Featuring New Year's Eve in Rome

Winter is a time when the cities of Europe are less crowded with tourists and the traveler can better experience the true character of the country. It is also the time when many Europeans escape to the snow covered mountains to enjoy traditional winter pursuits.

Our Italian Winter or "Inverno Italiano" program explores the cities of Rome, Venice, and Florence but also experiences the countryside of Italy. From the magnificent snow-capped mountains of the Dolomites - where we learn to cross country ski! - to the breathtaking scenery of the Amalfi Coast where whitewashed villages tumble into azure blue seas under a crisp winter sky, we pass through the rolling terracotta countryside of Tuscany, with its precariously perched hilltop towns and the green and craggy landscape of Umbria.

We see the great cities and icons of the regions visited from the Renaissance excesses of Florence, Pisa and Lucca to the Umbrian mediaeval cities of Perugia, Gubbio and St Francis' Assisi. In the North, we visit the ancient university seat of Verona and Dolomite villages while staying at stunningly beautiful Venice with its fascinating islands. While, in the South, we visit the spectacularly cosmopolitan city of Naples as well as the Roman remains of Pompeii. In the eternal city, we not only learn about Rome as centre of the ancient and catholic world but attend the famous New Year Papal address "Urbi et Orbi".

However, we will not only benefit from experiencing the sights and highlights of much of Italy without the hordes of summer tourists but we will benefit from the low season in hotels to stay more cost effectively in pleasant central accommodation in Rome, Florence and Venice and in attractive towns in Campania, Trentino and Umbria. All hotels will offer rooms with en-suite facilities together with meeting rooms, lounges and dining facilities.

Itinerary at a Glance & Site / # Nights

• Ex Australia & New Zealand - 1, Lazio, Rome - 4, Campania, Maiori - 4, Umbria, Perugia - 4, Veneto, Venice - 4, Trentino, Trento - 3, Tuscany, Florence - 4, Lazio, Rome - 1, Program ends in Rome prior to boarding our return flight to Australia/New Zealand.

Program Includes

• Return economy class international airfare.
• Departure taxes applicable to the standard itinerary.
• 24 nights accommodation in en-suite share twin rooms.
• Typical local breakfast daily and 19 dinners.
• Touring by comfortable and modern coach.
• Transport, lectures and field trips as indicated.
• Applicable entry fees and services of local guides.
• Comprehensive travel insurance (Additional premiums will be imposed by the insurer for those participants who are over 60 years and/or with pre-existing medical conditions).
• Services of a study / group leader.
• Gratuities and necessary tips.
• Details Program Information Booklet

Program Excludes

• Items of a personal nature.
• Transit stop accommodation at participants own expense.

Rome Extension

• There is an opportunity to spend Christmas in Rome prior to the program or extending at the conclusion, allowing us the opportunity to explore the countryside.
• Pre-night stays may be purchased on a per night basis with no transfer included.
• The post-night stays must be purchased as a 3-night standard package including a return airport transfer or on a night by night basis without return transfer.
• For prices and dates please refer to our Rome extension rates.