Affordable Family Vacations - Italy - Greek Islands - Greece.

Affordable Family Vacations - Italy, Ireland, England. Family Vacations to be Remembered Forever!

A Taste of Italy

7 days Rome/Venice
Starting at: $1,649.00 Land only
Special air fares available from many cities.
Rome, Florence, Venice

":Phyllis...Just wanted you to know that we had an incredibly great vacation. No problems." D. Dolan, MA.
PS: I bought a beautiful leather coat in Florence.

Day 1 (Fri.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight. Arrival in Rome, Italy

Day 2  Arrival in Rome, Italy
(Sat.) Time to rest or start exploring the Eternal City. At 6 p.m. meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and leave the hotel for a special welcome dinner with wine at one of Rome’s lively restaurants. (D)

Day 3  Rome
(Sun.) Sightseeing with your Local Guide this morning concentrates on ancient Rome: visit the COLOSSEUM Story about The Colosseum Thanks to Hollywood recreations such as Gladiator, nothing symbolizes the cruelty of Imperial Rome as much as the Colosseum. In truth, the games held there were even more extreme and theatrical than modern film directors dare to suggest. A day at the Empire’s most famous arena was a total entertainment package, mixing bouts of savage violence with solemn religious pageantry, sexual titillation, slapstick comedy and kitschy stage shows." and the ROMAN FORUM Story aboutThe Roman Forum Visitors can be a little confused by the Roman Forum; at first glance, it is a rather lifeless array of marble fragments. But we must remember that in ancient times, this space was far more than the temples and monuments whose ruins we can explore today. It was filled with bustling, noisy life as the popular crossroads of the city – the predecessor, in fact, of the modern Italian piazza. Every morning at dawn, average Romans would escape their cramped, dark apartment blocks (called insulae, or "islands") and spent their days outdoors. , where Roman Legions marched in triumph. Then time for independent activities and exciting optional excursion possibilities. (BB)

Day 4  Rome–Florence
(Mon.) Start with a guided visit to the VATICAN MUSEUMS Story aboutVatican Museums In the early 1500s, Rome was full of neglected ruins from the days of the ancient Empire, which still contained artworks buried amongst the rubble. The Renaissance had seen a sudden growth of interest in all things classical, and the popes – cultivated men who were in touch with the intellectual currents of the day – were the richest art collectors in Italy. They began offering substantial cash rewards for any sculptures, until Rome was scoured by freelance treasure hunters on the hunt for pagan masterpieces. The most dramatic discovery occurred in 1506, when a Roman father-and-son team of excavators reported a promising find near the ruined Baths of Titus. The artist Michelangelo himself excitedly hurried over to help with the work, followed by the pope’s official agent, Guiliano da Sangallo. When the excavators brushed away the dirt of 1,000 years, they found an enormous marble sculpture, perfectly intact, of a muscular Trojan hero being attacked by giant snakes. Guilano cried out in amazement, “This is the very Laocoön described by (the ancient Roman author) Pliny! " The sculpture was carted off to the Vatican Museum." and SISTINE CHAPEL Sistine Chapel, world famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling paintings and The Last Judgement. Next, visit monumental ST. PETER’S SQUARE and BASILICA. In the early afternoon drive along the Highway of the Sun north into Tuscany Tuscany and its hill-clad vineyards which house the famous Chianti wine, to Florence, cradle of the Renaissance. (BB)

Day 5  Florence
(Tue.) Follow your Local Guide to the ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS with Michelangelo’s celebrated David and the magnificent CATHEDRAL. Admire Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s heavy bronze “Gate of Paradise,” and sculpture-studded Signoria Square Story aboutLa Piazza Della Signora What’s the best vantage point to ponder the most illustrious town square in Florence, the Signoria? An outdoor table in the venerable Caffè Rivoire – preferably over a delicious, if not painfully expensive cioccolata con pane, a dark and mud-thick hot chocolate. Late at night, when the crowds have gone, you can search the long shadows and imagine that very little has changed here since the 1400s. The Signoria is the most elegant sculpture garden in Europe. Masterpieces include the splendid Neptune Fountain by Ammannati, Hercules and Cacus by Bandinelli and a precise copy of Michelangelo’s David, all strategically poised in front of the Palazzo Vecchio. This grand public space has been the centerpiece of Florence since the 15th Century, the golden age when the city was established as the most beautiful in Europe. Eminent merchants in their ostentatious finery met here to discuss business in the midst of Florence’s raucous daily life." . The afternoon is free. Florentine leather goods and gold jewelry sold by the ounce are attractive buys. You may wish to join an optional dinner outing to a fine Tuscan restaurant and try out the Chianti wines. (BB)

Day 6  Florence–Venice Venice, Italy
(Wed.) Through the wooded Apennine Hills and the lush plains of the River Po, the largest river in Italy, to Venice, a powerful magnet for romantics and art lovers from around the globe. Enter in style by PRIVATE BOAT to meet your Local Guide. Highlights of your walking tour are ST. MARK’S SQUARE St. Mark’s Square in Venice and the byzantine BASILICA, lavish DOGES’ PALACE and the Bridge of Sighs Story aboutBridge of Sighs The world’s most poetically-named bridge, Il Ponte dei Sospiri, the Bridge of Sighs, was built in 1614 so that prisoners of the Venetian state could be transferred in secret from the Doge’s Palace to the so-called Nuovi Prigioni, or New Prisons. The wistful name was actually conceived by the English poet Lord Byron in the early 1800s that imagined the horror of prisoners taking their last glimpse of Venice before going underground to captivity. . Also watch skilled GLASSBLOWERS fashion their delicate objects in an age-old traditional manner. (BB)

Day 7  At Leisure in Venice
(Thu.) A whole day to explore Venice on your own, join the locals, have a cappuccino at a sidewalk café, or wander through the narrow streets and discover Rialto Bridge. To top it all, why not join an optional cruise to the charming island of Burano, followed by dinner with local specialties to celebrate the success of your Italian vacation? (BB)

Day 8
(Fri.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)

Italy's Great Cities

8 days Rome/Rome
Priced from $1,749.00 Land only
Special airfares available from many cities.

Day 1 Arrival in Rome
Rome , Italy Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2 Arrival in Rome, Italy Time to rest or start exploring the Eternal City. At 6 p.m. meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and leave the hotel for a special welcome dinner with wine at one of Rome’s lively restaurants. (D)

Day 3 Rome Sightseeing with your Local Guide starts with a visit to the VATICAN MUSEUMS Sistine Chapel (arranged next morning if closed today), world famous for Michelangelo's ceiling paintings and The Last Judgement. Continue to monumental ST. PETER’S SQUARE and BASILICA. Cross the Tiber and visit the COLOSSEUM. Then time for independent activities and exciting optional excursion possibilities. (BB)

Day 4 Rome–Pisa - Follow the Aurelian Way along the Tyrrhenian coast to Pisa. Here take your pictures of the amazing Leaning Tower, 180 feet high and no less than 12 feet out of the perpendicular. On to Florence, the splendid capital of Tuscany Tuscany . (BB,D)

Day 5 Florence Follow your Local Guide to the ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS with Michelangelo’s celebrated David and the magnificent CATHEDRAL. Admire Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s heavy bronze "Gate of Paradise," and sculpture-studded SIGNORIA SQUARE . The afternoon is free. Florentine leather goods and gold jewelry sold by the ounce are attractive buys. You may wish to join an optional dinner outing to a fine Tuscan restaurant. (BB)

Day 6 Florence–Verona–Venice Venice, Italy North to Verona, medieval setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. See Juliet’s Balcony and the well-preserved Arena. Stroll around the picturesque market square. Tonight you are in Venice, a powerful magnet for romantics and art lovers from around the globe. (BB)

Day 7 Venice Start the day in style by PRIVATE BOAT to meet your Local Guide. Highlights of your walking tour are ST. MARK’S SQUARE St. Mark’s Square in Venice and the byzantine BASILICA, lavish DOGES’ PALACE and the BRIDGE OF SIGHS. Also watch skilled GLASSBLOWERS fashion their delicate objects in an age-old traditional manner. Afterwards, enjoy Venice at your own pace T onight is your chance to sample the city’s fine restaurants. (BB)

Day 8 Venice–Rome A scenic drive today through the lush plains of the mighty River Po, across the wooded Apennine mountain range, and past the vine- and olive-clad Tuscan Hills, which are the home of the popular Chianti wines. An optional festive dinner may be just the way to celebrate the success of your Italian vacation. (BB)

Day 9 Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)

Italian Lakes and Greek Islands

12 days From $2589 air included rom New York
25 Meals 10 Breakfast(s), 6 Lunch(es), 9 Dinner(s)

" Phyllis...Thank you for recommending this vacation. Brenden and Zach were so excited in seeing the different cultures on this trip. It really was educational for them. Tim and I fell in love with Santorini and we want to come back." K. Crotty, FL.

This tour includes Stresa,, Lago Maggiore,, Lake Como,, Como,, Bari,, Greek Islands,, Katakolon,, Santorini,, Mykonos, Rhodes,, Dubrovnik,, Venice
Discover the breathtaking beauty and rich cultures of northern Italy, Greece and Croatia on a 7-night cruise through the Eastern Mediterranean. After touring Milan and Como in the picturesque Italian Lakes region, your first port of call is Bari. Here, whimsical round houses with cone-topped roofs dot the landscape like chanterelle mushrooms.
Then it's on to the island playgrounds of Santorini, Mykonos, and Corfu, characterized by vibrant blue waters, gorgeous beaches, and whitewashed villages. Soak up the sun, taste delicious fresh seafood, and browse the colorful markets for souvenirs. Next you'll travel to Dubrovnik, Croatia, an interesting ancient city built on a peninsula and protected by a 1,000-year-old wall. After exploring this city, sail to enchanting Venice.
Here meander through the romantic canals, have a cappuccino in St. Mark's Square, and see the sites including the Clock Tower, the Doge's Palace, and the famous "Bridge of Sighs."

Day 1: Overnight Flight Join your group and explore the magnificent historical sights and cultures of northern Italy, Croatia and the stunning Greek Islands. Experience the breathtaking scenery of the Italian lakes region followed by a romantic 7-night Eastern Mediterranean cruise aboard the Costa Fortuna.

Day 2: Stresa, Lago Maggiore, Italy - Tour Begins Your tour begins in picturesque Stresa on Lago Maggiore. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. Today dinner is included.

Day 3: Como - Stresa, Lago Maggiore LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. This morning enjoy some time in the beautiful resort town of Como before returning to Stresa to soak up the lakeside atmosphere of this charming town. Today breakfast is included.

Day 4: Lago Maggiore - Venice - Board Cruise Ship Following breakfast, depart for Venice. Your exciting 7-night Eastern Mediterranean cruise begins today on the Costa Fortuna. This lovely ship draws inspiration from the grand Italian steamships that provided trans-Atlantic passage. While on board breakfast, lunch and dinner are included daily in luscious Italian-style! Early this evening you will set sail for Bari. Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 5: Bari, Italy This afternoon you dock in Bari. Perhaps you will spend the afternoon exploring the medieval streets and Romanesque churches, including the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, built to house the body of Saint Nicholas, now known throughout the world as the man behind the legend of Santa Claus. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 6: Katakolon, Greece Today you will enjoy an afternoon in stunning Katakolon. Wonder at the ruins of the Temple of Zeus and explore the site of the very first Olympic Games. This evening you will set sail for breathtaking Santorini. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 7: Santorini - Mykonos This morning you will arrive on the beautiful island of Santorini. In 1500 BC, a powerful volcano erupted and caused the central part of the island to sink into the sea. Could this be the lost city of Atlantis? Enjoy some leisure time to soak in the breathtaking views of this beautiful island and delve into the mysteries of ancient Santorini. Your next stop is the fashionable island of Mykonos. Enjoy an evening stroll through Mykonos, where picturesque windmills dot the landscape and view the beautiful beaches, whitewashed houses, and an endless line of boutiques and chapels. Depart late this evening to sail overnight to Rhodes. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 8: Rhodes Dock this morning on the beautiful island of Rhodes where, centuries ago, the Crusader Knights of St. John made it their headquarters. Take some time to explore the Palace of Grand Masters which once housed the knights. Take in this island's beauty before setting sail this evening. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 9: At Sea Enjoy a full day at sea to sit back, relax by the pool and enjoy all of the amenities available on board your cruise ship. Perhaps you will sit by one of the four swimming pools, soak in the waters of one of the six jacuzzis, head to the fitness center or spa, or just sit on deck, relax, and watch the lovely scenery go by. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 10: Dubrovnik, Croatia This morning you dock in Dubrovnik where you have the opportunity to explore this ancient city, known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic." Set on a peninsula, this beautiful city is surrounded by a 1,000-year-old protective wall. Take plenty of time to explore the treasures of this marvelous city. This afternoon, set sail for enchanting Venice. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 11: Venice, Italy - Disembark Cruise Ship - Milan/Malpensa Your morning disembarkation is followed by a visit to Venice's St. Mark’s Square, a bustling hub of quintessentially Italian activity and events. A local expert provides a walking tour featuring the Clock Tower, St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the famous Bridge of Sighs. Depart Venice mid-afternoon. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a fun-filled, memorable trip. Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 12: Milan/Malpensa - Tour Ends Your tour ends today. Today breakfast is included.

Rome & Amalfi Coast 10 days

From $2237 air included from New York
8 Breakfast(s), 0 Lunch(es), 5 Dinners

"Phyllis...You were right. The Amalfii coast is amazingly beautiful. Words canot describe it. Next year we will spend all of our time here. " L. Duva, CT.

Spend a leisurely five nights on the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, where the Mediterranean Sea and mountains meet. A local expert walks you through centuries of history during a visit to the Naples Archaeological Museum.

This tour includes Rome,, Ravello,, Villa Rufolo,, Vietri-sul-Mare,, Sorrento,, Amalfi Coast,, Paestum,, Island of Capri,, Pompeii,, Naples,, Archeological Museum Rome & Amalfi Coast

Enjoy glorious days of magnificent art, architecture and panoramic views as you explore "the Eternal city" of Rome, and spend five leisurely nights on southern Italy's breathtaking Amalfi coast with its stunning vistas of the Mediterranean Sea. Discover the ruins of Pompeii; explore the most well preserved Greek temples outside of Greece while in Paestum, and visit the stunning hilltop village of Ravello. In Rome, you will enjoy a panoramic tour highlighting the well-known sites of Classical Rome, including the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, as well as the beautiful Trevi Fountain. In the seaside resort town of Sorrento, watch local artisans demonstrate the art of inlaid wood making. Learn about Italy’s artisan way of life with visits and tours of a local buffalo milk mozzarella factory, and a traditional ceramic factory. This vacation includes free time to explore the Mediterranean island of Capri and to explore the ceramic shops and cafes of Amalfi. In colorful and vibrant Naples, enjoy a visit to the National Archaeological Museum, one of the finest in the world.

Day 1: Overnight Flight Your adventure begins with an overnight flight to Italy. Journey through southern Italy and experience its rich scenery, art, culture, food and wine! Witness the breathtaking scenery of the Amalfi Coast, discover the ruins of Pompeii, explore the most well preserved Greek temples outside of Greece while in Paestum, and visit the stunning hilltop village of Ravello. In addition, participate in an exclusive visit to a traditional ceramic factory, taste the local lemon liquor, and visit a local mozzarella cheese facility.

Day 2: Arrive Rome, Italy Your tour begins in Rome. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring local delicacies and wines. Today dinner is included.

Day 3: Rome This morning you may wish to participate in an optional tour to the "Magnificent Treasures of the Vatican Museums". Later, enjoy a panoramic tour of Classical Rome featuring the Piazza Venezia, the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, and the Arch of Constantine. Contemporary Rome is highlighted through the legendary Spanish Steps and the beautiful Trevi Fountain. Today breakfast is included.

Day 4: Rome - Ravello - Vietri-sul-Mare LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Depart Rome and journey south to the Amalfi Coast. In the picturesque village of Ravello you will visit Wagner's Villa Rufolo with its spectacular panorama. Your day ends in the beautiful town of Vietri-sul-Mare, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 5: Vietri-sul-Mare - Sorrento - Vietri-sul-Mare Begin your day exploring the popular seaside resort town of Sorrento. In Sorrento, visit local artisans and watch them demonstrate the art of inlaid wood making. Next you will return to Vietri-sul-Mare,where you will enjoy free time to explore the town square, ceramic shops and cafes. Today breakfast is included.

Day 6: Vietri-sul-Mare - Paestum - Vietri-sul-Mare After breakfast, visit a nearby local ceramic factory to learn about this important regional craft. Next, learn about one of Italy’s most famous products during a tour of a local buffalo milk mozzarella factory. Your day will continue with a visit to Paestum where a local guide will escort you through some of the best preserved Greek temples outside of Greece. End your day with dinner at a popular local restaurant. Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 7: Vietri-sul-Mare - Capri - Vietri-sul-Mare Delight in a boat trip (weather permitting) to the wonderful Mediterranean island of Capri. A local guide provides an interesting tour of this paradise island. Later, enjoy free time to explore the town of Capri, shop its elegant designer shops, or sip a coffee in the Piazza and watch the world go by. Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 8: Vietri-sul-Mare - Pompeii - Naples - Vietri-sul-Mare Experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii at the foothills of Mount Vesuvius. Soak in the history of the preserved original buildings of a typical Roman town 2,000 years ago. The forms of people who died in Pompeii are evident and cast an insight into how they lived. Later, you proceed to colorful and vibrant Naples. Enjoy a visit to the fascinating National Archeological Museum, one of the finest in the world. Today breakfast is included.

Day 9: Vietri-sul-Mare - Rome Enjoy a morning of leisure to relax or do some last minute shopping in charming Vietri-sul-Mare before you depart for Rome. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a marvelous trip to Italy. Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 10: Rome - Tour Ends Your tour ends, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation. Today breakfast is included.

Other Italy Travel Destinations - Call or Email Us for More Inormation

The Italy vacations below are land only prices. We have very competitive airfares for these trips. Please contact Phyllis Email Italy Vacations for more information.

Italy's Treasures 12 days From $2799
This tour includes Italian Lake Region,, Italian Riviera,, Pisa,, Florence,, Italian Cooking Class,, Siena,, San Gimignano, Wine Tasting,, Venice

Rome & Florence 8 days From $1299
This tour includes Rome,, Dinner with the Tenors,, Assisi,, Basilica of St. Francis,, Florence,, Uffizi Museum

Discover Sicily 9 days From $1149
This tour includes Taormina,, Mt. Etna,, Winery Tour,, Piazza Armerina,, Villa Casale,, Caltagirone,, Siracusa

Italian Masterpieces 11 days From $2099
This tour includes Rome,, Vatican Museums,, St. Peter’s Basilica,, Siena,, Florence,, Perugia,, Assisi,, Montepulciano,, Orvieto -

Italian Vistas 13 days From $2499
This tour includes Rome,, Colosseum,, Trevi Fountain,, Isle of Capri,, Ruins of Pompeii,, Amalfi Coast,, Florence,, Statue of David,, Leaning Tower of Pisa,, Venice,, Murano Island,, Verona,, Stresa,, Lugano, Switzerland

Reflections of Italy 10 days From $1849
This tour includes Rome,, Colosseum,, Assisi,, Perugia,, Siena,, San Gimignano,, Florence,, San Marino,, Venice,, Murano Island,, Como

Southern Italy & Sicily 11 days From $1999
This tour includes Palermo,, Monreale,, Agrigento,, Valley of the Temples,, Piazza Armerina,, Mt. Etna Volcano,, Giardini Naxos,, Taormina,, Sorrento,, Pompeii,, Rome,, Colosseum,, Trevi Fountain -