Italy Vacation Presentation

Join us on February 26th to learn more about the upcoming Chamber sponsored trip to Italy!!

Italia Classica
Departing - September 16, 2013
9 Days - 10 Meals (7 Breakfasts/ 3 Dinners) - St. Louis Air & Taxes
Hometown Transfers - Round-trip from Park Hills, MO to St. Louis Airport

Highlights....
Rome ● Colosseum ● Florence ● Venice ● St. Mark’s Square ● Milan

• Experience the benefits of Whisper Headsets, designed for better communication between you and your guides throughout your tour.
• Dine in true Italian-style with wine included at every dinner!
• Sightseeing in Rome features a panoramic tour of the city and a visit to the Colosseum.
• A walking tour of Florence features the city's artistic and architectural gems, including the Piazza della Signoria.
• Visit Venice, one of Italy’s most unique cities.
• Free time in each city provides ample time to shop or further explore.

Day 1:  Overnight Flight

Join Collette Vacations for a fabulous vacation in Italy, exploring the magic of Rome, Florence and Venice. These cities are filled with history, culture, art and romance, waiting to be discovered. Your vacation begins with an overnight flight.

Day 2:  Arrive Rome, Italy - Tour Begins

Your tour begins in Rome, “the Eternal City.” This evening, meet your fellow travelers and roll up your sleeves for a true taste of Italian culture. A pizza-making class with an expert will teach you the art of creating this Italian specialty! Once your delicious creations are complete, sit back and enjoy your meal, paired with traditional antipasti and fine Italian wine! Today dinner will be included.

Day 3:  Rome

Enjoy a tour of Classical Rome viewing the Piazza Venezia, the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus and the Arch of Constantine. Visit the famed Colosseum, where gladiators and exotic animals once entertained the Roman crowd. This afternoon you are free to continue exploring Rome on your own. Perhaps you will take an optional excursion devoted to the splendors of Vatican City, the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 4: Rome - Florence

Depart Rome this morning for a scenic journey through Italy’s graceful low-lying hills to the spectacular capital of Tuscany, Florence. En route, ease your way into the local culture as your tour manager teaches you a few key phrases of the native language. Upon arrival, learn about the traditional Italian techniques of leather-making during a visit to a family-owned leather shop. Then, begin your exploration of the great city of Florence! A local expert provides a leisurely-paced walking tour featuring the Piazza Del Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Baptistry. You also visit the Piazza della Signoria with its impressive Palazzo Vecchio. End your day with an informative explanation of Florentine gold and its fascinating techniques at a local gold shop, overlooking the Church of Santa Croce. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 5: Florence

Today is at leisure to relax or continue independently exploring the city’s cultural riches. Perhaps you would like to sign up for an optional tour to see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa followed by a visit to a Tuscan winery complete with a regional lunch. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 6:  Florence - Mogliano Veneto

This morning you journey through central Italy, crossing over the wooded Apennine Mountains toward the Po River valley. Arrive in Mogliano Veneto and enjoy a relaxing afternoon in this quaint Venetian town. You may choose to sign up for an optional excursion to the islands in the Venetian lagoon. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 7:  Mogliano Veneto - Venice - Mogliano Veneto

Board a train toward enchanting Venice, with 117 tiny islands and its latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges. Your Venetian adventure will begin with a boat trip (weather permitting) to charming St. Mark’s Square, the lively hub of the city's activity and events. A local expert will guide you on a walking tour of the area featuring St. Mark’s Basilica and the Clock Tower with its famous Moors. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 8: Mogliano Veneto - Milan - Milan Malpensa

Say good-bye to the Veneto region as you travel toward the exciting and modern city of Milan. Visit the magnificent Duomo (Cathedral) and the Vittorio Emmanuele II Gallery in one of the city’s most elegant squares. Time is allowed to explore the city at your own pace before continuing to nearby Malpensa. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner commemorating the end of a fabulous trip through Italy. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 9:  Milan Malpensa - Tour Ends

Your tour ends today in the Milan Malpensa area. Today breakfast will be included.