Vatican Museum

As Tauck begins the first full month of its 2012 operating season in Europe, the Connecticut-based company is rolling out an extensive portfolio of more than 50 all-inclusive itineraries. 
  
Returning to Tauck’s European collection this year is its “Roman Holiday” event, last offered in 2010.  The one-time, five-day event (October 25 -30; from $4,990 USD per person, double occupancy, plus air) features a rotation of themed, small-group, sightseeing “tracks” that each explores a different element of Rome’s history or culture.  Tracks include “Ancient Rome: From Romulus to the Caesars,” “The Eternal City: Geniuses of Rome,” “First Families, Private Palaces & Movie Sets,” and “Caput Mundi: The Middle Ages.” 

The event’s signature evening is an exclusive after-hours tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, followed by aperitifs and a private dinner inside the Vatican Museums’ stunning Braccio Nuovo gallery, a venue normally reserved for Vatican state dinners and other official functions. 

NEW JOURNEYS IN SICILY AND TURKEY
Tauck’s new “Sicily: Culture Through the Ages” tour (from $4,990 USD per person, double occupancy, plus air) explores the enduring influences that have shaped Sicilian culture.  An exclusive highlight is a reception and dinner at the home of La Principessa di Raffadali in Palermo, along with a tour of her 14th-century palazzo.  “Sicily: Culture Through The Ages” includes multiple-night stays in Palermo, Siracusa and Taormina, as well as overnight stays in Sciacca and Ragusa.