Best of Italy with Katie Kiesner

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Best of Italy with Katie Kiesner

October 6, 2027
– October 17, 2027

12 Days

Join Fox World Travel and Insight Vacations on this not-to-be-missed tour to the beautiful country of Italy. View incredible Roman antiquities, the beauty of Venetian canals, the scenes and scents of Tuscany, Renaissance Florence, and Capri’s brilliant sunlight!  You will experience a touch of ‘la dolce vita’ for the perfect tour of Italy. This customized tour itinerary has something for everyone and is a FAVORITE among Fox Travelers!

Daily Itinerary

Your journey begins in Chicago O’Hare, where you will board your overnight flight to Italy.

Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with Classical antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces, and baroque churches. Upon arrival in Rome, you will be transferred to your hotel. Tonight, meet your Tour Director for a Welcome Dinner, a fun evening of Italian cuisine and wine.

Hotel: Bettoja Hotel Mediterraneo Rome or similar

Meal: Dinner with Wine

The day is devoted to the Eternal City. Join a Local Expert for an in-depth visit to the Vatican Museums, full of priceless art treasures collected by the Popes. Visit the Sistine Chapel where the Popes are elected and to admire Michelangelo’s famous ceiling.* Continue to St. Peter’s Basilica, to wonder at another of his works, the emotive ‘Pietà,’ and stand beneath the dome completed after his death.  The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps continue your exploration of Rome to see the Pantheon, the stunning piazzas and fountains of Rome.

Hotel: Bettoja Hotel Mediterraneo Rome (or similar)

Meal: Breakfast

With our local expert, we will explore the glorious history of the Roman Empire. See the incredible Circus Maximus then enjoy priority reserved entrance ahead of the crowds, we’ll hear tales of deadly gladiatorial combat inside the mighty Colosseum (subject to availability; if tickets for the Colosseum are not available, the group will visit the Forum instead and have an in-depth walking experience around the exterior of the Colosseum). Come up close and personal with the beautifully preserved Arch of Constantine then walk in the footsteps of Roman soldiers and gaze over the incredible ruins of the Forum, once the center of political, religious, and social life, while hearing tales of the mighty Roman Empire. Truly an incredible vision as history comes alive!

Hotel: Bettoja Hotel Mediterraneo Rome (or similar)

Meal: Breakfast

Travel north through glorious, peaceful Tuscan landscapes to Florence, the Birthplace of the Renaissance. Join a Local Expert for a walking orientation of the historic city center. A highlight is the visit to the Accademia Gallery (subject to availability) to study Michelangelo’s monumental statue, David. Continue to the multi-colored marble cathedral to admire Giotto’s bell tower and Gates of Paradise, recreated in all their glory. Visit the Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence, and explore the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city’s historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. In the evening, don’t miss the chance to sample the fine Florentine cuisine of tasty starters and rich pastas accompanied by Chianti wine.

Hotel: Ambasciatori Hotel Florence (or similar)

Meal: Breakfast

With a Local Expert, visit San Gimignano, considered a medieval Manhattan, due to its towers which dominate the skyline. Soak up the unique atmosphere of this ancient gem which has remained intact since the 14th century and today is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the evening, walk through the home of the Italian Renaissance diplomat and writer, Niccolo Machiavelli, with a special opening of his private office where he wrote ‘The Prince.’ Visit the Italian garden for views of Florence’s iconic domed cathedral and see the historic cellar which connects to the oldest restaurant in Italy by a secret underground tunnel. Enjoy a wonderful cooking demonstration, with superb food and wine, providing warm and genuine Tuscan hospitality (subject to availability).

Hotel: Ambasciatori Hotel Florence (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Journey to the coastal town of Pisa and see the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles, as well as the baptistery and colonnaded bell tower behind the cathedral. Relax and enjoy the scenery as you cross the spectacular Apennine Mountains, through the Emilia-Romagna region – one of Europe’s most intensely farmed fertile plains. Continue through the marshes of the Venetian Lagoon before crossing the causeway into the floating city of Venice. As evening falls, day-trippers desert the city to return to the mainland. Appreciate the peace and tranquility of Venice from your centrally located hotel. This evening, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

 

Hotel: NH Venezia Santa Lucia Venice (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

In the morning, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a visit to an arts center and admire the age-old skill of glassblowing by skilled artisans. In the afternoon, your private boat takes you past historic churches and 13th century palaces to St. Mark’s Square. The first sight is the pink marble of the Doge’s Palace, connected to the prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. It was from here that Casanova made his daring escape. Turn the corner, and the gilded regalia of St. Mark’s Basilica comes into view. Afterwards, board a traditional gondola for a serenade along the romantic canals. Tonight, sit back and take it all in as private water taxis whisk you to Piazza San Marco where we have seats reserved outside a famous Venetian café, in front of a live orchestra and in view of those illuminated St Mark’s sights. Our private water taxis will also take us the length of the Grand Canal, under the Rialto Bridge and back to our hotel, having seen Venice at its most magical.

Hotel:NH Venezia Santa Lucia Venice (or similar)

Meal: Breakfast

Leave Venice and continue through the Appennines to peaceful Assisi, home of St. Francis, and one of Italy’s most beautiful mountain towns, dotted with medieval churches, colorful frescoes, and shady courtyards.  First, see the famous Church of St. Mary of the Angels and then continue up Mount Subasio to the upper town. Step inside the huge Basilica, built in the 13th Century after St. Francis’ death, where the frescoes by Giotto heralded a new era in Italian art. Arrive at your hotel, located in the heart of the medieval Old Town. Enjoy the tranquility of the historic old town during free time.

Hotel: Giotto Hotel Assisi (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

With an early start today, you will travel south passing Cassino, the scene of a fierce battle during World War II. Follow the spectacular clifftop road to the picturesque resort of Sorrento, overlooking the Bay of Naples to Mount Vesuvius. En route, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Vesuvius National Park and visit Casa Barone (subject to availability). This small family run farm on the slopes of the volcano is one of the world’s only producers of Piennolo tomatoes, an endangered fruit that only thrives in the fertile volcanic soil. Each harvest is sustainably farmed and cared for by the extended Barone family, who all work here. Be sure to savor the unique flavors of this rare tomato during a truly unique Farm to-Table lunch. Then visit Pompeii, once buried in A.D. 79 by the historic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Walk with your Local Expert through the cobbled streets to see a city frozen in time.

Hotel: Hotel Isabella Sorrento (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine

Cross the Bay of Naples to reach the beautiful Isle of Capri, a rock rising sheer from the Mediterranean! For 2,000 years, Capri has beckoned visitors from Emperor Tiberius to Gracie Fields. Arriving at the Marina Grande by boat, ascend to Capri town. A Local Expert joins you for an exploration of the narrow alleyways. Browse in deluxe boutiques and wonder at the views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Weather permitting, experience a private, guided cruise along the beautiful southern coast to see spectacular cliffs, the famous Faraglioni Rocks and White Grotto sea cave with its small red coral. View the turquoise waters and private villas and hear the stories of Roman Emperors and famous people through history who have called Capri home before ascending to Capri town. Return to Sorrento, where you are at leisure for the rest of the day.

Hotel: Hotel Isabella Sorrento (or similar)

Meal: Breakfast

Your tour comes to an end after breakfast. Transfer from the hotel to the Naples airport for your flight home.

Meal: Breakfast

Tour Highlights

  • Rome – Spend the day exploring the Eternal City with an in‑depth guided visit to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, home to Michelangelo’s masterpieces. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to discover Rome’s highlights, such as the Pantheon and its beautiful piazzas and fountains.
  • Tuscan Dinner & Cooking Demonstration – Florence and Tuscany are renowned for their rich gastronomic heritage. We’ll travel into the hills near Florence to the northernmost part of the Chianti, where a local chef will introduce you to the dishes that make Tuscan cuisine famous throughout the world. Enjoy the cooking demonstration, with superb food and wine!
  • San Gimignano Excursion – A wonderful excursion with our Local Expert to Tuscany’s most famous hill-top town! Visit San Gimignano, considered a medieval Manhattan, due to its towers which dominate the skyline, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Magical Venice – Venice can be Europe’s most romantic city in the evening, offering dramatic landscapes with buildings that dazzle as the sun sets and the lights go on. Sit back and take it all in as private water taxis take you to the center of it all, Piazza San Marco, where we have seats reserved outside a famous Venetian Cafe, in front of a live orchestra and in view of those illuminated St Mark’s sights. Our private water taxis will also take us the length of the Grand Canal.
  • Island Tour of Capri – Experience a private, guided cruise along the beautiful southern coast to see spectacular cliffs, the famous Faraglioni Rocks and White Grotto Sea Cave with its small red coral. View the turquoise waters and private villas and hear the stories of Roman Emperors and famous people through history who have called Capri home before ascending to Capri town.

A Tour Manager from Fox World Travel will accompany the group, offering peace of mind as you travel! *

We’ll also have a professional Insight Tour Director and local driver/guides for transfers and included experiences!

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Hotel Accomodations

  • 3 nights Rome
  • 2 nights Florence
  • 2 nights Venice
  • 1 night Assisi
  • 2 nights Sorrento
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Dining

  • Daily Breakfast
  • 1 Lunch
  • 4 dinners including wine
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Transportation

  • Round-trip air from Chicago O’Hare to Rome, and return from Naples, Italy including air taxes & fees
  • Round-trip airport/hotel transfers in Rome & Sorrento to Naples (when purchasing our air-tour package)

Pricing

Air & Tour Package
$8,676.00
*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
Tour Only Package
$7,081.00
*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy

Important Information

Initial Deposit: $400.00 per person

Single Supplement: $1585.00 per person

Fox Professional Fee: $50.00 per reservation will be charged at time of deposit, non-refundable

Final Payment: No later than June 17, 2027

Requirements: A valid US passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from date of return.

Fox Professional Fee: Package price includes a $50.00 non-refundable Professional Fee per reservation. Fee will be charged at the time of deposit and will show as an additional payment from Fox World Travel.

Not Included: ETIAS Visa (when implemented), Airline flights on land-only packages, air-imposed baggage fees, gratuities for airport porters, tour guides, motorcoach drivers, meals (other than those included in the package), optional excursions, travel insurance and any items of a personal nature.

Terms: Minimum of travelers are required for the tour to operate and send a Fox World Travel tour manager to accompany the group. In the event the minimum number is not reached, the tour will operate with a professional, local guide in the destination. Hotels and daily itinerary are subject to change.

Group Air: A minimum of 10 passengers is needed for the group air. Flights are currently pending. The air-inclusive package includes air that has not yet been assigned, the identity of the carrier, which may include the carrier`s code-share partner, will be assigned and disclosed at a later date. Price includes approximate air taxes and fees. Air package pricing is subject to change until contracted due to the volatility of airfare costs. Checked luggage fees may apply. Frequent Flier miles may not be available to group air travel. Fox World Travel has no control over flight or equipment changes, seat assignments, delays, or cancellations. Airline tickets will be non-refundable once issued. Changes will be subject to a fee plus any fare difference. Additional restrictions may apply. Pricing and flight options from other cities available upon request.

Insurance: For peace of mind, we recommend purchasing travel protection insurance. Your travel advisor can discuss options with you, including medical expense coverage, pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers, trip cancellation, trip delay, lost, delayed, or damaged baggage and more. To cover pre-existing conditions, most policies must be purchased within 14 days of making your initial deposit. Travel protection insurance prices are based on your age and the trip cost.

Cancellation Penalties:

From date of deposit to June 17, 2027: Initial deposit of $400.00 per person + Fox Fee

June 18 to July 15, 2027: 50% package price cancellation fee + applicable airline fees

July 16 to August 16, 2027: 75% package price cancellation fee + applicable airline fees

August 17, 2027 till date of departure: No refunds

Fox World Cancellation Fee of $100.00 per reservation will apply in addition to any Fox Group Vacation or vendor cancellation penalties. Air tickets are non-refundable once ticketed.

Activity Level 3 – Active 
Ideal for curious, on-the-go travelers who want to experience as much as possible. Days may be full with early starts, longer walking tours, and extended periods of standing—up to three hours at a time. Expect to cover up to four miles a day on varied terrain such as hills, cobblestones, and uneven streets, and be prepared to climb at least three to five flights of stairs, sometimes without handrails. Travelers should be comfortable boarding different modes of transportation.
Mobility Guidance: Travelers with mobility assistance needs may participate, but accommodations are very limited at this level. Even with advance notice, guests must be able to walk longer distances and join sightseeing activities without mobility aids at times. 

RESPONSIBILITY: We and any sponsoring organizations act only as agent for the suppliers of travel services such as airlines, hotels, car rental companies, tour operators, restaurants, sightseeing companies, entertainment providers, and cruise lines (the “Suppliers”). We are not responsible for the acts or omissions of the Suppliers that cause losses or damages arising from physical or emotional injury, property or other economic damage, consequential damages, or monetary losses, or arising from any other causes beyond our control. We reserve the right to make any changes in the itinerary deemed necessary, and also the right to decline or retain any person as a member of the Trip. If you choose to arrange your own transportation for any portion of the Trip, we are not responsible for any arrangements or associated costs should there be a change in date that requires changes or cancellation to transportation arranged by you. We are not responsible should there be any changes with vacation hosts, tour managers, or entertainment. You grant to FWT and its designated agents the right to acquire and use the audio, photographic, video and other portrayals of your image, likeness, and voice in any medium of any nature whatsoever, including the Internet, for the purpose of trade, advertising, sales, publicity or otherwise, without compensation.

We will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled travelers, but we are not responsible in the event we are unable to do so nor are we responsible for any denial of services by Suppliers. The American with Disabilities Act is only applicable within the United States and facilities for disabled individuals are limited outside its borders. Most transportation services, including a touring motor coach, are not equipped with wheelchair ramps. We regret we cannot provide individual assistance to a vacation participant for walking, dining, getting on and off motor coaches and other vehicles, or other personal needs. A qualified and physically able companion must accompany travelers who need such assistance and must assume full responsibility for their well-being. Motorized scooters are unsuitable for most vacations.

We have no special knowledge regarding the financial condition of the Suppliers, unsafe conditions, health hazards, weather hazards, or climate extremes at locations to which you may travel. For information concerning possible dangers at destinations, we recommend contacting the Travel Warnings Section of the U.S. State Department at (202) 647-5225 or www.travel.state.gov. For medical information, we recommend contacting the Centers for Disease Control at (877) FYI-TRIP or www.cdc.gov/travel. You assume full and complete responsibility for checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements of your destination(s), and all conditions regarding health, safety, security, political stability, and labor or civil unrest at such destination(s). You hereby release us from all claims arising out of any problem covered in this paragraph. You agree that the courts in Winnebago County, Wisconsin will be the exclusive jurisdiction for all claims brought by you or us, and you hereby submit to the personal jurisdiction of those courts.

We work vigilantly with the Suppliers to maintain integrity of the price you were originally quoted and placed on deposit. There may be certain circumstances where your vacation may be subject to a price increase prior to full payment due to a supplier or government issued surcharge. Prices will not increase after you make full payment, except for charges resulting from increases in government-imposed taxes or fees, fuel surcharges, exchange fluctuations or any combinations of these. Fox World Travel will make a reasonable attempt to contact you prior to issuing charges.