Simply Italy

Accomodations
* 11 nights twin or triple share hotel accommodation * 11 continental breakfasts (B) & 6 three-course dinners (D) as per itinerary * Hotel tips, local taxes & service charges

The Contiki Difference
* Experienced, professional Tour Manager & Driver * Modern, air-conditioned coach * Ferry crossing as per itinerary * Sightseeing tours of all major cities * Free Contiki Travelers Guide * Free Contiki document wallet

Depart for Europe ( Days)
Jet off to the trip of a lifetime awaiting you in Europe!

Arrive Rome (Dinner Days)
Check-in to your hotel, drop off your stuff and head out into the streets of Italy to get a sneak peek at Rome. Later, get to know your travel buddies and Tour Manager over dinner.

Rome to Sorrento (Breakfast Days)
Head past gritty Naples, home of the pizza, and catch a glimpse of Mt Vesuvius. Then dive into Pompeii’s well-preserved past in an interesting optional excursion to this UNESCO World Heritage site, where our expert Local Guide retraces ancient history Next up: the knock-out location of Sorrento. Set on sheer slopes, Sorrento doles up sweeping views over the Bay of Naples. You’ll enjoy the vista and an included glass of prosecco (Italian champagne) when you arrive. Tonight there’s an optional dinner, where you’ll feast on Italy’s most famous culinary offering - the pizza! Try pizza as it was meant to be (with a thin crispy crust, fresh basil, tomato and mozzarella) in a popular local pizzeria and eat Italian style in the heart of town.

Capri Excursion (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
This morning, it’s a boat ride to the main marina of the island of Capri, famous for its stunning caves and surrounding rock formations. Get out on the water of the Bay of Naples in an optional cruise around Capri in our very own traditional wooden motorboat. See the world-famous Green and White Grottos and choose to get up closer to the world-famous Blue Grotto, with its intense blue glow, on a separate boat ride into the cave. With plenty of swim stops on the cruise around the island, cool off in the Mediterranean and then use your free time to explore even more of the island. Soak up the views and head off with some friends into the cute, white-washed villages where you can try out the region’s sweet lemon liqueur, limoncello. If you have time, explore Sorrento’s web of narrow streets or the Villa Communale Park, which has stunning views of Mt Vesuvius.

Sorrento to Florence (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Wind through the Apennines Mountains and Tuscan countryside to the Renaissance city of Florence. Before arriving in Florence, we’ll stop off for a wine tasting in the rustic hills of the gorgeous Tuscan countryside, known for its iconic cypress trees and olive oil. In an historic villa, the group will see a working winery, complete with its old cellar and vats. Here you can learn more about the region’s wines as you taste a glass or two of the local wine. Then, it’s on to breathtaking Florence. The scene-stealing Duomo cathedral rises above the city’s centre, which serves up frescoes, markets and priceless art. After dinner, walk along the River Arno with your Tour Manager, take in the atmosphere and head into the heart of Florence, where you can sit back and relax Tuscan style with a glass of Chianti wine.

Florence (Breakfast Days)
Jump start the day uncovering this open-air museum. Our Local Guide gives you the inside track as the group learns about Florence’s cultural beginnings and explores streets crammed with artworks from masters like Michelangelo. Then take a look into a skillful demonstration of Florentine leather making and understand this region’s traditional art. With bargains and bustle, the city’s markets are a great place to hang out. Grab a gelato and enjoy this gorgeous city. Tonight, there’s a choice of a group dinner - an authentic Tuscan feast. Try regional dishes in the pretty Tuscan country setting. Then keep it moving with a night out and get your groove on at Florence’s biggest club. Click here for more information on entry to the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Museum featuring Michelangelo’s David.

Florence to La Spezia (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
This morning, there’s free time in Pisa and some fun photo opps of its most famous monument, the Leaning Tower. A little further on, we hit the national park and UNESCO World Heritage site of the Cinque Terre, where colourful coastal villages dot 18 kilometres of ragged cliffs and old walled vineyards tumble down the hillside almost to the water’s edge. It’s a great travelling combination of cruising (if the weather holds) and training along the coast, giving you the chance to take in the unique atmosphere. Watch the locals fishing along the shore, rub shoulders with the rich in famous in Portovenere and check out picture-postcard towns of Riomaggiore and Monterosso. One of the best things to do in your free time is walking the legendary Via dell’amore (Lover’s lane) for amazing sea views. Or if you want to just chill out and get a slice of the good life, grab a table at a beachfront cafe and try some mouthwatering pesto with locally baked foccacia bread.

La Spezia to Milan (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Today the energy levels turn up a notch as we spend a day in Italy’s fashion capital and economic powerhouse, Milan. Your Tour Manager will show off Milan’s monuments and talk to you about the massive Duomo cathedral, the elegant shopping arcade of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the world-famous La Scala Opera House, where many singing greats have graced the stage. With a free afternoon, hit the streets of this cool capital and you’ll be rewarded with designer stores and funky little boutiques. Your Tour Manager, who knows Milan’s ins and outs, will be happy to point you in the right direction for the best buys before you flash the plastic. Click here for more information on entry to Santa Maria delle Grazie featuring Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper".

Milan to Venice (Breakfast Days)
Along the pretty shores of Lake Garda, we drop into the quintessential European lake town of Sirmione, complete with vine-covered villas, Roman ruins and a castle. For amazing views of the surrounding Dolomite Mountain range and an interesting lakeside look at the local lifestyle, we’ve organised a chance to go out on Italy’s largest lake in an optional cruise. Then we travel to Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Get romantic and stand under one of the world’s most famous shrines to love, Juliet’s balcony from Romeo and Juliet. Check out the main shopping street and the Roman arena, before heading off to Venice.

Venice (Breakfast Days)
Known as the “floating city” Venice is packed with character, crammed with hidden lanes and linked by a network of canals. The group travels on our private boat through the waters of the lagoon to visit the city’s historical heart. The limestone Bridge of Sighs, the gothic arches of Doges’ Palace and the expanse of St Mark’s Square (pigeons and all!) show off Venice’s unique beauty and way of life. Learn about local artistry with a traditional glass blowing demonstration – a craft the city has been famous for since the 13th century. Take some time to explore the floating city and lose yourself in the backstreets. There’s an optional walking tour where you can discover the labyrinth of interweaving lanes, waterways, palaces, piazzi and markets with our Local Guide. You’ll see historic monuments, hidden treasures and the Rialto market - a local favourite for food shopping. Maybe grab a table on St Mark’s Square and eat some delicious Italian food al fresco. Cap off the day with an optional gondola ride with your friends. Take a bottle of prosecco (Italian champagne) and toast this unforgettable experience as you are punted through the waterways.

Venice to Rome (Breakfast, Dinner Days)
Criss-cross the Apennines Mountains as we head south. Next up: Stylish Rome. This place oozes energy and overflows with relics from another age. Get into the thriving atmosphere of this living timeline as your Tour Manager shows you the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Piazza Venezia and Piazza Navona. Honour tradition at the Trevi Fountain and throw a coin in the fountain’s waters (it’s meant to improve your chances of returning to Rome!). Maybe hang out with your new friends at the Spanish Steps, sit back and people-watch before our included dinner at a local restaurant.

Rome (Breakfast Days)
This morning, make the most of our Local Guide’s inside knowledge and uncover the remains of an ancient empire with a fantastic optional tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum. Then check-out the smallest country in the world and home to the Pope, the Vatican City. You’ve got plenty of time to take a closer look at St Peter’s Basilica or Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel. Take off into the city and absorb the atmosphere, as vespas flash past timeworn monuments that are surrounded by fountains, pizzerias, cafes and bars. Before you hit the shops, let your Tour Manager point you in the right direction with some tips on the best buys. In your free time, live the local lifestyle by indulging in a long lunch on a paved piazza or knock back a shot of espresso at the bar, like the Romans do.

Depart Rome (Breakfast Days)
The tour ends after breakfast and it’s time to say “arrivederci” to your new friends.

Don't miss our current specials: $150 off Europe Trips of 8 days or more Save $300 on Airfare - Find out how Book a Contiki to Europe & save $300 on airfare per couple. They've got deals for solo travelers also. Valid for new bookings made between March 1st-30th only and must pay air portion in full by March 30, 2010.  Offer is valid for $300 off airfare per couple or $150 off if single traveler.  All travel myst be completed by NOv 30, 2010.  Offer is valid on major airlines.  Air tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable after purchase.  Once payment is received, 100% cancellation penalties apply.  No name changes allowed once a reservation is made.  Offer is subject to availability at the time of booking.  Offer can be combined with all brochure discounts and $150 Spring Flin tour promo.  Promotion can be withdrawn at any time.   CONTIKI MILITARY DISCOUNT 5% Off for Military Members and Spouses... Valid for any Contiki trip 8 days or longer. Active or non-active members are eligible, as long as a valid military ID is provided for each person applying the discount. Mention promo code MILITARY0910 to redeem. Applies to new bookings only. Verification is required. Good for travel through 12/31/2010 Spouses must be traveling at the same time as the military member to apply the discount. Other restrictions may apply. 5% off for Contiki Alumni So you've experienced your Contiki and are ready to go again?  You lived it up with travelers from around the world and want more Contiki.  Now book another trip 8 days or longer and get 5% off! Offer valid through August 31, 2010. Valid for trips 8 days or longer. Please call uoo-942-3301 for more details. Verification of previous trip required. Travel With Friends and Save Big! Save 5% Get 4 or more people to book at the same time and each save 5% off the land. Save 7.5% Book 7 or more on the same vacation at the same time and score a 7.5% discount per person. Round up 10 friends or more, booking the same trip at the same time, and each person saves 10% OR the 11th person travels for FREE. Book 3 in a room and save 5% on most superior tours. Early Payment and Other Amazing Contiki Discounts Early Payment Discount Offer #1: Save up to US$399 Must book and pay in full at least 12 months prior to trip departure date. Valid for select trips only.   Offer #2: Save up to US$319 Must book and pay in full at least 6 months prior to departure date. Valid for select trips only.   Multiple Trip Discounts - Save $100 Book any 2 Contiki trips 10 days or longer, at the same time & get up to US$100 off the cost of the second tour. Europe Europe – Save US$100 Europe America – Save US$100 Europe + Great Britain – Save US$100 Tours may be in different countries or regions. Australia & New Zealand - Save $100 Book an Australia and New Zealand vacation at the same time and save US$100 off the total cost. Tours must be a minimum of 10 days.   Refer a Friend and You Both Save $100 Share the love! Now that you’ve traveled Contiki and had a great time, it’s time to spread the word and earn some cash! Tell your friends about Contiki and earn up to $100* for each person you refer that books. Your friends score from the deal too – each one that books a trip eight days or longer will receive $100 in excursion vouchers (good for activities like bungee jumping, gondola cruises and wine tasting). You can refer up to 10 friends (which equals $1,000 for you!) Simply complete this form and you're on your way. Remember, no cheating ("me, myself and I" do not qualify.) Terms and Conditions: 1.The referral program is valid for new trips booked as of May 1, 2009. 2.You can refer as many passengers as you’d like! You must provide valid names and e-mail addresses (e.g. you may not enter your own e-mail address or repeat the same address more than once). We will issue up to 10 $100 gift cards per Referrer per calendar year. Referees must be new passengers. Not combinable with Past Passenger discount. 3.Referee must between 18-35 years old at the time of travel. 4.Referee must have been referred online and must mention "Refer a Friend" and Referrer's name when booking their trip. 5.Upon booking their trip, the Referee will receive in their travel documentation $100 in Optional Excursion vouchers. The original Optional Excursion vouchers can be redeemed while on their trip and cannot be exchanged for cash reimbursement. 6.The Referred passenger(s) are responsible for reviewing their travel documentation and making sure they received the Optional Excursion Vouchers prior to their departure from the United States. Contiki will not issue a cash refund to passenger(s) for any Optional Excursion because the Referred passenger(s) paid the tour manager directly, forgot to pack or bring the vouchers on the tour, did not use the entire value of the vouchers, looses the vouchers, or advises us after their travel that they did not receive the vouchers. 7.If booking is made within 14 days of the departure, we cannot guarantee receipt of physical vouchers unless traveler expedites their documents at an additional cost. Scanned copies are not available 8.Contiki is not responsible if a Referrer fails to properly identify a Referee. Contiki will not retroactively record a friend who was not identified at the time of sign-up. 9.Contiki will not allow a Referee to be claimed by more than one Referrer. Once a Referee’s e-mail address has been given, it may not be changed. 10.Cash will be given out in the form of a gift card from a major credit card company with a value of $100. Gift card will be issued to Referrer only after Referee completes travel on their trip of 8 days or longer. If a Referee cancels for any reason, the referral reward is forfeited. 11.Offer is not valid for tour purchases made outside the U.S. 12.Contiki reserves the right to resolve any disputes at its sole discretion. $100 Referral cash will be received as a $100 American Express cash gift card.
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
4/3/2010 - 4/15/2010	$1,875
4/24/2010 - 5/6/2010	$1,875
5/8/2010 - 5/20/2010	$1,925
5/22/2010 - 6/3/2010	$1,969
5/29/2010 - 6/10/2010	$1,969
6/5/2010 - 6/17/2010	$1,969
6/12/2010 - 6/24/2010	$1,969
6/19/2010 - 7/1/2010	$1,969
6/26/2010 - 7/8/2010	$1,969
7/3/2010 - 7/15/2010	$1,999
7/10/2010 - 7/22/2010	$1,999
7/13/2010 - 7/25/2010	$1,999
7/17/2010 - 7/29/2010	$1,999
7/24/2010 - 8/5/2010	$1,999
7/31/2010 - 8/12/2010	$1,969
8/7/2010 - 8/19/2010	$1,925
8/14/2010 - 8/26/2010	$1,925
8/28/2010 - 9/9/2010	$1,969
9/4/2010 - 9/16/2010	$1,969
9/11/2010 - 9/23/2010	$1,969
9/18/2010 - 9/30/2010	$1,969
9/25/2010 - 10/7/2010	$1,969
10/2/2010 - 10/14/2010	$1,875
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Naples
See the Bay of Naples

Naples
See Mt. Vesuvius

Sorrento
Scenic coastal drive

Capri
Visit the Isle of Capri

Chianti region
Local wine tasting

Prague
Walking tour with a local guide

Florence
See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry & Piazza della Signoria

Florence
Florentine leather craft demonstration

Pisa
See the Leaning Tower

Cinque Terre
Visit Monterosso, Portovenere and La Spezia

Cinque Terre
Cruise (weather permitting) and train along the scenic coast

Milan
See the Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and La Scala Opera House

Lake Garda
Visit Sirmione

Verona
See Juliet's Balcony & the Roman Arena

Venice
Private motorboat to the historic islands

Venice
See the Bridge of Sighs, the Doges' Palace & St. Mark's Square

Venice
Murano glass-blowing & Burano lace-making demonstrations

Bologna
See the famous porticos & two towers.

Rome
See Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Colosseum & Roman Forum

Vatican City
See St. Peter's Basilica

$150 off Europe Trips of 8 days or more

Save $300 on Airfare - Find out how

CONTIKI MILITARY DISCOUNT

5% off for Contiki Alumni

Travel With Friends and Save Big!

Early Payment and Other Amazing Contiki Discounts

Refer a Friend and You Both Save $100

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