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Destination > Europe > Italy

Gems of Austria and Italy

Day 1: Home

Depart today aboard a wide bodied jet for Vienna.

Day 2: Vienna (D)

Arrive in Vienna and be met at the airport for your transfer to your hotel. En route, enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of this compact city with many important sights that date from the Habsburg era. The Hofburg, a vast palace which began as a small fortress in 1275, is at the core of this city which is easily explored on foot. Drive by the Hofburg complex, the Burgtheatre, Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens and the Prater, a massive funfair which was originally the site of the imperial hunting grounds. Arrive at your hotel and settle in to relax or head out to wander the interesting sites nearby your hotel.

Day 3: Vienna (B)

Today is your first introduction to the culture and history of the Austrian people. Your guide will escort you on a half day walking sightseeing tour through the historic center of the city which is easily explored on foot. The Ringstrasse, completed in the 1880’s, is a wide circular boulevard that defines the heart of the city where many of the important sights are found. The remainder of this day is free for you to explore on your own.

Day 4: Vienna - Salzburg (B, D)

Your private coach will arrive this morning to take you to Salzburg, birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Salzburg is filled with religious buildings dating from around 700 A.D. including St. Peter’s Abbey and Benedictine Monastery, the Cathedral, and the Franziskanerkirche with its magnificent Baroque altarpiece. These churches were built by various archbishops of Salzburg who aimed to make their home another Eternal City. Castle lovers will find three in Salzburg. The medieval fortress Festung Hohensalzburg, is but one of these three and looms over the city from its hilltop position, offering a wonderful city view. Of course one cannot forget the well loved movie, The Sound of Music, which was shot on location in Salzburg. After settling into your hotel, head out to the streets to this city which is nestled comfortably on three sides by the Alps.

Day 5: Salzburg - Venice (B)

Enjoy the city of Salzburg, its castles, churches, museums and marionette shows on your own until later in the day when you will depart to wind your way out of this Alpine community for Venice. 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 6: 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 Doges 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 7: 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 8: 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 9: 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 10: 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 11: Rome (B, D)

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

Day 12: Rome - Home (B)

Today be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

Tour includes:

Return Airfare: Home - Venice / Rome - Home
Return airport transfers
10 nights accommodation
Breakfast daily
5 dinners
Panoramic coach sightseeing tour of Vienna
Guided walking sightseeing tour of Vienna
Entrance fees to the Hofburg and Schonbrunn Palace
Coach from Vienna to Venice
Coach between Venice and Rome
Panoramic sightseeing tour of Rome
Guided half day walking tour of Venice, Florence, Rome
Entrance to Doges Palace
Entrance to Accademia
Entrance to Vatican

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