SOLD OUT!
Past guests still rave about these small-group adventures. Visit some of our all-time favorite destinations, plus discover some lesser-known gems that rank high on Charline’s must-see list!
Our new Italian Treasures tour has been enhanced and expanded to include the best of Assisi, Tuscany, Florence, Cinque Terre, and gorgeous Stresa on a beautiful Italian lake. Join Charline as she reveals some of Italy’s best-kept secrets; giving an insider’s take on her favourite trattorias, hotels, and specialty shops.
$6399 per person
Taxes Included!
Price based on double occupancy. Land Only
Charline Fortier – Our Italy Expert
This intimate, worry-free, Italian adventure is designed and hosted by our own Charline Fortier, a Maritime Travel counsellor for more than 45 years. Charline is an expert on all things Italian, and has been to Italy more than 50 times – on her own, with her wine-expert husband, and hosting groups. “I feel more at home in my beloved Italy, than I do in Canada,” she will tell you. Charline loves to share her secrets… whether it’s a favourite restaurant where she’s friends with the owners, the best little gelato shop, or the best shoe store in town. Charline speaks Italian, English and French.
“Charline was amazing as a host, very knowledgeable and gave us lots of tips and free time. The food and wine were awesome.” – Italian Treasures Past Guest
Cobbled streets are not ideal for people with limited mobility.
Overseas travel to Rome, Italy.
Monday, May 13 – Arrive at Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci International Airport. You will be met for transfer to your Rome Hotel. After checking in to your room, you can take some time to rest, relax, and refresh after your flight. This evening we will get together to meet Charline and your travelling companions as we enjoy a meal at a local restaurant. D
Tuesday, May 14 – After breakfast we will join our local guide Cinzia Cortese for a walking tour of historic Rome highlights. The balance of the day is at leisure to take in all Rome has to offer. B
Wednesday, May 15 – After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart the busy city of Rome and make our way to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Assisi. Pilgrims have been coming to Assisi since the 13th century to venerate St Francis who was born and buried here, but you don’t have to be religious to enjoy the beauty of this postcard perfect town. Framed by the long, undulating hills of Umbria and the forests of Monte Subasio, Assisi is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the world, and one of Italy’s most spellbinding gems. On arrival we will enjoy a “Taste of Umbria” luncheon where we will experience Umbrian specialties such as wines, cheese, truffles and more. BL
Thursday, May 16 – Today is a free day in Assisi, explore the town, do a little shopping or just relax, but first we will enjoy a tour of the Basilica with our private guide. As Assisi was built on a hill, comfortable walking shoes are a must for today or spend the day on the hotel terrace soaking in the fabulous view of the surrounding countryside. We will enjoy another group dinner this evening. BD
Friday, May 17 – This morning, after breakfast, we check out and make our way to Tuscany, where we’ll stay for the next 4 nights. We will stop enroute for a cooking class and then continue on to our first destination, Pienza, one of Italy’s prettiest hilltop towns and our home for the next 2 nights. The area is known for its delicious Pecorino Cheese. BL
Saturday, May 18 – Today is a free day to explore the charming, medieval town of Pienza, with its lovely shops, beautiful views, and the historic Palazzo Piccolomini – birthplace of Pope Pius II. Charline will be happy to give you some suggestions of things to see and do. B
Sunday, May 19 – Following breakfast, we depart Pienza and make our way to Siena our home for the next night. Siena, home of the famous Palio horse race, is considered to be the best preserved medieval town in Europe. We will have a city tour on arrival and the balance of the day is free. B
Monday, May 20 – This morning we will make our way to Vignamaggio the pensione in Panzano in Chianti. This evening we will enjoy a private tasting of the estate wines. We will then make our way to Dario Cecchini’s famous local restaurant. This larger than life personality is a world famous 8th generation Italian butcher. We are certainly in for a treat this evening! BD
Tuesday, May 21 – Upon arrival in Florence we will make a stop at Piazzale Michelangelo for an amazing view of this majestic city. We will check into our centrally located hotel, our home for the next three nights. We will have a city tour on arrival and the balance of the day will be on your own to rest and explore. Be sure to ask Charline for some suggestions for dinner!
Wednesday, May 22 – You can’t possibly see and experience all that is Florence in just one day. That’s why today is yours to continue your explorations, and perhaps pick up some of the Italian treasures you saw but didn’t purchase yesterday. B
Thursday, May 23 – Another free day in Florence. This evening, Charline has a treat in store, as she takes you to one of her favourite trattorias. BD
Friday, May 24 – Following breakfast, it’s time to say ciao to Tuscany, as we make our way to the beautiful Cinque Terre region, particularly Levanto, our home for the next two nights. We will enjoy a welcome lunch upon arrival at our hotel. BL
Saturday, May 25 – Today is a completely free day. Following breakfast, you can set out on your own to explore the five famous villages of Cinque Terre, or join Charline, who will lead the way. You may also opt to visit the lovely beach located in our small village of Levanto. You can also consider a day trip to visit Portofino. Charline can help get you on your way. Today, lunch and dinner are on your own. B
Sunday, May 26 – Following breakfast, we say goodbye to Levanto and Cinque Terre and make our way to the lovely lakeside resort town of Stresa on Lake Maggiore, just west of Milan, in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, known for its Alpine splendor. B
Monday, May 27 – Good morning, Stresa! This is your day to explore this beautiful town, which is an absolute northern treasure. The day is free to roam the tiny streets, visit the three islands located in the middle of the spectacular lake, or to just relax at one of our hotel’s two swimming pools. B
Tuesday, May 28 – After breakfast, the day is free to continue your explorations, and to perhaps soak up the incredible views from our rooftop terrace. On our last evening we will join together for our Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. We will raise our glasses to new friends, experiences, and memories to last a lifetime. BD
Wednesday, May 29 – After breakfast, we will say farewell to charming northern Italy and board our coach for the final leg of our journey together and make our way to the nearby Milan Malpensa airport. B
B = BREAKFAST L = LUNCH D = DINNER
Terms & Conditions: *Some itinerary details are subject to change. Price is per person based on double occupancy. Single Supplement is $3000. Cancellation Policy: Once full payment has been received, the tour is considered non-refundable. Deposit of $750 per person required at time of booking. Deposit is fully refundable if tour does not occur. Full payment required by March 1, 2024. Minimum number of 14 persons required to guarantee departure.
Liability: Travel arrangements made by Maritime Travel Exclusive Escorted Tours and Holiday Escapes are subject to the terms, conditions and tariffs set out by our suppliers. Maritime Travel Exclusive Escorted Tours and Holiday Escapes will not assume liability for any refunds, losses, damage, costs or expenses arising out of injury, accident or death, loss of, or damage to, or delay in baggage or other property, delay, inconvenience, upset, disappointment, stress, frustration, or loss of enjoyment or loss of holiday time resulting from:
(i) the act or fault or omission by any party other than by Maritime Travel Exclusive Escorted Tours and Holiday Escapes or its employees;
(ii) mechanical breakdown, government action, weather, strike or any other action beyond its control;
(iii) being denied access to aircraft due to contravening the airlines conditions of carriage;
(iv) the traveller missing flight connections or departures or failing to follow instructions of tour representatives.
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