Sept.1 to Sept 15, 2012 15 days
Draft1
Departure from Toronto Fri Aug 31
Day 1 – Sat, Sept 1
Arrival to Rome “Leonardo da Vinci” Fiumicino airport. Private transfer to Rome City Center. Around 1:00pm check in to our hotel Quirinale. At 3:pm private transfer to Vatican Museums for a visit to the Sistine Chapel. In the evening: Dinner to “Sapori di Casa”, a typical Roman restaurant. (At own expenses)
Highlights: The Vatican Museums are among the greatest museums in the world, since they display works from the immense collection built up by the Roman Catholic Church throughout the centuries, including some of the most renowned classical sculptures and most important masterpieces of Renaissance art in the world.
The Sistine Chapel is the best-known chapel in the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope in Vatican City. It is famous for its architecture and its decoration that was frescoed throughout by Renaissance artists including Michelangelo, Sandro Botticelli and others. Under the patronage of Pope Julius II, Michelangelo painted 1,100 m² of the chapel ceiling between 1508 and 1512. He resented the commission, and believed his work only served the Pope’s need for grandeur. However, today the ceiling, and especially The Last Judgement (1535–1541), is widely believed to be Michelangelo’s crowning achievement in painting.
Since the time of Sixtus IV, the chapel has served as a place of both religious and functionary papal activity. Today it is the site of the Papal conclave, the process by which a new Pope is selected. Since the time of Sixtus IV, the chapel has served as a place of both religious and functionary papal activity.
Day 2 – Sun, Sept 2
Day tour of Rome: At 8:30am, after breakfast, we will gather in front of the hotel. At 9:00am departure by minibus. Itinerary: Piazza Navona,the Roman Forum, The Trajan’s Market, The Trajan’s Forum and Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Fontana di Trevi, and we will enjoy a spectacular view of Rome from the Gianicolo hill. In the evening dinner to restaurant “Al Gattabuia” in Trastevere, one of Rome’s most charming areas in (At own expenses).
Highlights: Piazza Navona is a city square. It is built on the site of the Stadium of Domitian, built in 1st century AD, and follows the form of the open space of the stadium.The ancient Romans came there to watch the agones (“games”), and hence it was known as ‘Circus Agonalis’ (competition arena).
The Roman Forum is a rectangular forum (plaza) that includes the ruins of several important ancient government buildings at the center of the city of Rome. Citizens of the ancient city referred to this space as the Forum Magnum, or simply the Forum. It was for centuries the center of Roman public life: the site of triumphal processions and elections, venue for public speeches, criminal trials, and gladiatorial matches, and nucleus of commercial affairs.
The Colosseum, or the Coliseum, originally the Flavian Amphitheatre is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city, the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. It is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and Roman engineering. Capable of seating 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests, public spectacles. executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology.
The Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is a fountain in the Trevi rione in Rome. Standing 26 metres (85.3 feet) high and 20 metres (65.6 feet) wide, it is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous fountains in the world. A traditional legend holds that if visitors throw a coin into the fountain, they are ensured a return to Rome.
The Spanish Steps (Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti’) are a set of steps in Rome, climbing a steep slope between the Piazza di Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinità dei Monti, dominated by the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. The Scalinata is the widest staircase in Europe.
Janiculum (Gianicolo in Italian) is a hill in western Rome. Although the second-tallest hill (the tallest being Monte Mario) in the contemporary city of Rome, the Janiculum does not figure among the proverbial Seven Hills of Rome. The Janiculum is one of the best locations in Rome for a breathtaking view of the innumerable domes and bell towers that pierce the skyline of the multi-hued architectural museum.
Trastevere is on the west bank of the Tiber, south of Vatican City. Its name comes from the Latin trans Tiberim, meaning literally “beyond the Tiber”. Its logo is a golden head of a lion on a red background, the meaning of which is uncertain.
Day 3 – Mon, Sept 3
At 9:00am Check out.Transfer by 20 seats minibus to Sorrento (Amalfi Coast – Naples) with light lunch along the way. (approx. 3 hours trip). Upon arrival check in to our accommodation Hotel Settimocielo in Sorrento.In the afternoon orientation tour of the town centre and seafood dinner at Restaurant Il Delfino by Sorrento’s beach. (At own expenses)
Highlights: Sorrento is a small town with some 16,500 inhabitants. It is a popular tourist destination that can be reached easily from Naples and Pompeii. The town overlooks the Bay of Naples as the key place of the Sorrentine Peninsula, and many viewpoints allow sight of Naples itself, the Vesuvius volcano and the Isle of Capri. The Amalfi Drive (connecting Sorrento and Amalfi) is a narrow road that threads along the high cliffs above the Tyrrhenian Sea. Ferryboats and hydrofoils provide services to Naples, Amalfi, Positano, Capri and Ischia. Sorrento’s sea cliffs and luxury hotels have attracted notable people, including Enrico Caruso and Luciano Pavarotti. Sorrento is famous for the production of limoncello, a digestif made from lemon rinds, alcohol, water and sugar. Other agricultural production includes citrus fruit, wine, nuts and olives. Wood craftsmanship is also developed.
According to the Roman historian Diodorus Siculus, Sorrento was founded by Liparus, son of Ulysses and Circe. In the pre-Roman age Sorrento was influenced by the Greek civilization. This can be seen in its plant and in the presence of the Athenaion, a great sanctuary, also, according to the legend, founded by Ulysses and originally devoted to the cult of the Sirens, whence Sorrento’s name.
Day 4 – Tue, Sept 4
At 9:00am departure by mini-bus for a day Tour of the Amalfi Coast visiting Ravello, Amalfi and many other magic villages with wonderful panoramic views.We will stop for a Mozzarella cheese tasting with light lunch to a small family cheese factory (At own expenses) and we will shop to colourful artisan workshops with also a tasting session to a Limoncello distillery. In the evening: return to Sorrento for a real Pizza Napoletana dinner. (At own expenses)
Highlights: The Amalfi Coast, or Costiera Amalfitana in Italian, is a stretch of coastline on the southern side of the Sorrentine Peninsula of Italy (Province of Salerno), extending from Positano in the west to Vietri sul Mare in the east. The main town close to the Amalfi Coast is Salerno, the municipalities belonging to its coast are Vietri sul Mare, Cetara, Maiori, Tramonti, Minori, Ravello, Scala, Atrani, Amalfi, Conca dei Marini, Furore, Praiano and Positano. Renowned for its rugged terrain, scenic beauty, picturesque towns and diversity, the Amalfi Coast was featured in Positano (1953) by American writer John Steinbeck and in the romantic novel, “Finding Positano, A Love Story” (2010) by William James.
Day 5 – Wed, Sept 5
Morning at leisure in Sorrento with ice cream tasting at the Bouganville Gelateria (At own expenses), owned by the Cioffi Family (that also owns Ristorante “Sorrento” in Toronto) and shopping in the old Sorrento’s center.Transfer to Positano for an afternoon at leisure by the beach.Around 6:00pm return to Sorrento and dinner (At own expenses)
Highlights:Positano was a relatively poor fishing village during the first half of the 20th century. It began to attract large numbers of tourists in the 1950s, especially after John Steinbeck published his essay about Positano in Harper’s Bazaar in May, 1953: “Positano bites deep”, Steinbeck wrote. “It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.”
Positano has been featured in several films, including Only You (1994), and Under the Tuscan Sun (2003), as well as being mentioned in the 2009 musical film Nine in the song “Cinema Italiano”. Positano is also the setting for the romantic adventure novel, “Finding Positano, A Love Story” (2010), by William James. From July 1967 and through most of the 1970s, Positano was home of singer-songwriter Shawn Phillips and was where most of his best-known work was composed. Also, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards from The Rolling Stones wrote the song “Midnight Rambler” in the cafes of Positano while on vacation.
Patricia Highsmith based the little port of Mongibello in “The Talented Mr Ripley” on Positano. This is also where parts of the movie was filmed.
Day 6 – Thu, Sept 6
At 9:00am departure for a day tour to Naples, Pompeii and Mount Vesuvio. From 10:00am to 12:00: Visit the archaeological site of Pompeii with a authorized guide. Then transfer to the foot of Mount Vesuvio for a visit to a local winery with light lunch and wine tasting.(At own expenses). After returning to our accommodation we will enjoy a dinner in Sorrento.(At own expenses).
Highlights: The city of Pompeii is a partially buried Roman town-city near modern Naples in the Italian region of Campania, in the territory of the comune of Pompei. Along with Herculaneum, Pompeii was destroyed and completely buried during a long catastrophic eruption of the volcano Mount Vesuvius spanning two days in the year AD 79. The eruption buried Pompeii under 4 to 6 meters of ash and pumice, and it was lost for nearly 1700 years before its accidental rediscovery in 1749. Since then, its excavation has provided an extraordinarily detailed insight into the life of a city at the height of the Roman Empire. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Italy, with approximately 2,500,000 visitors every year.
Mount Vesuvius (Italian: Monte Vesuvio, Latin: Mons Vesuvius) is a stratovolcano on the Bay of Naples, Italy, about 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) east of Naples and a short distance from the shore. It is the only volcano on the European mainland to have erupted within the last hundred years, although it is not currently erupting. The two other major active volcanoes in Italy, Etna and Stromboli, are located on island of Sicily
Mount Vesuvius is best known for its eruption in AD 79 that led to the burying and destruction of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. They were never rebuilt, although surviving townspeople and probably looters did undertake extensive salvage work after the destructions. The towns’ locations were eventually forgotten until their accidental rediscovery in the 18th century.
Day 7 – Fri, Sept 7
Day-tour to Island of Capri. By Gozzo Sorrentino private boat, from Sorrento, we will reach the famous island for a stroll in Anacapri village and a visit to the Blu Grotto (optional). Light lunch on the island. (At own expenses) Around 5:00pm we will be back to our accommodation in Sorrento.Dinner to a restaurant near our hotel.(At own expenses)
Highlights: Capri is an island in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the Sorrentine Peninsula, on the south side of the Gulf of Naples, in the Campania region of Southern Italy. It has been a resort since the time of the Roman Republic.
Features of the island are the Marina Piccola (the little harbour), the Belvedere of Tragara, which is a high panoramic promenade lined with villas, the limestone crags called sea stacks that project above the sea (the Faraglioni), Anacapri, the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), and the ruins of the Imperial Roman villas.
Capri is part of the region of Campania, Province of Naples. The town of Capri is the main centre of population on the island. It has two harbours, Marina Piccola and Marina Grande (the main port of the island). The separate comune of Anacapri is located high on the hills to the west.
The etymology of the name Capri is unclear; it might either be traced back to the Ancient Greeks (Ancient Greek kapros meaning “wild boar”), the first recorded colonists to populate the island. But it could also derive from Latin capreae (goats). Fossils of wild boars have been discovered, lending credence to the “kapros” etymology, but on the other hand the Romans called Capri “goat island”. Finally, there is also the possibility the name derives from an Etruscan word for “rocky”, although supposedly the Etruscans never actually ruled the island, making that etymology less likely.
“Gozzo sorrentino” boats
The building of wooden boats, in particular of the boats well-known all over the world with the name of “gozzo sorrentino” is one of the most ancient habits of Sorrento handicraft.
Sorrento has a shipyard and nautical tradition going back to the 10th century. The construction of gozzos in the ancient shipyard of Marina Grande of Sorrento goes back, according to historical sources, to the 17th century.
Day 8 – Sat, Sept 8
Check out and transfer by minibus to Naples Central Rail Station. Around 11am departure to Florence (Tuscany) by high-speed train. Around 2pm arrival in Florence S M N rail station Transfer by minivans to Radda in Chianti, Tuscany.Check in to our villa “Il Cornino”. Relaxing afternoon at the villa and welcome dinner by the swimming pool with food prepared by Lele (Luca’s mom) (Included). Sauro’s family will also join the group for dinner.
Highlights: Villa Il Cornino is a traditional stone villa set in a stunning elevated location on a family estate. Surrounded by endless rows of vines and woodland, it is a perfect refuge to relax and unwind in. The villa has two independent apartments, one with 5 bedrooms and one with 4 bedrooms. The villa is only 4kms from the charming town of Radda in Chianti. Lele, Luca’s mom, who runs the cooking school “Tutti a Tavola” , will cook and serve a Tuscan welcome dinner for the group by the swimming pool.
Day 9 – Sun, Sept 9
After Breakfast: Transfer to Radda in Chianti village. Visit of the town and free shopping. Light lunch with local products. Meet with the Tuscan ladies of “Tutti a tavola” cooking school for a hands-on half-day cooking session learning how to cook some typical Tuscan dishes. Evening dinner with the food prepared and entertainment offered by Luca and his friends (Included).
Highlights: Luca’s mom Lele and Cristina will introduce you to the original Tuscan cooking smiling and laughing most of the day, and you will wonder how it’s possible they don’t have their own Food Network channel yet!
Day 10 – Mon, Sept 10
Around 10am, departure from our villa for a visit to Monteriggioni. Light lunch in local deli with cheeses and cold cuts. Afternoon: visiting the medieval town of San Gimignano. We will have time for shopping and for a visit to Dondoli Gelateria where we will enjoy the world’s famous “gelato” ice cream. Dinner: Pizza night at local pizzeria.(At own expenses).
Highlights: A nice walk around Monteriggioni and San Gimignano, the 100 towers town, also called “New York of the Middle Ages” and visit of a Historic Ice-Cream shop with tasting. Dinner to “Al Trovatore” Pizzeria, where classical background music is played and taped lyrical shows are provided while enjoying your dinner during an incomparable evening.
Day 11 – Tue, Sept 11
After breakfast visit to Siena: Light lunch with cheeses and cold cuts of Tuscany.Afternoon: (around 3:pm) visiting Pienza. After a stop in Montepulciano for some olive oil and wine tasting we will enjoy a dinner with homemade Pici (Pici is a typical hand-made pasta of Southern Tuscany).(Included)
Highlights: The day tour will last approx. 9 hours and there will be a total of 3 hours of driving by highway and scenic routes. We will frequently stop for taking pictures and for refreshments. Following the route of the Via Francigena, the old pilgrimage route from northern Europe to Rome, like pilgrims we will venture into mysterious alleys, among towers and castles, in search of the breathtaking views of the city of the Palio.
We will then visit Pienza, crossing the beautiful Val D’Orcia Valley.
Coming back we will have a stop to our friend Roberto wine farm in Montepulciano for a Vino Nobile wine and E.V. Olive Oil tasting and then we will enjoy a PICI Pasta dinner at Ristorante Tre Stelle before returning in Radda to our villa .
Day 12 – We, Sept 12
After breakfast: Visit to Volterra with a visit to some artisan workshop and the Etruscan Museum. Around noon: Light lunch in Osteria. In the afternoon we will return to the Chianti Region for a visit to Fattoria Le Fonti winery (Luca’s brother wine farm) tasting one of the best wine of the region. A winemaker’s welcome dinner at the winery (included) will be the highlight of the visit.
Highlights: The “magic and mysterious” Etruscan city of Volterra has its roots in three thousand years of history. At the highest point of Volterra is the Etruscan acropolis with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The archaeological site is part of a park that includes foundations of two Etruscan temples. The Guarnacci Etruscan museum, which displays the famous Etruscan statue Ombra della Sera “Evening shadow” is one of the earliest public museums in Europe.
Halfway between Florence and Siena, in the heart of the Chianti Classico region, lies the small village of Panzano. Just below the village church, at 450 m above sea level, is the Fattoria Le Fonti. Since 1994, the Schmitt-Vitali family has replanted all of the vineyards, taking great care in selecting the right type of plant with the correct root stock; and renovated the cellars, incorporating the latest technology to help them make better and longer lasting wines.
Day 13 – Thu, Sept 13
After breakfast: Departure by minivans for a 5 hours visit to Florence. In the morning: Orientation tour of the city and visit to major attractions included visit to Uffizi Gallery or/and Accademia (Michelangel’s David). Light panini lunch. (At own expenses).Afternoon: time at leisure and for shopping. At 4:00pm return to our villa.At 7:30pm dinner in a typical local restaurant.(At own expenses).
Highlights: The city of Florence lies on the River Arno; it is known for its history and its importance in the Middle Ages and in the Renaissance, especially for its art and architecture and, more generally, for its cultural heritage. A centre of medieval European trade and finance and one of the wealthiest cities of the time, Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance; it has been called the Athens of the Middle Age. A turbulent political history included periods of rule by the powerful Medici family, religious and republican revolution. From 1865 to 1870 the city was also the capital of the recently established Kingdom of Italy
Day 14 – Fri, Sept 14
After breakfast: Chianti Classico Tour. During this day we will discover the jewels of the most famous wine region in the world, such as Greve and Panzano. Lunch to “Antica Macelleria Cecchini“ tasting local meat specialties.(At own expenses). In the evening: dinner by swimming pool at the villa in Radda in Chianti.(At own expenses).
Highlights: Chianti is an area of Tuscany, made famous by the red wine of the same name. It has much to offer for a visitor interested in wine, food and natural beauty.
The Chianti Classico region is defined by the town between Florence and Siena:
Greve, Panzano, Castellina, Gaiole and Radda.
L’Antica Macelleria Cecchini is the butcher shop of Dario Cecchini in Panzano a fifth generation macellaio (butcher), whose family has owned the butcher shop for over 250 years. The shop is full of paintings, sculpture, and books on art, history, poetry, cooking and travel; and then also, there is a lot of meat.
Day 15 – Sat, Sept 15
Early breakfast. Check out and transfer by minivans to Florence’s airport.
Departure to Toronto.
Rates:
CAN$ 4,750.00 per person, plus taxes (HST=CAN$ 617.5), plus eventual fuel surcharges at departure time.
Single supplement: CAN$ 1,000.00 plus taxes (HST=$130.00).
Deposit due at booking: CAN$ 650.00 per person. Final payment: 60 days prior departure.
Deposit is not refundable under any circumstances, except the tour is cancelled because minimum number is not reached.
Air discount for passengers wishing to buy their own ticket $ 1,000.00 per passenger.
The tour requires a minimum of 14 participants. If minimum numbers are not reached the tour will be cancelled and participants will receive full payment reimbursement.
Once the tour has been confirmed, no refunds will be made under any circumstances for any unused sectors or sections.·If the reason for a client cancellation is covered by the client insurance policy, the client will be able to make a claim under that policy.
Terms and conditions click here
Rates Include:
- Round Trip Flight: Toronto to Florence, Venice to Toronto
- Ground Transportation by air-conditioned minivans/train
- Private Driver/guide (English speaking)
- Accommodation in hotel 3 stars and/or villa including daily breakfast
- Museums, Parks, Boats Tickets
- Wine Tasting
- 3 dinners (above indicated as Included)
Insurance (Medical, cancellation, interruption) also available. Not Included.
We strongly recommend a full coverage for each participant.
The Tuscan Sun Import & Travel Inc
Casa Toscana
16/A Main Street W.
L3M 1R4 Grimsby,ON, Canada
tel.289-235-8888
mobile 289-219-2830 (Sauro Bertolozzi)
mobile 289-213-4054 (Luca Vitali)
www.casatoscana.ca
Operating in travel through Sauro Bertolozzi, co-owner and TICO Registered Travel Counsellor since 2009 (certificate Number T716558) and Aldershot Travel, 175 Plains Road East Burlington, Ontario IATA – 67520913 TICO – 50007312.
