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A refined worldwide escorted touring
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Day 6 Italian Riviera - CARRARA MARBLE QUARRIES - TuscanYVeer
off the beaten path to visit one of Italy’s great natural wonders: the
Carrara marble quarries. During an off-road drive in the Apuane
Mountains, you’ll follow the roads the cavatori (quarrymen) carved into
the mountains while extracting the precious stone. Over the centuries,
Carrara marble was used by artists such as Michelangelo to carve his
Pietà in Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica, as well as his legendary
Statue of David. Enjoy some free time to explore Carrara’s old town on
your own; view the town’s cathedral, the Duomo, built in white marble,
or search for Michelangelo’s bust marking his former home. Continue on
through the rolling hills of Tuscany, ending the day in a historic
Tuscan villa for a rejuvenating 4-night stay.***
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Day 7
TUSCANY - SAN
GIMIGNANO - TUSCANY
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In an ancient village nestled in the
mountains, a local family welcomes you to sample their very own
artisanal cheeses, paired with the region’s best wines. The remainder
of the day in Stresa is at your leisure. Explore the piazzas,
flower-lined cobblestone streets, and lakeside promenades. Or enjoy
your breathtaking surroundings during an optional cruise to Isola
Bella, known as the “beautiful island.” Here an expert will guide you
into the Borromeo Palace,** a lakeside Baroque beauty adorned with an
exotic garden. As the day draws to a close, visit a family-run wine
shop and enjoy a cocktail party with some antipasto snacks.
Travel by rail today as you discover the
colorful Cinque Terre (UNESCO), a string of medieval villages perched
on the edge of the sea. Feel like you have stepped back in time as you
traverse the rugged coastal area dotted with terraced vineyards. Spend
an afternoon independently exploring this awe-inspiring landscape.
This morning, journey into the heart of the
Chianti countryside, where a family-owned villa welcomes you. After a
tour of the house and grounds, you’ll engage in a hands-on cooking
lesson. Break bread during an authentic Tuscan lunch and toast to your
host with local Chianti wine. Later, take in Tuscany’s landscape, a
spectrum of verdant vineyards and endless groves en route to San
Gimignano. Nicknamed the Manhattan of the Middle Ages, San Gimignano’s
14 towers soar distinctively over the landscape making this iconic
hilltop village stand out against the rolling hills. Taste authentic
Italian gelato from an award-winning ice cream parlor while you wander
the cobbled streets and gaze up at the imposing towers during time at
leisure in this Tuscan gem.
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Breakfast | Lunch |
Travel
south to Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage site where stunning Romanesque
and Gothic architecture can be found on every corner. Walk the narrow
medieval streets on a guided tour. Get to know the local lifestyle of a
contrada (neighborhood) whose community Museum is centered around the
colorful Palio horse race. Retreat to your Tuscan villa for a relaxing
afternoon.
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Breakfast | Dinner |
Day 9 TuscanY - FLORENCE - TUSCANY
Welcome to Florence – the birthplace of the
Renaissance and the beloved home of the Medici family, Galileo,
Botticelli and da Vinci. Set out on a walking tour of Florence’s
treasures and monuments, highlighting the Piazza del Duomo and the
famous Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery. You’ll also wander past the
Palazzo Vecchio, the Signoria and Santa Croce squares. Enjoy time to
explore Florence independently before returning to your villa.
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Breakfast |
Day 10 Tuscany - Bologna - Venice
On a walking tour, discover the culture of Bologna, a
city barely changed since the time of the Renaissance and Italy's food
capital. Browse the city’s specialty food shops and sample local
delicacies such as Parmigiano cheese, mortadella - the Italian
progenitor of baloney - and lasagna. Arrive later in Venice, the “Queen
of the Adriatic,” and settle in for a 2-night stay in one of the most
romantic cities in the world.
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Breakfast | Lunch |
Day 11 Venice
Spend
the day in Venezia, the floating city home to lavish art collections,
wonders of architecture, and where marbled palaces tower over
gondola-laden canals. Travel by boat to Murano**** for an expert
glass-blowing demonstration, a renowned tradition on the island.
Journey back to St. Mark’s Square, Venice’s iconic main square. A local
guide takes you on a tour of its incredible sites, including the Bridge
of Sighs, the Bell tower, and St. Mark’s Basilica. Say arrivederci to
Italy at a savory farewell dinner.
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Breakfast | Dinner |
Day 12 Venice - Tour Ends
Wake
up in Venice and depart for home.
| Breakfast |
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| Save today on EVERY Collette Vacation! Toll Free Call
1-877-510-4653 USA and Canada |
We
provide an additional "Thank You!" for
all Collette
tour programs. Call or Email us for details about our "Thank You!"
Promotion for all first-time tour
clients. Offer subject
to availability and change without notice.
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TALK
TO AN EXPERIENCED
Collette Vacation Specialist |
 As a
full-service travel provider we
can
help
you in finding your
perfect tour at the best price available today. We've been
representing COLLETTE
VACATIONS for
over 40 years. We
can take you all the way from your own hometown to
some of the most beautiful touring experiences in Europe and then back
again - all with the expertise of a seasoned COLLETTE professional travel counselor.
When it is important to get it right, you can trust the services of our
own professional COLLETTE Certified travel specialists.
Please
feel free
to call us or email us or we would be happy to provide your information
via email
on the tour form, below.DOWNLOAD
THE FULL BROCHURE! |
We will check your requested tour program and accommodations for the date range that you may specify in the questionnaire above and reply back to you as soon as possible. Of course the more information that you can provide us, the closer we will be in matching your needs and preferences. We will not knowingly sell or pass along your information that you provide to any third party for any reason (see Liabilities and Privacy Policy). And we use SSL Technology to safeguard your information on our tour request forms that we have posted throughout our website.
We are available to answer your inquiries in person Monday - Friday (except holidays) from 8:30am until 5:30pm CST (1-877-510-4653 | 817-788-5210). We are available from time to time on the weekends via email to answer your questions. Our typical response time for your email request ranges from 3 hours to as many as 72 depending upon the availability of onsite resources and those of the tour companies and resorts/lodging establishments, as well as any variations you may request from our listed programs. We will respond to your requests as quickly as possible and as soon as we have all components of your package confirmable. All tour program rates are based upon double occupancy unless otherwise specified.
Thank
you for
your interest in this quality tour by COLLETTE Vacations!
Randy C. Gardner
President
Gardner Travel Service, Inc.
PASSPORT
& VISA INFORMATION
Certain countries require a minimum of 6 months passport validity. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements.
IMPORTANT: We recommend that our clients traveling abroad take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact.
DESTINATION FACTS & STATS
Time Zone
Italy is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
The currency in Italy is the Euro.
Electricity
Voltage in Italy is 220V. An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug. When packing your electronic items for travel, please review the converter electric current level to make sure it is the same or greater than the items you are planning on using. If you plan on utilizing or transporting a sleep apnea machine, please remember to pack an extension cord and adapter plug to ensure proper function.
Elevation
The highest elevation encountered on this tour is 2,400 feet.
Italy's
Treasures
Plan Ahead, Reserve Now!
Add a touch of personalization to your vacation by selecting from our well-researched list of options. While Collette is known for our many inclusions, we also want to be sure you have adequate free time and options to enhance your vacation – your way. And now, you can reserve your options in advance of your tour!
Availability is limited and reservations are on a first come, first serve basis. Payment must be received no later than 15 days prior to departure. Prices are subject to change. Children under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult.
Lake Maggiore Cruise - $75
City: Stresa
Duration: 2 Hours
Surround yourself in the beauty and grandeur found on the lakes of Northern Italy. Cruise along scenic Lago Maggiore passing the Borromean Islands sprinkled throughout this stunning lake. These petite but incredible islands are brimming with grand villas and exquisite, world-renowned gardens. Glide past Isola del Pescatore viewing the gulf of Baveno before making a stop at Isola Bella. Then we make our way along the cobblestone streets of the quaint town to the impressive, Baroque Borromean Palace and gardens. This famed palace is steeped in immeasurable wealth and regal pageantry. On your guided tour, surroundings will bring you back to the 17th century. Get a glimpse inside life as a royal as you stroll through the opulent halls superbly decorated with rare artwork and tapestries. Then, you’ll head outside to the perfectly manicured, tiered gardens that abut the lakeshore. Behold stunning views and the splendor of the gardens as we make our way through with an expert. Return to the boat for a cruise back to Stresa.
This option must be purchased at least 20 days prior to the tour’s departure. In the event that the option does not meet the minimum number of guests required to operate, guests who purchased the option will be refunded.
Borromean Palace is closed from about the last week of October to mid-March. This option operates weather permitting. Transportation not required as option is within walking distance of hotel.
Venetian Serenaded Gondola Cruise - $85
City: Venice
Duration: 1 Hour
Your transportation is included
Experience the romance that can only be found in Venice – La Serenìssima – while traveling on its famous waterways. Partake in one of Venice’s most famous pastimes – a gondola cruise. Take a pleasant stroll toward the Grand Canal to board your gondola. As you relax in your elegant watercraft, your gondolier navigates the Grand Canal as well as smaller side canals. Admire the scenery as you listen to the melodic voice serenading you in true Italian style – just like in those romantic Italian movies!
This option operates weather permitting.
Duration of the gondola cruise is approximately 30 minutes. Gondolas hold 5 to 6 guests. Transportation not included and in most cases not required as option is usually within walking distance.
is a global
leader of
world travel and Escorted Tours, offering 150 vacation choices on all
seven continents. We are a family-owned business, now in our third
generation of Sullivan-family ownership.
The
Collette
DifferenceCertain countries require a minimum of 6 months passport validity. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements.
IMPORTANT: We recommend that our clients traveling abroad take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact.
DESTINATION FACTS & STATS
Time Zone
Italy is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
The currency in Italy is the Euro.
Electricity
Voltage in Italy is 220V. An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug. When packing your electronic items for travel, please review the converter electric current level to make sure it is the same or greater than the items you are planning on using. If you plan on utilizing or transporting a sleep apnea machine, please remember to pack an extension cord and adapter plug to ensure proper function.
Elevation
The highest elevation encountered on this tour is 2,400 feet.
| Optional Excursions for |
Plan Ahead, Reserve Now!
Add a touch of personalization to your vacation by selecting from our well-researched list of options. While Collette is known for our many inclusions, we also want to be sure you have adequate free time and options to enhance your vacation – your way. And now, you can reserve your options in advance of your tour!
Availability is limited and reservations are on a first come, first serve basis. Payment must be received no later than 15 days prior to departure. Prices are subject to change. Children under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult.
Lake Maggiore Cruise - $75
City: Stresa
Duration: 2 Hours
Surround yourself in the beauty and grandeur found on the lakes of Northern Italy. Cruise along scenic Lago Maggiore passing the Borromean Islands sprinkled throughout this stunning lake. These petite but incredible islands are brimming with grand villas and exquisite, world-renowned gardens. Glide past Isola del Pescatore viewing the gulf of Baveno before making a stop at Isola Bella. Then we make our way along the cobblestone streets of the quaint town to the impressive, Baroque Borromean Palace and gardens. This famed palace is steeped in immeasurable wealth and regal pageantry. On your guided tour, surroundings will bring you back to the 17th century. Get a glimpse inside life as a royal as you stroll through the opulent halls superbly decorated with rare artwork and tapestries. Then, you’ll head outside to the perfectly manicured, tiered gardens that abut the lakeshore. Behold stunning views and the splendor of the gardens as we make our way through with an expert. Return to the boat for a cruise back to Stresa.
This option must be purchased at least 20 days prior to the tour’s departure. In the event that the option does not meet the minimum number of guests required to operate, guests who purchased the option will be refunded.
Borromean Palace is closed from about the last week of October to mid-March. This option operates weather permitting. Transportation not required as option is within walking distance of hotel.
Venetian Serenaded Gondola Cruise - $85
City: Venice
Duration: 1 Hour
Your transportation is included
Experience the romance that can only be found in Venice – La Serenìssima – while traveling on its famous waterways. Partake in one of Venice’s most famous pastimes – a gondola cruise. Take a pleasant stroll toward the Grand Canal to board your gondola. As you relax in your elegant watercraft, your gondolier navigates the Grand Canal as well as smaller side canals. Admire the scenery as you listen to the melodic voice serenading you in true Italian style – just like in those romantic Italian movies!
This option operates weather permitting.
Duration of the gondola cruise is approximately 30 minutes. Gondolas hold 5 to 6 guests. Transportation not included and in most cases not required as option is usually within walking distance.
| Collette Vacations |
| MISSION STATEMENT Our whole purpose at Collette Vacations is to fulfill vacation dreams. Our daily goal is to deliver to our family of travelers the highest quality, best value and exceptional service, every time, everywhere. We strive to create extraordinary vacation experiences on all 7 continents. Our greatest reward is planning our clients’ next trip. |
IT'S IN THE DETAILS
Our NO WORRIES cancellation waver means you can cancel anytime prior to the day of departure and receive a full cash refund.
Add up the cost of hotels, transportation, meals, sightseeing and entertainment and you'll find what an incredible savings a tour offers.
On a tour, you'll find yourself saying, "I never would have thought to try that!" We work everyday to uncover those gems that make your vacation special. Let our experience work for yours.
Don't worry about planning the details, getting directions, picking great hotels, or purchasing sightseeing tickets - we do that!
Our tour managers are with you from start to finish, taking care of every detail - and brightening your vacation with history and anecdotes that bring the destination to life. A Collette Tour means less time planning and more time enjoying.
You pack the bags - we'll lug them around! That's right - when you're on tour with us, we take care of all luggage handling... including the tip!
The Difference Starts at Your Door
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Why Travel on an Escorted Tour?
We take the hassle out of travel, so you have all the fun. Here's how.
Our buying power gets you unbeatable value.
Our tours include your sightseeing, entertainment, admissions to museums and parks, great hotels and many meals, making it a hassle free experience for you from start to finish. Our hotels are centrally located, so you won't waste a second of your free time in buses or cabs. Even your luggage is managed for you.
We planned ahead, so Europe with us is still a bargain.
We can provide a vacation to Europe, for example, at 15% less than you would pay if you planned it on your own. There is no better time than now to buy a packaged vacation.
Imagine seeing Thailand for less than $90 a day, and that includes your hotel.
On our Thailand - Ancient Capitals and Countryside tour, you'll ride an elephant and cruise the Mekong River into Laos, just two unforgettable included experiences among 14 days worth of discoveries You'll also enjoy 26 meals on tour, including a dinner cruise on a rice barge. See the Golden Buddha, the ruins of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, the colorful pageantry of a Hill Tribe cultural show - it's all included!
It's like traveling with a friend who knows the area.
Your tour manager will be with you every step of the way, handling the tedious details of travel, while you relax and enjoy the trip. They are seasoned professionals with in-depth knowledge about your destination and a passion for sharing it.
Our tour developers personally scout out the best for you.
They search for accommodations, restaurants, attractions and entertainment to assemble not only a fantastic trip, but create an entire experience that captures the spirit of your destination. Learn the secrets of Tuscan cuisine from a Florentine chef in Italy. Fly a kite in China. Feed a kangaroo in Australia. Our tour developers love creating those unforgettable moments that make your trip uniquely yours.
We've got something for everyone, from Branson to Beijing.
Collette Vacations travels to more than 150 destinations on all seven continents. We also offer Explorations by Collette, small-group tours with a maximum of only 16 - 24 passengers that wander off the beaten path. Explorations tours feature boutique hotels, outdoor activities and interaction with local people.
No Worries Protection Plan
What exactly is your cancellation waiver?
We have the best cancellation waiver in the industry-period. You can cancel your trip up until the day prior to departure for any reason - sickness, change of heart or any reason whatsoever-and you will receive a full refund, minus the small cost of the insurance. That's a cash refund, not a voucher or certificate. There's no risk when you book with Collette.
But isn't it expensive?
Not at all! Let's say you were planning to take our Italian Vistas tour for 13 days. The land-only waiver is just $170 per person. That breaks down to about $13.07 a day-just a little over eight euros! The land and air waiver is only $30 more. That's airplane peanuts compared to the peace of mind you'll enjoy.
Plus, you're covered on tour.
Our cancellation waiver and insurance plan covers you on tour. If you have to stop your trip or return home early, need medical assistance or evacuation, suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more, you're covered.
Testimonials:
My husband had an accident in New Zealand…He subsequently had to be transferred by ambulance to Invercargill (Southland Hospital) to have surgery on his leg. He spent one week in the hospital. I am so glad we always take out the insurance. This is our third trip with Collette and we always take out the insurance…In spite of the accident, we had a wonderful time in Australia and New Zealand up to Queenstown and we are very glad we took the trip. Genevieve Gallagher, Clifton Park, NY
We had one unfortunate problem; one traveler broke her ankle…Thank goodness I insist that my passengers take the insurance. Virginia Gratton, Greenport, NY
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Check out our SOUTHERN BREEZE GOLF TOURS - golf packages for some fantastic destinations throughout the U.S! Click here to visit our golf site. |
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