Italian Connoisseur
Day 1 - Depart USA Overnight flight to Rome.
Day 2 - Arrive Rome (2 nights) "Benvenuti" to the warmth of the Italian peninsula! Warm greetings from Trafalgar on arrival at Fiumicino airport before we drive you to your comfortable hotel. You will have time to relax this afternoon before enjoying a Welcome Dinner and wine with our Tour Director and fellow passengers. (Welcome Dinner)
Day 3 - Rome sightseeing & at leisure Our first highlight today is a trip to Vatican City to visit the Sistine Chapel, enhanced by the use of our audio equipment and our local guide. We - ll hear of the many years Michelangelo spent on his back painting the scenes of the Creation on to the ceiling of this significant building before continuing our discovery of his great work in St Peter's Basilica. We - ll be moved by the "Pieta" and amazed by the massive cupola of the Church before we cross the river Tiber and to quite another aspect of this city on the Seven Hills — Ancient Rome. Listen to tales of Julius Caesar and other great Emperors as we stop to overlook the Forum and continue along the Via Sacra to admire the might of the Colosseum.
Finally we will see the Circus Maximus where Ben Hur style chariot races are said to have taken place. Then you are free to perhaps take an excursion to the Catacombs or simply enjoy "la Dolce Vita" as you sip a glass of wine from a pavement café on the Via Veneto. Tonight, why not indulge in some delicious Roman cuisine" (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 4 - Rome — Florence A drive through the regions of Latium and Umbria brings us into Tuscany and Renaissance Florence, nestling in the valley of the river Arno. We - ll admire views over the city across to elegant Fiesole from Piazzale Michelangelo and then enter the ancient centre of the city for a guided walking tour. We - ll visit the Basilica of Santa Croce, where so many of Italy's great men are buried, particularly Michelangelo, Piazza Signoria with its beautiful cafés and sculptures and of course see the Duomo with its Bell-Tower and famous Baptistery. Then time at leisure to explore the city further or to shop for fashionable leather and 18 carat gold jewellery. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 5 - Florence — Pisa — Turin After breakfast we drive to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower and Cathedral in the Square of Miracles; make sure to pick up a souvenir or two before an exhilarating drive along the Ligurian coast. We - ll see the Carrara Marble quarries where Michelangelo chose the stone for so many of his great sculptures as well as views of the magnificent coastline. Passing Genoa — birthplace of Christopher Columbus we turn inland to travel toward the Alps and Turin — home of Fiat, Capuccino and Martini! On arrival orientation will show us the Antonelliana building and the Piazza San Carlo before dinner in our hotel. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 6 - Turin — Lake Maggiore — Milan First we travel to Lake Maggiore making a stop in elegant Stresa, facing the pretty Borrromean islands. Time to take a trip across the lake or enjoy a lakeside stroll before continuing to Milan — home of the Italian fashion industry. An orientation of the city includes the Galleria — the first shopping arcade in Europe — and views of La Scala Opera House and of course the Gothic Cathedral — bristling with saintly statues. Tonight we are at leisure to try the local cuisine. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 7 - Milan — Pavia — Verona — Venice (Island) (2 nights) First stop today is at the Cistercian Abbey of Pavia where we enjoy a guided visit with one of the monks (when available). Later we continue our journey into the Veneto stopping to see Juliet's Balcony in the city of the star-crossed lovers — Verona. We will also see the 2,000 year old Roman arena, still in use today, before continuing to magical Venice where on arrival we are taken by private boat to the area of St Mark's Square where our hotel is located, a short walk from the Doges" Palace and St Mark's Basilica. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 8 - Venice sightseeing and at leisure After breakfast, a stroll through the narrow streets brings us to one of the oldest Murano glass-blowing workshops on the island where we will witness a demonstration of this ancient and skilled craft. The balance of the day is at your leisure to perhaps take an excursion to the fishermen's island of Burano for a fresh seafood lunch, or to visit one of the many art galleries and museums for which this city is justifiably renowned. In the latter part of the afternoon we return to our hotel for dinner. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 9 - Venice — Mantua — Bologna First we visit Mantua with its arcaded streets, Palaces and Cathedral. Later we arrive in Bologna, famous for its architecture, its ancient University and wonderful sausages! Bologna is a feast for the senses — and the stomach! Sightseeing with a local guide shows us Neptune's fountain, the "kissing" Towers and Piazza Maggiore. Later don - t miss the chance of sampling some of the city's reputed cuisine in an atmospheric trattoria. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 10 - Bologna — Assisi — Rome Our journey takes us over the glorious Apennine Mountains to the Umbrian town of Assisi — set atop the Mount Subasio. With a local expert we - ll enjoy a guided walking tour of the town of St Francis on foot — enhanced by the use of our excellent audio system. We - ll visit St Francis" Basilica and the Church of St Mary of the Angels — with its delightful thornless rose garden. From here it is but a short drive to the "Eternal City — past the hilltop town of Orte. This evening, why not "do as the Romans do" and enjoy an evening stroll along the Via Condotti and later, perhaps celebrate the end of a great tour with a feast of Roman food and wine" (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 11 - Depart Rome This morning it's "Buon Viaggio" to your Tour Director and newly made friends, as we transfer you to Fiumicino airport for your return flight home. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 12 - Christmas & New Year's Eve Highlights Tour departure 19 Dec will be accommodated in Venice over Christmas and tour departure 30 Dec will be accommodated in Rome for the New Year celebrations.
|
