15 days, September 22 – October 6, 2018

Arranged and guided by Collette Vacations

Escorted by Doug Jackson

Enjoy multiple-night stays in Rome, Florence, Venice, the Sorrento Coast and the Lake District resort of Stresa. Discover the treasures of Classical Rome, including the Colosseum. Walk in the footsteps of the ancient Romans in Pompeii. Take a boat ride to the enchanting Isle of Capri. See the gems of the Renaissance in Florence's Academy Gallery, including Michelangelo's David. Marvel at the Leaning Tower of Pisa and stroll the streets of Verona that were the backdrop for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Stop at a Tuscan winery for a lunch of regional specialties and wines. In Venice, the Jewel of the Adriatic, take a walking tour of St. Mark’s Square to see the Basilica, the impressive Doge's Palace, and the legendary Bridge of Sighs. Visit Locarno, Switzerland, and cap off your journey through Italy with a cruise to Isola dei Pescatori, one of the scenic Borromean Islands.

Day 1, Saturday September 22 (depart home, board overnight flight)

Following our at-home-pickup-service, we transfer to the Vancouver Airport and depart this afternoon aboard Lufthansa's overnight flight via Frankfurt to Rome, Italy.

Day 2, Sunday September 23 (flight arrives Rome, overnight at airport hotel)

Arriving in Rome this evening, we overnight at the Mercure Rome Leonardo da Vinci Airport Hotel.

Day 3, Monday September 24 (Rome, introductory tour)

Following a leisurely breakfast, we depart our airport hotel and begin an introductory tour by motor-coach through the ancient seaport of Ostia, and continue into the heart of Rome. Our home for three nights is the Grand Hotel Palatino, strategically located near the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Tonight's welcome dinner features regional delicacies and Italian wines. Meals BD

Day 4, Tuesday September 25 (Rome, city tour)

Today our guided tour of Classical Rome features such sights as the Piazza Venezia, the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus, the Arch of Constantine, the mythic Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the catacombs, burial place of early Christians. During an in-depth visit to the Colosseum, our guide recounts its rich history. Tonight, immersed in Italian culture, we Dine with the Tenors, enjoying wine and a hearty four-course menu, while talented performers serenade us with arias from best-loved operas. After dinner, during our Rome by Night tour, we'll see the Colosseum, the Forum, Victor Emmanuel Monument and other famous landmarks, illuminated against the night sky. Meals BD

Day 5, Wednesday September 26 (Rome, visit The Vatican Museum)

This morning we'll visit the Vatican Museums, home not only to one of the world's greatest collections of art, but also to the famous Sistine Chapel. Priceless artifacts from ancient Egypt, Etruscan Italy and cultures around the world are preserved in the Vatican's palaces. Highlights of our guided visit include the Gallery of Maps, the Gallery of Tapestries, and a visit to the Sistine Chapel with its ceiling frescoes, which took Michelangelo four years to complete. Our final stop is at St Peter's Basilica, one of the most important churches in Christendom. The rest of our day is at leisure. Meals B

Day 6, Thursday September 27 (Rome to Pompeii to Sorrento Coast)

This morning we journey south toward the Bay of Naples, where charming villages are built into hillsides above a sparkling blue sea. Soak in 2,000 years of history as we view the remarkably preserved archaeological site of Pompeii, a once thriving Roman city buried under meters of ash, following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. Continuing to the resort town of Sorrento, we pause to explore on our own, and perhaps visit the Duomo, a Romanesque cathedral with inlaid woodwork. Our home for two nights is the Towers Hotel Stabiae Sorrento Coast. Meals B

Day 7, Friday September 28 (Sorrento Coast, visit Isle of Capri)

This morning begins with a scenic boat ride to the Isle of Capri, and upon arrival, a panoramic ride to Anacapri, the island's highest town. In Capri town with its famous Piazzetta square, we have leisure time to explore this island paradise of chic boutiques, outdoor cafes and lush vegetation, before returning to the Sorrento coast. Meals BD

Day 8, Saturday September 29 (Sorrento Coast to Florence)

Today, Tuscany unfolds with its panorama of vineyards and olive groves. Arriving in Florence, known as the Cradle of the Italian Renaissance, and offering Italy's best art and architecture, we'll visit the Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo's magnificent sculpture of David. Our Florence home for two nights is the historic Grand Hotel Baglioni. This evening we'll enjoy regional Italian cuisine at a local restaurant. Meals BD

Day 9, Sunday September 30 (Florence, local touring)

Highlights of today's Florence touring include the Piazza del Duomo with its Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the famous Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery of St John, and the magnificent Piazza della Signoria with its imposing Palazzo Vecchio. Meals B

Day 10, Monday October 1 (Florence to Pisa to Venice)

This morning, visiting the ancient Maritime Republic of Pisa, we discover the Piazza Dei Miracoli, the Duomo (Cathedral), and the famous Leaning Tower. Continuing, we pause at a Tuscan winery to enjoy lunch and to sample wine and local specialties. This afternoon, we cross the Apennine Mountains en-route to Venice, where 117 islands are connected by a latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges. Arriving in Venice we check-in for two nights at the B4 Bellini Venezia Hotel, located on the Grand Canal in the heart of the city. Meals BL

Day 11, Tuesday October 2 (Venice, local touring)

This morning (weather permitting), we'll embark on a boat trip to Murano Island for a glass-blowing demonstration. Returning to Venice we'll make our way to famous St Mark's Square, to join a local guide on a walking tour, to view the Basilica and visit the impressive Doge's Palace along with the legendary Bridge of Sighs. This rest of the day is at leisure to explore on our own, and perhaps partake in the famous Venetian pastime – a gondola cruise. Meals B

Day 12, Wednesday October 3 (Venice to Verona to Stresa)

Travelling from Venice to Stresa we visit medieval Verona, to stroll the streets that were the backdrop for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Continuing to the resort town of Stresa, set in the spectacular Italian Lakes District with beautiful views of Lake Maggiore, we begin a relaxing three-night stay at the stately Regina Palace Hotel. Meals BD

Day 13, Thursday October 4 (Stresa, visit Locarno, Switzerland)

Today we enter Switzerland, to enjoy magnificent views, excellent shopping, and charming cafes in the picturesque lakeside resort of Locarno. We return to Stresa, and tonight (weather pemitting) we travel by boat to Isola dei Pescatori to enjoy dinner while surrounded by beautiful scenery. Meals BD

Day 14, Friday October 5 (Stresa, a day at leisure)

A day at leisure. Sleep in, enjoy a late breakfast, explore, shop, relax. Tonight a farewell dinner completes our vacation. Meals BD

Day 15, Saturday October 6 (homeward bound)

Following breakfast at our hotel, we transfer to Milan's Malpensa Airport, to board our Lufthansa flight via Munich to Vancouver. Transfers included to home from the Vancouver Airport. Meals B

ITALIAN VISTAS

Tour Includes

Airfare and taxes Vancouver to Rome

& return from Milan

Air conditioned motor-coach transportation

Gratuities to drivers and guides

At home pickup and return (lower mainland)

Hotel accommodations, baggage handling

21 Meals (13 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners)

All attractions as described in brochure

Collette Insurance (see below)

Tour Price (Canadian Funds)

Each person, 2 sharing room............$9,290

Single.............................................$10,790

Reserve

By Mar 16

Save $200

per person

Documents A passport is required, valid until January 6, 2019.

Deposit Due: $700 per person, ten days after reservation Balance Due: July 7


Collette Vacations Waiver & Insurance Plan (included with your tour)

Payments for this tour are fully refundable until March 16. After March 16, in the event of cancellation for any reason prior to the day of departure, the Collette Cancellation Waiver, which is included with this tour, guarantees a full refund of all payments, less a cancellation fee of $350. On the day of departure the cancellation fee is 100% of the total price, unless the cancellation is for a medical reason supported by a doctor's letter, in which case only the $350 cancellation fee will apply.

The plan does not cover any single supplement charges. If your travelling companion cancels, you may continue by paying the single supplement, or cancel and receive a refund less the cancellation fee. After departure, the plan provides transportation home and a refund of unused services, if you are forced to cancel due to personal illness, or the personal illness or death of an immediate family member. You, your travelling companion, and any immediate family member booked to travel with you must be medically capable of travel when you pay your deposit.

The Collette plan also includes medical coverage without exclusions due to age or pre-existing medical conditions. Please note that you must have valid hospital and medical insurance under a Government Health Insurance Plan of a Province or Territory of Canada. For full details, please review the Description of Coverage information for the Collette Cancellation Waiver & Insurance Plan.

Guarantee

  • Jackson Tours Inc is a registered tour operator in the Province of British Columbia, registration #1347. Deposits by BC residents are secured by the British Columbia Travel Assurance Fund, through the Consumer Protection BC.
  • Jackson Tours is a member of the Better Business Bureau of Mainland British Columbia.

Credit Cards

We do not accept credit card payments. Avoiding credit card fees, allows us to put more value into your tour. Your personal cheque is welcome.

At Home Service, Door-to-Door Pickup and Return

Service included throughout the lower mainland from Chilliwack to Vancouver.

Jackson Tours at Roblin Travel Service Toll free phone: 1-800-541-8687

#104 – 45833 Alexander Ave, PO Box 428 Chilliwack phone: 604-792-4696

Chilliwack BC V2P 6J7 Email: info@jacksontours.ca

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.