TOUR 8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS      arrival in MILAN – departure from MILAN

ITINERARY:

DAY 01 (Sunday) MILAN
Free arrival in Milan with optional transfer service by private car, time at leisure to visit the city. Clients interested can join a sightseeing tour on request to see the main attraction of Milan.  At night welcome dinner. Overnight in hotel. 

DAY 02 (Monday) MILAN
After breakfast in hotel we will start our tour of the excellence in Milan:  furniture design, fashion fabrics, all in exclusive places where we make you enter. In the morning we will visit  the Kartell Furniture Design Museum with masterpiece of Italian design, and then move to the city center where you will admire the most luxurious Italian stylist boutiques and view a unique collection of old fabrics at Zucchi Collection. Rest of the day at leisure. Dinner on your own. Overnight in hotel.

DAY 03 (Tuesday) VERONA, VENICE
After breakfast we leave Milan and we go to Verona where we will stop to see the city of Romeo and Juliet (visit on your own) and we will have the chance to visit with our own guide one of the most interesting example of what is the Italian passion for discovery: the Nicolis  Museum, a “cabinet of wanders” of the XX century, with a collection of precious and unfindable items. Late afternoon we will reach our hotel in the area of Venice (Mogliano Veneto), in the mainland, and have dinner. Overnight in hotel.

DAY 04 (Wednesday) VENICE
After breakfast, we spend all day in Venice (transfer will be operated by train). We start with an unusual itinerary of the city centre and we visit a mask manufacturing, and we continue with a walking tour with our own guide of all the major sights of Venice: the Basilica of S. Marco, the square the Bridge of sighs and surroundings. Visit on your own with our cumulative ticket the Civic Museum of Venice.  Rest of the day at leisure. Free return to Hotel by train. Dinner on your own. Overnight in hotel.

DAY 05 (Thursday) THE RIVIERA DEL BRENTA - MODENA
Early morning departure from Venice. Start the day with a ride on the Riviera del Brenta. We will stop then at the magnificent Villa Foscarini dating to the XVII century. There we will visit of one the most incredible museum of Italian fashion and design, The Rossimoda Shoes Collection where you will have the chance to admire the finest Italian products of his designer and high fashion stylists. After a coach ride we arrive at Sant’Agata Bolognese, for the most incredible experience of our tour: the visit to the Lamborghini Collection and Production. Enjoy the emotion of hearing the first ignition of the Lamborghini car engine.  Then we continue to our hotel in Modena, where we will arrive late afternoon, in time for a delightful dinner. Overnight in hotel.
 
DAY 06 (Friday) MARANELLO - MODENA
After breakfast, we will start the day visiting the most famous racing car team the Ferrari! We will visit with our guide the Galleria Ferrari and take a ride with our bus around the factory and The Galleria del Vento. Then we reach an Acetaia where we will learn how the real “Aceto Balsamico di Modena” is made. We will also have the opportunity to taste the typical products of emilian cuisine with the Aceto Balsamico.  In the afternoon we move to Modena having time to explore on your own the city center visiting the famous La Ghirlandina. We end this day with a typical emilian dinner in a local “trattoria” well known in Modena. 

DAY 07 (Saturday) PARMA, MILANO
After breakfast we  reach Parma, famous for its castles, his Parmesan cheese and for his Prosciutto. Have a walk in the city center and then relax for a tasting of Parmigiano,  Prosciutto and Lambrusco wine. In the afternoon we stop at Colorno to visit this magnificent castle that will astonish you with its wonderful halls, Then we continue our way to reach Milan in the evening. Arrival in Milan. Check in Hotel and Dinner.

DAY 08 (Sunday) MILAN
After breakfast, Hotel check out. End of services.
 
 

PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- Transportation by Deluxe motor coach as per itinerary;
- 7 Nights accommodation in 4 Stars Hotels;*
- Daily Continental breakfast;
- 4 Dinner in Hotel restaurant or nearby restaurant, beverages included;
- 1 Typical Emilian dinner, beverages included;
- 1 Aceto Balsamico di Modena tasting with appetizers;
- 1 Parmigiano, Prosciutto Crudo and Lambrusco tasting;
- English speaking Tour Escort;
- English speaking guided tours of museums and city centre as per itinerary;
- Entrance ticket to mentioned Museum;
- Porterage service (1 piece of luggage per person);
- Local Taxes and service Charges (In Italy).

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- All Land & Air prices: Additional U.S. & Foreign Departure Taxes and Surcharges Fee(s) assessed by the Airlines.
- Tips and Extras.
- All what is not mentioned in “PACKAGE INCLUDES”.

(*) Rate based on two adult persons sharing a double or twin bedded room with 
private bathroom. Single rooms are available at an additional supplement. 
Children’s, triple room rates and alternative accommodation arrangements are 
available upon request. (Additional and different charges may apply).

 
GENERAL CONDITION:      
Only English speaking escorted group tour.
All departure are Guaranteed with a minimum of 2 participants.
Max 25 participants. 
It is allowed two pieces of luggage per person (1 normal size + 1 hand luggage).

A team of native Italian travel experts and professionals is waiting to guide through the most fascinating cities and areas of the Italian peninsula.

“I started Trips2Italy to offer unforgettable trips to Italy fully tailored to the wishes of my clients”.
 
Tommaso De Poi is the enthusiastic creator and owner of trips2Italy, a travel agency and tour operator based in Texas, but serving all fifty states and Canada. His unique idea is to offer his clients the perfect Italian vacation without charging an excessive amount of money.
 
“Usually, in an organized trip you can easily spend twice the amount of money needed for that kind of trip. At Trips2Italy, we can guarantee a perfectly run trip without the expenses of the usual organized trip”. Tommaso says. Having traveled all over Italy and tested almost all their accommodations first-hand, trips2Italy is like a friend who offers you his wise and wide experience.

“We plan the trip like it is our trip. We always start from the idea that the trip is for us, and so it’s only natural that we want the best”. He says. If you drop by their web site www.trips2italy.com, you will see that Trips2Italy offers not only a lot of competent advice and insider information about accommodations and transportation in Italy; they provide tips about Italian travel and lifestyle. In fact, the company is more than happy to tell its clients about the history, culture, traditions, and food of an area, along with, of course, the places to visit and things to do.

It doesn’t matter whether you already have an idea of where you want to go and when, or you just have a thing for Italy, Tommaso and his staff will create the best itinerary just for you, in pure Italian style. You can chose to drive around the country or ride the railroad, or even take advantage of the bus system. Once you have related the details of your dream vacation, the staff at Trips2 Italy will create what will turn out to be and unforgettable experience.

It begins with the flight, with or without stops, but always the most convenient and comfortable choice. Then they consider accommodations – hotel, B&B, agriturismo, or an apartment in the center of the city, and maybe a tour guide if you choose. Also, you will be provided with juicy little secrets that could be useful during your stay. For instance, they can steer you to the very Italian and un-touristy restaurants or maybe offer a suggestion about a local market or an unusual store. They can even offer advice to keep you from feeling too much like a tourist.

Another nice thing about Tommaso’s company is that they can make you discover parts of Italy you’ve never heard of. The idea is not only to plan your best vacation ever, it is also to help you explore new towns, different places, and un-heard locations. “We travel very often to Italy to look for new accommodations and locations to suggest, and we still find places that are even new to us. Exploring Italy is a never-ending experience that we like to share with our clients,” he says.

Trips2Italy can make the experience affordable, no matter your budget. Whether you’re a college student, retired couple or busy professional, Trips2Italy can accommodate your needs and limitations. The staff is 100% Italian, as Tommaso believes it’s important to make his clients feel like they’re already in Italy: “Every single person at Trips2Italy knows what he or she is talking about. We are all Italians and we all know Italy very well, and this makes our job easier. We can easily suggest the best, because we deeply know what we are talking about. And we really care about our clients, if they are happy, we are even happier!”

Contacting Trips2Italy is very simple. You can call the toll-free number 1-866 GO ITALY (4648259) or e-mail travel@trips2italy.com. The staff is at your disposal to accommodate our needs and fulfill your dreams. As soon as all the preferences of your trip are discussed, Trips2Italy will construct a tailored trip that can, of course, be fine-tuned to your preference. And then, before you know it, you’re on your way. Yet, if you encounter any kind of trouble or problem, or you are unhappy with something that has already been booked, Trips2Italy is always there to help you out.

“Sometimes things happen, like when a flight is delayed or a car breaks down. We are always there, 24/7 to support our clients while traveling overseas”, promises Tommaso. If you are still not sure whether to choose Italy as your next destination, Trips2Italy has created a series of answers to common misconceptions that will erase any doubts you may have. But even if you have a list of questions marks about the trip, him and the staff of trips2Italy is there for you. You ask and they will answer. ‘We ask only one thing to the clients: to send us a postcard if you are having a good time. It’s the best proof that we do a good job. We have tons of postcards in our office,” Tommaso says.

Needles to say, trips2Italy is also available on-line, to give you the opportunity to meet them first in your living room, and then by phone or in person. The Web site is very simple to surf and has beautiful photos of Italian sights, places that are incredibly difficult to resist. The web address is www.trips2italy.com. Trips2Italy also has another offspring, called Ski2Italy for skiers. The destinations of Bormio, Cervinia, Cortina D’Ampezzo, Courmayeur, Madonna di Campiglio, and Sestriere eagerly await skiing enthusiasts.

For information: toll free 1-866 GO ITALY, www.trips2italy.com or for a skiing vacation 1-877 SKI ITALY, or visit www.ski2italy.com

By Donatella Codonesu.

The 400 sheep living in the farm could not wait for the sun to arrive and melt the snow; instead they tracked a path into it creating an impressive snow walled trail with the help of some horses.

Thanks to these impatient yet smart fury animals, the farm owners were able to reach the village and obtain some supplies. Farmers where not the only who benefitted from the ingenious sheep’s work, birds were happy campers as well as they were able to feed off undigested cereals released from sheep’s droppings as they struggled to feed in land completely covered with snow.

The Furlo Reserve is a real gem amid the Apennines; one will be astonished at the scene of this dramatic gorge created by the Candigliano River with its emerald like color. The color comes from the limestone from the mountain through which this river runs which is a very unusual color for a river in this region of Italy.

It is due to this particular kind of stone that 400 years B.C., the Etruscans succeeded in digging a gallery 26 feet long through this mountain which was once a single mass of rock; this allowed the people of that period to pass through the gorge when the River was flooded. The technique used although unusual was highly effective: men warmed up the stone and immediately after used water and vinegar to cool it in order to make the digging easier.

Centuries later in 77 A.D., under the Roman Emperor Vespasiano, another gallery 125 feet long was dug which at the time allowed for the passage from the Adriatic to the Tyrrhenian side of the Apennines. Today it is still part of the modern day road system and the ancient Flaminia Roman road, which, starting from Rimini, in Emilia Romagna, still leads to Rome passing through the original tunnel.

Not too far from Acqualagna is Urbino, a must see destination of the Marche. Urbino was a focal point of the Italian Renaissance, a heritage still on display in its remarkable medieval architecture and for this, since 1998 the city has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Thanks to Duke Federico da Montefeltro, the medieval family residence was transformed from a “fortified castle to a palace city”. One of the city’s main sights is the splendid Ducal Palace, with its famous round towers and captivating courtyard, a masterpiece of Renaissance art. It currently houses the prestigious National Gallery of the Marche, whose collection of great works include “The Flagellation” and the “Madonna of Senigallia” by Piero della Francesca, as well as the “Muta” by Raphael, who was from Urbino; in fact his birth house is now a museum.

Urbino has always been a scholar city and since the peak of its flourishing in the 15th century, it has attracted both students and artists. One of Italy’s most prestigious universities was founded here in the early 16th century, the University of Urbino which currently houses the National Art Institute.

Whether your visit is to be in touch with Mother Nature, cultural or gastronomical, you will not be disappointed in everything this region of Italy has to offer.

Have you ever been to the place where some of the world’s finest violins come from?

Have you ever tasted sweet and delicious nougat?

If you can answer yes to at least at one of these questions then you know this is Cremona; a beautiful little jewel of a city right on the left bank of the Po' river on the border between Lombardy and the Emilia Romagna regions of northern Italy.

Let us share a few interesting facts about this charming yet still uncharted town.  

Let’s start with the monumental “Torrazzo”, Cremonas’s emblematic bell tower which is 343 ft 6 in height. The Torrazzo is known to be the third tallest brickwork bell tower in the world, the second in Europe and the tallest in Italy. Climbing up to the top could be arduous and impressive but once at the end of its 502 steps, it is as being on the top of a mountain where one can enjoy the most amazing views of the city and its surroundings.

With the entire city at your feet and on a clear day, you might even see the Alps on the horizon. This beautiful architectural masterpiece was completed in 1309 A.D.; it overlooks the main square of the town along with the nearby Cathedral and the annexed Baptistery which together constitute one of the most notable sites for Romanesque-Gothic art in northern Italy.

Cremona is not only known for its architecture and history but also for its highly distinguished musical history and it is considered to be one of the most important centers for musical string instrument production in Europe with the most famous being the Stradivarius violin. Cremona is the ideal place for classical music lovers whom are surely aware that some of the most prestigious violins and string instruments in the world come from this small city where the most reputable luthiers produced them from the 16th - 18th centuries.

The Stradivarius museum holds an important collection of instruments and relics from the workshop of Antonio Stradivari and the Palazzo del Comune houses a select exhibition of some of Cremona's most historic collection of violins. The art of violin making continues to be an important part of Cremona’s culture and the city has its own luthier school. Today, strolling around the narrow streets of the city center one can still see the artisans at work in their ateliers producing these instruments with the same care and passion of former times. In addition, Cremona is also home to some of the most important ensembles for Renaissance and Baroque music and several music festivals are held throughout the year, which make this city one of the most important towns in Italy for music.

For those with a sweet tooth, Cremona is home to some of the most delicious “Torrone” in all of Italy. This traditional nougat sweet whose main ingredients are toasted almonds, honey and egg whites can be found soft or hard and can also be made with hazelnuts, pistachios, citrus and often dipped in chocolate that you will certainly be spoiled with choices! If you are visiting in November, you can add to your historical-artistic itinerary a tasting experience of the typical Torrone, during this month a festival is held in the historical center of the city fully dedicated to this artisanal sweet which is believed to be first made in Cremona in the mid 1400’s.

“La Festa del Torrone di Cremona” is traditionally a 3 day weekend event and along with your cultural and historical visit you will be able to see how the Torrone is made following old traditional recipes.

A truly sweet way to enjoy your stay in Italy!

According to its Latin origins, the word Palio (from Pallium) refers to the banner or the cloth awarded to the winner of a competition. According to the tradition the winners’ district will keep this Palio until the next competition, usually one year later.

To this day it has never been established during which kind of competition a Palio could be awarded and even though the “Palio di Siena”, which is held twice a year in the summertime, is probably the most famous, it is not the only one in Italy.

There are several other Palio organized in other Italian towns which are less recognized but certainly not less spectacular and historical. Although horse races are the most common competitions, some festivals host races that are much more curious and unusual. Let’s focus on a couple that will make you discover in a rather humorous manner the traditions of two towns in central Italy.

In the small medieval town of Torrita di Siena, in response to the neighboring and much wealthier town of Siena and its famous Palio, held once a year in March is the Donkey Palio (the “Palio dei Somari”). The origins of this event are quite recent, 1966 to be exact, when the town’s residents decided to celebrate on the day dedicated to St Joseph (the Worker Saint), his humble origins and the simplicity of his life which they felt was quite similar to theirs. Donkeys, which represent “labor” and “humility”, are known to be unpredictable animals which often fail to obey their riders. As they change direction during their path, stop unexpectedly and even alter the course of the race; the Donkey Palio of Torrita di Siena is full of humor and surprises.

On the first Sunday following Easter, the town of Fermignano, near Urbino on the Marche region, holds an even more amazing and unusual race, the Frog Palio, (“Palio della Rana”). It is a race in which young men, representing each “Contrada”, (the town’s characteristic quarters); have to run a 170 meters path with a wheelbarrow carrying a frog on board. If the frog jumps off the wheelbarrow during the short ride, the contender and thus the “Contrada” is eliminated.

Participants wearing Middles Ages costumes, cheering and holding the flag with the emblem of their quarter, traditional food and wine tasting, make the atmosphere even more amusing and unique.

Without a doubt, an unusual and fun way to discover Italy and its colorful traditions!

Spring has arrived and with it the wish to discover and enjoy new places. The short winter days are now behind us and it’s the perfect time to think about travels and celebrate the season of blooming flowers and festivals.

Italy is waiting for you with a medley of highly and less famous places to discover along the traditions, local specialties, festivals, food and the unique witty demeanor of the Italian people.

Let’s start with two traditional celebrations: “Palio della Rana” and “Palio dell’Asino” (the Frog and Donkey Festivals) which take place in Fermignano (Marche region) and in Torrita di Siena (Tuscany). This is a typical example of how the most famous “Palio di Siena” has influenced in some way other smaller towns to organize their own competitions with the more familiar local animals, such as frogs and donkeys.

Spring is also a great season to wander around the beautiful region of Marche where one can find some of Italy’s most aromatic and delicious truffles in Acqualagna, explore the natural wonders of the Furlo Reserve and discover one of Italy most enchanting medieval towns and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Urbino.

Let’s not forget the sweet side of Italians by introducing you to a typical sweet specialty, the TORRONE, while discovering the artistic city of Cremona in Northern Italy. The Torrone is considered to be a specialty of Cremona because some say that its name refers to Torrazzo, a tower and the most famous landmark of the city. And to celebrate the wedding of Francesco Sforza to Bianca Maria Visconti, the court’s pastry chefs worked together to make a tower-like torrone………

Last but not the least; let us share an unusual story of how 400 sheep in the region of Abruzzo saved their owners from isolation during the worst winter storm of the season.  

Enjoy the reading, enjoy your virtual trip!

                                                                      Tommaso De Poi
                                                                  CEO Trips2Italy Group

This Cicero Newsletter feature :

- GET YOUR DONKEY AND FROG READY FOR COMPETITION - MARCHE AND TUSCANY FOLKLORE

- CREMONA: A MUSICAL CITY WITH A VERY SWEET TOOTH

- MARCHE REGION: AN ALTENATIVE ITINERARY FOR NATURE ART AND WHITE TRUFFLE

- ABRUZZO INHABITANTS RESCUED FROM ISOLATION THANKS TO SHEEP

Ski 2 Italy is...

... the jet set of Cortina, the emotion of skiing on snow chosen for the Winter Olympics in 2006, majesty of Mont blanc, the sun setting on the peaks of the Dolomites, the small medieval village of Bormio, the possibility to ski all the way to the famous Swiss resort of Zermatt from nearby Cervinia, the delicious dinners of classic Italian cousine...

Come with us to enjoy skiing in the gorgeous Italian resorts! Choose your trip from amongst our different options, but feel free to suggest alternative destinations. We will seek to create together, the best choice for an unforgettable vacation on the snow.

We will advise you from the beginning as you plan your trip to the end as you leave out country with memories that are unique and wonderful. Allow us to provide you with personalized experience based on our first - hand knowledge of the rich detail of a good journey - including art, history, food, wine, culture, sport and people - for you to enjoy.

If all this hasn't prompted you to get your skies out of storage...find out with us where, how and when to enjoy the best Italian ski resorts in the Alps...You only have to decide who bring!

                              Ciao

                                         The Italian Ski Team

SKI VACATION PACKAGES' DEALS WINTER 2008-2009 

here you will find some of our Promotional Ski Packages for the Winter 2011-2012 to enjoy the Italian Snow.

Feel always free to contact us with any special need and question at 1-877-SKI-ITALY or at travel@ski2italy.com

The high vertical drop of the Alps are waiting for you!

The Italian Ski Team

   

   a Division of Trips 2 Italy, LLC 

BORMIO

Super Promo Ski Week 3 star Sup Hotel HB from $ 1,299 p.p.
Air + 7 Nights 3*sup Hotel + Car    see details

CERVINIA

Super Promo Ski Week 3 star Hotel HB from $ 1,449 p.p.
Air + 7 Nights 3* Hotel + Car    see details

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO

Super Promo Ski Week 3 star Hotel BB from $ 978 p.p.
Air + 7 Nights 3* Hotel + Motorcoach Transfers    see details 

COURMAYEUR

Super Promo Ski Week 3 star Hotel BB from $ 1,064 p.p.
Air + 7 Nights 3* Hotel + Car    see details

Promo Ski Week 3 star Hotel HB from $ 1,184 p.p.
Air + 7 Nights 3* Hotel + Car    see details 

SESTRIERE

Super Promo Ski Week 3 star Hotel HB from $ 1,099 p.p.
Air + 7 Nights 3* Hotel + Car    see details

This area has only become a tourist attraction in the last twenty years due to its stunning natural scenery which is considered an ecological sanctuary for its numerous birds and particular marine life. Cliffs surround a whole myriad of sharp and small rocks of granite and limestone which are randomly scattered underwater at the edge of the sea.

Most of the beaches are of fine white or golden sand and their morphology varies from year to year, in size and shape, depending on the winter storms.

A light breeze keeps the air clean and the sea water is turquoise thanks to the intersection of the currents from the Gulf of Lamezia Terme with those from the Gulf of Gioia Tauro which create a natural defense against the pollution along the coast. The seabed is very rich in flora and the fish population is very diverse, a true dream for scuba diving lovers or snorkeling alike.

Capo Vaticano is among one of the 100 most beautiful beaches in the world and has attracted famous Venetian writer Giuseppe Berto who wrote about this wonderful gem and settled here after travelling throughout all of Italy.

Today, it continues to attract also the Italian jet-set as accommodations in the area are becoming more prestigious.

“Little Sienna” or San Daniele is also home to one of the most prestigious libraries in Italy which still preserves precious manuscripts dating back to the Middle Ages. Another treasure found in the town’s center is “Il Duomo” or main cathedral with one of the most magnificent eighteenth-century façades of Italy. The interior of this cathedral houses the exceptional painting of the Holy Trinity of Pordenone and three other sketches by master painter Giovanni Battista Tiepolo.

In Friuli Venezia Giulia there is always something to celebrate, especially in the month of June! In San Daniele in particular, June is the perfect month to taste its delicious prosciutto as several guided tours focused on its production are organized during this period.

For those who prefer the beautiful colors of autumn, Venzone, a tiny town not far from San Daniele holds its traditional “Festa della Zucca” or festival of the pumpkin which is usually celebrated on the last weekend of October. Here, one can simply stroll through the charming cobble stone tiny roads in the town’s center, taste pumpkins turned into a variety of delicious recipes and listen to fabulous tales about this large orange veggie.

Held every year in October, it is a great festival devoted to the Val di Non apples. The Pomaria lasts an entire weekend and the peasant families of Casez, a rural village surrounded by apple orchards, organize various activities to honor the apple such as: apple tastings, cooking lessons, strudel baking and culinary competitions.

There is also a large variety of local wines and other delectable products made with apples which make the perfect souvenir to bring back home. In 2011 the Pomaria festival has attracted more than 18.000 visitors to the charming Trentino region!

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Verona, Padua, Brenta River, Stra, Dolo, Mira, Malcontenta, Padua, Trieste, Vicenza, Valpolicella Wine Region

Italy Escorted Tour Departures (Click on the dates for Trips2Italy pricing and details)

TRAVEL ITINERARY:

DAY 1 (Monday - Friday): MILAN, VERONA, PADUA

Meet and greet with your group early morning at a designated meeting point in the historical center and by motor coach will head to romantic Verona, home of Romeo and Juliet. There'll be a walking tour of the town, stopping at Castelvecchio, an old castle on the river, Piazza Bra with Verona’s Arena, an intact Roman amphitheater, Piazza dei Signori, Palace of the Tribunali and the Juliet house, where you can see the Juliet balcony and touch a statue of Juliet for luck in love. After lunch (on your own,) the tour will continue to Padua. Home to one of the oldest university in Italy and the famous venerated Saint Anthony of Padua, you'll take a sightseeing tour of the major sites, including the Basilica of St Anthony, the Prato Della Valle square, Piazza dei Signori and the Caffe Pedrocchi, famous haunt of writers and artists. You'll spend the night in Padua.

DAY 2 (Tuesday - Saturday): CRUISE ON THE BRENTA RIVER, STRA, DOLO, MIRA, MALCONTENTA

After breakfast at the hotel, you'll board a ferry to tour the old merchant routes on the Brenta River that connects Padua to Venice. You'll pass through famous villas and charming towns on this relaxing ride. The first stop will be at Stra, with a visit to the Villa Pisani art museum. You'll visit Dolo next, home to 16th century mills, time for lunch (not included) and continue on to Mira, passing by quaint villages and villas and crossing the Lock of Dolo. We'll visit Villa Widmann and Villa Foscari (optional, not included), before disembarking in Malcontenta. You'll take a minibus back to your hotel in Padua and get a good night's rest.

DAY 3 (Wednesday - Sunday): TRIESTE

You'll enjoy breakfast before departing to Trieste, a city and seaport on the border of Italy and Slovenia that belonged to the Austrian-Hungarian Empire until the end of the First World War. Its position and historical past offer unique architectural and cultural features and a rich literary heritage. The tour will follow the major points of interest, including the Castle Miramare, Piazza Italia, the Red Palace, the City Hall, the Roman Amphitheater and the Victory Lighthouse overlooking the Adriatic Sea. You'll have free time for lunch (on your own) and to stroll the old town streets. Perhaps you'll visit one of the famed literary cafes, where James Joyce wrote, or take pictures of the stunning blends of architecture. The day will end back in Padua.

DAY 4 (Thursday - Monday): VICENZA, VALPOLICELLA WINE REGION, FUMANE, SANT’AMBROGIO IN VALPOLICELLA, MILAN

After breakfast, we'll leave Padua to take a sightseeing tour of Vicenza, home to master architect Andrea Palladio. You'll walk past such lovelies as his Basilica, Piazza del Signori, Palace Chericati and the Villa Capra, probably one of the most important Palladio’s works, as well the old town district. Valpolicella wine region is our next stop: a series of villages and vineyards that produce some of the finest Italian wines such as the Valpolicella and the Amarone wines. We'll stop at a wine cellar for a tasting of their products and stop for lunch (not included) in Fumane, a small town of Roman origin with beautiful architecture.  In the afternoon we will head back to Milan passing by Sant’Ambrogio, another delightful small town in the Valpolicella region. The tour, and our services, will end in Milan.

PACKAGE INCLUDES: 
- Transportation by Deluxe motor coach as per itinerary;
- Accommodation in 4 Star Hotel in double/twin rooms with private facilities;
- Buffet breakfast daily;
- Multilingual Tour-Escort (with minimum 9 participants);
- Panoramic Visits as per itinerary;
- Local Taxes and service Charges.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED: 
- All Land & Air prices: Additional U.S. & Foreign Departure Taxes and Surcharges Fee(s) assessed by the Airlines.
- Beverages.
- Entrance Fees to Monuments or Museums, Tips, Extras.
- Porterage Service.
- All what is not mentioned in “PACKAGE INCLUDES”.

GENERAL CONDITION: 
Multi language escorted group tour with minimum 9 participants.
If less than 9 participants only private transportation with English speaking Driver.
All departure are Guaranteed.

(*) Rate based on two adult persons sharing a double or twin bedded room with private bathroom. Single rooms are available at an additional supplement. Children’s, triple room rates and alternative accommodation arrangements are available upon request. (Additional and different charges may apply).