Italy's Great Cities True Small… (trip)
Italy's Great Cities True Small Group Tour
- Italy
- Culture & Nature
| from $3,379* per person | 10 Days | Year-round |
| Luxury accommodations | Exertion level: 3 | |
| Operator: Story Land & Sea® | 16 people max | |
Travel expert Arthur Frommer describes our small group tour as "the perfect way to see Italy!"
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Locations visited/nearby
Italy
0 testimonials about this trip.
1 testimonial about the provider, Story Land & Sea®:
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Reviewer: Laurie P
located in
Cortland,
NY
USA
There were absolutely no financial surprises on this trip! We booked the Deluxe package and added the Amalfi Extension. We came a day early, and stayed a day late…and are super glad that we made both of those decisions. Other additions that we added were transfers to/from the airports, the Uffizi in Florence, ferry to Capri, Pompei guided tour, and our flights. All breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 6 dinners were included in our cost. On the included dining nights appetizers were ordered for the table, and then we each ordered from the menu. The wine and limoncello flowed freely all night, and I never saw any attempt to slow it down. Most nights that we did not have an included dinner our tour captain invited us to join her for dinner at our own costs. Generally we went, as did many others in our group. Mark Story, the owner of Queenslander oversees a very organized/logically planned program. All of our hotels (details later) were in the center of the action and very lovely. All luggage was moved seamlessly from place to place.The earliest time we left in the morning was 8AM…very different from other tour companies that I had researched. A few times during our travels it rained, and Queenslander picked up the taxi cost. The tour had a great blend of included tour time, and free time to explore on our own. Generally hubby took a one hour nap every night before dinner to reenergize!!We had a slight problem when QLT booked our flights and a spelling error occurred. It was caught immediately by Queenslander, but Air Canada would not deal with it until 72 hours before travel. (We had booked last December). 72 hours prior Ron Gholston had to end up rebooking the entire flight for a change fee of almost $400. Queenslander paid that without a question, and Ron handled everything very professionally. This was the type of customer service that we encountered every time we contacted Queenslander.Jodie Hedrick was our Tour Captain. There were only 16 of us in the group. We all came from very diverse backgrounds and got along famously. Jodie was such a caring, knowledgeable person, and was gifted at working with many different personalities. Everyone felt very special on this trip. I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to travel with such a travel enthusiast. Her enthusiasm was infectious.VENICE: This was our favorite city of the trip. Private water taxi was the transfer, with a greeter to meet us at the airport. We stayed at Hotel Saturnia & International. We had a huge room. The hotel is very close to Piazza San Marco. Included tours: Grand Canal, Piazza San Marco, Basillica San Marco, Gondola Ride, Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs, and a water taxi to visit of the Island of Murano. In addition, we independently visited the Campanile, the Opera House, the amazing Rialto market, and walked miles and miles getting lost in Venice and loving every second of our experience!!FLORENCE: We arrived via the Silver Bullet fasttrain. Our hotel was Helvetia & Bristol which was a quick walk to the Duomo. Included tours: Duomo, Galleria dell’Accademia (David…the most impressive thing I have ever seen!!), and the Basillica di Santa Croce. Independently we went to the Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi and the Market.CORTONA and the Tuscany Region: We traveled here by small bus and stopped at San Gimignano for a few hours. This is a very cute, medieval town, but it rained our entire stay. Independently we did the Church of Santa Maria. We had an included lunch at Castello della Paneretta; a winery that included wine tasting. The Cortona hotel was our favorite hotel of the trip. We stayed at the Villa Marsili. Stunningly gorgeous, and we had a very large room.ROME: We traveled to Rome by small bus, stopping in Assisi for a few hours along the way. We visited the St. Francis Basillica. Our hotel in Rome was Grand Hotel de la Minerve. It was located 10 yards from the Basilica of Maria Sopra Minerva, and 100 yards from the Pantheon (we visited both independently) Included tours: Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, Campo di Fiore, Roman Forum, Colosseum, Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel. We also walked to see the Castel Sant’Angelo at night from the bridge. Beautiful!SORRENTO and the Amalfi Coast: This gorgeous area of Italy was our favorite area of the trip. We loved the food in southern Italy the most, although all of the food was great throughout our vacation. We drove the Amalfi Coast Highway (the “Mama Mia” Highway-so named for its very winding curves.) Our stay here was at the beautiful Hotel BelAir which is literally cut into the cliffs, so the views are absolutely amazing. Free view of Mt. Vesuvius every morning from the balcony! We took the ferry to Capri for the day. Luckily while we were waiting for the ferry, a gentleman by the name of Salvatore Cioffi offered to guide us on the island for a fee. This was worth every penny, and without his help we would have spent a lot of time wandering aimlessly around. His private transportation took us to Anacapri so we could ride the chairlift to the top of Mount Solaro. Stunning, and one of those “Wow” experiences. I highly recommend his tour services if you want to see this island in its totality. We also spent the morning at Pompei.Overall, we had the time of our lives on this celebrating retirement vacation. No company is perfect, but Queenslander is very close. The only discussion I heard from anyone throughout the trip was the comparison of individual hotel rooms. I believe everyone was happy with the hotels themselves, but some guests had suites, and some had smaller rooms than others, and it actually was quite simply the luck of the draw. The hotels themselves are limited in types of rooms available for groups. This really is not a Queenslander problem, but worth mentioning that guests will all have individually different rooms, and some rooms will be better than others.Queenslander Tours are worth the money spent in my opinion. Generally you get what you pay for, and I am so happy we made the decision to book with Queenslander. I’ll be happy to answer any questions about our trip.
Itinerary
Read the complete itinerary below and discover the Great Cities of Italy in a small group tour.
It's all of the inclusions you must have when traveling to Italy for the first time. None of the rush. Discover Slow Travel through Italy and be immersed in the Italian culture. With Story Land & Sea® enjoy Skip-the-Line Special Access entrances in a true small group tour of up to 16 travelers.
YOUR ITALY
STORY BEGINS
STORY BEGINS
Today, you will depart your home airport on your Trans-Atlantic flight bound for Venice, Italy. Your flight is not included.
Note: Day 1 is the published tour date and is the date you will arrange your air travel. Your small group tour commences on itinerary Day 2 upon arrival into Venice.
WE CAN DO YOUR AIR:
Yes, we can arrange your air travel from our air service team. Complete our Airfare Quote request here.
Remember, airfare is a completely separate arrangement from your land tour. It is your responsibility to arrive at the point of tour origination (Venice) on time regardless of whether Story Land & Sea® has arranged your air.
YOUR ARRIVING AIRPORT AND DEPARTING AIRPORT
Your arrival airport is Venice (VCE) Marco Polo Airport.
At the end of the Great Cities Tour you should set your flight to return from Rome.
NOTE: May we suggest you extend your vacation to the Enchanted Amalfi Coast Extension? Let us whet your appetite: read about it at the bottom of this itinerary. When you do: set your flight to return from Naples (NAP) Capodichino Airport.
AMAZING
VENICE
VENICE
Day 2: Welcome to Venice!
City: Venezia
Region: Veneto
Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs in one go. — Truman Capote
Story Land & Sea® Exclusive:Story's trademark 'unique perspectives experience.' Enjoy our reception in a unique and exclusive location. 
Included Story Way® Dining:Welcome to Venice Dinner
WELCOME TO ITALY'S GREAT CITIES TOUR
One of Story Land & Sea®'s most popular True Small-Group Italy tour vacations commences at 3:00PM at our Deluxe hotel in Venice. Located seconds away from Piazza San Marco, known to us as San Marco Square, is our deluxe hotel where your Tour Captain meets you for the included Venice Orientation Tour.
INCLUDED ORIENTATION TOUR
At 3:00 pm, join your Tour Captain for an Orientation Walk on your arrival day in Venice along the high-end shops and boutiques where our hotels are located into Piazza San Marco (known as St. Mark's Square). Your Tour Captain will describe the setting for an included visit to Basilica San Marco (St. Mark's Basilica).
You will learn about some of the history and notoriety of St. Mark's. Your Orientation Walk will also point out the major landmarks and the lay of the land in relation to our hotel. We'll introduce you to the best ATM machines for Euro and currency exchange rates, and other helpful information for your stay in romantic Venice.
Hey, where's Harry's Bar? I'm ready for my Bellini!
INCLUDED on your Orientation Walk with the Tour Captain includes:
- Basilica San Marco ~ Enjoy the beautiful mosaics and how they reflects and dance in the light. Your Tour Captain "paints the picture" of the history and opulence that is the Basilica San Marco prior to entering. Once inside, enjoy 'silence' as you observe its beauty encased in Byzantine architecture.
- Orientation Walk ~ Learn about the surroundings on San Marco as your Tour Captain walks you into San Marco Square and highlights key features.
Walking Level: Light, Leisurely Pace. Volume: Light
A Story Exclusive: Tonight, join in a Story Land & Sea® original experience with our reception & welcome from the Tour Captain from one of our classic perspectives: a unique vantage point to survey Venice in the company of your fellow travelers.
Your Small Group Tour Vacation to Italy is underway! After our reception, we'll walk to our Welcome Dinner in Venice.
INCLUDED VENICE WELCOME DINNER TONIGHT: The Story Land & Sea® Way of Dining debuts as you join your Tour Captain for the Welcome Dinner in Venice. Experience what can only be described as a night of the best cuisine and vino from the region of Veneto.
About The Story Land & Sea® Way of Dining
Our approach to dining is truly unique: Our favorites dishes represent the region we're traveling through. We call this, Parla come Mangia or 'speak the language of your food.' From our unique, off-the-beaten-path restaurants we visit for each included dinner to the variety of hand-crafted dishes, it's truly an immersion into authentic Italian food and wine. No buffets here. Your Tour Captain is there to make sure your dining experience goes smoothly and will help you interpret any menu item. For the 5 total included dinners, your Tour Captain will select a variety of appetizers, featuring regional cuisine, and will select your vino for the evening ~ a variety of red and white wine from the region you're traveling ~ and yes, "the wine flows." It's an intentionally slow evening of delight so you can savor the experience.
LODGING IN THE HEART OF THE CITY: There is a difference between centrally-located hotels and Story Land & Sea®'s Heart of City hotels. No taxis or shuttles required when you're in the historical heart of the cities and villages.
ACCOMMODATION
Deluxe: Our 4- and 5-Star Deluxe hotels include Saturnia & International, 2 Nights
Classic Budget: Our Superior Tourist hotels include Hotel do Pozzi, Hotel Kette, 2 Nights.
AH, WELCOME TO VENICE!
Day 3: Exploring Venezia
Optional Dinner: You may opt to join your Tour Captain tonight for dinner (departs from lobby usually about 7:45pm) or opt to explore on your own throughout Venice. Included: Gondola with our own Italian Musicians
Yes, it's the magical city on the water, and you're invited to learn of her fascinating history that includes Napoleon and explore her many calles and nooks.
Start your morning sightseeing in style as your Tour Captain and our local Guide escorts you throughout Venice. We tour by walking with our professional local guide through Piazza San Marco (known as St. Mark's Square), the Doge's Palace, the Old Prison, the famousBridge of Sighs, and explore the Grand Canal over to Murano.
WE WALK ON OUR TOURS: THE BEST WAY TO EXPERIENCE ITALY
We do walk on our small group tours of Italy. We walk a lot, so get ready for exploring the cities of Italy. Our pace is unhurried. You must be physically capable of walking and experiencing the many stairs, hills and cobblestones that is Italy.
ROMANTIC VENICE
The romance of Venice is apparent every step of the way, from the fine Venetian glass in the traditional style to the classic gondola ride. Enjoy our boat ride on our authentic Venetian-style motorboat through the canals and the Grand Canal of Venice.
The Magic of Wandering Through Venice ~ discover your "lost adventure" in this romantic city!
The afternoon on San Marco is at leisure: discover the magic of the canals and myriad sidewalks as you explore, and delightfully get "lost" in the city of Venice.
VENETIAN GONDOLA RIDE WITH PRIVATE MUSICIAN SERENADE
Before the optional dinner tonight, you will enjoy our included Gondola ride through the canals of Venice with professional musicians. On occasion inclement weather will prevent the gondola ride. In this scenario an alternate activity will be substituted later in the tour.
Watch Mark Story discover the challenges of being a Gondolier in Venice. Story Land & Sea®'s Gondola Experience is unlike the 'armada of gondolas' you would experience on other mainstream operator's tours.
Your Story Land & Sea®'s Gondola experience includes our private musicians to serenade you.
INCLUDED EXCURSIONS Sightseeing Immersion Tour With Our Local Expert Guide ~ Today ENJOY ADMISSION & SIGHTSEEING TO:
- Special Access: Skip-the-Line Entrance to the Doge's Palace ~ Duke or Governor's Palace - seat of the Republic of Venice's historic power.
- The Bridge of Sighs ~ The bridge made famous for its window and last view of blue sky and freedom as prisoners are marched to their sentence ~ watch your head!
- The Old & New Prisons of Venice ~ Found inside the Doge's Palace, are the older and new prisons. The most famous guest being one Giacomo Casanova, who ended up in prison after a long series of crimes and was the protagonist of the most famous and fantastical of escapes: Casanova climbed onto the prison roof and managed to slide down a drain pipe and then slip inside the Palace and persuade someone to open the door so he could then escape calmly on a gondola. Not, according to legend, without first allowing himself the joy of a coffee in the Piazza San Marco. The New Prisons, rather, were found beyond the Palazzo river, and these were accessed across the famous Bridge of Sighs.
- Tour of Piazza San Marco & our "Secret Treasures of Venice" ~ Learn about the Clock Tower, Campanile Tower, Caffe Florian, Napoleon and the Winged Lion.
- Private Boat Ride to visit the Island of Murano: View the palaces, churches and edifices that create the backdrop that is Venice, including Rialto Bridge, Ca d'Oro (Palazzo Santa Sofia), and hear and see where the legends of Casanova, Marco Polo, and other infamous Venetians dwelled ~ all from the comfort of our boat as we venture across the lagoon to Murano. This is the home of New Murano Gallery and a family who has been in the business of glass-blowing for many years. Enjoy a demonstration and time to enjoy the stunning fruit of their labor in the gallery. Yes, you may purchase glass but this is not required or the intent of our visit.
- Enjoy included admission/entrance to Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale and Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana at your leisure.
Walking Level: Moderate, Leisurely Pace. Volume: Moderate
BACK TO TOP
TO ENCHANTING FLORENCE
Day 4: On To Firenze
We embark on the Eurostar Fast Train from Venice to Florence, city of the Renaissance.
City: Firenze
Province: Provincia di Firenze
Region: Toscana
Included Dining: Today, enjoy our included Hot Breakfast.
Tonight, enjoy our included Welcome Dinner in Florence.
WAKE TO VENICE: Ciao Venezia!
This morning enjoy a leisurely start with breakfast and then meet your Tour Captain for our included boat transfer as we make our way to the Venezia Santa Lucia Train Station for our included, First-Class Tickets on the Eurostar Fast Train to Florence. We zip along the Italian countryside and arrive Florence Santa Maria Novella Train Station.
WELCOME TO FLORENCE
We deboard the train for our short walk to our hotels in the very heart of Florence.
INCLUDED WELCOME ORIENTATION WALKABOUT: Join your Tour Captain for a Welcome Orientation Walk on your arrival day in Florence along cobblestone streets in the very heart of Florence as you become familiar with the location around our hotel. Enjoy entrance to Orsanmichele church and the church of Via Santa Margherita which was the parish of many Florentine families, such as Cerchi, Donati, Adimari and Portinari.
Join the Tour Captain for the included Florence Orientation Tour through the cobblestones streets to become familiar with the location around our hotel, in the very heart of Florence.
Hey! Is that the Arno River? Did you know in 1966 a massive flood devastated Florence? Americans and other international workers came to the rescue and provided much-needed assistance in rescuing and salvaging much of the treasured art and sculptures in Florence. Known as the angeli del fango or, "mud angels."
Walking Level: Light, Leisurely Pace: Volume: Light
Includes Story Way® Dining: Tonight enjoy dining at a delightful restaurant that we're trying to keep a secret! It's fully authentic Tuscan cuisine. Florence welcomes us with a variety of regional culinary tastes, beverages, and ample portions of fine local wines from Toscana and Chianti.
Free-choice dining means you select what you'd like from the menu ~ the Tour Captain is available to help you interpret the menu. Your Tour Captain Host will provide the appetizers, featuring regional cuisine, and will select your vino for the evening ~ a variety of red and white wine from the region.
ACCOMMODATION IN THE HEART OF THE CITY
Deluxe: Hotel L'Orologio, Santa Maria Novella or Similar, 2 Nights
Classic Budget: Our Superior Tourist hotels include Hotel Rosso 23 or Similar, 2 Nights
ABOUT OUR DELUXE HOTELS IN FLORENCE
We have selected hotels that are truly authentic Italiano and perfectly located in the heart of Old Florence. We have selected some of the most prestigious hotels of the city reflecting a history rich with importance and service. The hotels have been refined and feature elegant rooms. Many celebrities and heads of state from all over the world have chosen these properties as their Florentine residences (not just for their wonderful locations, but also for their superb service). The decor and furniture of our properties have been beautifully chosen, and the ambiance really does reflect Florentine aristocracy in its most elegant period.
"This was an amazing hotel - top of the line. Breathtaking and modern, but still gave you the feeling of being in Italy. Breakfast amazing and loved the bathroom."
Florence Renaissance
Day 5: Immerse yourself in all things Florence
Story Land & Sea® Exclusive: Unique Perspective ExperienceDiscovering Florence
Today join your Tour Captain and our local guide on a specially guided tour of the city of Florence complete with our Special Access sightseeing immersion.
Florence boasts a variety of fine sights to see, including Santa Maria del Fiore, the Baptistry's Bronze "Gate of Paradise," Giotto's Bell Tower, Signoria Square, and the Galleria dell'Accademia, where Michelangelo's David is housed.
GUIDED SIGHTSEEING IMMERSION THROUGH FLORENCE
We take our time walking through the Piazza della Reppublica, the famous Piazza Signoria with her old palace, Palazzo Vecchio, and make our way through the portico of the Uffizi complex before arriving at the Arno River and a visit to the "old bridge," Ponte Vecchio. This was the only bridge in Florence to survive the World War II bombing raids.
A great morning sightseeing immersion allows you to enjoy the afternoon for sightseeing on your own. Perhaps leather is on your shopping list? Or are you ready to try an optional culinary experience and see if Chef is a title in your future? We highly recommend the Uffizi Gallery if you want to dig deeper into the vast riches of Florence's art heritage. We can arrange admission tickets, transportation and private guides for you in advance.
INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
SIGHTSEEING IMMERSION TOUR WITH OUR LOCAL GUIDE ~ Today ENJOY ADMISSION & SIGHTSEEING to:
- Special Access: Skip-the-Line and see Michelangelo's David in the Academy Gallery.
- Galleria dell'Accademia ~ The first art school of Europe.
- Entry to Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore ~ The "Duomo" and Giotto's Bell Tower
- See the magnificent Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery ~ So called by Michelangelo, our guide will comment on the impressive doors to the Baptistery created by Lorenzo Ghiberti. Until the 19th century, most Catholic Florentines were baptized here. Giotto's Campanile ~ we also enjoy the perspective from ground level of the towering Campanile.
- Entrance and tour of Orsanmichele ~ This church was originally built as a grain market in 1337 by Francesco Talenti, Neri di Fioravante, and Benci di Cione. Then converted into a church between 1380 and 1404.
- Sightseeing walking tour of Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza della Signoria and thePonte Vecchio (Old Bridge), the only bridge to survive World War II Bombing.
This afternoon explore Florence on your own. Consider a visit to the Basilica di Santa Croce (Basilica of the Holy Cross) or just explore at your leisure.
This Basilica is the principal Franciscan church in Florence, Italy, and a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic Church. It is the burial place of some of the most illustrious Italians, such as Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, Foscolo, Gentile, Rossini, and Marconi, thus it is known also as the Temple of the Italian Glories (Tempio dell'Itale Glorie). If visiting on Sunday, entrance to the Duomo and Santa Croce will be after 1:30pm.
Walking Level: Moderate, Leisurely Pace: Volume: Light
Tonight for Dinner: Eating from the Land in Florence. Tonight for dinner explore on your own, or join the Tour Captain for an optional dinner. The Tour Captain will invite you to a special restaurant that is close to their heart. Have you had your Florentine Steak yet? Or your Chocolate Boar? Florence is the place to do it.
BACK TO TOP
TUSCANY AWAITS
Day 6: Under the Tuscan Sun
What's Your Name?Marcello.
Of course it is!
Included Dining: Welcome dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in Cortona. Story Exclusive®: Our Winery Estate ExperienceDelightful San Gimignano in the heart of beautiful Tuscany continues our Magical Discovery. Then to Cortona.
Cities: San Gimignano, Cortona (lodging) Region: Toscana
UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN
This morning we leave the cities and delve deep into the heart of Tuscany. Our first stop is the hilltop village of San Gimignano. One of San Gimignano's most impressive sights is the medieval skyline made up of 13 remaining towers dating from the 11th century. San Gimignano rises on a hill dominating the Elsa Valley. The town increased in wealth and developed greatly during the Middle Ages thanks to the "Via Francigena," the trading and pilgrim's route that crossed it. Once in San Gimignano, we enjoy free time to explore the city of towers. San Gimignano also has several distractions for shopping - so slow down and enjoy!
HERE'S A TOAST TO YOU!
We'll toast our arrival into the countryside of Tuscany with our first taste of Vernaccia ~ a white wine that hails from San Gimignano ~ and continue to dazzle our palates as we journey.
From San Gimignano we're off to our winery estate for a tour of the production facilities and cellars, followed by a delightful wine-tasting paired with perfect morsels for lunch.
CHIANTI CLASSICO REGION
Story Land & Sea® Exclusive: In depth visit to our Winery estate ~ Wine estate in the heart of Tuscany welcomes and delights with pleasure for all the senses.
SUPER TUSCAN
Our lunch features palate-pleasing appetizers, including pecorino cheese, bruschetta, and other delights. Where else to experience lunch but in the beautiful banquet hall. You'll get your fill of classic Chianti and Super Tuscan vino along with delicate cuisine.
The estate is situated in the Chianti Classico area on the western slopes of the dominating hills of the Elsa valley, looking towards San Gimignano. The estate was completely restored and commissioned by Bernardino Poccetti, an important master painter from the region, tofresco the loggia of the court.
With its 763+ acres (majority wood), the estate is one of the biggest farms of the area, producing over 23,000 gallons of wine from just over 54 acres of vineyards. Occasionally, we will use one of our many other incredible wineries that are equally impressive both in ambiance and wine variety and quality.
INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
SIGHTSEEING IMMERSION AND EXCLUSIVE WINERY VISIT ~ Today ENJOY ADMISSION & SIGHTSEEING to:
- Sightseeing and free time in the Tuscan hill town of San Gimignano
- Story Land & Sea® Exclusive: Admission, Tour and Wine Tasting at our Estate ~ located in the heart of Tuscany ~ Beautiful Property with stunning views, delicious varietals paired with sumptuous delicacies. More information from Story Land & Sea®:
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