Italy Bellissimo
Day 1 - Depart USA Overnight flight to Rome.
Day 2 - Arrive Rome On arrival at Rome Fiumicino airport you are met and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, there's time to unwind or perhaps people-watch from a pavement cafÈ. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Drink with your Tour Director and fellow travelling companions.
Day 3 - Rome - Pompeii - Isle of Capri (2 nights) This morning we will travel to view the Abbey of Monte Cassino, where we visit the World War II cemetery. Then on to Pompeii where we enjoy a guided walking tour with our audio system of the excavations of this Roman city petrified and preserved by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. From here we continue our journey to Sorrento where we have time to visit an Inlaid Wood factory to admire the fine local craftsmanship. Then we enjoy a short sea-crossing across the Bay of Naples to the beautiful Isle of Capri for two relaxing nights. This evening, dinner is included at our hotel. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 4 - Capri orientation & at leisure Today's walking tour of Capri Town with our audio system includes views of the Faraglioni Rocks and Marina Piccola plus the famous 'Piazzetta' ñ home to the international jet-set. Then enjoy time at leisure perhaps to shop at the elegant boutiques, or explore the coast of this pretty island by private motor launch. Tonight, your Tour Director will be happy to advise you on the best dining in this romantic spot! (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 5 - Isle of Capri - Naples - Assisi We enjoy a morning sail across the Mediterranean to 'Bella Napoli' ñ we drive through the streets of Naples and through the Latium, before heading into the Umbrian hills and to mystical Assisi. We see the Church of St. Mary of the Angels before enjoying a guided walking tour, with our audio system, of the town much loved by St. Francis. We will visit the Basilica with its serene Giotto frescoes, before continuing to our hotel for dinner this evening. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 6 - Assisi - Ravenna - Padua - Venice (Lido) (2 nights) This morning we drive close to Ravenna where we visit the Basilica of Saint Apollinaris in Classe with its glittering mosaics. Then on to Padua , where we view the Basilica of St Anthony before continuing to the floating city of Venice. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 7 - Venice sightseeing & at leisure Today we will savour the sights and sounds of this serene city by private motor launch on an included cruise to St. Mark's Square, where we will view the Byzantine Basilica, Bridge of Sighs and Doges' Palace. After witnessing a demonstration of the ancient art of Murano glass-blowing, time is your own perhaps to explore further and relax. Or alternatively why not take a cruise to the island of Burano, and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch" (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 8 - Venice - Brenta Canal - Montecatini (Tuscan Hills) (2 nights) This morning after breakfast, we gaze on the beauty of the Palladian villas as we drive along the scenic Brenta Canal. Then we head south and ascend into the Apennine Mountains, the Emilia Romagna and Tuscany. Here, we make our approach to the spa-resort of Montecatini, for the next two nights. This evening, why not try some of the reputed Tuscan cuisine and Chianti wines" (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 9 - Florence Excursion Today it is only a short drive to Renaissance Florence where we spend a full day. On our arrival a walking tour with a local guide using our excellent audio system highlights the Cathedral with its magnificent Baptistery, and visits the Santa Croce Basilica and the Piazza Signoria. Florence is truly a shopper's paradise with bargains in quality leather goods and gold jewellery. For 'culture vultures', there are many museums and art galleries to visit. Later, we return to our hotel at Montecatini for the night and we will enjoy a special dinner this evening. (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Day 10 - Montecatini (Tuscan Hills) - Siena - Rome (2 nights) Today our Tour Director will show us a special Hidden Treasure! But first to Siena - famous for its Palio horse race. Here there's time to admire the architecture from one of the open-air cafÈs on the fan-shaped Piazza del Campo, where the horse race actually takes place twice a year! Maybe take time to shop for beautiful local pottery before we must return to the ëEternal Cityí, Rome, for the next two nights. Why not dine out in one of the city's many fine trattorias this evening" (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 11 - Rome sightseeing & at leisure A visit to the Sistine Chapel to marvel at the ceiling of Michelangelo provides a thrilling start to our morning sightseeing tour with a local guide making good use of our effective audio system. From here we visit St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, and then cross the Tiber to overlook the Forum, see the Circus Maximus, where chariot races took place, and finally visit the mighty Colosseum, infamous scene of gladiatorial combat! The rest of the day is free but this evening we all enjoy a Farewell Dinner together with our Tour Director and new found friends. (Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)
Day 12 - Rome - USA Time to bid farewell before we transfer you to Rome Fiumicino airport for your return flight to America. (Buffet Breakfast)
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