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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
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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
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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
Image by Fabio Fistarol

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
Image by Uta Scholl

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
Italian Fans

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
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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
Image by Petr Slováček

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
Image by Ali Nuredini

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
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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
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Morning

  • Depart from the group

Choose another Philìtaly Adventure to explore below

Image by Jonathan Körner
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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.

61PQr+OpsHL._SL1200_.jpg

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.

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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.

Image by Henrique Ferreira
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ITALY IN ARGENTINA
October 17-26, 2024
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Starts in Buenos Aires and

also visit Tigre, San Isidro and Mendoza.

Open to the public for those who want to see how Italy influences the culture of Argentina, and vice versa.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Image by Giulia Gasperini
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TRULLI OF PUGLIA AND MATERA OF BASILICATA
May 14-22, 2025

Starts in Brindisi and also

visit Lecce, Oria, Cisternino, Ostuni, Matera, Martina Franca, Foggia, San Vito, Mesagne, Gillipolo and Taranto.

Montreal
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ITALY IN MONTREAL
Summer 2025

Starts in Montreal and also

visit New York, Quebec City and Toronto.

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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.

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LGBTQIA+ AND FRIENDS IN ITALY
Fall 2025

Starts in

Opera
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THEATER, FILM AND VISUAL ARTISTS
Fall 2025

Starts in Rome, Cinecittà

Open to the public, creative and administrative professionals in performing arts.

Greece
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DISCOVERING GREECE
Early Spring 2026

Starts in Athens and also

visiSounion, Epidauros, Nauplion, Nemea and Delphi.

Open to the public, a group of curious travelers who want to discover the strong connection between the two nations.

Image by Ivan Ragozin
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UnDISCOVERED SARDINIA (THE BLUE ISLAND)
TBD 2025 and 2026

Starts in Berchidda (Olbia),

Sardinia and also visit La Maddalena, Tempio Pausania, San Pantaleo, Azarchena, Golfo Aranci and Alghero.

Open to the public, and ready for you to join.

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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.

Businesswoman
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ENERGY INDUSTRY EXECUTIVES
TBD 2026

Starts in Rome

Open to the public, a group of professionals working in the Energy sector.

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DESTINATION WEDDINGS IN ITALY
Dates selected by client

Town of your choice