Explore Italy's sophisticated capitals of Venice, Florence and Rome. The beautiful cobblestone squares, centuries' old tradition and historic highlights like the mighty Colosseum, Leaning Tower of Pisa and the spectacular Duomo are must-visits on your open-air museum tour of this fascinating destination.
We have secured premium tickets for you to attend the once in a decade performance of the Passion Play in the picturesque Bavarian town of Oberammergau.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
Explore Italy's sophisticated capitals of Venice, Florence and Rome. The beautiful cobblestone squares, centuries' old tradition and historic highlights like the mighty Colosseum, Leaning Tower of Pisa and the spectacular Duomo are must-visits on your open-air museum tour of this fascinating destination.
We have secured premium tickets for you to attend the once in a decade performance of the Passion Play in the picturesque Bavarian town of Oberammergau.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
Welcome to Rome. Transfers from Rome Fiumicino Airport will be available. After checking in, relax and unwind. Later meet with your Travel Director and fellow travelers. This evening, consider a stroll around this fascinating ancient city and mingle with the locals in beautiful squares with stunning architecture.
Your Local Specialist takes you on a sightseeing tour with a visit to the Vatican City. Visit the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica and view Michelangelo's statue, the Pietà. Don't miss the opportunity to join an Optional Experience to visit inside the famous Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums. View the mighty Colosseum and see the ancient sites of Rome. Afterward, enjoy free time to take in the sights or join an Optional Experience to explore the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.
This morning, leave Rome and head north towards Central Italy. Travel through picturesque scenery in Tuscany before arriving in the town of Pisa. Visit the Square of Miracles featuring the Leaning Tower, Cathedral and Baptistery. There is time to shop for souvenirs and take pictures. Later arrive at your hotel near Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance.
There are few cities in the world with an artistic legacy to equal that of Florence. Your Local Specialist gives a superb commentary of the city's history during your walking tour, which includes views of the Baptistery, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the impressive Giotto's Bell Tower and a visit to Piazza della Signoria. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Don't forget to try a gelato! Later enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Your journey continues north across the dramatic Apennine Mountains to Verona, the home of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers. View the vast Roman Arena, where concerts are still held regularly each year and see Juliet's Balcony. Hear the story of the play which begins with a street brawl between Montague and Capulet servants who, like their masters, are sworn enemies. Head east to the magical, romantic city of Venice.
Watch the Venetian craftsmen at work creating local specialties at a glassblowing workshop on Giudecca Island. Then cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square in the heart of Venice. Admire the Bridge of Sighs, the ornate Doge's Palace and the Byzantine Basilica of St. Mark. Spend free time afterward exploring this fascinating city or perhaps take a cruise across the lagoon to the island of Burano for a relaxing meal.
This morning enjoy spectacular scenery including driving the Brenner Pass which separates Italy from Austria. Arrive in the scenic town of Innsbruck—famous for hosting the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympic Games and enjoy free time to explore the sights including the Hofburg Palace and the Golden Roof.
Enjoy free time in Innsbruck where you can explore the city and discover its ties to the Winter Olympic Games. Later travel to the picturesque town of Oberammergau where the Passion Play will be performed tomorrow. This evening dine at your hotel.
Enjoy the unique atmosphere in town before taking your premium seat for an inspired and moving performance of the Passion Play this afternoon. Dine at a local restaurant this evening before experiencing the captivating second half of this unique event as night falls.
It's Farewell to your newfound friends at the end of your memorable vacation. Transfers are available to Munich Airport. Conditions apply.
Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
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22 Jun 20 | 1 Jul 20 |
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$2,445pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
6 Jul 20 | 15 Jul 20 |
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$2,420pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
13 Jul 20 | 22 Jul 20 |
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$2,420pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
20 Jul 20 | 29 Jul 20 |
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$2,420pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
3 Aug 20 | 12 Aug 20 |
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$2,420pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
17 Aug 20 | 26 Aug 20 |
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$2,420pp | Request Quote Book Now |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room and is subject to change. Final pricing will be available August 31, 2019.
Single supplement: Call for details
Single and triple rooms are not available for the Oberammergau stay. Solo travelers and triple share guests will be matched and accommodated in a twin room with a fellow solo traveler (of the same gender) for the duration of the stay.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
Accommodation: Hotel accommodation has been secured either in Oberammergau or close by in the picturesque villages of the Bavarian Alps. Please note that single and triple rooms are not available for the Oberammergau stay. Solo travelers and triple share guests will be accommodated in a twin room with a fellow solo traveler (of the same gender) for the duration of the stay.
Itineraries: Itinerary details such as hotels, meals, sightseeing inclusions, and price are subject to change.
Payment conditions: For bookings before September 30, 2019, on reservation an initial $350 per person, non-refundable deposit is due. On September 30, 2019, an additional $225 is due to confirm Passion Play ticket. For bookings from October 1, 2019 onwards, a non-refundable deposit of $575 per person is due on reservation. Final payment is due 90 days prior to trip departure. Bookings made within 90 days of departure must be paid in full when booking. No Early Payment Discounts, nor any other discounts, are applicable to the Oberammergau portion of the trip. Any fuel surcharges and/or government tax increases will still be payable by the guest.
Please note indicative prices are available on our website and final prices will be confirmed by 31 August 2019. If the overall Oberammergau & Trip price increases more than 15%, guests are eligible to cancel without penalty; if the price decreases, guests are entitled to the lower trip price.
13 meals: 9 Buffet breakfasts, 4 Three-course dinners.
The currency in Italy is the Euro (€). While it’s a good idea to bring some euros for when you first arrive in Italy, you’ll usually find a better exchange rate when you arrive in your destination. The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks in Italy. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling. It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.
While Italy is most famous for pizza and pasta, few travelers are aware of just how varied the country’s culinary offering actually are. In fact, each of the 20 regions has its own distinctive cuisine. Traditionally, lunch (pranzo) is the most substantial meal of the day. A full meal consists of antipasto (starter), a primo piatto (pasta, rice or soup), a secondo piatto (meat or fish) with a side, or contorno (vegetable or salad), then frutta (fresh fruit). Finish with espresso and maybe a limoncello or grappa. Wine is usually served with the meal, accompanied by mineral water. Tap water is safe to drink, but not always tasty. We recommend you buy bottled mineral water. ‘Acqua non potabile’ means the water is not safe to drink. Find out about some local specialties to try in Italy’s top destinations below.
Florence
Food in Florence is simple and humble, and relies on the fresh ingredients of the surrounding Tuscan countryside. Many of the local recipes have evolved from peasant dishes to international favorites. Bread is an important staple in Florentine cooking, and is featured in everything from antipasti (appetizers) such as bruschetta to traditional main dishes. Panzanella is a popular summer salad prepared with day old crusty bread and tomatoes. Papa al pomodoro is a delicious soup made with bread, tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. You’ll also find a variety of dishes featuring white beans, including the hearty ribollita soup. But the flagship of Florentine cuisine remains the famous bistecca alla fiorentina (T-bone steak). For a sweet finish, meals are topped off with traditional cantuccini (almond cookies) and the local vin santo dessert wine.
Venice
A visit to Venice offers an opportunity to discover a variety of truly unique gastronomic traditions. Venetians have a long-standing tradition of eating cicchetti, small bites similar to Spanish tapas. You can enjoy a variety of these before lunch or dinner, paired with a glass of local wine at restaurants and bars around town. Other common dishes include polenta, risotto with peas, salted cod, sardines, and local bigoli pasta.
Rome
Roman cuisine is deeply rooted in the past. Despite the city’s imperial history, the food in Rome and the surrounding Lazio region is anything but refined. Humble pasta dishes such as carbonara, amatriciana, aglio e olio (garlic and olive oil) and cacio e peppe (pecorino cheese and pepper) are local favorites served in trattorias around town. Other foods to try in Rome include pizza, a variety of fritti (fritters) made with everything from salted cod to zucchini flours, stewed oxtail, suppli (rice and Bolognese sauce croquettes) and sharp pecorino cheese. For dessert, try crostata di ricotta (Italian cheesecake) or zeppole (donuts).
In Italy, the weather changes very quickly, with temperatures varying from morning to night. We suggest bringing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. Keep in mind that your shoulders and knees should be covered while visiting religious sites. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
At bars and restaurants, tipping is less common or generous as in the U.S. When dining out, it’s appropriate, although not required, to leave an extra euro or two for your waiter.
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Accommodation: Hotel accommodation has been secured either in Oberammergau or close by in the picturesque villages of the Bavarian Alps. Please note that single and triple rooms are not available for the Oberammergau stay. Solo travelers and triple share guests will be accommodated in a twin room with a fellow solo traveler (of the same gender) for the duration of the stay.
Itineraries: Itinerary details such as hotels, meals, sightseeing inclusions, and price are subject to change.
Payment conditions: For bookings before September 30, 2019, on reservation an initial $350 per person, non-refundable deposit is due. On September 30, 2019, an additional $225 is due to confirm Passion Play ticket. For bookings from October 1, 2019 onwards, a non-refundable deposit of $575 per person is due on reservation. Final payment is due 90 days prior to trip departure. Bookings made within 90 days of departure must be paid in full when booking. No Early Payment Discounts, nor any other discounts, are applicable to the Oberammergau portion of the trip. Any fuel surcharges and/or government tax increases will still be payable by the guest.
Please note indicative prices are available on our website and final prices will be confirmed by August 31, 2019. If the overall Oberammergau & Trip price increases more than 15%, guests are eligible to cancel without penalty; if the price decreases, guests are entitled to the lower trip price.
Guided Vacation
Reservations on or before 9/30/2019
Initial Deposit | Interim Deposit |
---|---|
$350 (to hold booking) | $225 (due 9/30/2019 to confirm Passion Play ticket) |
Reservations after 9/30/2019
Deposit required | Final Payment |
---|---|
$575 | due 90 days before departure |
No. of Days | Penalty |
---|---|
170 days and over | Deposit |
169-120 days | $350 |
119-46 days | $575 |
45-22 days | 100% of Oberammergau supplement + 25% of land-only price excl. Oberammergau |
21-8 days | 100% of Oberammergau supplement + 30% of land-only price excl. Oberammergau |
7-1 days | 100% of Oberammergau supplement + 50% of land-only price excl. Oberammergau |
Departure Day/No show | 100% of Oberammergau supplement + 100% of land-only price excl. Oberammergau |
Air Tickets
Reservations on or before 9/30/2019
Deposit required | Final Payment |
---|---|
As per airline policy | As per airline policy |
Reservations after 9/30/2019
Deposit required | Final Payment (before departure) |
---|---|
As per airline policy | As per airline policy |
No. of Days | Penalty |
---|---|
170 days and over | $75 + airline charges |
169-120 days | $75 + airline charges |
119-46 days | $75 + airline charges |
45-22 days | $75 + airline charges |
21-8 days | $75 + airline charges |
7-1 days | $75 + airline charges |
Departure Day/No show | $75 + airline charges |
Extra Accommodations
Reservations on or before 9/30/2019
Deposit required | Final Payment |
---|---|
No additional deposit required | No additional deposit required |
Reservations after 9/30/2019
Deposit required | Final Payment (before departure) |
---|---|
No additional deposit required | In accordance with guided vacation |
No. of Days | Penalty |
---|---|
170 days and over | $35 |
169-120 days | $35 |
119-46 days | $35 |
45-22 days | $35 or 25% of accommodation price, whichever is higher |
21-8 days | $35 or 25% of accommodation price, whichever is higher |
7-1 days | 100% of accommodation price |
Departure Day/No show | 100% of accommodation price |
Chargable Transfers
Reservations on or before 9/30/2019
Deposit required | Final Payment |
---|---|
No additional deposit required | No additional deposit required |
Reservations after 9/30/2019
Deposit required | Final Payment (before departure) |
---|---|
No additional deposit required | In accordance with guided vacation |
No. of Days | Penalty |
---|---|
170 days and over | $35 |
169-120 days | $35 |
119-46 days | $35 |
45-22 days | $35 or 25% of accommodation price, whichever is higher |
21-8 days | $35 or 25% of accommodation price, whichever is higher |
7-1 days | 100% of transfer price |
Departure Day/No show | 100% of transfer price |