Italy with Ober

The treasures of Italy and a full day performance of the legendary Passion Play, performed every ten years since 1634 in the village of Oberammergau, nestled in the picturesque Bavarian Alps, make this a vacation to remember. Visit Italy's historic cities of Rome, Florence and Venice; tour Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica; and visit the birthplace of St. Francis in Assisi. With Collette, you'll see all the "must-see" sights along the way like the Sistine Chapel, the famous Trevi Fountain, and the Academy Gallery with Michelangelo's impressive Statue of David. Italy's lovely Tuscany region is highlighted by a visit to mystical Siena and a journey through central Italy is where you'll discover the medieval city of Padua and its impressive six-domed Saints Basilica, dedicated to Saint Anthony. Experiences on tour include a glass making demonstration on Murano Island in the Venetian Lagoon, and a short course in traditional Italian techniques of leather making in Florence. Your journey concludes with a two-night stay in the Oberammergau region where in addition to the Passion Play performance, you'll have time to explore this lovely village.

Highlights

  • Rome, Papal Audience*, St. Peter's Basilica, Colosseum, Assisi, Perugia, Siena, Florence, Padua, Venice, Murano Island, Trento, Oberammergau, Passion Play

    Collette Experience

  • In Rome, enjoy a fun-filled evening of fine Italian wine, cuisine and traditional music.
  • Behold the unsurpassed beauty of St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
  • Discover Siena's narrow Gothic streets, magnificent palaces and historic Piazza del Campo.
  • A tour of Florence showcases the cultural treasures of the "Cradle of the Italian Renaissance."
  • Enjoy the canals and charm of Venice, including a boat ride to the famous Murano Island.

    • Call (954) 796-9006 for more information or to book today! Mention code 7330399

    Tour Operator
    Collette Vacations
    Duration
    12 Days
    DayDestinationDescription
    Air 1Overnight FlightOvernight Flight : Welcome to Italy, a land rich in history, culture, art and romance. Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Rome, "The Eternal City."
    Day 2RomeRome, Italy - Tour Begins : You arrive in Rome today. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner at a popular local restaurant featuring regional delicacies and fine Italian wines.

    Todaydinnerwill be included.
    Day 3RomeRome - Vatican City - Papal Audience : This morning, visit Vatican City to attend the weekly papal audience* and receive the blessing given by His Holiness, Benedict XVI. Later, visit St. Peter's Basilica, built on the site where St. Peter was martyred. Known as the grandest of the world's churches, St. Peter's is unsurpassed in beauty. In the Vatican Museum* you will view such historical treasures as the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo's restored mural of the Last Judgment.

    Todaybreakfast will be included.
    Day 4RomeRome : This morning enjoy a locally guided panoramic tour of Rome featuring the impressive Piazza Venezia, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine and the famous Trevi Fountain. This afternoon, explore Rome on your own - perhaps visit the legendary Spanish Steps or shop for one-of-a-kind gifts.

    Todaybreakfast will be included.
    Day 5Perugia Rome - Assisi - Perugia : LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Today you are off to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Take a guided walking tour of the old city, including the Basilica of St. Francis. Then, travel to medieval Perugia, the historic capital of Umbria. Here you will behold one of the grandest squares in Italy, the Piazza IV Novembre, and delight in the medieval palaces and ornate cathedrals.

    Todaybreakfast and dinnerwill be included.
    Day 6FlorencePerugia - Siena - Florence : A scenic journey through Tuscany's graceful low-lying hills brings you to the mystical city of Siena. You will be delighted by its narrow Gothic streets, magnificent palaces and historic Piazza del Campo. Upon arrival in Florence, visit a family-owned leather shop and learn the traditional Italian techniques of leather making.

    Todaybreakfast and dinnerwill be included.
    Day 7FlorenceFlorence : In Florence, the "Cradle of Italian Renaissance," visit the world-famous Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo's incredible Statue of David. During your cultural tour of Florence, you'll also view the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Church of Santa Croce, burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy this fascinating city on your own.

    Todaybreakfast will be included.
    Day 8VeniceFlorence - Padua - Venice : Today you journey through central Italy to the medieval city of Padua to view the impressive six-domed Saints Basilica, dedicated to St. Anthony. Then it is on to the canal-laden city of Venice. This enchanting city was built on 117 tiny islands and is characterized by a latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges.

    Todaybreakfast and dinnerwill be included.
    Day 9VeniceVenice - Murano Island - Venice : Your day begins with a boat trip* (weather permitting) to Murano Island for an up-close glass making demonstration. Next, return to Venice and visit charming St. Mark's Square, the lively hub of the city's activity and events. A local expert will guide you on a walking tour of the area featuring St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Clock Tower with its famous Moors.

    Todaybreakfast will be included.
    Day 10OberammergauVenice - Trento - Oberammergau, Germany : Today you make the scenic journey to the Bavarian village of Oberammergau. En route, travel through the majestic Dolomites with a special stop made in the Alpine town of Trento. During your visit, stroll the quaint streets and admire the artistic heritage of this Renaissance-inspired center.

    Todaybreakfast and dinnerwill be included.
    Day 11OberammergauOberammergau - Passion Play : The morning is at leisure for you to explore this lovely village. This afternoon, witness a performance of the Passion Play. The original performance dates back to 1634. During the Thirty Year War, the village of Oberammergau was spared the Black Plague and for this reason, the villagers vowed that every ten years they would give a play to honor the life of Christ. The performers are native Oberammergauers. To lend authenticity to the performance, the cast start to grow their hair and beards more than a year in advance. Also, the intricate costumes are made locally by the villagers. During the break in the performance, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip.

    Todaybreakfast , lunch and dinnerwill be included.
    Day 12Tour endsOberammergau - Tour Ends :

    Todaybreakfast will be included.
    Dates/Pricing

    Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
    09/13/2010$3,899.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    09/20/2010$3,899.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    Lodging
    Sunflower Hotels, Rome
    Sangallo Palace Hotel or Hotel Gio, Perugia
    Hotel Mediterraneo, Florence
    Hotel Ai Mori D Oriente, Venice
    Oberammergau Regional Hotel or Garmisch-Partenkirchen Regional Hotel, Oberammergau Region
    Disclaimer
    Note
    Tour prices are Land Only rates based on per person double occupancy. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking.
      
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