Classic Italy & Malta
ROME - VATICAN CITY - VALLETTA - FLORENCE - PISA
$2500
Sept. 25 - Oct. 4, 2018 (10 Days)
**dates subject to change depending on availability
Cost: $2500 total (based on double occupancy)
Includes: all international & domestic flights, full-time travel director, all accommodations, airport transfers, some meals, all listed admissions, 4 walking tours, and all taxes & fees. Other expenses not included are: excess baggage fees, most meals, and optional excursions.
Travel Insurance available through our affiliate program at World Nomads.
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Signup Deadline: May 25, 2018 - checks made payable to Percussive, LLC – Cash, Venmo & Credit Card also accepted. 5% processing fee added to all credit card transactions
ITINERARY
DAY ONE>
Fly to Italy
Transfer via provided shuttle from West Michigan area to Chicago O’Hare International Airport to take your flight to Rome.
Enjoy a comfortable flight on a full-service airline where you will have full meal service, complimentary alcoholic beverages, in-flight personal entertainment, and premium comfort.
View outside Italy-bound flight
DAY TWO>
Rome, Italy
Arrive at Rome's Fiumicino International Airport. After clearing customs and retrieving baggage, transfer to your hotel to check-in
Later, join your local tour guide as they take you on a guided walking tour of the city, where you will see famous sites such as:
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Spanish Square and Spanish Steps
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Immaculate Conception Column
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The House of Gian Lorenzo Bernini
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Saint Andrew Church
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Bernini’s Angels
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The famous “Galleria”
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Column of Marcus Aurelius
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Prime Minister House
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Temple of Hadrian
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Pantheon
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The Tomb of the Kings
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Tomb of Raphael
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Saint Ignatius Church
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Andrea Pozzo’s Tromp l’oeil
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Trevi Fountain
After the walking tour, enjoy a leisurely lunch (on your own) near Republic Square
Visit Santa Maria Sopra Minerva & the Baths of Diocletian
Free Time
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS:
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Leonardo da Vinci Museum
The museum’s collection features more than 60 inventions modeled after Leonardo’s machines. There are more than 120 pieces on display throughout the museum, including artistic studies of famous pieces like “The Last Supper” and “Vitruvian Man.”
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Castel Sant'Angelo National Museum
Don’t be fooled by the name—Rome's Castel Sant'Angelo was built as a tomb, not a castle. Commissioned by emperor Hadrian in AD 139, this imposing cylindrical mausoleum held the ashes of Hadrian and subsequent Roman emperors until becoming a fortress in AD 401. In the 14th century, a fortified corridor between the castle and St. Peter’s Basilica was built, and it became a papal residence. Today, it’s home to the Castel Sant'Angelo National Museum and its collection of art, archaeological finds, and weaponry.
Trevi Fountain
Inside of the Pantheon
Spanish Steps
DAY THREE>
Rome, Italy
After breakfast, head to the Coliseum, which has been a symbol of ancient Rome since it was completed in 80 AD. Tour the outside and inside.
Later, enjoy a visit to the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill, which holds some of Rome’s best ancient ruins. Here you will be able to see what life was really like 2000 years ago. Get a chance to see the Mamertine Prison
After lunch, head to the Basilica of St. Peter in Chains and later climb up the Victor Emmanuel Monument or “Wedding Cake” as it is often referred to.
Free time afterwards.
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS:
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Roman Catacombs Tour
Uncover the mysteries of the unknown Catacombs of San Callisto, also referred to as the Cemetery of Callixtus. This walking tour of Rome takes you around the intriguing grounds containing the tombs of several different popes from the 2nd to 4th centuries.
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Roman Pasta Making with a Local Chef
Learn to make pasta by hand with a professional chef-instructor for a truly memorable experience in Rome. Your 3.5-hour cooking class takes place in an airy loft apartment and covers the basics of different styles of pasta. Nibble on light appetizers and a glass of prosecco as you begin to prepare the pasta meal. When you have finished, enjoy your dinner at a table on the rooftop terrace with great views. You can also ask your instructor about Italian cuisine and tips for your time in Rome.
The Coliseum
Roman Forum
Catacombs of San Callisto
DAY FOUR>
Vatican City
After breakfast, head over to Vatican City, which is the world’s smallest country located inside of the city of Rome.
Enjoy a visit to the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture: St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world!
After some gelato and pizza at St. Peter’s Square, enjoy a visit to the famous Vatican Museum, home of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel.
Afterwards, have some free time to explore on your own
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
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Hop on Hop off Bus Tour
Enjoy total access to all of Rome’s attractions with the 24-hour hop on hop off bus pass. You can get on and off as many times as you please and also enjoy commentary of all of the places you pass by
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Private Roman Food Tour
Sample the unique flavors of the Eternal City with this private 3-hour food tour of Rome. Join a local guide for a delicious tour of Rome with 10 stops to taste 10 different dishes.
St. Peter's Square
Sistine Chapel
DAY FIVE>
Valletta, Malta
Transfer to the airport this morning for a non-stop flight to the Mediterranean island nation of Malta!
After arriving at Luqa International Airport, transfer to Malta’s capital of Valletta, known as undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and elegant cities in Europe. A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, it is one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world, boasting some of Europe's finest palaces and churches, as well as numerous museums.
After settling in, join a local guide who will be taking you on a historical walking your of Valletta. See famous sites such as:
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The new Parliament building and the ruins of the Royal Opera House
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The Church of Our Lady of Victory
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Upper Barrakka Gardens
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The Auberges of Castille and Italy
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The Castellania, or Law Courts of the Knights
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St. John’s Co-cathedral
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The Great Siege Monument
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Strait Street
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St. George’s Square and the Grand Master’s Palace
Later, enjoy free time to explore Valletta
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS:
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Hop on Hop off Bus Tour
Enjoy total access to all of Rome’s attractions with the 24-hour hop on hop off bus pass. You can get on and off as many times as you please and also enjoy commentary of all of the places you pass by
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Bird Park & National Aquarium
Visit Birdpark Malta and the National Aquarium on a 4-hour tour from Valletta. Have time at each place to learn about the many birds, animals, and marine creatures that live there, and watch them at play and at rest. Perfect for families and animal lovers of all ages.
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Valletta Sightseeing Cruise
Historical battlements, ancient forts, and pretty coastal towns are just some of the sights you can expect to see on this tour of Valletta’s peninsula. Travel to Sliema, one of the capital’s ports, and board a boat for your sightseeing cruise. Glide past the Grand Harbor and see the 'Three Cities', a collective name given to the ancient fortress cities of Senglea, Cospicua, and Vittoriosa.
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Wine Tasting Tour
Visit Malta’s ‘Three Cities,’ on a 4-hour tour of Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea, then sample Maltese wine at a local winery. You’ll explore winding streets lined with historic churches and landmarks, learn stories from Malta’s dramatic past, and see some of the island’s top sites. This 4-hour tour includes pickup and drop-off as well as a wine tasting with light snacks.
City of Valletta at Sunset
a sample of Valletta's vibrant streets
views of the city from the Mediterranean Sea
Inside of St. John's Co-cathedral
DAY SIX>
Valletta, Malta
Enjoy free time in Valletta or opt for an excursion.
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS:
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Gozo Day Trip
Visit the island of Gozo on this day trip from Malta. In the company of a guide, travel to the neighboring island of Gozo to visit many ancient sites and historic landmarks. You’ll also see some of the Mediterranean’s most gorgeous beach vistas, visit Victoria’s citadel, and enjoy a nice lunch at a local restaurant.
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Hagar Qim Temple, Limestone Heritage, & Market
Travel by coach around the scenic archipelago of Malta on this guided, full-day tour. Visit the famous Blue Grotto, whose sparkling waters have been featured in Troy and other award-winning movies. Enjoy free time in the coastal village of Marsaxlokk to stroll the waterfront market, and after sitting down to a leisurely 3-course lunch with wine, visit the Ghar Dalam cave and Hagar Quim Temple.
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Taormina & Mt. Etna Full Day Trip to Sicily
Full day guided excursion departing from Malta with high-speed catamaran to Sicily. Visit Taormina and Mount Etna in a comfortable coach complete with local guide.
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Scenic Tour of Palazzo Parisio, Clapham Junction, Dungli Cliffs, & Buskett Gardens
Explore some of Malta’s most beautiful places on a half-day tour of Palazzo Parisio, Clapham Junction, Buskett Gardens, and the Dingli Cliffs, where you’ll have sweeping views of the coast from the highest point on Malta. This 4-hour tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees, and a coffee break with pastizzi, a traditional Maltese savory pastry.
Blue Grotto
Ancient Ggantija Temples
a view of Mt. Etna in Sicily
DAY SEVEN>
Florence, Italy
Transfer to the airport this morning and fly to the beautiful Tuscany region of Northern Italy
After arriving in Florence, transfer to your hotel and settle in
Later, join your local guide on a historical walking tour of Florence, including sites such as:
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Orsanmichele
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Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore (outside)
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Battistero of San Giovanni
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Basilica SS. Annunziata and Ospedale degli Innocenti
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Palazzo Medici-Riccardi
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Central Market
After the walking tour, return to the Duomo for a closer look inside and also opt to join the group onwards to the Duomo Museum, San Marcos Monastery, Galleria dell'Accademia (home of Michelangelo’s David), Giotto’s Tower, & Gates of Paradise
Later, opt for a visit to the famous Uffizi Gallery or enjoy free time in Florence
the massive Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore
Florence's Central Market
DAY EIGHT>
Florence, Italy
After breakfast, join your local guide on another walking tour, this time covering a different part of the city. Visit famous sites such as:
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Santa Trinita Bridge
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Passera Square
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Pitti Palace
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Vasarian Corridor
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Ponte Vecchio,
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Piazza della Signoria
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Old Palace
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Galileo Museum
After your tour, enjoy free time in Florence
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS:
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Florence Vespa Tour: Tuscan Hills & Italian Cuisine
Take a spin through Tuscany on a vintage Vespa with this 4-hour tour from Florence. A local guide will lead the way up through the scenic hills, where you’ll pass the famous Piazzale Michelangelo and the Church of San Miniato al Monte. Afterward, head back to Florence for a traditional Italian meal to top off your journey.
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Cinque Terre Day Trip
Experience the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre in one day with a guided tour through the five idyllic fishing villages of old-world Italy. Following the walking trails along the cliffs of the national park, you will see glorious views of this unspoiled stretch of the Italian Riviera. This day trip to Cinque Terre from Florence includes transportation by coach, train and boat.
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Taste of Chianti: Tuscan Cheese & Wine Tour
Get a true taste of Italy's famous Chianti region on this full-day wine and food tour departing from Florence. Led by a guide, travel through the Tuscan hills by a 4x4 off-road vehicle, stopping to visit a wine estate and historic villa, and a cellar specializing in bottles of Chianti Classico. Sample the finest specialties at each stop, and save room for a 3-course meal in the Chianti countryside before making the return trip to Florence.
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Venice Day Trip
Spend a day in Venice with roundtrip tickets on the high-speed train from Florence. Along with your 2-hour train ride, this package also includes a meet-and-greet with a host in Florence to organize your travel plans and a Vessel card for Venice's 'vaporetto' transportation system so you can get around easily.
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Hop on Hop off Bus Tour
Enjoy total access to all of Rome’s attractions with the 24-hour hop on hop off bus pass. You can get on and off as many times as you please and also enjoy commentary of all of the places you pass by
Ponte Vecchio Bridge
Picturesque Cinque Terre
Iconic Gondola Ride in Venice
A couple enjoying the Florence Vespa Tour
DAY NINE>
Pisa, Italy
After breakfast, transfer to the nearby city of Pisa for an afternoon of exploration via high-speed train.
See the famous Leaning Tower and also get a chance to visit the Baptistery, Duomo, Cemetery, & Fortress Tower.
After some fun souvenir shopping, head back to Florence for your last night in Italy
