DREAMING OF ITALY?
ITALY WITH FRIENDS TOURS
2025 LAND ONLY TOUR PRICES
Airfare NOT Included
Tour begins in Rome and ends in Venice.
Tour is for 14days/13nights.
The total cost per person is $5399.00 with double occupancy.
(Includes Euro exchange rate adjustment.
Does not include local city hotel tax)
Traveling solo? Sadly, most hotels only have a few single rooms, so many times they provide what they term "double for single use". They do however, charge a premium for the luxury of staying alone. I am faced with this all the time. If you cannot find a partner, I will be glad to match up single travelers if at all possible. Otherwise, the single supplement for this tour is $900.00 extra per person.
ITALY WITH FRIENDS
BELLA ITALIA TOUR
October 22 - November 4, 2025
- Visit the Eternal City of Roma.
- Spend the day in Vatican City.
- Stroll the cobblestone streets of Sorrento.
- Learn the secrets of making Limoncello.
- See the ruins of Pompeii.
- Stroll through delightful hill top villages like San Gimignano, Siena and Orvieto.
- Enjoy Olive oil tasting at Tenuta Torciano.
- Learn the Art of wine tasting at Castello da Verrazzano.
- Visit Renaissance Florence with famous works of art, including Michelangelo's David.
- Glide along the canals of Venice.
- Marvel at the 11th century mosaics of St. Mark's Basilica.
THE FOLLOWING IS INCLUDED IN YOUR ITALY WITH FRIENDS TOUR:
- 13 nights accommodation in 3-4 star, centrally located hotels with private bath or shower.
- An extensive meal plan: 13 breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L), 6 dinners (D) Bottled water, tea or coffee are included with all meals. Wine is included with all dinners (2 glass limit per person, either red or white. LOL)
- All ground transportation for tour while in Italy.
- Guided sightseeing and entrance fees to select sights and museums as described in itinerary.
- Wine tasting of Chianti Classico, Vernaccia and Orvieto Classico.
- Pre-tour visit with helpful travel information.
- Plenty of memories to last a lifetime.
- Surprises along the way.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Does not include airfare.
- Does not include transportation to and /or from the airport in Rome or Venice.
- Does not include remaining meals, alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks at included meals.
- Does not include personal expenses such as internet use, laundry, mini-bar, or extra transportation in tour towns.
- Does not include travel insurance.
- Does not include local city taxes imposed on hotels that must be paid by guest in Euro directly to hotel at checkout. (These range anywhere from 2 - 8 Euro per person, per night, depending on city)
2025 LAND ONLY TOUR PRICES:
Tour begins in Rome and ends in Venice; tour is for 14 days and 13 nights.
The total cost per person is $5399 with double occupancy. (Includes taxes, fees, and Euro exchange rate adjustment.) The single occupancy supplement is $900.
A $500 deposit will hold your place on the tour. Tours are limited in size. (This tour is limited to 8 guests.) Payment is accepted by check or credit card through PayPal or other Cash apps like Zelle. (5% fee if using PayPal) Your deposit is credited against the total tour cost. Final payment is required no later than 60 days prior to departure.
Note on Physical Activity
You must be in good physical condition to sign-up for this trip. This is not a "walking or hiking" tour, but there will be plenty of walking, some uphill and most on uneven cobblestones. You will need to be on your feet for extended periods of time. (Especially in museums and in Rome.) I am NOT exaggerating about this! There are many steps throughout the trip that you will have to climb. A hilltown really means a hilltown! You will also have to handle your own luggage most of the time. If for some reason you are unable to take part in all scheduled activities, you can usually stay at the hotel and relax. I will be glad to work with you on possible alternative activities if they are possible, but cannot guarantee it and you will not be compensated for this time on your own. Also, if you decide to take public transportation to or from a sight or restaurant that I usually walk to, it will be at your own expense. Please make sure that you do understand these requirements fully before you consider signing up for one of my tours. It is very unfair to others on the tour if we must miss planned visits because you did not take this seriously. I will plan time for you to relax, but have found that most people want to see as much as possible while in Italy. Most towns are made for walking and this is how we get around. Don't worry, I bring plenty of ibuprofen along.
ACTIVITY AND WALKING KEY:
- LIGHT = 2-4 miles of mostly level walking (some cobblestones) throughout the day.
- MODERATE = 2-6 miles walking throughout the day with some hills and stairs.
- STRENUOUS = 2-8 miles walking throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, or uneven terrain.
Reservations, Deposits and Payments:
A $500.00 non-refundable deposit will hold your place on the tour. Remember the tours are limited in size. Payment is accepted by check or credit card through PayPal. (5% fee if using PayPal) You can also pay with Zelle, Venmo or Cash App. Your deposit is credited against the total tour cost. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure.
Contact me for information on paying with PayPal or Bank Transfer.
Bella Italia! Beautiful Italy! Yes, that is one way to describe the magical country of Italy. Why not join me this October, 2025 for the experience of a lifetime and visit many of the most beautiful towns and sights in Italy. Explore the Eternal City of Rome with its many ancient wonders. See the treasures of Vatican City. Drive along the spectacular Amalfi Coast, with unforgettable Mediterranean vistas. Wander the tiny lanes of seaside Sorrento. Explore the ancient streets of Pompeii and marvel at the still smoldering Mount Vesuvius. Then its on to Orvieto, the grand hill town of Umbria. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Tuscany with its delicious food and wine. Spend time in San Gimignano, Siena, Chianti, and some hidden jewels along the way. Experience the Tuscan capital of Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. Florence is a true art lover's dream and you will see some of its best. Finally, glide along the amazing canals of Venice and dance in St. Mark's Square, a once in a lifetime experience. This may be the only chance you have to see this much of Italy on an IWF's tour this year, so do not miss the opportunity to join Bella Italia in 2025.
**( Itinerary is subject to change and variations with and/or without notice. Definite itinerary will be given prior to trip )
Day 0 - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2025 - Depart USA
Remember you will arrive in Europe the day after you depart the USA. You will need to book your air travel so that you arrive at the Rome hotel on Wednesday, October 22nd to meet with your group by 3PM.
Day 1 - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025 - Benvenuto to Italia!
Welcome to Italy! Arrive in Rome and meet at 3:00PM for orientation in the hotel lobby before we begin our sightseeing with a walking tour of Rome's historical district. We will visit the Pantheon, the church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, Piazza Navona, and the Trevi Fountain along the way. We will then enjoy a welcome dinner in a typical Roman trattoria. We will toast the start of our Italian adventure with a sparkling Prosecco. Salute! (D) Moderate
Day 2 - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2025 - The Wonders of Ancient Rome
Today will be a full day of sightseeing starting with a walking tour of Ancient Rome's most important sights. There will be time to learn of the origins of Rome as we visit the Campidoglio which sits on the Capitoline Hill. We will then walk along the ruins of the Roman Forums, the political and religious center of ancient Rome. The Colosseum is one of the most impressive sights in the entire city of Rome. You will visit inside and learn about 'Bread and Circuses' and the Gladiatorial games.
Afterwards you will have some free time to continue your ancient history lesson with a visit to Palatine Hill or other spots in Rome. You will have the evening free to enjoy as you like. (B) Very Strenuous
Day 3 - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2025 - Rome and Vatican City
We will continue our exploration of this magnificent city. Our first stop this morning will be at Campo de Fiore with its lively market. We then continue our walk crossing the Tiber river on the Ponte Sant' Angelo with its beautiful statues of angels by Bernini. This bridge leads to the Castel Sant'Angelo, built as a tomb for the Emperor Hadrian.
From here we will cross into Vatican City, a tiny independent country. We will take some time for lunch together at a little outdoor cafe. We will then spend a big part of our day visiting the Vatican Museum with its famous Sistine Chapel followed by a visit inside St. Peter's Basilica, the largest and grandest church in Christendom. You will then have free time to enjoy your last night in this magnificent city. (B) (L) Very Strenuous
Day 4 - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2025 - The Divine Amalfi Coast Escape
Today we head to Southern Italy for a visit to one of the most beautiful areas in Italy. The Divine Coast south of Naples is truly memorable. Here mountains erupt from the Mediterranean and pastel-hued villages cling to their sides. This area is filled with dazzling antiquities like Pompeii and breathtaking natural wonders. We will spend 3 days in this picturesque region.
When Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79, the lively port city of Pompeii was perfectly preserved by the volcano's ashes. Pompeii has amazed visitors since its discovery in the 18th century. Exquisite mosaics and wall paintings among the ruins of theaters, shops, homes and temples offer total immersion into the ancient Roman world. We will visit the site with a local guide and enjoy a tour throughout the excavations.
We will then head to Sorrento, known as the city of orange and lemon groves, which you will see everywhere. The perfume of the citrus trees is a reminder to sample the local liqueur, Limoncello. You will find panoramic sea views from many points in town, including from your balcony at Hotel Il Nido. We will explore the main drag in Sorrento, then sit down and enjoy a delicious dinner. Yes, we will toast our adventures ahead with some chilled Limoncello. Salute! (D) Strenuous
Day 5 - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2025 - Sorrento Lemons and More Lemons.
Today, we will get acquainted with Sorrento and learn about its history and traditions. You will enjoy its lively old town filled with cute shops ready to take those Euro. One of this area’s most deep-rooted traditions involves all those lemons that you see everywhere. You will enjoy a guided tour of La Limonaia, a peaceful green oasis in Sorrento. Stroll through the lush lemon grove to learn about the typical cultivation techniques. You will taste some of the delicious foods made with lemons during our lunch including artisanal jam, lemon-scented olives and of course some fresh limoncello. You will have plenty of time afterwards to enjoy Sorrento on your own. (B) ( (L) Moderate
Day 6 - MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2025 - La Dolce Far Niente (The Sweetness of Doing Nothing)
You will have time today to enjoy more of this heavenly location just as you like. You could take a drive along the Amalfi Coast to visit the village of Positano or Amalfi. You could hop a ferry to the magical Isle of Capri or hire a private boat for fun in the Mediterranean. It is your day to spend as you like, even enjoying the "sweetness of doing nothing." (B)
Day 7 - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2025 - Umbria, the Green Heart of Italy
This morning we say "arrivederci" to the coast and head north into the Italian countryside. Umbria is known as the Green Heart of Italy. It is filled with forests and beautiful hill towns. Orvieto sits majestically atop an outcrop of volcanic tufa stone with thousands of caves underneath the city, dug out during Etruscan, Medieval and Renaissance times. Orvieto was once an important Etruscan city. Today it is famous for one of Italy's most beautiful Gothic cathedrals with a miracle behind its construction, and a delicious white wine, Orvieto Classico.
We will take time to enjoy this grand hill town. We will visit inside the Duomo, 300 years in construction, with its San Brizio Chapel covered in frescos by Luca Signorelli. Then we will tour the fascinating Orvieto underground to see thousands of years of archaeological history. You will have some time to shop or relax at our hotel before we meet for our dinner at the Trattoria Tipica Etrusca which specializes in Etruscan dishes and hides a secret underground chamber. (B) (D) Strenuous
Day 8 - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2025 - Tuscan Treasures
This morning we leave the region of Umbria and drive into Tuscany, one of Italy's most beautiful regions. We will start our sightseeing today in Siena. This popular Tuscan city has a medieval character that has survived to an amazing extent. Siena's heart is the shell shaped Piazza del Campo or Il Campo. This is one of Italy's most famous and most beautiful squares. The Palio, a renowned horse race takes place twice a year right here. It is hard to imagine horses racing bareback frantically around for about 90 seconds in this area. This a great place to just relax and enjoy the beauty of the Fountain of Joy and admire the City Tower standing proudly over all of Siena.
There will be time to enjoy a tour of Siena's most important sights. First stop will be the massive Duomo, one of the most ornate in Italy. The inside of the Duomo is as ornate as the outside with its famous marble floors and sculpture by Michelangelo, Pisano and Bernini. The Piccolomini Library has some stunning frescos that depict the life of Pope Pius II. The frescos are just as vibrant as the day they were finished over 550 years ago.
After enjoying all that Siena has to offer, we will head to nearby Tenuta Torciano for an Olive Oil Tasting, which is one of the most authentic experiences that Tuscany has to offer. Discover how the EVO is made and how to taste it in the lovely location at the Tenuta Torciano estate. You will taste a variety of oils along with some Tuscan appetizers and of course some Tenuta Torciano wine including a delicious white wine called Vernaccia. This is one of the few white wines produced in Tuscany. It is a fruity white that was said to be a favorite of Michelangelo.
We will then head to San Gimignano, one of Tuscany's most popular towns. You will quickly see why it is referred to as the "Medieval Manhattan". The 14 towers that dominate the San Gimignano skyline are just magnificent. We will stay right in the middle of everything and you will have time to truly enjoy this magical setting. We will meet for a short walking tour of the town, before our first Tuscan meal together. (B) (D) Very Strenuous
Day 9 - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2025 - Magical San Gimignano
San Gimignano seems to be a favorite stop on the tour. You will have the whole day to enjoy as you wish. You will find many things to do in San Gimignano. You may want to climb the Torre Grande, the highest tower in San Gimignano that affords expansive views over the surrounding countryside. There are several Torture Museums in town, yes, I did say torture museums, and they are supposedly very good. There are several trails for walking around the old town walls.
Beware, there are some of the best artisan shops right down the street. This has always been an important trading center. It was on the famous Via Francigena: the most traveled of the medieval roads that pilgrims traveled to Rome. From the 8th Century, it was the route through France that linked Canterbury Cathedral in England and Rome, the heart of Christianity. Today you will find locally owned shops selling ceramics, soaps, alabaster, olive wood items, leather goods, etc. You will find a great selection of paintings and prints of the Tuscan area. .
Also, do not miss the award winning gelato shop located right across from our hotel for a little taste of gelato heaven. Throngs of tourists come in and out of San Gimignano each day and it is especially nice to be able to enjoy it after the crowds have gone. (B) Light to Moderate
Day 10 - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2025 - Chianti's Castello Verrazzano and Magical Florence
Our first stop this morning will be at the American Military Cemetery located just outside of Florence. The compelling sight of endless rows of white marble crosses recalls the heroism of the young Americans who fought so valiantly to free Italy from the grips of fascism during World War II. The 1940's may seem very long ago, but during WWII this area was terribly ravaged by the fighting. I feel it is an honor and our duty to take time to pay our respects to these brave soldiers.
No trip to Tuscany would be complete without a visit to a local winery. We will visit one of the oldest in the Chianti region, the 11th century Castello Verrazzano. You will enjoy a guided tour of the castle grounds and ancient ageing cellars followed by a feast of homemade Tuscan favorites accompanied by a range of delicious wines made by the Verrazzano winery. You will have the opportunity to learn the art of wine tasting in this relaxed and amusing setting.
We will then drive into the frenzy of Firenze, Florence in Italian. We will jump right into the Renaissance with a walking tour of the main sights of Florence including the Duomo, Baptistery, with its famous bronze doors, followed by a walk through the medieval streets of Florence. You will then visit the sculpture studded Piazza Signoria, pass the massive Uffizi Gallery and end at the oldest bridge in Florence, the Ponte Vecchio. Florence is known as an outdoor museum and you will have time to enjoy all the sculpture, art, and architecture that surrounds you. You will then have the evening free to enjoy the good life Florentine style. (B) (L) Moderate
Day 11 - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2025 - Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance
We will visit the Central Market where you will find some of the freshest fruits and vegetables in Italy. Next door you find the San Lorenzo market and it is a great place to find bargains and souvenirs. You will then have some free time. Shopping abounds in this town of designers and it is a great place to find those special souvenirs. There are several leather markets and the Ponte Vecchio is known for its many gold and silver shops. You can even visit the Shoe Museum in the Ferragamo store. You might want to stop into one of the many Pasticceria or chocolate shops. You can find delicious treats and some wonderful gifts.
We will also visit the Accademia Museum to enjoy seeing Michelangelo's masterpiece, David, along with a few other treasures. Seeing the "real" David is always a memorable experience. Later, we will enjoy dinner together. (B) (D) Light
Day 12 - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2025 - Venice, La Serenissima
On our way out of Florence, we will visit Piazzalle Michelangelo. This huge piazza sets high above Florence and provides some of the best views of the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and the Arno River. We will then head north through the mountains to our final destination of Venice. Along the way we will pass through the area of the Po River valley, known as the "breadbasket of Italy". We will make a stop for lunch together along the way.
Then it is on to Venice, known as "La Serenissima", the most serene. Many first-time visitors are often stirred deeply by this almost fantasy world unlike anything they have ever seen before. Our private water taxi ride to the hotel will provide a wonderful view of Piazza San Marco and the Doge's Palace. We will be able to glide right up to our hotel's own landing on its little canal.
After some time to settle into the hotel, we will enjoy a walking tour through the back streets of Venice leading to St. Mark's Square. Napoleon referred to this square as " the most beautiful drawing room in Europe". St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace are both located on this beautiful square. Tonight why not enjoy dinner at a restaurant along a quiet canal after that once in a lifetime Gondola ride. (B) (L) Light
Day 13 - MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2025 - The Wonder of Wandering in Venice
We will dive right into the historic center of what was for centuries Europe's top superpower, with a visit inside St. Mark's Basilica with its museum located on St. Mark's Square. We will then walk over the Rialto Bridge, which has been a major landmark in Venice since 1588. It is lined with shops selling all the local wares. Across the Rialto Bridge is the commercial district of Venice.
The rest of the day is free for you to visit Venice's other famous sights or to get delightfully lost in the back lanes of this magical island. I am sure you will want to take that gondola ride sometime during your visit. Also, do not forget that Venice has some of the best and most unusual shopping in Italy. You may also wish to take a boat ride to one of the islands like Murano to see the glass blowing exhibits.
Tonight will be your last night in Venice and Italy. We will meet on the rooftop terrace of the hotel for a final look across Venice before dining together at our farewell dinner along a lovely canal. We will toast the success of our adventures through Italy with a Bellini (prosecco and peach juice) that was invented at Harry's Bar in Venice. (B) (D) Light
Day 14 - TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2025 - Arrivederci Italia!
Sadly, it is time to say "arrivederci". Parting will be such sweet sorrow, but I know you will take along wonderful memories of time spent experiencing the wonders from coast to coast in Bella Italia with new friends. (B)
(Included meals are designated each day with (B) for breakfast, (L) for lunch, and (D) for dinner.)
