Italian Holiday 2009
Day 1 - Depart USA Overnight flight to Rome.
Day 2 - Arrive Rome (2 nights) Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City! After check-in the remainder of the day is at leisure, perhaps to relax or explore. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Drink with your Tour Director and fellow traveling companions.
Day 3 - Rome sightseeing & at leisure Today's highlight is our visit to the Sistine Chapel to admire the painted ceiling by Michelangelo rendered even more fascinating by the clear commentary of our local guide, thanks to our effective audio system. From here we make our way into St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican to see the famous Pieta — among other great works. Then we cross the Tiber to explore ancient Rome with views of the Forum, a visit to the mighty Colosseum and a view over the Circus Maximus where chariot races were held. Later, time to relax or explore further. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 4 - Rome — Venice (Mestre) We head north this morning from Rome following the valley of the River Tiber. Then we enter Umbria and see the impressive hilltop towns of Orte and Orvieto, once used as a stronghold by the popes, before entering Tuscany. Here we see the Chianti vineyards and the terraced olive groves before we start to cross through the forested Apennine hills. We pass Bologna and reach the flat Veneto plains and continue to our hotel. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 5 - Venice sightseeing — Lake Garda This morning we savour the sights and sounds of this floating city on an included canal cruise by private motor launch to St. Mark's Square viewing the Bridge of Sighs and Doge's Palace. Next we visit a glass-blowing factory before time on your own to explore this unique city. Then we cross the Veneto plains towards the Italian Lake District for tonight. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 6 - Lake Garda — Florence Today our Tour Director will show us a special Hidden Treasure! But first we follow the shores of Lake Garda before we head for Florence via Mantua. The medieval and Renaissance past of this culturally rich city is revealed to us on a guided walking tour. We will see the Piazza Signoria - the political centre of the 15th century city - with its impressive sculptures and imposing palazzos, the multi-coloured marbled Duomo and famous Baptistery with the bronze doors designed by the Renaissance artist Ghiberti. We - ll also visit the Basilica of the Holy Cross. Later, time to explore, relax or shop for high quality leather goods and 18-carat gold jewellery. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 7 - Florence — Rome This morning we drive southwards passing the Chianti vineyards and the olive groves which cover the rolling hills of Tuscany. This unique landscape has been an inspiration to artists throughout the centuries and still is today. Then we travel through the region of Umbria with bright golden fields of sunflowers and shady valleys before we reach again the valley of the River Tiber which leads us back to the Eternal City, Rome. Here we have time to relax a little before we join our Tour Director and new-found touring friends for a Farewell Dinner with wine tonight in a local restaurant to celebrate the end of our Italian holiday together. (Buffet breakfast / Farewell Dinner)
Day 8 - Rome - USA It's 'buon viaggio' as our Italian vacation comes to an end. Airport transfers are available, conditions apply. (Buffet breakfast)
Free airport transfers: Transfers on Day 2 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.
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