|
Day 1 - ARRIVE ROME (2
nights)
Welcome to Rome - capital of Italy and also known as the Eternal City!
After check-in the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore.
Later, enjoy a Welcome Drink with your Tour Director and travelling
companions.
Hotel: NH Giustiniano/Grand Hotel Mediterraneo (SF)
Day 2 - ROME
SIGHTSEEING AND AT LEISURE
The first highlight of the day is a visit to the Sistine Chapel where
the works of Michelangelo are brought to life by the local expert guide's
commentary. Then head into St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican to see this
amazing architectural feat. From here cross the Tiber into ancient Rome to
overlook the Forum and the Circus Maximus where chariot races used to take
place. Visit the inside of the mighty Colosseum. The rest of your day is
at leisure. This evening why not discover the city’s culinary delights?
(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 3 - ROME -
POMPEII - SORRENTO (2 nights)
Today your journey takes you near to Monte Cassino where you will stop
and visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery. Next enjoy a guided walking tour
of Pompeii, the town frozen in time when it was engulfed by the eruption
of Vesuvius in AD 79. Later, continue your journey along the coastline to
Sorrento. (Buffet Breakfast)
Hotel: Johanna Park (F)
Day 4 - ISLE OF
CAPRI EXCURSION
After breakfast, witness the art of inlaid wood-working, one of the
crafts of the Sorrento peninsula. Later embark on an included excursion by
ferry to the Isle of Capri where you will enjoy a walking tour of Capri
town and the local gardens. There's plenty of time to explore this lovely
island. Why not visit the villa of the Swedish doctor Axel Munthe? Return
to Sorrento where tonight you will enjoy a delicious 'Be My Guest' dinner
prepared with local produce grown on a picturesque lemon farm. (Buffet
Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner)
Day 5 - SORRENTO -
ASSISI
This morning's drive will take you to the province of Umbria and
mystical Assisi, perched on Mount Subasio and overlooking a peaceful
Umbrian landscape. Under the protection of St. Francis this city is still
enclosed by medieval ramparts. On arrival a guided walking tour with a
local expert includes the Basilica of St. Francis, famous for its fresco
paintings depicting the life of this much-loved saint. Later time is your
own to do as you please. Why not shop for local handicrafts? This evening
dine at your hotel. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Ora Hotel Cenacolo (SF)
Day 6 - ASSISI -
CLASSE - VENICE (2 nights)
Enjoy a morning drive through the Apennines to the Adriatic Coast
which brings you to the town of Classe with its ancient mosaics and
Byzantine architecture. Here visit the Church of St. Apollinaris before
seeing the Romanesque Basilica of Pomposa. Next drive to the floating city
of Venice where you stay on Lido Island. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Biasutti Hotel/Le Boulevard (F)
Day 7 - VENICE
SIGHTSEEING AND AT LEISURE
This morning after breakfast absorb this city's unique atmosphere on
an included canal cruise by private motor launch to St. Mark's Square.
View the Bridge of Sighs, Doge’s Palace and Basilica. Afterwards stop to
visit a traditional glass-blowing factory to witness a demonstration of
this ancient art. There is still time to cruise across the lagoon to
discover the colourful Island of Burano and enjoy a delicious seafood
lunch. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 8 - VENICE -
VERONA - MILAN - LAKE MAGGIORE (2 nights)
Your day will start with a drive to the home of Shakespeare's
starcrossed lovers - Verona. Stop to admire the Roman arena and Juliet's
balcony. From here cross the plains of Lombardy to the fashionable city of
Milan for a guided walking tour, which shows you the Gothic Duomo, La
Scala Opera house and the famous Galleria, before continuing on to your
hotel. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Splendid (F)
Day 9 - LUGANO
EXCURSION
Drive into the Ticino, the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland,
where you stop to visit the beautiful resort of Lugano. On arrival there's
time to shop or simply relax with a cappuccino in the main square. (Buffet
Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 10 - LAKE
MAGGIORE - PISA - FLORENCE (2 nights)
Today drive across the Plains of Lombardy and the forested Apennine
Mountains and pass by Genoa. Next off to Pisa to see the extraordinary
Leaning Tower before arriving in Florence, cradle of the Renaissance.
Tonight, why not enjoy a meal of excellent Tuscan cuisine? (Buffet
Breakfast)
Hotel: Croce di Malta (F)
Day 11 - FLORENCE
SIGHTSEEING AND AT LEISURE
The Cathedral, Signoria Square and a visit to Santa Croce Basilica
feature on your guided walking tour. Later, enjoy a panoramic view from
Piazzale Michelangelo before free time to explore. Discover the artistic
wonders in the museums or shop for high quality leather and gold. (Buffet
Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 12 - FLORENCE -
SIENA - ROME
Enjoy a scenic drive through the Chianti wine-producing region to
medieval Siena, famous for its exciting Palio horse race. Arrive in Rome
late in the afternoon. This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner together with
your Tour Director and new-found touring friends. (Buffet Breakfast /
Farewell Dinner)
Hotel: Sheraton Golf (SF)
Day 13 - DEPART ROME
This morning after breakfast say ‘arrivederci Roma’ as your
memorable tour of Italy comes to an end. There are transfers available to
Rome Fiumincino Airport. Conditions apply. (Buffet Breakfast)
|