Italys Treasures

br />Discover Italy’s hidden treasures on this Explorations tour where a smaller group setting allows for a more personalized travel experience. Ride the Centovalli Express Train from Lake Maggiore to the lakeside Swiss resort, Locarno. Explore the remote fishing villages of the Cinque Terre. Spend four relaxing nights in Tuscany. Discover the hilltop town of San Gimignano. Experience medieval life at the Palazzo Davanzati. Visit a winery in the beautiful countryside. Wander a Florentine food market, and then join a chef to learn the secrets of Tuscan cuisine. Conclude your tour with a two wonderful nights in Venice.

Day 1: Overnight Flight


Day 2: Stresa, Italy - Tour Begins
Begin in Stresa, on the shore of Lago Maggiore. A boat transports you to your welcome dinner on Isola dei Pescatori, the most picturesque of the Borromean Islands.

Day 3: Stresa - Lago Maggiore - Locarno, Switzerland - Stresa
Travel the breathtaking Centovalli Express for an unforgettable train journey through the mountains into Switzerland to visit the lovely town of Locarno. Nestled on a glorious sweeping curve of the bay, Locarno is known for having the most sunshine in Switzerland! Back in Stresa, the evening is at leisure to explore the piazzas, flower-lined cobblestone streets and lakeside promenades.

Day 4: Stresa - Orta - Italian Riviera
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Your Tour Manager helps you discover the origin and history of the Italian language and teaches key phrases that will help you in your travels. Depart Italy’s lake region for one of the most picturesque spots of the Ligurian coast, Sestri Levante. Stop at Lake Orta, one of Italy’s hidden treasures and take a boat to Isola di San Giulio to walk the grounds of this gorgeous working convent. Experience this enchanting lakeside resort with its many outdoor cafes and shops before continuing on to the Italian Riviera.

Day 5: Italian Riviera - Portofino - Cinque Terre
Travel to the seaside town of Santa Margherita Ligure for a boat ride* to glamorous Portofino. Long a getaway for the wealthy, the town’s colorful harbor, dotted with fishing boats and mega yachts, sits against a backdrop of pastel-colored buildings. Continue to the lovely Cinque Terre. A spectacular train journey through the villages of Cinque Terre traverses a rugged coastal area with terraced vineyards to this nearly inaccessible string of fishing villages tucked between the mountains and the Mediterranean. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring these magical villages at leisure.

Day 6: Italian Riviera - Lucca - Cortona
Drive to the city of Lucca, a hidden gem encircled by 16th century Renaissance walls. A locally guided walking tour of the charming piazza visits the 14th century Cathedral of San Martino, Lucca’s medieval streets and Piazza Napoleone. End in the Etruscan town of Cortona, at a villa tucked away in the beautiful Tuscan countryside, where you will enjoy a relaxing four-night stay.

Day 7: Cortona - Florence - Cortona
Explore Florence, the cradle of Italy's Renaissance, with a walk through the local market showcasing the fresh ingredients used in Tuscan recipes. A walking tour highlights the city’s treasures and monuments, including the Piazza del Duomo, center of religious life in medieval Florence, and Piazza della Signoria with its many sculptures. Visit the Museo della Casa Fiorentina Antica, housed in the 14th century Palazzo Davanzati, to experience medieval Florentine life. Take time to explore independently before returning to Cortona. At dinner you will sample delicious Tuscan cuisine in one of medieval Cortona’s typical locandas.

Day 8: Cortona - Siena - San Gimignano - Cortona
Travel to rose-hued Siena for an expert-led walking tour through narrow medieval streets to the dramatic cathedral. Next, visit the hilltop town of San Gimignano, punctuated by tall medieval towers, affording spectacular views of the Tuscan hills.

Day 9: Cortona - Tuscan Countryside - Cortona
A visit to a winery in the heart of Tuscany showcases the wine cellar, family estate, vineyards, olive groves and stunning views. The winery’s chef gives a Tuscan cooking lesson before serving an authentic Tuscan lunch, expertly paired with wines produced on site. Return to the villa this afternoon for leisure time to stroll the gardens or indulge in a spa service.

Day 10: Cortona - Bologna - Venice
Depart for Venice, stopping en route in Bologna. A guided walking tour of the center, virtually untouched since the Renaissance, highlights specialty food shops for an opportunity to sample the local wares. Continue toward incomparable Venice, built on 117 islands with 150 canals and 400 bridges.

Day 11: Venice
This morning enjoy a boat trip** to Murano Island for a fascinating glass-blowing demonstration. Return to charming St. Mark’s Square for a locally-guided walking tour featuring the Clock Tower, St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace and the legendary Bridge of Sighs. This evening, partake in a farewell dinner celebrating a marvelous trip to Italy.

Day 12: Venice - Depart for Home

Don't miss our current specials: FREE Door to Door Service Now Vacations Start at HOME! Don't worry about getting to the airport... because a vacation should be worry-free. With Collette Vacations, enjoy free round trip sedan service that takes you from your home to the airport when you purchase an air-inclusive Collette tour.* This personalized service - including gratuities - is available on new air-inclusive bookings to the South Pacific, Canada, and Europe; and on ALL Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures and Explorations by Collette tours. On departures May 2010 and beyond, Door to Door transfers are included with air-inclusive bookings to all destinations Great Savings • Added Comfort • More Convenience
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
8/20/2010 - 8/31/2010	$2,899
9/3/2010 - 9/14/2010	$2,899
9/8/2010 - 9/19/2010	$2,999
9/10/2010 - 9/21/2010	$2,999
9/11/2010 - 9/22/2010	$2,999
9/16/2010 - 9/27/2010	$2,999
9/17/2010 - 9/28/2010	$2,999
9/19/2010 - 9/30/2010	$2,999
9/24/2010 - 10/5/2010	$2,999
10/1/2010 - 10/12/2010	$2,999
10/4/2010 - 10/15/2010	$2,999
10/7/2010 - 10/18/2010	$2,999
10/15/2010 - 10/26/2010	$2,999
10/16/2010 - 10/27/2010	$2,899
10/18/2010 - 10/29/2010	$2,999
10/23/2010 - 11/3/2010	$2,899
11/5/2010 - 11/16/2010	$2,899
3/11/2011 - 3/22/2011	$2,799
4/1/2011 - 4/12/2011	$2,899
4/3/2011 - 4/14/2011	$2,899
4/8/2011 - 4/19/2011	$2,899
5/13/2011 - 5/24/2011	$3,099
5/21/2011 - 6/1/2011	$3,199
5/27/2011 - 6/7/2011	$3,199
6/11/2011 - 6/22/2011	$3,199
6/17/2011 - 6/28/2011	$3,199
7/16/2011 - 7/27/2011	$3,199
8/27/2011 - 9/7/2011	$3,199
9/10/2011 - 9/21/2011	$3,199
9/17/2011 - 9/28/2011	$3,199
9/23/2011 - 10/4/2011	$3,199
9/24/2011 - 10/5/2011	$3,199
10/1/2011 - 10/12/2011	$3,199
10/7/2011 - 10/18/2011	$3,199
10/15/2011 - 10/26/2011	$3,199
10/22/2011 - 11/2/2011	$3,199
10/28/2011 - 11/8/2011	$3,199
11/5/2011 - 11/16/2011	$2,999
11/12/2011 - 11/23/2011	$2,999
3/17/2012 - 3/28/2012	$2,999
4/14/2012 - 4/25/2012	$3,199
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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