Italy Explorer for Singles

Italy Explorer Tour Price List 7 Night Shared* Room $2,775 7 Night Private Room: $3,800 10 Night Shared* Room: $3,850 10 Night Single Room: $5,400 Pre or Post Nights Available	All Ages
2019 / Green = Travel Days	All Ages 7 Night 09/29 – 10/06 (Sun-Sun) 10 Night 09/29 – 10/09 (Sun-Weds)

Tour Notes:

*Traveling alone but want to save on cost? Inquire about roommate matching! Roommate matching is not guaranteed however we will do our best to pair you with someone who is just as excited to travel to Italy as you are.  Do not purchase your airfare for our Italy Explorer until we confirm you reservation and you have spoken with your Travel Specialist. 

                          7 Night                                                                    10 Night

Italy 7 & 10 Night Itineraries:

SUNDAY- HOPPER DAY 1: Tour begins in Venice
Benvenuto Venice! Arrive in Venice where you will be transferred from the airport to access your hotel to begin your amazing tour of Italy. Once it’s check-in time you can get settled into your hotel for the next two nights, where you can plan your journey through the narrow streets, canals and bridges of this one of a kind city. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a romantic evening walking tour of Venice to see the off the beaten path side of Venice only the locals know. Been dreaming of taking a gondola ride in Italy? Tonight is the night! An evening gondola ride is also included in your evening tour.

MONDAY- HOPPER DAY 2: Venice
Today your tour will have you travel by water taxi to the Venetian Lagoon’s islands of Murano and Burano, where you’ll see demonstrations of glassmaking and lacemaking. This guided excursion gives you an in-depth view of centuries old skills and rich history. You’ll have time for shopping and relaxing along the way as your guide tells the story of this ancient and loved city. Venice is all about history, romance and a constant struggle with the sea and the tides. Immerse yourself in the beauty and buzz of Venice and you will surely want to return!

TUESDAY- HOPPER DAY 3: Transfer from Venice to Florence
This morning, depart Venice by train and arrive in Florence, the capital of Tuscany, one of the most adored “regiones” of Italy. Florence sits on the Arno river and is home to famous sights at every turn. From the Ponte Vecchio, a Medieval bridge with a rich history of shops and residents to the Basilica of Santa Croce, the resting place of both Michelangelo and Galileo, there is no shortage of amazing art and architecture in Florence, known as the “Birthplace of the Renaissance”. This afternoon, check into your hotel and meet your guide for a 3-hour tour of Florence where you’ll visit the famous Duomo of Florence, one of the most well known and loved cathedrals in the world. Also, your tour includes a visit to the Accademia Gallery, where Michelangelo’s “The David” is the star attraction among many beautiful works of art.

WEDNESDAY- HOPPER DAY 4: Florence
Awake in Florence and decide to enjoy some leisure time to explore Florence on your own or possibly join an optional tour exploring a subject of your choosing! The Piazza della Signoria is always a must visit during any stay in Florence. Opened in the 1300’s, this square is home to countless photo opportunities. Great for people watching over a glass of vino, hours can melt away as you take in the scenery while enjoying sculptures of Hercules, Medusa, Neptune and many more. This evening, enjoy a Tuscan dinner and wine tasting at a vineyard and villa outside of Florence. After tasting four different wines with the winemaker present and describing them all, your authentic Tuscan dinner complete with appetizer, first and second course will be just what you needed after a day of exploring. After dinner return to Florence for your second evening at your city center hotel.

THURSDAY- HOPPER DAY 5: Florence
The day is yours today in Florence! If you’re up for more optional sightseeing, the Basilica di Santa Croce is absolutely beautiful and a great stop while in the city. In the evening, consider catching the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo for stunning views over the city and River Arno. If anyone is interested in shopping, head to the San Lorenzo Market which is famous for its leather goods. For those wanting a taste of high class, head to the terrace bar at the Westin for their aperitivo before retiring for the evening.

FRIDAY- HOPPER DAY 6: Transfer from Florence to Rome
Say goodbye to Tuscany as you continue your journey through Italy. This morning, meet your private driver for a scenic journey through the heart of beautiful Tuscany. As you continue through the famous Tuscan hills, find yourself atop one of the highest hills in Tuscany in the walled city of San Gimignano. 14 of the city’s 72 original towers remain, remnants of competition between families and conflicts from outside the walls. Most of the remaining towers have stood over 500 years and some are over 200 feet high. Maybe shop for some of the local area’s white wines or partake in an after lunch glass or some gelato. Upon departure from San Gimignano, you’ll head south through Tuscany’s Chianti region to the charming town of Siena. Home of Piazza del Campo where the famous Palio horse race twice a year pits the city wards against one another, Siena’s narrow walkways lead down into the giant town square. You’ll have some free time to visit the Duomo di Siena, the city’s cathedral built with unique black and white alternating marble stripes and shop or explore at your leisure. Enjoy lunch in Siena before continuing your journey south towards Rome. Rome will captivate you with her architecture spanning centuries and influencing how buildings are built even today. The Tiber river meanders through the city just south of Vatican City, a country within the city. This evening, check into your hotel and head out on foot to explore your surroundings.

SATURDAY- HOPPER DAY 7: Rome
Arise in Rome and depart on your choice of one of the following half day tours:
Colosseum & Ancient Rome: Your guide will tell the stories of the history of the Colosseum as you stand inside the arena, imagining past battles and the roar of the crowd. Explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill where the remnants of government buildings, shrines and statues date back over 2500 years. A celebrated meeting place for centuries, the Roman Forum was the center of the capital of Rome. (3 hours)
Best of Rome Walking Tour: From the Piazza Navona, a large, beautiful square, to the Spanish Steps, a meeting place for centuries and popular place to spring a proposal, your guide will help you learn how this amazing city came to be. You’ll even get the opportunity for some gelato, the Italian’s version of ice cream. We assure you, it won’t be the last time you try it! (2.5 hours)

SUNDAY- HOPPER DAY 8: Tour ends in Rome. (7-night tour)
Say goodbye to Italy as your airport transfer returns you to Rome airport to return home.

SUNDAY HOPPER DAY 8: Transfer from Rome to Sorrento via Pompeii (10-night tour)
Remember to throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain to assure your return to Rome before heading to the spectacular Amalfi Coast! Today you will take the train from Rome to Naples to meet your private driver and finish your transfer with a beautiful drive south through the region of Campania with a stop and private guided tour of Pompeii, site of the famous eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in A.D. 79 that destroyed not only Pompeii, but the neighboring city of Herculaneum. Arrive in Sorrento and check into your hotel for the next two nights, ready to explore the beautiful coastline of the Tyrrhenian Sea!

MONDAY HOPPER DAY 9: Sorrento
Today will be an adventure as you depart on a guided tour of the Amalfi Coast. One of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, you’ll see incredible views from the cliff top roads as you travel from one coastal city to the next. From your hotel, you’ll make your way to Positano where you’ll have time for a stroll along the beach or time to shop. Next you’ll explore Amalfi where you’ll see more amazing views of small fishing boats, incredible villas and amazing yachts. After a stop in Ravello, you’ll make your way back to Sorrento where you’ll have ample time to choose a wonderful dinner spot.

TUESDAY HOPPER DAY 10: Transfer from Sorrento to Naples (Alt. Rome)
 Enjoy a leisurely morning in Sorrento before departing and making your way to Naples via train. After the quick transfer check-in to your hotel then you’ll participate in a pizza making class and enjoy your creation for dinner in the city where pizza originated. Learn about the history of pizza and the complexity of the dough, the sauce and of course, the toppings!

WEDNESDAY HOPPER DAY 11: Tour ends in Naples
Your post-trip tour ends today. You’ll be transferred from Naples (or Rome) to the airport where you can reflect on your amazing journey through some of Italy’s most amazing cities and sights!

Will I have free time or will I have to stay with the group the entire time?
The foundation of our tours is the flexibility that is built into them. Other than transfers from town to town, it’s your vacation to spend as you please. This Singles Italy Tour is designed to provide you flexibility and independence in which your itinerary, accommodations and transfers are all pre-arranged to provide you with the structure you need while traveling. The rest of the trip is up to you to do as you please.

For whom are tours recommended?
We recommend our tours for active independent travelers who want an alternative to a fully-planned tour with no freedom or flexibility. This tour is not recommended for those who require a full time guide, private transportation service at all times, luggage handling or have mobility issues requiring wheelchairs, have trouble walking or limiting medical conditions.

Will there be someone accompanying our group while we are on tour?
A full-time host or guide is not provided with this Singles Italy Tour. Your Singles Travel Service Sales Host will be happy to work with you prior to departure to answer any of your questions and make suggestions about available things to see or do. On most day tours and attractions there are licensed tour guides available and we also recommend asking the receptionists at your hotels for helpful tips and information. You will be provided with a 24/7 Traveler Hotline if any issues or emergencies do arise and you need assistance.

How/when do we meet up with the group?
Your first day is free to tour as you please, on your own.  If travelers would like to set up a time on their own to meet the first day before the welcome event we encourage it!

How do you pick roommates?/When will we find out who our roommate is?
Once we know how many travelers require a roommate, we will pair individuals based on gender and trip length. We will also do our best to match individuals based on age and/or where they are from, if possible. Roommates will be introduced prior to travel via email when travel documents are issued, approximately 7 to 10 days prior to departure.

Do I have to be a solo traveler to join this trip, or can I bring a friend?
You can absolutely bring a friend! Our Singles Tour is set up to be a great way to meet new people, but if you’re more comfortable traveling with a friend, then you can certainly travel together. Please note that on some of these tours assigned for solo travelers are not exclusive to solo travelers. Transfers from town-to-town may include other travelers and the type of transfer may vary and is subject to change based on the total number of travelers traveling to/from the same destination on any particular date.

What is the age range of the group?
Our singles tour is welcoming of all ages! We typically see most of our travelers are ages 35-65.

What is the ratio of females to males?
Each trip is different, but on average the ratio is about 3:1 (female to male).

How many people are normally on this tour?
Past Singles tours have ranged from 4 to 20 people. There is no maximum, though we prefer to keep the group under 15 travelers to maintain a more intimate experience.

What are the pick-up times for the transfers between towns?
Pick-up times will vary based on the type of transportation provided. Your Singles Travel Service Sales Host can help provide you with an idea of times so you may choose optional tours prior to travel. You’ll receive exact pick-up times and locations in your travel documents.

Do we need to tip our drivers?
Yes! For each town-to-town transfer or day tour with a tour guide (such as on our optional tours) it is customary to tip between €/£2 to €/£5 per person, per transfer based on the service and information provided by your driver. No tipping is required for drivers of scheduled/public transfers.

Can we pick the hotels we want to stay in?
Accommodations are carefully chosen based on the needs and size of the group. Accommodations are chosen based on location and quality in an effort to meet our travelers’ expectations and ensure satisfaction. Hotel locations provide easy accessibly to attractions, restaurants and public transportation. Whether it’s a boutique hotel or a large chain property, our hotels will always have a quality rating of three or four stars and a TripAdvisor rating of three or higher.

Will everyone be staying in the same hotel?
We do our best to keep everyone together, but this is not guaranteed. Multiple hotels may need to be utilized in different towns due to availability and different room type requirements.

Do hotels allow guests?
Every hotel has different policies, but at night most hotels check guests at the entrance to ensure only resident guests are staying the night, as well as provide extra security.

Can we book optional day tours/attractions while we are traveling or do we need to book everything ahead of time? If we can book while we are traveling, how do we do that?
Day tours, attractions and activities are available for selection and pre-purchase up to 21 days prior to departure. Travel documents cannot be issued to the group until everyone traveling has submitted their selections so make sure to let your Sales Host know your requests as soon as you can! By purchasing these options prior to travel you are able to pay in $USD or $CAD while locking in the exchange rate as well as any discounts that may have been extended to our clients. Your space on these tours is also guaranteed as many day tours sell out months prior to operating. Some day tour options are provided to our clients privately and must be purchased prior to travel so minimum group size requirements are met and the proper vehicle size can be reserved. If you do not plan to arrange your tour and attractions prior to travel you may purchase these items directly from the vendor itself at their retail rates and in the local currency, if there is availability. During your tour please feel free to check with your hotel reception desk or concierge for information on tours or for the location of the tourist office.

It is important to have the proper expectations when it comes to hotels in Italy.  Italian (and many European) hotels are housed in very very old buildings and normally do not live up to US hotel expectations for items such as room size, elevator access, typical plumbing or amenities. In Italy, pricing not only depends upon star-rating, but it is also dependent upon the particular region of Italy that the hotel is located in. For example, a 4-star property in Rome, Florence, or Milan (larger cities) will be a bit less than a 4-star property in Venice and Sorrento (located on the water). Italy Hopper packages are priced with hotel categories rather than star levels due to the extreme range of quality in a particular star rating. The categories were created and properties chosen to give you a similar experience & level of quality over the course of your tour when staying in different towns and cities. Please review the categories below:

Premiere Hotels: Mix of higher level 3-star hotels and basic quality 4-star hotels. The Premiere category is included with your price.

Superior Hotels: This category will include hotels in the higher quality spectrum of 4-star hotels and possibly a 5-star property or two, depending on availability in various towns/cities. Superior Category is available for an additional $95 per person, per night.

Luxury Hotels: 5-star properties, but they may not be available in all towns on the Italy hopper for scheduled dates. Price will be presented based on current rates and availability at the time of booking.