Locations
ItalyItaly is one of the most visited destinations in the world. It's top attractions include; Rome (Colosseum, Vatican City, PIazza Navona, Forum, Pantheon, Fountains of Trevi, Spanish Steps), Florence (Duomo, Old City, Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi), and Venice (Grand Canal, Doge's Palace, St. Marks Square). But there is much more to discover outside these heavily travelled spots. Tuscany and Umbria with its wine, food and hilltowns (Sienna, San Gimignano, Orvietto, Spoleto), the dazzling Amalfi Coast (Positano, Capri, Sorrento), Siciliy with its old words ways, the urbane Milan and nearby Lake Como, the Italian Riviera... and more. One important piece of advice, the soul of Italy is in its small towns, so be sure to get outside the big cities and into the country. That is where you will find the magic. FlorenceEven among Italy's finest cities, Florence is something special, rising from the beautiful landscape of Tuscany as a living piece of history. Everywhere you turn you'll see works by Michelangelo, Donatello, Brunelleschi and any number of Masters of Italy's Golden Age. It is in the museums and galleries of the city that most of Florence's treasures are concentrated. The piazzas are full of fashionable boutiques and ever more fashionable people, and the café is still central to the Florentine social life. In the evening the city lights up and its squares and streets are thronged with visitors and locals taking their "passeggiata" as the denizens of the city have done for thousands of years. RomeRome, the 'Eternal City', is the capital of Italy. The historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make sure to explore the sites of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. A few blocks away, Old Rome is the center of the medieval and Renaissance periods, with beautiful plazas, cathedrals, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Fountains of Trevi, Campo de' Fiori, Spanish Steps, and plenty of shopping and dining. Just across the river is the Vatican, the Papal City State and its endless treasure troves of sights, relics, and museums, as well as the surrounding Italian neighborhood, Vaticano. Via Veneto leads north into modern Rome to the train station and is lined with glitzy shops and hotels for every budget.
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Day-by-Day Itinerary
 Rome Piazza Navona Hotel Modigliani
Day 1: Mon, Jul 11 2011 - RomeEnjoy a private Airport transfer in Rome (Fiumicino/Ciampino) with a private vehicle and driver. A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip. Enjoy one of the most delightful and fascinating walks in the world! Monumental Rome is a mix of piazzas (squares), Renaissance architectural masterpieces, and thousands of years of history -all interwoven with cafes, shopping, and great gelato! Your walk through the historical centre starts at the Spanish Steps, famously leading down to the historic center of the city and surrounded with fabulous shopping, from bargain to the top brands. Continue to the Trevi Fountain where legend says if you flip a coin into the water you are sure to return to Rome. The Piazza Colona's great buildings are hemmed in by rushing traffic, so continue on a few blocks to the massive Pantheon, which was built in the First Century B.C. and for millennia was the highest arched building in the world. It’s a short walk to Piazza Navona, with the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers, Bernini's masterpiece. This square is packed with artists, cafes, and a swirl of faces - it’s a great place to enjoy the view. You can explore this part of the city for days! Accommodation: Modigliani (3*) No other Roman hotel near the Spanish Steps offers the same atmosphere and a relaxing internal garden like the Modigliani (3*). Situated in a tranquil, ancient street near exclusive Via Veneto, this boutique hotel is an ideal and charming base for you to enjoy a pleasant holiday in Rome. The Modigliani's owners are an artistic couple, and the young and friendly staff reflect their particular philosophy of life: professionalism, elegance and kindness. You can easily get around on foot or by metro; Barberini Metro Station is at the end of the road. After a day exploring Rome you can relax in the garden with a drink from the bar. Please note that a local tax of 2 Euro per person, per day is due locally and paid directly to the hotel upon arrival. Under new Roman law, hotels charge a small amount per traveller per day as a “tourist tax”, which needs to be paid locally through your hotel in Rome. Amounts may vary, but currently the cost is 2EUR per person for 2* & 3* hotels and 3EUR for 4* & 5* hotels. The charges will be added to your bill upon check out and are non-negotiable.  St. Peter's Basilica Fine Dining
Day 2: Tue, Jul 12 2011 - RomeSpend the day on a shared tour in Rome. After being picked up from your centrally located hotel, you will pass by the Villa Borghese park, Porta Flaminia and cross over the Tiber river before reaching the Vatican Museum. During the visit you can admire the Hall of the Greek Cross, the Statue Gallery, the interesting cartographic study in the Geographical Maps Gallery, the Raphael Rooms, entirely frescoed by the Master and, above all, the Sistine Chapel. This is where Popes are elected and where you will find the Genesis and Last Judgement works by Michelangelo which have been recently restored. Please note that during high season there may be queues to enter the museums. Enjoy lunch (1 glass of wine included, desert not included) before spending the afternoon exploring some of the most fascinating sights of the city in the company of an English speaking guide on board an air-conditioned coach. Crossing Piazza della Repubblica with the Najadi’s Fountain, you will continue along Via Nazionale till Piazza Venezia, heart of the city with the Monument to Victor Emanuel II also called "Vittoriano" – Continue by bus to the Colosseum and the surrounding Arches of Costantine and Tirus and have a walk into the Roman Forum, the most important archeological area in the world, and possibly the Capitol Square. Proceed to Theatre Marcello to reach St. Paul’s Outside the walls by coach where you will enjoy a visit. At the end of the shared tour you will be brought back to your hotel. Dinner is at leisure this evening. Some suggestions that you may consider for fine dining are: La Pergola (3 Michelin stars), Il Pagliaccio (2 Michelin stars), Agata e Romeo (1 Michelin star), Il Convivio-Troianior L’Altro Mastai (Paid locally). Accommodation: Modigliani (3*)  Shopping street in Rome Bearded Christ, from catacombs of Commodilla
Day 3: Wed, Jul 13 2011 - RomeRome is a great place for shopping. There are five main shopping areas: Spanish Steps & Via dei Condotti - This street is one of the richest streets in Italy and one of the best streets for shopping in Rome. The Via Dei Condotti is home to Italy's top designer stores. Via Del Corso – This busy pedestrian street runs from Piazza del Popolo down to Piazza Venezia. It is home to the famous shops like the Ferrari flagship store and Swarowski Crystal. Trastevere – This rather bohemian area of the city with its many winding streets is great for shopping and getting lost in. Be sure to check out the outdoor food market in Piazza San Cosimato where locals bargain with the vendors. (7am -2pm.) - Viale Marconi and Porta Portese- Viale Marconi is very good for shopping and is particularly popular with young trendy Romans. A bit out from the city centre, it can be reached by talking the Metro Line B to Marconi. It is about 15 minutes away from the Coliseum. Porta Portese is the famous Roman flea market which takes place every Sunday from 8am until about 2pm. Another place of interest for food and market lovers is the Piazza Vittorio where a mesmerizing array of fresh foods, fruits, fish and meat, run by people from all over the world is displayed. Piazza Navona & via del Governo Vecchio – The well known Piazza Navona is a great place for art lovers, as the surrounding streets contain lots of art galleries and antique shops. After your lunch, enjoy an afternoon tour as you discover imperial and early Christian Rome by peeling back layers and millennia of history as you descend into the Eternal city's underground burial chambers, its long winding catacombs and its crypts. Your guide will explain the secrets of the Domitilla Catacombs, an ancient Christian burial ground, and the Church of San Clemente, built over an ancient fourth century church which was built over an even older Roman house containing Christian artifacts and a pagan temple almost 20 metres below ground level. You'll also visit Santa Maria Maggiore, the Holy Stairs, Old Appian Way and Domine Quo Vadis Chapel. (Includes Tour guide, tickets to Domitilla Catacombs and the church of San Clemente and air-conditioned transportation). Includes pick up and drop-off at hotel. Accommodation: Modigliani (3*)  Florence Cellai Hotel
Day 4: Thu, Jul 14 2011 - Rome - FlorenceEnjoy the train ride from Rome to Florence. Train duration is approximately 2 hours 30 mins. Nestled in a cozy and comfortable atmosphere in the heart of Florence, you will be served delicious, savory dishes that spring from our chef's creativity and will accompany you through a romantic and unique evening. A selection of the finest wines and the attention paid to each and every detail make our restaurant one of the most pleasant venues in Florence. Dishes are prepared using only the best available foods of the season. Particular attention is devoted to the presentation of every dish and to the intriguing combinations of flavors and aromas. A carefully selected wine will blend perfectly with the taste sensations created by our chefs. Meal not included, and paid locally. Accommodation: Cellai Boutique Hotel (4*) The Hotel Cellai (4*) is located in the heart of the historic center of Florence, surrounded by monuments, churches and buildings of extraordinary beauty. This boutique style hotel is close to the most interesting and evocative city sites. All sites are within a short walking distance, passing through little streets full of charm and mystery. This exclusive hotel in Florence is very close to the San Lorenzo Market, hosted in a gigantic iron and glass building, where natives gather to buy local food and wine specialties. The Galleria dell'Accademia is just a short distance away, hosting the famous David by Michelangelo, as is the Duomo with its splendid dome by Brunelleschi.  Ponte Vecchio
Day 5: Fri, Jul 15 2011 - FlorenceThis exciting guided walking tour starts from the peculiar Central Market zone, characterised by its workshops and multicolored stands. Located in this area are the Medici Chapels, and the Basilica di S. Lorenzo, which is the church of the famous Medici family. A short stroll from the market-place is the Piazza del Duomo, where you can admire the picturesque Cathedral from both the interior and exterior. This Cathedral is known for its dome created by Brunelleschi, its bell tower designed by Giotta, and its Paradise Door on the Saint John Baptistery. The tour continues by visiting the medieval quarters where Dante Alighieri and Beatrice once lived. Moving further through the city you will find the Palazzo del Bargello. Not to far from there you will arrive at the Piazza della Signoria, a great "open-air sculpture museum", which overlooks the imposing Palazzo Vecchio. Within the Palazzo Vecchio you will find one of the world most important museums in the world, the Uffizi Gallery. You would then proceed to the Mercato della Paglia (straw market), where the famous Piglet Fountain is located. Moivng along, you will travel along the street that leads you to Ponte Vecchio, also known as the "jewel-bridge." After snapping some photos along this famous bridge, you will arrive at the wonderful Pitti Palace where this tour ends. Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel. Accommodation: Cellai Boutique Hotel (4*)  San Gimignano
Day 6: Sat, Jul 16 2011 - FlorenceEnjoy a full day tour which gives you the opportunity of discovering the Chianti region. A coach with an English speaking Guide will first take you through the countryside of the Chianti area with ever-changing scenery of vineyards and olive trees. Enjoy a visit to San Gimigamo, a tiny city that has remained intact through the centuries. The city is situated on top of a hill and is famous for its numerous towers, frescos and other art treasures. On arrival in Siena there is some free time for lunch (not included). Your guide will than bring you on a escorted visit through this magnificent city. You will see the Cathedral situated in the Piazza dal Campo, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Located near this famous Piazza is the Town Hall, and San Domenico, which is known for it's numerous treasures of Italian painting. During the return journey you will see the old medieval village of Monteriggioni enclosed by its famous walls which are still standing strong. Accommodation: Cellai Boutique Hotel (4*)  Kensington Cares
Day 7: Sun, Jul 17 2011 - FlorenceRelax with a private airport transfer and English speaking driver in Florence. Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities. Accommodation: Depart Depart from Florence Peretola airport - end of itinerary.
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Travel Tips
ItalyVISA/PASSPORT Italy is a party to the Schengen Agreement. As such, U.S. and Canadian citizens may enter for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
Citizens of other countries may require a visa. Please ask your Sales Advisor. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Italy for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH Health insurance is recommended. Medical facilities are good quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/italy.aspx COUNTRY INFO Capital: Rome. Government: Kingdom of Italy declared in 1861. Republic since 1946. Language: Italian is the official language. English, French and German are spoken in the biggest cities. Religion: 87.8% Roman Catholic with Muslim and Protestant minorities. Time: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October). Electricity: 230 volts AC, 50Hz. Telephone: Country code +39 (followed by 6 for Rome, 2 for Milan, 11 for Turin, 81 for Naples, 41 for Venice and 55 for Florence). Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good. Internet: There are also Internet cafes in all main towns.
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Accommodation
Modigliani (3*)No other Roman hotel near the Spanish Steps offers the same atmosphere and a relaxing internal garden like the Modigliani (3*). Situated in a tranquil, ancient street near exclusive Via Veneto, this boutique hotel is an ideal and charming base for you to enjoy a pleasant holiday in Rome. The Modigliani's owners are an artistic couple, and the young and friendly staff reflect their particular philosophy of life: professionalism, elegance and kindness. You can easily get around on foot or by metro; Barberini Metro Station is at the end of the road. After a day exploring Rome you can relax in the garden with a drink from the bar. Please note that a local tax of 2 Euro per person, per day is due locally and paid directly to the hotel upon arrival. Under new Roman law, hotels charge a small amount per traveller per day as a “tourist tax”, which needs to be paid locally through your hotel in Rome. Amounts may vary, but currently the cost is 2EUR per person for 2* & 3* hotels and 3EUR for 4* & 5* hotels. The charges will be added to your bill upon check out and are non-negotiable. Room: - Cellai Hotel
 Cellai Hotel Cellai Hotel
Cellai Boutique Hotel (4*) - FlorenceThe Hotel Cellai (4*) is located in the heart of the historic center of Florence, surrounded by monuments, churches and buildings of extraordinary beauty. This boutique style hotel is close to the most interesting and evocative city sites. All sites are within a short walking distance, passing through little streets full of charm and mystery. This exclusive hotel in Florence is very close to the San Lorenzo Market, hosted in a gigantic iron and glass building, where natives gather to buy local food and wine specialties. The Galleria dell'Accademia is just a short distance away, hosting the famous David by Michelangelo, as is the Duomo with its splendid dome by Brunelleschi. Room: ClassicThe 55 rooms of Hotel Cellai are extremely comfortable, equipped with warm and precious materials and personalized with authentic antiques expertly chosen one by one in the many markets of Tuscany. This passion for detail contributes to the intimate, tranquil atmosphere which transforms each room into a pleasant refuge within the bustling city of Florence, in a place where guests can relax after a day spent touring and admiring the many beautiful artistic and architectural sites in the city which cradled the Renaissance. Rooms amenities: air conditioning, direct telephone, satellite color TV, minibar, private bathroom. Restaurant AmenitiesCellai Boutique Hotel (4*) Restaurants The breakfast room is a "winter garden" with a large skylight where guests are served a delicious, candlelight breakfast each morning, with classical music playing in the background.
Recreation AmenitiesCellai Boutique Hotel (4*) Activities The hotel also features a library/winebar "La Bella Vita", a billiards room, "Il Salotto dell´Amore", a contemporary art gallery "Spazio Bianco" (monthly exhibitions in public areas), WI-FI in all rooms and roofgarden, La Terrazza honesty bar, and bicycles available for guests.
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