8 days Simply Italy
Sample Tuscan flavours in the exquisite Chianti countryside and ramble along blissfully quiet cobblestone lanes and grand city avenues to admire the beauty of Italy's iconic cities in quiet contemplation, far, far away from the summer crowds…
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Rome (2 Nights) (Flight not included) | Welcome to Rome. After check-in, relax or start exploring this magical ancient city. This evening enjoy a Welcome Reception with your Travel Director and fellow travellers. Afterwards, a drive to see the major landmarks including the views of the magnificent St. Peter's Basilica will be the perfect introduction to the Eternal City. Hotel Grand Tiberio Meals 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. Later, see the sites of ancient Rome as well as visit the impressive Colosseum, the largest amphitheatre in the Roman Empire. See the Circus Maximus where Ben Hur style chariot racing took place. Spend free time discovering more of the city or relax at a pavement café and watch the world go by. Meals Buffet Breakfast |
| 3 | Rome – Venice (2 Nights) | Travel through scenic Umbria and see the impressive hilltop towns of Orte and Orvieto before entering into Tuscany. Make your way past Chianti vineyards and terraced olive groves before crossing over the forested Apennine Mountains. Arrive later in Venice - one of the most unique cities in the world. Dine tonight at your hotel. Hotel Boscolo Bellini Meals Buffet Breakfast Dinner with wine |
| 4 | Venice Orientation | This morning enjoy a Cultural Insight during a demonstration of the ancient art of glassblowing at a workshop on Giudecca Island. A visit to the magical city of Venice would not be complete without an orientation cruise by private motor launch along the canals to St. Mark's Square, with views of the Doge's Palace and the renowned Bridge of Sighs. Enjoy free time to explore Venice's labyrinth of streets or join an Optional Experience boat trip to the island of Burano for a delicious meal. Meals Buffet Breakfast |
| 5 | Venice – Pisa – Florence (2 Nights) | This morning cross the Veneto plains then travel over the steep Apennine Mountains to the city of Pisa. See the incredible Leaning Tower, the amazing carved marble Cathedral and the Baptistery in the Square of Miracles. Later, travel through the province of Tuscany to Renaissance Florence for your two night stay. Hotel Grand Mediterraneo Meals Buffet Breakfast |
| 6 | Florence Sightseeing | Your Local Specialist shows you the multicoloured Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria during your guided walking tour. Enjoy a panoramic view over the city from Piazzale Michelangelo before free time to shop for high quality leather and gold. Alternatively consider visiting the Fine Arts Academy to see the famous statue of David by Michelangelo. Today enjoy an authentic Be My Guest Tuscan lunch experience made with locally sourced fresh produce. Meals Buffet Breakfast Be My Guest Dining |
| 7 | Florence – Siena – Rome | Drive through the Chianti vineyards to the medieval city of Siena. Here an orientation includes the Piazza del Campo, scene of the famous Palio Horse Races. There is time at leisure to shop for Tuscan specialities before returning to the Eternal City of Rome. This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your Travel Director and fellow travellers. Hotel Sheraton Parco De Medici Meals Buffet Breakfast Farewell Dinner |
| 8 | Depart Rome | Say ‘arrivederci Roma' at the end of your memorable holiday in Italy. Transfers are available to Rome Fiumicino Airport. Conditions apply. Meals Buffet Breakfast |