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READ MORE...From Rome to Catania! During this comprehensive 17 day tour you will visit Italy's classic cites of Rome, Florence & Venice with its many cultural & historic attractions, then discover the charms of the Tuscan countryside & the wonderful landscapes & incredible views of the Amalfi Coast, followed by the highlights of Sicily!
Monday - An early departure from Rome is planned and the tour heads to Assisi. On arrival, there will be free time to explore this tiny town surrounded by ancient Middle Ages walls on your own. We suggest visiting the Basilica of St. Francis, resplendent with the masterpieces of Giotto and Cimabue. Lunch break (not included). Take time to enjoy lunch on your own, before continuing by coach to Siena. This medieval town is surrounded by ancient walls and known for the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, the town square famous for hosting the Palio horse race. Later in the day, the tour arrives in Florence where you'll enjoy dinner & a well-earned night of rest. (D)
Tuesday - After breakfast at your hotel, you'll enjoy a guided tour of this beautiful city where the Italian genius for art reached its pinnacle. City of Etruscan- Roman origins, it flourished in the Middle Ages as a free commune. Further refined by Renaissance, Florence is known as the 'Cradle of Renaissance' for its monuments, churches and buildings. The best-known site and the crowning architectural jewel of Florence is the domed cathedral of the city, Santa Maria del Fiore, known as The Duomo and that we will visit. On your visit, you will be amazed by its magnificent dome built by Filippo Brunelleschi. We will then proceed to the nearby Campanile tower (partly designed by Giotto) and the Baptistery with the golden bronze doors, so beautiful that they were called the 'Gates of Paradise' by Michelangelo himself. In the heart of the city, you will see Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo della Signoria also known as Palazzo Vecchio, and the Santa Croce Basilica. Lunch today will be at a typical Tuscan restaurant in Santa Croce square. The afternoon will be free to continue exploring on your own, stroll through the cobblestone streets of Florence or shopping. Alternatively, you can take an optional excursion to Pisa, one of the four main historical Marine Republics of Italy, where you will tour the Piazza dei Miracoli with the Duomo, Pisa’s symbol “the Leaning Tower” and the Baptistery. (B.L)
Wednesday - This morning, after breakfast in your hotel, the tour continues on to Bologna. Famous for its cuisine (la Cucina Bolognese), it is considered by Italians to be the nation's Food Capital. It is much loved for its architecture and its elegant, extensive arcades (or porticos) and characteristic architectural palette of terracotta reds, burnt oranges, and warm yellows, hence the name of Bologna la Rossa (Bologna the red). From Piazza Malpighi, we will walk to Piazza del Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore in the heart of the city, where you will find Neptune fountain, King Renzo Palace, Podestà Palace and the Basilica of San Petronio, one of the biggest in the world. After some free time for lunch on your own, the tour continues towards Padua, famous for its original Sant' Antonio Basilica. later in the afternoon, you will arrive in Venice, one of the most romantic cities in the world, renown its gondolas (classic Venetian boat) and elegant & refined art. Hotel check-in, & dinner at your hotel in Venice. (B.D)
Thursday - After breakfast, enjoy your private water-taxi transfer to Piazza San Marco to visit the splendid St.Mark’s Basilica with “Skip the Line” tickets and admire the most iconic places of the 'Floating City': the Doge's Palace, symbol of the glory & authority of Venice's past, and the legendary Bridge of Sighs which passes over the Rio di Palazzo and connects the old prisons to the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace. This afternoon is free to pass as you please, revisiting points of historic interest from the morning tour or simply walking through the maze of Venice's streets, and then return to the hotel for dinner. (B.D)
Friday - This morning, the coach will depart from Piazzale Roma and head to Tuscany, known for its romantic landscapes, its churches, castles and famous wines. You will proceed to Val di Chiana for a stop in Montepulciano, a medieval town rich in history & art and well-known for its "Nobili" wine. Montepulciano is also the host of an annual jazz and wine festival every July. Spend the afternoon discovering Montepulciano at your own pace, where you can enjoy free wine tastings in local wine shops and free time for shopping. In the evening, arrive in Rome to check in into your hotel. In the evening the tour will arrive in Rome for hotel check-in. (B)
Saturday - Following breakfast, depart from your hotel between 7:45-8:00 am for a tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peters’s Basilica with our exclusive “Skip the Line” access. Your guide will lead you to the museums where you’ll visit one of the most important art collections in the world. Walk along the beautiful Galleries of Tapestries and Geographical Maps before admiring Raphael’s Rooms and, then, the amazing Sistine Chapel. After this incredible masterpiece, you will be taken by a privileged door to St. Peters’s Basilica: the biggest church in the world! The tour ends in St. Peter’s Square and you are free to spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your own leisure, or perhaps book an optional afternoon or evening tour. (B)
Sunday - Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and a full day free to relax, continue exploring the Eternal City on your own or perhaps taking part in an optional excursion. (B)
Monday - Early today, at around 7:00 am, you'll be picked at your hotel and depart by motor-coach will take to Italy's celebrated Amalfi Coast. Your journey begins heading south along the so-called Sun Highway, crossing the fertile Roman countryside and the area known as Castelli Romani, dotted with enchanting medieval villages. Arrive in Naples, one of the largest and well-known cities in Italy for a short panoramic tour climbing up to Vomero hill to enjoy beautiful views of the Gulf of Naples with the Vesuvius, Capri, Ischia and Procida and the city below; time to take some nice pictures. Descending towards the port of Mergellina, you will leave the city and travel south toward Mount Vesuvius, to reach the town of Ercolano where we will stop for lunch. The lunch break will be served in a first class hotel in Ercolano, set in monumental grounds with one of the best examples of what eclectic gardens were during the 1700s. After lunch, you will reach Pompeii to enter into the world-famous site with “Skip the Line” tickets. Visit the haunting ruins of Pompeii, travelling back in time to the tragic days in 79 AD when the silent Mount Vesuvius suddenly erupted, covering the prosperous Roman city in deadly volcanic ashes and poisonous gases, leaving this prosperous city crystallized until our days. You’ll learn how people lived at that time, visiting houses and “bars” of the time, admiring frescoes and mosaics to imagine how rich and prosperous was the city before that fateful day. After the visit, continue along the Sorrentine Coast, arriving in Sorrento in time for dinner (dress code: a jacket for men) at your new hotel. (B.L.D)
Tuesday - After breakfast, we board the boat for the Island of Capri where, weather and sea conditions permitting, we will visit the Blue Grotto in small rowing boats. Lunch today will be held at a local restaurant followed by free time to explore on your own or perhaps enjoy coffee in the Piazzetta, the epicentre of Capri which, with its exclusive bars, has become the 'world's sitting room'. In the afternoon depart from Capri and return to Sorrento for dinner at your hotel. (B.L.D)
Wednesday - This morning after breakfast, you will have some free time to enjoy Sorrento before departing for Naples harbour to board the Tirrenia Ferry boat to Palermo. Let the waves rock you to sleep as you overnight on board. Dinner tonight & Thursday morning's breakfast are not included. (B)
Thursday - Arriving in Palermo a transfer will take you to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is free to explore on your own. Dinner tonight will be included at your hotel. (D)
Friday - After breakfast, depart for Monreale, an ancient royal town famous for its almonds, olive oil and citrus fruits, as well as its fine Norman architecture. Visit the elaborate Cathedral of Monreale or perhaps shop for local produce to take home. Back in Palermo, enjoy a walking tour of the city. Wander the streets of the Old Town, hearing tales of Palermo’s 3,000-year history and discovering attractions like Palermo Cathedral. Walk inside this impressive looking place of worship and marvel at its arches, cupolas & mosaics. Enjoy free time in the late afternoon, then return to your hotel for dinner. (B.D)
Saturday - Early breakfast and departure to Erice, a medieval village stacked into the side of Monte San Giuliano. Many say that little has changed in the village since the sixth century, and its labyrinth-like twist of lanes is perfect for a cool and pleasant morning amble. Continue to visit the Saline, an extraordinary lagoon, where history, nature, archaeology find a perfect synthesis and allow the visitor to try different, unique and charming experiences. Have a nice boat trip to the islands, located nearby. The tour of the natural reserve of the “Stagnone di Marsala” is a one of a kind archaeological and naturalistic experience. Board on these special boats, designed ad hoc to be able to navigate in the lagoon bottoms that at low tide reach only 25 cm. With a helpful audioguide, you will admire all the islands of the lagoon of the Stagnone up close, remaining comfortably seated in the boat, sailing at a speed of 4 knots. You will pass from the Island of Mozia, Isola Lunga, Isola di Schola, from the Ancient Via Puni - ca Sommersa. After this wonderful experience enjoy your lunch in a restaurant by the lagoon. Return to your coach and travel to Agrigento, your final destination of the day. Visit Ancient Greek monuments and ruins at the Valley of Temples (entrance included) - a UNESCO World Heritage site - and learn about archaeological relics like the Classical Temple of Concord the Temple of Hercules; the Temple of Jupiter, one of the largest Doric-style buildings. Check in to your hotel in the evening and enjoy dinner at the hotel. (B.D)
Sunday - Breakfast at the hotel and travel to Piazza Armerina, a pretty and historic town nestled into the heart of Sicily. Entrance in Villa Romana del Casale to admire the largest, richest and most complex Roman mosaics in the world. It is one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy since 1997. The mosaics spread over 3,500 sqm show mythological scenes and portrayals of daily life. Depart to Ragusa and visit of the enchanting historical centre “Ibla”, with its stunning baroque palaces and churches; together with other seven cities in the Val di Noto, Ragusa is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit the old gate of San Giorgio, the Giardini Iblei and then walk to Piazza Pola where we will visit the church of San Giuseppe: a little gem. Be enchanted by the elegant Cathedral of San Giorgio, the Church of the Souls in Purgatory and the magnificent Cosentini palace, one of the most interesting Late Baroque palaces in Sicily! Arrive in Ragusa where you will check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner. (B.D)
Monday - Breakfast at the hotel and travel to Noto, a picturesque fishing town popular for its stately Baroque architecture. Visit the Cathedral of San Nicolò, recently restored after an earthquake, and then have a nice walk in the town’s centre. Continue along the south coast to Syracuse, on Sicily’s southeastern tip. Visit “Parco Archeologico della Neapolis”, Syracuse’s famous archaeological area, home to a vast collection of Greek and Roman ruins from all over Sicily. Head inside to see impressive landmarks such as the Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater and the Ear of Dionysi - us – an artificial limestone cave. After the visit, cross one of the city’s bridges for a visit to the island of Ortygia – the most ancient part of Syracuse - home to a wealth of Baroque churches and medieval palaces. In the late afternoon arrive in Taormina, check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner. (B.D)
Tuesday - Breakfast at your hotel and then head off to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe and the highest mountain in Italy. Learn about volcanic activity and marvel at the old lava fields and black magma rock that comprises Etna’s landscape. If weather permits, you have a chance to climb to the summit (1800 m). In the afternoon return to Taormina, the beautiful and romantic town located on Mount Tauro, and spend the rest of your day at leisure before dinner at your hotel. (B.D)
Wednesday - Today marks the end of your tour, finishing with breakfast at the hotel. At the appropriate time, make your way to the airport to board your return flight home.(B)
Tour departs on April 6 & 27; May 11 & 25; June 8 & 22; July 6; August 10 & 24; September 7 & 21; October 5 & 26, 2020.