Italian Intermezzo – 8 days land only

Starting from	R25 250
Package Validity	Set departure dates between :  NOV 2016 - APR 2017.  *** Book & pay by 29 AUG & SAVE 7.5% per person, discount already included in the price ***
Duration	8 days
Destination	Italy
Starts in	Milan
Ends in	Rome

 

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- Return airport/hotel transfers
- 1 night accommodation at the AC Milano in Milan
- 2 nights accommodation at the Carlton on the Grand Canal in Venice
- 2 nights accommodation at the NH Firenze in Florence
- 2 nights accommodation at the Romanico Palace in Rome
- Breakfast daily
- Selected dinners
- Touring by luxury coach
- Assistance of a Tour Director
- Highlights: Venice, Pisa, Florence, Assisi & Rome

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Welcome to Milan
 
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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Drive to Verona and on to Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic
 
Head 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 and the Magic of ‘La Serenissima’

Even for the experienced traveller, there can be no better joy than waking up in Venice. Transfer to Giudecca Island to witness the skill of mask makers, glassblowers & gondola builders. 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 Doges' Palace & its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. Spend the afternoon as you wish.

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Head for tranquil Tuscany, Pisa & Florence.

Bid farewell to Venice & follow the smooth highway across 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 & Baptistry. Now on to beautiful Florence, treasure house of the Renaissance.

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Florence, David & the Wines of Tuscany

In the morning, meet a local expert for a walking tour of the historic centre. Visit the Academy Museum to see Michelangelo's masterpiece ‘Statue of 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 sculpture. Finally, learn all the secrets of traditional Florentine leather-work. Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Montepulciano - the wines of Tuscany are famous the world over. During your stay, sample some of these robust reds & learn about their origin. During your free time, suggestions include haggling for leather goods at the markets around Santa Croche or relaxing amid the terraces of the Boboli Gardens. Be sure not to miss the magnificent museums & galleries which house some of the most famous works of art in the world.

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Through 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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Papal & Imperial Rome

Your Intermezzo reaches its crescendo at the independent Vatican State, the richest community in the world! While others wait in line, you are fast-tracked through the VIP entrance into the Vatican Museums, treasure house of the Catholic faith. With an expert historian, admire the vast collections of ancient & Renaissance art, gathered by Popes over the ages & enjoy a behind-the-scenes private viewing of the Bramante Staircase. Then enter the sublime Sistine Chapel to gaze up & admire Michelangelo's famous painted ceiling. Next door, in St. Peter's Basilica, see one of Michelangelo's early works, the Pietà & the splendid dome completed after his death. Now relive the glory of ancient Rome as you cross the River Tiber to visit the mighty Colosseum a with a local expert, scene of great festivities & occasional martyrdoms in imperial times. Finally, look out over the former epicentre of the whole Roman Empire - the Roman Forum. The afternoon is at leisure - enjoy Rome at your own pace or check with your Tour Director about additional sightseeing options. Tonight, enjoy the quintessential Italian experience! Over a sumptuous dinner of Roman cuisine, fill your glasses with wine, & enjoy an evening of spine-tingling operetta.

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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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