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Splendours of Italy

A fascinating tour encompassing some of Italy's most historic and beautiful cities, combined with a visit to the famous Chianti wine region.

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Itinerary
Map
Optional Excursions

Siena
Caesar's Palace, the Forum, Rome
Greve
Piazza Signoria, Florence
Pisa and the Square of Miracles
Venice
Assisi

DAY 1: UK - Rome.

Fly to Rome where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring this 2,000 year-old city on your own before meeting your Tour Director and fellow guests this afternoon.

DAY 2: Rome.

Steeped in history, the 'Eternal City' never fails to inspire. Today a guide will show you the landmarks of this captivating place. Get ready to see the massive, domed Basilica of St Peter's Square and ruined arches of the Roman Forum before imagining the epic fights of gladiators and the masses of cheering spectators at the epic Colosseum, commissioned by the Emperor Vespasian in 72AD. (B)

DAY 3: Rome - Siena.

Drive through scenic Umbria to Orvieto. Perched on a volcanic bluff, this delightful town is famed for its Gothic cathedral. Step inside to admire its glittering mosaics and 13th century frescoes. Later, carry on to Siena, one of Tuscany's hilltop jewels, where you can relax in one of the cafés on its red-bricked Piazza del Campo - one of Italy's finest squares and the stage for the Palio horse race. (B)

DAY 4: Siena - Montecatini.

This morning, visit San Gimignano, regarded as Tuscany's most beautiful town for it skyline of 13th century towers. One glimpse of its cobbled streets and squares and you'll immediately see why it's a UNESCO World Heritage site. Afterwards, journey through the vineyards of Chianti, passing wine towns like Badia and Castellina, where the 'Bordeaux of Italy' is grown. Sample some wine at Greve before arriving in the spa town of Montecatini in time to join our optional Tuscan dinner outing. (B)

DAY 5: Montecatini - Florence - Montecatini.

Sitting on the River Arno, Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and one of the world's most superbly preserved medieval cities. It is also perfect for exploring on foot, with much of its centre pedestrianised. Today discover treasures such as its Piazza della Signoria and fairytale town hall, the Palazzo Vecchio. Another highlight is the Piazza del Duomo, home to the brick-domed cathedral and Giotto campanile. Nearby is the Baptistry, with its gilded East Door known as the 'Gates of Paradise'. (B, D)

DAY 6: Montecatini - Pisa - Venice area.

Today to Pisa, originally an important Etruscan port. See its beautiful 'Square of Miracles', home to the 180-feet Leaning Tower, exquisite Baptistry and 13th century cathedral. Next continue through the Apennine hills and Po Valley for two nights in the Venice area. (B)

DAY 7: Venice.

Built on 118 islands and 177 canals, Venice was once Europe's most prosperous city. Marvel at the Palazzos, the Bridge of Sighs and St Mark's Square, on a boat ride along the Giudecca Canal. Later, watch a demonstration of glassblowing, a time-honoured Venetian craft, before enjoying time to explore independently. Why not take an optional gondola ride, floating along the romantic canals serenaded by a singing gondolier? (B, D)

DAY 8: Venice area - Assisi - Rome.

Enjoy the interesting scenery as we cross the Po delta and the gentle hills to Assisi. The birthplace of St Francis in 1182, this walled hill town is built in pink-grey stone and dominated by a huge Basilica. Comprising two churches, one housing St Francis' tomb, its centrepiece is a cycle of beautiful frescoes by Giotto depicting scenes from the saint's life. Afterwards, return to Rome. (B)

DAY 9: Rome - UK.

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, or extend your stay in Sorrento or on a Mediterranean cruise. (B)

Accommodation on Tour

Rome: Fleming (4*); Siena: Italia (3*) or Mercure Degliulivi (4*); Montecatini: Plaza E Locanda Maggiore (4*); Venice area: Poppi at Mira or Smart Holiday Mestre (4*); Rome: Parco Tirreno (4*) or Princess (4*).

Special Departures

Christmas in Florence

Depart Friday 21 December and enjoy Christmas lunch in Florence.

Your Holiday Map

Splendours of Italy

Siena
Caesar's Palace, the Forum, Rome
Greve
Piazza Signoria, Florence
Pisa and the Square of Miracles
Venice
Assisi

Optional Excursions

To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list of optional excursions available to you.

TREASURES OF ROME BN & DINNER

A night tour including some of the city's fountains and majestic squares: Piazza Barberini, Triton Fountain, Via Veneto, Villa Borghese, and Trevi Fountain. Finish the evening with a meal in a typical Roman restaurant with wine and music included.

€50 (Euro)

VATICAN MUS.& SISTINE CHAPEL

A tour around the Vatican museums to admire the beautiful tapestry gallery and the Sistine Chapel with masterpieces by Botticelli and Signorelli. See the "Genesis" and Michelangelo's "Last Judgement".

€52 (Euro)

CASTELLI ROMANI WITH DINNER

Drive through the ancient villages in the Alban Hills, a landscape of rare beauty, myths, legends and history. Take pictures of the Pope's summer residence, Castel Gandolfo. Then to Frascati where one of the famous local white wines is included with your dinner in a tavern.

€48 (Euro)

TUSCAN FLAVOURS

A lovely evening in the Tuscan countryside at a restaurant situated in an old Villa that maintains all the original and warm atmosphere of the summer residence of the noble Pasquini family. You'll be served dinner with Tuscan specialities, wine, mineral water, coffee and a glass of sparkling Italian spumante.

€45 (Euro)

UFFIZI GALLERY

Admire the world's greatest collection of Italian and Florentine art. The gallery exhibits works by Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli and Michelangelo.

€35 (Euro)

VENETIAN NIGHT OUT AND DINNER

Enjoy a motorboat ride along the impressive Giudecca Canal with a commentary of the most important sights. A leisurely walk to St. Mark's Square, passing famous buildings, small bridges and inner canals, will take you to a typical Venetian restaurant for an aperitif before your four-course dinner including wine, mineral water and coffee.

€65 (Euro)

GONDOLA SERENADE

This is one of the highlights of any European holiday - a gondola ride through centuries-old canals, under famous arched bridges, and past lavish palaces and quaint piazzas.

€40 (Euro)

DISCOVER THE VENETIAN LAGOON

By private boat cross the lagoon to the picturesque fishing island of Burano with its gaily painted houses. See lace makers at work; then there's time to explore this unforgettable island on your own before returning to Venice.

€25 (Euro)

FAREWELL DINNER

Why not round off your Italian experience in the company of new found friends while enjoying dinner in a typical restaurant? Soak up "la dolce vita" of this romantic but pulsing capital to the sound of clinking glasses as you "saluti" your way through the evening. Before or after dinner you will have a tour including some of the city's fountains and majestic squares.

€50 (Euro)

Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.

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