The Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce invites you to enjoy a quick lunch at the Chamber office on Wednesday, January 18, and learn about how you can experience Venice, Florence and Rome November 4-11, 2017.
The lunch will be held in the Chamber Conference room from 12-1 p.m. Please RSVP to Mesha Davis at 912-384-1873 or chamber @ douglasga.org.
A representative from Collette Travel will be at the Chamber office on January 18 to explain details of the eight-day trip that includes nine meals. Book before March 15, 2017 and receive $200 off the trip per person.
Including this discount, double rooms are $3,349 per person, rooms with single occupancy are $3,749 and triple occupancy is $3,319. Round trip airfare from Jacksonville is included.
Highlights of the trip include Venice, St. Mark’s Square, High-Speed Train, Florence, Duomo, Academy Gallery, Rome, Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and St.Peter’s Basilica.
Below is the detailed trip agenda:
Day 1: Overnight Flight – Join us for a fabulous tour of Italy, exploring the magic of Venice, Florence and Rome. These cities are filled with history, culture, art and romance.
Day 2: Venice, Italy – Tour Begins Welcome to Venice, referred to as “La Serenissima” (the most serene) of cities. This evening, meet your fellow travelers over dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3: Venice – Explore enchanting Venice with 117 tiny islands surrounded by its latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges. Your Venetian adventure opens in Murano Island* for a glass-blowing demonstration. Then we make our way to St. Mark’s Square, the lively hub of the city’s activity and events. A local expert will guide you on a walking tour through the area highlighting St. Mark’s Basilica and the Clock Tower with its famous Moors. The remainder of the day is yours to explore this enchanting city. Perhaps you will take an optional gondola ride.
Day 4: Venice – Florence Board your high-speed train to Florence and zip through the beautiful Veneto and Emilia Romagna regions. In Florence, meet a local expert for an introduction to this great city. On your leisurely paced walking tour, your guide will highlight the Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Baptistry. You also visit the Piazza della Signoria with its impressive Palazzo Vecchio. End your day with an informative explanation of the fascinating techniques used in creating stunning Florentine gold jewelry at a local shop overlooking the Church of Santa Croce.
Day 5: Wednesday, November 8, 2017 Florence – Today you’ll spend time at the Academy Gallery. Explore this amazing museum, home of the most famous sculptures in the world – including Michelangelo’s David – at your own pace. The remainder of the day is yours to continue exploring the city’s cultural riches on your own.
Day 6: Florence – Rome Today we journey to Rome. This afternoon, meet a local guide and get to know the history of this fascinating city on a panoramic tour that introduces you to the city’s countless treasures. Conclude at the Colosseum where your guide will take you on a walk through the halls of this previous home of gladiatorial combat and wild animal fights that dates back to the first century A.D.
Day 7: Rome – The morning is at leisure to explore the city your way. Later, you’ll be treated to a visit to Vatican City. Meander through the various intriguing exhibits on your guided tour of the fascinating Vatican Museums. You’ll be awed by the intricate artwork that adorns the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. The remainder of your day is at leisure to discover all of Rome’s treasures independently. Gather tonight to toast the end of your Italian adventure at your farewell dinner.
Day 8: Rome – Tour Ends Your tour comes to a close today. You will depart with many fond memories of incredible Italy.
For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at (912) 384-1873.
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