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Tastes, Treasures & Textiles of
Italy
Featuring Quilt Italia
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May 6 - 15, 2011
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Tour Highlights
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- First Class Hotel Accommodations
- Rome by Night Tour
- Dinner With The Tenors
- Panoramic Tour of Rome
- Vatican City & The Sistine Chapel
- Florence Tour
- Textile Museum in Prato
- Uffizi Museum
- Venice Tour
- Murano Glassblowers
- Burano Lace Museum
- Lake Como Gardens
- Baggage Handling
- 10 Days-15 meals:9 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 5 Dinners
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Per Person Rates (Land Only) |
$2,775
- Per Person Double Occupancy
$800 - Additional for Single Accommodation
A passport valid for 6 months past the tour date is required.
Travel Insurance is Strongly Recommended!
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Arrival and Departure Information |
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Day 1
Rome hotel check-in is after 3:00 p.m. Earlier check-in may be possible if rooms are ready. Baggage storage is available for early arrivals. Our welcome dinner is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
Day 10
Departure from Milan is at your leisure. Hotel check-out time is 12:00 noon
Transfers to & from the Airport are not included.
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Detailed Itinerary |
Don’t miss this fabulous opportunity to join us on our first-ever tour to Italy for the exciting premier of Quilt Italia! We’ve combined Italy’s grandest, must-see historical sites with unforgettable visits to textile museums, demonstrations of glass blowing and leather crafting, exploration of silk production history and techniques, and more—magnifico! This tour begins in Rome, and ends in Milan.
Day 1 - Benvenuto a Roma
You’ll personally arrange your flight schedule for May 6th arrival at Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) in Rome, Italy. Taxi service is readily available here to whisk you to our nearby hotel in the heart of downtown Rome. Following check-in you’ll have time to unpack and relax before our exciting itinerary begins. Or perhaps you’ll be ready for a bit of exploring on your own in this legendary city. Start by sampling the cuisine, a national pastime in Italy. The choices here are irresistible and endless! Ristorantes offer handmade pasta specials with the freshest of ingredients. And who can visit Italy without stopping at the sidewalk trattorias and pizzerias for the “real deal.” Save room for dessert, too. Gelato is the Italian version of ice cream, but it’s more intensely flavored and made with fresh fruits…heaven!
This evening we’ll meet our tour director and travel companions as we “dine with the tenors” at a very popular Roman restaurant where we’ll indulge ourselves in a four-course meal, complete with wine and with everything selected from hearty, traditional fare. As we enjoy the delicious tastes of Italy, talented performers serenade us with favorite arias from best-loved operas. This lively, fun-filled evening will be an unforgettable part of our visit to Rome and an engaging immersion in Italian culture. Following dinner, we’ll embark on the enchanting Rome by night tour, seeing all the famous landmarks of the Eternal City illuminated against the evening sky—the Coliseum, Roman Forum, Victor Emmanuel Monument, and many other highlights. (Welcome Dinner) Overnight Rome
Day 2 - Rome the Eternal City
Buon giorno! A beautiful day awaits us here in the “Eternal City.” A city of evocative ruins that almost whisper of Cicero, Julius Caesar, and Virgil. This morning we’ll step aboard our motorcoach for a locally guided panoramic tour of Rome. Just a few of the sites we’ll be seeing on our drive today include the Fontana di Trevi, Italy’s most photographed fountain, a baroque masterpiece of carved figures flanking the central figure of Neptune; the Coliseum dating from AD 72 and the world’s largest surviving structure from Roman antiquity; Circus Maximus, an ancient Roman chariot racing stadium used by the Etruscan kings of Rome; and the glorious Arch of Constantine, a triumphal arch erected in the year AD 312. And there’s so much more to see as our motorcoach winds its way through the maze of medieval streets and Renaissance squares. This afternoon our expert guide will accompany us on an in-depth visit to the world-famous Vatican City, not only home to one of the world’s greatest collections of art, but also to the world-famous Sistine Chapel. Our final visit today will be to St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most important churches in Christendom.
(Breakfast) (Dinner) Overnight Rome
Day 3 - Dining in Tuscany
We’ll say farewell to the great city of Rome this morning as our journey continues to the charming city of Florence.
En route we’ll be visiting a glorious Tuscan estate in the heart of the countryside. Perched amidst the stunning views is a family owned winery where we’ve been invited for an afternoon cooking lesson and lunch. We’ll observe the winery’s resident chef preparing our authentic Tuscan meal, which will be expertly paired with wines produced on site. Buon appetito!
Later we’ll continue our drive through the glorious Tuscan countryside to Florence, “Cradle of the Italian Renaissance.”
(Breakfast) (Lunch) Overnight Florence
Day 4 - Italian Arts and Textiles
Imagine awakening in beautiful Florence, a jewel of a city surrounded by Tuscany’s rolling hillside. Not only is this a city of great beauty; its unparalleled contributions to fine arts and culture are celebrated all over the world.
Morning finds us visiting the Scuola di Cuoio (leather school) situated inside Santa Croce, the historic church where Michelangelo is buried. We’ll watch as leather artists demonstrate ancient traditional methods for hand crafting each of the specialty leather items they produce. We’ll learn the art of leather gilding using 22 carat gold and how to determine by touch the various grades of leather. An informative and fun morning for all, with time to shop for leather goods as savvy, informed consumers.
Afterward we’ll walk through Florence’s pedestrian-only historic area, where our guide will be on hand to point out the highlights such as the Piazza Del Duomo, with its Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and the Palazzo Vecchio.
This afternoon we’ll board our motorcoach for the Tuscan village of Prato. As our motorcoach traverses the verdant countryside, we’ll see sweeping expanses cross-hatched with vineyards and terraces of grapevines and olive trees. Hill towns dotted with charming cream-colored villas seem to rise out of silver-green olive groves. Ah, life is good! Soon we’ve reached the town of Prato, a village from the middle ages and home to the renowned Textile Museum. Here we’ll explore a vast collection of over 6,000 samples of fabrics from throughout the world, including textiles from the 5th century BC up to the present day.
(Breakfast) (Dinner) Overnight Florence
Day 5 - Italian Treasure
This morning we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Uffizi Museum, housed in a Renaissance palace and known as one of the world’s greatest art collections.
We’ll explore the museum’s rich holdings of drawings, prints, and paintings dating from the 14th century with works by such artists as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Michelangelo.
Later our journey continues through the Apennine Mountains and leads us to the enchanting city of Venice. Made up of 118 islands and180 canals, and connected by 400 bridges, it is unique in the entire world. This astonishing, once powerful lagoon city is filled with jewels of Oriental architecture, ornate churches, and historic palaces harmoniously coexisting in a dream-like fantasy of marble. Later today, you’ll have time on your own to meander through narrow streets and across lovely piazzas before retiring for a good night’s sleep in preparation for tomorrow’s exciting day.
(Breakfast) (Dinner) Overnight Venice
Day 6 - Gondolas, Glass and Lace
Our day begins with a boat ride (weather permitting**) to Murano, a tiny island village in the Lagoon, whose main street consists of a canal lined with Renaissance houses. The island has been the home of glassblowing factories since 1291 when it was established to safeguard glassblowing secrets, as well as to prevent dangerous furnaces from operating in Venice. We’ll watch as glassblowers create their works of art using the same techniques as in centuries past. Next we’ll travel by motorboat to the island of Burano. You’ll delight in this colorful fishing village island known for its lace and painted houses where women lace makers still work sitting out in the streets. Here we’ll visit the Museo del Merletto, or Lace Museum, in the old Scuols di Merletti (lace making school) established in 1872. The small two-story museum has impressive displays of Venetian and Burano laces. Both are needle laces but differ in their construction. Venetian laces join the motifs with bars, and Burano laces have a net ground entirely made with a needle. If we’re lucky, we may find a group of Buranese women upstairs for their sewing circle and willing to share a few needle-lace techniques such as Point in the Air. It may be hard to leave the island of Burano without purchasing a sampling of this most beautiful lace work.
Later today our guide leads us on a walking tour through Venice’s labyrinth of small streets and arched bridges in this charming city. We’ll traverse St. Mark’s Square, which opens onto the Grand Canal, and view the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica, a gorgeous and profusely decorated structure built in 1063 to shelter the tomb of the Saint Mark the Evangelist. We’ll see the pink and white confection that is Doge’s Palace, whose courtyards are resplendent with richly adorned Renaissance sculptures. We’ll also see the Bridge of Sighs, a carved stone passageway built in 1600. It is named for the prisoners who glimpsed light and perhaps life for the last time through the bridge’s tiny latticed windows. And we’ll view the legendary Clock Tower, a 15th century timepiece whose tower is home to the famous Mori (Moors), a pair of bronze giants who have been striking the hours for over 500 years.
This evening we’ll enjoy time on our own to experience the many splendors that Venice offers. Venice is definitely a shopper’s paradise for leather goods, glassware, and lace, to mention just a few specialty items. Or perhaps you’ll indulge in one of Venice’s most famous pastimes: an unforgettable gondola ride. Step aboard this gentle water craft and glide softly along the Venetian canals to view Venice’s most famous monuments now illuminated in the night. Listen for the soft voices of the gondoliers whose serenades include traditional Italian arias and memorable songs. Precious memories begin in moments like these.
(Breakfast) Overnight Venice
Day 7 - I Hear Violins
This morning we’ll visit the Bevilacque Silk Weaving Mill, one of the oldest tapestry and silk makers in Venice. Perhaps we'll be lucky enough to observe a few of the Venetian women as they weave their beautiful cloth in the traditional, age-old way.
Later we’ll travel to town of Cremona, an ancient village steeped in musical history. It was here that Antonio Stradivari hand crafted his now highly sought-after Stradivarius violins. We’ll enjoy a private tour of the village where the hum of artisan instrument shops seems to reverberate through the cobblestone streets. Our local guide will familiarize us with the fabled history of Cremona as we explore the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and the Palazzo.
(Breakfast) Overnight Cremona
Day 8 - Quilting, Italian Style
We’ll say farewell to the city of Venice this morning, our hearts and heads filled with memories of this beautiful city. But we have another exciting event in store as we travel to the city of Parma where we’ll have the opportunity to visit “Italia Invita” one of the most important textile events in the country. Quilt Italia, The Italian National Association of Patchwork and Quilting will cooperate with The Fiere di Parma (organizers) for the quilting portion of the show. Traditionally a lace making and embroidery fair, the 2011 edition will now include patchwork, quilting, weaving, knitting and felting. How exciting it will be to be part of this inaugural quilt show in Italy. The Italian quilters know we’re coming and are so excited to share their love of quilts and techniques with other quilters from throughout the world.
(Breakfast) Overnight Cremona
Day 9 - Italy's Northern Treasure
Some will say we’ve saved the best for last as we visit the stunningly beautiful region of Lake Como, a popular retreat for aristocrats and the wealthy since Roman times. Here snowy Alpine peaks frame a deep blue lake ringed by exquisite villas and lush Mediterranean gardens. We’ve arranged to visit one of the private villa’s here to explore their luscious gardens. Como is also known throughout this region as the Silk Capital, producing 78.8% of Europe’s silk. We’ll have plenty of time this afternoon to shop at some of Como’s famous warehouse outlets where silk items are sold at discounted prices.
Later we’ll travel to Milan for our farewell dinner with our fellow travelers.
(Breakfast) (Dinner) Overnight Milan
Day 10 - Arrivederci, Italia
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning. Perhaps afterward we can all gather one last time for a farewell group picture!
You’ll arrange your own individual transfer service to Milan’s Aeroporto Malpensa (MHL). (Breakfast)
Please Note: Most shops and business in Italy are closed on Sundays and on national/religious holidays.
*Due to the unpredictable nature of the events schedule at the Vatican, on certain dates it may be necessary to visit the Vatican museums in the afternoon.
**On occasion, inclement weather prevents boat travel to Murano Island; if this occurs, a visit to a local glass factory in Venice will be substituted.
This tour includes moderate physical activity. Some of the most intriguing sightseeing can entail accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs, or on uneven surfaces, all should be expected. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
If you do have difficulty walking, you may not be able to access some areas, and we must suggest, with regret, that you consider an alternate vacation.
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