Treasures of Italy - Escorted Motorcoach Tour

Treasures of Italy - with Guaranteed Departures!
Enjoy the best of Italy during your unique journey highlighting the rich history and spectacular beauty of this majestic country. You will enjoy the best of traditional cities including Florence, Venice and Rome.
Tour Highlights:

• 10 Meals: Breakfasts and Dinners
• Great for Groups and Individuals
• In Rome see the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, St. Peter's Basilica
• In Siena visit Piazza del Campo and the Municipal Palace
• In Assisi view the Churches of St. Francis and St. Claire
• In Florence visit the Accademia - home of Michangel's "David"
• In Padua see Donatello's masterpiece - the "Gattamelata"
• In Venice vist the famous Square of St. Mark and the Bridge of Sighs

Your Treasures of Italy tour includes:

• Six (6) nights accommodation at four star hotels (3 star superior in Venice) with downtown locations for six (6) nights
• American or continental (no eggs) buffet breakfast daily, except for day of arrival.
• Half-day tour of Rome: Monumental Rome.
• Round-trip transfer with private car/minibus with driver and assistant.
• Four (4) dinners.
• Service charges and local taxes included (excluding tips to driver and guides.)
• Professional headset system from day 04 to end of tour as needed for commentary.
• Ground transportation by deluxe motorcoach from day four until the end of tour.
• Scenic drives through the beautiful Tuscan countryside and medival towns via the Autostrade del Sole and through the Emilia Romagna region, land of world famous "prosciutto" and parmigiano choose and the Veneto region, world famous for it's Villa Palladio.
• Multi-lingual tour escort beginning on day four.
• Sightseeing as per the itinerary.
• Local guides and entrance fees during the tour.
• Porterage of one suitcase per person.
• Celtic Tours flight bag and portfolio of travel documents.
  Travel to Italy with Celtic Tours World Vacations

NEW TOUR! Tuscan Experience with Rome- Semi-Escorted Tour

Tuscan Experience with Rome!

Our new Tuscan Experience will continue to enchant you! Enjoy an independent night in Rome, the Eternal City! Followed by 5-nights at the Villa Casagrande, a wine-producing villa constructed in 1392. You will find ourselves strolling down quiet lanes bound by stone walls, cypress trees and cream-colored villas. A true Tuscan Experience!

Tour Highlights:

• Daily touring from one location - no unpacking!
• 8 meals; Breakfast & Dinners - with drinks included
• See Florence and the Tuscany Region, Chianti, Sienna and San Gimignano

Your Tuscan Experience tour includes:

• Private transfer on arrival from Rome airport to your Rome hotel.
• One (1) night accommodation at Hotel Windrose or similar in Rome. (Upgrades to other hotels available).
• Five (5) nights accommodations at Villa Casagrande in Chianti, Italy.
• Private transfer from your Rome hotel to the Villa Casagrande.
• Welcome dinner at the Villa with drinks included.
• Italian buffet breakfast daily excluding the day of arrival.
• Half-day English speaking guide for Florence visit (3-hours).
• One farewell dinner at the Villa with wine and water included.
• Full day tour excursion to Chianti region (8-hours).
• Full day English speaking guide (6-hours) in Chianti.
• Visit to a butcher in Chianti for Tuscan salami tasting.
• Visit and wine tasting at Verrazzano Castle.
• Optional Cooking Class
• Roundtrip transfer by car or minibus for Siena and San Gimignano visit.
• Half-day English speaking guide for Siena visit (3-hours)
• Private transfer from Villa to Florence Airport (transfer from Villa to Rome can also be arranged for a supplement)
   
   
  Travel to Italy with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Top 10 Blog Posts of 2011

Over the course of 2011 we posted over 200 blog posts on top travel destinations with Celtic Tours World Vacations. Here are our favorite 10 from Europe and the South Pacific:

1. Top 10 Places to Visit in Sicily
The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Swabians, Angevins, Aragonese and Jews made this unique island their own, leaving behind an eclectic history that you can still touch today. Sicily has its own rich and unique culture, especially with regard to the arts, music, literature, cuisine, architecture and language. But you really have to experience Sicily to understand it…
Read More

2. Sounds of Silence: Dine Under the Stars
Can you imagine the feeling of being in the middle of the desert with the huge Ayers Rock as a background, listening to the sounds of a didgeridoo as you dine on a delicious meal. As darkness overcomes the desert plain, you will marvel at the canopy of stars that are so bright here in the desert, they almost light the landscape, this is a dining experience you will never forget. You will be greeted with champagne and canapés and can relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery and the magnificent way in which Uluru changes color in the setting sun.
Read More

3. 10 Things to do in Lisbon with kids
The family-oriented Portuguese welcome children everywhere and there are plenty of opportunities in and around Lisbon, Portugal to keeps kids entertained. Here are 10 of our favorite family friendly activities.
Read More

4. The Oldest Monastery Brewery in the World!
Most people visit the Weltenburg Abbey for the beer, but the abbey church is not to be missed! The Weltenburg Abbey is the oldest monastery in Bavaria. And the oldest monastery brewery in the world.
Read More

5. Padua: Founded by a mysthical Trojan, Immortalized by Shakespeare & Home to the “Saint of Miracles”
Founded by a mythical Trojan, Immortalized by Shakespeare and home to the “Saint of Miracles,” Padua is set amongst the shadows of Venice, in the historic Euganaean Hills. Boasting a picturesque network of arcaded streets, numerous bridges and large communal piazzas Padua is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe.
Read More

6. Fountains of Siena
Step into the middle ages with a visit to Siena. The Tuscan hill town's magnificent cathedral, built in the 1200s, is a marvel of marble floors and astonishing artworks. In just about every part of Siena, there are fountains to sit by and admire.
Read More

7. Top 10 Things to Do in Viti Levu, Fiji
The heart of Fiji’s 333 islands, Viti Levu is the largest island in the Republic of Fiji, the site of the nation’s capital, Suva and not surprisingly home to roughly 75% of the population. Here you will find Fiji’s only two cities, verdant mountainsides, volcanic peaks, lush river valleys and a plethora of reefs. With so much to offer, Viti Levu is often used as a base camp by tourists. We recommend going inland to explore all that Viti Levu has to offer.
Read More

8. Dive in! The Great Barrier Reef
One of the 7 natural wonders of the world, larger than the Great Wall of China and the only living thing on Earth visible from outer space, the Great Barrier Reef attracts travelers from all over the world to explore her depths.
Read More

9. Casa Battlo
Casa Batllo, in Barcelona, Spain, is a completely unreal masterpiece of architecture and imagination. Originally built in 1877, the building was completely restored by Antoni Gaudi in the early 1900s for Josep Batllo, a wealthy aristocrat. Everything about Casa Batllo is completely remarkable from the skull and bones façade to the amazing detail in planning the natural interior lighting.
Read More

10. The Grove of Monsters
Nestled in the small hill town of Bomarzo, an hours drive from Rome lies the mythical Grove of Monsters. One of Italy’s best kept secrets, The Grove of Monsters is a great stop when day tripping from Rome.
Read More


Tell us what your favorite blog post of 2011 was!

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Top 11 Places to Visit in Florence with Children

Imagine a family walk along the River Arno, your children discovering ancient history in the Etruscan tombs or opt for a horse and carriage ride through the magical city. Your family will delight in the treasures of Florence lying around every corner from endless shopping possibilities to sampling the gelato, you and your children will enjoy their Tuscany family vacation. Here are just a couple of recommendations for your next family vacation to Florence:

1. Uffizi Gallery – One of the oldest and most famous art museums of the Western world, the Uffizi is chock full of spectacular art. Be advised this art museum has long lines and a lot to take in. You will want to be prepared for your visit, book ahead to skip the lines and pick what you want to see ahead of time.

2. Accademia Gallery – Feast your eyes on the original David, Michelangelo’s most famous work.

3. Duomo, Campile, Bapistery - The Duomo, a Florence landmark with its red brick cupola will take you and your families breath away. Next door to the Duomo is the Campanile, the bell tower started by Giotto in the 14th century. Climb up the tower, the stairs go round and round, with cool slits to peer through as you ascend. The Baptistery is the oldest building in Florence. Don’t miss the glorious gilded bronze doors, the "Gates of Paradise" outside, and inside the incredible mosaics on the Batistery ceiling.

4. Boboli Gardens – Children will love to explore these formal 16th century Italian gardens. The Boboli Gardens are a part of the Pitti Palace complex and can be enjoyed with a tour of the main seat of the Medici family or by themselves. With classical accents such as grottos, nympheums, garden temples and more the Boboli Gardens are sure to delight.

5. Leonardo Di Vinci Museum – A hands-on exhibition dedicated to the universal genius Leonardo Di Vinci.

6. Museo Zoologico, Le Specola – The oldest scientific museum in Europe, it holds the largest collection of anatomical waxworks in the world. Today the museum spans 34 rooms and contains not only zoological subjects, such as a stuffed hippopotamus (a 17th-century Medici pet, which once lived in the Boboli Gardens), but also a collection of anatomical waxes, an art developed in Florence in the 17th century for the purpose of teaching medicine.

7. Galleria del Costume – With more than 6000 costumes dating from the 16th to 20th centuries, children and adults will be delighted to see what boys and girls wore in the old days.

8. Piazzale Michelangelo – Take a stroll up to the Piazzale Michelangelo for a wide open panorama of the city and a spot of ice cream.

9. Museo Galileo - The Museo Galileo is home to the only surviving instruments designed and built by Galileo himself.

10. Church of Santa Croce – Famous for it's lovely Giotto frescoes and for the famous people buried there, the Church of Santa Croce is worth a visit.

11. Roman Theater and Archeological Museum - The Roman amphitheater, built between 50 and 0 BC, could hold a big crowd of 2,500 people, and is still used for dramatic productions. Don't miss the ruins of the Roman baths and a Roman-Etruscan temple.

With so much to do in Florence, your family will want to spend more than 1 day exploring. Visit Florence on your Italy for Families vacation with Celtic Tours. This perfect family getaway is centrally located in the Tuscan region and is only a short drive to Florence. Learn more about this great family vacation package to Italy.

Tour the Best of Italy with Treasures of Italy Tour

Tour the Best of Italy with Celtic Tours Treasures of Italy Tour. This fabulous journey includes Rome, Siena, Florence and Venice.

Tour the Eternal City with Celtic Tours. We will visit the beautiful Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Piazza Navona.

Step into the middle ages with a visit to Siena. The Tuscan hill town's magnificent cathedral, built in the 1200s, is a marvel of marble floors and astonishing artworks.

On Day 5 of your Treasures of Italy Tour, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the "Cradle of the Renaissance." Visit the beautiful Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto's Bell Tower the Bapistery of St. John, the Academy of Rine Arts Gallery housing "David" by Michaelangelo and the Santa Croce, the 13th century Franciscan church with Cimabue's famous crucifix. Spend the rest of the day at leisure for optional sightseeing or shopping.

The remainder of your journey through the best of Italy will be spent in Venice. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walking tour of this unique city. You will see the Piazza and Basilica of St. Mark, Doges Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and the Prisons. The visit a glass factory to see the molding of glass.

Join Celtic Tours for this once in a lifetime journey through the best of Italy: Rome, Siena, Florence and Venice.

Romantic Travel Gifts for Valentine's Day

Want to buy the gift of travel for your Valentine, but unable to travel on Valentine’s Day. Here you will find a list of our top Romantic Vacations to get your inner cupid working.

1. Castles and Gardens of South England: Tour the English countryside on this romantic self-drive vacation.

2. Irish Harmony: Share your love on a premier escorted tour of Ireland, visiting Killarney, the crystal city of Waterford, Cork, Blarney and Dublin.

3. Endless Possibilities: Self drive tour that spells love! Tour the modern and cosmopolitan city of Dublin, enjoy 4-nights B&B accommodations throughout Ireland and 1 night CASTLE STAY!

4. Deluxe Deluxe: This leisurely self-drive vacation of Ireland brings you excellent properties: the Lakeside Hotel, Westebury Hotel, Ashford Castle and Dromoland Castle!

5. Dublin & Rome City Stay Package: This 2 Spectacular City Stay Package of Ireland and Italy starts in the eternal city of Rome and ends in cosmopolitan Dublin. Rome-the home of great lovers like Casanova and Romeo and Juliet, makes the perfect first stop on this romantic vacation. Dublin is a wonderful city for romantics to visit. With endless possibilities for romance: art, theater, music, famous gardens and Guinness!

6. Paris City Stay: Paris is easily one of the most romantic cities in Europe. Try romantic spots such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Luxembourg Gardens and the Arc de Triomphe.

7. In a Tuscan Villa: Celtic Tours Tuscan Villa Stay features an authentic Italian Villa stay for four nights, a perfect romantic base for touring and tasting the Tuscan region while enjoying the warmth and charm of Villa Casagrande!

8. Danube River Cruise: Cruise down the Danube with your loved one, tour the cities of Vienna and Budapest!

9. South Pacific Vacation: Take a vacation in the South Pacific. Celtic Tours offers an array of South Pacific Independent and Escorted tours.

10. Glimpse of Scotland: Experience the Highlights of Scotland on this leisurely 5-day tour, which includes a comfortable stay by the banks of Loch Ness, a woodland walk, time to explore awe-inspiring Glen Coe.

Don't see the romantic getaway that you're looking for? Visit our website to see more of Celtic Tours Vacations!

Treasures of Italy: Florence, Venice and Rome

Celtic Tours: Treasures of Italy!

Enjoy the best of Italy during your unique journey highlighting the rich history and spectacular beauty of this majestic country. You will enjoy the best of traditional cities including Florence, Venice and Rome.

Your Treasures of Italy tour includes:

*Six (6) nights accommodation at four star hotels.
*Italian buffet breakfast daily, except for day of arrival.
*Half-day tour of Rome.
*Round-trip transfer with private car/minibus with driver and assistant.
*Four (4) dinners.
*Service charges and local taxes included (excluding tips to driver and guides.)
*Ground transportation by deluxe motorcoach from day four until the end of tour.
*Multi-lingual tour escort beginning on day four.
*Sightseeing as per the itinerary.
*Local guides and entrance fees during the tour.
*Porterage of one suitcase per person.
*Celtic Tours flight bag and portfolio of travel documents.

Learn more about this exciting vacation package to Italy.