14 Day North Classic 2013

DAY 1 - Depart USA
Boarding our overnight flight, we’re off on the adventure of a lifetime.

DAY 2 - Arrive in Rome, Afternoon at Leisure, Dinner in Hotel
Benvenuti a Roma! We are pleased to offer complimentary transfers from the Rome airport to your hotel at scheduled times. Your Perillo representative will be at the airport to greet you.

There will be time to relax this afternoon before our evening’s dinner with fine local wines at our hotel.(D)

DAY 3 - Rome City Sightseeing, Afternoon at Leisure
Hail Caesar! All aboard our chariot for a panoramic tour of Imperial Rome including the Roman Forum, Largo Argentina (where Caesar was stabbed by Brutus), the Jewish Ghetto and the Circus Maximus.

Then we’ll enter the Colosseum, reliving the brutal entertainment of the gladiators and the lions, refereed by the Emperor himself.

Tonight we thought you’d enjoy a dinner on your own. Ask your tour guide for a recommendation, or simply relax and enjoy your hotel restaurant.(B)

DAY 4 - Rome, Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Dinner Out Tonight
This morning, it’s a 5- minute drive to another country – Vatican City! With our expert local guide we’ll tour the Vatican Museums, a treasure trove of ancient Greek sculptures, medieval tapestries and Renaissance paintings. Our visit culminates in the Sistine Chapel, the room where the Pope is elected.

Next we visit St. Peter’s Basilica, by far the largest church in Christendom. We’ll see Michelangelo’s Pieta, sculpted when he was just 24, as well as Bernini’s seven-story bronze canopy located above the main altar.

Tonight we’ll recount our explorations with good food, good wine and great friends at a fine local restaurant.(B,D)

DAY 5 - Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, Dinner in Hotel
This morning, we motor to Naples. Have your cameras ready because we will arrive in Naples via Vomero Hill overlooking the sapphire Bay of Naples, Capri and proud Vesuvius. We descend to the heart of the city along the sea front promenade, seeing Castel dell’Ovo, San Carlo Opera House, Santa Lucia, Town Hall and the Angevin Castle where today’s date appears in flowers!

Then, it’s off to Pompeii. Imagine, a city perfectly preserved as it was on that fateful day 2,000 years ago, when ash and lava literally stopped it in its tracks. You’ll see the tragic fossils of people attempting to escape along with children and dogs.

Tonight, dinner at our hotel with fine wines.(B,D)

DAY 6 - Sorrento, Capri, Sorrento, Dinner Out
This morning you’ll be taken to Capri, the world’s most enchanting island.You can explore to your hearts content on your own or your tour conductor may have other ideas. You’ll be as captivated by Capri as Emperor Tiberius who used the Blue Grotto as his personal swimming pool.

Tonight, still glowing from the sun, we’re off to a Sorrento eatery for fine food and wine.(B,D)

DAY 7 - Sorrento, Drive to Florence, Dinner in Hotel
Departing Sorrento, our deluxe motorcoach navigates the rolling hills, scenic vineyards and postcard-perfect vistas of Umbria and Tuscany. Along the way, we’ll travel by the beautiful Tiber River Valley and the medieval villages of Orvieto and Orte.

This evening’s dinner features fine local wines at our hotel.(B,D)

DAY 8 - Florence, Morning Sightseeing including "The David" , Dinner Out
Florence - the fountainhead of the Renaissance, awaits our inspection!

Our day of sightseeing includes the majestic Duomo built in 1296, Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Baptistery with its renowned “Gates of Paradise” doors.

We follow the medieval streets to the most striking square in Florence, Piazza della Signoria, home of Santa Croce Church, Michelangelo’s final resting place.

“Breathtaking” is the only word to describe one’s first view of Michelangelo’s David. Yes, it’s quite large and detailed. But the real magic is in how Michelangelo transformed a lifeless rock into a man - full of pride, wary of his adversary, yet quietly confident. All with just a hammer and chisel!

Tonight we’ll recount our explorations at a great local restaurant.(B,D)

DAY 9 - Florence, Pisa, Wine Tasting in Tuscany, Florence
The bell tower of Pisa is among the most instantly recognizable structures on earth. Architects say it would be world famous even if it were perfectly straight. This morning we’ll see for ourselves, along with the beautiful Cathedral and Baptistery.

This afternoon we’ll visit a typical Tuscan winery to learn about the grape, the “nose,” food pairings and most importantly – which glass to use! Cin-Cin!

Tonight, we return to Florence for dinner on your own.(B)

DAY 10 - Florence, Padua, Venice, Dinner Out
Visitors to Padua are often surprised by a sense of deep spirituality. St. Anthony (patron Saint of lost objects) is interred here in the serene Basilica which dates back to the 1200s.

Venice arrives to us as in a dream. Gondolas drift along, not just for show, but to deliver the staples of everyday life. Our arrival is also by boat, as we’re eager to start exploring.

Tonight we’ll recount our explorations at a great local restaurant. Good food, good wine and great friends. Now that’s Italian! (B,D)

DAY 11 - Venice, City Sightseeing
This morning we’ll meet our expert local guide for a walking tour of St. Mark’s Square, the great Byzantine Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs and an inside visit of the Doge’s Palace.

This afternoon you’ll have a chance to “get lost” in the city’s labyrinth of canals, bridges and tiny piazzas. Being a small island, it’s impossible to stray very far. But it won’t hurt to master the phrase “Dov’e’ Piazza San Marco?”

Dinner is on your own tonight.(B)

DAY 12 - Venice, Verona, Milan City Sightseeing, Dinner in Hotel
This morning we bid farewell to Venice and our drive to Milan is delightfully interrupted by a visit to romantic Verona. We’ll stand in the courtyard below Juliet’s balcony where Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers professed their love.

Soon we’re in fashionable Milan, where we begin with a panoramic drive around the city and a visit to the impressive, gothic Duomo. We’ll stroll through the spectacular glass topped Galleria, the world’s first shopping mall and onto the famed La Scala Opera House.

Tonight, it’s dinner at our Hotel! (B,D)

DAY 13 - Milan, Lugano, Lake Como, Milan, Dinner Out
This morning’s visit to Lugano is actually in Switzerland, but this Alpine paradise clings to its Italian roots. The natural beauty is accompanied by great shops filled with Swiss specialties – like clocks, watches and, of course, chocolate!

Next we visit Como, the charming town and pristine lake of the same name, lined with lovely villas.

Our last night together will be at a fine Milanese eatery. No tears! You’ll exchange email addresses with your new friends and make plans for the future. How about we all meet again on another Perillo Tour to Hawaii.(B,D)

DAY 14 - Flight Home
This morning we board our flight home, arriving in the USA the same day. While we say “arrivederci” to Italy, we realize we’re taking a little piece of it back home with us.

Thanks for traveling with the Perillo family, and please return soon.(B)

Perillo’s ‘Italy North Classic’ is the largest selling Italy tour in history. Developed in 1975 by Mario Perillo and Lucio Massari, it remains our most popular itinerary today. The ‘Continental’ delivers the identical itinerary but without dinners.

• Great Hotels. Centrally-located, First-Class & Deluxe hotels, exclusively.
• Smaller Groups. 20-to-40 guests per tour.
• More Legroom. Deluxe, state-of-the-art motorcoaches with EXTRA legroom.
• Airport Transfers. Arrival and departure transfers in Italy.
• Buffet Breakfast Daily. A very hearty start to each day!
• 9 Dinners. Including pasta or soup, choice of entrees, vegetable, salad, dessert, coffee, wine, mineral water, beer or soft drink.
• Wine Tasting. Vineyard tour and wine tasting.
• Wireless Headsets to hear your guide clearly and distinctly in public places.
• 1 Tote Bag Per Person, baggage tags and travel documents included.
• Baggage Handling. Never touch your bag! (except at airports).
• Hotel Taxes, Hotel Service Charges and All Tips for hotel and restaurant personnel.
• Professional Tour Directors and licensed local guides.

Rome: Rose Garden Palace, Hotel Cicerone
Sorrento: Parco dei Principi, Hotel La Pace
Florence: Grand Hotel Minerva
Venice: Deluxe Luna Baglioni
Milan: NH Milano Touring Hotel, Hotel Manin

Cernobbio, Bellagio & Lake Como

Day 1 Milan, Cernobbio
After your included breakfast, you’ll be picked up at your final Perillo Tour hotel in Milan for our 25 mile drive to Cernobbio, setting of the movie, “A Month by the Lake.”

Elegant shops, picturesque cafes and restaurants, and the ancient church are well worth seeing. The Piazza, where the steamer docks, is a wonderful place to have a coffee, or one of those fabulous Italian gelatos, and talk with the friendly residents.

You’ll note with slight envy the many luxurious villas around; one owned by George Clooney. Taking the public steamer is a good way to view the villas, as well as to visit some of the other towns on Lake Como. Dinner is on your own tonight.(B)

Day 2 Cernobbio, Bellagio, Cernobbio
Today you will enjoy a full day excursion to Bellagio, nestled along the banks of picturesque Lake Como.

In an area renowned for its natural beauty, Bellagio, in particular, has always stood out due to its unique location on the edge of a peninsula jutting into the the crystal blue lake. Enjoy your day in one of the most beautiful places on our earth!

On the way back to Cernobbio, ask your driver to stop for the best picture of the lake! (B)

Day 3  Cernobbio, Milan Airport, Flight Home
This morning we depart for Milan's Malpensa Airport, returning to the States the same day.(B)

• Circumstances may change the day and/or sequence of scheduled activities, as well as the substitution of hotels, events, shows, sightseeing, itinerary, restaurants, hosts, etc.
• Rates are per person and include roundtrip airport transfers in Italy at scheduled times.
• Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines. Sorry, we are unable to offer air from countries other than the U.S. However, for those international customers who are able to arrange their own transportation to the trip origination city, we are able to offer the land/cruise portion of the package, at the price quoted.