bellissimo tours italy

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Small group 3 hrs Rome Walking Tour: Piazzas, Pantheon and Jewish Ghetto

Small Group Best of Florence Walking Tour and David by Michelangelo

Best of Venice Tour – Small Group Walking Tour with St.Mark's Basilica

Small Group Venice Ghost Tour: Stories, Legends & Anecdotes

Small Group Doge's Palace Tour in Venice

Semi Private Pompeii and Amalfi Coast Tour from Rome

Small Group Venice to Dolomites and Cortina Day Trip

Venice City Tour in 1 Day - St Mark's Basilica, Guided Walking Tour and Grand Canal Boat Tour

Find a tour by, popular destinations.

Venice Tours

Find out what makes Venice such a unique and overwhelmingly beautiful place to visit by exploring our fantastic tours.

Private Murano and Burano Tour: Discover the Magic of Venice's Islands

Small Group Venice 4 hrs Tour : Doges Palace, St Mark's Basilica and Walking Tour

Prepare to discover everything that Rome has to offer by choosing from our wide range of tour packages in Italy’s magnificent Capital.

Private Vatican Tour with Guided Sistine Chapel Tour and St. Peter’s Basilica

Full Day Private Tour from Rome to Pompeii and Amalfi Coast

Private Tour of the Colosseum in Rome and Roman Forum

Florence Tours

Get ready to fall in love with Florence by choosing from our range of package tours in Tuscany, Italy.

Small Group Cinque Terre Trip from Florence

Private Florence Renaissance Walking Tour

Private Cinque Terre Tour from Florence

Private Siena and San Gimignano Day Trip from Florence with Wine Tasting and Lunch

Customer reviews, we love to know how our customers’ experiences have been, so we always promote a non-stop improvement of your reviews. write down your thoughts and let us know.

Excellent. This was my first tour with this company and it was well worth the cost. Meeting location was easy to find. Tour guides were well versed in the history of the city and spoke english very well. The lengths of the tours were just right. A great experience for the 4 of us.

We took a tour up to the Dolomites and we absolutely loved it! Marco was our driver and tour guide and honestly if I could have had him as my tour guide for my entire 18 day trip I would have. He was so wonderful to learn from and engaging.

The customer service was excellent! I called a couple of times for questions regarding our tour and they were very accommodating.

Excellent all round. Easy to book and great explanation of where to meet and what to expect. Fantastic tour guide. Pleasure to deal with them.

Our Italian

The Eternal city is a feast for the senses. To know Rome is to love her, but to navigate her isn’t so easy for first-time visitors. That’s…

Cinque Terre & Beyond: 5 Day Trips to Take From Florence

The Best 11 Experiences to See Venice in a Day: A Local's Guide

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Bellissimo Travel, LLC

We Do the Planning for You

Bellissimo Travel, LLC is committed to sharing the world's most inspiring and life-enriching travel experiences with our discerning clientele. We offer world-class customer service specializing in luxury cruise and tour vacations. Let our years of experience help to make your travel truly "Bellissimo!"

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Incredible Deals, Excellent Service

As part of the Avoya Travel Network, we believe the very best vacation experiences promise more than any online booking engine alone can deliver. Technology will take you part of the way, but there are limits only real human interaction can overcome. As a member of the Avoya Travel Network, we combine the ease of online search with the element of human touch, expertise, support, and value so you connect with people, places, and cultures on a deeper, more personal level. Plus, with the Avoya Advantage™ you'll have access to exclusive deals and extras that we've secured with top travel companies so you receive the very best value.

“Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.”

Soren Kierkegaard

What our clients say.

Check Out What People Are Saying About Us

"Daniel Lonteen has been amazing. So helpful and took a lot of time explaining all the cruises ( as it was our first cruise). He went above and beyond to help us when my mother in law had her flight cancelled to Seattle and was not sure she would make it on time to the Ship. he was on the phone until we were all on ship and was genuinely concerned . "

Marie-Claire M.

At Bellissimo Travel, LLC, the sky’s the limit in terms of creating your next travel itinerary. Let us help to plan every last detail of your upcoming trip, so all that’s left for you is to enjoy it.

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A Voyage Beyond the Ordinary

Enjoy La Bella Vita on Italian River Cruises

COVID-19 Made the case for Travel Agents

Cruise Deals

Bellissimo Travel, LLC offers great deals on all types of cruises. There are exceptional options for couples, families, and large groups. Our company has exclusive access to special rates and vouchers, so our clients receive the best value while paying the lowest rates possible. Browse our selection of available cruises and get ready for the best vacation of your life.

Great Deals On Guided Tours

From land to sea, group or private tours, guided or independent, we have several options for you to choose from at Bellissimo Travel, LLC. We have tour packages to suit any budget or special request. Let our relationships with the best tour companies get you the best deal possible. It is time to start touring today. What are you waiting for? Below are just a few of the great tour companies we work with.

Luxury Redefined

Abercrombie & Kent Tours

Abercrombie & Kent pioneered the luxury adventure more than 50 years ago. Today they are the world’s undisputed luxury-travel leader, offering an award-winning combination of exclusivity, comfort and authenticity on all seven continents for small group or private itineraries.

Independent Travel

Monograms Tours

An award-winning travel company, Monograms has put together a robust portfolio of incredible vacations around the globe. From vacation planning to on-trip logistics – including your own onsite Local Host® – Monograms is with you every step of the way.

Stylish Escorted Travel

Insight Tours

Insight Vacations has distinguished itself by providing our clients with a truly stylish escorted tour experience to destinations around the world. Embracing the company motto, ‘The Art of Touring in Style’, Insight Vacations places an emphasis on small, intimate groups, top-notch customer service, and very close attention to detail.

See Italy Your Way!

Custom Exclusive Private Tours

Does traveling to Italy with curated hand picked hotels, private guide, exclusive transportation and personalized recommendations sound exciting? Bellissimo Travel is proud to offer our clients personalized tours throughout Italy. Let our expertise make your special trip truly Bellissimo!

Whether you are planning to travel with just 2 or a group of friends or family, a customized private tour arranged by Bellissimo Travel is a great way to experience a truly exclusive vacation experience. Chose the dates that work best for you and let us know what you desire for your Italy trip and let us take are of the rest; from culinary adventures, wine tastings, cultural activities to seeing the local landmarks…see Italy your way!

Luxury Villas Available Worldwide

Looking for a unique way for your family or group to experience a one-of-a-kind getaway? Villas are luxurious, private residences that are made available to vacation travelers. Villas usually range from 1-20 bedrooms and offer additional living spaces: living rooms, dining rooms, fully-equipped kitchens, and outdoor areas including verandas and pools. They are usually equipped with amenities and a dedicated staff to cater to your specific needs. Luxury villas are often more economical for traveling families and couples.

Why rent a villa over a hotel or resort?

Personalized attention and service from an experienced Villa Specialist and Concierge

Allows you to create a unique, customized experience based on your needs

Superb value – spend less, receive more; villas are often a much better value per person than hotel or resort suites

More space, privacy, and quiet – no strangers in the next room, or even by the pool 

Great for all occasions, from big group gatherings to intimate getaways

Many different options – choose from thousands of villas in over 50 destinations across the globe

Italy Bellissimo

• Montecatini Terme: Join the Callistri family at their borgo in the Hamlet of Limonaia for a delicious Italian Be My Guest dinner, olive oil tasting and leisurely walk through their olive groves and lemon orchards.
• Rome: Gain early access to the Vatican Museums to marvel at the magnificent work of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel.
• Rome: During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.
• Rome: Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a passionate local. See Circus Maximus and the Ancient Forum, and stand beside the Colosseum, which bears witness to the limitless courage of the gladiators.
• Pompeii: Walk with a Local Specialist through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century.
• Capri: Join a Local Specialist on a walk through elegant Capri to gain insight into the island's local culture and historic landmarks.
• Assisi: With a Local Specialist, find out why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered to be one of the crowning artisitic achievements of 13th-century Europe.
• Modena: Travel through the lush landscape of Emilia-Romagna, past hilltop towns and agricultural lands.
• Pisa: During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
• Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.

What's this trip about?

Travel themes.

• Education / Learning
• Local Immersion & Homestays

Destinations

• Historic sightseeing
• Homestays & Cultural Immersion

Trip includes

• An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
• Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
• All porterage and restaurant gratuities
• All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
• Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
• Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
• Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
• Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
• Return cruise to the Isle of Capri
• Optional Experiences and free time
• On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

Take time to embrace the Italian passion for life on this grand adventure that starts and ends in the 'Eternal City' of Rome. Spend the day exploring on your own before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers this evening for a light meal and evening orientation drive.

Grand Tiberio

Wondering what's next on our Italy trip itinerary? This morning we travel to Pisa and to its Field of Miracles to view the famous Leaning Tower before arriving in the spa-resort of Montecatini Terme in Tuscany, your home for the next two nights.

Minerva Palace

After breakfast, we say a fond farewell to Italy and prepare to return home after a memorable Italian journey of discovery.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.

• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
• Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

Dates & Availability

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Trafalgar .

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Trafalgar Reviews & Ratings

Trusted Customer

Too rushed all the time.. Too little time to explore on your...

Valeria Acito

Loved all of the places we explored. Some of the rides...

Sorrento should be a day of leisure and exploration since it is only an afternoon visit

Steven Adams

It was fun and educational. The tour covered a lot of ground, so be prepared for that.

Other Trafalgar Reviews

Gracie Stewart

An awesome experience!

Excellent service by **************, our travel director, for our Canadian Rockies trip on May 27 to June 2, 2024. A most memorable and exciting experience to see t...

Trafalgar is serious about customer satisfaction

They take their job seriously and try hard to make sure customers are satisfied.

See all Other Trafalgar reviews

Tour Operator

At Trafalgar, we passionately believe in the power of travel to broaden the mind and build bridges between people. By sharing with you the hidden places not mentioned in guidebooks, the local people you wouldn’t otherwise meet, and the traditions you may not have experienced by yourself, we ensure that you get the ‘insider’ view, an authentic and enhanced experience you simply could not have had on your own.

It is this dedication to taking our guests beyond the obvious sights that has helped us grow over the past 65 years into one of the most trusted and successful international guided vacation/holiday companies in the world. From Europe to the United States, South America to South Africa, and with the recent addition of Asia, we pride ourselves on uncovering the hidden gems, cultural highlights and not-to-be-missed attractions of the places you visit. We’ll help you delve deep into the heart of each city and capture the true essence of each new destination.

We are committed to establishing lasting relationships with our guests by exceeding their expectations the first time and every time, through consistently outstanding quality of service, experience and value.

We're proud to be the most globally awarded guided travel company. Every year, we win some of the most prestigious travel accolades around the world – from the Travel Globes to the Agents' Choice Awards. We've collected 46 major travel awards over the last five years alone, as well as the Gold Trusted Merchant Award from independent reviews provider Feefo.

Tweets by TrafalgarTalk

About the company:

As the world’s most awarded and loved travel company, Trafalgar unlocks the best of the world for every traveller. From the iconic sites to breaking bread with locals at private Be My Guest experiences, guests can be assured of a dream holiday without the stress of 'what ifs'. Committed to Make Travel Matter, Trafalgar aims to make a positive impact on locals, communities and wildlife visited, and the planet we call home. With tried and tested tours, created by local travel experts in destination and enjoyed by more than 5million happy guests, Trafalgar’s proud to be recognised by its Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award.

Trafalgar is part of the family-owned and run The Travel Corporation (TTC), driven by service for over one hundred years.

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• 5 Dinner (D)
• 10 Breakfast (B)

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Italy Bellissimo

Rome, Vatican, Capri, Pompeii, Assisi, Perugia, Venice, Pisa, Montecatini Terme, Florence, San Gimig... +1 more

If toasting epic Tuscan sunsets, soaking up the sun-kissed sophistication of Italy’s most popular cities and olive oil tasting in a real Italian Borgo with new friends sounds like your idea of perfection, this is one of those bellissimo Italy trips that would seduce even the sirens of Capri.

Take time to embrace the Italian passion for life on this grand adventure that starts and ends in the 'Eternal City' of Rome. Spend the day exploring on your own before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers this evening for a light meal and evening orientation drive.

Our captivating journey through Rome begins at the Vatican Museums where we join a Local Specialist to Dive Into Culture and admire Michelangelo's magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and his sorrowful Pietà in St. Peter's Basilica. We view the enduring symbols of Ancient Rome, including the Circus Maximus, before spending the afternoon at leisure. Soak up the coffee culture in one of Rome's lively piazzas or discover the masterpieces of Rome in one of the city's many museums.

Our Italy travel itinerary continues south towards the ancient city of Pompeii, which remains frozen in time since it was covered in ash during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius centuries ago. Here we join a Local Specialist who will share insights into the city's tragic history. Cruising across the Bay of Naples next, we arrive at the Isle of Capri, where we'll spend the next two nights in picture-perfect surroundings.

Explore the glamour of Capri on a walking tour with a Local Specialist that will include views of the marina. Venture to the heart of the island and the legendary piazzetta, where the locals come to people-watch. Spend free time shopping at elegant boutiques or perhaps join an optional experience to explore the rugged coastline and hidden grottos by private motor launch. Tonight, we dine at our hotel.

We sail back across the Mediterranean to Naples and venture north to the historic city of Perugia. Here we’ll discover Italy’s weaving tradition during an impressive MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at our visit to Laboratorio Giuditta Brozzetti, a TreadRight and JoinTrafalgar Heritage Initiative project. Explore one of the last remaining traditional wooden frame hand-weaving workshops in the country, before continuing to the ancient hilltop town of Assisi where tonight we stay at one of our hotels that overlooks the old town.

Join a Local Specialist and visit the Basilica of St. Francis, famous for Giotto's exquisite frescoes and 13th century stained glass windows. Continue north past hilltop medieval villages and through picturesque farming plains towards Venice, the 'Queen of the Adriatic'. Enjoy a free evening watching the sunset over the Venetian Lagoon or consider joining an Optional Experience before retiring at your Stays With Stories hotel, once a beloved home-away-from-home for Romantic poet, Robert Browning.

The Winged Lion of Venice is your constant companion as you cruise by private launch to your memorable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience bringing to life the 13th-century tradition of Venetian glassblowing. Watch the talented master craftsmen use the same techniques that have been passed down through the generations, perhaps inspired to buy a souvenir or two to remind you of your visit. Next, you’ll continue on to St. Mark's Square where you’ll view the Basilica, the ornate Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, so named because of the sound prisoners made as they took one last look at their beloved city from the bridge before meeting their fate. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore what was once the haunt of Casanova and Marco Polo, and you’ll want to relish every second experiencing life in this enchanting city.

Wondering what's next on our Italy trip itinerary? This morning we travel to Pisa and to its Field of Miracles to view the famous Leaning Tower before arriving in the spa-resort of Montecatini Terme in Tuscany, your home for the next two nights.

Explore one of the world's most cultural cities today - the former home of great masters and a testament to the ambitious legacy of the Medici family. Your Local Specialist shares all the sights, including views of the magnificent marble Duomo and Baptistery. We visit Piazza della Signoria, the heart of this flourishing city with its statues and stunning palazzi then view the Ponte Vecchio. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Later, enjoy some free time to stroll around the city and embrace this Renaissance gem. This evening, you'll enjoy a Be My Guest experience with the Callistri family at their borgo in the Hamlet of Limonaia for a delicious Italian dinner, olive oil tasting and leisurely walk through their olive groves and lemon orchards.

We admire the medieval beauty of San Gimignano today, walking to the triangular Piazza della Cisterna, the hub of this historic town. See the extraordinary architecture of this hilltop 'medieval Manhattan', shop for local products or relax with a gelato at a pavement café. This evening, we celebrate a magnificent Italian adventure with newfound friends at a Farewell Dinner.

After breakfast, we say a fond farewell to Italy and prepare to return home after a memorable Italian journey of discovery.

• An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
• Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
• All porterage and restaurant gratuities
• All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
• Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
• Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
• Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
• Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
• Return cruise to the Isle of Capri
• Optional Experiences and free time
• On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
• 5 Dinner (D)
• 10 Breakfast (B)
• Venice: Robert Browning, a poet and playwright, loved this 'gracious country home' and you will too when you experience the beauty of this 19th-century eclectic hotel on Lido Island.
• Rome: Gain early access to the Vatican Museums to marvel at the magnificent work of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel.
• Montecatini Terme: Join the Callistri family at their borgo in the Hamlet of Limonaia for a delicious Italian dinner, olive oil tasting and a leisurely walk through their olive groves and lemon orchards.
• VIP Admission to the Vatican Museums
• Explore Rome, Pompeii, Capri, Assisi and Florence
• Discover Venice, Perugia and San Gimignano
• Visit St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel in Rome, the excavations at Pompeii, the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi and a glassblowing factory in Venice
• View the ancient sites of Rome, St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Santa Croce Basilica, the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio in Florence
• Scenic Cruise to the Isle of Capri and by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice
• Perugia: Visit the Laboratorio Guiditta Brozetti Museum and meet the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise to learn about the history of Italian hand-weaving during a private demonstration. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 5 &11: Gender Equality & Sustainable Cities and Communities.
• Venice: Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing, and play a part in preserving this traditional craft. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
• Rome: During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.
• Rome: Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a Local Specialist. See Circus Maximus and the Ancient Forum, and stand beside the Colosseum, which bears witness to the limitless courage of the gladiators.
• Pompeii: Walk with a Local Specialist through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century.
• Capri: Join a Local Specialist on a walk through elegant Capri to gain insight into the island's local culture and historic landmarks.
• Assisi: With a Local Specialist, find out why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered to be one of the crowning artisitic achievements of 13th-century Europe.
• Modena: Travel through the lush landscape of Emilia-Romagna, past hilltop towns and agricultural lands.
• Pisa: During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
• Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
• Florence: See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods, and witness a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
• San Gimignano: Visit the medieval Manhattan of Italy as you explore the UNESCO-listed center of San Gimignano and admire the city's distinctive towers.
• Things don’t always work out. Our 7-day Change of Mind Guarantee is there to help. Bookings (except for cruise bookings and flights) may be cancelled with a full refund provided that cancellation occurs strictly within 7 days from the date of purchase and provided that the cancellation is made no less than 120 days prior to the departure date. Cancellations made within this period will be governed by the terms and conditions of Luxury Escapes and the tour provider, and cancellation fees may apply depending on the tour you have purchased. You can find the operator’s full terms and conditions https://www.trafalgar.com/booking-conditions , and Luxury Escapes’ terms and conditions https://luxuryescapes.com/terms-and-conditions .
• To protect against unforeseen events, Luxury Escapes recommends purchasing travel insurance as soon possible after purchasing this package.
• Name corrections may incur a fee, and name changes are not permitted.
• Date changes can be made on request by contacting us via phone or email. Prices and spaces on the tour and are subject to availability.

For all new bookings, if you can’t travel as a direct result of border closures or Government-imposed travel restrictions that directly impact your booking, Luxury Escapes will:

• allow you to change the dates of your tour
• offer you a credit for another tour, cruise or accommodation offer, less any third-party costs that Luxury Escapes can’t recover (including from airlines and tour providers), or
• refund the full value of your tour, less any third-party costs that Luxury Escapes can’t recover (including from airlines and tour providers)

Package inclusions are correct at the time of purchase, and are outlined in more detail in the “Highlights and Inclusions” section, as well as in the itinerary. Refer to your booking confirmation for details.

• If transfers are included in your package, please note that these are only available on the first and last day of your tour. Arrival and departure transfers are included between the hours of 6am and 6pm only. If you arrive outside these hours a supplement may apply. Please contact our trusted, third-party tour partner for further information.
• If booking a Twin Share package, transfers are based on two people sharing the one vehicle. If you are arriving on different flights at different times, a supplement will be charged for two separate vehicles
• Flight details must be advised as per our trusted third-party tour partner’s requirements. Failure to provide your confirmed flight details within the time period specified by our trusted, third-party tour partner may result in forfeiting your transfer.

Any items and matters not referred to above, including, airfares to and from your destination, air-related taxes and fees (except where specified); additional fees charged by airlines such as checked and/or excess baggage, seat selections and any other services; passport and visa fees; insurances of all kinds; tips/gratuities to Travel Directors, Local Guides, Motorcoach Drivers and other ; laundry; phone calls; minibar; drinks and meals not detailed in the itinerary; and all items of a personal nature.

• Flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in your tour's start destination on your chosen tour start date. Please ensure you allow for travelling time, and please do NOT book your flights until your tour is confirmed. We are happy to assist you in arranging your flights, either via our website at http://luxuryescapes.com/flights or via our contact centre.
• A visa may be required. It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they're holding a current visa for the countries they're visiting. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
• Important: Please start arranging your visa at least 12 weeks prior to departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours and processing time.
• A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).
• When travelling within Australia, please check current state/territory border entry requirements to ensure you're eligible to travel and have completed any required permits or passes.
• Optional activities and day tours are not included in your tour package, nor are meals and drinks not stated in the itinerary.
• Tipping and gratuities are included for the services included in your trip, but are not included for your Motorcoach Driver and (where applicable) your Trip Manager, Wellbeing Director, Local Hosts or Local Guides. These are at your own discretion, and should be extended on a voluntary basis at the end of your journey. As a guide, approximately A$5 – A$10 per person, per day, is the industry standard.
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Luxury Escapes recommends purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this package.
• Luxury Escapes can assist you in purchasing travel insurance through our preferred provider. Please enquire for further information and to see if our policy is suitable for you.
• COVID-19 requirements vary from country to country and region to region and you may be required to be fully vaccinated and provide evidence of vaccination. Evidence of negative COVID tests may also be required. Airlines and other transport providers may also have separate requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that you comply at all times with these requirements. No refunds will be given if you are unable to undertake some or all of your holiday due to your failure to comply with these requirements. You will be responsible for any resulting additional costs including travel and accommodation.
• Travellers are advised to check the vaccine requirements for their trip with their local health professional at least 45 days prior to departure, as some vaccines require 30 days or more to be effective. Please check with your health professional that you hold the appropriate vaccination entry requirements for your destination.
• By purchasing this tour, you acknowledge the Covid-19 Health & Safety advice as shown https://le-prod-public-press-releases.s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/20210224/le-covid19-health-and-safety-acknowledgement.pdf .
• Guests may be required to provide evidence of proof of vaccination against Covid-19 from our ground operator prior to departure. You may be asked to upload your proof of vaccination to the operator’s brand portal prior to departure.
• Important: The hotel, transportation and/or destination you are travelling to may have health, insurance and vaccination requirements in place. Please ensure you stay up to date with any requirements prior to your departure.
• Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake the activities in this tour. Further, travellers acknowledge and agree that neither Luxury Escapes nor the tour provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (nor is Luxury Escapes or the tour provider liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).
• In most cases the tour operator can cater for special dietary requirements but please note that on occasion, this may not be possible due to location, lack of availability of ingredients, and other extenuating circumstances. It is always advised to carry supplies with you.
• Any dietary requirements must be received by the tour operator at least 30 days prior to your scheduled departure date. Failure to provide these details by this date may result in an inability to cater for your requirements.
• Any prices quoted exclude specific costs/measures that may be introduced at a later stage as a result of Government changes due to Covid-19 health and safety restrictions. Our trusted third-party suppliers will inform guests of these changes as soon as possible.
• Luxury Escapes reserves the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. The supplier reserves the right to cancel or alter tour itineraries as deemed necessary. Tour operation or alterations to itineraries may occur due to road or weather conditions, strikes, public holidays, accommodation availability and/or other factors. Accommodation will be of a similar or better standard if a change is required.
• From dreaming, to planning, to booking, we’re with you every step of the way with our 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service. We have the experience and know how to adapt to change while ensuring our guests holiday is always stress free, so they can focus on what matters – having a great time and creating memories that will last a lifetime. We know that our guests don’t just want to see places. They want to be a part of them, to savour not just sights and sounds but experiences, to get insider looks at cultures, customs, and wonders. This is why we do not just take our guests to see places...instead we have locals open their doors to welcome them in like friends. From small, family-run hotels to passionate keepers of cultures and traditions, we craft memorable encounters and connections that our guests will cherish for years to come.
• Stay in accommodation that is more than just a bed for the night. We select our hotels not only for their quality, impeccable service and comfort but they are also an important piece of the local heritage. From centuries-old castles to historical homesteads, you will be immersed in the stories behind each property, giving you the chance to live the legacy yourself.
• Each trip is carefully crafted to leave you free to live in the moment and enjoy your holiday. Dive into the local cultures that make each destination so special. Enjoy our Trafalgar-exclusive experiences for a deeper understanding of the places we go, while allowing you to see the world through a different lens. We connect you with locals who are proud to welcome you into their community and share their stories through food – not only to experience the regions’ delicacies, but also the way of life. See the iconic, bucket list sights with a local specialist. Someone who won't just give you the kind of information you might glean from guidebooks, but show you how it's done, or supply you with fresh insights and anecdotes to make your guided holiday memorable. Food tastes so much better when it's shared with local people who have a story to tell. Perhaps that's why Trafalgar's "Be My Guest" experiences are so popular. You'll dine with local families in their homes, learn how to cook regional dishes, and share a glass or two with winemakers at their vineyards; giving you a deeper understanding of their lives and history.
• You will gain access to travel expertise and dedicated service to support you at every step, making travel in these recent times worry-free. The Trafalgar difference is not just what we promise, it’s what we deliver. The best way to unlock rich travel experiences around the world starts here. Our Travel Directors are carefully selected for their knowledge and enthusiasm. Whether they're introducing you to a local artisan, revealing a hidden treasure or simply helping you to plan your day, they are your ideal friend and companion, wherever you are on your travels. From checking you into your hotel room to recommending a local eatery, your Travel Director's aim is to make travelling easy.
• Depending on the tour you choose and the time of year you are travelling our group sizes can vary from 20 people up to 52 guests, so there is a great opportunity to mingle and make new friends from all over the world. With such a diverse range of destinations and touring styles there is no set age or type who travel with Trafalgar, you can expect a wide-range of like-minded travellers. Families with children, young couples, baby boomers, solo travellers, small groups and more can be found on our guided tours. There is certainly no age limit for touring, with children as young as 6 through to seniors travelling, however, the general demographic tends to be over 40.

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Italy Bellissimo

The Italy Bellissimo tour begins in Rome and ends in Rome. A journey taking you from the interior of Italy to the coast. Visit the sultry, sun-kissed island of Capri and stay in an old Franciscan convent in the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi. Please view itinerary description below.

Trip Itinerary

ARRIVE ROME

Take time to embrace the Italian passion for life on this grand adventure that starts and ends in the Eternal City of Rome. Spend the day exploring on your own before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening for a Welcome Reception and evening orientation drive past the iconic St. Peter's Basilica.

ROME SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

Our captivating journey through Rome begins at the Vatican Museums where we join a Local Specialist to view Michelangelo's magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and his sorrowful Pietà in St. Peter's Basilica. We visit the enduring symbols of Ancient Rome, paying tribute to the gladiators and soldiers who entertained thousands in the mighty Colosseum. See the Circus Maximus before spending the afternoon at leisure. Wander up Via Veneto on a shopping spree, soak up the coffee culture in one of Rome's lively piazze or discover the masterpieces of Rome in one of the city's many museums.

ROME – POMPEII – SORRENTO – ISLE OF CAPRI

Venture south towards the ancient city of Pompeii which remains frozen in time since it was covered in ash during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius centuries ago. Here we join a Local Specialist who will share insights into the city's tragic history. Cruising across the Bay of Naples next, we arrive at the Isle of Capri, where we'll spend the next two nights in picture-perfect surrounds.

CAPRI ORIENTATION AND FREE TIME

Explore the glamour of Capri on a walking tour with a Local Specialist that will include views of the marina, where Ulysses was said to have been seduced by sirens. Venture to the heart of the island and the legendary Piazzetta, where the locals come to people-watch. Spend free time shopping at elegant boutiques or perhaps join an Optional Experience and explore the rugged coastline and hidden grottos by private motor launch. Tonight, we dine at our hotel.

ISLE OF CAPRI – NAPLES – CASSINO – PERUGIA – ASSISI

We sail back across the Mediterranean to Naples and remember the brave soldiers who died during World War II at their final resting place in Cassino's Commonwealth War Cemetery. Venture north to the historic city of Perugia. Here we'll 'Dive Into Culture' and discover Italy's weaving tradition during a visit to Laboratorio Giuditta Brozzetti, a TreadRight and Heritage Initiative project. Explore one of the last remaining traditional wooden frame hand-weaving workshops in the country, before continuing to the ancient hilltop town of Assisi where we will stay at one of our 'Stays With Stories' tonight.

ASSISI SIGHTSEEING – VENICE

Stroll through the narrow lanes of Assisi with a Local Specialist and visit the Basilica of St. Francis, famous for Giotto's exquisite frescoes and 13th-century stained glass windows. Continue north past hilltop medieval villages and through picturesque farming plains towards Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic. Enjoy a free evening watching the sun set over the Venetian Lagoon or consider joining an Optional Experience.

VENICE ORIENTATION AND FREE TIME

The Winged Lion of Venice is your constant companion as your cruise by private launch to Giudecca Island. 'Dive Into Culture' and witness the delicate Venetian tradition of glassmaking that harks back to the 13th century before continuing to St. Mark's Square. See the Basilica, the ornate Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, named for the sound made by prisoners taking one last look at their beloved city from the bridge before meeting their fate. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore what was once the haunt of Casanova and Marco Polo.

VENICE – PISA – MONTECATINI TERME (TUSCAN HILLS)

This morning we travel to Pisa and to its Field of Miracles to view the famous Leaning Tower before arriving in the spa-resort of Montecatini Terme in Tuscany, your home for the next two nights.

FLORENCE EXCURSION

Explore one of the world's most cultural cities today - the former home of great masters and a testament to the ambitious legacy of the Medici family. Your Local Specialist shares all the sights, including views of the magnificent marble Duomo and Baptistery. We visit Piazza della Signoria, the heart of this flourishing city with its statues and stunning palazzi. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Later, enjoy some free time to stroll across the Arno over Ponte Vecchio and enjoy magnificent views of the city skyline from Piazzale Michelangelo. This evening, we Connect With Locals during a Be My Guest dinner at a farmhouse set amidst beautiful olive groves in the Tuscan countryside.

MONTECATINI TERME (TUSCAN HILLS) – SIENA – ROME

We admire the medieval beauty of Siena today, walking to its shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, which is dominated by the rusty red Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia, the site of the Palio horse race. See the hilltop town's extraordinary architecture, shop for beautifully hand-painted ceramics or relax with a gelato at a pavement café. This evening, we celebrate a magnificent Italian adventure with newfound friends at a Farewell Dinner.

DEPART ROME

After breakfast, we say a fond farewell to Italy and prepare to return home after a memorable Italian journey of discovery. Airport transfers are available to Fiumicino airport. Conditions apply.

Prices, Dates, Hotels & Conditions

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The final price you will pay for this tour is that displayed in EUR. Prices converted in other currencies are for guidance purposes only and are approximate.

YOUR ESCORTED MOTORCOACH TOUR INCLUDES - Services of a professional Tour Manager throughout - Deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach with onboard restroom facilities - Hotel accommodations as specified or similar - Sightseeing as specified - Hotel taxes; service charges; and baggage (one suitcase per person) SIGHTSEEING HIGHLIGHTS - VIP ADMISSION to the Vatican Museums - CITY TOUR in Rome, Pompeii, Capri, Assisi and Florence - ORIENTATION of Venice and Siena - VISIT St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum in Rome, the excavations at Pompeii, the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Cassino, and the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi - CRUISE to the Isle of Capri and by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice - VIEW the ancient sites of Rome, the Faraglioni Rocks on the Isle of Capri, Benedictine Abbey in Monte Cassino, St Mark's Basilica in Venice, Santa Croce Basilica, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Duomo in Florence DINING HIGHLIGHTS - 10 hot buffet breakfasts - 5 dinners TRAVEL HIGHLIGHTS - The tour is operated by Trafalgar - Connect with Locals: Join the Callistri family at their borgo in the Hamlet of Limonaia for a delicious Italian Be My Guest meal, olive oil tasting and leisurely walk through their olive groves and lemon orchards (Day 9) - Stays with Stories: Built to welcome pilgrims visiting Assisi, Hotel Cenacolo is a fully renovated old Franciscan convent in nearby Santa Maria degli Angeli (Day 5) - Dive into Culture: Witness the exquisite craft of glassblowing on Giudecca Island, a delicate tradition that generations of Venetian craftsmen have perfected over the centuries (Day 7) - Make a Difference: Meet the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise in Perugia. Discover the history of Italian hand-weaving during a private demonstration, and see how your visit helps preserve this traditional art form (Day 5) - Local Specialist: For included sightseeing in Rome, Pompeii, Capri, Assisi and Florence  

PRE & POST HOTELS PRE: Rome, Grand Tiberio POST: Rome, Marriott Park OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES We offer a range of optional experiences and entertainment options to complement our trips. These are purchased when you are on your trip.

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Italy Bellissimo

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• COVID-19 protected
• City sightseeing
• Natural landmarks sightseeing
• Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Art and architecture
• Customizable
• Booking Type Instant booking
• duration 11 days
• tour type Group Request as private
• age requirement 5-99 yrs
• max group size 48
• guiding method Fully guided
• Tour Code BM-20901

• Starts Rome, Italy
• Ends Rome, Italy
• VIP Admission to the Vatican Museums
• Explore Rome, Pompeii, Capri, Assisi and Florence
• Discover Venice, Perugia and San Gimignano
• Visit St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel in Rome, the excavations at Pompeii, the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi and a glassblowing factory in Venice
• View the ancient sites of Rome, St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Santa Croce Basilica, the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio in Florence
• Scenic Cruise to the Isle of Capri and by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice
• Day 1: Welcome to Rome
• Day 2: Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City Dive Into Culture
• Day 3: Admire Pompeii and on to Capri
• Day 4: A Day on the Isle of Capri
• Day 5: Onwards to Assisi Make Travel Matter Stays With Stories
• Day 6: Journey to Venice Stays With Stories
• Day 7: Cruise the Canals of Venice Make Travel Matter
• Day 8: Discover Pisa and the Tuscan Hills
• Day 9: Off to Renaissance Florence Connect with Locals
• Day 10: Venture to San Gimignano and Rome
• Day 11: Arrivederci Rome
• Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
• All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
• On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
• 5 Dinner (D)
• 10 Breakfast (B)
• Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
• An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
• All porterage and restaurant gratuities
• Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
• Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
• Return cruise to the Isle of Capri
• Optional Experiences and free time
• Any international flights to/from Rome are not included in this price. We always recommend that you arrive 1 day prior to your tour starting date.
• Travel insurance is not included in this Italy Bellissimo tour. Travel insurance is mandatory to buy. World Nomads' travel insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers.
• Personal Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.
• Protected Travel within your own bubble.
• Professional Access our Travel Specialists' insider knowledge.
• Privacy Enjoy a tour focused solely on you or your travel group.
• Earn US$ 119+ in travel credits.
• Best price guaranteed.
• No credit card or booking fees.
• 100% financial protection.
• Carbon neutral tours.
• 25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.
• Read more reasons to book with Bookmundi less Read less

No additional cancellation fees apply for this Italy Bellissimo tour. You can cancel the tour up to 65 days prior departure and avoid paying the full amount, but your deposit paid is non-refundable. No refund applies for cancellations within 64 days of departure.

For any tour departures within 20 August 2024, full payment is required. For tours that depart later than 20 August 2024, a deposit of 200 USD is required to confirm the tour, and the remaining balance will be charged 64 days before trip departure.

Italy Bellissimo tour requires that you have adequate and valid travel insurance covering medical and personal accidents, including repatriation costs and emergency evacuation. World Nomads offers travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families.

For this Italy Bellissimo tour getting the required visa(s) is the responsibility for each individual traveller, as visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. We recommend to check with your local embassies representing the countries that you are traveling to, as part of this itinerary.

This trip incorporates the following COVID-19 measures:

• This tour has received the World Travel and Tourism Council’s ‘Safe Travels’ stamp, which provides travellers with assurance that COVID-19 health and hygiene protocols have been adhered to.
• Small group version of this tour may be available, which limits the group size to generally 29 people.
• Groups traveling together will be seated together, and face coverings will be required where mandated, otherwise it is the choice of our guests if they wish to wear face coverings when traveling on the coach. Additionally, all surfaces will be disinfected multiple times per day, and due to our high performing air filters the air within the coach will be completely filtered and changed every 2-3 minutes
• This tour requires you to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days before your departure day. Children aged 5-15, who are unable to be vaccinated, will need to provide proof of a verifiable negative test result for COVID-19 taken within 72 hours of this trip departure.

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Bellissima Northern Italy

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Select small group departures (averaging 24 Tauck guests), or classic departures, and the year you would like to travel.

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Uniquely Tauck

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

TAUCK'S YELLOW ROADS – Picture-postcard settings await at every turn, dip and bend in the Italian Lakes region – tranquility perfected

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – A private recital at the Museo della Musica, housed in a church that dates back to the 10th century, located in the heart of Venice

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

Private Lake Como and Lake Maggiore cruises featuring spectacular scenery & elegant villas

A cooking class in Bologna; learn the secrets from a chef

Tours & tastings in Modena; experience the art behind balsamic vinegar at the source and learn how Parmesan cheese is made

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Often robust – may include long days, active sightseeing, early starts, evening activities, significant travel times.

Along Europe's Scenic "Yellow Roads"

"Romancing the senses" is an apt description for the experiences showcased on Bellissima Northern Italy... for the landscapes you'll see and the lifestyles you'll sample take you on a love affair with Italy.

Cooking demonstration in bologna, learn culinary secrets from a master chef at a cooking demonstration in bologna.

From the famous meat-based Bolognese sauce (known locally as "ragù," and only served here atop the traditional pasta known as tagliatelle) to the original Bologna sausage (known the world over, often as "baloney") and much more in between, the ancient northern Italian city of Bologna has been renowned for its culinary traditions for centuries; gastronomic opportunities abound in this gourmet capital! Discover why the city's nickname is La Grassa ("the Fat One") firsthand when an early evening cooking demonstration by a master chef reveals some local culinary secrets...

The Gritti Palace, Venice

Nights 9, 10

Where history and culture are met with renewed Venetian style

A place of exceptional art and elegance, the majestic, recently restored Gritti Palace retains its reassuringly intimate and familiar feel. A former Doge's residence now known for its luxurious comfort, impassioned service, delectable culinary experiences and as an intimate haven for wellness, the Gritti is a reference point for the world's elite. After a meticulous restoration, the hotel's original wooden ceilings and entrance flooring, 18th-century wall lamps (hand-made in Murano) and more have been given new life... as the Gritti Signature Suite Collection showcases the hotel's rich historical past.

Taste Your Way Through Modena

Parmigiano factory visit and the art of balsamic.

What better way to discover Italy than a visit (and tasting) of some of Italy's most notable edible offerings. Learn about the first-hand process of cheesemaking; from the milk delivery to the finished wheels during a visit to Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory in Modena, following the process from start to finish and enjoying a tasting along the way. Later, a guided visit reveals the art of balsamic making — an elaborate process of rendering grapes and decanting must into wooden barrels. Your visit here is memorable, as is the sampling of this aromatic staple of gourmet cooking aged from 18 to 25+ years!

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Where you stay is an important part of your journey – with Tauck, accommodations have been handpicked and carefully selected for their location and ambiance, enhancing the destinations you explore. Download accommodation details and your travel plans begin!

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Overnight Accommodations

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Arrive Early

Grand hotel et de milan.

Milan, Italy

Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees

Lake Maggiore, Italy

Due Torri Hotel

Verona, Italy

Grand Hotel Majestic - già Baglioni

Bologna, Italy

Nights 9-10

The Gritti Palace

Venice, Italy

Your Journey

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About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally , you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into Italy; however, you do not need a visa for the short duration of this tour.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally , you should contact an embassy or consulate of Italy to determine what travel documentation is required.

Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

Venice Visitor Fee – Exemption Request Instructions:

• Go to the Exemption Request page on the City of Venice's website:  https://cda.comune.venezia.it/en/richiestaEsenzione  
• Under "Reason for requesting exemption" select "I am a guest of an accommodation facility located in the municipality of Venice."
• Select "Request exemption."
• Enter the dates you'll be entering and leaving Venice. (These dates can be found in the personal travel documents you received via email from Tauck.) Hit "Next."
• Enter your personal details. (For "Date of birth," click on the blank field. A calendar page showing the current month and year will appear. Click repeatedly in this header area to navigate to the century of your birth, then select the appropriate decade, year, month and day.) You will also enter your place of birth, email and home residence.  For "Residence," enter your home address in the USA
• Under "Accommodation and address name," search for or manually enter the name and address of your hotel in Venice. Please note: The name and address of your Venice hotel can be found in the personal travel documents you received via email from Tauck. Read the Privacy Policy by clicking the link (this will activate the check box), then check the box and select "Next."
• If you are traveling with friends or family, select "Add Holder" and fill out their details. Complete this step for everyone in your travel party, then select "Next."
• On the Contact Information page: If you select PHONE you will need to enter your phone number and then make a toll-free call to the number listed on the subsequent page, within the indicated time. If you select EMAIL you will need to enter your email address, and you will then receive an OTP code via that email address to enter on the subsequent page of the application. 
• Verify that all the information you've entered is correct, then click "Confirm."
• You will then be brought to a page where you can download the required QR code for your visit to Venice. (We recommend emailing the QR code to yourself, to ensure easy access to it later.) Please note that you will need to keep your QR code with you throughout your time in Venice, as failure to do so may result in a fine.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

Deposits and fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $600 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  90  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Travel Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Guest Protection

Tauck's Guest Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.
• Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is: $559  per person

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 1, 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPINTL .

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees. If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

Loss of Guest Protection fee, per person 

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan :

90 days or more before departure = $600 per person

89-8 days before departure = $900 per person

7-1 days before departure = $1500 per person

Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Note:  All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

While drinking water is generally safe at all our hotels, bottled water will be available wherever the local water is not fit to drink. We also provide bottled water on the motor coaches.

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

VACCINATIONS  

If you are a resident of the U.S., no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Italy. For complete vaccination and inoculation information please contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to obtain information regarding vaccinations that may be required for your journey. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here.

If you are a resident of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of Italy to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for your travel.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

This journey is paced to accommodate all our guests, but is, nonetheless, an active and extensive tour. To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The amount of walking you do, however, is at your discretion. Italy is home to innumerable historic buildings and sites, some dating from antiquity. Therefore, roads, walkways and architecture will present difficulties for some guests with physical limitations. You will encounter cobblestone streets, narrow passageways, and some steep and winding staircases. For the most part, however, the amount of walking you do at the various sites and towns is at your discretion.

PLEASE NOTE:  We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

The climate of northern Italy ranges from Alpine near Switzerland to continental along the Po River to Venice. The northern Alpine region experiences harsh winters with plenty of rain and snow and very mild summers. However, the weather conditions vary greatly according to the altitude. The northern Italian plain or Po River region experiences continental weather conditions with fairly cold, snowy winters but warm, mild summers. Northern cities such as Torino, Milan and Venice can become very cold, damp and foggy with temperatures falling to 32-45 °F (0-7 °C) in winter. Most of the rainfall occurs in the spring and summer months.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website by clicking here.

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

When packing for your trip to Italy, it is important to keep in mind the time of year you are traveling and the current weather conditions for that time. The climate of northern Italy ranges from Alpine near Switzerland to continental along the Po River to Venice. Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing.

In Europe, especially in finer restaurants, it is generally customary to dress somewhat formally. Slacks or a dress for women and a jacket for men are acceptable dining attire. It is advisable to avoid wearing jeans, sneakers or shorts for dinner. You may also wish to dress up a bit for the welcome reception and the farewell dinner, but certainly be comfortable.

Most Catholic churches in Italy require that your knees and shoulders be covered when you enter, even during the hot days of summer.

You will find a hair dryer located in your hotel guest room. By law in Italy, irons and ironing boards are not made available to guests at hotels. Valet laundry and dry cleaning services are available for a fee.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your trip to northern Italy:

• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• An optional jacket and tie for men
• Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
• Binoculars (7x50 preferably)
• Insect repellent
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

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An Insider's Guide to Puglia, Italy — Incredible Pasta, Beautiful Beach Towns, and Boutique Hotels Included

This sun-drenched southern region offers the best of Italy with fewer crowds — at least in the offseason.

Elizabeth Heath is a writer and editor living on a hill in Umbria, from where she writes about travel in Italy, the rest of Europe, and farther afield.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Best things to do, best restaurants, what to buy in puglia, cities and areas to visit, best time to visit, how to get there, how to get around.

Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure

Word is definitely out on Puglia, the long, narrow coastal region that forms the heel of Italy’s boot. No longer a hidden gem or best-kept secret, Puglia’s dramatic beaches, Baroque cities, and whitewashed trulli are splashed over many an Instagram feed. 

Yet compared to other regions of Italy, Puglia — pronounced pool-yah — still offers travelers the Italian vacation experiences they seek, while skipping much of the crowds and chaos of better-known destinations. “It’s definitely less-visited compared to iconic Italian regions like Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast,” says Madeline Jhawar, owner and custom travel planner with Italy Beyond the Obvious . “And Puglia really does have it all: fantastic food and wine, spectacular countryside and beach scenery, and a deep and fascinating history.”

Our guide highlights Puglia’s appealing mix of scenery, history, cuisine — and let’s not forget the agreeable weather most of the year — and maps out how to make the most of a trip to this sunny region. 

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• At a hotel like Le Alcove in Alberobello, you can sleep in a trullo, a cozy, cocoon-like conical dwelling.
• Sample orecchiette, Puglia’s signature ear-shaped pasta, at a traditional eatery like Osteria Le Arpie in Bari.
• Make like an Italian at the mare (sea) and head to a lido (beach club) like the chic Pettolecchia near Torre Canne.
• Buy Puglia’s prized olive oil directly from the source, at a family mill like L’Acropoli di Puglia in Martina Franca.
• Take in the Baroque architecture of Lecce and prepare to be overwhelmed by its exuberant facades, altarpieces, and piazzas.

Borgo Egnazia

The established go-to luxury spot in Puglia, Borgo Egnazia is a sprawling and impeccably curated compound that ranks among Travel + Leisure ’s best resorts in Italy . T+L travel advisor Keith Waldon , founder and director of Departure Lounge , praises the outstanding service, where “privacy is guaranteed,” as well as the setting between the sea and the Valle d’Itria. 

The six suites at this boutique hotel each occupy a whitewashed trulli, with cool stone floors, eclectic decor, and modern bathrooms. We love the almost mystical feeling of comfort these spaces convey, as well as the homemade breakfast and the location in the heart of Alberobello town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Courtesy of Masseria Torre Maizza

Masseria Torre Maizza

A 2020 standout for best new hotels , Masseria Torre Maizza owes its polish to Rocco Forte — expect the brand’s unmatched service and serene, Olga Polizzi-designed interiors that seem to embody a cool breeze. Waldon says the feeling here is of “living in a real luxury masseria like at home, and it’s the only property with its own golf course.”

Palazzo Sant’Anna

Set in Lecce’s historic center, Palazzo Sant'Anna is curated to zen-like perfection. Puglia travel advisor Ylenia Sambati refers guests here for the light-filled suites, many with exposed stone and wood beams, as well as balconies. “Wake up to birds singing and a colorful and bountiful breakfast prepared with love by owner Beatrice and her team,” she says.

Take a cooking class.

Yes, cooking classes are ubiquitous in Italy, but the traditional cuisine of Puglia stands out, even in a country of great food. Waldon says to “take a pasta-focused cooking class in a local masseria with a mama” and go home with some new skills. Sambati likes the friendly vibe and easy instructions offered by Cook In Puglia in Lecce.

Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure

Relax at a lido.

Beaches in Puglia can be crowded in the summertime. Escape the ruckus at a beach club, or lido , such as Pettolecchia Il Lido , a luxury spot between Bari and Brindisi. Lounge beds, linen-clad gazebos, Frette towels, and waiter service set this one apart in a sea of beach umbrellas.

For families, try a trullo.

The cone-shaped trulli of Puglia’s Itria Valley are certainly unique, and according to Cherrye Moore of My Bella Vita Travel , they’re a hit with kids. “Families should rent a trullo villa and use it as a base for day trips to Alberobello, Ostuni, Locorotondo, and Monopoli. Many have pools and outside areas where the kids can run around.”

Head to the sea.

Puglia’s Adriatic coast is dramatic, especially between Polignano a Mare and Monopoli, where clear waters lap undulating cliffs and flow into the occasional sea cave. Both Waldon and Moore recommend chartering a private boat ( Cataurora is a good choice), either for a sunset cruise or a half-day tour with stops for swimming and snorkeling. 

fabiomax/Getty Images

LaltroBaffo 

Puglia’s seafood is almost as famous as its orecchiette, and both Sambati and Waldon heartily recommend trying it at LaltroBaffo , an Otranto restaurant helmed by chef Cristina Conte, who, with her young, passionate team, turns out sophisticated takes on traditional Salento recipes.

Taverna della Gelosia

Sambati loves this rustic tavern in Ostuni’s old town. “It’s a bohemian, Salento-style trattoria serving local recipes that are lightly revisited.” Taverna della Gelosia is tucked away amid a jumble of alleys and stairways, which makes its vine-covered courtyard all the more romantic on a summer night.

Osteria Le Arpie

Handmade, ear-shaped orecchiette is the archetypal pasta of Puglia, and its production centers around Bari’s centro storico . Osteria Le Arpie is about as old-school as it gets, and its seasonal orecchiette con le cime di rapa (turnip greens) is Puglian comfort food epitomized. Also look for dishes served with pane di Altamura , Puglia’s heritage bread.

Michele Ursi/Getty Images

Leather Sandals

“Puglia is famous for leather sandals, which you can find everywhere in local shops,” says Waldon. Erredibi is a top choice for handmade, locally made products, and they have stores in Brindisi, Ostuni, Lecce, and Otranto.

Primitivo Wine 

“Puglia’s red primitivo wine, even when it’s just table wine quality, can stand up to reds from across the world,” says Moore. Combine some souvenir shopping with a winery tour and tasting at Masseria Li Veli , or just pop into a little grocery or enoteca to buy a few bottles to bring home.

“Ancient olive groves define the landscape of Puglia, and buying newly pressed EVOO straight from a producer is something special,” says Moore. “ Savoia offers well-organized tours and great oil, but don’t overlook smaller producers like L’Acropoli di Puglia in Martina Franca.”

“We always tell our travelers not to miss the incredible small city of Lecce ,” says Jhawar. “It’s referred to as the ‘Florence of the South’ because of its rich Baroque architecture.” Lecce’s soft limestone meant easy carving for 17th-century artisans and well, they went to town , as evidenced at Basilica di Santa Croce, the Basilica del Rosario, and the Duomo of Lecce.

Alberobello

“It's hard to recommend people skip a visit to the town of Alberobello, with its iconic trulli houses,” says Jhawar. But a lot of travelers have the same idea. “We always encourage our guests to combine Alberobello with less touristy nearby towns such as Locorotondo or Martina Franca.”

While much of the tourist buzz centers around the Adriatic coast and the trulli area, don’t sleep on Gallipoli, which Waldon calls “ the beach town of Puglia.” The Ionian coast town has ancient history, a quiet old town, a newer town brimming with life, and a nonstop Italian party scene in the summertime. 

The Gargano

This picturesque promontory on Puglia’s northernmost coastline is dominated by Gargano National Park, where the scenery changes from beaches to mountains in just a few miles. For smaller towns, incredible biodiversity, more natural beaches, plus some dramatic sea stacks and cliffs, this is the region’s wilder side. 

Francesco Riccardo Iacomino/Getty Images

Waldon recommends visiting Puglia in the shoulder seasons of April to June and September to mid-November in order to avoid the summer heat and crowds, as Puglia is a major holiday destination for Italians. Jhawar agrees, but adds that “Puglia is very lively during the height of summer, with many local festivals.” The takeaway? If you plan a summer visit, book your accommodations and rental car well in advance, and brace yourself for crowded — albeit gorgeous — beaches and towns.

The airports at Bari and Brindisi serve flights from within Italy and Europe, though many incoming travelers opt to fly into Rome’s Fiumicino airport and arrange a rental car or transfer from there. Both Trenitalia and Italo trains serve Puglia, though be aware that with historic hill towns, train stations are usually in the lower town, which might be several miles away from the centro .

Vincenzo De Palo PHOTO/Getty Images

You can get between Puglia’s major tourist centers via Trenitalia’s regional trains and a few private lines. But getting to smaller, rural destinations and more remote coastal areas is trickier by train. “We typically book private drivers or rental cars for our travelers,” says Jhawar. “Booking a rental car in Puglia is a decent approach — just make sure you know where to park in order to avoid the limited traffic zones found in most Italian cities.”

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Why It’s Time to Put the Bargello Museum Back on Your Florence List

Maiolica Room detail at the Bargello / Photo: Nicola Neri for the Bargello Museums

Florence’s Bargello Museum reopened its Maiolica Room and Islamic Hall to the public earlier this week after a nine-month reconfiguration.

The Maiolica Room, curated by Marino Marini, showcases a gorgeous lineup of over 400 ceramic objects of the approximately 1,000 stored in the museum’s archives, while the Islamic Hall, curated by archaeological and cultural scholars Giovanni Curatola and Marco Spallanzani, contains over 100 works of Islamic art, metals, ivories, ceramics, textiles and carpets.

Local architecture firm Guicciardini & Magni oversaw the project, which was part of ongoing updates to institutions in the Bargello Museums group. Funds totaling €2.2 million were provided through the Italian Ministry of Culture’s “Grandi Progetti Beni Culturali” strategic plan. The changes to both of the first-floor rooms focused primarily on improvements to the visitor route, closer management of the effects of the microclimate on the exhibits, and enhancement of their conservation techniques.  

The celebrated collection of Italian Renaissance sculpture is what first-time visitors tend to zero in on at the Bargello, but the museum’s decorative objects and furnishings deserve closer examination — especially after these new upgrades. Here’s what to look out for on your next visit.  

In the Maiolica Room

Brought to Italy via Moorish Spain, maiolica — named for Majorca, the Spanish island and port through which cargos of ceramics arrived to Italy — is a traditional way of tin-glazing pottery over soft earthenware in vibrant color. 

The craft gained traction throughout the 14th and 15th centuries, when human portraits on plates, bowls, and cups became popular. By the 16th century, maiolica methods were being used to make apothecary jars ( albarelli ) often put to use in pharmacies to store herbs, drugs, syrups, powders and pills. Today, you’re still likely to spot maiolica vessels being used in some of the historic pharmacies around Italy.

The Bargello’s Maiolica Room highlights include items made by Urbino potters and adorned with figures from mythology, Greek and Roman history, sacred writings and ancient texts (including Ovid’s Metamorphoses , Julius Caesar’s De bello Gallico , and the Bible).  

Of particular note are basins and platters produced by the Urbino workshops of the Fontana and Patanazzi families. Decorated with the deeds of Caesar, the items replicate famous serving ware originally designed by Taddeo Zuccari at the request of Guidobaldo II, Duke of Urbino, as a gift for the King of Spain, Philip II. 

The walls chronologically highlight pieces from different areas of Italy produced from the 13th to the 20th centuries. Standouts include three famous reliefs by Luca della Robbia, an important Renaissance figure widely credited as the inventor of glazed terracotta. Della Robbia became enamored with clay and pioneered a uniquely Florentine form of maiolica. His work is characterized by white glazes, soft texture and highly polished surfaces. 

In the Islamic Hall

Though the Islamic Hall has some of its own ceramics (mostly in the form of wall tiles), it’s particularly heavy on metals, ivories and textiles; one of the museum’s most significant recent acquisitions, purchased by the Italian state in 2022, is a pair of rare 16th-century Mamluk Egyptian rugs that once covered the floors of Villa Medicea at Camugliano in the Pisa province. They are the only known surviving “twin” rugs of this type.

It’s metals, though, that make up the bulk of this collection, which is one of the largest of its kind in Italy. With roots in the 15th-century interests of Piero dei Medici and Lorenzo the Magnificent, the core of the collection was expanded upon in the 19th century through donations by two important antiquarians, the French painter Louis Carrand (1827-1888) and the Italian baron Giulio Franchetti (1840-1909). A 14th-century jug originating from Egypt or Syria, a 13th-century vase from Mosul, Syria, and a 14th-century spherical perfume burner of unknown origin are three of the must-sees. 

The bigger picture at the Bargello

The extensive intervention on the two rooms was part of long-term work conducted throughout the five branches of the Bargello Museums group, which comprises several monumental buildings in Florence, including the Medici Chapels at San Lorenzo, Orsanmichele, Palazzo Davanzati and Casa Martelli.  

The group’s core museum and namesake was inaugurated in 1865, and occupies Florence’s oldest public building — a fortified structure dating to 1255 that has served as a medieval-era town hall, a police station and prison. Today, the Bargello houses many of Italy’s sculptural masterpieces by artists such as Michelangelo, Cellini, il Verrocchio, Donatello and Giambologna. Donatello’s world famous David , the first bronze life-size, nude statue in the round made since antiquity, and Giambologna’s oft-replicated Flying Mercury, are the stars of the show.

Renovation work on the Bargello complex is ongoing and the museum’s monumental Salone di Donatello recently closed to the public through October 2024 . But a curated selection of 13 sculptural masterpieces by the artist and some of his contemporaries has been moved to the exhibition room on the ground floor. It’s a unique chance to get an abbreviated yet high-impact look at some of the Bargello’s icons — pairing nicely with a visit more focused on the lesser-known and newly upgraded treasures of the Maiolica Room and Islamic Hall.

Museo Nazionale del Bargello Via del Proconsolo 4, Florence Website

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Italy vs Albania LIVE RESULT: Defending champs survive scare to get campaign off to winning start in group of death

• Barella slams Italy into a 2-1 lead
• Bastoni heads equaliser for Azzurri
• Bajrami stuns Italy with goal inside 23 seconds!
• Updated : 22:28, 15 Jun 2024

DEFENDING champions Italy got their Euro 2024 campaign off to a winning start - despite suffering an almighty early scare.

Group B is arguably the toughest in the competition and the Azzurri would have been keen to get three points on the board with games against Spain and Croatia coming up.

Albania tore up the script just 23 SECONDS into the match, Nedim Bajrami scoring from a tight angle, but Alessandro Bastoni levelled and then Nicolo Barrella put Italy back in charge within 20 minutes.

• Kick-off:  8pm BST
• TV channel/ live stream:   BBC One
• Italy XI:  Donnarumma, Di Lorenzo, Calafiori, Bastoni, Dimarco, Barella, Jorginho, Frattesi, Pellegrini, Chiesa, Scammaca.
• Albania XI:  Strakosha, Hysaj, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Mitaj, Asllani, Ramadani, Bajrami, Asani, Seferi, Broja.

EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS

That's all from Dortmund

And it's also the end of day two at Euro 2024.

Italy have begun their European Championship defence just as they ended their victorious 2021 campaign - by fighting back from an early goal conceded to prevail.

There are another three matches to look forward to tomorrow, and those include the arrival of England at this tournament.

The Three Lions take on Serbia in Gelsenkirchen, and, as ever, we'll be here with live coverage of every moment - you won't miss a minute with at SunSport.

Until then, thanks for joining us and goodnight.

Italy survive fastest goal in Euros history as they cling on for win

Azzurri scoring streak continues.

Despite questions asking where the goals would come from, Italy extended their run of scoring in matches at the European Championship.

The Azzurri have become just the third side to score in 10 successive games at the finals following England in June 2012 (11 games) and Portugal in 2004 (10 games).

Big guns hit the front

Just as they have in Group A, the favourites to make their way out of Group B have begun with victories.

After Spain eased past Croatia earlier today, reigning champions Italy have now defeated Albania after an intriguing contest in Dortmund.

The top two will face each other on Thursday where the winner will likely confirm their progress to the knockouts.

Next matches:

• Croatia v Albania (Wednesday)
• Spain v Italy (Thursday)

Match stats from BVB Stadion

Nedim Bajrami's goal after 23 seconds is the fastest goal ever scored at the European Championship finals...

...while Alessandro Bastoni’s equaliser in the 11th minute is the third-earliest a Euros game has seen both teams score after Iceland v England in 2016 (6 mins) and Russia v Spain in 1964 (8 mins).

Full time - Italy 2-1 Albania

The European champions begin their defence with a win - but they would made to work hard for it.

Behind after 23 seconds, Italy fought back with two quick goals and then had ample opportunities to kill the game off.

But Albania hung in there, and almost got their reward with seconds remaining, only for captain Gianluigi Donnarumma to deny substitute Rey Manaj at the death.

Italy 2-1 Albania

90+5. In the game's final attack, Mitaj gets caught in two minds as the ball is cushioned back to him inside the area.

Curl a left footer into the top corner or step a cross up to a teammate at the back post? In the end, he does a combination of the two and the ball drifts behind for a goalkick.

90+2. Inside four minutes of stoppage time, and the game is halted as the stewards deal incompetently with a one-man pitch invasion.

The game will restart shortly, but for Albania, you feel their opportunity has just agonisingly passed them by.

90. Manej in for the equaliser?!

No! A vital touch from Donnarumma turns it the wrong side of the post!

It's a brilliant attack from Albania with the substitute taking down Asllani's long pass on his chest to evade Calafiori inside the area.

The flicked shot over the oncoming goalkeeper is good too, but credit to Italian stopper and skipper who gets a touch on the ball with his sliding body to divert it wide.

The Albanian bench were up and celebrating, and to add insult to injury, the referee has awarded a goalkick.

88. Luciani Spalletti, hands in pockets, is pacing about his technical area like an expectant father whose partner is in labour.

He knows there is still work to do here to see victory out.

Italy 2-1 Albania - Albania substitution

86. Sylvinho turns to Ernest Muci for the final minutes.

The forward comes on for the man who is etched his name in football history with the fastest ever European Championship goal: Nedim Bajrami.

84. Di Lorenzo is stopped in his tracks by an excellent Ramadani challenge.

Will that start the late spur that Albania have been craving?

Italy 2-1 Albania - Italy double substitution

82. Spalletti opts for another two changes.

He sends for more experience in the form of Matteo Darmian, and the intriguing forward that is Mateo Retegui.

Taking a breather before the end are Gianluca Scamaca and Federico Dimarco.

80. Inside the final ten minutes, and this is still very much in the balance.

Italy have been the vastly superior side, but Albania still have hope and enthusiasm on their side - demonstrated by Manaj's aggressive run into the box that has Bastoni under pressure.

78. Luciano Spalletti makes his first changes of the night with a double switch.

The Italy head coach sends on Bryan Cristante and Andrea Cambiaso in place of Federico Chiesa and Lorenzo Pellegrini.

76. Back in the international fold, Armando Broja has seen 76 minutes of action - which is probably more than he managed during five months at Fulham.

The striker has done well in tough circumstances, and is replaced by Rey Manaj.

Italy 2-1 Albania - Hoxha yellow card

74. If Arber Hoxha was sent on to make a nuisance of himself, then he's done just that...

...by planting his elbow in the back of Frattesi.

It earns the substitute a yellow card.

72. The game has not so much entered a lull, but an intriguing period where neither side are really sure where to focus their energy.

Both teams seem content for the match to progress with the score at 2-1.

70. Not only are Albania yet to have a shot on target since their first minute goal, they also haven't recorded a touch inside the Italy penalty area in this second half.

However, you get the feeling, they're okay with this for now.

If the game hits the 80-minute mark with the deficit still just one goal, we could well see an attack-minded Albania for the final stages.

Italy 2-1 Albania - Albania double substitution

68. The Albanians make the first move with Qazim Laci and Arber Hoxha introduced into the action.

The oncoming duo replace Taulant Seferi and the occasionally impressive Jasir Asani.

66. Neither Sylvinho or Luciano Spalletti has made a move yet in terms of their substitutes' bench, but that could all be about to change.

Players are being readied down by the dugouts.

64. A series of Italian corners are as threatening as a group of primary school children in a tuck shop queue.

62. The boos are getting louder because Italy are once again having a dominant period in possession.

In response, Albania appear to be alternating between a 4-2-3-1, a 5-4-1 and a 9-1-0.

60. Albania's only shot on target came after 23 seconds of the contest.

Of course, I don't have to tell you how it panned out.

58. The art of defending is knowing when to get rid.

Mario Mitaj does brilliantly to deter Chiesa inside the penalty area, but then overplays and is eventually dispossessed.

The ball ends up back with Chiesa, who unleashes a left-footed curler that swerves just wide of the far post.

56. Strakosha is out quickly to deny Frattesi with his feet after a clever pass through from Dimarco.

As it happens, the linesman ended up raising his flag for offside but the Albanian goalkeeper wasn't to know that, and replays show that it was - again - very tight.

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“Uffizi Gallery in Florence is a world class museum with an incredible renaissance art collection. Enjoy a guided tour with a Local Specialist to make the experience more memorable, especially when in front of Botticelli’s stunning ‘Birth of Venus’ painting”

Pino, Travel Director

See Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel

One of the most important structures of the Catholic faith, the Vatican City’s Sistine Chapel is a must-see on a tour of Italy. Though the chapel walls have witnessed centuries of worship, it’s the renaissance ceiling paintings of Michelangelo that will leave you in awe.

Visit the glamorous Isle of Capri

Enjoy the classic Italian summer in Italy’s picture-perfect Gulf of Naples. Famed for its crystal grottos, dramatic coastlines and endless glamour, our trips to Italy are complete with a day of freedom spent under a striped umbrella, watching sailboats pass by.

Cruise your way through Venice

The charm found in the canals of Venice is nothing short of irresistible. Admire gothic palaces and postcard bridges whilst adrift in a gondola, gaining an understanding of life in a city that floats. Exploring a city by foot will never be the same after a trip to Venice.

Journey to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii

An unfathomable history lesson is found in the archaeological ruins of Pompeii. Buried and preserved by the ash of a volcano eruption in the year 79, in this Italian town you will discover the progressive life of early Roman times as you walk within the parameters of an open-air time capsule of life on Earth.

Go shopping in Italy's fashion capital Milan

Armani, Gucci, Prada and Versace. These are some of the prestigious fashion brands that call the Italian city of Milan home. In between yearning through boutiques and department stores, stop to sample the city’s delicacies like breaded veal cutlet and ossobuco.

Our top 5 things to do in Italy

It's the moments of quiet stillness that take your breath away on a Trafalgar tour through Italy. Sitting in the calm halls of the Vatican. Floating on the canals of Venice. Standing beside the ruins of Pompeii.

Uffizi Gallery

The Tuscan capital is home to Uffizi Gallery, where the brushworks of art’s true masters are found. Names like Raffaello, Leonardo, and Michelangelo dress Uffizi’s grand pink walls, whilst internal courtyards leading to the Arno River will show you the building’s architectural brilliance.

Vatican Museums

A collection of Christian artwork that spans centuries and stirs the soul is found in Rome’s Vatican Museums. From the intricate ceiling by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel to the detailed Pope portraits from the 16th century to today, you will be lost for words once inside this blessed museum complex.

Doge's Palace

Home to the leader of Venice from its opening in 1340, Doge’s Palace summarises the sparkle of this city. An opulent example of Venetian Gothic architecture and home to numerous historical works, this museum is a must when you visit Venice.

Best museums in Italy

The epicentre of the Catholic faith and the birthplace of art’s most renowned masters. Our guided tours of Italy will take you to the many museums found here, whether in the Sistine Chapel, by the canals of Venice or in the grand galleries of Tuscany.

The authentic carbonara experience will take place in Rome, covered in salty Pecorino Romano cheese. A simple dish inspiring heart-warming meal times, this pasta will connect you with Italy’s rich culinary customs - an impressive evolution from its supposed heritage as a coal-miner’s meal.

Pollo alla Cacciatora

Literally translating to ‘hunter’ in Italian, cacciatore offers an appreciation for Italy’s meals of days gone by. Typically a preparation of rabbit or chicken, it’s the simmering tomato stew that makes this dish so mouthwatering. Satisfy a genuine hunger and consume with hand-ripped bread.

Italy tours are best served with an oversized slice of tiramisu. Cementing this country's obsession with espresso, this cake of layered biscuits soaked in coffee is the perfect after hours pick-me-up before an evening stroll through the charming streets.

Best food in Italy

A date with Italian food will likely start and end with a slice of pizza. But it’s the menu items that we share with you in between that will take your appreciation to new heights; think cacciatore and Carbonara with a slice of tiramisu in between.

What to pack for Italy

A classic linen outfit

The Italians are famous for their equal parts glamorous and effortless dress sense. Look the part with a few ensembles featuring classic linens in navy and white.

A blank journal

With the wealth of inspiration tucked into every corner of Italy, you might find yourself compelled to write down notes or memories. At the very least to remember the traditional Italian recipes you learn.

With such a large expanse of space to explore, on some days, long journeys are unavoidable. The scenery will provide plenty of visual entertainment, while headphones can be used to listen to some local music or enjoy podcasts about Italian history, culture and politics when you're not enjoying the storytelling from your Travel Director.

A small blanket

When exploring the soul-stirring setting of Tuscany, a picnic may call. Come prepared with a small blanket to cover in wine and cheese.

Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes

A classic memoir that brought the romance of Tuscany to the world, there’s no better time to read this book than when venturing through the country yourself.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and reusable toiletry bottles.

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Weakened G7 Takes On an Unruly World, and Mapping Abortion Travel

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