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Italian Discovery 2013

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Trip Itinerary

  • Day 1

    ARRIVE ROME (2 NIGHTS)

    Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City! Relax after your journey or perhaps take a stroll through this historic city. Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers later for a Welcome Reception. Then, an evening orientation drive will take you to admire and view the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica - a perfect start to your Italian Discovery!


    Meal(s): (Welcome Reception)

    Hotel: NH Leonardo Da Vinci (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 2

    ROME SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

    Your included sightseeing tour with a Local Guide begins at the Vatican Museums. Experience a Unique Insight in the Vatican when you ascend the smooth and step-less spiral staircase designed by famous architect Donato Bramante. Admire Michelangelo’s magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and then visit St. Peter’s Basilica to see his famous Pietà. Your tour continues in ancient Rome. View the Forum and see Circus Maximus, where chariot races were held. Visit the impressive Colosseum. There’s time afterwards to explore the city on your own, or simply relax and watch the world go by!


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

  • Day 3

    ROME - FLORENCE

    Drive north through picturesque scenery to the Renaissance city of Florence in Tuscany. View the city in all its glory from Piazzale Michelangelo. Your Local Guide reveals Florence’s rich cultural heritage during your walking tour. See Piazza Signoria, with its impressive sculptures and imposing palazzi. See the marble Duomo and the famous Baptistery, renowned for its bronze doors with relief sculptures. View the ancient Ponte Vecchio, one of the most famous landmarks in Florence. Afterwards, explore on your own or shop for high quality leather and 18-carat gold jewellery.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

    Hotel: Mediterraneo (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 4

    FLORENCE - PISA - TURIN

    A short journey brings you to Pisa, and the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles. There's time for photos before you continue past the marble quarries of Carrara and the resorts of Portofino, Rapallo and Genoa. Later, enjoy an authentic and memorable Be My Guest lunch of delicious local specialities in a small family-run winery in the renowned wine growing region of Asti. During the late afternoon arrive at your hotel in Turin.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Be My Guest)

    Hotel: Starhotels Majestic (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 5

    TURIN - LAKE COMO - MILAN

    This morning, see the Antonelliana building and the Piazza San Carlo during your orientation tour.of Turin. Then, via Lake Como, you arrive in Milan. Your Local Guide takes you on a tour of the city's spectacular sights including the Galleria, the Gothic Cathedral and the renowned opera house La Scala.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Atahotel Quark (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 6

    MILAN - VERONA - VENICE (2 NIGHTS)

    Stop in Verona, where Shakespeare based his most famous play, to see Juliet’s balcony and the 2,000 year old Roman arena, still in use today. Continue across the Veneto plains to the magical city of Venice.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Villa Mabapa (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 7

    VENICE SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

    View the Doge’s Palace and the Byzantine Basilica on your cruise by private launch to St. Mark’s Square. Watch the Venetian craftsmen at work creating local specialities at a glass blowing workshop on Guidecca Island. Spend free time afterwards as you wish. Relax in a café, shop for souvenirs or take an optional excursion to one of the islands in the lagoon!


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

  • Day 8

    VENICE - FERRARA - BOLOGNA

    Visit Ferrara, a city of artistic importance during the Renaissance. Later, in Bologna - famous for its university, architecture, fine sausages and hams - your Local Guide shows you the sights including Neptune’s fountain, the Kissing Towers and Piazza Maggiore. Don’t forget to sample the excellent local cuisine!


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

    Hotel: Mercure Bologna Centro (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 9

    BOLOGNA - ASSISI - ROME

    Cross the dramatic Apennine Mountains to Assisi on the slopes of Mount Subasio. Enjoy a walking tour of St. Francis’ hometown with a Local Guide. Visit the magnificent Basilica and see the tomb of St. Francis who founded the Franciscan Order in Assisi in 1208. See the Church of St. Mary of the Angels, built on the site of his death. Later, travel south towards Rome, passing the scenic hilltop town of Orte. Tonight, join your companions and Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner with wine.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

    Hotel: Sheraton Golf Parco Dei Medici (SF)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 10

    DEPART ROME

    Say 'arrivederci' to your newfound friends at the end of your memorable Italian holiday. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

What's Included

Insider Experiences

  • Local Speciality Visit Giudecca Island for an insider look at Venetian Arts. See glass-blowing artisans and other craftsmen in action.
  • Be My Guest Dinner with a local family who have lived for generations in the renowned Asti wine producing region. Spumante and Barbera d’Asti are just some of the speciality wines from the area which you will hear about before a delicious home-cooked meal.
  • Local Guide in Rome, Florence, Milan, Bologna and Assisi.
  • Unique Insight Follow in the footsteps of Michelangelo and da Vinci when visiting the Vatican Museums. Ascend the smooth and step-less spiral staircase designed by famous architect Donato Bramante, in a part of the Vatican not open to the public.
  • Hidden Treasure Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure experience, unique to your itinerary, courtesy of your expert Travel Director.

Sightseeing Highlights

  • RomeSightseeing tour with a Local Guide includes views of the ancient Roman Forum and Circus Maximus. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica and see Michelangelo’s Pieta. Visit the Vatican museums and Sistine Chapel. Visit the Colosseum.
  • FlorenceAdmire the panoramic views from Piazzale Michelangelo. Your walking tour with a Local Guide takes you to Signoria Square and includes views of the Duomo, Baptistery, Ponte Vecchio and Santa Croce Basilica.
  • PisaView the Leaning Tower and Square of Miracles.
  • TurinOrientation includes the Antonelliana building and Piazza San Carlo.
  • Italian LakesView beautiful Lake Como.
  • MilanSightseeing with your Local Guide includes views of the Glass Domed Galleria, the Gothic Cathedral and La Scala Opera House.
  • VeronaSee Juliet’s balcony and the Roman Arena.
  • VeniceCanal cruise by private launch to St. Mark’s Square. View the Byzantine Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs.
  • FerraraVisit the medieval city.
  • BolognaWalking tour with your Local Guide includes views of the Kissing Towers and Neptune’s Fountain.
  • AssisiWalking tour with a Local Guide includes a visit of St Francis’ Basilica.

Dining

  • 9 hot buffet breakfasts.

  • 5 evening meals including:
  • Welcome Reception including light snacks and welcome drinks with your Travel Director in Rome.
  • Be My Guest lunch in the Asti.

  • 2 three-course dinners with local wine.
  • Farewell Dinner with wine in Rome.

Travel Highlights

  • First Class hotel accommodation featuring two-bedded rooms and private facilities
  • All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes
  • Travel by luxury, air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and an on-board restroom
  • The services of a professional Travel Director
  • Audio headsets to clearly hear your guide’s commentary on all included sightseeing
  • A travel wallet with your documentation
  • Complimentary keepsake photo and map
  • Airport transfers are included on the arrival and departure days of your trip.

Airport Transfers

  • For full details on transfers, please click here.
Disclaimer
  • These prices are LAND-ONLY and are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
  • All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
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Hotel Class Key
  • SF= Superior First Class, F = First Class, MF = Moderate First Class, ST = Superior Tourist, D = Deluxe and MD = Moderate Deluxe.
  • Hotels are subject to change.
Notes
  • * For single travellers purchasing the twin-share option, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms.
  • ^Twin-share option not available for trips to South America., Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey.

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