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Hosted By: Rhonda Lee
Chief Meteorologist
WIVT/WBGH TV
View Biography
Discover Tuscany’s charming, picturesque countryside while staying in an upscale hotel for four nights and visiting breathtaking locations each day. Become immersed in history dating back to the 5th century with stops in the medieval hill towns of Volterra, Cortona, and San Gimignano. In Florence, visit the Duomo and the Galleria dell’Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s David, then tour Pisa and wander through the Field of Miracles to see its famous Leaning Tower. Spend two nights in the heart of the Italian Riviera, on the stunning Ligurian Coast, and explore the pastel-colored fishing communities of Cinque Terre. Enjoy a pleasant boat ride to quaint Portofino, the Pearl of the Italian Riviera, before our journey concludes in Milan.
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May 31st, 2025 - June 8th, 2025
Occupancy
Price Per Person
Double
$6699
Single
$7399
Final Payment Date: 02/25/2025
Day 1 : Fly to Europe
Our adventure begins with a relaxing overnight flight to Italy.
Day 2 : Tuscan Countryside
Upon arriving in Rome, our Italian guide greets us and we begin the scenic journey through Tuscany’s famous landscapes. Our countryside home for the next four nights is nestled within the rolling hills of Chianti, offering breathtaking vistas and a serene atmosphere. This evening, we get to know fellow travelers over a Welcome Dinner of authentic Tuscan cuisine, complete with local wine.
Day 3 : Volterra & San Gimignano
Today, we visit two of Italy’s best-preserved medieval hill towns, both of which are surrounded by fortified walls and overlook hilly farmland. Our first stop is Volterra, a once-important Etruscan city that predates the Roman Empire. Learn about its ancient history during a walking tour with views of the 12th-century Romanesque cathedral, medieval frescoes, and iconic bell tower. We also watch an impressive carving of Alabaster, a locally mined soft rock and mineral. Our afternoon is spent at San Gimignano, famous for its medieval towers once used by feuding noble families. During your leisure time, roam the quaint cobblestone streets and squares that make this town so mesmerizing. Later, we indulge in regional cuisine for dinner.
Day 4 : Florence
Our day begins with a tour of Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Visit the Galleria dell’Accademia and view incredible works, including Michelangelo’s David, then marvel at the Duomo, the largest brick dome ever constructed. Gaze upon Ghiberti’s bronze doors of the Baptistery, often called the Gates of Paradise, before taking time to visit Ponte Vecchio’s unique hanging houses and shops or enjoy a fresh gelato. Later, we’re treated to a special evening at Castello di Verrazzano, where we learn the history of celebrated navigator Giovanni da Verrazzano and savor a dinner paired with a fantastic selection of wine samplings.
Day 5 : Cortona
We travel to the hilltop town of Cortona this morning for a fascinating tour with our Italian guide. Admire the medieval architecture of Piazza Garibaldi, the sights and shops along the Via Nazionale, and the opulence of Palazzo Casali, which displays relics from the Etruscan, Roman, and Egyptian civilizations. The afternoon is yours to enjoy the Renaissance churches, olive groves, and terraces that surround us in this picture-perfect town. Following an included dinner, we head back to our hotel in Chianti.
Day 6 : Pisa & Ligurian Coast
Say arrivederci to Tuscany as we travel north to Pisa, known for its timeless architecture as well as historic churches and palaces. Our guide introduces us to the area famously called "The Field of Miracles," where we see the renowned Leaning Tower of Pisa. Grab a bucket list photo in front of this impressive structure, then take some time at leisure before our journey continues to Santa Margherita Ligure on the Ligurian Coast, our home for the next two nights.
Day 7 : Cinque Terre
Today, we visit one of Italy’s most well-loved destinations, an Italian National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site: Cinque Terre. Climb aboard the Cinque Terre Express for a day of exploring quaint cities on this rocky coastline along the Mediterranean Sea. We start in the village of Riomaggiore, then continue on to Vernazza, and end in Monterosso al Mare, with a lovely beach and beautiful lemon trees. Enjoy superb views of pastel-colored buildings in charming fishing villages and distinctive terraced vineyards that produce local wine, such as specialty dry whites. Later, we return to our hotel for an evening at leisure.
Day 8 : Italian Riviera
Enjoy a relaxing morning before a ferry ride takes us to Portofino, known as the Pearl of the Italian Riviera. This enchanting fishing village, boasting a picturesque harbor, is frequented by some of Europe’s wealthiest and most discerning pleasure seekers. After free time to explore, we travel to Milan and check in to our overnight accommodations near the airport. Tonight, we gather for a celebratory Farewell Dinner and toast to our adventures.
Day 9 : Fly Home
We return home today with fond memories of our Italian adventure.
WIVT/WBGH TV Pickup Locations:
Binghamton, NY - Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Syracuse, NY - Syracuse Hancock International Airport
Prior to WIVT/WBGH, Rhonda was the first Black person to be a Chief Meteorologist in Upstate New York and to hold the title for the Spectrum News Network. Recently she was the weekend morning news anchor and meteorologist for iHeartRadio.
In high school she got her first break on television as one of the hosts of “Fox Kids Club” in Wichita, Kansas. Every day she introduced cartoons after school. She interned at almost every Wichita television station. Her parents said she was obsessed with weather since she was two years old. They claim her first comments about weather were made from a car seat after a tornado.
Rhonda doesn’t have a hometown as she’s lived all over the country. This is why she loves forecasting. So many places and climates; she’s been through it all.
Join Rhonda and other WIVT/WBGH viewers on this fabulous trip of a lifetime!
Interested in more travel opportunities? Click here or visit www.holidayvacations.com and enter keyword BINGHAMTON.
Tour days tend to be shorter in length, at a relaxed pace, and include lots of unscheduled time for leisure. Expect standing and walking for extended periods of time on flat surfaces, mostly low altitudes, and consistent temperatures.
Tour days usually move at a leisurely pace. Some days’ scheduled activities last longer than others. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on occasionally uneven terrain. You may experience changes in altitude or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a consistent pace, and may include long travel days. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on uneven surfaces. Some destinations may have changes in altitude and/or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a brisk pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on uneven surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a vigorous pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on rough surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.