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Day 1 - Depart USA
Overnight flight to Rome.
Day 2 - Arrive Rome (2 nights)
Welcome to Rome, the capital of Italy, and the Eternal City! After
check-in the remainder of the day is at leisure, perhaps to relax or
explore. Later, enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director and traveling
companions.
Hotel: Mediterraneo (2 nights)
Day 3 - Rome sightseeing and at leisure
The first highlight of our day with our local guide is a visit to the
Sistine Chapel where the works of Michelangelo are brought to life by the
guide's clear and exciting commentary thanks to the use of an excellent
audio system. Then we head into St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, to
see this amazing building. From here we cross the Tiber into ancient Rome
to overlook the Forum and the Circus Maximus, where chariot races took
place, and to visit the mighty Colosseum. The rest of your day is at
leisure and this evening why not discover the city’s culinary delights
(Buffet breakfast)
Day 4 - Rome – Pompeii C – Sorrento (2 nights)
Today our journey takes us past the Abbey of Monte Cassino en route to
the Bay of Naples. Next we will enjoy a walking tour with audio equipment,
of Pompeii, the town frozen in time when it was engulfed by the eruption
of Vesuvius in AD 79. Later, we continue our journey along the coastline
to Sorrento where we spend the next two nights. (Buffet breakfast)
Hotel: Parco Del Sole / Johanna Park (2 nights)
Day 5 - Isle of Capri Excursion
After breakfast, we witness the art of inlaid wood-working, one of the
crafts of the Sorrento peninsula. After we will embark on an excursion by
ferry to the Isle of Capri where we will enjoy a walking tour of Capri
town and gardens using our excellent audio system. There's plenty of time
to explore this lovely island. Why not visit the villa of the Swedish
doctor Axel Munthe We return to Sorrento where tonight for dinner, we
enjoy the delicious local produce on a local working lemon farm. (Buffet
breakfast / 'Be my guest' dinner)
Day 6 - Sorrento – Assisi
This morning's drive will take us to the province of Umbria and
mystical Assisi, perched on Mount Subasio and overlooking a peaceful
Umbrian landscape. This city under the protection of St. Francis is still
enclosed by medieval ramparts. On our arrival a guided walking tour with
audio system includes the Basilica of St. Francis, famous for its fresco
paintings depicting the life of this much-loved saint. Later time is your
own to do as you please. Why not shop for local handicrafts This evening
we will dine at our hotel. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Giotto
Day 7 - Assisi – Ravenna – Venice (Mestre) (2 nights)
We enjoy a morning drive through the Apennines to the Adriatic Coast
and the Roman town of Ravenna with its ancient mosaics and Byzantine
architecture. Here we will visit the Church of St. Apollinaris in Classe
before seeing the Romanesque Basilica of Pomposa. Next we drive to the
floating city of Venice for our two-night stay. (Buffet breakfast /
Dinner)
Hotel: NH Laguna Palace (2 nights)
Day 8 - Venice sightseeing and at leisure
This morning after breakfast we will absorb this city's unique
atmosphere on our included canal cruise by private motor launch to St.
Mark's Square. We view the Bridge of Sighs, Doge’s Palace and Basilica.
Afterwards we will stop to visit a traditional glass-blowing factory to
witness a demonstration of this ancient art. Today our Tour Director
shares one of the many Hidden Treasure of Venice with us all and there is
still time to cruise across the lagoon to discover the colourful Island of
Burano and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 9 - Venice (Mestre) – Verona – Milan – Lake Maggiore (Baveno)
(2 nights)
Our day will start with a drive to the home of Shakespeare's
star-crossed lovers, Verona. We stop to admire the Roman Arena and
Juliet's balcony. From here we cross the plains of Lombardy to the
fashionable city of Milan for a walking tour which shows us the gothic
Duomo, La Scala Opera house and the famous Galleria. Finally, we make our
way to our hotel in the Italian Lake District for dinner and our overnight
stay. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Splendid (2 nights)
Day 10 - Lugano Excursion
We drive into the Ticino, the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland,
where we stop to visit the beautiful resort of Lugano. On our arrival
there's time to shop or simply relax with a cappuccino in the main square.
Later, we return to our hotel beside Lake Maggiore. (Buffet breakfast /
Dinner)
Day 11 - Lake Maggiore (Baveno) – Pisa – Florence (2 nights)
We drive across the Plains of Lombardy and the forested Apennine
Mountains and pass by Genoa. Next off to Pisa to see the extraordinary
Leaning Tower before arriving at Florence, cradle of the Renaissance.
Tonight, why not venture out into the hills surrounding the city for a
meal of excellent Tuscan cuisine accompanied by some delicious Chianti
wine (Buffet breakfast)
Hotel: Grand Mediterraneo (2 nights)
Day 12 - Florence sightseeing and at leisure
The cathedral, Signoria Square and a visit to Santa Croce Basilica
feature on our guided walking tour, enhanced by the use of our audio
system. Later, enjoy a panoramic view from Piazzale Michelangelo before
free time. Perhaps discover the artistic wonders in the museums or shop
for high quality leather and gold. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 13 - Florence – Siena – Rome
We enjoy a scenic drive through the Chianti wine-producing region to
medieval Siena, famous for its exciting Palio horse race. Here there's
time to explore the wonders of this city and maybe shop for beautiful
ceramic pottery. We arrive in Rome late in the afternoon. This evening, we
all enjoy a Farewell Dinner together. (Buffet breakfast / Farewell dinner)
Hotel: Sheraton Golf
Day 14 - Rome – USA
'Buon viaggio’ to our Tour Director and new-found friends as our
Italian vacation comes to an end. There are airport transfers available,
conditions apply. (Buffet breakfast)
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