
RR23400
Italy's most famous & best loved cities reveal a treasure-trove of riches on this concise yet surprisingly diverse & delightful itinerary.
Starting from | R23 400 |
Package Validity | Set departure dates between: 05 NOV 2017 - 31 MAR 2018. *** Book & pay by 24 AUG 2017 & SAVE 7.5% per person, discount already included in the price *** |
Duration | 8 days |
Destination | Italy |
Starts in | Milan |
Ends in | Rome |
{tab Description}
- Return airport/hotel transfers
- 7 nights hotel accommodation
- Breakfast daily & selected dinners
- Touring by luxury coach
- Assistance of a Tour Director
- Signature experiences included in each city
- All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes
{tab Day 1}
Elegant Como
Welcome to Italy! After being greeted by your Tour Director at Milan's Malpensa Airport, your transfer departs at 09:30 & 12:30. In the evening, you are invited to a warm & friendly Welcome Reception with the opportunity to mingle & get to know each other over a pleasant evening of dinner & wine.
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Verona & on to Venice, the Queen of the AdriaticHead east to elegant Verona in the morning for a leisurely walk past the well-preserved Roman Arena still used for opera performances. Stand beneath the balcony in the courtyard of Juliet's house, the supposed location of the famous balcony love scene. After some free time for browsing around the local market, it's on to the glorious city of Venice.
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Venice & the Magic of ‘La Serenissima’
(Relaxed Start) Even for the experienced traveller, there can be no better joy than waking up in Venice. Transfer to Giudecca Island to witness the art of glassblowing. Then appreciate the splendour as you cruise by Palladio's San Giorgio Maggiore to St. Mark's Square. Your Tour Director will explain the glorious history of ‘La Serenissima', once one of the greatest trading centres of the world – its wealth & power is echoed by the riches of St. Mark's Basilica. See the Doge's Palace & its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. Spend the afternoon as you wish. Later, on your romantic gondola serenade, glide along the atmospheric canals while musicians set the mood with traditional songs.
{tab Day 4}Tranquil Tuscany, Pisa & Florence.
Follow the fertile valley of the River Po, into the peaceful landscapes of Tuscany. Continue to Pisa to see the world-famous Leaning Tower in the ‘Meadow of Miracles' & also the 11th century cathedral & baptistery. Then venture on to beautiful Florence - a treasure house of the Renaissance. On arrival, meet a Local Expert for a walking tour of the historic centre. Visit the Accademia Museum to see Michelangelo's masterpiece statue, 'David'. Admire the marble clad cathedral & baptistery, where Ghiberti's ‘Gates of Paradise' have been recreated in all their glory. Next stop is Signoria Square filled with Renaissance sculptures. Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Montepulciano - the wines of Tuscany are famous worldwide. During your stay, sample some of these robust reds & learn about their origins.
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Free time in Renaissance Florence
(Relaxed Start) In the morning, learn all the secrets of traditional Florentine leather-work. The rest of the day is free for you to fully immerse yourself in the Tuscan capital. Perhaps shop for leather goods at the markets around Santa Croce or relax & soak up the atmosphere in one of the many street cafes. Be sure not to miss the magnificent museums & galleries that house some of the most famous works of art in the world. In the evening, there is an opportunity to sample the true flavours of the region with a sumptuous Tuscan dinner & local wine.
{tab Day 6}Chianti Country to Assisi & on to Rome.
Travel through the vineyards of the Chianti region this morning, past Lake Trasimeno - the Italian Peninsula’s largest lake & site of a great battle in ancient times against Hannibal & his war elephants. Climb into the foothills of the Apennine Mountains to delightful Assisi, a stone built town spilling over the steep hillside. With a local expert, visit the tomb of St Francis & see the beautiful frescoes by Giotto in the great basilica, before continuing along the valley of the river Tiber towards the ‘Eternal City’ of Rome. Tonight, why not throw your coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to the city?
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Rome sightseeing with private Vatican dinner
In the morning enjoy the very best of the city's highlights including a tour of the magnificent St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. There's free time to do as the Romans do, or perhaps join a tour inside the Colosseum. Then, you are fast-tracked through our special VIP entrance of the Vatican Museums with a Local Expert. Admire the Papal art collection & enter the Sistine Chapel & admire Michelangelo's masterpiece on its ceiling. After the museums close their doors to the public, our tour culminates with a special invitation from a curator of the Ethnological Museum to share their immense knowledge of the collection. Dine tonight in the Vatican in refined elegance among its priceless treasures at a private VIP Celebration Dinner
{tab Day 8}Arrivederci Roma
Bid farewell to the glories of Italy. Departure transfers arrive at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 & 09:30.
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