Italy Before the Cruise

ITALY BEFORE THE CRUISE

Every Great Cruise Deserves an Even Greater Beginning

August 21-29, 2027

Join Russell & Shelley Meeks on an unforgettable hosted journey through Florence, Tuscany, and Rome before setting sail on the optional Rome, Greece & Turkey Cruise.

Most travelers fly into Italy, spend a night, and head straight to the cruise port.

We're doing something different.

We're slowing down.

For nine incredible days you'll wander the Renaissance streets of Florence, sip wine in the rolling hills of Tuscany, learn to prepare authentic Italian cuisine, stand where gladiators once battled in the Colosseum, and experience the awe-inspiring Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.

This isn't simply transportation to your cruise.

It's the beginning of your Italian story.

WHY WE CREATED THIS JOURNEY

At Havacation, we believe travel isn't about checking destinations off a list.

It's about collecting stories.

Italy deserves more than a rushed visit between flights and embarkation day. We wanted to create a journey that allows you to experience its culture, food, history, and people at a pace that lets you truly appreciate everything this remarkable country has to offer.

You'll travel with Russell and Shelley Meeks as part of a small hosted group where friendships are formed, laughter is shared over incredible meals, and unforgettable memories are made long before stepping aboard the cruise ship.

THE HAVACATION DIFFERENCE

• Hosted by Russell & Shelley Meeks

• Small Group Experience

• Carefully Curated Itinerary

• Private Tours

• Authentic Local Experiences

• Premium Hotels

• High-Speed Rail Between Cities

• Stress-Free Planning

All you have to do is enjoy the journey.

IMAGINE YOURSELF HERE

Wake Up in Florence

Spend your mornings walking centuries-old streets lined with breathtaking architecture, charming cafés, and world-famous piazzas that have inspired artists for generations.

Taste the Heart of Tuscany

Journey into the Tuscan countryside where you'll sample locally produced olive oils, artisan cheeses, cured meats, and exceptional wines while surrounded by some of Italy's most beautiful landscapes.

Learn to Cook Like an Italian

Visit a traditional market with your chef before creating authentic Tuscan dishes from scratch during a hands-on cooking experience you'll never forget.

Walk Through Ancient Rome

Enter the Colosseum through the exclusive Gladiator's Gate, stand on the Arena Floor, and explore the Roman Forum with your private guide bringing history to life.

Experience Vatican City

Marvel at the Vatican Museums, stand beneath Michelangelo's masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel, and visit magnificent St. Peter's Basilica during an unforgettable private tour.

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Five Nights in Florence

• Three Nights in Rome

• Private Florence Walking Tour

• Tuscany Food & Wine Experience

• Olive Oil, Cheese & Wine Tastings

• Traditional Tuscan Lunch

• Market Tour & Cooking Class

• High-Speed Business Class Train

• VIP Colosseum Tour

• Arena Floor Access

• Private Vatican Tour

• Sistine Chapel

• St. Peter's Basilica

• Private Airport & Cruise Port Transfers

• Hosted by Russell & Shelley Meeks

YOUR JOURNEY AT A GLANCE

Day 1 - Arrive in Florence

Day 2 - Private Florence Highlights Tour

Day 3 - Tuscany Food & Wine Experience

Day 4 - Market Tour & Tuscan Cooking Class

Day 5 - Explore Florence

Day 6 - High-Speed Train to Rome

Day 7 - Private Colosseum Tour

Day 8 - Private Vatican Tour

Day 9 - Transfer to Civitavecchia Cruise Port or Return Home

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Eight Nights Accommodations

• Breakfast Daily

• Florence Airport Transfer

• Florence Highlights Tour

• Tuscany Food & Wine Experience

• Olive Oil Tasting

• Cheese Tasting

• Winery Visit

• Traditional Tuscan Lunch

• Cooking Class

• High-Speed Rail to Rome

• Private Colosseum Tour

• Arena Floor Access

• Private Vatican Tour

• Sistine Chapel

• St. Peter's Basilica

• Rome to Cruise Port Transfer

• Hosted by Russell & Shelley Meeks

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

• International Airfare

• Travel Insurance

• Hotel City Taxes

• Gratuities

• Meals Not Listed

• Personal Expenses

• Optional Rome, Greece & Turkey Cruise

MEET YOUR HOSTS

Russell and Shelley Meeks believe the best souvenirs aren't things you buy.

They're the stories you bring home.

Their passion for travel has taken them around the world, and they love helping others experience destinations in meaningful ways. Every Havacation Hosted Journey is designed to combine incredible destinations with authentic experiences that create memories lasting a lifetime.

INVESTMENT

$3,744 Per Person

Based on Double Occupancy

$500 Deposit Per Person

International Airfare Not Included

CONTINUE THE ADVENTURE

When this land journey concludes, continue traveling with Russell & Shelley on our hosted Rome, Greece & Turkey Cruise departing August 29, 2027.

Ask us how to combine both journeys into one unforgettable European vacation.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

Ready to experience Italy the way it was meant to be explored?

Complete the form below to request additional information or reserve your place today.

Because the best vacations don't just visit places...

They collect stories.