Our tours are carefully planned to offer you a comfortable balance of sightseeing, entertainment, and leisure time. Experience shows, however, that many travelers like to use their free time to make one or more additional excursions. The optional excursions we offer are listed alphabetically on the following pages along with approximate prices and times, as well as the cities from which they are operated. Detailed descriptions of the specific excursions for your tour will also be sent with your Trip Documents Packet.
Optionals must be booked with and paid to your tour manager in Europe.Prices are in American Dollars and are based on payment with VISA, MASTERCARD, or DISCOVER (no other credit cards are accepted). Visa, MasterCard and Discover are the recommended form of payment to avoid carrying excessive cash and exchange rate fluctuations. When paying by credit card, you must be able to present the actual card to your tour manager. Please Note: If you bring a DISCOVER card, be sure to also bring a VISA or MASTERCARD because, while Discover is accepted for optional excursion payments, it is not accepted for other payments in Europe. In those special circumstances where cash is the only available form of payment, the tour manager will provide a pricing chart based on the local currency. Cash payments during the tour must be in the local currency.
Please note that personal checks and traveler's checks are not accepted.Prices featured below are subject to change. Current pricing will be provided with Final Documents.Operation of all excursions is subject to sufficient participation, and some excursions are subject to favorable weather conditions. Your tour manager reserves the right to make changes to or cancel these excursions at his/her sole discretion.Mount Vesuvius & Pompeii - 7:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m. from Pomezia, US$90
Traveling south to Pompeii, you will view Mt. Vesuvius, the only active volcano on the European mainland. Experience a guided tour of the village, discovered in 1748 during an excavation from the layers of ashes following the 79 AD eruption of Vesuvius. This excursion includes dinner upon your return to the hotel.
Rome Dinner - 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. in Rome, US$60
A meal of authentic Italian dishes will be served at a traditional restaurant in central Rome. Beverages are included and you will have a choice of entrees. A roving musician plays romantic Italian tunes while you dine.
Siena - 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. from Montecatini, US$75
Take in the scenes of the Tuscan countryside as you travel to Siena, Florence's rival city. Stunningly located on three hills, Siena has virtually retained its medieval character. Your guided tour includes the Piazza del Campo, one of Europe's prettiest squares; and the Duomo, a sublime architectural feat. En route to the hotel, drive past the vineyards of the Chianti Region and stop for a regional dinner at a family restaurant.
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel - 1:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. in Rome, US$65
At Vatican City see St. Peter's Cathedral and the Vatican Museums with commentary provided by a local guide. The Sistine Chapel, with frescoes of the Last Judgement and the magnificent frescoed ceiling by Michelangelo, will be one of the highlights of your Rome visit.
Venice Lagoon Cruise & Dinner - 2:00-8:00 p.m. in Venice, US$85
A relaxing cruise through the Venice Lagoon provides a great way to see this city of water and will offer views of the Islands of Murano, Torcello, and Burano, all important parts of the vibrant history of Venice. Following the cruise, return by boat to St. Mark's Square and proceed to 'Al Giardinetto' restaurant with its beautiful, vine-clad courtyard. Dinner includes a glass of wine, spinach lasagna, salad, and tiramisu for dessert.
Escorted Tours 