13 Days ~ Italy
Tour Pace - As the name
suggests, this tour has been designed to
showcase the historic cities of northern and
central Italy in a relaxed & leisurely manner,
with three day stays in each fascinating city.
Fellow Passengers - This
tour appealsto those wanting a flexible
itinerary with the convenience of an escorted
tour. Half day city tours introduce you to
highlights of each location, then the rest of
the time is yours to explore at will.
DAY 1 – ARRIVE MILAN
Welcome to Milan, lively capital of Lombardy and
Italy’s nerve centre for commerce, industry and
banking! On arrival at Malpensa airport there
are complimentary transfers to the tour hotel at
09.00 and 12.30. The rest of the day is at
leisure. Tonight, before dinner, we enjoy a
Welcome Drink with our Tour Director.
Hotel: Hilton. (D)
DAY 2 – MILAN SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing this morning includes the
magnificent Gothic Milan Cathedral, its marble
facade bristling with 135 pinnacles and over
2000 statues! Admire the massive Sforza Castle
and world famous La Scala Theatre too, before
free time to explore on your own. Stroll in the
elegant 19th century shopping arcades, or sip a
cappuccino in one of the cafes, meeting places
of the rich and famous! (BB)
DAY 3 – MILAN AT LEISURE
Today is at leisure to relax or perhaps continue
sightseeing? Why not take an optional excursion
to the nearby, scenic Italian Lake District?
(BB)
DAY 4 – MILAN – VENICE
Head east to Verona, tragic setting for
Shakespeare’s ‘star crossed lovers’. See the
Arena, built over 1900 years ago by the Romans,
and walk through the old narrow streets to the
courtyard of the Capulet home to see Juliet's
balcony. Then step back into the 16th century as
you make your way to magical Venice.
Hotel: Continental. (BB,D)
DAY 5 – VENICE SIGHTSEEING
You will see much of this famous city as you
cruise by private motor launch; gondolas, ornate
palaces, the Grand Canal and Bridge of Sighs,
which overlooks the old Piombi Prison. Alight at
the Piazza San Marco, with its famous Basilica
and Palace of the Doges. Later visit a
glass-blowing factory to see some of the
exquisite Venetian glassware being made. The
remainder of the day is at leisure. (BB)
DAY 6 – VENICE AT LEISURE
A day to drink in the unique atmosphere of this
wonderful city! Maybe explore the treasures of
the Academy Museum, browse through the shops on
the Rialto Bridge or sit a while at a canal side
café with a glass of local wine? (BB)
DAY 7 – VENICE – FLORENCE
Bid farewell to the unique city of Venice as you
cross the fertile valley and climb high into the
Apennines, to enter the peaceful landscapes of
Tuscany. In the Renaissance city of Florence,
sightseeing includes a visit to the Academy
Gallery to see Michelangelo’s statue of ‘David’.
Continue with your guide to the Duomo, where
Ghiberti’s ‘Gates of Paradise’ adorn the
Baptistery. Now admire the many statues of
Signoria Square, before visiting the Basilica of
Santa Croce which houses the tombs of
Michelangelo and Galileo.
Hotel: Palazzo Ognissanti. (BB,D)
DAYS 8 & 9 – FLORENCE AT LEISURE
Two whole days to enjoy this beautiful city!
Maybe take an optional excursion to see the
Leaning Tower of Pisa or the unique and
beautiful Cinqueterre region? Perhaps visit San
Gimignano to admire the picturesque Salucci
Towers? Or why not dedicate a day to shopping
for leather and gold products? The choice is
yours! (BB, BB)
DAY 10 – FLORENCE – ROME
Travel through the vineyards of the Chianti
region en route to Assisi. A chance to visit the
tomb of St Francis and the frescoes of Giotto in
the great basilica, before continuing along the
Tiber valley towards the 'Eternal City', Rome.
Hotel: Ateneo Garden Palace. (BB)
DAY 11 – ROME SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing begins with a visit to the Vatican
Museums - a virtual cornucopia of priceless art
and antiquities. Your local guide escorts you to
the Sistine Chapel, where the Popes are elected,
and immortalised by Michelangelo's painted
ceiling. Next, visit the vast St. Peter's
Basilica, before crossing the Tiber to enter the
Colosseum. Here fights between men and beasts,
gladiatorial conquests, races and simulated
naval battles took place. Your tour concludes
with a view over the Roman Forum. This afternoon
you are at leisure to shop or relax. (BB)
DAY 12 – ROME AT LEISURE
A full day to explore Rome at your own pace.
Perhaps spend some time in the designer stores
of the Spanish Steps, visit the well preserved
Pantheon or relax in the Piazza Navona - the
'Living Room of Rome'. This evening, drive to a
local restaurant to enjoy a Highlight Dinner of
typically Roman cuisine with entertainment.
(BB,HD)
DAY 13 – ROME
Sadly, your tour comes to an end today.
Transfers from the hotel arrive at Rome’s
Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07.00 and
09.30 hrs. (BB)
