16-Nights Grand Italian Experience

16 nights from: $6,195

Grand Italian Experience
A rare opportunity to see the extraordinary limestone trulli houses of Alberobello is the highlight of this journey. Discover Italy's delights during dinner with Signor Luciano, journey across the Bay of Naples to Capri, dream of star-crossed lovers in Verona and delight in the Italian Lake District sheltered by the southern Alps.


Dining Summary

• 8 Dinner (D)
• 16 Breakfast (B)

• Alberobello: Meet Signor Luciano on his Alberobello farm where you can taste seasonal produce, including fresh almonds, cherries, tomatoes and olive oil, as well as enjoy a local stone masonry demonstration at our Be My Guest dinner.

• Venice: Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing and play a part in preserving this traditional craft. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

• Explore Rome, Alberobello, Capri, Pompeii, Assisi and Florence
• Discover Sorrento, Venice and Milan
• Visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel in Rome, the excavations at Pompeii, the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi and a glassblowing factory in Venice
• View the ancient sites of Rome, St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, the Cathedral and La Scala Opera House in Milan, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Santa Croce Basilica and the Duomo in Florence
• Scenic Cruise to the Isle of Capri and by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice

• Assisi: Built to welcome pilgrims visiting Assisi, Hotel Cenacolo is a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery with the original structure maintained, a masterful blend of ancient and modern comforts.

• An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
• Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
• All porterage and restaurant gratuities
• All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
• Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
• Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
• Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
• Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
• Return cruise to the Isle of Capri
• Optional Experiences and free time
• On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

Assisi is a well-preserved medieval town that's, after the Vatican, Italy's second most-popular religious-pilgrimage destination. Located high on a hilltop, it has an air of mystical serenity in keeping with its history. Assisi was the home of St. Francis (the founder of the Franciscan order of friars), and the churches and crypt that bear his name draw a steady stream of pilgrims and sightseers every year. Although the town was rocked by an earthquake in 1997, much of the damage has been repaired. One of the most severely damaged buildings, however, was the treasured Basilica of San Francesco, known for its vivid frescoes by Giotto that depict the life of the saint. The upper basilica has recently reopened and, though restoration continues, many of the beloved frescoes can be admired again. The lower basilica and St. Francis' tomb are also open to the public.

Assisi Travel Travel Agents

Alena Warfield

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Fran Brumit

Fun Travels by Fran

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Missy Tillman

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Jessica Menchaca

Travel Planner Specialized in Disney Destinations and Universal Parks

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Amanda Berlin

My mission is to create the most memorable experiences possible for my clients by providing the best service, knowledge and planning. My dream is to travel the world and have you right along with me.

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Grace Martinez

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Other places of interest include the Church of Santa Chiara, a medieval fortress (La Rocca Maggiore), the Piazza del Comune (the old town center) and St. Peter's church. Or just stroll the narrow, picturesque streets and listen to the musicians practicing nearby (though they may be drowned out by construction noises -- many buildings are still under renovation).

You may want to visit during one of Assisi's numerous celebrations: the Feast of Calendimaggio, a five-day coming-of-spring festival with medieval costumes, dances and songs (around the first week of May); a month of folklore and musical events in August; or the Feast of St. Francis (4 October), which celebrates the saint's transition from this life into the next. During this two-day festival, the entire town is illuminated by oil lamps. If you are going to Assisi at one of these times, reserve accommodations well ahead of time -- the city will be filled with pilgrims.