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BEST OF ITALY
12 Days
October 5 - October 16, 2016
Roman antiquities, pious Assisi, Venetian canals, Renaissance Florence and Capri's brilliant sunlight are fused with a touch of ‘la dolce vita' for the perfect tour of Italy. This amazing tour has the option to end in Naples or Rome.
10 Buffet Breakfasts
5 Dinners |
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Day 1 Your Journey Begins)
Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included). |
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Day 2 Rome the 'Eternal City'
Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classical antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. Transfers depart from Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport for the tour hotel at 09:30, 12:30 & 15:30. In the evening, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception and uniquely Roman Welcome Dinner
Hotel: Hotel Romanico Palace/Hotel Dei Borgia, Rome
Welcome Reception and Dinner |
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Day 3 Papal & Imperial Rome
The day is devoted to the ‘Eternal City'. Join a Local Expert for an in-depth visit to the Vatican Museums, full of priceless art treasures collected by the Popes. Insight has arranged special VIP entrance to avoid the crowds, together with behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase - a marvel of Renaissance architecture normally off-limits to the general public. Now into the Sistine Chapel, where the Popes are elected to admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling. Next door in St. Peter's Basilica, wonder at another of his works, the emotive ‘Pietà', and stand beneath the dome completed after his death. Then cross the Tiber to visit the Colosseum, scene of many gladiatorial contests. The rest of the day is yours to shop in the boutiques or relax at a sidewalk café.
Hotel: Hotel Romanico Palace/Hotel Dei Borgia, Rome
Buffet Breakfast |
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Day 4 Renaissance Florence
(Relaxed Start) Travel north, through glorious Tuscan landscapes to reach renaissance Florence. On arrival, enjoy a delicious exploration of Tuscany's red wines, their robust flavours and absorbing history.
Hotel: Hotel Londra/Athenaeum, Florence
Buffet Breakfast, Dinner |
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Day 5 Florence Sightseeing
(Relaxed Start) Join a Local Expert art historian for a walking tour of the historic city centre. A highlight is the visit to the Academy Gallery to study Michelangelo's monumental Statue of David. Continue to the multi-coloured marble cathedral to admire Giotto's bell tower and ‘Gates of Paradise'. Visit the Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and the area around Santa Croce Basilica - famous for the quality of its luxury goods. After a demonstration of leather-work, there's free time to shop or continue sightseeing. In the evening, don't miss the chance to sample the fine Florentine cuisine - tasty starters, rich pastas, accompanied by Chianti wine.
Hotel: Hotel Londra/Athenaeum, Florence
Buffet Breakfast |
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Day 6 Pisa to Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic
Journey to the coastal town of Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower. Continue through the marshes of the Venetian Lagoon and across the causeway to the unique city of Venice.
Hotel: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice
Buffet Breakfast, Dinner |
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Day 7 Venice and the Magic of ‘La Serenissima’
Relaxed Start) Your private launch awaits you in the morning, ready to cruise past Palladian churches and 13th century palaces to St. Mark's Square. The first sight is the pink marble of the Doge's Palace, connected to the prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. It was from here that Casanova made his daring escape. Turn the corner, and the gilded regalia of St. Mark's Basilica comes into view. A visit to an arts centre on Giudecca Island will allow you to admire the age-old skill of the glassblowing. Later, board a traditional gondola for a serenade through the romantic canals.
Hotel: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice
Buffet Breakfast |
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Day 8 Into the Hills of Umbria to Assisi
Leave Venice and continue through the Appennines to peaceful Assisi, one of Italy's most beautiful mountain towns. First, in the valley, see the famous Church of St. Mary of the Angels, much venerated as the place of St. Francis' death, then continue up Mount Subasio to the upper town. Step inside the huge Basilica of St. Francis, built in the 13th century, where the frescoes by Giotto heralded a new era in Italian art.
Hotel: Giotto, Assisi
Buffet Breakfast, Dinner |
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Day 9 Cassino and Sorrento
An early start today as you travel southwards past Cassino, scene of a fierce battle in World War II. Follow the spectacular clifftop road to the picturesque resort of Sorrento. On arrival, investigate the art of ‘intarsio' or marquetry wood inlaying before continuing to your hotel.
Hotel: Hotel Michelangelo/Grand Hotel Vesuvio, Sorrento
Buffet Breakfast |
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Day 10 Capri, the Isle of Dreams
In the morning, cruise to Isle of Capri. Under the Mediterranean sun, take a funicular ride up to Capri town, where you can explore the narrow alleyways, browse in exclusive boutiques and enjoy the views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Perhaps join an optional cruise around the Island of Capri? Return to Sorrento for some relaxation time. At night, join your fellow guests for an unforgettable Celebration Dinner of delicious Italian cuisine and wine.
Hotel: Hotel Michelangelo/Grand Hotel Vesuvio, Sorrento
Buffet Breakfast, Celebration Dinner |
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Day 11 Head for Rome
Journey to Pompeii, the opulent Roman town which was preserved by layers of ash from the disastrous eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79. A walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets and extensive excavations reveals the daily life of Roman civilisation. Visit the Forum and peer into ancient shops and patrician villas, decorated with colourful wall paintings. Then continue on to your hotel in Rome.
Hotel: Hotel Dei Borgia/NH Leonardo Da Vinci, Rome
Buffet Breakfast |
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Day 12 Arrivederci Rome
After breakfast, departure transfers arrive at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at approximately 07:00 & 09:30.
Buffet Breakfast |
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