Highlight Attractions of Italy

Sept 1 to Sept 9, 2024

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Highlight Attractions of Italy
  • About
  • Gallery
  • Itinerary
  • Location
  • Things to keep in mind

Best Seller

All-inclusive retreat to the top sights in Italy. You will stay at 5-star accommodations and have a private driver and guide throughout your duration in Italy. Everything will be taken care of for you from start to finish when we pick you up from the airport. 

All meals, transportation, accommodations, entrance fees, guides, and gratuity will be included. Our retreats are all-inclusive, but please be prepared to have Euro currency for small things you wish to purchase and for personal tipping.

This retreat is more active in style due to the amount of moving from location to location and walking required while traveling in Europe. Please note there are a lot of uneven steps and cobblestone streets, so suitable footwear and a steady gait are necessary. 

Please note everything is entirely optional on all of our retreats. If there is ever something you wish to skip out on or a day where you would like to do your own thing, please feel free to do as you want during your vacation. 

Please note that the itinerary is subject to change due to weather and availability. Airfare into Rome and out of Venice, Italy, will be needed.

About

Any drinks of your choice (non-alcoholic and alcoholic).

All meals during the retreat (breakfast, lunch, & dinner).

Daily game drives.

Local guide for our group only.

All transportation during the retreat.

Gratuities for tour guides, restaurant staff, and drivers.

Visit to a local Maasai village.

Transfer by Nyikani to Kogatende Airstrip Coastal Schedule Flight Kogatende to Kilimanjaro ETD 0925/ ETA 1300.

International Airfare Kilimanjaro (JRO).

Souvenirs, drinks, snacks, additional excursions, or other personal items.

Gratuities of a personal nature (hotel staff, spa services, etc.).

Travel insurance and medical insurance (required).

Any travel-related fees (visas, passports, baggage, etc.).

Visa to enter Tanzania.

Hot air balloon ride & any excursions before or after the retreat.

Vaccines for Tanzania ( consult your local travel clinic).

Food

All meals during the retreat (breakfast, lunch, & dinner)


Accommodation

When we think of camping, we usually think of thin canvas tents, air mattresses, and sleeping bags. Not on this retreat! Enjoy 5-star safari camps in the beautiful African wilderness complete with thick canvas-walled tents, beautiful furnishings, comfortable beds and linens, fully stocked bathrooms, and more. Enjoy delicious meals cooked by an onsite chef while looking out on the African bush. You will hardly believe you're in a camp!

You will be staying in luxury accommodations throughout the duration of your time in Tanzania.

Important Documentation:

Travel insurance details (including emergency contact information)

Passport

Copy of passport (both in physical and digital form)

COVID-19 vaccination records

Trip itinerary (including accommodation and transportation details)

Helpful Tip: Make two copies of your passport, travel insurance papers, and other essential travel documents. Diversify your copies by storing them electronically on your computer/smartphone and separating them in your money belt, carry-on bag, and checked luggage. Keep your vaccination records with your passport.

Money:

Debit card (with a four-digit PIN)

Credit card

Petty cash (in euros, ~100)

Cross-body bag or travel purse (to avoid theft when out walking around)

Helpful Tip: You can withdraw euros from ATMs, and it's usually the most convenient way to get local currency. However, it's always a good idea to bring some petty cash just in case of an emergency. Be mindful of the denomination you carry as some shops and vendors may not accept large bills.

Clothing:

Comfortable walking shoes (closed toe preferred)

Slip-on shoes (such as sandals or flip-flops)

Lightweight rain jacket or umbrella

Scarf (for covering shoulders when entering religious sites or dressing up an outfit)

Warm sweater or jacket (depending on the season)

Swimwear (if traveling in the summer or visiting a beach destination)

Hat and sunglasses

Undergarments and socks

Casual clothing (shorts, skirts, dresses, t-shirts, etc.)

Athletic wear (yoga pants, sports bras, etc.)

Laundry bag

Helpful Tip: Pack for the season and be mindful of local customs and dress codes. Plan to do laundry or purchase clothes locally if you run out of outfits.

Toiletries:

Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss

Shampoo and conditioner (travel-sized)

Body wash or soap (travel-sized)

Deodorant

Razor and shaving cream

Personal medications (in their original containers)

Pain reliever (such as aspirin or ibuprofen)

Anti-diarrhea medicine (such as Imodium or Pepto-Bismol)

Motion sickness medicine (if prone to motion sickness)

Sunblock (SPF 30 or higher)

Insect repellent

First aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, etc.)

Towel (microfiber or quick-dry)

Hand sanitizer

Earplugs

Electronics:

Smartphone and/or camera

Charger and adapter (for European outlets)

Portable charger (if planning to use devices extensively throughout the day)

Headphones

Waterproof phone case

Power strip (if traveling with multiple devices)

VPN software (if needed for internet security and accessing geo-restricted content)

Additional Personal Items:

Refillable water bottle

Day pack or backpack (for carrying essentials during the day)

Beach bag or tote (if visiting a beach destination)

Dry bag (for storing wet clothes or electronics)

Beach blanket (if visiting a beach destination)

Book or e-reader

Journal or notepad

Always keep an eye on your belongings and be mindful of pickpockets and scams. Leave valuable items at home if possible or store them in a secure location such as a hotel safe. And don't forget to leave room in your luggage for souvenirs and gifts!

"We had a great time and what an experience. The van driver was great and stopped at all of the best picture-taking sites. The views were so beautiful and the food was delicious. Amy and Brian made the entire trip easy and stress-free. Everything was well planned out and perfect. We look forward to our next trip with them."

- Sharon Q

"I had a great time on the Amalfi coast trip! I enjoyed all of the activities, tours and meals that were planned on the itinerary. The other travelers in the group were friendly and we had a nice time together experiencing the Amalfi coast. Thank you to Amy and Brian for an amazing time. I look forward to future trips!"

- Tiffany Z

"Joining the retreat is a perfect way to see Tuscany. Amy and Brian plan some very fun experiences that give their clients some great memories to take home. We had a cooking class, a walk in a wilderness area, knowledgeable tour guides and a beautiful stay in a Tuscan villa. Also, the island of Capri was breathtaking. We had amble time to shop or explore on our own. Amy and Brian serve their clients well. I also like the small group arrangement. I enjoyed getting to know the other travelers. I will be traveling with them again soon."

- Charlotte B 

Gallery
About The Host
Amy Walker

Amy Walker

Amy Walker, MSW, LCSW, CCM, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. When Amy is not leading international retreats, she works as an online mental health therapist. Amy is passionate about helping individuals and couples work through barriers and find new ways to communicate, connect, and thrive. In addition, Amy loves international travel, wine tasting, whale watching, and the outdoors. Amy works alongside her husband, Brian Walker, to run the wellness retreats.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival to Rome

Pick up from your driver from the Rome Fiumicino Airport to your hotel. Private exclusive transfer to your hotel. Free time until the group dinner and orientation.

The retreat officially starts at the welcome dinner this day.


7:00 PM: Group dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2

Private VIP tour of Rome

Breakfast at your hotel at your leisure. 

9:00 AM:  Pick up out front of your hotel for your day excursion: Tour of Classic & Imperial Rome, with Colosseum.

Our driver will pick you up at your hotel to take you to the Colosseum area, where you’ll meet your private guide. Visit the Colosseum amphitheater, which is the symbolic place of Rome, known around the world for its gladiatorial shows, our guide will tell you the main stories linked to its history, how gladiators were trained, how the spectacles took place. 

Afterwards, private transfer to the Trevi Fountain area and walking tour through Baroque Rome, passing by: Marco Aurelio Column, the Palazzo di Montecitorio, the Palazzo Madama, Piazza Navona, the Campidoglio, with a guided tour inside the Pantheon. Entering the Pantheon, also known as “the church of all religions”, you will be struck by the peculiarity of its Dome, a true hope in the roof towards Heaven, it is still the largest Dome in the world, bigger even than St Peter’s Dome. 

Final transfer to San Pietro in Vincoli, famous for the Mausoleum which was commissioned to Michelangelo, as the funeral monument dedicated to Pope Giulio 2nd. Michelangelo’s first plan was to build inside it more than 40 statues, it finally shows a total of 7 statues, among them the Mosè by Michelangelo, one of the best monuments from Renaissance time. Final drop off back at your hotel. 


7:00 PM: Group dinner at a local restaurant.

Transfer back to your hotel. 

Day 3

Private Tour of the Vatican City

Breakfast at your hotel at your leisure. 

9:00 AM: Pick up out front of your hotel for your day excursion: Private Tour of the Vatican City.

Vatican City is the world's smallest sovereign state, with one of the richest art collections in the world! During this in-depth Vatican Private Tour, we will give you a comprehensive understanding of the prestigious collection of the Vatican Museums, allowing you to discover the secrets of this remarkable place

Transfer to the Vatican area, to meet your private guide. The Vatican museums are undoubtedly one of the main symbols of the Western culture, here you will appreciate the genius of artists like Michelangelo, Raffaello, Bernini, Giotto and many others. Your last room will be the nicest one, the Sistine Chapel: admire Michelangelo’s frescoes observing a religious silence, which will help you feel relieved from the sight of The Last Judgment. 

At the end of your tour our driver will take you back to your hotel, to collect your belongings, before being transferred to the train station for your 2:55 PM ITALO train to Florence. Pick up at the train station in Florence at 4:31 PM and transfer to your hotel. From Florence train station to Villa Petriolo it’s approx a 45 minutes’ drive.

Transfer to your hotel. Free time until dinner.


7:00 PM: Group dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4

VIP tour of Florence

Breakfast at your hotel at your leisure. 

9:00 AM: Pick up from Villa Petriolo and transfer to Florence, for a morning private tour of the town: pass by Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria square, enter the Accademia Gallery and stop for a gelato tasting in a local gelato shop.

In the afternoon, your local guide will take you to the Duomo area, you will visit the Cathedral from inside, the Baptistery with the “Gates of Heaven” and climb Giotto’s Bell Tower. The tour will end in a local restaurant. Final transfer back to Villa Petriolo after dinner.

Transfer to your hotel.


7:00 PM: Group dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 5

VIP tour of Tuscany

Breakfast at your hotel at your leisure. 

9:00 AM:  Pick up from Villa Petriolo hotel and drive through the Tuscan rolling hills, up to the Chianti region. You will visit three extraordinary wine estates set amongst green fields and vineyards, where you can sample local wine and a homemade light lunch. 

Transfer to your hotel. 


7:00 PM: Group dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 6

VIP Tour of Siena & San Gimignano

Breakfast at your hotel at your leisure. 

11:00 AM: Pick up from your guide for your day excursion: Tour of Siena & San Gimignano with lunch 

Start by enjoying a private guided walking tour of Siena that will reveal to you Piazza del Campo, the main central square where the famous Palio horse race takes place every year, as well as exploring quieter backstreets and learning everything about the Contrade, the 17 medieval city districts that compete against each other in the Palio. After a lovely lunch, the journey continues to San Gimignano, famed for its medieval skyscrapers, high walls and narrow streets that typify most people’s image of a Tuscan hill town. San Gimignano is unique in the preservation of about a dozen of its tower houses, which, with its hilltop setting and encircling walls, form an unforgettable skyline.  

Transfer to your hotel. 


7:00 PM: Group dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 7

Venice

Breakfast at your hotel at your leisure.

8:30 AM: Pick up by your driver who will take you to the Florence train station for your 10:39 AM ITALO train to Venice.

Once you arrive at Santa Lucia train station, a local private motor boat will transfer you to the nearest dock to get to the hotel Ai Reali. A local assistant will be onboard with you, from the arrival time until your final drop off at the hotel reception desk. Pick up from Venice train station will be at 12:55 PM to transfer to your hotel.

Free time to explore Venice on your own before our group dinner.

7:00 PM: Group dinner at a local restaurant.


Day 8

Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica Small Group Guided Tour

Breakfast at the hotel at your leisure.

10:00 AM: Private VIP tour of Venice.

Sites Visited

  • St. Mark’s Basilica (Skip the Line)
  • Doge’s Palace inside visit (Skip the Line)
  • Columns of San Marco and the Lion of Venice
  • St. Mark's Square

Visit St. Marks Basilica with Skip the Line Access

Skip the line into the symbol of Venice, St. Mark’s Basilica. In the company of your passionate guide, you’ll glide past the long entry lines and straight into the golden interior of Venice’s most-loved basilica. Once inside you’ll be immersed in the golden hue of the basilica to uncover its diverse range of stunning treasures, best known for the gold-laden mosaics that bejewel the interior domed ceilings. With your guide on-hand to point out the details and explain the history behind the artworks here, you’ll explore 11th century mosaics and precious relics, many of which were ‘borrowed’ from overseas by invading Venetian sailors. Even the bones of St. Mark (which rest here) are said to have arrived in Venice illegally.

Discover the History of the Doge's Palace

Doge’s Palace will no doubt be a highlight of your trip to Venice. Once home to the Duke of Venice and the city’s courts, this palace is at the center of Venetian history, and fell witness to the rise and fall of the republic. Imagine the controversy and authority that once resided here, when Venice was a sea-faring superpower that straddled the east and west. After the fall of the republic of Venice, the Doge’s Palace was transformed into a prison and today it is home to 11 of the best art museums in the city. In the company of your expert, English-speaking guide, you’ll visit the palace’s most iconic sights. Follow your guide through the museums and to the most important rooms, containing frescoes and works by Venetian artists such as Tintoretto, who is famous for the unrivaled speed at which he painted.


7:00 PM: Group farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight stay at your hotel.

Day 9

Departure Day

Breakfast at your hotel at your leisure. Free time to explore Venice on your own before your flight back home. Departure at any time this day. Airport transfers to the airport in Venice at included. The retreat officially ends after breakfast on this day.

Thank you so much for booking your VIP tour of Italy with us. We truly hope you to see you again in the future.

Location
Things to keep in mind

Cancellation Policy

In the event of trip cancellation before the 90-day or 30-day payment deadline, the deposited amount is non-refundable. However, any payments made before these final payment deadlines are fully refundable minus the non-refundable deposit. Trip cancellations requested after the final payment deadlines listed above are non-refundable, and guests are encouraged to file a claim with their travel insurance for reimbursement.

In the unlikely event Activ Retreats cancels the retreat, guests will be provided a full 100% refund of their booking. Lastly, we partner with several third-party booking platforms with separate deposit and cancellation policies. Please refer to their specific cancellation policies if booking through a third-party partner.

Payment Policy

All Activ Retreats require a deposit at the time of booking.

European Travel Tips

Money:

Take out Euros from an ATM. Conversion rates are about equal to the dollar.

Be mindful that some ATMs charge a crazy conversion rate, like 11-15%. Do not use these ATMs. Avoid taking money out of EuroNet ATMs as they charge many conversion fees.

Use the XE currency conversion app to show you the conversion rate when you buy something.

Don't pay in USD. They probably won't take it, and you won't get a good conversion if they do.

Always use the local currency, Euro, if a merchant asks if you want to process your card in USD or Euro.

Cash is widely used, especially for small things like drinks. Keep small bills and coins for the bathroom.

If you leave a tip anywhere, round it up—no need to tip out the standard 20%.

Make sure you use up all your coins before leaving Europe, as you cannot exchange them back.

Financial Safety:

Be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying large amounts of cash publicly.

Split up your cash, cards, and important documents into different places (e.g., some in a wallet, some in a money belt, and some in your luggage).

Keep your wallet or purse close to your body, and never leave it unattended.

Use ATMs in secure, well-lit areas and avoid those with suspicious-looking devices attached to them.

Check your credit card and bank statements regularly for unauthorized charges or transactions.

Use credit cards for larger purchases as they offer better protection than debit cards.

Use a travel credit card that offers benefits such as no foreign transaction fees and travel insurance.

Notify your bank and credit card company of your travel plans to prevent them from flagging your purchases as suspicious and freezing your account.

Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi to avoid identity theft and fraud. Use a virtual private network (VPN) and avoid accessing sensitive information (e.g., bank accounts) on public Wi-Fi networks.

Personal Safety:

Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert.

Avoid carrying valuables or expensive jewelry.

Use a money belt or cross-body purse to keep essential items secure.

Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unlit areas.

Keep your wallet in a front pocket or money belt.

Use a cross-body purse with a secure zipper or buckle.

Be wary of strangers who approach.

Stay alert in crowded places, such as train stations and tourist attractions.

Register with the embassy or consulate in case of emergency.

Always keep emergency contact information with you.

Learn basic phrases in the local language, including how to ask for help.

Transportation:

Make sure to validate your ticket before boarding.

Use trusted ride-sharing apps or licensed taxis when taking a taxi.

Official transportation services should be used at airports and train stations.