Italian Concerto 2009
Day 1 - Depart USA Overnight flight to Rome.
Day 2 - Arrive Rome (3 nights) Welcome to Rome, the capital of Italy, and the Eternal City! There's time to relax and unwind before joining our Tour Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Drink when you will learn more about the tour ahead. Later, why not enjoy Rome by night"
Day 3 - Rome sightseeing and at leisure This morning, with a local guide, we enjoy an excellent and clear commentary on the magnificent works of Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel thanks to our effective audio system. Our guided tour continues through St. Peter's Basilica where among other great works we can admire Michelangelo's moving Pieta. From here we cross the Tiber to Ancient Rome, where we will overlook the Forum, see the Circus Maximus where chariot racing took place, and visit the mighty Colosseum. Then enjoy time at leisure in the grandeur of this monumental city. Tonight, why not enjoy dinner in a typical trattoria and taste some of the Roman specialities" (Buffet breakfast)
Day 4 - Rome at leisure A completely free day to enjoy the delights that this wonderful city has to offer. Maybe take a trip outside the old city walls in order to visit the ancient catacombs or take an excursion into the hills to the Sabine town of Tivoli with its magnificent Villa d'Este and refreshing fountains. Or you may wish to visit the museums and gardens in the Villa Borghese, or just while away the hours at a sidewalk café in one of the many piazzas of this captivating city. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 5 - Rome — Abbey of Monte Cassino — Paestum " Amalfi Coast (MAIORI) (3 nights) Today we travel past the Apennine Mountains and have views of the Abbey of Monte Cassino, famous for its part in WW II. We visit the cemetery in the valley below and then return to the autostrada and past the city of Naples, for a walking tour around the excavations of the ancient Greek Temples at Paestum, using our audio system, before continuing to the legendary Amalfi Coast where we spend the next three nights. This evening, dinner is included at our hotel. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 6 - Amalfi Drive — Isle of Capri excursion This morning we cross the Mediterranean Sea to the magical island of Capri which has been a favourite resort destination since the time of the Roman Republic. We ascend to Capri town by funicular and enjoy a walking tour of this part of the island which includes views of the Faraglioni Rocks and Marina Piccola, plus the famous Piazzetta, home to the international jet set. Later we return to our hotel in Maiori, either by driving along the world famous Amalfi coast passing Positano, or sometimes we return by boat. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 7 - Amalfi town excursion Today we take a trip to Amalfi town where our Tour Director takes us on an orientation tour featuring the medieval streets and the spectacular Romanesque church. The rest of the day is at leisure. Maybe take a trip to Ravello and visit the splendid Villa Rufolo or enjoy shopping in the tempting boutiques and spend the evening sipping Limoncello whilst overlooking the glorious Bay of Naples" (Buffet breakfast)
Day 8 - Amalfi Coast (Maiori) — Pompeii C " Florence (2 nights) This morning we head towards Naples and soon arrive at Pompeii — literally 'petrified' by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Here we enjoy a guided walking tour with audio system of the excavations with a local expert. Then on through the Umbrian hills and into the Chianti vineyards to Florence. Tonight why not try some of the Florentine specialities and local wine in one of the many trattorias" (Buffet breakfast)
Day 9 - Florence sightseeing and Wine Tasting Today our walking tour with a local guide using our effective audio system, shows us the city's main sights, from the multi-coloured Duomo to the Piazza Signoria with its amazing sculptures and a visit to the Santa
Croce Basilica. Then, before time at leisure, our Tour Director shares a Hidden Treasure of Florence with us and invites us to a wine tasting of some of the most popular Tuscan wines. Tonight, we enjoy an authentic Tuscan dinner of local produce in a restaurant with stunning views over the vineyards on the Chianti Hills. (Buffet breakfast / 'Be my guest' dinner)
Day 10 - Florence — Ravenna — Venice (lido) (2 nights) Today we head for some awe-inspiring scenery as we travel over the forested Apennines via Forli to Ravenna. We stop to visit the Basilica of Saint Apollinaris in Classe with its stunning colourful Byzantine mosaics. Then along the Strada Romea through a section of the Po Delta and past "fisherman's Venice", the town of Chioggia, to the waterbound city of Venice, built on over 200 islands in the lagoon. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 11 - Venice orientation and at leisure Savour the sights and sounds of this Byzantine city on canals as we enjoy an included cruise to St. Mark's Square seeing the Palladian Churches of the Redeemer and St. George as well as the elegant Customs House, Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs and top of the Grand Canal. We stroll across St. Mark's Square with time to admire the Basilica and its "campanile" to visit one of the oldest Murano glass workshops on the island. Here we will witness a demonstration of glass-blowing — by one of the few remaining craftsmen able to create beautiful objects out of molten crystal. This evening we will enjoy a Farewell Dinner together with our Tour Director and new-found friends. (Buffet breakfast / Farewell dinner)
Day 12 - Venice — USA 'Buon viaggio' to your newly made friends as our Italian vacation comes to an end. There are airport transfers available, conditions apply. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 13 - 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 Venice Airport at 08.00.
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