AAA Central Penn President's Italian Elegance Tour

Included Features

• Free parking with roundtrip transfers to the Philadelphia International Airport
• Roundtrip airfare from Philadelphia to Rome with return from Venice, Italy
• Hotel accommodations for twelve nights
• Baggage handling
• Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
• Sightseeing as stated in itinerary by luxury coach with WiFi (where available)
• Services of a Professional Insight Vacations driver/guide
• Gratuities for the Insight Vacations driver/guide and local experts
• Meals: 12 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch and 6 Dinners with wine or beer included
• All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person
• Hosted by AAA Central Penn President & CEO, Jodie Daubert
• Services of a Discoveries Journey Manager

Highlights

• Rome
• Castle Gandolfo- Pope's Summer residence
• Operatic dinner in Rome
• Sistine Chapel
• Florence
• Tuscany
• San Gimignano
• Pisa & Lucca
• Portofino
• The Cinque Terre – UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Lake Maggiore 
• Verona- home of Romeo and Juliet
• Dolomites mountain range
• Venice with gondola ride

Itinerary

Friday, September 19: Depart for Italy

Motorcoach from Central PA to the Philadelphia International airport for an overnight flight to Rome, Italy.

Anticipated Group Air Schedule* (subject to change)
AA0718   PHL   9:10pm    FCO (Rome) 11:35am (flight arrives on September 20th)

*Group air schedule is in economy class. Air upgrades are available by request only and are not guaranteed. Seat assignments are controlled by American Airlines. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Air upgrades may be available and are by request only and are not guaranteed. Any air upgrades or deviations must be requested at the time of the initial deposit. 

Saturday, September 20: Arrive in Rome

Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. This evening, join your fellow guests and Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner, a fun evening of Italian cuisine and wine. Hotel: Bettoja Massimo D'Azeglio, Rome or similar (Dinner with two glasses of wine or beer included)

Sunday, September 21: Castle Gandolfo & Barberini Garden

Following breakfast this morning, journey to Castle Gandolfo, which is perhaps better known as the Pope’s Summer Residence. Spend the day exploring the gorgeous grounds and gardens. After returning to Rome this evening, head out on the town with the group to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with some very special operatic performances (subject to availability). (Breakfast, Dinner with two glasses of wine or beer included)

Monday, September 22: Rome

Explore ancient Rome with your Local Expert. See the incredible Circus Maximus, famous for its chariot races, and the iconic Colosseum. (Breakfast)

Tuesday, September 23: Siena and Montecatini

Travel north to Tuscany and visit medieval Siena, where narrow cobbled streets lined with palaces and patrician mansions, lead to Piazza del Campo, scene of the Palio horse race. Explore with your Local Expert and visit the beautiful, striped cathedral. Then enjoy a leisurely drive through the scenic Tuscan hills to relaxing Montecatini. Hotel: Palazzo Belvedere Hotel Montecatini Terme or similar (Breakfast)

Wednesday, September 24: San Gimignano & Florence

In the morning, visit hilltop San Gimignano, famous for its medieval towers that scrape the azure Tuscan sky. Ascend serpentine alleyways to the artisan gelato parlor of world champion gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli, for a taste of his finest frozen treats. Then, it's on to Renaissance Florence. Accompanied by an art expert, venture inside the famous Accademia Gallery to admire Michelangelo’s original “David”. From there, see the cathedral, campanile and the baptistery, adorned with the Gates of Paradise. Walk on to Piazza della Signoria with its open-air gallery of Renaissance sculpture. There is time to shop for Florentine leather or gold before returning to the hotel. This evening, stop at a local winery to sample some of the robust red wines of Tuscany, along with your dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner with two glasses of wine or beer included)

Thursday, September 25: The Chianti Hills to Pisa, Lucca and Santa Margherita

Drive through the patchwork of vines, olives and cypresses that typify the Chianti hills. Head for Pisa and see the incredible Leaning Tower, from which Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity. See the splendid cathedral and baptistery, decorated with mosaics and designs in solid marble, before continuing to the delightful town of Lucca. Enjoy a bit of free time in Lucca before continuing on to the coast. Should weather permit, cruise along the rugged Ligurian coast to the elegant seaside village of Portofino, the epitome of la dolce vita. Enjoy leisure time to admire the colored houses, browse the boutiques or simply stay a while in the cafe bars on the piazzetta, watching the yachts moored in the harbor. Continue along the coast to the pretty seaside resort of Santa Margherita Ligure. Hotel: Excelsior Palace Hotel Rapallo (Breakfast)

Friday, September 26: The Cinque Terre

Head for the port of La Spezia for a highlight of your travels, the Cinque Terre - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy’s most beautiful landscapes. With a Local Expert, appreciate the views as you approach one of the picturesque fishing villages by boat. There is time to explore the old medieval quarter or the popular sandy beach before a delicious farm-to-table dining experience for lunch (subject to availability) before returning to your hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Saturday, September 27: Lake Maggiore

In the morning, head north to the beautiful Italian Lake District, a favorite retreat of the rich and famous where Alpine scenery combines with lush subtropical vegetation. This evening escape to the charming and tranquil island of Isola dei Pescatori. A short boat ride from the shores of Lake Maggiore, this fisherman’s Island is inhabited year-round by only 50 permanent residents. Stroll through the small piazza surrounded by the tight and winding alleys to enjoy a sumptuous dinner where reservations have been booked in one of the Island’s splendid restaurants. Hotel: Hotel Simplon, Baveno. (Breakfast, Dinner with two glasses of beer or wine included)

Sunday, September 28: Verona and Cortina D'Ampezzo

Journey to the town of Verona, legendary home of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet. Enjoy free time to admire the well-preserved Roman Arena still used for opera performances, or perhaps recite Shakespeare’s immortal words and get cozy with Juliet’s well-worn statue beneath the balcony where the Capulet family is said to have lived. Continue through the magnificent Dolomites, to the mountain resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Hotel: Hotel De La Poste (Breakfast, Dinner with two glasses of beer or wine included)

Monday, September 29: Experience the Dolomites

The whole day is free for you to explore the colorful peaks and sheer valleys of the Dolomites, one of the most impressive mountain ranges in the Alps. During summer, once the snow and ice have melted away, a breathtaking landscape is revealed. There are a number of walking tracks through pristine Alpine wilderness for the adventurous to explore, or for a more relaxed pace, perhaps take a thrilling optional experience (not included in the price of the trip) cable car ride to the summit of one of the peaks for breathtaking 360-degree views. (Breakfast)

Tuesday, September 30: Venice

Descend through the mountains to the romantic city of Venice. A private launch ferries you past canals lined with ornate palaces to St Mark’s Square. See the Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs, before checking into your intimate and luxurious hotel. With the afternoon at leisure, why not cruise the Venetian lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialties and wine? Hotel: Indigo Venice Sant'Elena, Venice (Breakfast)

Wednesday, October 1: Venice - The Magic of La Serenissima

Visit an arts center to watch one of the few remaining craftsmen blow Venetian glass. Then there is free time to enjoy the magical atmosphere of this incredible city at your own pace. Mingle with the locals at the open air markets near the Rialto Bridge and explore the back lanes and squares where Venetians go about their day. Later, on your romantic gondola serenade, glide along the atmospheric canals exploring the intimate and hidden parts of this unique city while musicians set the mood with traditional songs.

In the evening, toast the finale of your journey with great food, wine and company at your celebration dinner in a magical setting. Venice can be Europe’s most romantic city in the evening, offering dramatic landscapes with buildings that dazzle as the sun sets and the lights go on. Sit back and take it all in as private water taxis whisk you to the center of it all, Piazza San Marco, where we have seats reserved outside a famous Venetian cafe, in front of a live orchestra and in view of those illuminated St Mark’s sights. Our private water taxis will also take us the length of the Grand Canal, under the Rialto Bridge and back to our hotel, having seen Venice at its most magical time (subject to availability). (Breakfast, Dinner with two glasses of beer or wine included)

Thursday, October 2: Depart for Central, PA

After breakfast, bid arrivederci to Bella Italia and transfer to the Venice International Airport for your flight and transportation back to Central PA with fond memories of your Italian vacation. (Breakfast)

Anticipated Group Air Schedule* (subject to change)
AA0715   VCE (Venice)   12:15pm    PHL 3:20pm 

*Group air schedule is in economy class. Air upgrades are available by request only and are not guaranteed. Seat assignments are controlled by American Airlines. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Air upgrades may be available and are by request only and are not guaranteed. Any air upgrades or deviations must be requested at the time of the initial deposit. 

Itinerary and hotels are subject to change at any time without notification and/or compensation.

Tour Activity Level: 3
This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs, or on uneven walking surfaces, should be expected.

General Information

Travel Documents

Original, signed passport valid for 6 months beyond stay, and with at least one blank visa page for visa stamp(s) is required for this tour. As of the writing of this brochure all guests are required to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) travel authorization for travel to Europe’s Schengen Zone (not included in the price of the trip). Please see your AAA travel professional for more information.

As travel policies are rapidly changes, final requirements will be communicated prior to departure. 

Payment

A deposit of $200 per person will confirm your reservation. Final Payment is due to AAA by  June 6, 2025.

Cancellation/Penalties

Deposit date to departure date- $25 per person, plus…

From  February 28 - June 6, 2025        $200 per person, plus any additional suppliers' fees
From June 7 - August 20, 2025           50% per person, plus additional suppliers' fees
After August 20, 2025-                        NON-REFUNDABLE

*Airfare is non-refundable after final payment.

Flight

Air arrangements are handled by the tour operator. Seat assignments cannot be confirmed until the tour operator releases names to the airlines(s) 30 days prior to departure. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Some flights may contain code share agreements.

Insurance

For your protection AAA recommends travel insurance. Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit only. Other conditions may apply; ask your travel agent. AAA recommends Allianz.

Clothing/Climate

Temperatures for Italy in September and October average in the 60's and 70's with cooler mornings and evenings. Pack for a variety of temperatures. Casual clothes that can be layered work best. Comfortable walking shoes and a small umbrella are recommended. Country club casual attire is recommended for evening dinners.

Baggage

One suitcase per person will be allowed. You may also bring a carry-on bag small enough to fit under your seat. Baggage fees are not included in the price of the trip. Baggage fees and other charges may be directly assessed by airlines or airport.

Travel Assistance

For personal comfort, group participants who need assistance are required to have a traveling companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing the needed assistance.

GRP8325

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