sardinia's rugged beauty & luxurious lifestyle italy's ... · 2014 best of italy...

2014

Best of Italy

Sardinia's Rugged Beauty & Luxurious Lifestyle

Italy's Southern Splendor

A Tuscan Cooking Experience

A Sicilian Cooking Experience

Pro Tour & Cruises | 194 South Longyard Road | Southwick | Massachusetts | 01077 Phone:.4139983424

10 Days / 9 Nights

BEST OF ITALYRome - Florence - Sorrento

On this Italian adventure, travelers visit Florence, Rome and Sorrento for 11 days with excursions to someof Italy's most compelling sites. From the splendors of the 4 Renaissance in Florence to the imperialvestiges extant in Rome and then bask in the sunny and balmy atmosphere of the Amalfi coastline amidthe most marvelous marine landscapes. And what of the memorable sights...Michelangelo's statue ofDavid in Florence, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the crypt with St. Francis remains in Assisi, Rome's Forum,Colosseum, Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museum's treasures, St. Peter's Basilica, the Great Synagogue, theunearthed ancient city of Pompeii, which volcanic lava covered 2,000 years ago, Sorrento, Positano,Amalfi, Ravello, the romantic isle of Capri and the Floral Gardens of Augustus and Villas Rufolo's tropicalgardens which inspired Wagner's opera Parsifal. Be overwhelmed by works of great artists...Cimabue,Giotto, Michelangelo, Perugino and Botticelli to name a few. Shop for leather goods and antiques inFlorence, at designers' shops in Rome's Via Condotti or at craft shops in the Amalfi's area. Naturally inItaly, when it comes to its renowned and savory cuisine and wines, Central Holidays will give you plenty ofit and even add music or a castle as in a wine tasting. In this Best of Italy package travelers will get theoverall satisfaction of discovering the true essence of Italy.

Day 1 - Wed Florence

Morning arrival into Florence's Peretola Airport. Here you'll be met andtransferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure to allow you toget acquainted with the city where Renaissance reached its highest point.

Day 2 - Thu Florence

Your morning tour takes you to Michelangelo Square for a panoramic viewof the city, the Accademia to see Michelangelo's original ''David'' statue,Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry with its ''Gates of Paradise'' doors,Signoria Square and Santa Croce Church. Afternoon is free. Tonight enjoya festive dinner with wine and music at a charming villa located on abeautiful Tuscan hillside outside Florence. (B, D)

Day 3 - Fri Florence (Pisa Excursion)

Today you will be taken on a full day excursion to Cinque Terre (FiveLands), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best preservednatural and semi-natural parts of the Mediterranean. Hillside olive grovesand vineyards perched along the coast are typical of this dramatic regionwhere for over a thousand years people have lived cultivating the steephillsides and fishing the blue waters. Your guided tour will explore the must-sees of the Cinque Terre from both land and sea, with a combination ofeasy walks, village visits, train rides and short boat trips between thevillages. (B)

Day 4 - Sat Florence/Magione/Assisi/Rome

Morning departure for Rome. Drive through the serene Tuscan and Umbrian countryside, passing by theshores of Lake Trasimeno with a stop at the Magione Castle, presently the private residence of the Princeand Grand Master of Sovereign Military Order of Knights of Malta. Here a wine expert will lecture on thevinification process that takes place at the castle, followed by a delicious tasting of the varieties of winesproduced at the castle and light lunch. Continue to Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy yourguided tour of St. Francis Basilica. Arrive in Rome in the late afternoon and enjoy a welcome cocktail


reception. (B, L)

Day 5 - Sun Rome

Rome is filled with monuments, fountains, antiquities and other sites worth exploring. Use this free day todiscover, on your own, all the Eternal City has to offer, take an optional tour or discover why Romantrattorias are famous for their fine cuisine. (B)

Day 6 - Mon Rome

This morning experience a very special privately guided tour of the priceless collection of art and treasuresin the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum. Then proceed to the Piazza Venezia and Roman Forum, witha stop at the Colosseum - a testament to the greatness of Rome's past. Continue your full day tour byviewing the Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus, the Great Synagogue, Isola Tiberina and CastelSant'Angelo. Tonight bid arrivederci to Rome at a special dinner with wine in a lovely Roman restaurant.(B, D)

Day 7 - Tue Rome/Naples/Pompeii/Sorrento

This morning drive south to Naples for an orientation tour of the city. Before heading to Sorrento, stop inPompeii, the ancient city covered by volcanic lava 2,000 years ago, for a guided tour of the remarkablypreserved ruins of temples, houses, gardens and public buildings. Then drive along the spectacular coastroad of the Bay of Naples to Sorrento, the famous resort town of orange and lemon groves. Dinner at yourhotel restaurant is included. (B, D)

Day 8 - Wed Sorrento/Positano/Amalfi/Ravello/Sorrento

Leave Sorrento in the morning for Positano. Brief stop at the Belvedere to enjoy a unique view of Moorisharchitecture blended with pastel colored houses. Weather permitting, board a motorlaunch and cruisealong the coast to Amalfi for a walking tour of the old town. Continue to Ravello. Enjoy lunch at arestaurant with spectacular views of the Amalfi coast and the Bay of Salerno. Free time for a stroll aroundthe center of town before returning to Sorrento. (B, L)

Day 9 - Thu Sorrento/Capri/Sorrento

A morning jetfoil whisks you across the blue Bay of Naples to the fabled Isle of Capri, where you willascend to the Piazzetta, visit the Floral Gardens of Caesar Augustus, and still have free time for lunch andsome shopping before returning to Sorrento. Tonight dinner is at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Day 10 - Fri Sorrento to USA (or extend your stay)

Morning transfer to Naples' Capodichino Airport for your return flight home. (B)

Included Features:

First class hotel accommodation for 9 nights 15 included meals consisting of: - 9 buffet breakfasts - 1 dinner at hotel - 3 gourmet dinners with mini a-la-carte menu at local restaurants - 1 gourmet lunch with mini a-la-carte menu at local restaurant - 1 light lunch at Magione Castle Wine, mineral water and coffee or cappuccino served with meals at hotels and restaurants Touring by private deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach Assistance of a professional Tour Director for the entire length of the tour Sightseeing, including local guide and all entrance fees, as follows: - Walking tour of Florence, including entrance fee for the Accademia - Excursion to Cinque Terre - Wine tasting at Magione Castle - Tour of Assisi and visit of St. Francis Basilica - Tour of Rome, including entrance fees for the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, and for the Colosseum


- Orientation tour of Naples - Guided tour of Pompeii - Amalfi coast excursion, including cruise (weather permitting) - Excursion to Capri and visit of the Gardens of Caesar Augustus Arrival and departure airport transfers Baggage handling Travel bag, one per person Document holder and luggage tags Personalized audio system to hear every word your guide says, even from a distance Hotel taxes and service charges City tax

Excludes:

Airfare, Airport taxes & Fuel Surcharges Visa upon arrival (and upon re-entry) if required Tips and Personal items Travel Insurance Optional Tours

Best Price starting at $2391(Based on per person in Double Occupancy)


7 Days / 6 Nights

SARDINIA'S RUGGED BEAUTY & LUXURIOUSLIFESTYLE

Cagliari - Arzachena - Alghero

Sardinia's Rugged Beauty and Luxurious Lifestyle are yours to live during this all-encompassing journeyaround the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Begin your adventure at Sardinia'ssouthernmost tip in the ancient port city of Cagliari, then continue to Nora and delve into the Punic andRoman archaeological area where the Stele of Nora was discovered, the oldest written document thatshows the name Sardinia in the Phoenician alphabet. A scenic drive to Chia, a pearl on the southern coastof Sardinia, will have you gazing upon the crystal clear sea, golden sand dunes and coastal pondsinhabited by colorful birds. Return to Cagliari, the island's capital city located on the beautiful Bay of theAngels and savor dinner at one of the best restaurants in town. Explore Barumini where the UNESCOWorld Heritage Site of Su Nuraxi di Barumini, a nuraghe complex that dates back to the 15thcentury B.C.,is located. Then delight in a flavorful meat-based lunch at a locally renowned restaurant before departingfor the Barbagia region. This sparsely populated region is known for its rocky, rugged hills with inhabitantsthat enjoy extraordinary longevity and the famous cannonau wine has been produced for over 3,000 years--yes, you will definitely enjoy a tasting session of this famous wine. A sailing adventure to the MaddalenaArchipelago of 62 islands will whisk you over crystal-clear waters to pristine beaches. The next day PortoCervo's luxurious yachts and chic restaurants lie before you to experience. Explore at leisure or join in atour to the Caves of Neptune, dating back to prehistoric times. Adventuring and the luxe life await inSardinia.

Day 1 - Sun Cagliari

Morning arrival into Cagliar's Elmas Airport. Here you'll be met andtransferred to your hotel in Cagliari. The balance of the day is at leisure tostart exploring the ancient port city of Cagliari, on Sardinia's southernmosttip. Straddling a long bay between psychedelic blue waters and rolling ocherfields, Cagliari is a true emerald in the rough.

Day 2 - Mon Cagliari/Nora/Chia/Cagliari

This morning, we start our tour with a stop in Nora, the Punic and Romanarchaeological area that stands on the promontory of Capo di Pula, alsoremembered for the discovery of the Stele of Nora, the oldest writtendocument that shows the name of Sardinia in Phoenician alphabet. Afterthe tour, we drive along the panoramic road to Chia. Symbolized by thetower of Spanish origin, with its clear sea, golden sand dunes and coastalponds inhabited by numerous water birds, among which stand out the vividcolors of pink flamingos, Chia is one of the pearls of the southern coast ofSardinia. Free time for lunch on your own in Pula. In the afternoon, wehead back to Cagliari, Sardinia's capital city. Located at the heart of thebeautiful Bay of the Angels, like Rome, Cagliari was built on seven hillswhich identify the historic neighborhoods of the city. Walk in the heart ofthe city, the Castello district, and learn about the rich history of thesepeople and their beautiful land. Tonight we say goodbye to Cagliari withdinner in one of the best restaurants in town. (B,D)

Day 3 - Tue Cagliari/Barumini/Barbagia region/Arzachena


Today we leave Cagliari. Stop en route in the small village of Barumini, a UNESCO World Heritage siteand one of Sardinia's top tourist sites. Here, the nuraghe (or stone tower) dates from the 15th century BCwhile the huts outside the tower were built around the 12th century BC. After a traditional meat basedlunch, we continue our journey to the Barbagia region, one of the most sparsely populated regions in Italy,mainly known for its rocky, rugged hills, a cluster of villages in the mountains whose residents enjoyextraordinary longevity, and the ''cannonau'', a wine that has been produced in this area for over 3,000years. After a wine tasting session, we end our journey in Northern Gallura. Overnight in Arzachena. (B,L)

Day 4 - Wed Arzachena/La Maddalena National Park/Arzachena

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the port where you will embark on a sailing boat for anunforgettable journey to the Maddalena Archipelago, one of the most stunning locations in the whole of theMediterranean. This constellation of 62 islands boasts pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Lunch onboard is included as you sail through different islands. Return to Arzachena for overnight at the hotel. (B,L)

Day 5 - Thu Arzachena/Porto Cervo/Alghero

After breakfast we depart for Porto Cervo. Symbol of the Emerald Coast, Porto Cervo is synonymous ofluxury tourism, trendy bars, restaurants and yachts, as well as a privileged place of encounters forinternational jetsetters. Time to walk around before resuming our journey. After check-in at your hotel andtime for lunch on your own, you will be taken on a guided tour of Alghero, a city that still retains itsdistinctive Catalan character deriving from the influence of Pedro IV of Aragon who seized control of thetown in the midfourteenth century and embarked on an intense period of colonization from Spain. Visit ofthe old walled town and its labyrinth of narrow lanes. Overnight in Alghero. (B)

Day 6 - Fri Alghero

Full day at leisure to relax or if you wish, visit on your own and weather permitting, the Caves of Neptune.The embarkation point is within walking distance from your hotel and you will be provided with round-tripferry tickets. Their history dates back to prehistoric times. Several tracks, belonging to the Neolithic, foundwithin them, suggest that about two million years have passed since their formation. It's almost certain thatthe primitive men knew and used them, according to their needs. They extend for about 4 kilometers, butfor safety reasons, visitors can access only a part of them. Apart from being an important touristdestination welcoming visitors from all over the world, the Caves of Neptune are also a place of greatattraction for speleologists, the only ones able to explore its most secret recesses. (B)

Day 7 - Sat Alghero to USA (or extend your stay)

Morning transfer to airport for your return flight home. (B)

Included Features:

First class hotel accommodation for 6 nights9 included meals consisting of:- 6 buffet breakfasts- 1 dinner at local restaurant- 1 lunch at local restaurant- 1 lunch on sailing boatWine, mineral water and coffee or cappuccino served with meals at hotels and restaurantsTouring by private deluxe air-conditioned motorcoachAssistance of a professional Tour Director from day 2 to day 5Sightseeing, including local guide and all entrance fees as follows:- Tour of Nora- Tour of Cagliari- Visit of Barumini- Wine tasting in Barbagia region- Full day excursion on sailing boat to La Maddalena National Park- Visit of Porto Cervo- Visit of AlgheroRound-trip ferry tickets to Caves of Neptune (weather permitting)


Arrival and departure airport transfersBaggage handlingTravel bag, one per personDocument holder and luggage tagsHotel taxes and service chargesCity tax



13 Days / 12 Nights

ITALY'S SOUTHERN SPLENDORRome - Sorrento - Taormina - Palermo

Travelers enjoy 13 days in Rome, Sorrento and Sicily, a winning combination! During this unforgettableitinerary, guests will explore the narrow, ancient streets, monuments, piazzas, fountains of Rome, visit thevestiges of the city imperial past and Vatican City's treasures housed in the Sistine Chapels and theVatican Museum. Relax by the splendid views of deep blue sea of the villages that dot the Amalfi Coast...Positano, Amalfi, Ravello and the pearl that sits right off the coast, the Isle of Capri. Before indulging inclassic Sicilian cuisine on the famed island. This escorted itinerary fulfills the senses with stays in theancient cities of Taormina and Agrigento, where travelers explore the majestic ruins of the Valley of theTemples and view the largest active volcano in Europe, Mt. Etna. Signature features of Central Holidaysvacations are the deluxe motorcoaches, the friendly professionalism of the tour directors, the selectedcentrally located first class hotels and the lunches and dinners at local restaurants to enjoy savory regionalcuisine. Meals winning perks with each meal are the included wines, mineral waters, coffee orcappuccino. In Sicily you will also attend a honey-tasting in Zafferana and a tasting of Marsala wine (asweet wine). Obviously, as in all of our tours the sites will take central stage and in Italy they areinnumerable as well as memorable.

Day 1 - Sat Rome

Morning arrival into Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport. Here you'll be metand transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure.

Day 2 - Sun Rome

Rome is filled with monuments, fountains, antiquities and other sites worthexploring. Use this free day to discover, on your own, all the Eternal Cityhas to offer, take an optional tour or discover why Roman trattorias arefamous for their fine cuisine. (B)

Day 3 - Mon Rome

This morning experience a very special privately guided tour of the pricelesscollection of art and treasures in the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum.Then proceed to the Piazza Venezia and Roman Forum, with a stop at theColosseum - a testament to the greatness of Rome's past. Continue yourfull day tour by viewing the Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus, the GreatSynagogue, Isola Tiberina and Castel Sant'Angelo. Tonight bid arrivedercito Rome at a special dinner with wine in a lovely Roman restaurant. (B, D)

Day 4 - Tue Rome/Naples/Pompeii/Sorrento

This morning drive south to Naples for an orientation tour of the city. Beforeheading to Sorrento, stop in Pompeii, the ancient city covered by volcaniclava 2,000 years ago, for a guided tour of the remarkably preserved ruins oftemples, houses, gardens and public buildings. Then drive along thespectacular coast road of the Bay of Naples to Sorrento, the famous resorttown of orange and lemon groves. Dinner at your hotel restaurant is included. (B, D)

Day 5 - Wed Sorrento/Positano/Amalfi/Ravello/Sorrento

Leave Sorrento in the morning for Positano. Brief stop at the Belvedere to enjoy a unique view of Moorisharchitecture blended with pastel colored houses. Weather permitting, board a motorlaunch and cruisealong the coast to Amalfi for a walking tour of the old town. Continue to Ravello. Enjoy lunch at a


restaurant with spectacular views of the Amalfi coast and the Bay of Salerno. Free time for a stroll aroundthe center of town before returning to Sorrento. (B, L)

Day 6 - Thu Sorrento/Capri/Sorrento

A morning jetfoil whisks you across the blue Bay of Naples to the fabled Isle of Capri, where you willascend to the Piazzetta, visit the Floral Gardens of Caesar Augustus, and still have free time for lunch andsome shopping before returning to Sorrento. Tonight dinner is at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Day 7 - Fri Sorrento/Naples/Catania/Taormina

Transfer to Naples airport for your flight to Catania. Arrival in Catania airport. Transfer to your hotel inTaormina. Tonight dinner is at your hotel. (B, D)

Day 8 - Sat Taormina

Morning excursion to the slopes of Mt. Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. In the afternoon therewill be a walking tour of Taormina's charming city center and the Greek/Roman amphitheater. (B)

Day 9 - Sun Taormina/Syracuse/Taormina

Today experience an included excursion to Syracuse for a guided tour of its Archaeological Park. Thisevening savor a special Sicilian dinner in a local restaurant. (B, D)

Day 10 - Mon Taormina/Agrigento/Palermo

Depart for Agrigento, a hillside town famous for its magnificent Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site, dating back to the 5th century B.C. After a guided tour of the valley, resume travel toPalermo. Dinner tonight is at your hotel. (B, D)

Day 11 - Tue Palermo/Segesta/Marsala/Trapani/Palermo

Travel to Segesta, a large archaeological zone, before arriving to Marsala, a town known for its sweetwines. After a visit of a wine cellar for a special Marsala wine-tasting session, drive along Trapani'scoastline. Stop for a typical Sicilian lunch in a restaurant by the sea before returning to Palermo. (B, L)

Day 12 - Wed Palermo

A morning tour of Palermo features Quattro Canti - a splendid example of Spanish Baroque architecture,the Palace of the Normans and its superb Palatine Chapel, the cathedral, and the Benedictine Abbey ofMonreale. Balance of the day is at leisure. In the evening, bid arrivederci to your travel companions duringa festive farewell dinner with delectable cuisine and sparkling wine in a fashionable restaurant. (B, D)

Day 13 - Thu Palermo to USA (or extend your stay)

Morning transfer to Palermo Airport for your return flight home. (B)

Included Features:

First class hotel accommodation for 12 nights 21 included meals consisting of: - 12 buffet breakfasts - 3 dinners at hotels - 4 gourmet dinners with mini a-la-carte menu at local restaurants - 2 gourmet lunches with mini a-la-carte menu at local restaurants Wine, mineral water and coffee or cappuccino served with meals at hotels and restaurants Touring by private deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach Assistance of a professional Tour Director for the entire length of the tour Sightseeing, including local guide and all entrance fees, as follows: - Tour of Rome, including entrance fees for the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, and for the Colosseum - Orientation tour of Naples - Guided tour of Pompeii- Amalfi coast excursion, including cruise (weather permitting)


- Excursion to Capri and visit of the Gardens of Caesar Augustus - Excursion to Mt. Etna - Walking tour of Taormina and visit of the Greek/Roman Amphitheater - Excursion to Syracuse and tour of its Archaeological Park - Tour of Valley of the Temples - Excursion to Segesta, Marsala and Trapani - Wine tasting excursion to Marsala - Tour of Palermo featuring Quattro Canti Flight from Naples to Catania Arrival and departure airport transfers Baggage handling Travel bag, one per person Document holder and luggage tags Personalized audio system to hear every word your guide says, even from a distance Hotel taxes and service charges City tax

Excludes:

Airfare, Airport taxes & Fuel Surcharges Visa upon arrival (and upon re-entry) if required Tips and Personal items Travel Insurance Optional Tours



A TUSCAN COOKING EXPERIENCEPistoia

Learn the secrets of the Italian cuisine with Central Holidays! Featuring exquisite cooking class vacationsin Italy, our food and wine programs offer inspired hands-on experiences. Each itinerary takes you on agastronomic adventure to discover regional flavors, enhance your cooking skills, explore excitingdestinations, and savor memories to cherish for a lifetime. From delectable meals to succulent winetastings in captivating surroundings, we invite you to indulge in this selection of trips created by ourdestination specialists in combination with renowned chefs...your ideal feast for all senses awaits!

Included Features:

First class hotel accommodation for 4 nights in Pistoia8 included meals consisting of:- 4 buffet breakfasts- 2 dinners at hotel- 1 lunch at local restaurant in Florence- 1 lunch after cooking classWine, mineral water and coffee with mealsPrivate full day excursion to Florence, including guided city tour,entrance fee for the Accademia and chocolate tastingOne two-hour cooking class at hotelVisit of a local winery including wine tasting and transportation byprivate carDocument holder and luggage tagsHotel taxes and service charges



A SICILIAN COOKING EXPERIENCEPalermo

Learn the secrets of the Italian cuisine with Central Holidays! Featuring exquisite cooking class vacationsin Italy, our food and wine programs offer inspired hands-on experiences. Each itinerary takes you on agastronomic adventure to discover regional flavors, enhance your cooking skills, explore excitingdestinations, and savor memories to cherish for a lifetime. From delectable meals to succulent winetastings in captivating surroundings, we invite you to indulge in this selection of trips created by ourdestination specialists in combination with renowned chefs. your ideal feast for all senses awaits!

Included Features:

First class hotel accommodation for 3 nights5 included meals consisting of:- 3 buffet breakfasts- 1 dinner at local restaurant in Palermo- 1 lunch at local restaurant in the Madonie ParkPrivate chauffeur-driven excursion to the Madonie Park and PolizziGenerosaPrivate chauffeur-driven excursion to Erice and TrapaniSweets and desserts tastingPastries and biscuits tastingOlive oil and wine tastingDocument holder and luggage tagsHotel taxes and service charges


Contact:Name: KasieEmail: [email protected] Phone: 4139983424Fax:

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sardinia's rugged beauty & luxurious lifestyle italy's ... · 2014 best of italy...

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