☼  Highlights for Ten Days of Italy

★ Enjoy a fully guided tour of the ancient Colosseum and Roman Forum, timed entry ticket included
★ Relish walking tours of the historical centers of Florence and Venice
★ Delight in a visit to the wonderfully preserved cities of Lucca and Bologna
★ Partake in an optional excursion to the famed Cinque Terre – five colorful hillside communities along the Italian Riviera
★ Voyage to the Piazza dei Miracoli, the “Square of Miracles” in Pisa, including the famous Leaning Tower, which is actually the bell tower for the medieval Pisa Cathedral  
★ Take in a special tour of the spellbinding Anatomical Theatre of Padua, the oldest of its kind in the world

  What’s Included for Ten Days in Italy 

D

   ACCOMMODATION       9 nights of accommodation at upscale, centrally located three and four star hotels.  All hotel taxes, porterage fees, and housekeeping tips are included.

D

   TRANSPORTATION       Private airport transfer upon arrival.   Private taxi rides as necessary.  Train journeys between the balance of land destinations.   Occasional light walking will be required between train stations and hotels (less than five minutes).  

D

   MEALS      11 meals:  9 breakfasts, 2 dinners.

D

   EXCURSIONS AND ENTRANCE FEES       Guided tours of the historical centers of Florence and Venice.  Extended visits to Bologna, Pisa, and Lucca.  Guided tours of the Anatomical Theater of Padua, and the Colosseum and Roman Forum, entrance fees included.  

Optional excursions include a timed entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, a half day excursion to the Cinque Terre (dinner included), a half day excursion to the Pompeii archaeological park,  and a semi-guided excursion to the island of Murano (Venice).

D

   TOUR LEADER       A Blue Onyx Tour Leader to handle all logistical aspects of the tour, offer valuable information, and guide your group from start to finish.

 
   Itinerary for Ten Days in Italy (10 days)

D

DAY 1:  ARRIVE IN ROME
Arrive at the Fiumicino International Airport, where a Blue Onyx Travel representative will meet you and direct you to your private transportation en route to your centrally located hotel.  Meet in the hotel lobby at 7 p.m. where there will be a brief orientation with your Tour Leader.  Proceed to your Welcome Dinner at a lovely Roman restaurant.

  MEAL:  Dinner           ACCOMMODATION:   Hotel Villa San Pio

DAY 2:   GUIDED TOUR OF COLOSSEUM AND ROMAN FORUM, OPTIONAL TIMED ENTRY TO THE VATICAN MUSEUMS/SISTINE CHAPEL
Constructed of travertine, tuff, and concrete, the monumental Roman Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Ampitheatre, took just eight years to complete.  This morning, a local expert will lead your group on foot from your hotel to have a guided tour of this major architectural work which still wows visitors from around the globe.  Afterwards, the same expert will show you around the Roman Forum, the epicenter of political and cultural life in ancient Rome.   In the afternoon, you will have the option to visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with a special timed entry.

  MEAL:  Breakfast 

OPTIONAL EXCURSION:  Timed entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (transportation not included) – ($29 per person)

DAY 3:  FREE DAY IN ROME OR OPTIONAL HALF-DAY IN POMPEII OR OPTIONAL TIMED ENTRY TO THE VATICAN MUSEUMS/SISTINE CHAPEL
There is a cornucopia of impressive attractions in Rome that shouldn’t be missed, ranging from the ancient Pantheon and Castel Sant’Angelo, to the medieval and renaissance Palazzo Venezia, to the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica, to the stunningly baroque Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona. 

If you already managed to visit these sights during your first two days, then maybe a guided tour of the Pompeii archaeological park is something that would pique your interest.   And what’s great about the half day Pompeii excursion is that you’ll be back in Rome by 4 p.m., with plenty of time for sightseeing and relaxation.

And the option of a special timed entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel is still available, although it won’t be possible to do the Pompeii and Vatican Museum excursions on the same day.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS:  The half day Pompeii excursion by train (departing at 7:30 a.m.) includes round-trip, air-conditioned transportation via Italo train and a two-hour guided tour of the Pompeii archaeological site led by a trusted local expert, timed entry ticket included.  ($110 per person) 

Timed entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (transportation not included) – ($29 per person)

  MEAL:  Breakfast

DAY 4:   JOURNEY ACROSS TUSCANY, GUIDED TOUR OF FLORENCE
In the morning, you’ll journey by high speed train across the rolling hills and verdant valleys of Umbria and Tuscany en route to your upscale hotel just on the edge of Florence’s historical center.   In the late afternoon, you’ll enjoy an extensive walking tour of several historic sights, including the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (commonly referred to as “The Duomo”), the Piazza della Signoria, and the Ospedale degli Innocenti (“The Hospital of the Orphans”), which many experts believe was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance.  Afterwords, your group will have ample free time to explore Florence and watch the lovely sunset.

  MEAL:  Breakfast         ACCOMMODATION:  Hotel Jane (3 nights)

DAY 5:   EXCURSION TO LUCCA AND PISA VIA TRAIN, OPTIONAL HALF-DAY TOUR OF CINQUE TERRE WITH DINNER.   In the morning, you’ll visit nearby Lucca, a “hidden gem” of a town for  hours of free time and sightseeing.  Later, you’ll arrive in Pisa for a -semi-guided excursion to the romanesque Pisa Cathedral with its iconic baptistery and leaning belltower  (Please note that the entry ticket to climb the leaning tower is not included in this guided tour, although entry to the main cathedral and baptistery are included).

In the mid-afternoon, you have the option of joining a semi-guided excursion to the group of colorful coastal villages known as the Cinque Terre.  One of the towns you’ll visit is Vernazza, a quintessential Italian seaside town, complete with hillside terraces, pastel houses, and a rugged seafront.  After some free time you’ll end your excursion in Manarola for more leisure time and a lovely dinner at a highly regarded local restaurant.  Later, the Tour Leader will take the group to a special spot from which to watch the sunset before journeying back to Florence via private minibus. 

  MEAL:  Breakfast (and Dinner, if one partakes in the Cinque Terre excursion)

OPTIONAL EXCURSION:  Semi-guided day trip to Cinque Terre from Pisa, including all transportation (combination of private minibus and train, including the unlimited Cinque Terre train pass ) and multi-course dinner with wine included – $145 per person

DAY 6:  FREE TIME IN FLORENCE
The day is yours to continue to discover the charms of Florence.  Wander the winding pathways of the town, take a tour of a local vineyard, hop a train to Siena, or make a visit to the Accademia Gallery to see Michaelangelo’s David .  There’s never a shortage of things to do in Tuscany.  

  MEAL:  Breakfast 

DAY 7:  LUNCH STOP IN BOLOGNA, ARRIVAL IN PADUA
After a morning departure you’ll stop in Bologna where you’ll have time to lunch in the historical center.  During your sightseeing time, don’t miss a stop at the Universita de Bologna, the oldest university in the world.  Or maybe climb to the top of the “Kissing Towers.” From Bologna, you’ll head to a city that is rich in both religious and scientific history:  Padua.  Indeed, this “oldest city of Northern Italy” was a place that both Saint Anthony and Galileo Galilei called home.  In the late afternoon you will be privy to a guided tour of the University of Padua and its fascinating Anatomical Theatre.

  MEAL:  Breakfast            ACCOMMODATION:    Hotel Grand Italia (1 night)

DAY 8: WALKING TOUR OF VENICE, OPTIONAL TRIP TO MURANO ISLAND
In the late morning, you’ll bid a fond farewell to magical Padua as you board the train for a 30 minute ride to Venice.  Later, a Local Expert will lead you on a walking tour of some of the historically significant sights of Venice, including the Piazza di San Marco, one of the world’s largest public squares.  In the late afternoon, your Tour Leader will take you on an optional vaporetto ride to the island of Murano, which will only cost you the price of a vaporetto ticket.  Once, there, you’ll witness real Venetian glassblowing at its finest.

  MEAL:  Breakfast            ACCOMMODATION:    Hotel Belle Epoque (2 nights)

OPTIONAL EXCURSION:  Vaporetto trip to the island of Murano.

DAY 9:  RELAXATION, FAREWELL DINNER
The day is yours to continue to explore this wondrous city of canals.  Indeed, Venice seems to have an endless supply of beautiful churches, museums, shops, piazzas, and alleyways to get lost in.  At 6 p.m. your group will meet in the lobby of our hotel where your Tour Leader will direct you to a three-course farewell dinner.

  MEALS:  Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10:   TRAIN TO ROME, END OF TOUR
Today, your group will be departing Venice to catch the high speed train back to Rome Termini station.  From there, you have the option of going to the airport or extending your vacation.   The great thing is that you will get to pick and choose whatever time frame you want for your included train trip.  Keep in mind, however, that it’s unlikely that you will be able to reach Termini station before 9 a.m., no matter how early you depart Venice.   In any case, we sincerely hope you enjoyed your tour of Italy!  Arrividerci! 

  MEAL:  Breakfast

 
   Optional Excursions for Ten Days in Italy

D

DAY 2:   Optional Excursion:  Timed Visit to Vatican Museums/Sistine Chapel

Enjoy a special timed entry to the Vatican Museums without having to wait in line for hours on end.  Behold masterworks by Michelangelo, Perugino, Botticelli, Rafael, and others at your own pace.   (Price: $29 per person).

DAY 3:  Optional Excursion:  Guided Tour of Pompeii Archaeological Park, including round-trip transportation.

Starting at 7:30 a.m., your day will consist of a train trip from Rome to Pompeii (about 2 hours), followed by a special guided tour of the archaeological ruins, timed entry ticket included, and a train trip back to Rome. (Price: $110 per person). 

Optional excursion:  Timed visit to Vatican Museums/Sistine Chapel

You still have the option of having a special timed entry to the Vatican Museums.  However, it won’t be possible to do both the Pompeii and Vatican Museums excursions on the same day.   (Price: $29 per person).

DAY 5:  Optional Excursion:  Half Day Trip to Cinque Terre and Multi-Course Dinner With Wine

From Pisa, you’ll voyage to the famed Cinque Terre via private minbus or coach.  After a few hours of free time, it’s off to Manarola – one of the smallest towns of the Cinque Terre – for more sightseeing, a multi-course dinner with wine, and a beautiful sunset vista.  The day ends with private transportation from the Cinque Terre back to your hotel in Montecatini Terme (Price: $145 per person).

DAY 8:   Optional Excursion:  Vaporetto Trip to Murano Island

Join your Tour Leader for this free excursion to the colorful island of Murano.  Watch the local artisans make intricate creations with their amazing glassblowing talents.   The price is the cost of a round-trip Vaporetto ticket, which is about ten dollars.

*Please note that optional excursions are reserved and paid for on the first day of the tour.

 
   Dates & Prices for Ten Days in Italy

D
June 26 – July 5, 2022 (Sun – Tues)                         $1,345  $1,239                    Book Now

 
   What to Expect for Ten Days in Italy

D

  The Weather

Generally speaking, weather in Italy during the summer is very warm.  Highs tend to reach the 80’s and lower 90’s.  Although it is mostly sunny in Italy during the summer, there are occasional rain showers.

We advise our guests to bring sunscreen and an umbrella with them on this tour.

  Bugs and Pests

There can be mosquitoes in Italy during the summer.  We advise our guests to bring insect repellent with them.

  Physical Activity of Tour

On a scale of 1 to 10, the level of physical activity of this tour is 8, which is high.  Although some days will incur only a modicum of walking, during most days our group will walk at least 2 or 3 miles, often up and down stairs and over uneven ground.  

  Potential Issues

We urge our guests to use common sense on our tours.  Be wary of strangers offering you something or trying to sell you something.  Keep guard of your important belongings, such as purse, wallet, keys, and cell phone.

Pickpocketing is a problem in Europe and Rome and other places in Italy are no exception to this phenomenon.  A common scam that occurs is where one person will walk up to you, pretending to ask directions, while his or her partner in crime will slip past you from another direction entirely, casually taking your wallet or cell phone.  Be aware of your belongings at all times.

We also urge our guests to use extra caution while crossing the street.  Walk defensively and look in every direction before crossing.  Don’t walk distracted.

  What to Bring

We urge our guests to pack light.  As previously stated under our Terms and Conditions, all of our guests are allowed one carry-on measuring 45 linear inches (22 x 14 x 9) and a personal item, such as a laptop bag or purse.  We strongly recommend bringing travel size toiletries.

  Journeys Between Destinations

Journeys between destinations on this particular tour tend to be short, with the exception of days 4 and 7.  We will use a combination of private minibus transfer and train trips for much of the transportation between destinations on this tour.  In most of the cities on this tour, the hotels will be within a three minute walk of the train station.

  Your Hotels

We always book hotels that are centrally located, highly rated, and close to major attractions.   The service level of this tour is Standard, which means that the hotels are upscale, in the 3 and 4 star range, and usually include a full breakfast.   

Having said that, there are a couple of things that one should understand about hotels in Europe, especially if one is from the United States.  More often than not, hotel rooms in Europe are smaller than hotel rooms in the United States. Additionally, hotel rooms in Europe may not have the exact same amenities that our American guests may be used to seeing.  For instance, many European hotels do not have elevators.

On the other hand, for our American guests who are traveling to Europe for the first time, the breakfasts that are offered at European hotels are a breath of fresh air.  There is usually an abundance of protein sources in the form of cold cuts, cheeses, eggs, milk, and yogurt, along with an assortment of fresh fruit, pastries, cereal, fruit juice, tea, and coffee.  Occasionally, some European hotels will serve a hot breakfast as well and this often consists of scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, and pancakes or waffles.

  Your Restaurants

We strive to treat our guests to lunches and dinners at high quality restaurants with interesting settings and this tour is no exception to that concept.  

  
  
  Currency Exchange and Credit Card Usage

The Tour Leader will be able to tell you where to exchange currency and there will usually be a place to do so within walking distance of your hotel.  Most major banks will be able to exchange any currency that you have brought with you, for a small fee.

In most European countries (Italy included), the best exchange rate can be obtained by simply withdrawing money from a standard bank ATM using your debit card (not to be confused with your credit card).  For instance, let’s say it’s your second day in Athens and you need withdraw some euros. Just go to a local bank which has an ATM machine (often in a small, enclosed lobby-style room) and withdraw the amount of money you want.  Nearly all standard ATM machines worldwide have the capacity to issue instructions in English, so English speakers should have no problem at all understanding how to use them.

When we tell you to seek out standard bank ATM machines, we mean it.  Avoid the omnipresent stand-alone ATMs which are not part of a bank.  Euronet, Moneybox, Travelex, and Cashzone are examples of independent ATM machines which have very unfavorable exchange rates.  If you have any questions at all while on tour, just ask your Tour Leader to point you the direction of a standard bank ATM. Now it’s true that your home-based bank, such as Wells Fargo, will charge a small fee ($5) for this transaction, but the European bank will not. 

But wait, why don’t I just use my VISA credit card for all my shopping and for the fancy dinner, you may ask?  That’s fine, but there’s usually a 3% foreign transaction fee (or higher) for these types of transactions. And there might even be an additional transaction fee from the store or restaurant in which you’re using your VISA card.  Dollar for dollar, withdrawing cash from a standard bank ATM in the country you’re visiting is the most cost-effective way to exchange currency.

  The Tour Leader

All of our Tour Leaders must undergo a rigorous training course designed to help them handle not only the ups and downs of a tour group situation, but also the disparate personalities that they might encounter.  All of our Tour Leaders are thoroughly background checked and must adhere to a strict code of conduct at all times.  You can rest assured that we are placing you with a Tour Leader who has your best interests at heart.

Reviews from other Blue Onyx tours:

★★★★★
“The southern Italy tour was fantastic.  Engaging, educational, and enriching.  Thanks for the sights, the places, the history, and the accommodations.  I will remember this always!”

-Tom, Maple Grove, MN

★★★★★
“Thinking about all the fabulous places we saw and went to, the incredible food and restaurants – it was mind-blowing.  It required a fairly large amount of walking for my 75-year old frame, but well worth it.  I think that was the best tour I’ve ever been on.”

-Lucy, Omaha, NE

★★★★★
“The tour was a life-changing experience.  Wonderful.”

-Janet, Sioux Falls, SD