13 days Best of Italy ( Summer 2018)
Add a dash of 'issimo' to your love affair with Italy as you explore its captivating landscapes, culture, and the mouth-watering flavours that have inspired its residents to coin the phrase: "First we eat, then we do everything else..." Your Italian discovery made ever more delectable amidst the lemon scents of Sorrento, Renaissance romance in Florence and imposing Rome.
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Rome (2 Nights) | Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City. Spend the rest of your day relaxing or take a leisurely stroll around the city. Join your companions and Travel Director later for a Welcome Reception. Enjoy an orientation drive to see see the sights which await you - a great introduction to this beautiful city. Welcome Reception. |
| 2 | Rome Sightseeing | Your included sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist begins at the Vatican Museums. Experience a Cultural Insight in the Vatican when you ascend the smooth and step-less spiral staircase designed by famous architect Donato Bramante. Admire Michelangelo's magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and then visit St. Peter's Basilica to see his famous Pietà. Your tour continues in ancient Rome. See the Circus Maximus where chariot races were held and visit the impressive Colosseum. There's time afterwards to explore the city on your own, or simply relax and watch the world go by. Please note: Saturday departures will visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel on the morning of Day 3, all sightseeing and inclusions will remain the same. Buffet Breakfast. |
| 3 | Rome – Cassino – Pompeii – Sorrento (2 Nights) | Visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Cassino and view the Benedictine Abbey. Your Local Specialist tells you all about the devastation caused by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79 during your walking tour of Pompeii. Arrive later at your hotel in Sorrento where you dine tonight. Buffet Breakfast. Dinner with wine. |
| 4 | Isle of Capri Excursion | Embark on an included excursion by ferry to the Isle of Capri. Visit Capri Town and other sights during your tour with a Local Specialist. Spend time exploring this lovely island on your own. Later witness the intricate art of inlaid woodwork, a Cultural Insight for which Sorrento is famous. Buffet Breakfast. |
| 5 | Sorrento – Assisi | Assisi is a mystical town perched on the slopes of Mount Subasio overlooking the peaceful Umbrian landscape. Under the protection of St. Francis this city is still enclosed by medieval ramparts. Your Local Specialist takes you on a walking tour which includes a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, famous for its frescoes depicting the life of this much-loved saint. Spend time afterwards exploring on your own and shopping for souvenirs. Dine at your hotel this evening. Buffet Breakfast. Dinner with wine. |
| 6 | Assisi – Verona – Venice (2 Nights) | Today enjoy the glorious countryside and historic architecture of the Emilia Romagna region. This area is also renowned for its cuisine such as tortellini, mortadella and parmesan cheese. Travel to Verona, the home of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers, to admire the Roman arena and Juliet's Balcony. On certain departures Verona will be visited on Day 8 instead of Day 6. Arrive later in Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic. Buffet Breakfast. Dinner with wine. |
| 7 | Venice Orientation | Savour the unique sights and sounds of Venice as you cruise by private launch to visit some of the attractions of this magical city. Enjoy a Cultural Insight into the Venetian tradition of glass making before seeing the sights including the Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica and the ornate Doge's Palace. Spend free time seeing the sights of your choice. You might like to cruise across the lagoon to the Island of Burano and enjoy a delicious meal. Buffet Breakfast. |
| 8 | Venice – Milan – Lake Maggiore (2 Nights) | Cross the plains of Lombardy to Milan, the global capital of design and fashion. View the Duomo, La Scala Opera house and the famous Galleria during your orientation. Dine tonight at your hotel. Buffet Breakfast. Dinner with wine. |
| 9 | Lake Como Excursion | Travel to the beautiful Lake Como with free time to explore or simply soak up the scenery. This evening take a private boat to an island on Lake Maggiore for a special Be My Guest dinner experience. Buffet Breakfast. Be My Guest Dining. |
| 10 | Lake Maggiore – Pisa – Florence (2 Nights) | Cross the Plains of Lombardy, the forested Apennine Mountains, and pass by Genoa to Pisa. View the extraordinary Leaning Tower before arriving in Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. Tonight you might like to sample some local Tuscan cuisine. Buffet Breakfast. |
| 11 | Florence Sightseeing | Your Local Specialist brings the city's rich history to life during your walking tour. View the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio and visit Piazza della Signoria. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo. Spend free time exploring or shop for high-quality leather and gold. Buffet Breakfast. |
| 12 | Florence – San Gimignano – Rome | This morning stop at the Tuscan hill town of San Gimignano which is famed for its medieval architecture and towers. The historic centre of the town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then return to the capital city. This evening in Rome join your Travel Director and new friends for a Farewell Dinner. Buffet Breakfast. Farewell Dinner. |
| 13 | Depart Rome | Say 'arrivederci Roma' at the end of your memorable holiday in Italy. Transfers are available to Rome Fiumicino Airport. Conditions apply. Buffet Breakfast. |