DAY 1 - ARRIVE ROME ( 2 NIGHTS )
Welcome to Rome. After check-in, relax and unwind. Later meet with your Travel Director and fellow travellers. This evening, stroll around this fascinating city and take in the vibrant atmosphere.
Hotel: Ergife Palace/Pinewood
DAY 2 - ROME SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
Don't miss the opportunity to join an Optional Experience to the famous Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums. Later your Local Specialist takes you on a sightseeing tour starting with a visit to the Vatican City and the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica to view Michelangelo's statue, the Pietà. Cross the Tiber to view the mighty Colosseum and see the ancient sites of Rome.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
DAY 3 - ROME - SORRENTO - BAY OF NAPLES
Today head south to the Bay of Naples. Drive to the nearby resort of Sorrento to visit workshop specialising in highly prized inlaid wood, also known as “marquetry”. Then consider an Optional Experience to Positano and the Amalfi Coast. Later enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast/Dinner Hotel: Stabia/ Mercure Marghera
DAY 4 - BAY OF NAPLES - CASSINO - ASSISI
Perhaps join an Optional Experience guided walking tour of enigmatic, poignant Pompeii. After Vesuvius erupted in 79AD, this town, lay undiscovered for centuries beneath a layer of volcanic ash, its ruins perfectly preserved. Afterwards leave the Bay of Naples and view the monastery at Cassino, the scene of fierce battles during World War II. Continue north to the mystical town of Assisi, on the fertile slopes of Mount Subasio in Umbria.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast/ Dinner Hotel: Frate Sole/ Mercure
DAY 5 - ASSISI – VENICE (ORIAGO) (2 NIGHTS)
Your morning orientation tour of Assisi reveals a town that has changed little since the time of St. Francis, born here in 1182. See his birthplace, including the medieval ramparts. We then strike northward again across the dramatic Apennine Mountains to the magical, romantic city of Venice.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast/Dinner Hotel: Il Burchiello
DAY 6 - VENICE ORIENTATION AND FREE TIME
Watch the Venetian craftsmen creating their local specialities at a glassblowing workshop on Giudecca Island. Then cruise by private launch to St. Mark’s Square in the heart of Venice. Admire the Bridge of Sighs, the ornate Doge’s Palace and the Byzantine Basilica of St. Mark. Spend free time afterwards exploring this fascinating city or perhaps take a trip out across the lagoon to the island of Burano for a relaxing meal.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
DAY 7 - VENICE (ORIAGO) – VERONA – LAKE COMO - ITALIAN LAKES (SARONNO)
Head west across the plains of the Veneto to Verona, the home of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. View the vast Roman Arena, where concerts are still held each year and walk to view Juliet's Balcony. Continue north to the Italian Lake District to visit Lake Como, a favoured summer retreat of the rich and famous before arriving at your hotel in time to dine.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast/ Dinner Hotel: Starhotels Grand Milan
DAY 8 - ITALIAN LAKES (SARONNO) - PISA - FLORENCE
This morning travel south to well-known Pisa. Explore the Square of Miracles, featuring the Leaning Tower, Cathedral and Baptistery. There is time to shop for souvenirs and take pictures. Arrive later at your hotel near Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast Hotel: Wall Art/ Mercure
DAY 9 - FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING - ROME
There are few cities in the world with an artistic legacy to equal that of Florence. Your Local Specialist gives a superb commentary on the city's history during your walking tour, which includes views of the Baptistery, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s impressive Bell Tower, and a visit to Piazza della Signoria. Shop for high-quality leather and 18-carat gold jewellery, for which Florence is famous, and don't forget to try the gelato! Later travel back to the Eternal City. This evening in Rome you might like to celebrate the end of your holiday in style.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast Hotel: Ergife Palace/ Pinewood
DAY 10 - DEPART ROME
This morning say 'arrivederci' to Italy, your Travel Director and newfound friends at the end of an unforgettable holiday. Transfers are available to Rome Fiumicino Airport. Conditions apply.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
# WHAT'S ALWAYS INCLUDED
Sightseeing Highlights
- Rome
Sightseeing tour with your Local Specialist includes a visit to St. Peter's Basilica and views of the mighty Colosseum
- Sorrento
Visit this popular resort
- Assisi
Orientation of this beautiful town dedicated to St. Francis
- Pisa
Visit the Square of Miracles to view the Leaning Tower
- Florence
Sightseeing with a Local Specialist includes views of the Cathedral and Piazza della Signoria
- Italian Lakes
Visit Lake Como
- Cassino
Views of the monastery high on the hill
- Verona
View Juliet's Balcony and the impressive Roman Arena
- Venice
Cruise by private boat to St. Mark's Square. Visit a traditional glassblowing workshop on Giudecca Island
Dining
Travel Highlights
- Luxury air-conditioned coach
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- Optional Experiences and free time
- An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
- All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes
- Audio Headsets provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
- Airport transfers are provided on the first and last travel day
Airport Transfers
- Airport transfers are provided on the first and last travel day. Conditions apply.
Italian Holidays including Ancient Rome, Pisa, Florence, Verona, Venice, Naples, Assisi and Sorrento. Visit the Colosseum and the Vatican on this trip that takes you inside the heart of Italian Renaissance cities.
Hand-picked 3 and 4 star accommodation
