The Best of Italy 2024
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The Best of Italy
Italy Sightseeing Tour of Rome, Lake Como and Sorrento
July 2, 2024, through January 25, 2025 (Available dates are limited)
13 days, 2 countries and 15 cities
Please Contact Us we are here to help you with available dates and answer your questions. Certain discounts may be available depending on current provider offers.
Wellness Tour, as more people see personal health and safety as a top priority.
All other terms and conditions of the trip will apply to both Ball Travel Services and its clients.
Note: A Tour Service Agreement must be executed between BTS and the client before we can book the trip. Please use Contact Us to request the Agreement.
Travel Deposit
- Low deposit from $200
- Deposit protection
- Free booking changes
Sightseeing highlights
- Fast-Track to the Vatican Museums
- Explore Rome, Pompeii, Capri, Assisi and Florence
- Discover Venice, Milan and San Gimignano
- Visit Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel in Rome, the excavations at Pompeii, the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, a glassblowing factory in Venice, Lake Como and the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial
- View Juliet's Balcony in Verona, St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, the Cathedral and La Scala Opera House in Milan, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Duomo in Florence
- See the ancient sites of Rome and the Abbey on Monte Cassino
- Scenic Cruise Ferry to the Isle of Capri, private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice
Travel highlights
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All 12 hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- 12 Breakfast daily and 6 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.
Trip Itinerary
Discover the Best of Italy, from the ancient treasures of Rome to Renaissance Florence and everything in between. Imagine staying overnight in a renovated Franciscan monastery in Assisi, lapping up the chic lifestyle on Capri, and taking a private guided visit to Pompeii to see a Roman city frozen in time.
Day 0 - Depart from USA for Rome
Air travel to Rome must be scheduled to arrive at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci airport, so you can connect with the three free airport transfers times to your hotel listed below. If you cannot time your arrival, for the times listed below, you will have to travel to the hotel on your own.
Day 1 - Welcome to Rome
Arrival Transfer
Depart Leonardo da Vinci airport (FCO) at 09:30, 12:30, 15:30
Welcome
Meet your Travel Director at 17:30
Ciao Roma! Explore this imperial city of emperors and senators, gods and goddesses, before joining your Travel Director for an introduction to the 'Eternal City'. Arrive at Basilica Santa Maria in Cosmedin for a private after-hours visit to the Mouth of Truth. See the church, crypt and relics of the famous saint of love, Valentine, and learn about the legend of the Mouth of Truth. This evening, enjoy dinner with your travel companions.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Una Hotel Rome or iH Hotels Roma Cicerone Rome.
Your hotel will be dependent on your departure date
INCLUDED and OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
ROME ORIENTATION
During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.
BASILICA OF SANTA MARIA IN COSMEDIAN VISIT
Discover Rome on a driving orientation and after-hours visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. Get up close to the legendary Mouth of Truth, an ancient Roman marble mask said to bite any liar who places their hand in the mask's mouth. Dare to test the legend yourself and take one of the city's most coveted photos.
Day 2 - Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City
The Holy See takes center stage today as we join a Local Specialist for an included sightseeing tour in the Vatican Museums. Admire Michelangelo's magnificent, frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. See the marble masterpiece of Pietà, housed in the Basilica before crossing the Tiber into Ancient Rome. We then enjoy a guided in-depth walking experience around the walls of the Colosseum, before seeing Circus Maximus, once the site of celebrated chariot races. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Rome. Indulge in an espresso in the Piazza Navona or clamber up the Spanish Steps.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Una Hotel Rome or iH Hotels Roma Cicerone Rome.
Your hotel will be dependent on your departure date
INCLUDED AND OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
STUDY THE MASTERPIECES OF THE VATICAN MUSEUMS
Be inspired by the magnificence of Michelangelo and da Vinci at the Vatican Museums.
VISIT ST. PETER'S BASILICA
Visit Vatican City and tour St. Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist. Witness the early genius of Michelangelo as you take in Pietà.
ANCIENT ROME
Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a Local Specialist. See Circus Maximus and the Ancient Forum, and stand beside the Colosseum, which bears witness to the limitless courage of the gladiators.
Day 3 - Explore the Ruins of Pompeii and Sorrento
We journey south to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii. Here we join a Local Specialist who will share details of the devastation caused by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius as we wander through the ancient, paved roads of a city that was frozen in time. Later, we
arrive at our hotel in the clifftop town of Sorrento where we'll dine tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Johanna Park Hotel Sorrento or Grand Hotel Cesare Augusto. Your hotel will be dependent on your departure date
INCLUDED and OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
VISIT POMPEII
Walk with a Local Specialist through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century.
AMALFI COAST AND POSITANO
Come with us for a drive along the famous Amalfi Coast. You'll have a chance to visit the exclusive artists' paradise of Positano, which is magnificently positioned on the Mediterranean coast. Adult Price €68.00
HOW TO BOOK? Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour.
Day 4 - Cruise to the Isle of Capri
We crossed the Bay of Naples today by ferry to the glamorous Isle of Capri to visit some of its landmark sights. Wander past the chic boutiques and pavement cafés in Capri town in the company of a Local Specialist before taking your time to soak up the sophistication of this lovely island. Later, we returned to the mainland.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Johanna Park or Grand Hotel Cesare Augusto
Your hotel will be dependent on your departure date
INCLUDED and OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
TOUR CAPRI
Join a Local Specialist on a walk-through elegant Capri to gain insight into the island's local culture and historic landmarks.
DISCOVER THE ISLE OF CAPRI
Experience a private, guided cruise along the beautiful southern coast to see spectacular cliffs, the famous Faraglioni Rocks and White Grotto Sea cave with its small red coral. View the turquoise waters and private villas and hear the stories of Roman Emperors and famous people throughout history who have called Capri home before ascending to Capri town. This optional experience is weather dependent and may be replaced by a minibus tour of the Island with a visit to Anacapri and either the Villa San Michele or the Anacapri chairlift. Adult Price €55.00
HOW TO BOOK? Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour.
DINNER NEAPOLITAN STYLE
Join us for an evening of Neapolitan specialties at one of our favourite family-run restaurants. Savour local dishes all served up with the famous Neapolitan hospitality and zest for life. Adult Price €77.00
HOW TO BOOK? Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour.
Day 5 - Onwards to Assisi
Marvel at the beauty of the Bay of Naples and mighty Vesuvius as you leave the Sorrento coastline. Glimpse the Benedictine Abbey of Cassino perched high on the mountain peak and featured as the site of the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944 before heading north to the slopes of Mount Subasio. We arrive in the mystical town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, under whose protection this medieval city is said to remain. We join our Local Specialist for a visit of Basilica of St. Francis, before some free time to explore this fascinating hilltop town. Tonight, we'll stay at one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories – a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Hotel Cenacolo Assisi
INCLUDED and OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
STAYS WITH STORIES
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.
VISIT THE BASILICA OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
With a Local Specialist, find out why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered to be one of the crowning artistic achievements of 13th-century Europe
Day 6 - Venture to Verona and Venice
Journey through the glorious countryside of the Emilia Romagna region. This area is renowned for its gastronomy and is credited with being the origin of tortellini, mortadella and parmesan cheese. Travel to Verona, the home of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers, to admire the ancient Roman arena and Piazza Brà. Arrive later into beautiful Venice, the 'Queen of the Adriatic' to spend time admiring this unique city.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Biasutti Hotel Venice Lido
INCLUDED and OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
SCENIC DRIVE THROUGH EMILIA-ROMAGNA
Travel through the lush landscape of Emilia-Romagna, past hilltop towns and agricultural lands.
VERONA ORIENTATION
During an exploration of Verona, see Juliet's balcony in the courtyard of a Renaissance villa.
GONDOLAS AND THE GRAND CANAL
Join us for a breathtaking cruise by private water taxi along Venice's Grand Canal. You'll admire the magnificent palazzi, catching a glimpse of the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square. Later, you'll glide gracefully on a gondola along Venice's dreamy, narrow waterways. Adult Price €88.00
HOW TO BOOK? Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour.
Day 7 - St. Mark's and More in Venice
Cruise your way through Venice by private launch to soak up the sights and sounds of what was once one of the world's greatest ports. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER
Experience with the master craftsmen of Venice follows. Watch as they share their centuries-old glassmaking traditions. Your visit helps to preserve this delicate craft
for which Venice is justifiably famous and you'll want to remember your visit by purchasing a souvenir or two to display at home. From there, continue past the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge's Palace to St. Mark's Square where we will view the impressive square and Basilica. Consider an Optional Experience to see the colorful fishermen's
houses on the Island of Burano or search for a cozy bacaro and indulge in some tasty Venetian treats, starting with that refreshing Venetian Spritz which is the local drink of choice.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Biasutti Hotel Venice Lido
INCLUDED and OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER
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.
VENICE'S SECRETS
Explore the hidden maze of streets which make up this unique city as your Local Specialist gives you a fascinating insight into Venice's past and present. You'll discover tucked away squares and back streets local Venetians use to sidestep the tourist throng and give you a sense of authentic life on the island of Venice. Adult Price €47.00.
HOW TO BOOK? Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour.
LAGOON CRUISE TO BURANO WITH FOOD AND DRINKS
This afternoon, discover the Venetian Lagoon by private boat. You'll enjoy a delicious meal, with a selection of drinks, on the fisherman's island of Burano, famous for its multi-colored houses - a photographer's paradise. Adult Price €82.00.
HOW TO BOOK? Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour.
Day 8 - Stroll Around Milan
Cross the lush green plains of Lombardy to sophisticated Milan, Italy's capital of design and fashion is our destination. An orientation tour takes us past the intricate Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House and the famous Galleria. Later arrive in the Italian Lakes where we'll enjoy a dinner with your fellow traveling companions.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel: Simplon Baveno
INCLUDED and OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
MILAN ORIENTATION
See Milan's central highlights on an orientation tour with your Travel Director.
TREASURE OF MILAN
A fantastic opportunity to take in some of the highlights of elegant Milan. Amongst other sights, we'll visit La Scala, the world's most famous opera house, where Giuseppe Verdi, Maria Callas and others have left their mark. Our wonderful Local Specialist will bring the city's eventful past to life. Adult Price €49.00
HOW TO BOOK? Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour.
Day 9 - On to Como and Scenic Lake Maggiore
Indulge in a free day at your leisure to explore Como's historical quarter, savor delicious gelato, or consider a serene cruise on the lake. This evening, venture by private boat to a secluded island on Lake Maggiore for your Be My Guest experience.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel Simpton Baveno
INCLUDED and OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
EXPLORE COMO
Take in exquisite views of the lake and its alpine backdrop as you enjoy an orientation of this magnificent town.
DINE WITH THE CINQUE FAMILY AT VILLA TOSCANINI
Hear about the intriguing history of Lake Maggiore as you're welcomed by the Cinqe family for dinner and wine at their home, Villa Toscanini.
DISCOVER LAKE COMO
Enjoy views of elegant villas and gardens as you cruise with your Local Specialist along Lake Como, one of the most beautiful spots in the Italian Lake District. Adult Price €49.00.
HOW TO BOOK? Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour.
Day 10 - Admire Pisa and on to Florence
Tuscany lures us across the forested Apennine Mountains, past the marble quarries of Carrara to the famous city of Pisa and its Square of Miracles where we
will enjoy an opportunity to view the Leaning Tower. Our next stop is Florence, the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Grand Mediterraneo Florence
INCLUDED and OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
SEE PISA'S LANDMARKS
During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
DINNER IN THE TUSCAN HILLS
This evening we'll take a scenic drive to experience a fun and relaxed evening at a friendly, typical restaurant in the countryside. The chef will delight our senses with regional dishes, made with freshly bought ingredients from the local farmers' markets. Your delicious meal will be accompanied by excellent wines from the vineyards for which this area is so well known. In short, a Tuscan dream come true in an authentic setting. Adult Price €74.00.
HOW TO BOOK? Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour.
TUSCAN DINNER AT VILL MACHIAVELLI
Through the Chianti hills, we'll drive past vineyards to a delightful hamlet. Our destination is the ancient stone house of Machiavelli, where the great political theorist wrote his immortal work, 'The Prince'. After a welcome drink and a visit of the villa and its wine-cellars, we'll enjoy the best of Tuscan cuisine accompanied by great music and drinks, including of course, Chianti from the Villa's own vines. Adult Price €74.00.
HOW TO BOOK? Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour.
Day 11 - Experience Art and Architecture in Florence
Delve into the extravagant history of the Medici family, whose legacy of art and architecture is explored in the company of a Local Specialist. We visit Piazza della Signoria with its exquisite statues and palazzi and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the beautiful skyline of Florence, dominated by the elegant Duomo and the almost 700-year-old Ponte Vecchio, from Piazzale Michelangelo. Later, learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Grand Mediterraneo Florence
INCLUDED AND OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
FLORENCE CITY TOUR
Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
FLORENCE LEATHER DEMONSTRATION
See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods, and witness a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
MICHELANGELO'S 'DAVID' AND ACCADEMIA
Enjoy an insight into the world of Michelangelo and his masterpiece, David. We'll visit the Academy of Fine Arts and its Michelangelo collection, where you'll learn all about the life and works of this immortal Renaissance genius through the expert commentary of our Local Specialist. Adult Price €59.00
HOW TO BOOK? Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour.
Day 12 - Treasures of San Gimignano and Return to Rome
This morning, we stop at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. Continuing south, we visit the charming Tuscan hill-town of San Gimignano, with its extraordinary medieval architecture and rich history. Venture to the center of town to view the Piazza del Duomo, surrounded by medieval towers and 13th century city walls. This evening in Rome we enjoy a Farewell Dinner in the company of newfound friends and our Travel Director.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel: Shangri-La Rome
INCLUDED and OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
FLORENCE AMERICAN CEMETERY AND MEMORIAL VISIT
Stop at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. Framed by wooded hills, view the memorial marked by symmetrical rows of 4, 392 headstones and towering pylon monument.
VISIT SAN GIMIGNANO
Visit the medieval Manhattan of Italy as you explore the UNESCO-listed center of San Gimignano and admire the city's distinctive towers.
Day 13 - Farewell to Rome
Bid a fond ciao to your Travel Director and fellow travelers as your discovery of the best of Italy comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast
Departure Transfer
Arrive at Leonardo da Vinci airport (FCO) at 07:00, 09:30
Not Included
- Meals and tips except the 12 Breakfasts, 6 dinners meals that are included.
- Travel Insurance.
- Tips to hotel staff.
- Tips to Local guides.
Tour Map
Cost of the Tour
$4,123.00 per person, double occupancy (July 2, 2024). Note: The price of the tour varies by date of travel. Please contact us to verify the costs when you want to travel. Certain discounts may be available depending on providers' current offers.
Transfers
We want you to have as easy and convenient a journey as possible, which is why we offer airport transfers to and from your tour hotel, on the first and last days of your itinerary, for most destinations.
If you're arriving earlier or leaving later than your scheduled itinerary dates, you can purchase your transfer from us, provided you've also bought your extra hotel night(s) through us.
Ball Travel Services (BTS) - Tour Service Agreement
BTS - Tour Service Agreement covers various aspects requested by our client(s). The agreement is between Ball Research, Inc., a Michigan Corp. d/b/a Ball Travel Services and its client(s). This agreement provides two services BTS provides to its clients.
- Develop customized tours for our clients. Fees.
- Tours BTS are promoting between the Tour Operator, BTS and our client(s) who are interested in a tour we are promoting. No Fees.
- Both have an EXHIBIT A which provides the information as to when payments have to be made, plus additional information from the tour operator on Pricing, Terms, Conditions and Cancelation policies, etc.
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