Italy 2018

12 days in Italy, June 2018

Other Italy trips  

• Italy 2018 June trip with Gary. Cosmos Tour.

• Italy 2006 June Mom and Dad's 50th Anniversary trip  Click here for the trip journal    Click here for Italy Pictures Then and Now

• Italy 2000 January Delta weekend escape. Suzanna Travels  I paid $299.91 round trip. Thursday January 6, leave Atlanta FL 70 at 5:55 pm, arrive Rome 9:10 am on Friday morning.  Rome Hotel Reservation Service (06/6991000) at the airport helped us find Hotel Julia. Via Rasella 29, 00187 Roma, Tel 06/4881637, 06/4873413,or 06/4817044 near Barberini station. We paid 368,700 Lira, or $367 US (3 people so $122 each for hotel) We walked and used subway to see EVERYTHING in the city: Coliseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Cripta dei Cappuccini (Catacombs).  Leave Rome Sunday 9th FL 71 at 10:50 am, arrive Atlanta 3:55 pm.  I was back to work in Atlanta on Monday.

• Italy 1979 Summer 16-country European tour Click here for the trip journal

Overview

In 2018 we did a 7-day Cosmos www.cosmos.com tour: Rome, Florence, Verona, Venice.

In 2006, I did almost exactly the same tour with Globus www.globusjourneys.com tour Rome, Florence, Verona, Venice. 

Globus tour is nicer, because:

      The Globus tour hotels have much better locations, especially in Venice!

       The Globus tour includes Vatican, St. Peters, Venice Doges & Basilica.    

However:

       On the Cosmos tour, you see Verona but not on Globus tour.  

       On the Globus tour, you see Assisi, but not on Cosmos tour. 

Globus is less expensive:

Cosmos vs. Globus Feature and Price comparison: 

Cosmos vs. Globus Trip Details comparison:  

COSMOS 7 Day Tour to Rome, Florence, Venice Starting at USD 999 Buffet breakfasts daily 2 dinners (wine extra) Inside visits are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, and will include admission charges where applicable.	GLOBUS 7 Day Tour to Rome, Florence, Venice Starting at USD 999 Buffet breakfast daily 1 lunch 2 dinners with wine included Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Day 1 ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this ancient capital. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.	Day 1 ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions, and leave the hotel for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Dinner with wine
Day 2 ROME Steeped in history, the Eternal City is vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Start your guided introduction to Rome from St. Peter’s Square, the heart of the Vatican, and see other highlights such as the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Maybe take an optional tour of the Vatican Museum to discover some unique art masterpieces. Breakfast OPTIONAL USD 68: Treasure of Rome by Night and Dinner An evening tour including some of the city's fountains and majestic squares. Finish the evening with a meal in a typical Roman restaurant with wine and music included. OPTIONAL USD 72 Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel A tour around the Vatican museums to admire the beautiful tapestry gallery and the Sistine Chapel with masterpieces by Botticelli and Signorelli. See the "Genesis" and Michelangelo's "Last Judgement".	Day 2 ROME A fascinating day awaits. Your guided sightseeing includes inside visits of the VATICAN MUSEUMS and SISTINE CHAPEL where you can marvel at Michelangelo ceiling paintings and The Last Judgment. Visit monumental ST. PETERS SQUARE and BASILICA to admire Michelangelo Pieta . Also, see the magnificent Colosseum next to the Roman Forum and the Arch of Constantine, and hear about the gladiators who fought here. An optional walking tour with a Local Guide is available to further explore famous sites. Breakfast OPTIONAL USD 68:Roman Highlights and Dinner Join your Local Guide for a tailor-made itinerary featuring some of the citys authentic jewels. A life-time experience!
Day 3 ROME  PISA FLORENCE AREA Vistas of rolling hills, cypress trees, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and charming villages form the backdrop as you journey into the heart of Tuscany. Stop in Pisa to visit the SQUARE OF MIRACLES and see the legendary Leaning Tower. Then, head east to magnificent Florence, Cradle of the Renaissance. Breakfast OPTIONAL USD 64 Tuscan Gastronomy Experience An insight into the food and wine tradition of Tuscany, land of gourmets. You will be taken to a centrally located restaurant where you will have the chance to taste some of the most famous and typical Tuscan delicacies. Enjoy a tasting of 3 types of wine, with water and soft drinks for non-drinkers, and a buffet of hot and cold Tuscan dishes. Not to be missed!	Day 3 ROME ASSISI FLORENCE Enjoy a morning break in the majestic medieval hilltop town of Assisi. Visit the massive 13th-century BASILICA OF ST. FRANCIS, the hub of a religious order devoted to the ideals of humility, forgiveness, simplicity, and love for all Gods creatures. Enter Tuscany and arrive in Florence, Cradle of the Renaissance. Breakfast OPTIONAL USD 64 Tuscan Dinner Enjoy a wonderful dinner with regional dishes prepared using the finest local ingredients.
Day 4 FLORENCE Today is devoted to the wonders of Florence, starting with a guided walking tour featuring some of the citys greatest attractions. See Piazza Santa Croce; world-famous Signoria Square; 13th-century Palazzo Vecchio with its collection of artistic masterpieces and incredible courtyards; Loggia dei Lanzi; the fantastic Duomo with Giotto gothic Bell Tower; and the Baptistry ornate bronze door known as the Gate of Paradise. Breakfast OPTIONAL USD 545 Uffizi Gallery Admire the world's greatest collection of Italian and Florentine art. The gallery exhibits works by Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli and Michelangelo.	Day 4 FLORENCE During your walking tour with a Local Guide, visit the ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS, home to Michelangelos celebrated statue of David, admire the magnificent cathedral, Giotto Bell Tower, the Baptistry heavy bronze Gates of Paradise and sculpture-studded SIGNORIA SQUARE. Enjoy lunch next to Santa Croce Square with time to shop for Florentine leather goods and gold jewelry, sold by the ounce. Breakfast Lunch on Santa Croce Square OPTIONAL USD 54 Uffizi Gallery Come face-to-face with the world's greatest masterpieces faster when you skip the long lines and head right into the Uffizi Gallery on this fantastic guided tour.
Day 5 FLORENCE AREA–VERONA–VENICE AREA Travel north and cross the Po River to fabled Verona, setting for Shakespeares Romeo & Juliet. See Juliets balcony and be sure to rub the shining breast on her statue for good luck! Also, marvel at the ancient Roman Amphitheater, where gladiators used to fight. Built in the 1st century AD, it is now a popular venue for the world-famous opera festival and other well-known artists' performances. Continue to the Venice area for two overnights. Breakfast OPTIONAL USD 26 Magic of Verona First an orientation drive around this fascinating city. Then a walking tour which takes in Romeo's house and Juliet's house, ending in Piazza Bra with its famous Roman Amphitheater. OPTIONAL USD 85 Venetian Night Out and Dinner Enjoy a motorboat ride along the impressive Giudecca Canal with a commentary of the most important sights. A leisurely walk to St. Marks Square, passing famous buildings, small bridges and inner canals, will take you to a typical Venetian restaurant for dinner. Half bottle wine included.	Day 5 FLORENCE  PISA VENICE ISLAND This morning, drive to Pisa. In the spectacular Square of Miracles, take the traditional picture pushing back the amazing Leaning Tower. Drive through the wooded Apennine Hills, known as the backbone of Italy, to Venice, a powerful magnet for romantics and art lovers from around the globe. Breakfast OPTIONAL USD 50 Venetian Dinner The magic of Venice comes to life as you enjoy an unforgettable evening of gourmet specialties at one of the city's most celebrated restaurants.
Day 6 VENICE AREA One of the most unique cities on Earth, Venice is a place of unmatched beauty and a feast of fantastic sites. View the delightful criss-crossing canals, the gondolas, arched bridges, palaces, and piazzas. Your included orientation features a BOAT RIDE to St. Mark’s Square and a visit to a Venetian GLASSBLOWING WORKSHOP. Later, explore at leisure on your own, join one of our optional excursions, or just relax, sipping a cappuccino or typical Venetian drink called spritz at one of the many bars or cafe. Breakfast Dinner (wine extra) OPTIONAL USD 48 Gondola Serenade This is one of the highlights of any USDopean holiday - a gondola ride through centuries-old canals, under famous arched bridges, and past lavish palaces and quaint piazzas. OPTIONAL USD 43 Discover the Venetian Lagoon By private boat cross the lagoon to the picturesque fishing island of Burano with its gaily painted houses. See lace makers at work; then there's time to explore this unforgettable island on your own before returning to Venice.	Day 6 VENICE ISLAND Take a PRIVATE BOAT to join your Local Guide for a walking tour. Highlights are ST. MARKS SQUARE, a favorite location for many movies, the byzantine BASILICA, lavish DOGES PALACE, and the BRIDGE OF SIGHS. Also, watch a skilled GLASSBLOWER fashion delicate objects in an age-old traditional manner. Immerse yourself in the wonderful atmosphere of Venice. Wander through the narrow streets, and discover Rialto Bridge. You may wish to take an optional gondola serenade. This evening, a farewell dinner awaits at one of Venice restaurants to celebrate the success of your Italian Escape. Breakfast Dinner (wine included) OPTIONAL USD 48 Gondola When in Rome, do as the Romans -- and when in Venice, head right for the gondolas! Hop aboard a traditional gondola for a ride through the magical Venetian canals Price Range: $
Day 7 VENICE AREA Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Breakfast	Day 7 VENICE ISLAND Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Breakfast

Gary and Suzanna - holding a picture of Mom and Dad in 1956 and 2006 in the same spot!

Nick and Mary Ann (in the middle) - On their 2nd honeymoon!    Verona guide on the right.

In the photo below Anrea is holding a sign. The Story: Her friend, Jill had a son named Bakari. He was high school honors student, traveled a lot. 22 years old he went to Greece to start a business. Then an unfortunate happening.
https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2018/07/06/family-murdered-ua-graduate-bakari-henderson-waits-justice-greece-texas/761901002/

Family, friends remember rising Austin star slain in Greece
https://www.mystatesman.com/news/local-obituaries/family-friends-remember-rising-austin-star-slain-greece/8hEVieXCsHjcVfmv3vyCtL/

Bakari Henderson, slain in Greece, to be remembered on his birthday
https://www.mystatesman.com/news/local/bakari-henderson-slain-greece-remembered-his-birthday/PCQULEq8RD1MoKbpZM1ChK/

Miguel and Pablo