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Destination > Europe > Italy

Ciao Italy

Day 1: Home

Depart home aboard wide bodied jet for Venice.

Day 2: Venice (D)

Arrive today in Venice. The unique nature of Venice has amazed people since the very beginning of its existence. A city rising in the middle of a lagoon with water flowing between the streets is as weird and thrilling today as it was a thousand years ago. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel to relax and acclimatize to the time change.

Day 3: Venice (B)

This morning after breakfast make your way into the magical city of Venice. Venice is made up of more that 100 islands; all linked by bridges and this makes it necessary to walk to most places. Meet your guide for a half day afternoon walking tour. Your tour includes the Bridge of Sighs, the bridge that connects the Doge’s Palace with the prisons, in which Casanova was incarcerated but from which he made a fantastic escape. It dates back from the 17th century and owes its name to the lamentations of prisoners who were conducted across it to their place of execution. You also will see Dodges Palace, the Clock Tower, Piazza San Marco and the graceful Rialto Bridge, which is halfway along the canal. The bridge was built from 1588 to 1592 by Antonio da Ponte and was designed to allow an armed galley to pass under it. It is a hump–backed bridge with a central street lined with rows of shops and gangways on either side affording wonderful views of the Grand Canal. At the conclusion of your tour, your time is your own to lose yourself in the ambiance of this glorious city, take a gondola ride, or relax at an outdoor café along one of the many canals.

Day 4: Venice - Florence (B, D)

You will depart early this morning by coach for Florence. Florence is a tiny city founded by Julius Caesar which is a living museum of Italian Renaissance. Its narrow streets open unexpectedly into spacious squares, populated by strollers and pigeons. The Renaissance began here and the city bears witness to the proud spirit and unparalleled genius of its artists and artisans. The place has more sights to visit within one square kilometre than any other city in Europe. See the Piazza Della Signoria, Santa Croce which houses the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo, the Cathedral and visit the Accademia. The afternoon is free to wander in this shopper’s paradise full of countless shops laden with jewellery, exquisite leather and chic fashion houses. When you arrive you are free to discover the wonders of this elegant city on your own.

Day 5: Florence (B)

Meet your guide this morning for your half day guided walking tour of the city. This tiny city is so abundant in remarkable sights it will take your breath away. See the gorgeous pink, white and green Duomo, the Bell Tower, Pont Vecchio and the Romanesque style Bapistry to name but a few. In the afternoon you are free to continue to see the sights, visit the Uffizi Gallery or the Galleria del’Accademia to see the famous sculpture of Michelangelo’s David, or shop in the countless shops laden with jewellery, leather or fashion.

Day 6: Florence - Rome (B, D)

Depart this morning by coach for your trip south to Rome. Enroute, enjoy a stop and visit to San Gimignano, one of Europe’s best preserved medieval cities that has the feel of a museum. From a distance, the towers of this 13th century town that were symbols of power and wealth of the city’s medieval families, dominate the lush landscape of wheat fields, olive groves and vineyards. Then continue your journey to Rome. Enroute to your hotel enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of this majestic historic city. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Remainder of day free.

Day 7: Rome (B)

Today after breakfast, meet your guide for your tour which will cover all the major archaeological monuments and historical points of interest of Rome. The Forum was the city’s religious, political and commercial center in the days of Caesars. It was the colossal size of the structure that gave the Colosseum its name, but it was its game of bizarre cruelty that made this the most famous building in Rome. Vatican City including the museum, Sistene Chapel and the magnificent ceiling frescos will thrill and amaze you. The remainder of the day is free to visit the legendary Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and some time to stop at a sidewalk café or do some shopping.

Day 8: Rome (B, D)

Enjoy a free day in Rome to spend as you please.

Day 9: Rome - Home (B)

Arrivederci Roma. Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

Tour includes:

Return Airfare: Home - Venice / Rome - Home
Airport transfers
7 nights accommodation
Breakfast daily
4 dinners
Coach between Venice and Rome
Panoramic sightseeing tour of Rome upon arrival
Guided half day walking tour of Venice, Florence, Rome
Entrance to Doges Palace
Entrance to Accademia
Entrance to Vatican

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