?
Well, I have a secret for you! You can enjoy a little bit of all three in this tour that navigates all the most important towns of Italy.
With your trusty guide Kerri, you will explore Rome, Florence, and Venice, as well as a bit of Tuscany and Umbria. Hitting the major sights with exceptional guides. You'll visit the Colosseum, Vatican, Sistine Chapel, the David, Uffizi Gallery, Duomo, St. Mark's, Doge's Palace, Murano (think glass), Burano (think lace), Orvieto, Pisa, Lucca, San Galgano, San Gimignano and so much more.
So where do all these other amazing experiences enter in... While we are in Rome, we will enjoy a beginner language lesson to get us ready for our 14 days in Italy. While in Orvieto, we will enjoy a private concert with Bartender. While in Tuscany, our tastebuds will delight as we sip wine and soak up some cooking knowledge.
What's Included
14 Days/13 nights | All Group Transportation | Airport transfers | Most meals | All group activities and expert guides | Full-time tour director | Tips and gratuities
Itinerary and more... detailed below.
Pricing and Registration
Cost Per Person: $5297 (does NOT include flight)
Ready to join us on this incredible experience? Great! You can sign up by clicking the "Join Now!" button below, calling 800-380-8350 or emailing us [email protected]
Meet Your Team
Kerri Wood - Tour Director
One day, over a decade ago, Kerri stood on a rooftop terrace overlooking the heart of Rome for the first time and knew, in that instant, she was home. Immediately after returning to the U.S. Kerri started a business that would bring her back to Italy every year after that... helping others not make the mistakes she made, and allow them to enjoy, relax and immerse in this amazing country.
Kerri personally plans each and every tour, down to the last detail. She also handpicks her guides and team as much for their passions, as for their unique personality/views that they bring to the tours.
Your 14 Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to Italy
You will be greeted at the airport by a private driver to bring you directly to the hotel. After a little rest we will get together for a city orientation walk and amazing welcome Dinner. Sleep 3 nights in Rome Activity Level - Moderate
Day 2 - Ancient Rome
Our journey today begins with time travel. We head back 2000 years to visit ancient Rome with a guide who will transport us with stories and knowledge while visiting the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Be ready to Walk A LOT. You will also have half of the day to explore on your own. Activity Level - Heavy
Day 3: St. Peter's and the Vatican Museums
You can't go to Rome and not see the Vatican. Our visit today will take place in the morning. That way most of the day visitors and cruise ships haven't arrived. This is a great times to visit with less crowds on our guided tour. (including the sistine chapel.) Today is another half day free for you to explore more. Activity Level - Heavy
Day 4 - Transfer to Orvieto
It's a travel day today! We depart Rome and head to Florence on the fast train. After a 1.5 hour train ride we are picked up by our driver and taken to our next hotel before heading out on a tour of the city and an amazing dinner and views over the city from Piazzale Michelangelo. Sleep 7 nights in Impruneta. Activity Level - Moderate
Day 5 - Civita di Bagnoregio and Farm visit
Activity level – Moderate
Day 6 - Assisi
Activity Level - Moderate
Day 7 - Florence Artisans
After our private transfer to Florence and checking into our hotel in Impruneta, we will head into Florence to meet some amazing artisans and the unique side of the city.
Our good friends Daniel and Catalina will teach us all about hand crafted Italian leather goods in their family shop.
Activity Level - Moderate
Day 8 - San Gimignano and San Galgano
We drive through the countryside to see the beautiful tower village of San Gimignano today. This charming town became what you see now during the 10th century. Climb the bell tower for the most spectacular view of the Tuscan Countryside! Next, we will visit San Galgano and it’s breathtaking abbey, completed in 1185. Activity Level - Moderate
Day 9: David and The Uffizi
An early start today is worth it as we visit the David first thing. After the David we continue on to the Uffizi Gallery with our amazing guide. Feel free to explore the remainder of the day today. Activity Level - Heavy
Day 10 - Chianti and Cooking
This morning we will drive through Chianti, home to the most well-known Italian red wine in the world. Extending over the provinces of Florence and Siena and covering all of the area between. Continuing on to Siena, visiting the cathedral and Piazza del Campo, one of the most beautiful piazzas in all of Italy. Activity Level - Moderate
Day 11 - Fast Train to Venice
We once again catch the fast train to Venice. After only 2 hours we arrive and head to our hotel. This evening we get together for a walk through the city and an amazing dinner. Sleep 3 nights in Venice. Activity level - Moderate
Day 12 - St. Mark's/ Doge's Palace
Half of your day today is free for you to enjoy. The other half of the day we will be guided through the Doges Palace and St. Mark's Basilica. Activity Level - Heavy
Day 13 - Islands of the Lagoon
Today includes one of our VIP tours. You won't find this activity on a big group tour. We hire a private boat and head out to a few of the other islands in the Lagoon. Some well known by tourists and others are off the beaten path. Activity level - Moderate
Day 14: Depart Italy
This is the day you will depart from Venice to return home. You are more than welcome to come sooner or stay longer!
What People are saying!
Regina Moorman
"What a treat to hear Bartender on our visit to Orvieto! They are three very talented musicians who bring their own sound and arrangement to the songs they perform. My husband is a big fan of Django Reinhardt and they demonstrate the same talent! They played English and Italian songs and left the audience wanting more! Truly a highlight of our visit to Orvieto!"
Charles Heaney
"Our trip was wonderful, informative and delightful. Kerri was terribly attentive, well organized and thoughtful. It was a great mixture of sightseeing and relaxation. We had a great time and we are going to go back."
What's Included
Group Size
We are committed to keeping our groups to no more than 6 tour participants. This makes it perfect for immersing into the Italian countryside learning the Italian language and culture. This also allows us access to sights, hotels and restaurants that cannot accommodate large groups.
Experience Team
During your tour you will have a full-time Ultimate Italy Tours Tour Director for the entire duration of your experience.
In addition to this, we hire the best local experts to guide you through each sight and activity to bring Italy to life!
Meals
Because meal time is so important in Italian culture, we include most meals during your trip. The only meals not included are those you have during your free time. We have hand picked each restaurant, winery, farm and chef with care and attention to detail to make sure we have the best food experiences.
Transportation
To truly appreciate the Italian countryside, you must discover it by van. We will be driving you through Tuscany and Umbria, an experience unto itself, as if you are driving through a painting.
Between major cities we will be taking the fast train.
Accommodations
All of our tours stay in hotels, B&B's and Villas carefully chosen for their uniqueness, attention to detail and overall experience. We make sure to have wifi where possible and book luxury 4 star stays in bigger cities, like Rome and Venice. We also choose to stay in the heart of the cities so it's easy for you to explore during your free time.
Activities
The activities and experiences you will take part in on our tours is a combination of the major sights (they are famous for a reason), and hidden secret locations and small family run farms, sights, classes and locations. On every tour we include at least one wine tasting and/or cooking class... and the opportunity spend time with true italian artisans and artists.
Language, Music and Cooking
This tour incorporates a little bit of all of our unique experiential tours. We begin with a quick intro to Italian lesson on our first night. In Orvieto, we will enjoy a private concert with Bartender and in Tuscany we will enjoy wine tasting and a cooking demonstration.
Tips and Gratuities
In an effort to NOT nickel and dime our guests, we include all tips and gratuities. We will tip all the guides, drivers, restaurants, and hotels. We do this for two reasons. 1) We want to be transparent in our pricing, no additional charges after you sign up. 2) So you don't have to try to guess or figure out what to tip. If you would like to tip on your own, you can, but it is not required or suggested.
Join The Secret Heart of Italy
All tours take a maximum of 6 people.
Upcoming Dates
2022 Dates
October 9 - 22, 2022
$5297 per person*
**Questions before you book or to book a PRIVATE DEPARTURE? Call Us at (800) 380-8350 or email [email protected]
Register now below with only your deposit of $500 per person.
*Flight NOT included
I'm interested, but not ready to put down a deposit!
Keep me updated on this tour and other tours. I know I could miss out on this years tours by waiting, but I'll take the risk.
Important Information
Before you register, please make note of the following...
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When arriving to your tour from the United States, you will need to depart the day prior to your tour start date. Some tours start and end in different cities. Please make sure that you plan your flights accordingly.
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Ultimate Italy Tours does NOT include airfare. If you would like assistance please contact us.
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All communication regarding your tour, accommodations and details is sent via email. Please make sure we have you current email address.
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Tips and gratuities are included in the cost of your tour. This includes all guides, drivers, tour leaders and tour directors. Any voluntary additional gratuities are at your discretion.
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Ultimate Italy Tours strongly recommends you to purchase travel insurance. If you need assistance please contact us.
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If you are interested in extending your stay in Italy, contact us if you'd like assistance.
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Please be aware that while we always do our best to stick to the itineraries published, there are times that changes may be made by the tour leader/ tour director due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
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Although our tours are not classified as adventure or strenuous, all tours require you be in good physical condition. You must be able to walk several miles a day, often on uneven pavement and up hills and stairs, and stand for long periods of time.
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Hotel staff will assign rooms to guests. As we stay in smaller family run, boutique hotels, the rooms may vary in size and layout. Also note that, in general rooms and bathrooms are smaller than common US standards. All rooms will have an ensuite bathroom with a tub and/or shower, hairdryer and basic toiletries.
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Air conditioning and heat are not always available and in some hotels, they will depend on the season. Wifi is also not as readily available as in the US.
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It is your responsibility to have valid travel documents and understand your country's travel laws. Your passport MUST have at least 6 months valid time remaining after the date of your return home.
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In the very unlikely event that we do not hit the tour minimum of 4 participants, we will do our best to help you choose a different departure date and make the transition as quick, easy and smooth as possible.
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Unless stated otherwise, all rates are per person, based on double occupancy, land only, in USD, and subject to availability. Rates may vary by departure date and are subject to change without notice. Ultimate Italy Tours reserves the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions and to change or update rates, fees and surcharges at any time without prior notice.