2024 Celebrates Roots Tourism ▾
For those of you with Italian heritage, Philítaly will guide you on an emotional journey tracing your origins. Roots Tourism 2024 is an Italian State Department/Foreign Affairs (Ministero degli Affari Esteri) funded initiative promoting the search for one's roots in Italy. It encourages you and members of your party to explore your Italian cultural origins. Philítaly brings you on a customized travel experience bridging you to the past, exploring life traditions and stories, enjoying authentic food and wine, and retracing the footsteps of your ancestors, through a guided and curated cultural journey. Find the already prepared viaggio that's right for you or create one of your own with Philítaly.
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The Splendors of Central and Northern Italy
This is a suggested itinerary for one or more people traveling. It can be modified by the travelers and price modified accordingly.
June 25-July 4, 2024
Starts in Rome and also visit Ravenna, Ferrara, Bologna, Florence,
Assisi and Farfa.
As part of this travel group, your journey begins in Rome, where you'll immerse yourself in the timeless grandeur of the Eternal City from the iconic Colosseum to the sacred Vatican. Rome promises a captivating blend of historic and contemporary marvels. You'll have the opportunity to embark on excursions to destinations such as Bologna known for its porticos, quaint Ferrara, and enchanting Florence, each offering its own unique tapestry of culture, history, and charm along the way.
Following your Roman exploration, a modern motorcoach will transport you to Ravenna for a historical sojourn, culminating in the XLIII Italian Bowl on June 29, 2024. American football has entrenched itself in Italian sports culture for over four decades, boasting a network of 100 teams across the country. Notably, the recent Italian Bowl, held in Toledo, Ohio on July 1st, 2023, marked a historic milestone as over 10,000 enthusiasts convened to witness the thrilling finale. The Parma Panthers emerged victorious, claiming the title of reigning champions. The upcoming 2024 Italian Bowl, now in its 43rd edition, is slated to take place in Ravenna, nestled in the picturesque Region of Emilia-Romagna. Ravenna's allure extends beyond sports, as it boasts well-preserved late Roman and Byzantine architecture, including eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
You will be guided by an Italian insider, Phil of Philítaly. He will leverage his Italian language, access to family and friends to show you the real Italian “day in the life”, and take you to places off the beaten path.
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Learn more about Playing for Pizza ▾
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
Playing for Pizza: A Novel by John Grisham Published in 2012
American National Football League third string quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, Rick Dockery becomes a national laughing-stock after what is considered the worst performance in NFL history. No other NFL team wants him after he is cut by the Browns.
Against all odds he lands a job as the starting quarterback for the Parma, Italy Mighty Panthers. The Parma Panthers are happy to have Rick, wanting an NFL player and not being selective about which former American NFL player they choose.
For Rick, not knowing anything about Parma and not speaking a word of Italian, a series of adventures ensue bringing with it a few surprises.
9 DAYS/ 9 NIGHTS
June 25 – July 4, 2024
Price for Full Land Package All Inclusive $3,950 Per Person
Purchase your flight on your own to have more control over possible changes. Choose a flight from the closest airport with non-stop flights to the Italian hub city where the group meets. If you are not close to a city with non-stop service to the hub in Italy, we suggest you take a domestic flight to the US city that offers non-stop service to Italy hub or fly to a European city with layover to the hub city in Italy where the group meets.
Consider travel insurance for peace of mind to protect land, air and trip cancellation as well as medical service and evacuation insurance. Click here to view options for comprehensive insurance, not just for flight cost, like most airlines sell.
The Splendors of Central and Northern Italy Sample Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary for one or more people traveling. It can be modified by the travelers and price modified accordingly.
Day 0, Monday June 24, 2024
Travel overnight from US or early morning from a European city
Day 1, Tuesday June 25, 2024
Morning
-
Arrive in Rome and meet your private driver outside baggage claim.
Afternoon/Evening
-
Aperitivo (cocktails) and dinner in Hotel
-
Sleep at Hotel Shangri La, Via Algeria, 141, Roma, 00144
Day 2, Wednesday June 26, 2024
Morning
-
Tour Roma Antica (Antique Rome)
Afternoon/Evening
-
Walking tour of the Roman Piazzas and Pantheon
-
Sleep at Hotel Shangri La, Via Algeria, 141, Roma, 00144
Day 3, Thursday June 27, 2024
Morning
-
Tour Religious Rome (Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica and their Museums)
Afternoon/Evening
-
Tour Galleria Borghese
-
Transport by private motor coach from Rome to Ravenna on the way
-
Sleep at Hotel in Ravenna
Day 4, Friday June 28, 2024
Morning
-
Tour with guide Ravenna, the Capital of mosaics and former Capital within Roman Empire
Afternoon/Evening
-
Lunch at outdoor garden in Ravenna, then winery tour before dinner
-
Sleep at Hotel Ravenna
Day 5, Saturday June 29, 2024
Morning
-
Free day for you to relax, exercise, take a bike ride, or shop before the Big Game
Afternoon/Evening
-
Lunch on your own
-
The Italian Bowl Game at 7pm in the Stadium of Ravenna
-
Post game victory party
-
Sleep at Hotel Ravenna
Day 6, Sunday June 30, 2024
Morning
-
Private motor coach from Ravenna to Ferrara
-
Walking tour of Ferrara to see the castle, the historic theater, and the Palazzo dei Diamanti (Diamond Palace)
Afternoon/Evening
-
Lunch in Ferrara, then option for bike tour or private orchestra concert in an ancient Church
-
Sleep at Ferrara
Day 7, Monday July 1, 2024
Morning
-
Travel in private motor coach from Ferrara to Bologna
-
Walking tour of Bologna to discover the unique energy this town possesses, which is famous for its arches
Afternoon/Evening
-
Lunch in Bologna, then travel to Florence by private motor coach.
-
Cooking class in Florence for Dinner
-
Sleep in Florence, Hotel Marios and Hotel Monica
Day 8, Tuesday July 2, 2024
Morning
-
Walking tour of Florence and its splendor from the Renaissance
Afternoon/Evening
-
Lunch at Piazzale Michelangelo, then see the real David in the Accademia, and visit the Pitti Palace
-
Sleep in Florence, Hotel Marios and Hotel Monica
Day 9, Wednesday July 3, 2024
Morning
-
Travel Florence to Rome by private motor coach
-
Stop in Assisi (Umbria) or Farfa (Lazio) on way back to Rome from Florence
Afternoon/Evening
-
Lunch in Assisi
-
Night tour of Rome and rooftop drink at Hotel Bernini at Piazza Barberini
-
Sleep at Hotel Shangri La, Via Algeria, 141, Roma, 00144
Day 10, Thursday July 4, 2024
Morning
-
Depart from the group
Choose another Philìtaly Adventure to explore below
THE SPLENDORS OF CENTRAL AND
NORTHERN ITALY
June 25-July 4, 2024
This is a suggested itinerary for one or more people traveling. It can be modified by the travelers and price modified accordingly.
Starts in Rome and also
visit Ravenna, Ferrara, Bologna, Florence, Assisi and Farfa.
Customized experience for a private group.
Learn more about Playing for Pizza ▾
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
Playing for Pizza: A Novel by John Grisham Published in 2012
American National Football League third string quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, Rick Dockery becomes a national laughing-stock after what is considered the worst performance in NFL history. No other NFL team wants him after he is cut by the Browns.
Against all odds he lands a job as the starting quarterback for the Parma, Italy Mighty Panthers. The Parma Panthers are happy to have Rick, wanting an NFL player and not being selective about which former American NFL player they choose.
For Rick, not knowing anything about Parma and not speaking a word of Italian, a series of adventures ensue bringing with it a few surprises.
EXPLORE CENTRAL SOUTH ITALY
September 13-21, 2024
Starts in Rome and also
visit Vico Equense, Amalfi, Ravello, Paestum, Battipaglia, Pompei, Campobasso, Oratino and Agnone.
A group of curious travelers interested in places off the beaten path and not known to tourists, where the culture, food, wine and music are regionally preserved.
EXPLORE CENTRAL SOUTH ITALY
November 7-15, 2024
Starts in Rome and also
visit Vico Equense, Amalfi, Ravello, Paestum, Battipaglia, Pompei, Campobasso, Oratino and Agnone.
A group of curious travelers interested in places off the beaten path and not known to tourists, where the culture, food, wine and music are regionally preserved.
EXPLORE CENTRAL SOUTH ITALY
March 20-28, 2025
Starts in Rome and also
visit Vico Equense, Amalfi, Ravello, Paestum, Battipaglia, Pompei, Campobasso, Oratino and Agnone.
A group of curious travelers interested in places off the beaten path and not known to tourists, where the culture, food, wine and music are regionally preserved.
EXPLORE CENTRAL SOUTH ITALY
May 1-9, 2025
Starts in Rome and also
visit Vico Equense, Amalfi, Ravello, Paestum, Battipaglia, Pompei, Campobasso, Oratino and Agnone.
A group of curious travelers interested in places off the beaten path and not known to tourists, where the culture, food, wine and music are regionally preserved.
EXPLORE CENTRAL SOUTH ITALY
September 13-21, 2025
Starts in Rome and also
visit Vico Equense, Amalfi, Ravello, Paestum, Battipaglia, Pompei, Campobasso, Oratino and Agnone.
A group of curious travelers interested in places off the beaten path and not known to tourists, where the culture, food, wine and music are regionally preserved.
HEALTHCARE, WELL-BEING & HR EXECUTIVES IN ITALY
TBD 2025 and 2026
Starts in Berchidda (Olbia),
Sardinia and also visit San Teodoro, Berchidda, La Maddalena, Barbagia and Cagliari.
Open to the public, a group of professionals in healthcare management and human resource management exploring the very healthy Blue Zone of Sardinia.
