Best Of Italy (13 Day)

  – Departures 11Jun/18Jun/29Aug/03Sep/10Sep/12Sep/26Sep/01Oct

VISIT:

• The Sistine Chapel
• Pompeii
• Venice
• Verona
• MUCH MORE!!

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Day 1 - Arrive Rome (2 nights)
Welcome to Rome, the capital of Italy, and the Eternal City! After check-in the remainder of the day is at leisure, perhaps to relax or explore. Later, enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director and travelling companions.
Hotel: Mediterraneo

Day 2 - Rome sightseeing and at leisure
The first highlight of our day with our local guide is a visit to the Sistine Chapel where the works of Michelangelo are brought to life by the guide’s clear and exciting commentary thanks to the use of an excellent audio system. Then we head into St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, to see this amazing building. From here we cross the Tiber into ancient Rome to overlook the Forum and the Circus Maximus, where chariot races took place, and to visit the mighty Colosseum. The rest of your day is at leisure and this evening why not discover the city’s culinary delights? (Buffet breakfast)

Day 3 - Rome – Pompeii – Sorrento (2 nights)
Today our journey takes us past the Abbey of Monte Cassino en route to the Bay of Naples. Next we will enjoy a walking tour with audio equipment, of Pompeii, the town frozen in time when it was engulfed by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. Later, we continue our journey along the coastline to Sorrento. (Buffet breakfast) 
Hotel: Johanna Park

Day 4 - Isle of Capri excursion
After breakfast, we witness the art of inlaid wood-working, one of the crafts of the Sorrento peninsula. After we will embark on an excursion by ferry to the Isle of Capri where we will enjoy a walking tour of Capri town and gardens using our excellent audio system. There’s plenty of time to explore this lovely island. Why not visit the villa of the Swedish doctor Axel Munthe? We return to Sorrento where tonight for dinner, we enjoy the delicious local produce on a local working lemon farm. (Buffet breakfast / 'Be My Guest' dinner)

Day 5 - Sorrento – Assisi
This morning’s drive will take us to the province of Umbria and mystical Assisi, perched on Mount Subasio and overlooking a peaceful Umbrian landscape. This city under the protection of St. Francis is still enclosed by medieval ramparts. On our arrival a guided walking tour with audio system 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 we will dine at our hotel. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 
Hotel: Giotto

Day 6 - Assisi – Ravenna – Venice (2 nights)
We enjoy a morning drive through the Apennines to the Adriatic Coast and the Roman town of Ravenna with its ancient mosaics and Byzantine architecture. Here we will visit the Church of St. Apollinaris in Classe before seeing the Romanesque Basilica of Pomposa. Next we drive to the floating city of Venice. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 
Hotel: Novotel Venezia-Mestre Castellana

Day 7 - Venice sightseeing and at leisure
This morning after breakfast we will absorb this city’s unique atmosphere on our included canal cruise by private motor launch to St. Mark’s Square. We view the Bridge of Sighs, Doge’s Palace and Basilica. Afterwards we will stop to visit a traditional glass-blowing factory to witness a demonstration of this ancient art. Today our Tour Director shares one of the many Hidden Treasure of Venice with us all and 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)
Our day will start with a drive to the home of Shakespeare’s starcrossed lovers, Verona. We stop to admire the Roman arena and Juliet’s balcony. From here we cross the plains of Lombardy to the fashionable city of Milan for a walking tour, which shows us the gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera house and the famous Galleria, before continuing to our hotel. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 
Hotel: Splendid

Day 9 - Lugano excursion
We drive into the Ticino, the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, where we stop to visit the beautiful resort of Lugano. On our 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)
We 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 at Florence, cradle of the Renaissance. Tonight, why not enjoy a meal of excellent Tuscan cuisine? (Buffet breakfast)
Hotel: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo

Day 11 - Florence sightseeing and at leisure
The cathedral, Signoria Square and a visit to Santa Croce Basilica feature on our guided walking tour, enhanced by the use of our audio system. Later, enjoy a panoramic view from Piazzale Michelangelo before free time. Perhaps discover the artistic wonders in the museums or shop for high quality leather and gold. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

Day 12 - Florence – Siena – Rome
We enjoy a scenic drive through the Chianti wine-producing region to medieval Siena, famous for its exciting Palio horse race. We arrive in Rome late in the afternoon. This evening, we will enjoy a Farewell Dinner together with our Tour Director and new found touring friends. (Buffet breakfast / Farewell dinner)
Hotel: Sheraton Golf

Day 13 - Depart Rome
This morning after breakfast we say ‘Arrivederci Roma’ as our memorable tour of Italy comes to an end. There are transfers available to Rome Fiumincino Airport, conditions apply. (Buffet breakfast)

Notes:

• Free airport transfers (Transfers on arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport will operate at 09.30, 12.30, 15.30 and 18.45. Passengers arriving later should make their own way to the first hotel. Return transfers on the last touring day will arrive at Rome Fiumicino Airport at 07.00 and 09.30.)
• On certain departures we visit Milan on Day 9 and Lugano on Day 8.
• Certain departures will visit the Sistine Chapel before the departure to Sorrento on Day 3 and the Pompeii visit will be on Day 5.

*Prices and availability subject to change*
**Based on Twin Share Accommodation**

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