Viator.Com
San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) August 27, 2009
As the latter part of the Summer travel season approaches, the crowds start to diminish making this a wonderful time to experience two of the most popular and beautiful destinations in the world, Italy's Tuscany region and the city of Venice. Viator.com, the leading resource for researching and booking more than 5,500 trip activities and experiences in 75 countries at the best prices, features a variety of private tours, skip the line activities and other opportunities that enable visitors to find their inner 'viator' (Latin for traveler) and truly experience everything these unique and diverse destinations have to offer.
Tuscany
Italy's Tuscany region is renowned for its art and architecture, cuisine and wine, and stunning country-side. From Florence to Pisa to Siena and nearly 60 activities to choose from, Viator.com travelers can experience everything from learning the age-old traditions of Tuscan cooking to gliding around on a modern-age Segway through the ancient streets of Florence.
The cradle of the Renaissance, Florence is replete with art, culture and history. Travelers must take time to see masterpieces like Michelangelo's Statue of David and Botticelli's Birth of Venus and can save time with Skip the Line entry passes to either the Accademia or Uffizi Galleries, or they can combine both experiences during the Skip the Line: Florence Accademia and Uffizi Gallery Tour. The Florence Half-Day or Full-Day Sightseeing Tour combines visits to the Uffizi and Accademia with trips to Piazzale Michelangelo, the Franciscan Church of Santa Croce, Piazza Signoria and Loggia del Lanzi. Skip The Line: Best of Florence Walking Tour including Accademia Gallery and Duomo is a small group tour exploring the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, Piazza della Repubblica, Uffizi Square and the leather market. Skip the Line: Uffizi Gallery and Vasari Corridor Walking Tour gives travelers special access to a passageway typically closed to the public that dates back to 1564 and stretches almost a mile perched above the Ponte Vecchio, the Travelers can cover lots of ancient ground with minimal exertion during the Florence Segway Tour or, get the heart pumping during the Florence Bike Tour which includes a complimentary gelato to reward all peddlers. Speaking of just desserts, the Tuscan Cooking Class and Dinner in Florence is an expertly taught lesson in traditional Tuscan cooking with wine pairings and the opportunity to indulge in both afterwards.
There are amazing destinations surrounding Florence that make for glorious day trips. Travelers can experience the vineyards and olive groves of the Chianti region during the Siena and San Gimignano Day Trip from Florence with time spent in the medieval walled city of Siena and the hilltop city of San Gimignano. Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour includes a scenic drive through Monteriggioni, a trip to Siena, a stroll among the Chianti vineyards and a stop for a Tuscan feast, followed by visits to San Gimignano and Pisa. To focus more closely on the lean, the Pisa and the Leaning Tower Half-Day Trip from Florence also includes a visit to the Piazza dei Cavalieri and the Scuola Normale. To experience one of Italy's postcard-perfect coastal villages, travelers can choose the Cinque Terre Small Group Day Trip from Florence. The Chianti Region Wine Tasting Half-Day Trip from Florence combines a country drive through magnificent Tuscan landscapes with a visit to an ancient town and one of Chianti's most renowned wine-growing estates for tastings of Chianti Classico, Chianti Reserve and Vin Santo dessert wine. The Horse Riding in Chianti Day Trip from Florence will thrill anyone seeking a little adventure in the hills of Tuscany, accompanied by Tuscan lunch and wine tasting - after the ride of course.
Venice
Known as the 'city of bridges' and the 'queen of the Adriatic,' Venice is a magical and unique city that boasts some of the finest handmade glassware and most enchanting traditions found in the world. One of those traditions is impressed upon travelers during the Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade -- so popular that these activities often sell out well in advance so travelers are advised to book well in advance. The Venice Grand Canal Boat Tour explores this city from the ideal vantage point, the water, and includes landmarks like the splendid palaces, churches, bridges and gardens lining the city's liquid streets. To maximize time, the Skip the Line: Venice in One Day experience includes all the highlights of this magical city in a combined boat and walking tour.. Skip the Line: Venice Secret Itinerary Walking Tour with Doges Palace leads travelers to the splendidly decorated rooms of what used to be 'the brain' that governed the Republic of Venice. And for the island jewels of the Venice lagoon, the Private Tour: Murano, Burano and Torcello Half-Day Tour features glass-blowers on Murano, lace shopping on Burano and a visit to Venice's first church on Torcello.
TRAVELER OF THE WEEK
Each destination and theme featured during the Viva La Viator summer series will be represented by a "Traveler of the Week," chosen from Viator customers who have submitted traveler reviews and photos representing each week's feature. Visit the Viator Travel Blog for more information. For details on these Italian experiences or any of Viator's more than 5,500 tours and activities around the world including special summertime deals and discounts, visit Viator.com.
About Viator
Viator is the world's leading online resource for travel experiences, providing access to more than 5,500 tours, attractions and activities in 450-plus destinations in 75 countries. Viator - the Latin word for traveler - offers travelers a one-stop shop to plan, research and book trip activities with helpful resources like nearly 100,000 traveler reviews and photos, star ratings, suggested itineraries and the Viator Travel Blog. Viator's in-house travel experts have picked respected and trusted local operators to ensure a quality experience, value and service, all backed by Viator's low-price guarantee. Founded in 1995, Viator sells its products directly to consumers at http://www.viator.com and through its global network of more than 1,000 affiliates that include major hotel and airline companies, online travel agencies, city-specific sites and more. Through its collection of company operated and affiliated sites, Viator welcomes more than 2.5 million visitors per month. Viator is headquartered in San Francisco with regional offices in Sydney, London and Las Vegas.
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