ROME, a haven for history enthusiasts, offers a living museum with iconic landmarks such as the Pantheon and the Colosseum. Every street is steeped in history, and every square is adorned with magnificent sculptures. And the culinary experience is a journey in its own right. While the urge to hurry may be strong, slowing down will reveal a treasure trove of surprises.
Uncover the unparalleled beauty of Italy's diverse and captivating landscapes. Experience architectural marvels, rich history, and vibrant culture, creating an awe-inspiring journey. From the ancient ruins of Rome to the romantic canals of Venice, Italy offers new adventures awaiting discovery. With these diverse and multifaceted attractions, Italy is a fascinating place that can genuinely broaden its horizons. A visit to Italy, at least once a lifetime, is not just an adventure, but a worthwhile investment in unique experiences.
Experience the timeless beauty of FLORENCE, a city that captivates with its Renaissance art and architecture. Visit iconic attractions like Michelangelo's David at the Galleria dell'Accademia and Piazzale Michelangelo, but don't miss the chance to explore hidden treasures with fewer crowds. Discover the frescoes and breathtaking views at San Miniato al Monte, and indulge in the vintage shops, boutiques, and stylish cafes across the river in Oltrarno.
VENICE, the exquisite capital of Italy's Veneto region, is an architectural marvel nestled on more than 100 small islands within a serene lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. This unique city is devoid of roads, with its waterways serving as the lifeline of transportation, notably the picturesque Grand Canal flanked by elegant Renaissance and Gothic palaces. At the heart of the city lies the magnificent Piazza San Marco, home to the stunning St. Mark's Basilica adorned with intricate Byzantine mosaics, and the towering Campanile bell tower, offering breathtaking vistas of the city's iconic red rooftops.
Italy boasts magnificent destinations from the north to the south, with stunning cultural metropolises, all dominated by beautiful cathedrals and steeped in history. Your trip will be one to remember.
INCLUDED
Hotel Accommodations
2 Nights at Hotel St. Martin (or similar)
1 Night at the Raffaelo Hotel (or similar)
1 Night Hotel Delfino (or similar)
Arrival and departure transfers
11 Meals: 7 Breakfast, 3 Lunch, & 2 Dinners
Hop on Hop off bus ticket for Rome
Entrance to the Mark’s Basilica in Venice- “Skip the line”
Assisi for a visit to the mystic town of Saint Francis
Tour the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter's Basilica
Panoramic guided walking tour of Venice
Cooking Class with Dinner
Visit the Tuscany Wine Region
Visit Bologna and Padua
Visit Assisi, Florence, and Sienna
English-speaking guide on tours
NOT INCLUDED - OPTIONAL ADD ON
Gratuity - $20 per person per day
(driver, tour guides, group meals gratuities)
Airfare - Inquire with your Travel Expert
NOT INCLUDED
Entrance fees to monuments or museums, when not mentioned
Airfare
Travel Insurance
Passport fees, Visa fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Expenditures of a personal nature
All Beverages
Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of the itinerary
Souvenirs
Gratuities for services and experiences
Early check-in or late-check out from hotels
Personal charges: Laundry, phone calls, SIM Cards Room Service
Anything that is not specified as included
~~~~
Itinerary subject to change
All tours and entrance fees are included / All taxes are included
Maximum 2 travelers per room
All prices are expressed in US dollars.
Prices are dynamic in nature, subject to availability
and subject to fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
The offer is valid for the remaining balance of the Land Package only, after any other discounts or promotions have been applied.
The discount does not apply to the Booking Fee, Add-On Purchases, or Donations.
The rebate will be refunded to the original form of payment used for the Travel Experience purchase. Please allow 14 business days for processing.
The Hotel St. Martin is located a few meters from Piazza della Repubblica and in front of the Castro Pretorio metro station, a convenient and strategic location for tourists visiting Rome and business travelers. A few steps from Rome Termini Station, the capital's main railway hub, and from the shopping area of Via Nazionale. The Baths of Diocletian, the largest thermal complex of Ancient Rome, the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, the latest project by Michelangelo, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Opera House, the Circus Maximus, and the Palazzo del Quirinale are located in the immediate vicinity.
Hospitality and excellence, just steps from the heart of Florence Located at the entrance to the city, Hotel Raffaello is the ideal starting point for visiting Florence, discovering its history and breathing its unique atmosphere. The hotel is easy to reach both for those who arrive in Florence by car or by train. Our staff will welcome you with professionalism, courtesy and a pinch of happiness... after all, we are in the heart of Tuscany!
Both business and leisure travelers seeking a Hotel in Mestre, near Venice, will find a perfect accommodation at the Delfino Hotel. Venice is easily reachable by bus, whose stop is just in front of the building. Buses run 24/7 every 10 min., and the journey lasts aprox. 10 minutes. Our Hotel, part of the complex Ambasciatori&Delfino, with more than 250 rooms, is only 800 mts far from the train station, and just 5 min on foot from Mestre city centre. In our 4-star hotel in Mestre, Venice we are all fully focused on ensuring customers’ satisfaction, providing the most efficient service, trying to make them feel completely at home. Come and visit us now!
$269 - Travel Agent, Service & Account Management Fee. This fee is non-negotiable and non-refundable.
Please consult with your Travel Concierge prior to booking your flight or if you require assistance booking your flight
THIS TRAVEL EXPERIENCE IS NON-REFUNDABLE
Cancellations must be received by email.
Cancellations 60 days before departure will receive travel credit. Cancellation fees include deposit, booking fees, donations, late fees, reinstatement, and other specified fees. Additional non-refundable fees may apply from service providers such as hotels, airlines, and transportation, potentially totaling 100% of the booking cost. Cancellations within 60 days of departure are non-refundable and do not qualify for travel credit.
If TBOG Travel cancels the trip, a travel credit equivalent to the full amount paid will be provided without any cancellation fees deducted.
Reservations 91 days in arrears will be automatically canceled. Any amounts already paid will not be refunded. If TBOG Travel incurs any additional cancellation fees or charges due, you agree to indemnify us for those fees or charges.
Travel Credits can be used to purchase specific TBOG Tour the World travel experiences. Travel credits issued from travel booked in:
If the cost of your TBOG “Tour the World” travel experience exceeds your travel credit, you must pay the difference. The remaining balance will be issued as a future travel credit if it is less than the credit.
TBOG Travel reserves the right to restrict reservation changes, subject to availability. Changes in party size, date, or location may affect rates. We recommend purchasing travel insurance through our partner, Travel Guard, underwritten by AIG.
These policies are subject to change at any time.
December 2024
By booking with The Black Onyx Group, you acknowledge and accept the following terms and conditions:
Agent
- The Black Onyx Group, LLC (or any affiliated entities) acts solely as a travel agent. We sell travel-related products from various transport and accommodation service providers, including airlines, coaches, rail and cruise line operators, and hotels.
- The Black Onyx Group's obligations to you include booking travel on your behalf and arranging relevant contracts between you and the travel service providers.
- We are not responsible for these services and do not have the authority to make any warranties or representations regarding their quality. A request cannot be guaranteed.
- All bookings are subject to the terms and conditions and limitations of liability these service providers impose.
- You understand that your legal recourse lies against the specific provider, not The Black Onyx Group LLC.
Liability
- We constantly strive to ensure your arrangements are satisfactory. However, we cannot accept any liability of any kind, whether in contract, tort, or otherwise, for the actions, omissions, or defaults, whether negligent or not, of these service providers over whom we have no direct or indirect control.
- In situations where liability cannot be excluded, such liability is limited to the value of the purchased travel arrangements. We are not liable for any consequential losses or damage.
- We do not accept any liability in contract, tort, or otherwise for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expense, or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by force majeure or any other event beyond our control or not preventable by reasonable diligence on our part.
- We cannot control and will not be responsible for bodily injury, property damage, or other loss caused by factors beyond our control, including but not limited to flight delays, airline turbulence, transportation accidents, war, terrorism, weather, quarantine, illness, government restrictions, regulations or actions, mechanical failures, acts of God, fires, earthquakes, floods, climate anomalies, civil unrest, strikes, riots, theft, disease, pandemics, epidemics, accidents, or failures related to public internet, telecommunications lines or facilities, or third-party technology systems, other unforeseen circumstances, or any other causes beyond our control, including your physical, medical, or mental disabilities, failure to obtain valid travel documents, or failure to follow travel instructions. Under no circumstances shall The Black Onyx Group, LLC, be liable for any special, incidental, or consequential damage arising from the above.
Deposits
- A deposit will be required at the time of booking. All deposits are non-refundable for changes of mind or cancellations.
Passport
- All individuals leaving the United States must possess a valid passport. You are responsible for ensuring that you have valid travel documents, including, but not limited to, passports and visas that comply with the requirements of immigration and other government authorities at every destination.
- Any fines, penalties, payments, or costs incurred due to documents that do not meet those authorities' requirements will be your sole responsibility.
Non-Transferable
- Documents issued are non-transferable. These documents may include, but are not limited to, airline tickets, hotel vouchers, tour vouchers, or any other document that confirms an arrangement with a service provider.
- These documents may also be subject to conditions such as, but not limited to, being nonrefundable, non-date-changeable, and subject to cancellation or amendment fees.
Payment & Credit Card Transactions
- If, for any reason, a travel service provider cannot deliver the services you contracted for, your remedy lies with the provider and not with The Black Onyx Group, LLC.
- If you paid The Black Onyx Group, LLC by credit card, you agree not to seek a chargeback for your payment to The Black Onyx Group, LLC.
- If your credit card or check is declined, you are responsible for promptly settling any amounts owed to The Black Onyx Group, LLC, via money order or another credit card.
Price Variations
- We reserve the right to change published fares in response to fluctuations in exchange rates or price increases by service providers. All prices are subject to availability and may be withdrawn or altered at any time.
Taxes and Baggage Fees
- Baggage allowance and restrictions apply to all airlines. These can vary, so you should contact the airline you are traveling with for specific restrictions. Some airlines may charge fees for checked baggage.
Cancellation
- Please be aware that travel bookings are non-refundable and non-reroutable.
- Cancelled bookings will incur charges. These charges can be up to 100% of the booking cost, regardless of whether the travel has commenced.
- Where we incur any liability for a cancellation fee or charge for any booking you cancel, you agree to indemnify us for that fee or charge.
Travel Insurance
- We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance through our insurance partner, Travel Guard, to protect your travel investment.
Health and Special Requirements
- Please advise your consultant of any special requirements you may have, such as special meals, medical requirements, and so on.
Refusal of Service
- Service providers reserve the right to refuse service to travelers for the following reasons: The traveler:
- Lacks proper documentation for the country of destination
- Has a contagious disease
- Is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or narcotics
- Manifests disruptive and/or unruly behavior
December 2024
THE BLACK ONYX GROUP, LLC PRIVACY POLICY
We will only collect personal information that is relevant for the purposes for which it is to be used. We will take reasonable steps to ensure that data is reliable for its intended use, accurate, complete, and current. We may use personally identifiable information in several ways, such as:
Disclosure of personal information to Third Parties
We may disclose personally identifiable information about you to Third Parties as follows:
December 2024
Be prepared with travel insurance coverage through Travel Guard. Plans can include coverage for medical expenses, trip interruption and more and include emergency travel services so you can be sure that Travel Guard has an insurance plan that meets your traveling needs. Travel Guard is available to assist 24 hours a day.
Travel Guard's Trip Insurance Plans provide valuable coverage at an affordable price and includes an early purchase benefit of a waiver of Pre-existing Medical Condition Exclusion and Cancel for Any Reason option, if purchased within 15 days of the initial trip payment.
Your travel insurance will need to cover medical expenses that could arise while traveling abroad. In the case of a Kilimanjaro climb, you’ll need to make sure that it covers you for medical evacuation too.
Unexpected injuries and doctor visits need to be covered, and emergency evacuation expenses should you need to be airlifted to a medical facility. Those situations are rare, but they do occur, and you need the proper insurance.
When purchasing travel insurance, it is important you understand exactly what it does and doesn’t cover. Most basic plans will offer basic protection for trip cancellation, lost bags, and delayed flights.
However, if you need coverage beyond that (medical expenses, evacuation, etc.) then you’ll likely have to purchase a higher-tier policy.
It’s important that whatever policy you choose also covers high altitude activities. That isn’t the case with every insurance plan, so be sure to ask for it specifically.
We highly recommend you add the Adventure Sports Bundle to your insurance package if you are running a marathon, climbing a mountain, scuba diving, etc. Add the adventure sports bundle to ensure you are covered.
XE-perience currencies on the go.
The XE Currency app - Everything you need for international currencies.
Download Xe Currency Converter: for Android HERE and for iOS HERE
You will need to consider what to pack to ensure you can use your personal electrical appliances safely while abroad. This normally includes using a travel adapter, which allows you to plug any US electrical appliance into a foreign electrical socket. It is important to note that it does not convert the voltage or frequency.
Type C travel adapter plugs for use in European countries such as Italy, Iceland, Greece, France, Iceland, Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Netherlands, Turkey and more.
Rome
Best Time to Visit:
April-May and September-October
Rome is most enjoyable during the spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) due to mild weather and fewer crowds. Benefits of visiting in the shoulder season include comfortable temperatures (60-75°F), shorter lines at attractions, and scenic beauty from spring flowers or fall leaves. Special events like Easter celebrations in spring and wine harvest festivals in fall are also highlights. It's best to avoid visiting in July and August due to high heat and large crowds.
Florence
Best Time to Visit:
April-June and September-October
Florence is most enjoyable in spring (April-June) and early fall (September-October) due to pleasant temperatures, smaller crowds, and lower hotel rates. Highlights include blooming gardens in spring and autumn colors in the Boboli Gardens. In contrast, July and August can be hot and crowded, while winter offers fewer visitors but colder weather.
Venice
Best Time to Visit:
April-May and September-November
Visiting Venice during the shoulder seasons of fall (September to November) and spring (April and May) offers several advantages, including mild temperatures (60-75°F), fewer tourists at popular sights, lower prices on accommodations and gondola rides, and a mystical atmosphere due to fall fog. It's advisable to avoid February due to Carnival crowds and summer months when the city becomes hot, humid, and overcrowded.
Summary
The shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are the best times to visit Rome, Florence, and Venice, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds. This timing allows for a better appreciation of Italy's history, art, and ambiance. It’s important to book accommodations early, as these periods are becoming increasingly popular.
Italian is the official language of Italy, and 93% of population are native Italian speakers. Around 50% of population speak a regional dialect as mother tongue. Many dialects are mutually unintelligible and thus considered by linguists as separate languages, but are not officially recognized.
Here are some helpful phrases:
Yes – Si – See
No – No – Noh
Please – Per favore – Pehr fah-voh-reh
Thank you – Grazie – Grah-tsee-eh
You’re welcome – Prego – Preh-goh
Cheers! (To your health) – Salute! – Sah-loo-tay
Excuse me (for attention) – Scusi – Skooh–zee
Excuse me (to pass by) – Permesso – Pehr-mehs-soh
Do you speak English? – Parla Inglese? – Parh-la een-glay-zeh
I don’t understand – Non capisco – Non kah-pee-skoh
I’m sorry – Mi dispiace – Mee dees-pyah-cheh
Good morning (formal) – Buon giorno – Bwohn-johr-noh
Good afternoon (formal) – Buona sera – Bwoh-nah-se -rah
Good night (formal) – Buona notte – Bwoh–nah–noh–teh
Hi / Bye (informal) – Ciao! – Chow
Good bye (formal) – Arrivederci – Ahr-ree-veh-dehr-chee
My name is … – Mi chiamo – Mee kyah-moh
What is your name? – Come si chiama? – Koh-meh see kyah-mah?
Pleased to meet you – Piacere – Pyah-cheh-reh
How are you? (formal) – Come sta? – Koh-meh stah?
Good thank you – Bene grazie – Beh-neh grah-tsee-eh
When you visit Rome, Florence, and Venice, wear comfortable and stylish clothes that look a bit dressier than casual outfits. Choose breathable fabrics like linen and cotton, and avoid revealing clothing, especially in churches. Key items to pack are lightweight dresses, nice blouses, well-fitting pants, comfortable walking shoes, a scarf, and a hat for sun protection. Check dress codes for specific places, especially churches, where you need to cover your shoulders and knees.
Key points to remember:
Dress properly: Italians usually wear more formal clothes than many visitors. Avoid very revealing outfits like tank tops, short shorts, and tight leggings, especially in churches and nice restaurants. Wearing modest clothing shows respect for local customs and traditions.
Wear comfortable walking shoes. You will do a lot of walking, so choose comfortable shoes like sneakers or good walking sandals. This will help you avoid blisters and foot pain. It will also let you explore the cities more comfortably and for longer periods.
Layering is important. Bring versatile clothes that you can layer based on the weather, such as a lightweight cardigan or scarf.
Use neutral colors like black, white, beige, and navy. These colors are easy to mix and match.
What to pack:
Tops:
Bottoms:
Dresses:
Outerwear:
Accessories
Specific considerations for each city:
Genuine comfort comes from letting your feet do what's natural: bending, flexing, moving, feeling. Xero Shoes let them do that.
The Reusable Silicone Female Urinal Foolproof Women's Pee Funnel Allows Women to Pee Standing Up; Women's Urinal with Drawstring Bags is The Perfect Companion for Travel and Outdoor. For any outdoor activity, fold the female urinal device into the drawstring bag and carry it around. It is so easy and convenient and does not take up space. With it, you no longer have to worry about the dirtiness of public toilets. It is highly recommended for all women who travel. Keep a pouch filled with Cottonelle flushable wipes, wet ones or wet wipes, travel soap sheets, and any other items you may need when using the restrooms.
Amazon Purchase
$12.99
Antibacterial Paper Soap Sheets for Hand Washing - (300 Sheets) Orange, Tea Tree, Lavender Portable Travel Soap Sheets, Dissolvable Camping Mini Soap, Portable Hand Soap Sheets
𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗟 𝗦𝗜𝗭𝗘: Light, small, and portable soap sheets for hand washing offer discreet and convenient to use as hiking soap, camping soap, and family travel soap. Alternate to soap bars, these portable mini soap sheets are safe and beneficial for school trips and are ideal camping toiletries—a perfect paper camping for traveling.
𝗙𝗢𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗚 & 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧: These foaming hand soap refills form a light lather that dissolves quickly and prevents dry hands. Naturally moisturizing portable hand washing soap is gentle on the skin and potent on the toughest dirt and contaminants.
𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘 & 𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚: This mini soap is small in size yet huge in functionality. This travel soap can be used on all bodies at any time. Kids-friendly and suitable for all skin types, our natural hand soap with potent plant extracts is family-safe, wholesome, and leaves no residue.
𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗬 𝗧𝗢 𝗨𝗦𝗘: Take a foaming paper soap sheet in your hands. Add water and rub your hands to form a lather. Rinse, dry, and enjoy clean hands.
𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗘𝗧-𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗟𝗬 𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗔𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗚: Earth-friendly packaging of our foaming and convenient hand soap refills allow for worry-free disposal outdoors; An excellent planet-saving alternative to plastic soap containers.
AMAZON PURCHASE
$11.99
Italy 
Solo, Couples, or Group Travel
Experience the magic of Rome with our exclusive offer! Start your journey with a warm welcome at the airport and enjoy a seamless transfer to your hotel, completely taken care of. Explore Rome at your own pace with a hop-on hop-off daily ticket for the I Love Rome City Tour. Climb aboard the open-top Gray Line buses and be awed by the panoramic views as you pass by the city's famous landmarks. With audio commentary in 12 languages, you can immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Rome. Make the most of your day as the bus makes eight stops, giving you the freedom to hop on and off as you please. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to discover Rome like never before!
After enjoying a delightful breakfast at the hotel, set off on an extraordinary journey that will take you through the captivating destinations of Assisi, Siena, and Florence. Your first stop is the picturesque town of Assisi, renowned for its harmonious blend of art, nature, history, and religious traditions. As the birthplace of the Franciscan founder, Assisi holds immense significance for Catholic pilgrims and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be prepared to be mesmerized by the stunning beauty and spiritual aura of this remarkable town.
, characterized by its unique spiral layout, labyrinthine streets, and medieval charm. Siena boasts an intriguing history and is known for being one of Italy's best-preserved medieval cities. Take the time to explore the imposing edifices, soak in the breathtaking ambiance, and immerse yourself in the captivating stories that have shaped this incredible city.
After an indulgent breakfast, immerse yourself in the magnificence of Florence, celebrated as the "Cradle of the Renaissance," where the zenith of Italian art was realized under the influence of Michelangelo. Behold the city's Etruscan-Roman origins, a historical gem that prospered during the Middle Ages as a free "Comune," and was further honed during the Renaissance. Discover the iconic landmarks such as Piazza 
one of Italy's most iconic landmarks. As a guest, you'll have the unique opportunity to ascend the structure and behold breathtaking views of Florence and the Tuscany region.
Before embarking on a journey to Tuscany, start your day with breakfast. This region is renowned for its vineyard-covered hills, cypress trees, and medieval villages. Visit the medieval town of Montepulciano, known for Renaissance architecture and wine tasting. 
