Enjoy sunrise over the canals of Venice, a balmy afternoon in Rome when the flowers are in bloom, and moonlight drenching the mystical Isle of Capri. Travel to Italy for the best of what life has to offer—sumptuous boutique hotels with views of ancient monuments and cobblestone streets, private visits to some of the most magnificent art collections in the world, rare wines and exquisite cuisine that will make you think you’ve gone to heaven.

Journey Highlights

• Glide through the canals of Venice as you are serenaded by your gondolier
• Circumvent the crowds with a privately guided tour of Florence’s Uffizi Gallery
• Savor local flavors at a private wine tasting and lunch at a winery in the Chianti Region
• Stroll the 14th century streets to the palaces and towers of San Gimignano
• Cruise to Capri’s renowned Blue Grotto, a Roman nymphaeum
• Relax in style with 3 nights at a luxurious resort in Capri
• Explore Pompeii, a time capsule of Roman civilization as it existed circa 79 A.D.
• See the historical and cultural wonders of Rome with a 3-night stay

Accommodations

Venice, Hotel Danieli:
Designed to meet the demands of Europe's traveling nobility, the 5-star Hotel Danieli’s main building is the original 14th century palace of Doge Dandolo, lavishly appointed with pink marble, stained glass, gold leaf columns and Murano glass chandeliers.

With stylish décor and comfortable furnishings, each Hotel Danieli guest room gracefully reflects the warmth and rich cultural heritage of Venice, offering conditioning, a television, direct dial telephones and a self-service mini-bar.

Siena, Grand Hotel Continental:
In Piazza Salimberti, the heart of the ancient medieval city of Siena and just steps away from the delightful Piazza del Campo, the 5-star Grand Hotel Continental is a splendid aristocratic 17-century palace that now plays a vital role of the cultural heritage of Siena. Faithful restoration has not only given the hotel back its original architectural features, but has also brought to light old decorations and magnificent frescoes.

The hotel is a member of Great Hotels of the World and the imposing walls of the Palazzo Gori greet you as you enter the glass doors. All the hotel's 51 guest rooms are beautifully decorated with rich fabrics and antique furniture dating back to the 17th century. Your deluxe room is equipped with air conditioning, private bathroom, safe, hairdryer, mini-bar, satellite TV, dial direct telephone, writing desk, heating and Internet connection.

You can enjoy an intimate dinner at the Sapordivino Restaurant, which specializes in typical Tuscan dishes, or in the privacy of your guestroom. Located on the ground floor of the hotel is a small and elegant piazza featuring the Sapordivino Wine Bar and Restaurant and a delightful Italian-style garden.

Florence, Westin Excelsior Hotel:
Neighboring the famous Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery and Pitti Palace, the 5-star Westin Excelsior Hotel combines luxurious modern accommodations with seven centuries of Florentine history. It’s presence on Piazza Ognissanti is impressive, featuring newly refurbished guest rooms and a professional staff dedicated to impeccable service.

Sitting high on the banks of the Arno River, the hotel also offers spectacular views of the panoramic Tuscan countryside, the colored terracotta rooftops and the landmarks of Florence. These are just a few of the reasons it was recently named to Condé Nast Traveler’s 2002 Gold List. Your luxurious guestroom features Westin’s Heavenly Bed, air-conditioning, direct telephone, mini-bar, in-room safe, satellite/cable TV, data port, bathrobes and hair dryer.

Using the freshest seasonal and regional ingredients, the award-winning chef presents traditional Mediterranean and revised Tuscan cuisine at Il Cestello restaurant. Bar Donatello, named for the foremost sculptor of the Renaissance, offers a relaxing atmosphere and a piano bar.

Capri, Grand Hotel Quisisana:
From 1845 onwards the 5-star Grand Hotel Quisisana has been receiving guests in an atmosphere of exclusive elegance and great hotel tradition. The Quisisana is now a symbol of Capri, nearly as much as the Blue Grotto, and it is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World.

Behind the city-like facade lies a deluxe resort hotel with dining, accommodation and sports facilities that rank among the finest in Italy. Guest accommodations are provided in 150 stylish rooms and suites, with the Faraglioni Rocks and Marina Piccola visible in the distance. Your deluxe room has a parkside view.

Recreational facilities at the Quisisana are extensive. You can sunbathe on comfortable lounges around the large outdoor pool, play tennis on one of two courts, or relax in the elegant atmosphere of the Quisi Club, taking advantage of its indoor pool, beauty parlor, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and massage facilities.

The bars and restaurants of the hotel invite you to spend pleasant moments in an enchanting atmosphere. The Quisi Terrace Bar is the front terrace of the hotel and serves aperitifs and after dinner drinks with live music. The Krug Room Wine Bar has a diverse menu combined with excellent selection of wines available by the glass.

The Quisi Restaurant welcomes you for a candlelight dinner in elegant surroundings. La Colombaia Restaurant, adjacent to the pool, serves buffet lunch or Neapolitan pizza and Quisi & Sushi offers creations from Japan’s culinary art.

Rome, St. Regis Grand Hotel:
Built in 1894 as the first deluxe hotel in Rome, the 5-star St. Regis Grand is within walking distance of the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and Via Veneto. Upon reopening in mid-December 1999, after an extensive restoration and renovation, the St. Regis Grand reclaimed its status as the finest hotel in Rome and one of the best in the world. This honor has been re-emphasized by recently being named to Conde Nast Travelers 2002 Gold List.

The St. Regis Grand features luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites in an eclectic combination of Empire, Regency and Louis XV styles. Every guest room has a unique hand-painted fresco depicting a Roman scene installed above the beds' headboards, and features Murano glass chandeliers and Hermes bathroom amenities.

You can enjoy a unique dining experience at the restaurant Vivendo, nominated by Zagat as the number one restaurant in Rome, and the Gold Key award winner for design and decor. The private wine cellar, Di Vino, selected to be depositaire de l’ enotheque Dom Perignon, offers private dining with regional and international menus enhanced by a wide selection of wines to complement each course.

Your Travcoa Journey Includes:

• Deluxe rooms in the best available hotels*
• Three meals per day, including our unique Dine-Around program that lets you enjoy any restaurant you choose with à la carte dining, or relax with room service when available*
• A professional Travel Director as your personal concierge
• Local sightseeing with professional English-speaking guides with unparalleled knowledge, including entrance fees for places visited
• Active participation and up-close encounters to experience the cultures of your journey
• Bottled water, soft drinks, coffee and tea included with meals; bottled water during sightseeing excursions
• All gratuities to hotel and restaurant staff and local guides and drivers
• Group or individual airport transfers on arrival and departure flights
• The TravcoAssist Travel Protection Plan, including emergency medical evacuation insurance coverage for injury or illness, and 24-hour Worldwide Live Travel Assistance through Travel Guard Assistance
  

*Due to remote or undeveloped locations on some journeys, accommodations may not always meet Western standards. Dine-Around opportunities will be limited in remote or unsecured locations.

The Cost Of Your Journey Does Not Include:

• Air transportation; airport taxes; passport expenses
• Inoculations and medications
• Visas if required
• Alcoholic beverages (except as noted in itinerary) and caviar
• Expenses of guides, buses or cars for sightseeing not included in the itinerary
• Laundry, expenses of a personal nature and gratuity for any personal services
• Health, accident, baggage and trip cancellation insurance
• Excessive baggage charges imposed by airlines
• TravcoAssist GOLD Protection (optional additional coverage)
• Customary end-of-the-trip gratuity to the Travel Director (Depending on your satisfaction with their services, $12-$15 per person, per day is customary.)
  

• Small groups, limited to just 18 travelers.
• Personalized service. A professional Travel Director.
• Our unique Dine-Around program. Premium excursions.
• Incomparable accommodations.
• All meals. All gratuities. All-inclusive luxury.