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Hosted By: Gib Brown
Retired NBC5 Meteorologist
WPTZ TV
View Biography
Discover Tuscany’s charming countryside, Florence’s art treasures, Venice’s grand waterways, and Rome’s ancient sites. Experience the romanticism of Venice as you stroll through the charming city streets and relax on a famed gondola ride. In Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, visit Ponte Vecchio and Galleria dell’Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s David, before seeing the Duomo, the largest brick dome ever constructed. Tour the medieval hilltop town San Gimignano, followed by three nights in Rome. Explore the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Gaze upon Rome’s ancient archaeological treasures including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, and so much more.
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September 16th, 2023 - September 24th, 2023
Occupancy
Price Per Person
Double
$5899
Single
$6699
Final Payment Date: 06/13/2023
Day 1 : Ciao Italia!
Our tour begins with an overnight flight to Italy.
Day 2 : Padua
We transfer to Padua where our knowledgeable Italian guide and driver greet us upon our arrival. This historic city is known for its beauty, world renowned university, and as the setting for Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. Our evening concludes with a Holiday Vacations Welcome Dinner.
Day 3 : Venice
Enjoy a delicious Italian breakfast before starting our journey to Venice. Our tour of Venice begins at the city’s centerpiece, the Piazza San Marco where we discover some of the best-known examples of Byzantine architecture at Basilica di San Marco, the former royal residence at Doge’s Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the city on your own. We then experience a special treat, a gondola ride on Venice’s charming waterways. An included dinner completes our day in the Floating City.
Day 4 : Tuscany
We depart this morning for the Tuscany region and cross the Apennine Mountains with a stop in Ferrara along the way, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with elegant palaces dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Arrive this evening in the historic city of Florence, our home for the next two nights, and taste the flavors that make this region famous with an included dinner.
Day 5 : Florence
Today we tour Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance and home to many of the world’s greatest artistic treasures. Visit the Galleria dell’Accademia and view incredible works including Michelangelo’s famous David statue. Take in the Duomo, the largest brick dome ever constructed, and gaze upon Ghiberti’s famous bronze doors of the Baptistery, often referred to as the Gates of Paradise. Enjoy time on our own this afternoon to visit the shops of the Ponte Vecchio, a famous covered bridge housing many local vendors. Discover the museums of the area or enjoy a fresh gelato, traditional Italian-style ice cream. To truly appreciate the city’s beauty, we conclude the day with a scenic illuminated walk through the city center.
Day 6 : San Gimignano
Soak in the picturesque groves of olive trees and vineyards as we travel south through Tuscany. Our stop in the medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano includes a tour of this spectacular community best recognized by its 14 magnificent towers. We arrive in the eternal city of Rome and check in to our hotel for the next three nights. A scrumptious dinner nearby is included this evening.
Day 7 : Ancient Rome
Discover the fascinating sights and landmarks of ancient Rome today. Begin with a visit to one of the most iconic monuments of the Roman Empire and the largest amphitheatre in the world, The Colosseum. Learn about the many uses of this famous arena and walk the same steps of the ancient gladiators. Next, tour the Roman Forum, once the governmental and financial center of the city and home today to several of the best preserved pieces of architecture including the Arch of Constantine. We complete our tour today with the stunning Trevi Fountain. Completed in 1762, it is one of the most famous fountains in the world. According to legend, tossing a coin into the fountain ensures your return visit to Rome.
Day 8 : Vatican & The Sistine Chapel
Our day begins with a guided tour of the famous Vatican Museums featuring some of the most renowned classical sculptures and Renaissance art in the world. Explore the Vatican’s many galleries culminating with the famous Sistine Chapel. Truly a magnificent sight to behold, the iconic ceiling fresco was painted by Michelangelo. Our visit to Vatican City continues with a special tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most extraordinary churches in the world and home to the Catholic Church. Discover the immense history and relics including the Altar of the Sacred Heart, the Chair of Saint Peter, and Michelangelo’s Piéta. There is time this afternoon to see Saint Peter's Square, climb the Spanish Steps, visit the Pantheon, or explore the statues and cafés of Piazza Navona. Tonight we gather for a special Farewell Dinner with musical entertainment to celebrate our wonderful Italian adventure.
Day 9 : Fly Home
After an included breakfast, we travel home with fond memories.
WPTZ TV Pickup Locations:
Burlington, VT - Burlington International Airport
Gib is an award-winning teacher and Meteorologist who has recently retired from NBC5 after more than 37 years.
During his long career he also taught high school science and has served as an adjunct professor of Meteorology at Clinton Community College and Plattsburgh SUNY. Gib is an honorary chair for the regional science fair held annually in Plattsburgh. He is also an AMS Emeritus member and is on the board of the Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory.
During the winter season, Gib also works part-time as an Ambassador for Olympic Regional Development Authority at Whiteface Mountain. Gib is an avid skier, hiker, and most of all loves to travel. He enjoys spending time with his five grandkids, Katharine, Kaden, Addison, Jack and Ryan.
He has previously hosted numerous Holiday Vacations tours. Join Gib, Marilyn and NBC5 viewers on this exciting vacation.
Interested in more travel opportunities? Click here or visit www.holidayvacations.com and enter keyword WPTZ.
Tour days tend to be shorter in length, at a relaxed pace, and include lots of unscheduled time for leisure. Expect standing and walking for extended periods of time on flat surfaces, mostly low altitudes, and consistent temperatures.
Tour days usually move at a leisurely pace. Some days’ scheduled activities last longer than others. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on occasionally uneven terrain. You may experience changes in altitude or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a consistent pace, and may include long travel days. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on uneven surfaces. Some destinations may have changes in altitude and/or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a brisk pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on uneven surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a vigorous pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on rough surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.