Italian Glory
Day 1 - Depart USA Overnight flight to Milan.
Day 2 - Arrive Milan — Como (2 nights) Trafalgar greets you at Milan's Malpensa airport, flights to arrive prior to 11.30am, and transfers you to your hotel on Lake Como. On arrival time to unwind, or perhaps enjoy a cruise to admire the exquisite villas and gardens. Later, we enjoy a welcome dinner and drink with our Tour Director and fellow travelling companions. (Welcome Dinner)
Day 3 - Como orientation, Milan & Lugano Excursion After an orientation of the town of Como, we head to the Swiss frontier and cross over to the lakeside resort of Lugano, with its traffic-free medieval town, bustling with cafés and boutiques. Maybe take a pedalo trip or shop for bargains in Swiss chocolate and elegant timepieces before returning to Como. This afternoon we include a walking tour of fashionable Milan — home to La Scala Opera house and to Italy's most
awe-inspiring gothic Cathedral. (Buffet Breakfast )
Day 4 - Como — Verona — Venice (Lido) (3 nights) Today we head to the city of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers — Verona. Here we have time to window-shop along the Via Mazzini with its tempting boutiques or perhaps to visit the 2,000 year old Roman arena. From here it's a short distance to the water bound, Renaissance city of Venice, where we spend the next three nights. A gondola serenade this evening would make the perfect introduction to the romance of this city! (Buffet Breakfast/ Dinner)
Day 5 - Venice orientation & Visit a Murano Glass workshop A scintillating entrance to the city as we approach St. Mark's Square on our private launch, seeing the Bridge of Sighs, Palace of the Doges' and the Byzantine Basilica. On disembarkation, a short stroll takes us to one of the oldest Murano glass-blowing workshops, where we can marvel at a demonstration of this ancient craft. Then you are free to enjoy the city at leisure. This evening dinner is included at our hotel. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 6 - Venice at leisure Secret Venice walking tour & visit to the market Today with our local guide we enjoy a guided commentary using our effective audio system, which will bring the city to life, as we cruise along the Grand Canal to the Rialto Bridge. We cross the Rialto and visit the staggering fish market which has existed for centuries, and then enjoy a walking tour through the 'calle' seeing sites such as the house of Marco Polo and other curious as well as, beautiful architectural works of Art. The balance of the day is at leisure to perhaps take a trip to Burano and enjoy eating some of the local seafood. The possibilities are endless! (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 7 - Venice (Lido) — Ferrara — Florence (2 nights) This morning we will cross the Veneto plains en route to Ferrara, birthplace to the great reformer, Savonaorola and former home to the wealthy Este dukes. Here we will see their formidable Castello Estense, a four-towered moated castle dating back to 1385, as well as the Savonaorola monument and the Palazzo Comunale. Then over the steep Apennine Mountains to the province of Tuscany and Renaissance Florence. This evening we enjoy a dinner of Tuscan cuisine in a typical Trattoria.
(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Day 8 - Florence sightseeing & at leisure Today's walking tour with a local expert shows us the multi-coloured Duomo, the Piazza Signoria and visits the Santa Croce Basilica all clearly brought to life with the guide's use of our special audio system. We also enjoy a panoramic view over the city from Piazzale Michelangelo before time at leisure perhaps to shop for leather and gold. Or maybe head to the Uffizzi galleries or visit the Fine Arts Academy to see the famous David by Michelangelo. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 9 - Florence — Pisa — Amalfi Coast (Maiori) (3 nights) Our morning drive takes us through the Arno Valley to Pisa, which today is much more famous for its poorly designed and now leaning Cathedral bell-tower. You'll be dumbstruck by the tower and its amazing carved marble Cathedral and Baptistry in the Square of Miracles. Then we follow the coastal road skirting the chic resort of the Monte Argentario to the Bay of Naples, Amalfi and our hotel in Maiori for a relaxing three nights. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 10 - Amalfi orientation, Amalfi drive & at leisure This morning we take a short cruise to the charming town of Amalfi where we enjoy an orientation tour orientation tour with our Tour Director including the Romanesque Church. Later time to sip a cappuccino, or maybe take a dip in the Mediterranean. The choice is yours!(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 11 - Isle of Capri Excursion and Amalfi drive After breakfast our day begins with a mini-cruise to the Isle of Capri (weather permitting). Here we go up to Capri town by funicular for a walking tour using our audio system showing us the famous 'Piazzetta', the Ceasar Augustus gardens and views of the Faraglioni Rocks. Then time is your own — perhaps to shop or visit the house of Dr. Axel Munthe. Later we cruise back to Sorrento, where we begin our exhilarating drive along the Amalfi coast past some of the most delightful villages and islands in Europe including the colourful artists" town of Positano.* . (Buffet Breakfast)
*On certain departures part of this scenic tour may be operated by boat.
Day 12 - Amalfi — Pompeii — Rome (2 nights) Today we drive to Pompeii where we will enjoy a guided walking tour using our audio system of the excavations of the Roman town and its inhabitants, literally 'petrified' by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. From here we continue past the Abbey of Monte Cassino to Rome, the city on the seven hills. Tonight, why not discover some of them on an evening excursion followed by a meal of Roman cuisine" (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 13 - Rome sightseeing & at leisure After breakfast, it's an early start this morning as we enjoy a guided tour, including an audio system, of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican Museums, containing the magnificent frescoes of Michelangelo. Next it's an unforgettable visit of St. Peter's Basilica before we cross the Tiber to ancient Rome for a walking tour to see the Colosseum and Forum and also view the Circus Maximus where 'Ben Hur' style chariot races took place. The rest of the day is at leisure to do as you please — maybe window-shop in the Via Condotti or relax in a café. This evening, you may wish to join your fellow travellers for an evening meal in the ancient Trastevere district. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 14 - Rome - USA 'Arrivederci Roma', till the next time, as we transfer you to Rome Fiumicino airport for your return flight to America. (Buffet Breakfast)
|
