Galileo fans, astronomers and amateur stargazers: Join this exciting astronomy tour featuring lectures provided by renowned astronomer, physicist, and professor, Dr. Peter Habison. This fully escorted tour visits the most significant areas in the life of Galileo Galilei along with other interesting historical and astronomical sites.
Bring your “smart telescope” as the tour includes opportunities for possible viewing of sunspots, Jupiter and moon gazing (weather permitting).
Begin in Venice with a local tour, welcome dinner, a visit to Galileo’s home in Padua, the University and Basilica, the “Capella degli Scrovegni”, and the Naval history museum, and an introductory talk on Galileo.
In Florence, along with local sightseeing, visit the Museo Galileo, Pisa, the Virgo Gravity Wave, Arcetri/ Galileo’s Gioiello tour.
The highlights in Rome include a half day city tour, A visit to the Vatican, Castel Gandolfo and the Vatican Observatory, Gran Sasso Laboratory/ Dark Matter observatory.
Included In The Tour Cost:
3 Nights in Venice at the 5-star Hotel Saturnia
3 Nights in Florence at the 4-star Grand Hotel Adriatico
3 Nights in Rome at the 4-star Starhotel Metropole
- Luxury motorcoach transportation on tour with tour director
- Hotel Porterage of one bag per person
- Breakfast daily (9), 2 lunches and 3 dinners with wine
- Evening Discussion led by Dr. Peter Habison
- All taxes, service charges and gratuities
- Complimentary land tour insurance
Professional Host: Dr Peter Habison
Travelex International Escort: Dee Dee Werner
Airfare is additional – Ask us for a quote!
Questions or to register: Contact Dee Dee Werner at (847) 519-4795 or email deew@travelexinternational.com
Not Included In The Tour Cost:
Airfare and travel insurance are additional. We are happy to arrange your international air and Travel Protection specifically for these tours. Transfers not specified in the itinerary. Entrance fees when not mentioned. Meals when not mentioned. Room service. Excess baggage charges. Passport or Visa fees.
Major Credit cards will be accepted (VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER, AMEX)
This tour will be conducted in English. This tour is not handicapped accessible.
Travelers should be in moderate physical condition: (able to manage your own luggage, climb stairs, walk for 30 minutes or more unassisted).
Passports are required for all travelers. One standard suitcase and one carry-on item per person is allowed on tour.
- A minimum passenger count is required to operate this tour.
- CIE Tours or Travelex International may substitute any component of this tour for another of equal or greater value at any time.
- This tour requires a moderate activity level. Walking or standing for 40 minutes at a time often on uneven pavement, carrying your own luggage, must be able to get on/off motor coach unassisted.
- Minimum age requirement is 16 years old.
Astronomy Tour Itinerary
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 (Depart the United States)
Depart your hometown and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic. Enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal service as you travel to start your vacation.
Day 1: Thursday, September 28, 2023 (Venice)
After arriving in Venice, make you way to the hotel for check-in (after 3:00 PM).
This evening, meet your guide and fellow group members in the lobby at 6:00 PM for our introductions and welcome dinner. (D)
Overnight: Hotel Saturnia & International, Venice
Day 2: Friday, September 29, 2023 (Venice)
This morning, set off on a guided walking tour to see the highlights of Venice.
Along the way, view Doges Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica & St. Mark’s Square, the largest square in the city and the site of many government buildings.
Also see the Golden Basilica of San Marco , known for the the great mosaics that depict the Old and New Testament of the Bible. Walk through the canals and to the famous Bridge of Sigh. Stop to tour the Naval History Museum, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Then, continue on to enjoy an optional Gondola ride (dependent on high tide and weather conditions).
Afterwards, explore the Venetian Canals before heading back to your hotel for an evening at leisure. (B,L)
Overnight: Hotel Saturnia & International, Venice
Day 3: Saturday, September 30, 2023 (Padua)
Today, journey into Padua and set off on a guided tour to see the city’s most popular highlights.
Stop to visit the home of Galileo Galilei, the Historical University, where Galileo was Chair of Mathematics (1592-1610) and in 1609, where he presented his telescope to the Venetian Senate. Visit the Capella degli Scrovegni where you can see the “Star of Bethlehem” over the cradle depicted by Giotto di Bondone. Continue on to visit the Basilica of St. Anthony before enjoying some free time for an independent lunch.
Head back to your hotel in Venice, where the rest of the afternoon is free for individual pursuits and dining. At 6:00pm, enjoy a lecture in the hotel of “Galileo and the Scientific Revolution.” (B)
Overnight: Hotel Saturnia & International, Venice
Day 4: Sunday, October 1, 2023 (Venice to Florence)
Leaving Venice, drive through the pianura Padana and Appenine hills into Bologna, known for the University, founded in 1088 by an organized guild of students (studiorum) and the oldest university in continuous operation in the world.
Bologna is also Italy’s food capital of prosciutto, risotto, Barilla pasta, parmiggiano cheese & balsamic vinegar. Upon arrival, stop to enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant.
Then, continue your journey to the Florence home of Michelangelo and the cradle of the Renaissance.
Check into your hotel and enjoy some time to settle in before heading to visit the Galileo Museum. Return to your hotel in time to attend a “Galileo, the Pendulum and the Leaning Bell Tower”” lecture with your group.
This evening, you might like to dine independently at a local venue. (B,L)
Overnight: Hotel Adriatico, Florence
Day 5: Monday, October 2, 2023 (Pisa Sightseeing)
After breakfast, journey along the valley of the Arno River en route to Pisa, the birthplace of Galileo and the city where he started most of his experiments.
Upon arrival, embark on a guided tour starting at the “Piazza dei Miracoli“, formally known as the “Piazza Del Duomo“. Also view the Duomo and admire the leaning bell tower standing proudly on the square. Stop to visit the Virgo Gravity Wave Detector before having some time for an independent lunch.
Return to your hotel in Florence in time to enjoy a lecture on “Galileo, the Telescope and the Moons of Jupiter.”
Our dinner tonight will be at a traditional Tuscan Villa and olive farm. Enjoy an olive and wine tasting session followed by dinner. (B,D)
Overnight: Hotel Adriatico, Florence
Day 6: Tuesday, October 3, 2023 (Florence Sightseeing)
This morning, journey across the Arno River through Porta Romana and piazzale Michelangelo to Arcetri, the promontory overlooking Florence, seat of the Astronomy Center of Florence and residence of Galileo.
Upon arrival, experience Galileo’s Gioiello tour.
Afterwards, head back to Florence and spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.
Later in the day, join your group for a lecture at your hotel highlighting “Galileo, Florence and the Medici.”
Tonight, you might like to dine ni one of the many lovely dinner venues that Florence has to offer. (B)
Overnight: Hotel Adriatico, Florence
Day 7: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 (Florence To Rome)
Departing Florece, drive through the Tuscan hills and Umbrian countryside into Rome.
Upon arrival, experience a very special guided tour of the priceless collection of art and treasures in the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum. You will be amazed by the beautiful wall frescoes created by Michelangelo, Perugino and Botticelli. The unique ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is surely one of Michelangelo’s greatest achievements.
Then, continue on to visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the Christian world, built over the tomb of St. Peter.
Transfer to your nearby hotel, check in and settle into your room.
Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure to rest or sightseeing independently. You might like to visit the Spanish steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon & piazza Navona, where you may choose to enjoy a relaxing traditional Roman dinner. (B)
Overnight: Starhotel Metropole, Rome
Day 8: Thursday, October 5, 2023 (Castel Gandolfo)
After breakfast, travel along the Appian Way to visit Castel Gandolfo, the traditional summer residence for most Popes overlooking Lake Albano.
Continue on to visit the city center before setting off on a private tour of the Vatican Observatory, enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant. (B,L).
Afterwards, enjoy some time at leisure to explore the area on your own before heading back to your hotel in Rome.
Later in the day, join your fellow travelers for a lecture on “Trial of Galileo”.
Tonight, experience a taste of Rome by dining at a popular Roman restaurant and enjoy the exciting Roman Dolce Vita. (B,L)
Overnight: Starhotel Metropole, Rome
Day 9: Friday, October 6, 2023 (Appenine Mountains)
Today, set off to explore the Apennine Mountains by visiting the highest peak, “Gran Sasso” inside the Abbruzzo National Park.
Next, visit the Gran Sasso Laboratory before returning to your hotel in Rome.
In the evening, meet your group for a traditional farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Overnight: Starhotel Metropole, Rome
Saturday, October 7, 2023 (Return to the United States)
Today you are transferred to Porto airport for your departure flights. (B)
This itinerary is subject to changes and substitutions of similar or enhanced elements.
