And
PRESENT…….
REFLECTIONS OF ITALY
November 2-11, 2015
Revel in the magic of Italy on this 10-day tour that explores the cities of
Rome, Florence, Siena, Venice, Assisi, Perugia and Milan. Travel the
Tuscan and Umbrian countryside, exploring medieval hill towns and visiting
the birthplace of St. Francis, Assisi. Discover the masterpieces of the
Renaissance in Florence and see hot glass transformed into exquisite art
on Murano Island. Linger in Venice for two nights before ending your
journey in beautiful Milan.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Monday, November 2, 2015 Overnight Flight
Welcome to Italy, a land rich in history, culture, art
and romance. Your journey begins with an overnight
flight.
Day 2: Tuesday, November 3, 2015 Rome, Italy Tour Begins
Welcome to Rome, “The Eternal City.” This evening,
join your fellow travelers for a special welcome
dinner at a popular local restaurant featuring
regional delicacies and fine Italian wines. (D)
Day 3: Wednesday, November 4, 2015 Rome
This morning you’ll come to know the history
and traditions of Rome while on a locally-guided
panoramic tour featuring the impressive Piazza
Venezia, the Circus Maximus, the Arch of
Constantine, the famous Piazza Navona and a visit to
the Colosseum. This afternoon it’s your choice!
Perhaps a trip to Vatican City, with an optional tour
to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica*, will
be on your personal sightseeing list or maybe
relaxing at a local café’. (B)
Day 4: Thursday, November 5, 2015 Rome - Assisi Perugia
Ease your way into the local culture as your tour
manager shares a few key Italian phrases. Travel to
Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Take in the old-world
atmosphere on a guided walking tour of the old city,
including the Basilica of St. Francis. Then you are off
to medieval Perugia, the historic capital of Umbria.
Behold one of the grandest squares in Italy, the
Piazza IV Novembre, and delight in the medieval
palaces and ornate cathedrals. (B, D)
Day 5: Friday, November 6, 2015 Perugia - Siena Florence
A scenic journey through Tuscany’s graceful lowlying hills brings you to the mystical city of Siena.
Delight in its narrow Gothic streets, magnificent
palaces and historic Piazza Del Campo. After a
walking tour with a local expert, take some time to
explore the medieval corners of Siena. You are sure
to find many surprises among its shops and outdoor
cafés. Arrive in Florence and enjoy some free time
before gathering for dinner. (B, D)
Day 6: Saturday, November 7, 2015 Florence
In Florence, the “Cradle of the Italia n
Renaissance,” visit the world-famous Academy
Gallery to see Michelangelo’s incredible statue
of David. During your cultural tour of Florence you'll
also view the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the
Palazzo Vecchio and the Church of Santa Croce. The
remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy this
fascinating city on your own. (B)
Day 7: Sunday, November 8, 2015 Florence - Venice
Start your day with a visit to a historic winery
in the heart of the Chianti region. In the shadow
of its 12th-century castle, learn about the winery’s
famed Tuscan wines and enjoy a light lunch filled
with local specialties. This afternoon, journey
through central Italy, crossing the wooded Apennine
Mountains toward the Valley of the Po. Enchanting
Venice awaits with 117 tiny islands and its
latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges. (B, L, D)
Day 8: Monday, November 9, 2015 Venice - Murano
Island – Venice
See Venice from the water this morning as we
board a boat** (weather permitting) bound for
Murano Island for an up-close glass making
demonstration. Discover the secrets of this ancient
art and marvel at the intricate designs of each oneof-a-kind piece. Next, return to Venice and visit lively
St. Mark’s Square, the cultural hub of the city.
Uncover the stories of Venice as a local expert guides
you on a walking tour of the area featuring St.
Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of
Sighs and the Clock Tower with its famous
Moors. (B)
Day 9: Tuesday, November 10, 2015 Venice - Milan
Malpensa
Today you travel to Milan. Take in some of the
city’s amazing sights on a locally-guided panoramic
tour including the Duomo – this magnificent Gothic
cathedral is the third largest church in Europe, the
Opera House La Scala and Vittorio Emanuele Gallery.
Later, perhaps you will indulge in some shopping at
the “Quadrilatero della Moda,” Milan’s high-fashion
district. Continue to Milan Malpensa for a farewell
dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable
trip. (B, D)
Day 10: Wednesday, November 11, 2015 Milan Tour Ends
Your tour comes to a close in Milan this morning. (B)
PRICE
Double $3,949
Single $4,649
$ 250.00 Deposit Due By April 20, 2015 (and optional
insurance)
Remaining Balance/Final Payment Due By August 20,
2015.
*** If you are interested in a single room:
single rooms are very
popular and go fast. It is recommended that you go ahead and send in
your deposit and optional insurance now to secure a single room. If you
end up not being able to go, you will get a full refund if you cancel before
4/20/15.
This 10 day trip price includes: round trip airfare, air
taxes, all hotel accommodations, includes transportation
to and from the airport to the hotels in Italy, all tours and
sites, transportation while in Italy and 14 meals. For a
group over 10, “hometown pickup” is available which is
transportation provided to and from RDU airport from a
designated location in the Triangle.
Along with the many excursions and activities
offered on the trip, these options are also available:
Florence
Tuscan Feast • $85
This evening, set off on a scenic drive to nearby Galluzzo, a
historic town famous for its Carthusian monastery which rests
upon one of the beautiful hills surrounding Florence. Prior to
dinner, enjoy an after-hours visit to this 14th-century monastery
– La Certosa*. Revel in the beauty that lurks inside and
experience the monastery’s magnificence as you learn about
monastic daily life. Then, your evening of fun continues at one of
the area’s most popular dining establishments. Experience an
authentic and traditional dinner – served family-style! Savor local
wines and Tuscan food and enjoy the entertainment. It’s a
memorable – truly Italian – evening out that you won’t want to
miss! Gratuities are included. *Visit to the monastery may not be
possible when weddings are taking place. Duration:
Approximately 4.5 hours. Please note a minimum of 15
passengers is required. Transportation is included.
Rome
The Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica • $85
The Vatican Museums are not only home to one of the world’s
greatest collections of art, but also to the world-famous Sistine
Chapel. Priceless artifacts from ancient Egypt, Etruscan Italy and
cultures around the world are preserved in the Vatican’s palaces,
galleries, halls, and rooms. Follow a local expert guide on a three
hour, in-depth visit through this vast collection. Highlights include
the Gallery of Maps, the Gallery of Tapestries, and of course, a
visit to the Sistine Chapel. The chapel’s famous ceiling frescoes
took Michelangelo four years to complete. His brilliant Last
Judgment, which rests on the altar wall, was a topic of
controversy for centuries. Other walls feature paintings by Pietro
Perugino, Sandro Botticelli, Cosimo Rosselli, and Domenico
Ghirlandaio. Your final stop will be at St. Peter’s Basilica, one of
the most important churches in Christendom, and until recently,
the largest in the world. Price includes admission and the use of
headphones inside the museum. It is highly recommended to
book this optional tour in advance of your tour
departure. Duration: Approximately 4 hours. Please note a
minimum of 15 passengers is required. Transportation is
included.
Rome by Night • $89
“Dine with the Tenors” at a very popular Roman restaurant,
where you’ll indulge in a hearty, traditional, four-course menu
complete with wine. As you enjoy the delicious tastes of Italy,
talented performers serenade you with favorite arias from bestloved operas. This lively, fun-filled evening will be an
unforgettable part of your visit to Rome and an engaging
immersion into Italian culture. After dinner, embark on the
enchanting Rome by Night tour, seeing the famous landmarks of
the “Eternal City” illuminated against the night sky. See the
Colosseum, Roman Forum, Victor Emmanuel Monument, and
many other highlights. Remember your evening of Italian
romance and charm with a souvenir opera CD – one per couple
and one for singles. Duration: Approximately 4 hours. Please note
a minimum of 10 passengers is required. Transportation is
included.
Venice
Venetian Serenaded Gondola Cruise • $75
Experience the romance that can only be found in Venice – La
Serenìssima – while traveling on its famous waterways, when you
partake in one of Venice’s most famous pastimes – a gondola
cruise. Take a pleasant stroll toward the Grand Canal to board
your gondola. As you relax in your elegant watercraft, your
gondolier navigates the Grand Canal as well as smaller side
canals. Admire the scenery as you listen to the melodic voice
serenading you in true Italian style – just like in those romantic
Italian movies! This option operates weather permitting. Duration
of the gondola cruise is approximately 35 minutes. Duration:
Approximately 1 hour. Please note a minimum of 12 passengers
is required. Transportation is not included.
 In addition, you will have a tour escort with you the
whole trip- from beginning to end. They have
comprehensive knowledge of the destination and a passion
for sharing it, but they also handle all the details of travel,
so you can sit back and enjoy the trip. It's like traveling with
a friend who knows the area. And one who doesn't mind
doing all the work. The tour escorts that Silver Connections
has had on past trips, especially the most recent trip to
France, were excellent and a wonderful addition to the trip!
 Collette also has the best insurance/cancellation
waiver in the industry. You can cancel your trip up until
the day prior to departure for any reason - sickness, change
of heart or any reason whatsoever-and you will receive a full
refund, minus the small cost of the insurance. That's a cash
refund, not a voucher or certificate. The cancellation waiver
and insurance plan covers you on tour also. If you have to
stop your trip or return home early, need medical assistance
or evacuation, you're covered.
 Your family and friends are welcome on this trip! If
you have friends or family members who do not live in
the Triangle and want to join us on this trip, Collette
Vacations will arrange their air transportation for
them to meet up with our group.
Collette Vacations is a third generation business which was
founded 95 years ago! Today, it has offices in three countries
and offers tours to all 7 continents.