BEST OF ITALY
OCTOBER 1, 2010
$2,800 Land Only
11 DAYS
Experience the wonder of this trip to Italy. The Itinerary is everything you would love to see in Italy in 11 days. You will not be sorry the memories will last forever. Don't miss out on this fabulous vacation. Contact: jpcraft15@charter.net
DAY 1 - DEPT USA
Overnight flight
DAY 2 - ROME AT LEISURE
Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classical antiquities, medival buildings, Rennaisance palaces and baroque churches. On arrival at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport shuttle service leaves for the tour hotel at 9:30, 12:30 and 15:30. After checking in, enjoy your hotel's wonderful facilities and beautiful grounds. As night falls, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome drink.
DAY 3 - SOME SIGHTSEEING
Enjoy and in-depth sightseeing tour with a local guide who will take you inside the Vatican Museums to gaze upon the treasures of the Popes. Enjoy clear commentary via your audio headset as you admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling inside the Sisteine Chape. Now enter St Peter's Basilica to wonder at another of his works, the emotive "Pieta". Then cross the Tiber to visit the Colosseum, scene of many gladiatorial contest. After seeing the Roman Forum the rest of the day is yours to sisghtsee or shop (BB)
DAY 4 - ROME -ASSISI
Leave Rome and follow the valley of the River Tiber to the hills of Umbria, which form part of the Apennines. Your destination is the peacefull hill-top town of Assisi, the home of St Frances. Visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, built on the site of the original Porziuncule Chapel foundations, then continue up Mount Subasio to the town. Step inside the huge Basilica, built in the 13th century after St. Francis death, where the frescoes by Gitto heralded a new era in Italian Art.(BB,D)
DAY 5 - ASSISI-VENICE
A pleasant drive leads to the romantic city of Venice, and what better way to see it than from a private launch? Cruise past Palladian churches and 13th century palaces to St. Mark's Square. See the Doges" Palace, connected to the prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. It was from that Casanova made his daring escape. Now admire the Mosaics of the Basilica and watch one of few remaining masters blow motten glass into a unique creation at a Venetian glass blowing factory. Relax and enjoy the atmosphere as you cruise alont the Venetian canals by gondola.(BB,D)
DAT 6 - VENICE - TUSCANY
Bid farewell to magical Venice, and drive along the scenic Brenta Canal with its magnificent Palladian villas, once the summer residences of Venetian nobility. Cross the plain of the Pro River and traverse the Apennines, the hilly backbone of Italy, to reach the Arno Valley. En route, hear an informative tutorial about the famous Chianti wines that make this region so famous. Then follow the river westwards to the coastal town of Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower, where elaborate steps have been taken to prevent this landmark from falling over. Time also to admire the marble Cathedral and Baptistery before continuing to the Tuscan spa resort of Montecatini for a two night stay. Why not immerse yourself in the italian culture and work up an appetite on a traditional evening stroll(passeggiaota) - it's time to see and be seen!(BB,D)
DATE 7 - FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING
Drive to the Tuscan captial, Florence, and join a local guide for a walking tour and highlight visit to the Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo's monumental figure of David. Continue to the Multi coloured marble Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiore to see the Giotto's belltower and 'Gates of Paradise'before visiting the Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence. The area around Santa Croce Basilica is famous for the quality of its luxury goods; see a demonstration of leatherwork in the very place this craft first established itself. Then, there's fre time to shop for Florence finest or continue sightseeing.(BB)
DATE 8 - TUSCANY-SORRENTO
Take the smooth motorway south through the rich volcanic hills of Frascati to Cassino and visit the Commonwealth Cemetery overlooked by the austere monastery of Montecassino-headquarters of the Benedictine order. Take the clifftop raod to your hotel in the pictureque resort of Sorrento.(BB)
DATE 9 - ISLE OF CAPRI EXCURSION
Spend the morning being shown the art of 'intarsio' or marquetry wood inlaying before cruising to the sun-drenched island of dreams, Capri a rock rising from the Mediterranean. Take the funicular train up the main Village (Capri Town) then spend time exploring the narrow alleyways, browse in the exclusive boutiques and enjoy the fabulous views over the Mediterranean Sea. Perhaps join an optional tour to Anacapri to visit Villa San Michele before returning to your hotel for some relaxation time. (BB,D)
DATE 10 - SORRENTO - POMPEII - ROME
Only a short drive trom the hotel lies Pompeii, the opulent Roman town which was preserved by layers of ash from the disastrous eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79. A walking tour with a local guide through the cobbled streets and extensive excavations reveals the daily life of ancient Roman civilisation. Afterward, the smooth motorway leads back to the 'Eternal City' of Rome. Tonight, join hyour fellow passengers for a last night celebration Highlight Dinner of local cuisine complete with wine and entertainment.(BB,HD)
DATE 11- RETURN USA
Arrvederci Roma! Sadly, your tour comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo Da Vinci airport at 07:00 & 09:30.(BB)
