BELLA ITALIA
“YOU MAY HAVE ALL THE WORLD IF I MAY HAVE ITALY.” - GIUSEPPE VERDI
Join us for eleven unforgettable days.
SEPTEMBER 9-20 (Depart USA Sept. 8)
Rome
The Eternal City
There truly is no city like this on the planet. It is impossible to remain indifferent to the global impact and influence this single city has had. Not only can you take in the iconic Coliseum and Roman Forum, the temple-lined “Main Street” of ancient Rome, but ancient ruins can be seen all over the city in ordinary neighborhoods. You of course don’t want to miss the Vatican with its Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. No matter what your religious beliefs, the scale and craftsmanship alone are awe-inspiring. And no visit to Rome is complete without a stroll through its back streets and alleys, stopping for the occasional gelato in view of one of the numerous and magnificent piazzas and fountains the city is famous for. 3 nights
Cinque Terre
The “Five Lands”
The name “Five Lands” refers to five picturesque villages hanging on to a breathtaking coastline overlooking the Ligurian Sea on Italy’s west coast. Car traffic is restricted except to the locals, so you move from one town to the next by train – or hike! On a nice day you can also take a ferry between any of the towns. It’s hard to say which is more enjoyable – strolling through the cobblestone streets or admiring the incredible views at every turn. 2 nights
Tuscany
Perhaps the most beloved region in Italy is Tuscany. We’ll board a train in Rome and head to PISA, where we’ll pay a brief visit to the famed Leaning Tower. You may be surprised to learn that the tower is actually the bell tower of a magnificent cathedral and baptistry right next door. We’ll then be driven by charter bus to Poggio Ubertini, a retreat center among the vineyards and olive groves of the Tuscan countryside, run by our dear friends who will serve us a home cooked Italian dinner or two while we are there. Poggio will serve as our home base as we take day trips to Florence and two of the fabled Tuscan hill towns. 4 nights
Florence (Firenze)
Who would pass up the chance to see Michelangelo’s David up close and personal, or the breathtaking Duomo (cathedral), shopping in the city’s famous leather markets, or ending the day overlooking this cradle of the Renaissance at sunset?
Hill Towns
The ancient walled city of Volterra, high atop a hill affording incredible views, actually predates ancient Roman times. It was home to the Etruscan civilization, from whom the Romans learned a good deal. Volterra is also the alabaster capital of the world and boasts a number of skilled craftsmen in this beautiful stone, making Volterra a great place to purchase gifts for loved ones back home.
The medieval town of San Gimignano is especially known for its towers built onto houses, at a time where having a tower was a status symbol. At one time, there 72 towers in this one small hilltop town. Today, only 14 remain, but you can climb to the top of the highest one for some amazing views of the surrounding countryside. San Gimignano also claims to have the best gelato in the world; although this is of course subjective, we certainly have never been disappointed!
Venice
We like to say that Venice is a good place to get lost – you can only wander so far, as it’s an island, and the maze of narrow streets and canals is like no other place. Where Barcelona shows Moorish influence, Venice reminds us of its historical relationship with the East, as seen in its trademark architecture. And St. Mark’s cathedral is simply not to be missed. 2 nights
The tour ends in Venice and flights are available from its Marco Polo International Airport.
BUDGET
Tour cost of $2995 per person includes:
hotels and breakfast
ground transportation
transportation between locations
budgeted sightseeing, museums, *attractions
Does NOT include:
transatlantic airfare (Travelers are welcome to make their own travel arrangements, as long as they coordinate with us)
lunches, dinners, snacks and souvenirs
travel insurance
passport application fee ($165; travel.state.gov)
*optional attractions as time permits
payment timeline
*$100 place saver fee with registration form (below): NOW!
$895 deposit: May 25, 2023
Half of remaining balance: JULY 1
Final payment: AUGUST 1
Airfare: Book ASAP once deposit has been paid and trip confirmed (coordinate flights with us)
*Preferred payment method: Venmo (@WorldtotheWise) or check made to World to the Wise LLC and sent to 1304 Newman Ave., Nashville, TN 37216