Great Italian Cities (Winter 2009/2010)

Details

Tour Operator

Trafalgar Tours

Duration

11 Days

Escorted

Escorted - Yes

Itinerary

Day	Destination	Description
Day 1	Depart USA	Depart USA : Overnight flight to Rome.
Day 2	Rome	Arrive Rome (3 nights) : Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City! On arrival have time to relax or to take a walk around this ascinating city before meeting up with our traveling companions and Tour Director tonight for a Welcome Drink. Hotel: Grand Hotel Palatino (3 nights)
Day 3	Rome	Rome sightseeing : Michelangelo spent 11 years painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, but we will have a little less time to admire it on our included visit of the chapel inside the Vatican Museums! Our guided tour will continue with a visit of St. Peter's Basilica before we cross the River Tiber to ancient Rome where we overlook the Forum and then have a guided visit of the mighty Colosseum. Finally we see the Circus Maximus, where Ben Hur style chariot racing took place, before time at leisure to perhaps explore the city further or to sit at a pavement cafe on the Via Veneto and watch the world go by. Tonight we enjoy dinner together at our hotel. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 4	Rome	Rome at leisure : A full day to enjoy the many attractions this beguiling city has to offer. You can take a trip to visit the Catacombs on the outskirts of the city or maybe venture into the Roman countryside to the perched town of Tivoli to visit the house and gardens of the Villa d'Este. This evening, why not throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return one day to the Eternal City. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 5	Florence	Rome - Assisi - Florence (3 nights) : This morning we leave the city on the seven hills to drive northward and into the Apennine hills to the mystical town of Assisi built on the slopes of Mount Subasio. We'll enjoy a guided visit of the town including St. Francis' Basilica, with its enchanting Giotto frescoes, the narrow cobbled streets of the town and later pass by the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, which stands on the site where he died. Then we head north into Tuscany and Florence where our Tour Director will show us one of the many Hidden Treasures of this beautiful city. Tonight we will enjoy a meal of local specialties in a characteristic restaurant. (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner) Hotel: Boscolo Astoria (3 nights)
Day 6	Florence	Florence sightseeing : The medieval and Renaissance past of this culturally rich city is revealed to us on our guided walking tour. We will see the Piazza Signoria - the political centre of the 15th century city - with its impressive sculptures and imposing palazzos, the multi- marble Duomo and famous Baptistery with the bronze doors designed by the Renaissance artist Ghiberti. We'll also visit the Basilica of the Holy Cross where so many of the great men of Italy are buried. Finally we will enjoy a guided visit of the Academy of Fine Arts where Michelangelo's statue of David will be the focus of our tour. This evening why not enjoy some delicious Tuscan cuisine in one of the country restaurants just outside the city? (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 7	Florence	Florence - Excursion to Pisa : A short drive along the Arno Valley will bring us to the one-time maritime city of Pisa. Although famous for its incredibly leaning tower, Pisa has a lot more to offer. A beautifully sculpted marble Cathedral, the delicate lacework of its Baptistery as well as a cemetery, which is said to have soil brought from Calvary in the Holy Land. We have time to explore these sights in the aptly named Square of Miracles. On our way back to Florence we stop to enjoy a delicious "Be My Guest" lunch in an authentic Tuscan restaurant. Later there is time to shop for high quality leather goods and 18 carat gold jewellery in Florence. (Buffet Breakfast / Be My Guest Lunch)
Day 8	Venice	Florence - Bologna - Venice (3 nights) : We cross the Apennines and enter the gastronomic heart of the country in Emilia Romagna, where we stop in the provincial capital of Bologna. Famed for its various sausages and salamis, Bologna is also home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. It is a charming city of arcades and more leaning towers - two of which are known as "the kissing towers" as they lean towards each other as if in an embrace! These sights and more will be included on our tour with the local guide. Then across the plains of the Veneto, crossing the River Po to Venice - a city built in flight from the Barbarians descending from the north - and constructed on wooden piles in the Venetian Lagoon. There is no other city like it - it is sure to put a spell on you! This evening, what would be better as an introduction to this enchanting place than a gondola ride along the picturesque canals? Dinner is included at our hotel. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner) Hotel: Continental (3 nights)
Day 9	Venice	Venice - Canal Cruise and Orientation : Savour the sights and sounds of this Byzantine city as we cruise across to St. Mark's Square by private launch. We'll see the Bridge of Sighs, Palladian Churches, Customs House, Grand Canal, St. Mark's Basilica and Campanile as well as the Doge's Palace on our orientation of the city. A stroll across St. Mark's Square will bring us to one of the oldest glass-blowing workshops on the islands to witness how this ancient craft is performed. Then you are free to perhaps visit the Fine Arts Academy, to spend some time at one of the caf's on St. Mark's Square - the most elegant drawing room in Europe - or to enjoy a lagoon cruise to the Island of Burano for a delicious seafood lunch! (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 10	Venice	Secret Venice walking tour and visit to the market : Today with our local guide we enjoy a guided commentary using our effective audio system, which will bring the city to life as we cruise along the Grand Canal to the Rialto Bridge. We cross the Rialto and visit the colorful fish market, which has existed for centuries, and then enjoy a walking tour through the "calle" seeing sites such as the house of Marco Polo and other unusual as well as beautiful architectural works of art. The balance of the day is at leisure to perhaps visit one of the many museums or art galleries. This evening we get together with our fellow travelers and celebrate the last night of our touring experience at a Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant. (Buffet Breakfast / Farwell Dinner)
Day 11	Return USA	Venice - USA : This morning wish Italy "arrivederci". There is a transfer to Marco Polo Airport, conditions apply, for your flight home.. (Buffet Breakfast)

Dates/Pricing

Disclaimer

* This list indicates brochure rates and dates.
** For single travellers purchasing the twin-share option, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms.
For details on discounts that apply to this tour please refer to a brochure or see your Travel Agent.
The displayed prices are based on twin-share accommodation. A single supplement price is available on request.

- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.