10 day trip to Beautiful Italy
June 25- July 6 2023
June 25- July 6 2023
Venice behind the scenes, Tuscan Villas, The Duomo in Florence, Michelangelo's David, Pompeii, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, and so much more!
Plus a return to the roots with a visit to the mountain town of Pescocostanzo
Plus a return to the roots with a visit to the mountain town of Pescocostanzo
Day One
Venice
The beautiful city of Venice is the start of our journey. Join us in our centrally located hotel as we sip some Prosecco and taste test some of Italy’s favorite olives.
After introductions and a toast, we will head out for a leisurely stroll along romantic canals and over quaint bridges for an introduction to the area, on our way to dinner.
We have a special trattoria picked out for our first dinner together.
Includes- Introductions/Prosecco & olive taste testing/ Dinner together /UNESCO World Heritage Site (Venice & The Lagoon)/ Overnight Venice.
Venice
The beautiful city of Venice is the start of our journey. Join us in our centrally located hotel as we sip some Prosecco and taste test some of Italy’s favorite olives.
After introductions and a toast, we will head out for a leisurely stroll along romantic canals and over quaint bridges for an introduction to the area, on our way to dinner.
We have a special trattoria picked out for our first dinner together.
Includes- Introductions/Prosecco & olive taste testing/ Dinner together /UNESCO World Heritage Site (Venice & The Lagoon)/ Overnight Venice.
"Best vacation EVER!"
Jim and Linda H.
Akron, Ohio
Jim and Linda H.
Akron, Ohio
Day Two
Venice
We head out early for our vaporetto cruise up the Grande Canal and our walk of historic Venice. We will start at the Basilica di San Marco to tour this magnificent church. Climbing up to the balcony to see the bronze horses up close, (said to be from the Hippodrome in Constantinople) we will be treated to a stunning view of Venice.
We will make our way to the Rialto Bridge, catching a great view of "main street"- the canal, with majestic buildings rising from the water. A stop at the famous Rialto fish and produce market is in order as we make our way through the San Marco neighborhood.
We'll stop at a local place for lunch together along with excellent local wine.
After lunch you will be free to explore on your own, sit at a sidewalk cafe and people watch, or go for a gondola ride. Also we will be on hand to help you get to Murano or Burano islands for blown glass or lace shopping. Dinner on your own with recommendations from us.
Includes- Breakfast/ Transport up the Grand Canal of Venice/ Private tour walk of St. Marks and Venice Neighborhoods/ Lunch together/ UNESCO World Heritage Site (Venice & The Lagoon)/ Overnight Venice.
Venice
We head out early for our vaporetto cruise up the Grande Canal and our walk of historic Venice. We will start at the Basilica di San Marco to tour this magnificent church. Climbing up to the balcony to see the bronze horses up close, (said to be from the Hippodrome in Constantinople) we will be treated to a stunning view of Venice.
We will make our way to the Rialto Bridge, catching a great view of "main street"- the canal, with majestic buildings rising from the water. A stop at the famous Rialto fish and produce market is in order as we make our way through the San Marco neighborhood.
We'll stop at a local place for lunch together along with excellent local wine.
After lunch you will be free to explore on your own, sit at a sidewalk cafe and people watch, or go for a gondola ride. Also we will be on hand to help you get to Murano or Burano islands for blown glass or lace shopping. Dinner on your own with recommendations from us.
Includes- Breakfast/ Transport up the Grand Canal of Venice/ Private tour walk of St. Marks and Venice Neighborhoods/ Lunch together/ UNESCO World Heritage Site (Venice & The Lagoon)/ Overnight Venice.
More on our dinners together...
Many experts agree that Italy has one of the finest cuisines in the world. (Click here to read about UNESCO recognizing the Mediterranean Diet). We work with every restaurant to make sure that the food you will be eating is in season and fresh. We usually start with abundant appetizers (primi piatto) so that you can sample a lot of good food. Then we let you choose from a selection for your main course.
In addition, you have filled out a form before our trip, that notifies us of your food preferences, food allergies, and foods you avoid. We keep this in mind each time we are eating out, so that you get the foods you want/ need.
We also have local wines with each meal-both red and white, as much as you would like. And we always end each meal with dessert. Many of our guest rate the food as one of the highlights of the trip, or is it the wine drinking, or maybe it is both :)
In addition, you have filled out a form before our trip, that notifies us of your food preferences, food allergies, and foods you avoid. We keep this in mind each time we are eating out, so that you get the foods you want/ need.
We also have local wines with each meal-both red and white, as much as you would like. And we always end each meal with dessert. Many of our guest rate the food as one of the highlights of the trip, or is it the wine drinking, or maybe it is both :)
Day Three
Florence
Venice, early in the morning, is a wonderful place to explore. Take your time and have another walk on the canals before or after breakfast, your choice. Be ready mid morning as we say goodbye to Venice. We’ll board our fast train that will take us to Florence.
Once in Florence, we'll check into our hotel and then have an orientation walk of the Historical Centre of this marvelous city.
We'll pass by the Duomo and the Campiello and take our time visiting the piazzas and the outdoor David. There will be time for shopping at some of the best outdoor markets in Italy.
We'll meet up later and walk to dinner together as a special trattoria known to the locals.
Includes- Breakfast/ Fast train to Florence/ Orientation walk of Florence/ Dinner together/ UNESCO World Heritage Site (Historic Center of Florence)/ Overnight Florence.
Florence
Venice, early in the morning, is a wonderful place to explore. Take your time and have another walk on the canals before or after breakfast, your choice. Be ready mid morning as we say goodbye to Venice. We’ll board our fast train that will take us to Florence.
Once in Florence, we'll check into our hotel and then have an orientation walk of the Historical Centre of this marvelous city.
We'll pass by the Duomo and the Campiello and take our time visiting the piazzas and the outdoor David. There will be time for shopping at some of the best outdoor markets in Italy.
We'll meet up later and walk to dinner together as a special trattoria known to the locals.
Includes- Breakfast/ Fast train to Florence/ Orientation walk of Florence/ Dinner together/ UNESCO World Heritage Site (Historic Center of Florence)/ Overnight Florence.
"Our trip with Olive Odysseys was the trip of a lifetime.
All better that we had imagined!"
Brenda G. and Harry L.
U.S.A.
All better that we had imagined!"
Brenda G. and Harry L.
U.S.A.
Day Four
Florence
We will leave early this morning for our visit to the Galleria dell’Accademia, where we will see renowned works of art, such as Michelangelo’s David.
Next, we will make our way to one of the most impressive monuments in all of Florence, the Duomo. Here you can take your time to visit the sanctuary or climb to the top of the tower, for some of the best views of the city.
Lunch is on your own.
We will continue on to the main part of the city where we will walk by the Uffizi gallery, cross the Pont de Vecchio, and end up at the Palazzo Pitti (former residence of the Medici family) on the other side of the river. The rest of the afternoon will be yours to further explore the beautiful city. We will be on hand for recommendations.
Includes- Breakfast/ Galleria dell'Accademia/ Tour of Florence/The Duomo/ The Campanile/ The Baptistry/ UNESCO World Heritage Site (Historic Center of Florence)/ Overnight Florence
Florence
We will leave early this morning for our visit to the Galleria dell’Accademia, where we will see renowned works of art, such as Michelangelo’s David.
Next, we will make our way to one of the most impressive monuments in all of Florence, the Duomo. Here you can take your time to visit the sanctuary or climb to the top of the tower, for some of the best views of the city.
Lunch is on your own.
We will continue on to the main part of the city where we will walk by the Uffizi gallery, cross the Pont de Vecchio, and end up at the Palazzo Pitti (former residence of the Medici family) on the other side of the river. The rest of the afternoon will be yours to further explore the beautiful city. We will be on hand for recommendations.
Includes- Breakfast/ Galleria dell'Accademia/ Tour of Florence/The Duomo/ The Campanile/ The Baptistry/ UNESCO World Heritage Site (Historic Center of Florence)/ Overnight Florence
More on Time together and time alone
a perfect mix...
a perfect mix...
Our past tour participants really love the daily mix of some time together seeing the sites and then some time alone to do what it is that you want to do. We usually head out together in the morning, see the archeological wonder for that day, or head out on the Byzantine trail for breathtaking views to the sea, absorb the meaning of what it is we are seeing, and then have a perfect break for lunch.
Then the afternoons or the time before dinner is usually on your own. This is the time to grab a beer at a sidewalk cafe, an iced coffee at the hotel, or return to the room for some quiet time reading. Not to mention that some of these stops have one-of-a-kind boutiques which are a real pleasure to visit, where you can spend some time picking up simple treasures that you cannot find back home.
In addition, we do not eat each meal together as a group. This allows you to have some time by yourself or with your partner, explore other parts of the town, and find your own special dinner spot.
One note-When we have dinners together we supply you with really exceptional food in the quantities you want, so some people when we are not eating together, are satisfied with a 'gelato dinner'!
Then the afternoons or the time before dinner is usually on your own. This is the time to grab a beer at a sidewalk cafe, an iced coffee at the hotel, or return to the room for some quiet time reading. Not to mention that some of these stops have one-of-a-kind boutiques which are a real pleasure to visit, where you can spend some time picking up simple treasures that you cannot find back home.
In addition, we do not eat each meal together as a group. This allows you to have some time by yourself or with your partner, explore other parts of the town, and find your own special dinner spot.
One note-When we have dinners together we supply you with really exceptional food in the quantities you want, so some people when we are not eating together, are satisfied with a 'gelato dinner'!
Day Five
Tuscany
We’ll leave the city of Florence today for rural Tuscany. Here we take the back roads through the Chianti region. We will take our time wandering through the town of Greve where you can sample wine, olives and olive oils. We’ll pick out some great cafes for lunch on your own.
We glide into the heart of Tuscany where we’ll stay in a converted farm estate. Our hosts will be on hand to take us around and visit their winemaking productions. We'll follow up with a wine tasting and then join them for dinner at their estate.
Includes- Breakfast/ Town of Greve/ A Surprise Stop/ UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Gimignano/ Dinner together/ Overnight San Gimignano.
Tuscany
We’ll leave the city of Florence today for rural Tuscany. Here we take the back roads through the Chianti region. We will take our time wandering through the town of Greve where you can sample wine, olives and olive oils. We’ll pick out some great cafes for lunch on your own.
We glide into the heart of Tuscany where we’ll stay in a converted farm estate. Our hosts will be on hand to take us around and visit their winemaking productions. We'll follow up with a wine tasting and then join them for dinner at their estate.
Includes- Breakfast/ Town of Greve/ A Surprise Stop/ UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Gimignano/ Dinner together/ Overnight San Gimignano.
"5 Star Tour Guides -
Just the right cadence of activities and free time.
They use boutique hotels and everything is first class.
We will surely travel with them again!"
Barbara and Doug C.
Iowa U.S.A.
Just the right cadence of activities and free time.
They use boutique hotels and everything is first class.
We will surely travel with them again!"
Barbara and Doug C.
Iowa U.S.A.
Day Six
Tuscany
This morning we are up early for our look at San Gimignano. We'll explore this medieval village and even climb one of the Torre Grosse (tower) for extended views over the countryside. There is ample shopping to be done and great sidewalk cafes where you can watch the locals go by.
Lunch is on your own at any of the excellent restaurants on the piazzas and back streets.
We will return to our Tuscan estate where you can have the afternoon to sit by the pool and read before joining us for a cooking class. We will learn a few Tuscan specialties before sitting down and enjoying them during another excellent dinner with local wine!
Includes- Breakfast/ San Gimignano/ The Torre Grosso/ UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Gimignano/ Swimming Pool Time / Cooking class/ Dinner together/ Overnight San Gimignano.
Tuscany
This morning we are up early for our look at San Gimignano. We'll explore this medieval village and even climb one of the Torre Grosse (tower) for extended views over the countryside. There is ample shopping to be done and great sidewalk cafes where you can watch the locals go by.
Lunch is on your own at any of the excellent restaurants on the piazzas and back streets.
We will return to our Tuscan estate where you can have the afternoon to sit by the pool and read before joining us for a cooking class. We will learn a few Tuscan specialties before sitting down and enjoying them during another excellent dinner with local wine!
Includes- Breakfast/ San Gimignano/ The Torre Grosso/ UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Gimignano/ Swimming Pool Time / Cooking class/ Dinner together/ Overnight San Gimignano.
More on How we choose our hotels...
One of our clients is a world traveler and has chosen to do six tours with us. She always asks us, "How do you do it? How do you choose these great hotels?"
Our criteria is central and quiet. We look for hotels that you can roll right out of and into the action. We do not want to have to take transport to get into the heart of any place we are staying. Then our hotels should also be on a quiet side street so that we are not awakened by traffic or noise.
We also do not like to stay in resorts or chain hotels, because quite frankly, once you are inside the gates you could be anywhere in the world. Our goal is to bring you excellent boutique hotels with local flavor and helpful staff.
Our criteria is central and quiet. We look for hotels that you can roll right out of and into the action. We do not want to have to take transport to get into the heart of any place we are staying. Then our hotels should also be on a quiet side street so that we are not awakened by traffic or noise.
We also do not like to stay in resorts or chain hotels, because quite frankly, once you are inside the gates you could be anywhere in the world. Our goal is to bring you excellent boutique hotels with local flavor and helpful staff.
Day Seven
Sorrento
We set our course for Florence where we will board our fast train that takes us south to lovely Naples. A private driver will be there to whisk us away to the ruins of Pompeii.
In the afternoon we are driven further south to Sorrento and the Amalfi coast. After checking into our hotel you can enjoy sea views along the bay of Naples with Vesuvius in the distance.
Join us later for dinner together at one of our favorite ristorantes.
Includes-Breakfast/ Private Transfer to Florence Train Station/ Fast Train to Naples / Private Guided Tour of Pompeii/ Private Transfer to Sorrento / UNESCO World Heritage Site the Amalfi Coast/ Overnight Sorrento
Sorrento
We set our course for Florence where we will board our fast train that takes us south to lovely Naples. A private driver will be there to whisk us away to the ruins of Pompeii.
In the afternoon we are driven further south to Sorrento and the Amalfi coast. After checking into our hotel you can enjoy sea views along the bay of Naples with Vesuvius in the distance.
Join us later for dinner together at one of our favorite ristorantes.
Includes-Breakfast/ Private Transfer to Florence Train Station/ Fast Train to Naples / Private Guided Tour of Pompeii/ Private Transfer to Sorrento / UNESCO World Heritage Site the Amalfi Coast/ Overnight Sorrento
"Touring with Patricia & Manolis is the only way to go
if you want your trip to be experience of a lifetime."
Laura A. Davis, Bentleyville, OH
if you want your trip to be experience of a lifetime."
Laura A. Davis, Bentleyville, OH
Day Eight
Sorrento
This morning we ‘set sail’ for Positano and the Amalfi coast. Our ferry ride there will offer stunning views of Capri in the distance and the Amalfi coast up close. Once there you can sit by the seaside and sip some cappuccino, change into your bathing suit and hit the beach or shop for some exquisite pottery. Late in the afternoon, we will return to Sorrento.
The heart of Sorrento has been turned exclusively into a pedestrian only zone. We will walk down and find some great restaurants for dinner on your own.
Alternatively our hotel has an excellent restaurant with offerings of local wines and views of Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples.
Includes- Breakfast/ Ferry to Positano and back / Positano and the Amalfi Coast / UNESCO World Heritage Site the Amalfi Coast/ Overnight Sorrento
Sorrento
This morning we ‘set sail’ for Positano and the Amalfi coast. Our ferry ride there will offer stunning views of Capri in the distance and the Amalfi coast up close. Once there you can sit by the seaside and sip some cappuccino, change into your bathing suit and hit the beach or shop for some exquisite pottery. Late in the afternoon, we will return to Sorrento.
The heart of Sorrento has been turned exclusively into a pedestrian only zone. We will walk down and find some great restaurants for dinner on your own.
Alternatively our hotel has an excellent restaurant with offerings of local wines and views of Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples.
Includes- Breakfast/ Ferry to Positano and back / Positano and the Amalfi Coast / UNESCO World Heritage Site the Amalfi Coast/ Overnight Sorrento
Day Nine
Pescocostanzo
Today our private driver picks us up and we take off for the L'Aquila province of Italy to the town of Pescocostanzo. Our journey takes us through hilltop villages on our quest to see the village of our ancestors and the possibility of meeting family.
We will spend the afternoon and evening exploring the area, and meeting with the locals.
Dinner on your own with recommendation from us.
Includes- Breakfast/ Private Transportation to L'Aquila Province/ The Hilltop Town of Pescocostanzo / Meeting With Family if Possible/ Tour of the Town/ Overnight Near Pescocostanzo
Pescocostanzo
Today our private driver picks us up and we take off for the L'Aquila province of Italy to the town of Pescocostanzo. Our journey takes us through hilltop villages on our quest to see the village of our ancestors and the possibility of meeting family.
We will spend the afternoon and evening exploring the area, and meeting with the locals.
Dinner on your own with recommendation from us.
Includes- Breakfast/ Private Transportation to L'Aquila Province/ The Hilltop Town of Pescocostanzo / Meeting With Family if Possible/ Tour of the Town/ Overnight Near Pescocostanzo
More on Why our clients repeat with us...
We run our tours as we try to live our lives, with these guiding principles-
Integrity-Honesty-Generosity-Humor.
We pay attention to the details of your trip way ahead of time so that when we are leading the trip it is as if it is unrolling by itself.
We also are there to help you with any needs that arise. We do not stint on those cornerstones of fine tours- comfort, enjoyment, views, food, wine, and respect for our fellow travelers.
We also believe that humor is sometimes the best way to enjoy yourself and is especially needed when navigating this amazing planet.
Integrity-Honesty-Generosity-Humor.
We pay attention to the details of your trip way ahead of time so that when we are leading the trip it is as if it is unrolling by itself.
We also are there to help you with any needs that arise. We do not stint on those cornerstones of fine tours- comfort, enjoyment, views, food, wine, and respect for our fellow travelers.
We also believe that humor is sometimes the best way to enjoy yourself and is especially needed when navigating this amazing planet.
Day Ten
Rome
Take your time to enjoy the small town of Pescocostanzo and take in the activity of everyday Italian life. You will be right in the middle of it all!
In the afternoon, our driver takes us to Rome, where all roads lead :)
After we check in, we will take you on an orientation walk to see some grand sites.
As we walk around, will we point out some places for dinner on your own this evening.
Includes- Breakfast/ The Hilltop Town of Pescocostanzo/ Private Transportation from L'Aquila Province to Rome/ Orientation walk of Rome / UNESCO World Heritage Site Rome/ Overnight Rome
Rome
Take your time to enjoy the small town of Pescocostanzo and take in the activity of everyday Italian life. You will be right in the middle of it all!
In the afternoon, our driver takes us to Rome, where all roads lead :)
After we check in, we will take you on an orientation walk to see some grand sites.
As we walk around, will we point out some places for dinner on your own this evening.
Includes- Breakfast/ The Hilltop Town of Pescocostanzo/ Private Transportation from L'Aquila Province to Rome/ Orientation walk of Rome / UNESCO World Heritage Site Rome/ Overnight Rome
Day Eleven
Rome
This morning we will have a private guide take us on our journey through the Coliseum, the Arch of Constantine, the Forum and Palatine Hill.
We will have a break for lunch on your own.
The rest of the afternoon is yours. Maybe you would like a look at the Spanish steps, the Vatican, or even take in one of the fabulous museums that Rome is known for? Either way we will be on hand to help you make your choices and secure tickets.
Join us later in the evening while we celebrate our fantastic tour of Italy with dinner together.
Includes- Breakfast/ Private Guided Tour of The Coliseum-The Arch of Constantine Forum & Palatine Hill/ Dinner together/ UNESCO World Heritage Site Rome/ Overnight Rome.
Rome
This morning we will have a private guide take us on our journey through the Coliseum, the Arch of Constantine, the Forum and Palatine Hill.
We will have a break for lunch on your own.
The rest of the afternoon is yours. Maybe you would like a look at the Spanish steps, the Vatican, or even take in one of the fabulous museums that Rome is known for? Either way we will be on hand to help you make your choices and secure tickets.
Join us later in the evening while we celebrate our fantastic tour of Italy with dinner together.
Includes- Breakfast/ Private Guided Tour of The Coliseum-The Arch of Constantine Forum & Palatine Hill/ Dinner together/ UNESCO World Heritage Site Rome/ Overnight Rome.
Day Twelve
Our tour ends this morning after breakfast.
Perhaps you would like to stay on a few more days in Rome or move onto any other city in Europe? They are only 1-2 hours away.
We will be on hand to help you on your return journey.
We will say to you 'Arrivederci', bye for now!
Includes-Breakfast
Our tour ends this morning after breakfast.
Perhaps you would like to stay on a few more days in Rome or move onto any other city in Europe? They are only 1-2 hours away.
We will be on hand to help you on your return journey.
We will say to you 'Arrivederci', bye for now!
Includes-Breakfast
Price per person double occupancy
$TBD
The Fine Print
1st trip remainder (half of the remaining trip balance -less the $xxxx deposit per person already paid) will be due by xxxx.
Final trip remainder (the balance of the trip) will be due xxxx
By xxx the trip details must be finalized. Participants agree that they will sign Trip Term Agreements by that time and choose which of the above they want, or the trip will be cancelled and a refund will be issued for the deposits already paid.
No one has a space on this tour until deposits are in and a Trip Term contract signed and returned. Until the 1st trip remainder is paid all deposits are fully refundable.
1st trip remainder (half of the remaining trip balance -less the $xxxx deposit per person already paid) will be due by xxxx.
Final trip remainder (the balance of the trip) will be due xxxx
By xxx the trip details must be finalized. Participants agree that they will sign Trip Term Agreements by that time and choose which of the above they want, or the trip will be cancelled and a refund will be issued for the deposits already paid.
No one has a space on this tour until deposits are in and a Trip Term contract signed and returned. Until the 1st trip remainder is paid all deposits are fully refundable.
Who are your tour leaders/ trip Planners ?
Manolis & Patricia have had the pleasure of leading trips to Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, Greece & Turkey for more than 23 years. They split their time (when they are not on tour) between Ohio and the island of Evia, Greece. In Greece, they live in a rock house off the grid. There they play their guitar (Manolis) and like to sew and garden (Patricia). They adore leading tours and hope that they get the pleasure of traveling with you.
Manolis & Patricia have had the pleasure of leading trips to Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, Greece & Turkey for more than 23 years. They split their time (when they are not on tour) between Ohio and the island of Evia, Greece. In Greece, they live in a rock house off the grid. There they play their guitar (Manolis) and like to sew and garden (Patricia). They adore leading tours and hope that they get the pleasure of traveling with you.
