10 days Italian Scene
Trace the idyllic lakes, Renaissance cities, lush countryside and ancient heritage of Italy's historic centres of Venice, Florence and Rome, with stops in feisty Naples, Assisi and the elegant cliff-side village of Sorrento to catch up on Italy's café culture.
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| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ARRIVE ROME (2 NIGHTS) (flight not included) | Welcome to Rome. After check-in, relax and unwind. Later meet with your Travel Director and fellow travellers. This evening consider a stroll around this fascinating city and take in the vibrant atmosphere. Hotel Ergife Palace |
| 2 | ROME SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME | Don't miss the opportunity to join an Optional Experience to the famous Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums. Later your Local Specialist takes you on a sightseeing tour starting with a visit to the Vatican City and the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica to view Michelangelo's statue, the Pietà. Cross the Tiber to view the mighty Colosseum and see the ancient sites of Rome. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast |
| 3 | ROME - SORRENTO - BAY OF NAPLES | Today head south to the Bay of Naples. Drive to the nearby resort of Sorrento to visit an inlaid wood workshop. Then consider an Optional Experience to Positano and the Amalfi Coast. Later enjoy dinner at the hotel. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast, Dinner / Hotel Stabia |
| 4 | BAY OF NAPLES - CASSINO - ASSISI | Perhaps join an Optional Experience guided walking tour of Pompeii, which lay undiscovered beneath a layer of volcanic ash for centuries after Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. Afterwards leave the Bay of Naples and view the monastery at Cassino, the scene of fierce battles during the Second World War. Continue north to the mystical town of Assisi, built on the fertile slopes of Mount Subasio in Umbria. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast, Dinner / Hotel Frate Sole |
| 5 | ASSISI - VENICE (ORIAGO) (2 NIGHTS) | Your morning orientation tour of Assisi reveals a town that has changed little since the time of St. Francis, who was born here in 1182. See the sights of St. Francis' birthplace, including the medieval ramparts. Your journey continues north across the dramatic Apennine Mountains to the magical, romantic city of Venice. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast, Dinner / Hotel Il Burchiello |
| 6 | VENICE ORIENTATION AND FREE TIME | Watch the Venetian craftsmen at work creating local specialities at a glassblowing workshop on Giudecca Island. Then cruise by private launch to St. Mark’s Square in the heart of Venice. Admire the Bridge of Sighs, the ornate Doge’s Palace and the Byzantine Basilica of St. Mark. Spend free time afterwards exploring this fascinating city or perhaps take a trip out across the lagoon to the island of Burano for a relaxing meal. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast |
| 7 | VENICE (ORIAGO) - VERONA - LAKE COMO - ITALIAN LAKES (SARONNO) | Head west across the plains of the Veneto to Verona, the home of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers. View the vast Roman Arena, where concerts are still held regularly each year and walk to view Juliet's Balcony. Continue north to the Italian Lake District to visit Lake Como, a favoured summer retreat of the rich and famous before arriving at your hotel where you dine tonight. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast, Dinner / Hotel Starhotels Grand Milan |
| 8 | ITALIAN LAKES (SARONNO) - PISA - FLORENCE | This morning travel south to the famous town of Pisa. Explore the Square of Miracles, featuring the Leaning Tower, Cathedral and Baptistery. There is time to shop for souvenirs and take pictures. Arrive later at your hotel near Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast / Hotel Wall Art |
| 9 | FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING - ROME | There are few cities in the world with an artistic legacy to equal that of Florence. Your Local Specialist gives a superb commentary of the city's history during your walking tour, which includes views of the Baptistery, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the impressive Giotto's Bell Tower, and a visit to Piazza della Signoria. Shop for high-quality leather and 18-carat gold jewellery, for which Florence is renowned and don't forget to try the gelato. Later travel back to the Eternal City. This evening in Rome you might like to celebrate the end of your holiday in style. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast / Hotel Ergife Palace |
| 10 | DEPART ROME | This morning say 'arrivederci' to Italy, your Travel Director and newfound friends at the end of an unforgettable holiday. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast |