Set off on an extraordinary journey to Italy with *Not Your Average Bus Tour*! Discover the rich history and breathtaking scenery of Venice, Florence, and Rome. Immerse yourself in Florence’s artistic heritage, glide through Venice’s enchanting canals on a gondola, and explore the ancient wonders of Rome. This isn’t just a sightseeing tour—it’s a full cultural experience! Enjoy cooking classes, wine tastings at renowned wineries, and vibrant local food and art scenes. Join Rev. Leta Arndt Behrens for an unforgettable adventure through Italy’s most iconic cities!
DETAILS:
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The trip departs on October 14, 2025, and returns on October 24, 2025
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Group flight from Denver (DEN)
PRICING:
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$4,890.00 per person based on double occupancy - (Space is limited! Small Group)
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Single room supplement - $890
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Land-only, if booking your own flight: $3,740.00 (flight credit of -$1,150.00)
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$300 per person with registration to secure space (Space is limited, Small Group Tour)
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Balance due on or before June 15, 2025
REGISTRATION:
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Registering online? Click the "BOOK NOW" button and fill out the online form; you can pay by check or with a credit card (a 4% platform fee applies)
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Registering by mail? Please download and complete the registration form (both the personal information page and the terms and conditions page signed at the bottom) with a copy of your passport and a deposit of $300.00 per person made payable to Elias Tours and mailed to 4941 Chalden Ln NE, Marietta, GA 30066
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Download the Registration Form
FLIGHTS :
Group Flight Schedule
| DL 336 14OCT DEN-JFK 6:30A 12:24P |
| DL 288 14OCT JFK-VCE 7:05P 9:20A 15OCT |
| AF1205 24OCT FCO-CDG 10:00A 12:10P |
| AF 630 24OCT CDG-DEN 1:30P 3:35P |
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If you are arranging your own flight, we recommend arranging to fly into Venice (VCE) and out of Rome (FCO) — choose "multicity" on flight-booking websites or the Airline App. Or fly to Rome and fly out of Rome
What is included in the tour
- Airfare from Denver, CO - Other cities are available
- 9 nights in 4-star hotels (double occupancy)
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- Elias Tours expert local guides
- Entrance fee to all sites
- All ground transportation in a private tour bus
What is NOT included in the tour
- Lunches
- Gratuities for Local Guide and Driver
- Visa
- TRAVEL INSURANCE: For questions, quotes, or to purchase travel insurance, visit Travelex Insurance or call (800) 228-9792 and use the code 26-0057 for Elias Tours.
**Venice:** - Glide along the enchanting canals in a traditional gondola. - Explore St. Mark's Square and marvel at the intricate architecture of St. Mark's Basilica. - Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Doge's Palace. Indulge in authentic Venetian cuisine at a local osteria along the narrow alleys. - Visit the Rialto Market, where locals shop for fresh produce and seafood. - Attend a traditional Venetian mask-making workshop to immerse yourself in local craftsmanship.
**Florence:** - Admire the iconic Florence Cathedral, known for its stunning dome designed by Brunelleschi. - Wander through the Uffizi Gallery, home to masterpieces by Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci. - Discover the charm of Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge lined with shops. Savor Tuscan flavors with a food tour through the San Lorenzo Market. - Take a leisurely stroll through Oltrarno, Florence's artsy district, and explore artisan workshops. - Attend a local wine tasting to experience the renowned wines of the region.
**Rome:** - Visit the Colosseum, an ancient amphitheater that once hosted gladiator contests. - Explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, steeped in Roman history. - Stroll through Vatican City, including St. Peter's Basilica and the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel. Wander through Trastevere, a charming neighborhood loved by locals, known for its cozy cafes and vibrant atmosphere. - Join a cooking class to learn the secrets of Roman cuisine from local chefs. - Attend a local market, such as Mercato di Testaccio, to engage with daily life and taste authentic Roman street food with a cooking class for dinner.
DAY 1 – Oct 14: Departure from the USA
Depart today on your overnight flight to Italy. Sit back, relax, and enjoy dinner and personalized entertainment as you journey across the Atlantic.
DAY 2 – Oct 15: Arrive in Venice
Welcome to Italy! 10:30 AM – Upon arrival at Venice airport, meet your tour escort after baggage claim. Transfer to nearby Padova, where you’ll enjoy some leisure time for lunch in the charming city center. In the afternoon, continue to your hotel for check-in, relaxation, and dinner. Overnight in Venice/Mestre
DAY 3 – Oct 16: Historic Venice
This morning, explore the magical island of Venice on a walking tour. Visit the stunning Basilica of San Marco, admire the Doge’s Palace, walk across the Bridge of Sighs, and see the famous Rialto Bridge. Enjoy a free afternoon to discover Venice on your own—maybe take a gondola ride, visit a café, or shop for Murano glass. Return to your hotel for dinner. Overnight in Venice/Mestre
DAY 4 – Oct 17: Venice – Pisa – Florence
Depart Venice and travel through the scenic Tuscan countryside to Pisa. There, marvel at the world-famous Leaning Tower, explore the Duomo, and admire the Baptistry with its extraordinary acoustics. Continue on to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance and home to greats like Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci. Check in at your hotel and enjoy dinner. Overnight in Florence
DAY 5 – Oct 18: Florence
Begin your day with a guided tour of Florence, including the Piazza della Signoria, the Neptune Fountain, and Santa Croce Church. Dare to climb the 414 steps of Giotto’s Bell Tower, or admire the shimmering golden doors of St. John’s Baptistry—nicknamed the "Gates of Paradise." Later, visit the Accademia Gallery to view Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring David. The afternoon is free for shopping or further exploration. Overnight in Florence
DAY 6 – Oct 19: Florence – Tuscany – Winery Lunch – Assisi
This morning, journey through the picturesque Chianti Hills, near Siena. Stop at a traditional Tuscan winery to enjoy a delightful lunch and wine tasting. Continue on to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. Before hotel check-in, visit Santa Maria degli Angeli, which houses the Porziuncola chapel. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Assisi
DAY 7 – Oct 20: Assisi – Rome
After breakfast, explore Assisi with a local guide. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis, adorned with Giotto’s frescoes, and the Basilica of St. Clare. Following a lunch break, depart for Rome—once known as Caput Mundi ("Head of the World"). Check in at your hotel and enjoy dinner. Overnight in Rome
DAY 8 – Oct 21: Rome – The Colosseum & Footsteps of St. Paul
Begin the day at the mighty Colosseum, the largest ancient amphitheater in the world. Continue to the Roman Forum, where history was shaped by leaders like Caesar and Cicero. After lunch, journey along the Ancient Appian Way, retracing the path of St. Paul (Acts 28:11–16). Visit the Catacombs, early Christian burial sites, and the Tre Fontane Abbey, where Paul was martyred. End the day at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, built over the apostle’s burial site. Return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight in Rome
DAY 9 – Oct 22: Vatican City & Historic Rome - Cooking Class
Today’s tour includes Vatican City, where you'll visit the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s frescoes, and St. Peter’s Basilica. After a lunch break, explore the historic center: Navona Square, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain. Later, enjoy time on your own—whether for reflection, shopping, or climbing the Spanish Steps. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Rome
DAY 10 – Oct 23: Rome at Leisure & Farewell Dinner
This morning is free for optional visits to museums like the Galleria Borghese, Palazzo Massimo, or Palazzo Colonna. In the afternoon, explore the Trastevere district, a lively neighborhood filled with cobblestone streets, local shops, and cafes. Tonight, enjoy a hands-on pasta-making class, followed by a delicious farewell dinner. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Rome
DAY 11 – Oct 24: Depart Rome for the USA
Say arrivederci to Italy as you board your flight back to the USA, arriving the same day.
NOTE: The schedule is subject to change due to various factors and the tour guide’s discretion.
