Italian Scene - Preview 2017

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 consider a stroll around this fascinating city and take in the vibrant atmosphere. Hotel Ergife Palace 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 in ancient Rome and view the mighty Colosseum and see the ancient sites of Rome. Please note: Due to religious celebrations throughout the Holy Year of Mercy the Rome included sightseeing may be modified. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast 3. ROME – SORRENTO – BAY OF NAPLES Today head south to the Bay of Naples. Drive to the nearby resort of Sorrento to visit an inlaid wood workshop. Then consider an Optional Experience to Positano and the Amalfi Coast. Later enjoy dinner at the hotel. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Dinner Hotel Stabia 4. BAY OF NAPLES – MONTE CASSINO – ASSISI Perhaps join an Optional Experience guided walking tour of Pompeii, which lay undiscovered beneath a layer of volcanic ash for centuries after Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. Afterwards leave the Bay of Naples and see the monastery at Monte Cassino, the scene of fierce fighting during the Second World War. Continue north to the mystical town of Assisi, built on the fertile slopes of Mount Subasio in Umbria. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Dinner Hotel Frate Sole 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, who was born here in 1182. See the sights of St. Francis' birthplace, including the medieval ramparts. Your journey continues north across the dramatic Apennine Mountains to near the magical, romantic city of Venice. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Dinner Hotel Il Burchiello 6. VENICE ORIENTATION AND FREE TIME Your day starts with a 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. Watch the Venetian craftsmen at work creating local specialities at a glassblowing workshop on Giudecca island. 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 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. View the vast Roman Arena, where concerts are still held regularly 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 where you dine tonight. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Dinner Hotel Starhotels Grand Milan 8. ITALIAN LAKES (SARONNO) – PISA – FLORENCE This morning travel south to the famous town of Pisa. In 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 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 of the city's history during your walking tour, which includes views of the Baptistery, Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiori, the impressive Giotto's Bell Tower, and a visit to Piazza della Signoria. Shop for high quality leather and 18-carat gold jewellery, for which Florence is renowned 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 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