Trip Tips and What to Pack For Your
Italy Singles Vacation
passport and Visas
Visas are not required for US, Canadian and European citizens. To enter Italy, a passport valid for at least three months beyond the length of stay is required by all nationals. South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival, and a valid Schengen visa, to enter Italy. All other citizens please check with your local embassy.
Money
Currency in Italy: Euro
Euros come in both paper and coins. Paper Euros come in different colors and sizes depending on the face value, 500 bills are violet, 200 bills are yellow, 100 are green, 50 are orange, 20 are blue, 10 are red and 5 are grey. The coins are either 1 Euro or 2 Euros, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. The bigger the coin the bigger the value... the 1 cent coin is very small.
For todays conversion rates - click here
Time
Italy is Central European Time (CET).
5 Hours ahead of EST / 8 Hours ahead of PST
Electric Plugs
Electricity in Italy, as in the rest of Europe, comes out of the wall socket at 220 volts alternating at a 50 cycles per second. In North America, electricity comes out of the wall socket at 110 volts, alternating at 60 cycles per second. Not only the voltages and frequencies, but the sockets themselves are different. Italy's outlets are two (or three) round-prong socket. You will need an electric converter.
Weather
Throughout the year, the climate in Rome, Florence and the entire Tuscan region is very mild. The summers can be dry and very hot but averages in the low 80s F.. Spring and Fall cools off to the mid 60s and can be rainy but there are still lots of sunny days. In the winter the days are sunny and cool, around 50° but at night it can get very cold.
The Amalfi Coast has a typically Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers where temperatures can reach 30C (86F) in the peak months of July and August, and the average temperature does not usually dip below 23C (74 F)
What to Pack for Your Vacation
One suitcase and an overnight bag are allowed. The suitcase should have good, sturdy wheels as you will need to roll them to the hotels, which are very close to the train stations. Please check individual airlines for weight limits.
The most important item you will need on your vacation to Italy is footwear. Pack comfortable sturdy shoes for walking in the historical center's of Rome, Florence & Venice. The streets will be cobbled stone in Rome, uneven in Venice and there are lots of bridges to cross.
All religious sites like the Basilica require everyone to wear clothing that covers both shoulders and knees. For men a long pair of shorts that reach the knees and a shirt. Ladies a shawl is great to cover the shoulders and for cooler evenings.
For what to pack on all singles vacations and more tips - Click Here
Phones:
Nowadays it’s relatively easy to use your own mobile phone in Italy, however, the costs of both making and receiving phone calls can be high. Texting is a more economical way to contact others. Please check with your carrier for availability and rates.
While in Italy, if you would like to use your phone for the internet, only when there is free internet, turn your phone to airline mode.
Calling Italy from the United States explained:
011 - US exit code; must be dialed first for all international calls made from the USA or Canada
39 - Country Code for Italy
area code - 2 - 4 digits
phone number - 5 - 8 digits
Shopping in Italy
Rome: Shopping in Rome is fantastic, no matter if you are searching for haute couture, antiques, or a bargain. Some of the biggest names in Italian fashion - Fendi, Valentino, Bulgari - come from Rome and you will find their flagship stores, as well as boutiques by Prada, Armani, Versace, Ferragamo, Cavalli, Gucci, and many others, along the streets near the Spanish Steps. Via Condotti is Rome's main drag for haute couture and window shopping, though you'll also find high fashion boutiques on Via Borgognona, Via Frattina, Via Sistina, and Via Bocca de Leone.
There are several good outdoor markets, flea markets, and places to buy antiques in Rome. You'll find everything from antique housewares to secondhand clothing and music to original art, jewelry, posters, furniture, etc.
Florence is one of Italy's top cities for shopping and is known for designer fashions, leather goods, gold, and fine stationery. Beyond designer duds and vintage finds, Florence is a great city to purchase leather goods. Gold is a classic item often purchased in Florence, just cross Florence's most famous bridge, and you'll see gold sellers lining each side of it. Whether the gold here is a bargain is unclear, but you can find high quality, unique necklaces, earrings, bracelets, watches, rings, and more.
Venice is famous for local crafts that have been produced here for centuries and are hard to get elsewhere: the glassware from Murano, the delicate lace from Burano, and the cartapesta (papier-mâché) Carnevale masks you'll find in all the local stores.
Amalfi: Shopping for ceramics on the Amalfi Coast is one of the real treats of exploring this gorgeous coastline in southern Italy’s Campania region. The Amalfi Coast is a vibrant landscape of pastel colored houses, steeply terraced gardens and rocky cliffs plummeting down to the Mediterranean Sea. Filling this scene with even more color and life are the brilliant ceramic shops you’ll find in each town along the Coast.
Apulia: the products for shopping are localized and each province has its own special products. In the Foggia province, food processing is quite famous. In Barletta visitors would find textiles, furniture, wooden artifacts and footwear. In the area of Murge visitors would again find wooden artifacts and furniture etc. Locally made products of footwear, food, clothing and textiles are popular gifts.
Local Foods
Rome: There is no lack of places to eat, from family run trattorias and pizzerias, to fancier, gourmet restaurants. Food is important to the life and culture of all Italy. While many try to reproduce Italian dishes, there's nothing like enjoying a dinner in Rome. The best Italian chefs appreciate simplicity and have learned to complement relatively plain recipes with rich, flavorful tastes.
There are so many Gelaterias that you will never tire of trying to figure out which one is the best.
Florence: Enjoying great food and excellent wine in Florence is not hard to do. The food is simple and abundant with local produce, mellow cheeses and grilled meats. The meals range from the original and traditional to more adventurous. You can try one of the restaurants recommended in the guide books or just walk down any street in Florence and select a trattoria, wine bar or restaurant that seems appealing and you'll surely enjoy a nice meal.
Venice: Chinese and Indian restaurants have a small presence, but Venice is the place to go for excellent seafood and good Northern Italian cooking. Among the typical seasoning of Venetian cuisine, you will find butter, olive oil, sunflower oil, vinegar, kren, senape, mostarda, salsa verde.
Amalfi Coast: Food and wine is a way of life on the Bay of Naples and the Amalfi Coast. The local cuisine is mainly Neapolitan and is famous for its use of tomatoes, lemons, fresh vegetables, red peppers and olives. You will find world-famous specialties like pizza, pasta, the pastiera cake, buffalo mozzarella cheese and fresh Mediterranean seafood.
Puglia: Consisting mainly of farmland and coastline, Puglia is famous for its fresh produce and delicious dishes. Food fairs date back to the days when farmers used to gather in towns to buy and sell produce. Today’s celebrations are dictated by tradition, what is in season, and the town’s whim; they reach a peak during the holiday season of July and August.
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Vacation Day 1: Arrive Prague,
Our morning city tour of Prague includes highlights such as Prague Castle, Charles bridge, the Old Town Square with the Astronomical Clock. See the statue of Saint Venceslas and the monument of Victims of the Communist Regime and walk the pedestrian street to admire the Powder Tower and the Municipal house. Discover the house "At Black Madonna“, the Estate Theatre where Amadeus Mozart premiered the opera Don Giovanni and the historical building of Charles University. Continue to the famous astronomical clock at Old Town Square. Then it is on to Prague Castle to visit the St. Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace, the Golden Lane and
the beautiful Castle gardens.
collection are items from synagogues that had been demolished as a result of the clearance of the Prague Jewish ghetto.
Today we check out of our Prague hotel and travel to Vienna, stopping on the way for a break and light snacks.
Vacation Day 5: Vienna
Heritage site.
Today we travel to an earlier century with a visit to Heiligenkreuz Abbey, Europe’s largest Cistercian Monastery. The Monastery lies behind protective walls and is less than half an hour’s drive from Vienna. With 900 years of uninterrupted history, Heiligenkreuz is both a tourist attraction and a deeply spiritual experience.
After breakfast, we check-out and leave Vienna behind. It's a short drive to Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia and set along the Danube river, where we will meet our local guide for a short orientation tour of the Old Town. The charming Old Town is home to Bratislava Castle, a baroque-style hilltop fortress with sweeping city views. The Blue Church is decorated with colorful glazed tiles, and Medická záhrada park is dotted with sculptures. Then enjoy free time for photos and shopping before an included lunch.
On our morning tour of Budapest we will explore the most beautiful and interesting sights of Hungary's capital city. With the Danube River flowing by, the ring boulevards and the numerous eclectic and revival buildings, Budapest is rightly considered to be the pearl of Europe. Explore Buda and Pest with its wealth of historic monuments, linked by eight graceful bridges. Immerse yourself in Hungarian legends and culture and discover why Budapest is called ‘Paris of the East’. Matthias Church is one of the finest churches in Budapest, and the most unique churches in Europe. Located atop the Buda Castle hill, it has been serving the citizens of the Buda Castle Hill since 1015. Full of surprises, mysteries and treasures, the church has a breathtaking interior with colors inspired by orientalism and romantic historicism.
Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Budapest on a Danube River cruise, taking in the landmarks and monuments on both shores and hear about the attractions you pass while sipping your favorite beverage along the way. Flowing through the heart of Budapest, the Danube River is the lifeline of the Hungarian capital, as well as its geographic center, separating the hilly Buda district on the west bank from the bustling Pest on the east bank. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure with free time for shopping or exploring.


After breakfast we board our bus for a panoramic tour of the city. Enjoy spectacular views over Barcelona including the waterfront, with the Old Port and Montjuic Hill where we will be able to see the Olympic stadium. We
will then head down into the heart of the city to take in the main sights and Gaudi’s wonderful buildings before going for a detailed tour of the breathtaking Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece and Barcelona's most popular attraction. Visit the crypt where Gaudí is buried and the central nave with its giant, tree-like pillars and spectacular vaulting. We can also visit the towers. An elevator and a long walk leads us to the top of a tower where a magnificent view over Barcelona awaits. After our tour of the Sagrada Família there will be time for some lunch and free time before heading back to the hotel.
This morning we transfer to the Barcelona train station for our train to Seville, where Flamenco dancing originates an its rich tradition continues today in the city's 'tablaos'. It is 620 miles to Seville, so sit back and enjoy the leisurely high-speed train ride and beautiful countryside as we speed towards our next destination. Time to relax after we transfer to our hotel, before tonight's entertainment and dinner at the Tablao Flamenco El Palacio Andaluz Restaurant. The sound of the guitarists frantically plucking their guitars, the rhythmic clapping and the sound of pounding heels on stage will fully grab your attention as do the colorful swirling flamenco dresses and the beautiful dancers who wear them. Palacio Andaluz has a large cast of flamenco dancers, musicians, singers and clappers and many of them are award-winning artists in the flamenco world. During the show, the dancers will perform many different styles of flamenco, from the bulerias to the soleares, fandangos, sevillanas and more.
Time to relax as we cruise along the Guadalquivir River. The former capital of Spain hugs the east bank of the river and a cruise offers wonderful views of Seville's wonderful landmarks. From our vantage point on the Guadalquivir view the magnificent Tower of Gold, the Maestranza Bullring built in 1761, a landmark in Spanish bullfighting, and the Saint Telmo Palace. After our cruise the rest of the day is at leisure.
A short morning train ride takes us to a thousand-year-old city, Cordoba,a living legacy of different cultures that settled there throughout its history. From the Carthaginians to the Romans and 10th century Arabs, Cordoba achieved world renown as a center of learning, governance and culture. The historic quarter of Cordoba, once home to the Jewish community consists of a beautiful network of small streets and squares all arranged around the city’s impressive Mezquita, one of the largest ancient mosques in the world. Our local guide will show us the incredible Great Mosque which is joined to the Cathedral and other sites, including El
Our final train ride takes us to Madrid, once an Arabian Fortress, now a thriving cultural center bursting with monuments, galleries and museums. Upon arrival at Madrid Atocha Train Station, and before transferring to the hotel, we will give you an introduction to this fabulous city by taking you for a guided panoramic tour; a taste of the main sights and magnificent monuments. Madrid is a city of contrast, on
one side is historical Madrid and on the other, Modern Madrid, with its skyscrapers and the Four Towers. Time to settle in at the hotel and then continue to explore the city the best way, by foot, via old historic neighborhoods, down medieval streets and across majestic squares. We will stop at Plaza Mayor, the center of festivities, bull fights, royal coronations and executions, and also pay a visit to the emblematic Mercado de San Miguel, the last iron market hall in Madrid. There are a number of cafés and mini-restaurants and stalls that offer specialty food, from tapas to foreign food, it will be a perfect place to eat and take in the ambience.
On our guided morning tour, see Madrid the way it should be seen by walking from the heart of the city through both twisted medieval streets and down grand boulevards. Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid, including the magnificent Plaza de Armas, the main staircase, the Throne Room, the Gasparini Hall and the Royal Chapel. The rooms are filled with beautiful examples of decorative art and furniture.
To give everyone a chance to explore all the sites of Madrid, including the many art museums at your own pace or shop till you drop, today is a day at leisure. Then enjoy our Farewell Dinner at a local Spanish restaurant.
Vacation Day 1 - Arrive Prague
Our morning will begin with a bus ride up to Prague Castle,
Then walk down hill through the picturesque Lesser Town, with its ancient burgher houses, quaint side streets and St. Nicholas Church. We pass by cobbled side streets filled with small shops and churches on our way to the famous astronomical clock and the Old Town Square Christmas market. A large Christmas tree and shopping stalls are surrounded by centuries old Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings. The tree is adorned with hundreds of lights and is lit every evening at dusk.
After breakfast, our Prague tour continues in the old town and the Jewish Quarter. Josefov, the former Jewish ghetto, is dotted with reminders of its past. These include the weathered tombstones of the Old Jewish Cemetery, and the Pinkas Synagogue, now a Holocaust memorial with exhibits focusing on Jewish children. Visit the Jewish museum, founded in 1906, it is one of the oldest and continuously existing Jewish museums in the world. Also visit synagogues and the Jewish Cemetery. Learn about the traditions, customs and legends of the Jewish people from their early settlements in the 10th century through their enforced isolation during World War II.
After time for lunch, visit the second largest Christmas market in the city center, Wenceslas Square. Located in New Town. the square has historic buildings around which much of the modern development of the city has taken shape. Warm up with a glass of mulled wine (sva?ák in Czech), and taste Christmas specialities such as braided cake (váno?ka). Most of the goods in this market are handmade so check out the wooden toys, gifts made of glass, iron and steel.
Today we travel outside of Prague to the Medieval town of Kunta Hora, the silver mining capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia. It takes a little over an hour to get there, has a population of about 21,000, and has an interesting history and a variety of sights. Fires have damaged or destroyed many of Kutna Hora's buildings in the 15th century but the town quickly rebuilt thanks to its continuing income from silver mining. In the 16th century, the silver mines were depleted and Kutna Hora's stopped growing.
Today we drive through the Western Bohemia countryside to Karlovy Vary, the largest spa town in Czech Republic and famous for its hot mineral water springs recuperative powers. Taste the hot springs water as we stroll the same streets as Casanova, Beethoven and Mozart to admire the Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings. See V?ídlo hot spring, the only source of thermal water used for the local spa baths and shoots 161 °F mineral water up to 39 feet in the air, at an average rate of 2,000 litres per minute.
Today we taste Pilsner Urquell or Gambrinus beer directly at source, inside the brewery. We travel to the town where pale lagers were created, Pilsen. Learn about the history and secrets behind making the legendary lager and visit the actual spot in the brewery where Pilsner Urquell beer has been brewed since 1842. Our tour would not be complete without a visit to the historic brewery cellars, where we can taste unfiltered and unpasteurized Pilsner Urquell on tap straight from oak
lager barrels.
See Rome on the hop-on hop-off open-top double decker bus! This morning enjoy a full 360 degree panoramic view as we drive around Rome. We will hop off at the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish steps for some coin tossing and stair climbing.
Morning departure from Rome. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as we get our first glimpse of the Amalfi coast. The Amalfi Coast offers one of the world's great drives so get your cameras ready. The winding cliff top road offers breathtaking panoramic views at every turn.
naval powers, with a population of some 70,000. There is still the odd remnant of Amalfi's past glories around today, and the town has a quaint attractiveness with it's whitewashed courtyards and alleys that are fun to wander through.
A cooking course is a truly unique experience. To travel and visit new countries also means to know the tastes and flavors. Our mid-morning lesson will consist of traditional Neapolitan cuisine with an emphasis on Amalfi recipes. This is a "demonstration" cooking course where you will learn about the natural ingredients used, which are fresh picked the very same morning of each class. Enjoy wine with your lunch that you helped prepare.
views of the entire coast. Perched on top of the mountain cliff situated above Amalfi and Minori. Ravello, famous for its breath-taking views, natural beauty and ancient monuments are presented at their best in the gardens of Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo (where our tour begins). In high season, these gardens are rich in sweet secants of blooming flowers, shadows of flora and perfume of lemons. Apart from the main cathedral, also situated in the square, and a history museum constructed in the basement of the cathedral, there are many other churches to visit given that there used to be a total of 13 churches in the village.
Our full-day boat excursion begins when we depart Amalfi and steer towards the nearby seaside towns of Maiori and Minori. Just beyond Maoiri is the marine cave called Pandora's Grotto, experience this beautiful natural wonder. Visit the nearby Marmorata Falls and view the majestic Ravello, the famous village of music, which is seated high on a cliff face towering over Amalfi.
Enjoy a few hours on the beautiful island of Capri, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a coastal village inhabited by fishermen and sailors; explore marine caves; walk through masses of sheer rock and peer over precipices which drop dramatically into the sea; stroll through olive groves and orchards of lemon and orange trees; have lunch or browse through the boutiques, elegant hotels, artists studios, churches, and the remains of Roman villas.On the way back to Amalfi, stop for a swim in a picturesque location where it is possible to dive straight off the boat. Swim in some of the most beautiful waters of the Mediterranean, where the water is a deep blue color yet clear enough to see many feet below.
Step back in time as we walk through the ancient city of Pompeii. A thrilling archaeological journey unfolds as we explore the ancient ruins which were buried in ashes after Mount Vesuvius erupted almost 2000 years ago. Discover the everyday life of Rome's Imperial age at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and imagine the panic felt by the people in those last few minutes before the city was buried.
terrace of tuff and is a city full of vegetation (its lemon trees are very famous). The city is said to originate from ancient Greece, but the old town shows a roman origin.
Enjoy your last views of the Amalfi Coast when we travel to the hamlets of Atrani, Majori and Minori. Atrani is an isolated fishing village, away from the noise and bustle; it is also the smallest town in the Southern Italy. The distinctive white houses whose balconies are overflowing with flowers are built on the slopes of the surrounding mountains among the lemon orchards and reach down to the sea. Maiori lies at the head of the Tramonti valley and is said to have been founded by the Etruscan Lucumone Rehginna, whose name was given to both the stream that divides the town (Reghinna Major) and the main road (Corso Reghinna).
After a stop for lunch in a restaurant along the coast, visit the town of ceramic… Vietri is a delightful town on a terrace overlooking the sea and is famous for its highly colorful ceramics that decorate most of the civic buildings and the facade of the Villa Guariglia… Villa Guariglia is an elegant and sumptuous villa located in Raito, a hamlet of Vietri sul Mare. Everything in the Villa is exactly the same as it has been left by the Ambassador Raffaele Guariglia: the pictures in the living room, the collection of painted and decorated mother of pearl fans (over 100), the silverware, porcelain, weapons and a rich library, composed by over 4000 books, some of which were written by the Ambassador.
Vacation Day 1 - Arrive Dublin, Ireland

has to lean backwards (holding on to an iron railing) from the parapet walk. The prize is a real one as once kissed the stone bestows the gift of eloquence.

cottages are home to arts and crafts shops.
Travel to the coast for a visit to the Cliffs of Mohr. These are the most majestic cliffs in Ireland and rise from the Atlantic Ocean at 705 feet and extend for over 2300 feet long. From this height, you can admire the Aran Islands, the Connemara Mountains and listen to the many sea birds that colonize this place from springtime on.
Burren is a High-Plateau of porous limestone. No trees grow here, no land is covering the stone. But the Burren is not as deserted as we believe. You will also discover the testimonies of its rich history such as countless castles and monastic ruins.
after a mythical Irish king and pre-Christian god, the semi-circular stone fort dates back to the Bronze Age and offers insight into ancient Ireland. Recent excavation found evidence of human activity dating back over two and a half thousand years. Covering an area of 14 acres, the interior of the hill fort is divided into an outer, middle and inner enclosure by three curved walls terminating at the cliff face.
Travel the Irish countryside to the world-renowned Irish National Stud Farm, home to some of Ireland's finest thoroughbreds. This 1,000-acre Farm has been in use as a Stud Farm since 1900 and boasts a fascinating state-of-the-art Horse Museum. Why not take a stroll around the beautiful Japanese Gardens situated in the grounds of the Stud Farm. Planned to symbolize the 'Life of Man' from the cradle to the grave the gardens are considered the finest in Europe.
spirituality of the monastic movement in Ireland during the 6th and 7th centuries.
We get to experience the underground tube as we travel to St James’s Park area, the oldest Royal Park in London. On our guided walking tour hear stories about Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace and Westminster Palace, now the Houses of Parliament. It wouldn't be a vacation in London without seeing the Changing of the Guard ceremony (weather permitting). A detachment of the ‘Old Guard’ form at St James Palace for an inspection by the Captain of The Queen’s Guard. Preceded by a Regimental Band or Corps of Drums, the old guards make their way down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace. One half of the Old Guard is already on duty and inspected while awaiting the arrival of the Palace's detachment.
Next we get to go inside Buckingham Palace, the London residence of Her Majesty The Queen and one of the few working royal palaces in the world. We will visit the Queen's Gallery and the Royal Mews.
This morning we visit the Tower of London where we will join one of the famous Yeoman Warder tours and hear exciting tales from the Tower’s past. Visit the Crown Jewels (
After breakfast we transfer to St. Pancras station and board the high-speed Eurostar train bound for Paris, where our vacation continues. Upon arrival we will be transferred to our hotel.
Today is your day to explore Paris at your own pace or with a few of your new travel friends. Use your hop-on hop-off pass and travel your choice of many different routes or spend some time shopping on the Champs de Elysses or take an optional tour to Versailles.
Enjoy a ride on the Thalys high-speed train as we travel to Amsterdam. Upon arrival we will check into our centrally located hotel. Our first day in Amsterdam, often called 'Venice of the north' would not be complete without a canal boat ride. Pass along some of the city’s most beautiful spots. View the magnificent houseboats and homes that dot the canal banks, along with the usual parade of bicyclists.While gliding through the old center of the city you see elegant merchant’s mansions, carillon-crowned churches and the warehouses with their rich history from Holland’s Golden Age.
Then our guided tour through the Red Light District begins. Stroll around the historical center as our guide exposes us to over 800 years of "Amsterdam" culture. From its humble beginnings on the river Amstel to the glorious "Golden Age".
A free day to explore the Dutch capital; visit the Van Gogh Museum, the Houseboat Museum, Oude Kerk (oldest church), Rembrandt House Museum and maybe even a coffee house. The city is wonderfully small scale, ensuring you will never venture too far off course.
Put on your walking shoes for a full day of exploring Rome and enjoy the views from the open top bus. Pass by the Circus Maximus. an oblong arena where events like chariot races, games, and other performances were held in Ancient Rome and the Pantheon. Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, the most famous and arguably the most beautiful fountain in all of Rome, then climb the famous
Spanish Steps. Tour the most important wonders and sites of Ancient Rome including the Colosseum, probably the most impressive building of the Roman empire and the Forum was the center of the Empire. The monuments and structures have fallen into ruins, but even today they are an imposing and beautiful sight.
View the Italian countryside as we travel from Rome to Florence by bus. Arrive in Florence in time for a quick bite before our afternoon walking tour with our tour leader. Discover the birthplace of the Renaissance and watch as the rich tapestry of Florentine history and culture unfold. Get up close with Florence's distinctive skyline feature, the Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiori and visit Florence’s spacious Piazza della Signoria, long been one of the city’s main meeting points. Today, the Palazzo Vecchio houses a museum, the town hall and in front a
copy of Michelangelo’s famous “David” statue, and to one side of the Palazzo is a fountain with a huge statue of Neptune. We will stroll across the ancient Ponte Vecchio bridge that dates back to the 14th century. The three-arched bridge is picturesquely lined with jewelry shops and market stalls, and the decorative central arches are picture-perfect spots for snapping photos of Florence. The Piazzle Michelangelo overlooks one of the most famous and magnificent views of Florence.
Let's leave the city of Florence and explore the Tuscany countryside on our full day tour: We arrive in Siena, which sits over three hills and its center is the huge piazza del Campo, where the Roman forum used to be. After touring Siena, you will understand why Italians can eat so much, and not get fat, when you see old women carrying groceries up long streets with 30-degree inclines.
Our next stop, San Gimignano, a small walled medieval hill town in Tuscany, famous for its many towers, Stroll along the the cobblestone streets of the Town of Fine Towers, San Gimignano and don't miss the amazing views. Grab a bite to eat, maybe take a dungeon tour or shop at one of the unique merchants.
Day at leisure to explore Florence on your own or with some of your new new single friends. Time to visit the Uffizi Gallery, which houses the world's most important collection of Florentine art or the Accademia Gallery to see Michaelangelo's David. You can spend the day strolling the narrow streets, admiring the architecture and statues or enjoy shopping the stalls of the many markets.
A trip to Venice would not be complete without a gondola ride by a traditionally dressed gondolier. Sit back on your seat and soak up the gorgeous scenes as our gondolas bob along some of Venice’s prettiest waterways. Dip into romantic side canals and drift along a stretch of the Grand Canal past exquisite mansions and landmarks.
Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul, Turkey ( June 12, 2026 )
09:00 am Meet up with your guide and the drive. rIn the morning we will greet you at your hotel and take you on a guided tour of the historic old part of Istanbul.
09:00 am Meet up with your guide and the driver (4-hour program ) In the morning, we will meet you at your hotel and take you on this enlightening walking tour down to the waterfront near Eminonu.
gorge with a stunning river running right down the heart of the valley for 16km within the volcanic rock. It is near the province of Aksaray but is still considered part of the southern Cappadocia region. Traditional Anatolian villages and The Underground Cities. 
Breakfast at the hotel. 09:30 am Meet up with your guide and We will visit Turkey's most impressive Roman and Biblical sites today, in what promises to be one of your most memorable days in Turkey.
*The Temple of Artemis is situated in serene countryside celebrates the Greek goddess Artemis, the virginal huntress and twin of Apollo, who supplanted the Titan Selene as goddess of the Moon. This temple, known as Artemision in Greek times, was the largest of its kind at the world.
After breakfast, we will depart from Kusadasi to Pamukkale; upon arrival, we will continue on the guided tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis. Our drive will take us through a rich agricultural area, teeming with cotton fields and fruit orchards. Sites we will visit: Pamukkale is a town in western Turkey known for the mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down white travertine terraces on a nearby hillside. It neighbors Hierapolis, an ancient Roman spa city founded around 190 B.C. Ruins there include a well-preserved theater and a necropolis with sarcophagi that stretch for 2km. The Antique Pool is famous for its submerged Roman columns, the result of an earthquake.
Ancient city of Hierapolis - The ruins of Hierapolis ancient city or "Holy City" (in transla6ion from Greek) is located in about 17 kilometers from the Denizli close to Pamukkale.
Breakfast between 07:00 to 10:00
Upon arrival at the Paris airport (CDG) you will be shuttled to our hotel. Remember you are flying home from Nice (NCE). Check-in and receive your Paris hop on hop off bus pass.
see the capital. Enjoy great views from the open top deck of your bus and see the sites of Paris that you choose. The bus offers 4 different routes and it is valid for 2 consecutive days. The Paris Grand Tour will take you to all the main sights, while the other 3 routes concentrate on particular areas (Montparnasse/St Germain tour, Montmartre/Grands Boulevards tour and Bastille/Bercy tour).
Vacation Day 3 - Paris to Loire Valley
Chateau Chenonceau is not only remarkable for its architecture and history but also for the fine quality of its collections: Renaissance furniture, a vast ensemble of XVI and XVII century tapestries and a great number of masterpieces. Beyond the Castle Chenonceau discover the two renowned and magnificent gardens that Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici have given their names to.
This morning we transfer to the train station and in about three hours we will be on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Watch the French countryside goes by as we speed towards the Marseilles. Over the last 2600 years, Marseilles has built a rich, colorful atmosphere enhanced by the fresh sea air, ancient architectural foundations, incredible art and amazing food.
Vacation Day 6: Marseilles to Nice, French Riviera
fine Baroque churches, bustling flower market and the famed Promenade des Anglais. Visit the Old Town, site of the trading center founded by the Greeks 2,700 years ago.
Today we cruise the coastal curve of the French Riviera to St Tropez on a full-day excursion from Nice. Climb aboard our ferry for a 2.5-hour scenic journey and marvel at the stunning coastal scenery as we sail along the Mediterranean coast arriving on the sun-drenched shores of St Tropez. Delve into the rich history of St Tropez as we stroll with our French tour leader, around the Côte d’Azur town that rose to popularity after a post-war influx of artists and authors. Walk through the picturesque Old Port with its million-dollar yachts; visit the provincial markets like the Place aux Herbes; and shop sophisticated boutiques for glamorous clothes that follow the latest fashions. Follow a tangle of quaint cobbled streets to St Tropez Church to admire the sacred structure and then head over to the 17th-century Citadelle de St Tropez to enjoy sweeping vistas of the scenic surroundings. Free time to enjoy great works of art, shop or enjoy a delicious meal straight from the sea at a beachfront cafe. At a pre-arranged time, return to the ferry and relax during our 2.5-hour journey back to Nice.
We leave France and travel across the border into Monaco. Drive along the spectacular blue waters of the coastline lined with typical Mediterranean villages and modern marinas.