Italy Post-Cruise
July 13 – 17, 2024
Arezzo & Rome
Extend your Greek Isles cruise and join us on an exclusive
4-night post-cruise tour locally hosted by Kirk A. Duclaux,
Director of Italian Programs in Italy, The University of Oklahoma.
Travel deep into the heart of Italy, unveiling the captivating city of
Arezzo, which proudly houses The University of Oklahoma’s Italian
Study Center, and then onward to the timeless splendor of Rome,
where history, culture, and enchantment seamlessly converge.
Tour highlights include two nights in Arezzo with a visit to the OU study center, a guided tour of Arezzo’s historic center, pasta making class, and free time. En route to Rome enjoy the scenic Tuscan countryside with wine tasting and lunch at a local vineyard. Enjoy two nights in Rome to explore its iconic landmarks including Vatican City, home to the world-renowned Sistine Chapel.
Disembark Emerald Azzurra | Fly to Italy
Day 1 | Saturday, July 13, 2024
Following breakfast on the ship, disembark in Athens and transfer as a group to the Athens International Airport (approx. 45-minute drive). Check-in and depart on our included flight to Rome. Upon arrival, transfer to Arezzo, Italy via private motor coach (approx. 3-hour drive).
Check in to the 4-star Hotel Continentale, centrally located just a few steps from the old town center. The elegant hotel’s top-floor terrace provides a stunning view of Arezzo. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in the Piazza Grande.
Overnight Hotel Continentale (B, D)
Arezzo, Italy
Day 2 | Sunday, July 14, 2024
Following breakfast at the hotel, depart on a walking tour of Arezzo with Kirk Duclaux. Arezzo’s “old city” flourished during the medieval period, and the streets and architecture that remain today give Arezzo a remarkable character and picturesque charm. Walk through Arezzo’s picturesque medieval city center defined by its famous central square, Piazza Grande. At the conclusion of the tour, enjoy some free time and lunch on your own.
In the afternoon visit the Basilica of San Francesco and its Bacci Chapel to see the famous Piero della Francesca fresco, followed by a visit to the OU Study Center for a campus tour. Learn more about this fantastic study abroad program including courses, internships, student life, and more. The OU Study Center offers students of all backgrounds and interests the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live and study abroad in Italy while earning OU degree credit. OUA provides the best of both worlds: a home-away-from-home with OU classmates, faculty and staff, and the chance to immerse yourself in a new culture.
Continue to the Rooney Family Center, the campus’ renovated monastery, for a Welcome Reception followed by a special pasta making class including dinner.
Overnight Hotel Continentale (B, D)
Arezzo to Rome, Italy
Day 3 | Monday, July 15, 2024
This morning after breakfast at the hotel, depart Arezzo for Rome via private motor coach through the Tuscan hills. En route, stop at the family-owned Cottarella winery located in Umbria, the green heart of Italy. Enjoy a walk in the surrounding vineyards followed by lunch paired with wine and olive oil tasting.
Continue to Rome. Upon arrival, check in to the 5-star Grand Hotel Palace Rome, our centrally-located hotel in the eternal city. The elegant and luxurious boutique hotel sits on Rome’s famous Via Veneto, walking distance to the Borghese Gardens and Museum, the Spanish Steps, and Via Condotti, with its renowned shops.
The remainder of the evening and dinner are at leisure.
Overnight Grand Hotel Palace Rome (B, L)
Rome, Italy
Day 4 | Tuesday, July 16, 2024
Following breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour exploring Rome’s most iconic sights. Begin at the Vatican Museums with a Vatican guide, home to several of the most important masterpieces of Renaissance art in the world including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Enter St. Peter’s Basilica to admire its majestic architecture and exquisite sacred works of art and relics.
Following lunch at a local restaurant, begin a walking tour with Kirk Duclaux. Visit the Pantheon to marvel at the engineering mastery of the Romans, which features the largest unsupported dome in the world. Continue to Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most beautiful squares. A short distance away sits the Trevi Fountain, where it’s a tradition to toss in a coin to guarantee your return to Rome. You will then visit the Piazza di Spagna and see the Spanish Steps. Return to the hotel where the remainder of the evening and dinner are at leisure.
Overnight Grand Hotel Palace Rome (B, L)
Depart Rome, Italy
Day 5 | Wednesday, July 17, 2024
If time allows enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Rome for your flight home.
(B)
Program Inclusions
- 2 nights in Arezzo at Hotel Continentale, Superior Room (with choice of room upgrades)
- 2 nights in Rome at Grand Hotel Palace, Superior Room (with choice of room upgrades)
- Group flight Athens to Rome, inclusive of checked luggage (50 lbs), Fast Lane priority security, and lounge access
- Daily breakfast, 2 lunches, 2 dinners inclusive of wine, and welcome reception
- Custom sightseeing itinerary as per itinerary, hosted by Kirk Duclaux, plus Vatican guide in Rome, entrance fees, and coach transportation
- All airport transfers, porterage, and all taxes and service charges
Booking Terms & Conditions
Package Price: $2,870 per person based on double occupancy
Single Pricing available upon request.
Optional Room Upgrades at the Hotel Continentale Arezzo and Grand Hotel Palace Rome:
$225 per person Junior Suite and Deluxe Room
$500 per person Petrarca Suite and Junior Suite
$615 per person Vasari Suite and Junior Suite
$1,010 per person Michelangelo Suite and Executive Suite
Required Deposit: 50% of the package price
Final Payment Due: Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Note: The package price is based on a minimum of 16 participants. If tour registrations are less than 16, The University of Oklahoma reserves the right to adjust the package price accordingly.
Cancellation Policy and Schedule:
All cancellations must be made in writing to Global Tracks. Travel insurance and airfare are non-refundable once purchased. Any payment to Global Tracks constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set herein, including but not limited to the Global Tracks cancellation terms and to the below schedule:
| Cancellation & Penalty Schedule | Penalty Applicable |
|---|---|
| From time of deposit until March 6, 2024 | 50% of total package penalty |
| After March 6, 2024 | 100% of total package penalty |