WIBA Madison & WISN Milwaukee presents Italy with Vicki McKenna
Embark on a captivating journey through Italy’s cultural tapestry, starting in the “Eternal City” of Rome. Explore the Vatican Museums, wander through the historic charms of Assisi and Perugia, and traverse the graceful hills of Tuscany to reach the Etruscan city of Cortona. Continue to Florence, the “Cradle of the Renaissance,” for cultural treasures and an enchanting evening in Galluzzo. Venture into the heart of the Chianti region for a historic winery visit and chef-led cooking class before heading to Venice. Explore Murano Island’s glass-blowing secrets and immerse yourself in the charm of Venice’s canals and bridges. Conclude your Italian escapade with a ferry ride on glamorous Lake Como, celebrating the journey’s end with a farewell dinner.
Reflect on the beauty and diversity that define Italy, from ancient wonders to Renaissance masterpieces, as you savor local delicacies and bid farewell to the enchanting landscapes and cultural riches that have woven an unforgettable tapestry of experiences.
Meet Your Host: Vicki McKenna Vicki McKenna is a converted conservative and reformed Marxist. She graduated from Beloit College with a degree in Communism and pursued graduate studies at the University of Denver in applied Marxism. After realizing that, in order to pay rent, she would probably need an expanded skill set beyond Revolution 101, she decided to embrace her inner-false consciousness and get a job. A sluggish economy at the beginning of the 90s meant she'd have to think outside the box and realized that her training in Social Justice double-speak made her perfectly suited to the world of Media. A few tax returns into her career it occurred to her that perhaps this whole collectivism thing was a whole lot of nonsense, and after a chance encounter with former Congressman Mark Neuman, she went looking for a book by Milton Friedman at the Beloit Public Library. That is when the fog of socialism parted permanently. Embarrassed by her wasted days of misspent college, and determined to share her wonder at how she could pay so much for an education that taught her so little, she embarked on a career that would help her share the pathway out of economic and political ignorance with others--and the Vicki McKenna Show was born. She's been called a Nazi (not true, she abhors Hitler and supports Israel), Atilla the Hun (she confesses to liking this one), and a "self-loathing so-called woman" for daring to reject her college indoctrination and think differently in the People's Republic of Madison and beyond. But she also knows how true the old cliche is: if they're shooting at you, you're over the target. She's won a bunch of media awards and spoke truth-to-power on all the cable news stations, except MSNBC--because of course not. She loves guns, dogs, birds, veterans, and 80's pop culture--and she once got arrested at a U2 concert.Per Person Double Occupancy
$5,799
Single Supplement: $1,199
(Limited Availability)
November 13-22, 2024
10 Days / 9 Nights
Optional 3-Night Taormina, Sicily Pre-Extension: November 10-14, 2024 – 5 Days / 4 Nights
Extension Rates: $1,799 Per Person Double Occupancy, $600 Single Supplement
Itinerary
Depart USA for Italy
Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Rome.
Rome, Italy – Tour Begins
Welcome to Italy, a land rich in history, culture, art, and romance. Begin in Rome, the “Eternal City.” This evening, get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner featuring regional specialties. (D)
Rome
Embark on a locally guided tour of the Vatican Museums*** to explore the Papal palace, which houses priceless artifacts from ancient Egypt, along with works by great Renaissance masters such as Perugino, Botticelli, and Ghirlandaio. Marvel at Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling and the brilliant Last Judgement in the Sistine Chapel. Next, wander through the towering columns of St. Peter’s Basilica—a daring feat of human artistry and engineering. Admire the Baroque spirals of Bernini’s alter canopy and gaze up at Michelangelo’s dome, still the tallest in the world. Later this afternoon, enjoy panoramic views of the River Tiber, the Circus Maximus, and the Colosseum during a scenic drive back to your hotel. The evening is yours to savor. (B)
Rome – Assisi – Perugia
Immerse yourself into the local culture as your Tour Director shares a few key Italian phrases. Travel to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, and absorb the old-world atmosphere during a guided walking tour of the Basilica of St. Francis. Next, venture to medieval Perugia, the historic capital of Umbria. Enjoy free time to explore, whether it’s strolling along the Piazza IV Novembre or visiting medieval palaces and elegant cathedrals. (B)
Perugia – Cortona – Florence
Journey through the graceful low-lying hills of Tuscany to reach the Etruscan city of Cortona. Perched on the side of a hill, admire the ornate facades and medieval architecture. Catch a glimpse of the adjacent Lake Trasimeno situated off in the distance. You may recognize the city as the charming setting for the book and film Under the Tuscan Sun. End your day in Florence, known as the “Cradle of the Renaissance,” and visit the world-famous Academy Gallery** to see Michelangelo’s David. (B)
Florence
This morning, experience Florence’s cultural treasures on a walking tour, passing by the Duomo, the Baptistery, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Piazza della Signoria. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. In the evening, set off on a scenic drive to the nearby historic town of Galluzzo, famous for its Carthusian monastery nestled on one of the beautiful hills surrounding Florence. Before dinner, enjoy an after-hours visit to this 14th-century monastery – La Certosa.* Revel in the beauty within and gain insight into monastic daily life. Your evening of fun continues at one of the area’s most popular dining establishments. Indulge in an authentic and traditional family-style dinner, accompanied by local wines and Tuscan delicacies, all while enjoying the entertainment. (B, D)
Florence – Venice
Start your day with a visit to a historic winery in the heart of the Chianti region. In the shadow of its 12th-century castle, learn about Tuscan wines and enjoy a chef-lead cooking class. Afterward, relax and savor regional delicacies during a delicious lunch. This afternoon, journey through central Italy, crossing the Apennine Mountains toward the Po River Valley. Enchanting Venice awaits with 117 tiny islands, latticework of 150 canals, and 400 bridges. (B, L, D)
Venice
Experience Venice from the water as you take a boat**** to Murano Island. Witness a captivating glass-blowing demonstration, where the secrets of this ancient art are revealed up-close, and marvel at the one-of-a-kind designs created. Make your way to the historic center of Venice and explore the Castello district with a local expert. Conclude your day in St. Mark’s Square, where you can admire the basilica and the opulent façade of the Doge’s Palace. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. (B)
Venice – Lake Como
This morning, you’ll be whisked across the plains of northern Italy to the shores of glamorous Lake Como. During a ferry ride to alluring Bellagio, admire the endless succession of historic villas, lush gardens, and colorful villages reflected in the lake’s blue waters. Enjoy some time at leisure to explore Bellagio’s charms before sailing back to Como, where you check into your hotel in the late afternoon. This evening, celebrate the end of an unforgettable trip with a farewell dinner at your hotel. (B, D)
Lake Como – Depart for Home
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.******
Inclusions
Included
- Economy class roundtrip international airfare from Chicago (ORD)*
- Roundtrip airport transfers from Milwaukee to Chicago (ORD)
- Premium hotel accommodations throughout Italy**
- All ground transportation
- Expert English-speaking guides
- 13 Meals (8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners)
- Gratuities for Tour Director, drivers, & local guides
- Taxes and fees as of 11/8/24
- Complete services of Cruise & Tour including Tour Director
| *Other gateways may be available upon request. Additional charges may apply. **Hotels may be substituted due to unforeseen circumstances. ***All included museum visit dates and times are subject to change based on the availability of reservations. Due to the unpredictable nature of events scheduled at the Vatican, it may be necessary to visit the museum at a different time. Most national museums are closed on Mondays. ****On occasion, due to inclement weather, the boat trip to Murano Island may be replaced with a visit to a local glass factory in Venice. *****Visit to the monastery may not be possible when weddings are taking place. ******Main Tour: Return air is booked to depart from Milan airport. Included return transfers will depart from Lake Como to Milan airport. ******Extension: Return air is booked to depart from Catania airport. Included return transfers will depart from Taormina to Catania airport. |
Extraordinary Experiences
- Cocktails with your host, Vicki McKenna.
- Get to know Vicki McKenna during a Q&A session.
- Step to the front of the line to see Michelangelo’s famous statue David.
- Enjoy a chef-led cooking class with lunch in a historic castle.
- Set out on a locally guided tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Not Included
- Increases in taxes, fees, or surcharges after 11/8/24
- Travel Insurance
- Air upgrades
- Airline baggage fees
- Items of a personal nature
Activity Level 3
This tour moves at a moderate pace where planned activities are extended and there will be limited leisure time. Days may begin earlier or end later in the evening. You can expect to be standing and walking for longer periods of time, climbing steps, walking uphill, and walking along uneven surfaces. This tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility challenges or those who rely on wheelchairs or walkers on a consistent basis.
Testimonials
Rates
Deposit/Payment
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Cancellation/Refund
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Optional 3-Night Taormina, Sicily Pre-Extension
How to Book
- Call Cruise & Tour at (800) 383-3131 or REQUEST A CALL
- Ask to have a place held on this trip
- You will receive an email with a link to our online registration form
Fill it out and you’re in!
It’s that easy. Give us a call today!
Travel Insurance Information
Worldwide Trip Protector
Cruise & Tour recommends that you purchase travel insurance.
To purchase travel protection insurance:
- Click here to view and print the Travel Insured International brochure which has a brief summary of coverage.
- After making your travel reservation and deposit, a Cruise & Tour representative will create an insurance quote for you. You will receive that travel insurance quote from Travel Insured International Customer Care.
- From here you will be able to view the quote, add additional coverage options such as Cancel for Any Reason, and purchase your policy all in the Travel Insured International Portal.
Please Note: Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion will be waived if you purchase the protection plan within 21 days of the date of your initial trip payment. Options such as Cancel for Any Reason or Interrupt for Any Reason must also be purchased within 21 days of the date of your initial trip payment.
To view and print the Explanation of Benefits, click here.
Cancellation/Interruption