Best of Italy (Winter 2008/2009)
Day 1 - Depart USA Overnight flight to Rome.
Day 2 - Arrive Rome (2 nights) On arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport you are met and transferred to your hotel. After check-in the remainder of the day is at leisure, perhaps to relax or explore. Tonight we enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director and travelling companions.
Day 3 - Rome sightseeing and at leisure
This morning, after breakfast our included sightseeing tour features a guided visit of the Sistine Chapel inside the Vatican Museums. We - ll also enjoy our local guide's commentary as he takes us on an informative visit of St Peter's Basilica where we will see many of Michelangelo's great works, including the Pietŕ. From here we cross the Tiber into ancient Rome stopping at Piazza Venezia where we view the Victor Emmanuel monument and the 15th century Palazzo Venezia. Then making our way along the Via Sacra we reach the Roman Forum and visit the breathtaking Colosseum. Finally we head to the Circus Maximus where at one time 'Ben Hur' style chariot races took place. The rest of your day is at leisure perhaps to sightsee further or relax with a cappuccino at a pavement café on the Via Veneto. This evening, why not discover the city's culinary delights and vibrant nightlife" (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 4 - Rome — Pompeii — Sorrento (2 nights) This morning we leave Rome and head south, with views of the Abbey of Monte Cassino en route to the Bay of Naples. Next we will enjoy a guided tour of Pompeii, the town frozen in time when it was engulfed by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. Finally our journey continues along the coastline to Sorrento where we spend the next two nights. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 5 - Isle of Capri Excursion fter 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. There's plenty of time to explore this lovely island. Why not visit the villa of the Swedish doctor Axel Munthe with its magnificent views over the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius" (Buffert Breakfast)
Day 6 - 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 sightseeing tour includes the Basilica of St. Francis, famous for its fresco paintings depicting the life of this much-loved saint. Then our Tour Director will reveal one of the Hidden Treasures of this charming town before we have time at leisure. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 7 - Assisi — Ravenna — Venice (Mestre) (2 nights) We enjoy a morning drive along the Adriatic Coast to 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 for our two-night stay. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 8 - 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 of St. Mark. After, we will stop to visit a traditional glass-blowing factory to witness a demonstration of this ancient art. Then with time on your own you may wish to discover the Island of Burano and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch. Later, a gondola serenade would be hard to resist! (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 9 - Venice (Mestre) — Verona — Milan — Italian Lakes (2 nights) Our day will start with a drive to the home of Shakespeare's star-crossed 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. Here we see the gothic Duomo, La Scala opera house and the famous Galleria. Finally, we make our way to our hotel in the Italian Lake District for dinner and our overnight stay. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 10 - Lugano Excursion (Switzerland) This morning we will enjoy an excursion into the Ticino, the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland where we stop to visit the beautiful lakeside resort of Lugano. On our arrival there's time to shop and enjoy some lunch. Perhaps take a walk through the lakeside gardens. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 11 - talian Lakes — Pisa — Florence (2 nights) Our morning drive takes us via the Plains of Lombardy and cross the Apennine Mountains to Genoa, Columbus' birthplace. We - re off to Pisa to see the extraordinary Leaning Tower, before arriving in Florence, cradle of the Renaissance. Tonight, why not venture out into the hills surrounding the city for a meal of excellent Tuscan cuisine accompanied by some delicious Chianti wine" (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 12 - Florence sightseeing and at leisure The Cathedral, Signoria Square and a visit to the Basilica of Santa Croce feature on our guided sightseeing tour on foot. Later, enjoy a panoramic view from Piazzale Michelangelo before free time. Perhaps discover the artistic wonders in the museums or shop for leather and gold. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 13 - Florence — Siena — Rome We enjoy a scenic drive through the Chianti wine-producing region to medieval Siena, famous for its exciting Palio horse race. Here there's time to explore the wonders of this city and maybe shop for beautiful locally produced ceramics. Tonight we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with wine in a local restaurant. (Buffet Breakfast / Farewell DInner)
Day 14 - Rome — USA 'Buon viaggio' to new-found friends as we transfer you to Rome Fiumicino Airport for your return flight to the USA. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 15 - Christmas & New Year's Eve Highlights Tour departures 19 Dec will be accommodated in Venice over Christmas and in Rome on New Year's Eve. Tour departures 26 Dec will be accommodated in Assisi on New Year's Eve giving you the opportunity to celebrate in true Italian style.
Please Note: On certain departures Milan will be visited on Day 9 and Lugano on Day 8.
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