Taranto Italian Adventure 

Venetian Canals, Ravenna’s Mosaics & the Cinque Terre Coast

APRIL 7-21, 2027

Discover an Italy that rewards you for looking beyond the familiar…

From Venice’s hidden canals and Ravenna’s glittering mosaics to San Marino’s mountaintop towers and the colorful villages of Cinque Terre.

Across 14 unforgettable days, private guides and thoughtfully chosen experiences bring you closer to the places, people, and flavors that make each destination special.
Watch Venetian glassmakers at work, taste Parmigiano Reggiano where it’s crafted, and follow coastal paths with sweeping Mediterranean views before finishing among Rome’s timeless treasures. With charming stays and free days woven throughout, there’s room for the moments you can’t plan: a tucked-away trattoria, a favorite waterfront café, or an afternoon you wish would never end.

WATER TAXI Important NOTE:

After you collect your bags, you will have to go to the airport dock. This is about a 10-minute walk from the terminal. The boat is on pier 3/4 and the water taxi will be waiting for you. 

Here is a video showing the route from the terminal to the dock.

At the end, to get to your hotel, the water taxi will stop at Serenissima stazio -click here-, from there you will have to walk to the hotel.

 Water Taxi Phone Number: +39 0415222303

Stay in a piece of Venetian history, just moments from St. Mark’s Square.

Housed in a 16th-century noble residence, Hotel Casa Verardo Residenza d’Epoca combines traditional Venetian character with the comforts of an intimate boutique hotel. Period furnishings and historic architectural details give the property a sense of place, making your stay feel connected to the Venice you’ve come to discover. Its tucked-away setting offers a welcome retreat after a day spent exploring lively squares and winding canal-side lanes.

Just a short walk from St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, and St. Mark’s Basilica, the hotel makes it easy to enjoy Venice’s celebrated sights while leaving time for spontaneous discoveries. Step out for a morning stroll, browse nearby shops, or linger over dinner before wandering back through the atmospheric streets. Back at the hotel, inviting garden and terrace spaces provide pleasant spots to pause between adventures. With welcoming staff on hand for recommendations, Casa Verardo offers a charming, convenient base for experiencing Venice at your own pace.

Suggested Add-On Experiences:

Discover Ravenna’s treasures, then retreat to the intimate charm and quiet courtyard of Santa Maria Foris.

Set in Ravenna’s historic center, Santa Maria Foris offers an intimate retreat with the character to make your stay feel personal. Just 12 individually decorated rooms combine distinctive fabrics and designer furnishings, creating a welcoming setting to return to after discovering the city’s extraordinary mosaics. Beyond your room, a peaceful courtyard garden invites you to linger, while the elegant bar offers a lovely spot for a drink before dinner. With the pedestrian center close by, you can easily step out to explore Ravenna’s streets, browse local shops, and find a favorite neighborhood restaurant.

The appeal is in the balance: a central location for exploring, paired with inviting spaces that encourage you to slow down. For guests who appreciate smaller properties with personality, Santa Maria Foris adds another layer of charm to their time in Ravenna—a place to enjoy between adventures, rather than simply somewhere to sleep.

Suggested Add-on experiences:

Make the Italian Riviera your backdrop for leisurely breakfasts and sunset aperitifs.

Perched above Monterosso’s coastline, Hotel Porto Roca offers a spectacular setting that becomes part of the Cinque Terre experience itself. Begin your morning with breakfast overlooking the sea, then head out to discover colorful villages, winding lanes, and coastal views before returning to your own peaceful retreat. The panoramic terraces invite you to slow down and appreciate the landscape you traveled so far to see. Later, enjoy an aperitivo overlooking the water or dinner at La Terrazza restaurant, where the coastline provides a memorable backdrop.

After a day exploring bustling villages, having somewhere this scenic to return to adds something special to the stay. Its elevated position means an uphill walk from the village, although a complimentary shuttle connects the hotel with the beach and historic center.

Suggested Add-On Experiences:

The Hotel Delle Nazioni in Rome offers an unparalleled blend of luxury, history, and convenience.

Located in the heart of the Eternal City, just a stone's throw from the iconic Trevi Fountain, the hotel serves as the perfect base for exploring Rome's rich cultural heritage. Guests are treated to elegant accommodations that seamlessly combine modern comforts with classic Italian design. Beyond its prime location, Hotel Delle Nazioni boasts top-tier amenities, including a gourmet restaurant serving authentic Roman cuisine and a rooftop terrace with breathtaking views of the city's skyline. Whether you're strolling through ancient ruins, indulging in world-class shopping, or savoring the vibrant local atmosphere, a stay at Hotel Delle Nazioni guarantees an unforgettable Roman holiday.

Suggested Add-on experiences:

Suggested add-on Experiences:

TRAVEL details

NO NEED TO VALIDATE YOUR TRAIN TICKETS

your process is:

1. Arrive about 20 minutes early

2. Check departure board for platform (“binario”)

3. Walk to platform

4. Board the correct car

5. Sit in assigned seat

That’s it. No check-in. No validation.

Your ticket:

• Already includes:

  • Train number

  • Departure time

  • Seat assignment

NOTE: Your printed ticket (or phone) is your “boarding pass”

Onboard:

• A conductor will scan your ticket after departure

Common mistakes (avoid these)

• ❌ Trying to “validate” a high-speed ticket (not needed)

• ❌ Waiting in line at ticket counters (waste of time)

• ❌ Boarding wrong train (check train number, not just destination)

• ❌ Getting on wrong carriage (your seat is specific)

Pro tip (this matters more than check-in)

In Italy:

• Platforms are sometimes posted 10–15 minutes before departure

• Trains are long, so know your car number so you don’t sprint last minute

REGISTRATION FORM

PLEASE TYPE CAREFULLY! INACCURATE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN TRAVEL DELAYS AND/OR CHANGE FEES.

(PLEASE SUBMIT ONE REGISTRATION FORM PER HOUSEHOLD)

Pricing details

*All pricing & availability is subject to change until completed through the booking process. If your vacation package includes airfare, baggage fees may be an additional cost. For international travel, a passport book is required. Most locations require at least 6 months before expiration on your passport, as well as 2 blank visa pages.. Please make sure to have the correct and updated documents if applicable you have a criminal background, you are responsible for knowing the travel restrictions pertaining to the offense.

Total Prices:

$15,679

INCLUDEd IN THE QUOTE

• Ground Transportation

  • Round Trip Airport Transfers

    • Venice Airport (VCE) to hotel

    • Rome hotel to Rome Airport (FCO)

• Hotel Accommodations

  • Venice

  • Ravenna

  • Cinque Terre

  • Rome

• Tours included in the daily itinerary above

• Train transportation

  • TBD

• Most taxes and fees

  • Tour taxes and entrance fees

  • Service fees and commissions (NON REFUNDABLE)

NOT INCLUDED

• Round Trip International flights

• Ground transportation not listed in the itinerary

• Add-on tours (unless specifically added on to the package)

• Meals not listed or included on food tours

• Gratuities for drivers and guides

• Incidental charges 

• Local Tax

• 4% processing fee per payment (only if paying w/debit or credit card)

• Optional Travel Insurance

 

REGISTRATION 

• A completed registration form (one per household -max 2 people per registration form)

  • If you have more than 2 people from the same household going on this trip, please fill out multiple forms, as the maximum per form is 2 people.

FINAL PAYMENT

• Payments not received on time will result in reservation cancellation without refund.

• Additional bookings after the final payment deadline may result in higher prices, less availability and additional administrative fees.

• Fee amounts imposed are at the discretion of Zone Travel.

CANCELLATION

Cancellation in writing must be received by Zone Travel 60 days prior to departure for appropriate refund on the land tour cost minus the following fees:

• Commissions and Travel insurance are non-refundable.

Zone Travel LLC and its cooperative destination incur unrecoverable charges preparing for your trip therefore, no refunds if cancellations occur less than 120 days before departure. Cancellations more than 120 days prior to departure are based on individual group bookings per the outlined confirmation document you receive.

We sell a variety of travel related products from different suppliers and service providers ("Suppliers"). Each Supplier has its own terms and condition that are applicable to your particular arrangements in addition to our general terms and conditions, and you should make sure you understand them.

Zone Travel is acting as intermediary or a "Booking Agent" for products and services that are not directly supplied by us (e.g., air carriage and ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, tours, cruises, etc.). We are not a co-vendor of such products and services. You will be entering into a separate contract with such Suppliers in connection with such products and services.

By making payments to Zone Travel for this trip you are agreeing to all Terms and Conditions listed on the Zone Travel website.

Vendor Cancel policy: Each vendor has their own policies, which we have to apply. This information may vary and is listed in full detail on the contract signed for each vendor.

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRAVEL INSURANCE

F.A.Q.

Do I need to validate my train ticket before boarding my train?

Short answer: NO.

High-Speed Trains (What you’ll likely be on)

Examples:

• Trenitalia (Frecciarossa / Frecciargento)

• Italo

What you do:

• DO NOT check in at a station machine

• Just:

  • Show up at the station

  • Go to your platform

  • Board the train

Your ticket:

• Already includes:

  • Train number

  • Departure time

  • Seat assignment

NOTE: Your printed ticket (or phone) is your “boarding pass”

Onboard:

• A conductor will scan your ticket after departure

(NOT APPLICABLE TO YOUR ITINERARY:)
Regional Trains ARE where validation matters

If you were on slower trains (not your routes, but good to know):

Paper ticket?

• MUST validate it in a small machine before boarding

• (Little green/white stamp machines in stations)

Digital ticket?

• Must “check in” online before departure (Trenitalia requires this now)

THIS is where If you don’t validate you can get fined

For YOUR trips specifically

You will likely be on:

• Frecciarossa (high-speed train)

So your process is:

1. Arrive ~20 minutes early

2. Check departure board for platform (“binario”)

3. Walk to platform

4. Board the correct car

5. Sit in assigned seat

That’s it. No check-in. No validation.

Common mistakes (avoid these)

• ❌ Trying to “validate” a high-speed ticket (not needed)

• ❌ Waiting in line at ticket counters (waste of time)

• ❌ Boarding wrong train (check train number, not just destination)

• ❌ Getting on wrong carriage (your seat is specific)

Pro tip (this matters more than check-in)

In Italy:

• Platforms are sometimes posted 10–15 minutes before departure

• Trains are long, so know your car number so you don’t sprint last minute

Venice Water Taxi Information

The best way to get from the Venice Marco Polo airport to Venice is by water taxi as it gives you a panoramic view of the city as you arrive. However, it can be expensive. A shared water bus is also an option. The quickest way is by land taxi but it will not go directly to your hotel. The video below gives an overview of how to get to Venice from the airport.

SHOULD I TIP THE GUIDE AND DRIVER?

Yes!
Your guides will be working hard for you all week, so showing a little gratitude in the way of gratuity is appropriate.
Consider a tip of about €10-20/pp/day that you tour with the guide.

This is NOT mandatory, but it is kind and it is appreciated.

As for the drivers- we suggest a tip of €5/pp/day (+ €2/bag is an appropriate tip).

Euro is the accepted currency

Italy is part of the European Union and uses the Euro. This is easily available at your local bank, usually at zero or minimal cost. You can also exchange it at the airport, but you will pay a much higher fee to exchange from US dollar to euro. If exchanging at your bank, make sure to start the process at least 3 weeks before you leave to make sure there are no issues.

Electrical converter and adapter

You will an electrical converter. Italy uses 230 volts while the US uses 120. You phone charger will not work there without a specific adaptor. In addition, any other electrical devices will need an adaptor as while. It is important, that when plugging in a device such as a laptop, that a quality power CONVERTER, not adaptor is used. Adaptors will work on devices like cellphones, not laptops.

Is the bread free?

Often, when dining out in Italy, the waiters will bring you bread when you sit down at your table. This is not free and will be added to your bill if you partake from it. If you do not want it, it best to say no thank you and have them remove it.

Neither is the water

You will be asked if you want bottled water, sparking or still/calm. There is a nominal charge for this (2-3 euros) per bottle. Usually, one bottle is enough for your meal.

IS the water safe to drink?

Absolutely. The tap water is safe to drink in Italy. And Rome has over 2,500 drinking water fountains, known as nasoni. These fountains provide free, fresh (sourced from springs and aqueducts) drinking water and are a significant part of the city’s infrastructure and culture.

beware of pickpockets and scams

Leave your important documents in the hotel safe and only take cash when you need it. If must carry them, make sure your wallets, passports, and important documents are kept secured in a pouch or purse, slung across your body and not over your shoulder. Zippers should be kept closed and turned inward towards your body if possible and fold your arms across it. If possible, purchase a slash-resistant purse or pouch. Always be aware of your surroundings. Never, EVER, use your back pocket to carry anything, including your cellphone. Use your front pockets.

Also, never interact with anyone selling anything on the street. Do not take anything handed to you. If you do, they will immediately ask for payment. Often, if you are eating outside on a patio, they might place the object on the table in front of you. Do not touch and immediately say “No. No thank you” and ignore them. If they continue to bother you, call your waiter.

cash versus cards

Credit cards are accepted at most places but one should carry small amounts of cash for tips and for taxis. Visa is the most accepted card in Europe while American Express is less so. If your current card doesn’t support international use or charges transaction or currency conversion fees, consider getting a new card specifically for foreign travel that doesn’t charge such fees.

What should I when visiting Cathedrals, Basilicas and other religious sites?

Cover Shoulders and Knees: Both men and women should ensure their shoulders and knees are covered. Avoid wearing sleeveless tops, tank tops, shorts, or skirts above the knee. A lightweight scarf or shawl can be handy to drape over your shoulders if needed.

1. Avoid Revealing Clothing: Steer clear of low-cut tops, crop tops, or clothing that is too tight or sheer.

2. Comfortable Footwear: While there are no strict rules about footwear, comfortable shoes are recommended as you may need to walk or stand for extended periods.

3. Hats and Headwear: Hats should be removed before entering religious sites as a sign of respect.

4. Seasonal Adjustments: In summer, opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics that still provide coverage, such as linen or cotton. In cooler months, layering is a good option to stay warm while adhering to the dress code.

By dressing modestly and respectfully, you’ll not only ensure entry to these sacred spaces but also show appreciation for their cultural and religious significance.

When can i take pictures?

Most places allow pictures to be taken, both inside and outside but may vary from location to location. Always check with the guide or local authority to see if it is allowed, especially within cathedrals and churches. While it is generally allowed to take pictures of the plaster casts of the Pompeii victims, but it’s important to do so respectfully. These casts are not just historical artifacts; they represent the tragic loss of life during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

Are meals INCLUDED?

Included:

Breakfast is included daily at all of your hotels.

Food during your Rome food tour and cooking classes.

NOT included:

Lunches

Dinners (outside of food tours)

Can I pay by Zelle?

Yes!

We found this to be a fastest, easiest, and FREE way to pay!
For those who don’t know what Zelle is… it is very much like a wire transfer (but it is not a wire transfer).

Everyone’s bank is different, though, so you may want to call/go into your local bank and ask to have the maximum amount available to transfer every day.

Example: Some banks only allow $500/day transfer. Other banks will allow $1200/day.

Always be careful when making payments through Zelle to people that you do not know. There is no protection guarantee provided and you cannot reverse the fee.

The Pros for using Zelle:

• It is FREE (no processing fees)!

• It is instantaneous (funds will go directly to Zone Travel- so this is the absolute fastest way to make a payment)

The Cons for using Zelle:

• Every bank is different when it comes to maximum amount available to be transferred every day. So, this may mean that you need to make multiple payments to Zone Travel, multiple days in a row.

• It does require an app download onto your phone, and you need to set up your account with your bank information.

Can I pay by check?

Yes!

If you would like to avoid the 4%processing fees, you may pay by check.
It is very important that you pay in advance of the deadlines and allow ample time for delivery.

Payments received after the deadline could result in cancelation of your reservation or increased fees.

There are two ways to pay by check:

• Mail the check

• Deposit directly at a local branch