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Essence of Italy with North San Diego Business Chamber

Experience Italy’s timeless beauty and rich culture, traveling by private coach through some of the country’s most iconic destinations.

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Duration
11 Days
Ratings
5/5
Avg. Group Size
18
Comfort Level
Easy Icon Easy Tours are accessible for all travelers. There will be limited periods of standing or walking during sightseeing excursions as pre-booked transportation will take passengers between destinations.

About This Trip

This escorted small-group tour of Italy begins in Rome and winds its way through Tuscany, the lake region, and Venice. You’ll explore Vatican treasures, the Eternal City’s baroque masterpieces, the Renaissance wonders of Florence, the medieval charm of Siena and San Gimignano, the natural beauty of Lake Como, the romantic cityscape of Verona, and the magical canals of Venice. With expert local guides and curated experiences, this is the perfect Italian escape for curious travelers.

 

More +
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09 Nights
Superior accommodation
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12 MEALS
Daily breakfast
Special Dinner
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TRANSPORT
Deluxe AC Vehicle
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FLIGHTS
International flights included

  • Overview
  • Price & Dates
  • Itinerary
  • Accommodation
  • Before You Book
  • FAQ
  • Book Now!

Essence of Italy with North San Diego Business Chamber Book Now!

STYLE

Private Group Tour 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
  • Visit the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica with a licensed guide
  • Discover the best of Baroque Rome: Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona
  • Enjoy a full-day guided tour of Florence, including the Cathedral and Piazza della Signoria
  • Explore medieval Siena and San Gimignano, with wine and oil tasting in Chianti
  • Cruise across Lake Como with visits to Tremezzo, Varenna, and Bellagio
  • Tour the romantic city of Verona, including Juliet’s Balcony and the Roman Arena
  • Take a guided walk in Venice and ride a traditional gondola through its canals
INCLUSIONS
  • Round trip airfare from San Diego to Rome and back from Venice to San Diego
  • 2nd class roundtrip train tickets Montecatini –Florence –Montecatini
  • 9 Nights in the listed or similar hotels
  • Daily breakfast at the hotel
  • Welcome and farewell dinners (4-course meals in Rome & Venice)
  • Long-term earphone rental for guided tours
  • All guided tours as per itinerary
  • Full-time English-speaking tour escort
  • Deluxe private coach and boat transfers as specified
  • Porterage service in Venice
  • Entrance fees to:
    • Vatican Museums
    • Sistine Chapel
    • Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo)
  • Gondola ride in Venice
  • All taxes, except city tax
EXCLUSIONS
  • Tips and items of a personal nature
  • City tax where applicable
  • Meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary
  • Additional entrance fees or activities not listed under inclusions.
  • Optional tours
  • Travel insurance

Essence of Italy with North San Diego Business Chamber

Prices for this tour are based on per person, on a twin/double sharing basis.

Single supplement is available, starting at USD 1179 per person.

 

Essence of Italy with North San Diego Business Chamber Book Now!

DAY 1 - SAN DIEGO - ROME

Arrive in time at St. Louis Airport to board your overnight flight to Rome, Italy. Sit back, relax, and enjoy inflight meals and entertainment as you journey to the heart of the Mediterranean. 
Overnight onboard flight

DAY 2 - ARRIVAL IN ROME

Fiumicino Airport, you’ll be greeted by your tour escort and transferred to your hotel. Take some time to settle in, refresh, or enjoy your first Italian espresso. You may wish to stretch your legs with a light stroll around the neighborhood or relax and adjust to the local time.
Overnight in Rome. 

 

DAY 3 - VATICAN & BAROQUE ROME (B/-/D)

After breakfast, embark on a guided visit to the Vatican Museums, home to one of the world’s most extensive art collections. Marvel at the intricate frescoes of the Sistine Chapel and visit the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the holiest Catholic shrines. In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour through Baroque Rome, discovering architectural gems such as the iconic Trevi Fountain, the majestic Pantheon, and the lively Piazza Navona with its stunning fountains and vibrant atmosphere. 
Enjoy some time to relax before gathering for a festive welcome dinner in the lively Trastevere district.
Overnight in Rome

DAY 4 - ROME TO MONTECATINI TERME (B/-/-)

Leave the Eternal City behind and journey north through the picturesque landscapes of Lazio and Tuscany. En route, admire olive groves, vineyards, and charming hilltop villages. Arrive in Montecatini Terme, a delightful spa town known for its thermal waters, art nouveau architecture, and relaxed pace. Check into your hotel and enjoy an evening exploring the elegant promenade or relaxing at a local café.
Overnight in Montecatini Terme

 

DAY 5 - FLORENCE EXCURSION BY TRAIN (B/-/-)

Take a short train ride to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. Enjoy a guided walking tour highlighting the city’s architectural masterpieces: the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with its iconic dome, the Baptistery’s bronze doors, and the historic Piazza della Signoria, surrounded by sculptures and historic palaces. Admire the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno River, and take advantage of free time to shop, explore museums, or enjoy a Tuscan lunch before returning to Montecatini. 
Overnight in Montecatini Terme

DAY 6 - SIENA, SAN GIMIGNANO & CHIANTI (B/-/-)

Today, travel through the heart of Tuscany to the medieval city of Siena. Stroll with your guide through the historic center to see the striped cathedral, Piazza del Campo, and palazzi of noble families. In the afternoon, continue to San Gimignano, known for its skyline of medieval towers and charming artisan shops. Return to Montecatini in the evening. 
Overnight in Montecatini Terme

Optional: Visit Greve in Chianti for a tasting of fine regional wines : USD 50, min 2 pax

The visit to Greve in Chianti offers a delightful journey into the heart of Tuscany’s famous wine region, where rolling vineyards and charming villages create a perfect setting for a memorable experience. Guests explore the picturesque town of Greve, known as the gateway to Chianti, and enjoy a guided tasting at a local winery featuring fine regional wines, including the renowned Chianti Classico. During the visit, participants learn about traditional wine-making techniques while savoring wines paired with local delicacies such as cheeses, olives, and cured meats, capturing the authentic flavors and charm of the Tuscan countryside.

DAY 7 - MONTECATINI TO LAKE COMO VIA MODENA (B/-/-)

Begin the day with a scenic journey northward as we leave Tuscany behind and head toward the lake district of northern Italy. Arrive in Lake Como, where alpine peaks reflect in serene waters. Arrive in the town of Tremezzo, nestled on the lake’s western shore, and check into your charming lakeside hotel. Enjoy a leisurely evening stroll, a lakeside aperitivo, or simply unwind and take in the magical setting. 
Overnight in Tremezzo

Optional: Modena to visit the historic Acetaia Malpigh – Traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena DOP : USD 40, min 2 pax

En route, there is an option to  stop in Modena to visit the historic Acetaia Malpigh, a fifth-generation family-owned estate known for producing traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena DOP. During the guided visit, you'll learn about the slow aging process in wooden barrels, see the historic vinegar loft, and enjoy a tasting of different varieties of this rich, complex elixir—an essential flavor of Italian cuisine.

DAY 8 - LAKE COMO EXCURSION BY BOAT (B/-/-)

Spend the day exploring Lake Como’s jewels by boat. Visit Villa Carlotta, famous for its art collections and botanical gardens. Continue to the colorful village of Varenna and enjoy time to stroll its lakeside pathways. Cross the lake to Bellagio, the “Pearl of the Lake,” with its boutique shops, stair-step alleys, and lakeside cafés. Return to Tremezzo in the late afternoon with memories of postcard-perfect scenery. 
Overnight in Tremezzo

DAY 9 - TREMEZZO TO VENICE VIA VERONA (B/-/-)

Travel east through Lombardy to the romantic city of Verona. Discover its Roman roots with a visit to the ancient Arena and explore its charming historic center with stops at Juliet’s balcony and the elegant Piazza delle Erbe. In the afternoon, continue to Venice. Arrive by private water taxi and settle into your hotel in the heart of the city’s charming Dorsoduro district. 
Overnight in Venice

DAY 10 - VENICE (B/-/D)

Enjoy a guided walking tour through Venice’s most iconic sites. Marvel at St. Mark’s Square and its basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the ornate bridges that cross the Grand Canal. Learn about the city’s incredible history and culture as you navigate the narrow streets and hidden courtyards. In the afternoon, board a gondola for a serene ride through the city’s picturesque canals. End your day with a celebratory farewell dinner in a traditional Venetian trattoria. 
Overnight in Venice

DAY 11 - VENICE – SAN DIEGO (B/-/-)

After breakfast, say goodbye to your guide and group. Transfer by private boat to Venice Marco Polo Airport and board your return flight home, filled with unforgettable memories of Italy. 

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Hotel Cristoforo Colombo (Rome)
Our Rating :
Local Rating :
Accommmodation Type : Superior

Cristoforo Colombo is set in Rome's EUR district, next to Euroma2 shopping centre and close to Rome's GRA ring road. The hotel offers free WiFi throughout and parking and a free seasonal outdoor pool. The Colombo's rooms offer direct access to the parking and are air conditioned and bright. Each room has a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. The restaurant serves local Roman, Italian and international dishes and a varied and an extensive continental buffet-style breakfast is available. The Cristoforo Colombo enjoys great transport links. There is a bus stop nearby providing connection to the line B of Rome's metro.

Hotel Cettentrionale (Montecatini Terme)
Our Rating :
Local Rating :
Accommmodation Type : Superior

This hotel is a family-run property offering air-conditioned rooms, a traditional restaurant, and a garden with swimming pool. The town's historic spa is a 3-minute walk away. The Settentrionale Esplanade is composed of 2 adjacent buildings. There are many common areas, including a TV room with large screen, and a large terrace overlooking the swimming pool. All rooms have a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and a minibar. The style is classic, with carpeted, tiled, or wooden floors. Some rooms offer a balcony. The restaurant with 2 dining halls serves Tuscan and Mediterranean dishes. Breakfast is a varied buffet. During summer meals are served on the terrace, on request.

Hotel Centrale (cernobbio)
Our Rating :
Local Rating :
Accommmodation Type : Superior

Hotel Centrale is a 4-star hotel set in the centre of Cernobbio, just 50 metres from the shores of Lake Como. It offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and a patio with outdoor seating areas. All en suite and soundproofed, rooms at the Centrale Hotel include an LCD TV, minibar and safe. Each has parquet floors. A rich buffet breakfast is served daily at The Centrale, which includes both sweet and savoury items. Hotel Centrale is near the ferry harbour and just 200 metres from Villa Erba International Congress Centre. The main motorways and the Como San Giovanni and Como Lago Railway Stations are also located nearby.

Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal (Venice)
Our Rating :
Local Rating :
Accommmodation Type : Superior

Set on the Grand Canal, this upscale hotel opposite Santa Lucia railway station is 1.5 km from the Rialto Bridge and 2.1 km from Piazza San Marco. Elegant rooms are furnished in the ornate style of 18th-century Venice. All feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minibars. Upgraded quarters add separate sitting areas and views of the canal. There's 1 unit with a private terrace. The hotel offers free continental breakfast. Additional amenities include a rooftop restaurant/lounge overlooking the canal, as well as a refined fine-dining restaurant. There's also a cafe/bar and a meeting/event room.

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Your Destination Guide: Visas & Helpful Tips

Please refer to the following link(s) for important information about your specific destination.
Italy

SHOULD I GET TRAVEL INSURANCE?

Click here to check our recommended travel protection plan.

IS THIS A CHILD FRIENDLY TOUR? ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS?

All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum age for children on escorted tours is 8. Minimum age on Safaris is 8. Minimum age for game drives in Kruger National Park (South Africa) is 12. Minimum age for Uganda programs is 15.

Please note that many countries have adopted practices to prevent international abductions of children. If a person under the age of 18 years will be travelling with an adult other than his/her parents, or with only one parent, a notarized letter, granting authorization to travel, including the dates of travel should be carried.

I AM A SINGLE TRAVELER. SHOULD I PAY A SINGLE SUPPLEMENT?

We offer many Solo-Friendly trips with no mandatory single supplement. For all other tours, a single supplement will apply for solo travelers.

For the rates on these tours, please refer to the Price and Dates section on each tour page.

WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT FACTORS TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELING TO A DESTINATION?

Please refer to the following link(s) for important information about your specific destination.
Italy

Frequently Asked Questions Book Now!

PERSONAL ACCOUNTS

How do I book a tour with Indus Travels?

You can review How to Book a Tour page for more details.

How do I create an Indus Account?

Go to our website and click on the register button found on the upper right hand side to create your Indus Travel account and start booking tours! 

If I don't remember my password, how do I log in?

Click the Forgot Password? link in the login form and it will lead you to a form to change your password. Simply enter your registered email address and you will be emailed a link to reset your password. 

How do I view my invoice?

You will not be able to access your invoice immediately upon booking. You will be notified by email when it is available for you, normally within 48 business hours of booking. You can find your invoice and all other details of the tours you booked by logging on to your account and going to the Tour Booking History page.


PAYMENT PROCEDURE

How do I make payment online?

Simply login to your Indus Travel account, go to your tour of choice and click on Book Now. You will then confirm the details and your preferences about the tour and finally pay through our secure online payment platform. 

What forms of payment does Indus Travel accept?

We accept US & CA Dollar check, bank check, money order, direct deposits, wire transfer, Visa, and Master credit cards. Third-party credit cards are not acceptable. Payments made by wire transfer must include an additional $30 wire transfer fee. There is a $50 fee for returned checks.

Where do I mail a cheque?

Cheque payments should include your Reservation number in the memo section and be made payable to Indus Travels Ltd and mailed to:
233 - 11951 Hammersmith Way,
Richmond, BC, V7A 5H9,
Canada

When is my final payment due?

Your exact final payment date is indicated on your invoice which may be viewed by signing into your account. In general, the final payment is due 90 days prior to departure with some exceptions where payment is due earlier (All tours including cruise final payment is due 120 days before departure).

How much is my final payment?

The amount of your final payment will be noted on your invoice and can be accessed by logging into your account online.

Can I send a bank cheque or money order?

Yes. Indus accepts US & CA Dollar cheque, bank cheque, money order, direct deposits, wire transfer, Visa & Master credit cards. Third-party credit cards are not acceptable. Payments made by wire transfer must include an additional $30 wire transfer fee. There is a $50 fee for returned cheques.

To whom should I write the cheque?

Cheque payments should include your Reservation number in the memo section and be made payable to Indus Travels Ltd.

Can I pay with a debit card?

No. Indus does not accept payments with Debit card.

How do I know if Indus received my payment?

You will be notified by email that your payment was received and applied to your reservation. You may also access your reservation by logging into your account online


TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

When will I receive my e-Documents?

Once final payment has been received and processed, documents will be sent via email approximately 21 days prior to the beginning of your tour services.

Can I get paper documents?

Paper documents may be sent upon passenger request. There is a shipping and handling fee of $30 for each set of paper documents: These paper documents will be delivered between 14-21 business days prior to the beginning of your tour. In some instances, a paper voucher/ticket is required by our vendor. In these instances, the costs for shipping and handling will be shouldered by Indus Travels.

How do I access and print my documents?

Your documents may be accessed by logging into your Indus Travel account and checking your Tour Booking History. 

Do I receive anything else with my e-documents?

Indus e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip. 

How do I know where to find my airline ticket?

With a few exceptions, international airline tickets are issued electronically. The airline confirmation number and ticket numbers stated in your documents represent your airline "ticket(s)." Some domestic Arline tickets which can only be issued at destination will be given to you upon your arrival in the local destination.


ENTRY VISAS

If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?

You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting. 

Please note: Passengers who are not U.S. or Canadian citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa.

How do I know if I need a visa?

Please check the Before You Book section found on every tour to access the country specific Know Before You Go document to know about Visa and other important information about the countries you will be visiting.

How do I obtain a visa?

A visa may be obtained by using a visa service or by contacting the embassy or consulate of the nation you are visiting prior to departing from your home country.

Please check the Before You Book section found on every tour to access the country specific Know Before You Go document to know about Visa and other important information about the countries you will be visiting.

How much does a visa cost?

There will be different costs that will be specific per embassy/consulate and whether you have used a visa service or not. These costs often change with little notice. We recommend that you contact the appropriate embassy or consulate directly for the most up to date information.

You may find the contact information for consulates/embassies in the Visa section of the Know Before You Go document available for the country you will be visiting.


OPTIONAL TOURS & ACTIVITIES

What are optional sightseeing tours?

Optional tours are offered to travelers interested in additional experiences, sightseeing, meals or activities to supplement the included components of our tours. You may choose to participate in some, all or none of the optional tours which are priced individually. Complete descriptions and prices for each optional tour are listed on the itinerary section of the tours on our website. 

When can I add optional tours?

Optional tours are available for purchase any time up to 45 days before departure.

Can I purchase optional tours locally?

Yes. When traveling on an escorted tour, optional tours may be purchased locally from the Tour Manager. However, Indus cannot guarantee the rate and availability of these services when purchased locally. Please note that tours purchased locally are subject to current exchange rates and may cost up to 10% more.

Can I add optional tours for only select individuals on my reservation?

Yes. For assistance on this matter, please contact Indus Travel sales and reservations staff.


TRAVEL INSURANCE & COVERAGE

What coverage does Travel Insurance provide?

For complete details on Travel Insurance, check our Travel protection page.

When can I purchase Travel Insurance?

American Residents can purchase Trawick Insurance with us at the time of booking or anytime prior to departure. After booking, Canadian Residents will receive an email with a referral to TuGo Insurance which can be purchased anytime prior to departure.

When is Travel Insurance active?

Travel Protection coverages will take effect on the later of 1) the date the plan payment has been received by the Policyholder; 2) the date and time you start your Covered Trip; or 3) 12:01 A.M. Standard Time on the Scheduled Departure Date of your Covered Trip.

I need to cancel my trip and have not purchased insurance, what do I do?

Penalties for cancellation will depend on the tour you have purchased and how close to departure you are at the time of cancellation. For more information, visit our terms and conditions.


INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC FLIGHTS

Why is it important that I give my name as it appears on my passport when booking a tour? 

Due to increased travel security and policies around the world, it is now a requirement that your airline ticket matches your first and last name exactly as it reads on your passport. Please note that any changes to the details of your air booking, could be subject to a change fee, penalties or cancellation.

Can I reserve a seat assignment?

For our packages that include flights, we do not usually assign seats. In most cases, you can request specific seats, but this may incur a small fee payable to the airline. For more information, contact our sales and reservations staff.

Once confirmed, are airlines seats always guaranteed?

In most cases, seat assignments are firm. However, airlines may sometimes reassign seats for operational reasons. This often happens at the last moment and is controlled by airline staff, with Indus Travel not being notified. Passengers are encouraged to reconfirm their seat assignments and any other special requests directly with their airline prior to departure.

Should I check-in online?

It always recommended and more convenient to check in online. It will shorten your waiting time at the airport, secure your seat assignments and other reservations.

Can I request a special meal on the flight?

Requests may be made for special meals. These requests will be sent on your behalf to the airline so long as Indus receives these request prior to your documents being issued. The availability of special meals will be based upon the specific airlines and will be at their discretion.

Can I use my frequent flier miles?

Accrued frequent flier miles cannot be used toward the purchase of Indus Travels’ airfare or used for class upgrades. However, airfare purchased through Indus Travels may qualify to earn you additional miles.


AIRPORT PROCEDURES

What is required when I check-in?

Ticketed passengers must show correct identification at check-in. Children must have a parent present at check-in and all tickets must be in each passenger's name.

What is required with International travel?

An international trip may require valid travel documents such as passport, visa, re-entry permit, health certificate, inoculation record, a ticket for the return journey or continuance of your trip, or ANY combination thereof. Passengers are responsible for the proper documentation. Concerns about the required travel documents may be resolved by contacting the appropriate consulate or embassy.

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