Itinerary :
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Day
1 - Arrive Rome ( 2 nights )
Welcome to Rome, the capital of Italy, and the Eternal City!
After check-in the remainder of the day is at leisure, perhaps
to relax or explore. Tonight we enjoy a Welcome Drink with our
Tour Director and traveling companions.
Hotel: Milton Rome
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Day 2 -
Rome
Sightseeing & At Leisure
This
morning our guided sightseeing tour begins with
a visit to St. Peter's Square and to the awe-inspiring Basilica. Then we rejoin the coach and drive by the area of Trastevere, cross the River Tiber and see the Tiberina Island before viewing the Circus Maximus, where the chariot races were held, which is overlooked by the Palatine Hill. We continue to the Colosseum where we learn about the events that took place here, particularly gladiatorial combat. Later you will have the opportunity to maybe explore the ancient Catacombs on the old Appian Way. ( Buffet Breakfast )
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Day 3 -
Rome Sightseeing
– Pompeii – Sorrento ( 2 nights )
Firstly,this morning we enjoy a guided visit of Michelangelo's miraculous Sistine Chapel inside the Vatican Museums before we leave Rome and head south, with views of the Abbey of Monte Cassino, en route to the Bay of Naples. Next we will enjoy a guided tour of Pompeii, the town frozen in time when it was engulfed by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD79. Finally our journey continues along the coastline to Sorrento and we enjoy a Highlight Dinner in a local restaurant tonight. ( Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner ) Hotel: Johanna Park
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Day 4 -
Isle
of Capri Excursion
After breakfast, we witness the art
of inlaid woodworking, one of the crafts of the Sorrento
peninsula. After we will embark on an excursion by ferry to the
Isle of Capri. There is plenty of time to explore this lovely
island with its narrow streets, beautiful gardens and tempting
boutiques. (Buffet Breakfast)
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Day 5 -
Sorrento – Assisi
This morning’s drive will take us
to the province of Umbria and mystical Assisi, perched on Mount
Subasio and overlooking a peaceful Umbrian landscape. This city
under the protection of St. Francis is still enclosed by
medieval ramparts. On our arrival a guided sightseeing tour includes
the Basilica of St. Francis, famous for its fresco paintings
depicting the life of this much-loved saint. Then we will have free time to explore this charming town before continuing to our hotel. ( Buffet Breakfast / Dinner ) Hotel: Subasio
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Day 6 -
Assisi – Ravenna – Venice ( 2 nights )
We enjoy
a scenic morning drive to the Roman town of Ravenna with its ancient mosaics and Byzantine architecture. Here we will visit the Church of St. Apollinaris in Classe before seeing the Romanesque Basilica of Pomposa. Next we drive to the floating city of Venice for our two-night stay.
( Buffet Breakfast / Dinner ) Hotel: NH Laguna Palace
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Day 7 -
Venice Sightseeing and At Leisure
This
morning after breakfast we will absorb this city’s unique
atmosphere on our included canal cruise by private motor launch
to St. Mark’s Square. We view the Bridge of Sighs, Doge’s Palace
and Basilica of St. Mark. After, we will stop to visit a
traditional glass-blowing factory to witness a demonstration of
this ancient art. Then with time on your own you may wish to
discover the Island of Burano and enjoy a delicious seafood
lunch. Later, a gondola serenade would be hard to resist! ( Buffet Breakfast )
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Day 8 -
Venice – Verona – Milan – Italian Lakes ( 2 nights )
Our
day will start with a drive to the home of Shakespeare’s
star-crossed lovers, Verona. We stop to admire the Roman Arena
and Juliet’s balcony. From here we cross the plains of Lombardy
to the fashionable city of Milan. Here we see the gothic Duomo,
La Scala opera house and the famous Galleria. Finally, we make
our way to our hotel in the Italian Lake District for dinner and
our overnight stay. ( Buffet Breakfast / Dinner )
Hotel: Chateau Porro Pirelli Varese
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Day 9 -
Lugano Excursion ( Switzerland )
This
morning we will enjoy an excursion into the Ticino, the Italian
speaking region of Switzerland where we stop to visit the
beautiful lakeside resort of Lugano. On our arrival there is time
to shop and enjoy some lunch. Perhaps take a walk through the
lakeside gardens. ( Buffet Breakfast / Dinner )
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Day 10 -
Italian Lakes – Pisa – Florence ( 2 nights )
Our
morning drive takes us via the Plains of Lombardy and cross the
Apennine Mountains passing the region of Genoa, the birthplace of Christopher
Columbus. Then we travel southwards to Pisa to see the
extraordinary Leaning Tower before arriving in Florence, cradle
of the Renaissance.
( Buffet Breakfast ) Hotel: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo
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Day 11 -
Florence Sightseeing and At Leisure
The
Cathedral, Signoria Square and a visit to the Basilica of Santa
Croce feature on our guided sightseeing tour on foot. Later,
enjoy a panoramic view from Piazzale Michelangelo before free
time. Perhaps discover the artistic wonders in the museums or
shop for leather and gold. Tonight, we enjoy a 'Be My Guest' dinner in a local family run restaurant where we can taste authentic regional specialities. ( Buffet Breakfast / 'Be My Guest' Dinner )
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Day 12 -
Florence – Siena – Rome
We
enjoy a scenic drive through the Chianti wine-producing region
to medieval Siena, famous for its exciting Palio horse race.
Here there is time to explore the wonders of this city and maybe
shop for beautiful locally produced ceramics. Tonight we enjoy a
Farewell Dinner with wine in a local restaurant.
( Buffet
Breakfast / Farewell Dinner ) Hotel: Cristofo Colombo
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Day 13 -
Depart Rome
’Buon viaggio’ to new-found friends and your Tour Director as
the tour comes to an end. Airport transfers are available,
conditions apply. (Buffet Breakfast)
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- Sightseeing
Highlights
- Rome Visit St. Peter's Basilica and the Colosseum plus enjoy views of the Circus Maximus. Guided visit of the Sistine Chapel inside the Vatican Museums.
- Pompeii Visit the excavations.
- Sorrento Witness the art of inlaid wood-working. Excursion to the Isle of Capri.
- Assisi Sightseeing includes St. Francis' Basilica.
- Ravenna Visit the Church of St. Apollinaris in Classe and admire its mosaics.
- Pomposa View the ancient Romanesque Abbey.
- Venice Canal cruise by private launch. See St. Mark's Square, the Basilica, Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Visit a traditional glass-blowing factory.
- Verona See the Roman Arena and Juliet's balcony.
- Milan * See the Duomo.
- Lugano excursion Visit this magnificent lakeside resort.
- Pisa View the Leaning Tower.
- Florence Sightseeing tour includes Signoria Square and Santa Croce Basilica. Admire Florentine leatherwork and views from Piazzale Michelangelo.
- Siena Visit the medieval Tuscan city, home of the Palio horse race. * Note: On certain departures Milan will be visited on Day 9 and Lugano on Day 8.
- Hidden Treasure: Our Tour Directors, with their years of experience, have discovered many genuine secret treasures of Europe and at least one will be revealed to you as a spontaneous surprise during your Trafalgar tour.
- Dinning Highlights
- Welcome Drink with your Tour Director in Rome.
- 12 hot buffet breakfasts.
- 4 three-course dinners.
- Highlight dinner in Sorrento.
- 'Be My Guest' Dinner in Florence.
- Farewell Dinner with wine in Rome.
- First Class Travel
Highlights
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