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Best of Italy (Winter 2012/2013)

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The Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Assisi, ItalyIsle of Capri in the province of Naples, ItalyThe Leaning Tower of Pisa, ItalyThe ruins of Pompeii near Naples, ItalyColosseum during Christmas in Rome, ItalyCeilings within Vatican City, ItalyLake Maggiore in Stresa, ItalyVenice, Italy
The Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Assisi, Italy
Isle of Capri in the province of Naples, Italy
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy
The ruins of Pompeii near Naples, Italy
Colosseum during Christmas in Rome, Italy
Ceilings within Vatican City, Italy
Lake Maggiore in Stresa, Italy
Venice, Italy
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Guest Experiences

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Trip Itinerary

  • Day 1

    ARRIVE ROME (2 NIGHTS)

    Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City! Spend the rest of your day relaxing or take a leisurely stroll around the city. Join your companions and your Travel Director later for a Welcome Reception. Then enjoy an orientation drive to see St. Peter's Basilica and other sights - a great introduction to this beautiful city.


    Meal(s): (Welcome Reception)

    Hotel: Milton (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

    Visit St. Peter's Basilica with your expert Local Guide, one of the most important Christian churches in the world. Across the Tiber, view the Forum, centre of daily life in ancient Rome, and the Circus Maximus where chariot races were held. Later visit inside the mighty Colosseum. Then spend free time this afternoon seeing the sights of your choice. This evening, why not discover the city's culinary delights?


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

  • Day 3

    ROME - MONTE CASSINO - SORRENTO (2 NIGHTS)

    Visit the Sistine Chapel this morning to see Michelangelo's famous frescoed ceiling. Then travel south to the Commonwealth Cemetery in Monte Cassino which lies below the famous Abbey that was the site of a fierce battle in May 1944. Continue south through the fertile Campania region to the Bay of Naples in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, and along the coast to Sorrento. Dine tonight at your hotel.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Johanna Park (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

    ISLE OF CAPRI EXCURSION

    Witness the Local Speciality art of inlaid wood-working, for which Sorrento is famous. Later, embark on an included excursion by ferry to the Isle of Capri. See the local gardens and other sights during an orientation walk of Capri town with a Local Guide. Spend time exploring this lovely island on your own. Perhaps consider visiting the villa of the Swedish doctor, Axel Munthe. Join your companions this evening in Sorrento for a delicious Be My Guest dinner at a picturesque lemon farm.


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

  • Day 5

    SORRENTO - POMPEII - ASSISI

    This morning, your expert Local Guide tells you all about the devastation caused by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79 during your included walking tour of Pompeii. Assisi is your next destination. This mystical town is perched on the slopes of Mount Subasio overlooking the peaceful Umbrian landscape. Under the protection of St. Francis this city is still enclosed by medieval ramparts. Your Local Guide takes you on a walking tour, which includes a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, famous for its frescoes depicting the life of this much-loved saint. Spend time afterwards exploring on your own and shopping for souvenirs. Dine at your hotel this evening.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Ora Cenacolo (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

    ASSISI - CLASSE - VENICE (2 NIGHTS)

    Driving north from Assisi, cross the Apennines to the Adriatic Coast and the town of Classe, famous for ancient mosaics and Byzantine architecture. Visit the Church of St. Apollinaris. View the Romanesque Basilica of Pomposa en-route to Venice, Queen of the Adriatic, where you stay for two nights.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Principe/Amadeus (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

    Your cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square is magical! View the Bridge of Sighs, the beautiful Doge's Palace and the Basilica. Watch a Local Speciality demonstration of the ancient art of glass-blowing at a traditional workshop. Spend free time seeing the sights of your choice. You might like to cruise across the lagoon to the Island of Burano and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

  • Day 8

    VENICE - VERONA - MILAN - ITALIAN LAKES (2 NIGHTS)

    Stop in Verona, the home of Shakespeare's starcrossed lovers, to admire the Roman arena and Juliet's balcony. Cross the plains of Lombardy to the fashionable city of Milan for a walking tour with an expert Local Guide. See the Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera house and the famous Galleria. Then travel to your hotel in the scenic Italian Lake District. Dine tonight at your hotel.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Palace Grand Varese (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

    FULL FREE DAY TO RELAX IN THE ITALIAN LAKES

    Discover the beautiful Italian Lakes with a completely free day or consider an excursion with your Travel Director.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

  • Day 10

    LAKE MAGGIORE - PISA - FLORENCE (2 NIGHTS)

    Travel through Lombardy and pass by Genoa to Pisa. View the extraordinary Leaning Tower before arriving in Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. Tonight, you might like to sample some local Tuscan cuisine.


    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 11

    FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

    Your expert Local Guide brings the city's rich history to life during your walking tour. See the Cathedral and Signoria Square and view Ponte Vecchio. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo. Spend free time exploring or shop for high quality leather and gold.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

  • Day 12

    FLORENCE - SIENA - ROME

    Set in scenic Tuscan countryside, visit the medieval town of Siena, famous for its exciting Palio horse race. This evening in Rome, join your Travel Director and newfound friends for a Farewell Dinner.


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

    Hotel: Milton (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 13

    DEPART ROME

    Say 'arrivederci Roma' at the end of your memorable holiday in Italy. Transfers are available to Rome Fiumicino Airport. Conditions apply.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

What's Included

Insider Experiences

  • Be My Guest Speciality dinner with wine on a working lemon farm in Sorrento.
  • Local Speciality Visit an inlaid wood workshop in Sorrento.
  • Local Speciality Visit a traditional glass-blowing factory in Venice.
  • Hidden Treasure Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure experience, unique to your itinerary, courtesy of your expert Travel Director.
  • Local Guide For included sightseeing in Rome, Pompeii, Capri, Assisi, Milan and Florence.

Sightseeing Highlights

  • RomeView the Forum and Circus Maximus. Visit St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum.
  • Monte CassinoVisit the Commonwealth War Cemetery.
  • PompeiiVisit the excavations.
  • SorrentoCruise to the Isle of Capri.
  • AssisiVisit St. Francis' Basilica.
  • ClasseVisit the Church of St. Apollinaris and admire its mosaics.
  • PomposaView the ancient Romanesque Abbey.
  • VeniceCanal cruise by private launch. View St. Mark's Square, the Basilica, the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs.
  • VeronaSee the Roman arena and Juliet's balcony.
  • Milan† Guided tour includes Duomo, La Scala and the Galleria.
  • PisaView the Leaning Tower.
  • FlorenceSee the Cathedral and Signoria Square and view Ponte Vecchio. Admire Florentine leatherwork and then enjoy views from Piazzale Michelangelo.
  • SienaVisit this medieval Tuscan city, home of the Palio horse race.
  • † Note:Certain departures may visit Milan on Day 10.

Dining

  • 12 hot buffet breakfasts.
  • 7 evening meals:
  • Welcome Reception with your Travel Director in Rome including light snacks and a Welcome Drink.

  • 4 three-course dinners with local wine.
  • Be My Guest dinner in Sorrento.

  • Farewell Dinner with wine in Rome.

Travel Highlights

  • First Class hotel accommodation featuring twin rooms and private facilities.
  • All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
  • Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and an onboard restroom.
  • The services of a professional multi-lingual Travel Director throughout your journey.
  • Cruise to the Isle of Capri.
  • A stylish wallet, travel documents and map.
  • Audio HeadsetsFor all guided visits and included sightseeing.
  • Complimentary keepsake photo and My Journey book.

Airport Transfers

  • For full details on transfers, please click here.
Disclaimer
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  • 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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