11 days Italian Concerto
The tragic story of Pompeii takes centre stage on this journey from Rome, past the trendy Amalfi Coast and north to Venice via Florence. Take a walking tour past the ruins of the Amphitheatre, Temple of Apollo and Basilica, and hear how the 79AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius destroyed the city, killing its inhabitants and burying it under tons of ash.
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| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Rome (3 Nights) (flight not included) | Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City. Relax after your journey, then meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers later for a Welcome Reception. This evening, enjoy an orientation drive to see St. Peter's Basilica and the Tiber, a great introduction to this magical city. Hotel Villafranca / Meals Welcome Reception |
| 2 | Rome Sightseeing and At Leisure | This morning join your Local Specialist to visit St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City and view Michelangelo's Pietà. Your sightseeing tour continues in ancient Rome. See the Circus Maximus where chariot races were once held. Visit inside the impressive Colosseum. There's time afterwards to explore the city on your own and see such sights in the ancient city as the Roman Forum and Trajan's Forum and Market. Walk up the Palatine Hill to the ruins of the Flavian Palace and see the House of Nero and the ruins of Trajan's baths. Perhaps also visit the imposing Castel Sant'Angelo built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian. Meals Buffet Breakfast |
| 3 | Rome At Leisure | The day is yours to explore this wonderful city. Consider an Optional Experience to Tivoli, site of the magnificent Villa d'Este. Visit museums, churches and gardens or simply experience 'la dolce vita' at a pavement café in one of the city's many piazzas. From the Vatican's arts and antiquities spanning centuries to the palaces down via Giulia, explore the city sights, your return visit to Rome secured by tossing a coin in the magnificent Trevi Fountain and making a wish. Meals Buffet Breakfast |
| 4 | Rome – Cassino – Pompeii – Amalfi Coast (Maiori) (3 Nights) | Visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery at Cassino in the valley below the 6th century Abbey. In Pompeii - buried for centuries when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD - enjoy a fascinating visit of the excavations during your Small Group Sightseeing tour exploring such sites as the Amphitheatre, Forum and Temple of Apollo. Arrive later at your hotel on the iconic Mediterranean Amalfi Coast where you dine tonight. Hotel San Pietro / Meals Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with wine |
| 5 | Amalfi Coast At Leisure | Your day is free to do as you please. Smell the scents of lemon and admire the coloured terrace houses and stunning sea views along this beautiful coast. Perhaps visit the splendid Villa Rufolo at Ravello or shop for souvenirs in the quaint cliffside towns of Positano and Atrani. After a day of sightseeing, spend the evening sipping limoncello while overlooking the glorious Bay of Salerno. Meals Buffet Breakfast |
| 6 | Amalfi Town and Isle of Capri Excursion | This morning you will have free time to explore medieval Amalfi, featuring the spectacular 11th century Romanesque Cathedral of Sant'Andrea, the campanile and convent of the Cappuccini. Later sail to the magical Island of Capri. Ascend to Capri Town by funicular railway for a guided walking tour with a Local Specialist including views of Marina Piccola and the famous Piazzetta. Meals Buffet Breakfast |
| 7 | Amalfi Coast (Maiori) – Florence (2 Nights) | Travel north through Umbria and into scenic Tuscany before arriving in Florence. Tonight why not sample authentic Tuscan cuisine. Hotel Ambasciatori / Meals Buffet Breakfast |
| 8 | Florence Sightseeing and At Leisure | Florence is a beautiful city with a wealth of history. Your Local Specialist shows you all the main sights including views of the marble Duomo and Baptistery. Visit Piazza della Signoria, the centre of Florentine political life since the 14th century with its amazing sculptures and prominent Palazzo Vecchio overlooking the square. Join your companions this evening for an authentic Be My Guest dinner in a castle on a wine and olive oil estate. Meals Buffet Breakfast, Be My Guest Dining |
| 9 | Florence – Ferrara – Venice (2 Nights) | Marvel at the breathtaking scenery on your journey across the Apennines via Bologna. In Ferrara see the family home of the notorious d'Este family. Arrive later in the sublime island city of Venice, Queen of the Adriatic, where you stay for the next two nights. Hotel Principe/Amadeus / Meals Buffet Breakfast |
| 10 | Venice Orientation and At Leisure | Savour the unique sights and sounds of Venice as you cruise by private launch to visit some of the attractions of this unique 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. This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your Travel Director and newfound friends. Meals Buffet Breakfast, Farewell Dinner |
| 11 | Depart Venice | Say 'arrivederci' to your companions as your memorable Italian holiday comes to an end. Meals Buffet Breakfast |