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ITINERARY
Day 1 – Rome at Leisure
You will be met on arrival and transferred to the Cristoforo Colombo Hotel. After checking in, the rest of the day is at leisure. Later join your Tour Director for a Welcome Meeting. Hotel: Cristoforo Colombo.
Day 2 – Rome – Venice
We pass Etruscan hill towns and olive groves on our way to Assisi where we see the great Basilica of St. Francis. Then we cross the Appenine Mountains and descend onto the vast Venetian plain and continue to our hotel. Hotel: Park Hotel in Villa Marcello Giustinian. (B,D)
Day 3 – Venice Sightseeing
A private launch takes us along the Guidecca canal past monumental architecture to St. Mark's Square. The palatial residences seem to float on the water, gondolas bob beneath the Bridge of Sighs – the city itself is a poem. We cruise by St. George Island then see a master create a work of art in glass. Later, perhaps combine a lagoon cruise with a delicious seafood lunch. (B,D)
Day 4 – Venice – Italian Lakes
Cameras at the ready this morning as we stroll the narrow streets of Verona to see Juliet's balcony and also the Roman arena. We continue past the Italian fashion capital, Milan, before heading north to the Italian Lake District, close to the Swiss border. Relax and admire the scenery as we make our way to our hotel. Hotel: Le Terrazze. (B,D)
Day 5 – Italian Lakes Excursion
Our drive around the shores of Lake Maggiore provides beautiful vistas of mountains and islands as we pass through picturesque towns and villages. We stop in the lakeside resort of Stresa and there is a chance to take an excursion to Isola Bella, one of the picturesque Borromean Islands. (B,D)
Day 6 – Italian Lakes – Tuscany
We marvel at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, completed in 1350 and, being set in the Field of Miracles, it may avoid falling over! Next to the tower we also see the amazing white marble Cathedral, which dates from the 11th century. We continue our journey to the Tuscan spa town of Montecatini. Hotel: Minerva Palace. (B,D)
Day 7 – Florence Sightseeing
We drive to Florence which began life as an Etruscan village centuries before Christ and flourished during the Renaissance as a centre of art and culture. We view the city from Piazzale Michelangelo before watching a demonstration of leatherwork. Then we are at leisure to see the Cathedral, Giotto's Belltower and the rest of Florence's sights. (B,D)
Day 8 – Tuscany – Naples
This morning we leave Tuscany to head southwards, passing by the hilltop Abbey of Monte Cassino, and on to the colourful city of Naples, birthplace of the 'pizza', where we stay for the next two nights.
Hotel: Holiday Inn. (B)
Day 9 – Sorrento Excursion
A dramatic clifftop drive brings us to the peaceful resort of Sorrento, known for its many beautiful gardens. There is also an opportunity to join an optional excursion to the Isle of Capri, which has beckoned famous visitors for over 2,000 years. Later, after free time in Sorrento, we return to our hotel in Naples for dinner. (B,D)
Day 10 – Naples – Rome
This morning you may wish to take the opportunity of visiting the excavations at Pompeii where, in AD79, the city was covered by the eruption of Vesuvius. It is so completely preserved that visitors are able to comprehend the daily life of the Roman people. Then we stop at the Commonwealth cemetery of Cassino, overlooked by the imposing abbey, before driving on through vine-covered hills to return to our hotel in Rome. Hotel: Grand Hotel Fleming. (B)
Day 11 – Rome Sightseeing
Rome, as one of the world's greatest historical cities, offers unparalleled views of the past. Our expert local guide interprets what we see in a tour, which begins with a visit to the Vatican City and the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica. There's time for an optional visit to the Sistine Chapel to see Michaelangelo's amazing ceiling depicting the creation. Then we continue by crossing the Tiber to see the Colosseum; begun in 72AD and the scene of many hard fought gladiatorial contests, this model for all subsequent stadiums still has the power to impress. Finally, we see the ancient Forum and then there is still time to explore. Tonight, why not say 'Arrivederci' to all your new friends at a farewell Dinner Party? (B)
Day 12 – Rome
Our tour ends after breakfast with a transfer to Rome Airport. (B)
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