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Italian Escapade
Day 1
ROME AT LEISURE
Welcome to Rome, once the hub of a vast empire that spread from Britain to the Persian gulf & from Africa to Germany. On arrival at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport, airport transfers leave for the tour hotel. Relax & settle in. As evening falls, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink.
Day 2
ROME SIGHTSEEING
With a local guide, visit the Vatican Museums, filled with vast a collection of ancient & Renaissance art. Continue to the Sistine Chapel, a masterpiece of Michelangelo's fresco skills. Then enter St Peter's Basilica to see Bernini's 'Popes' Altar' above the spot where St Peter is reputed to have been crucified. Afterwards, cross the River Tiber to visit the world's largest Roman arena, the Colosseum & gaze out over the Forum, the centre of ancient public life. The afternoon is all yours to do as you please.
Day 3
ROME – SIENA (250km/2h30min)- FLORENCE (100km/1h)
Travel north to medieval Siena & stroll through the winding stone paved streets to the vast Campo Square, where the Palio horse race takes place amid great festivities. See the 'Fountain of Joy' & then walk up to the hilltop cathedral, striped with black & white marble. Continue through the cypress clad hills & vineyards of Tuscany to Florence, jewel of the Renaissance. En route, hear an informative tutorial about the Chianti wines that make this region so famous.
Day 4
FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING
A guided tour takes you inside the Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo's original statue of David, then continue to the Cathedral to see Giotto's belltower & the 'Gates of Paradise' adorning the Baptistery. Visit the political hub of Florence, Signoria Square, filled with works of art, & finally pause in Santa Croce square, overlooked by its basilica, the final resting place of Galileo & Michelangelo. After a demonstration of leather-work, you will have spare time to shop or continue sightseeing.
Day 5
FLORENCE - PISA (100km/1h30min)- MILAN (300km/3h)- ITALIAN LAKES (100km/1h30min)
Travel west towards the coast. At Pisa see the famous leaning tower in the 'Field of Miracles' & the 11th century Cathedral and Baptistry. Continue north to Milan to admire the Gothic Cathedral and La Scala Opera House. After some time here, head for your lake-side holiday resort on beautiful Lake Maggiore.
Day 6
ITALIAN LAKES AT LEISURE
The day is set aside to relax & enjoy all the fantastic sights this beautiful lake land area has to offer. Perhaps take a cruise over to Isola Bella, one of the picturesque Borromean Island's? As night time draws in, why not work up an appetite before dinner with a traditional evening stroll (passeggiata) - it's a time to 'see & be seen'. Tonight, choose from a selection of restaurants for your dining pleasure.
Day 7
ITALIAN LAKES - LUGANO (100km/1h30min)– VERONA (250km/2h)- VENICE (150km/2h)
Briefly enter Switzerland to visit the mountain ringed resort of Lugano. Take time to stroll by the lake's shores & shop for watches or fine chocolate. Continue to Verona to see Juliet's balcony & the Roman Arena. Then it's off to romantic Venice, 'Queen of the Adriatic'.
Day 8
VENICE SIGHTSEEING
What better way to see Venice than from a private launch, cruising past palazzos & churches to St Mark's Square. See the Basilica, the Doges Palace & Bridge of Sighs. Watch a demonstration of glass-blowing before enjoying a highlight ride by traditional gondola along the picturesque canals. Spend the afternoon as you wish. As night falls, why not savour the magic of St. Mark's square with its orchestras & al-fresco cafés.
Day 9
VENICE - RAVENNA (150km/3h30min)- ASSISI (200km/2h30min)
Skirt the Venetian Lagoon & cross two of Italy's most important rivers, the Adige & Po, before approaching the city of Ravenna. Stop to visit the Church of St Apollinaris in Classe with its dazzling mosaics. Then the scenery changes dramatically as you drive through the wild Apennines. Your destination is the stone built hill-town of Assisi, home of St Francis. See the Church of St Mary of the Angels & enjoy a guided visit inside the Basilica of St Francis.
Day 10
ASSISI – SORRENTO (400km/5h)
Drive southwards, joining the Highway of the Sun, past the vineyards of Frascati & Castelli Romani to the Commonwealth Cemetery in the shadow of the hilltop monastery of Cassino. Continue along the cliff tops to the picturesque holiday resort of Sorrento, which bustles with life until late each night.
Day 11
ISLE OF CAPRI EXCURSION (50km/2h30min)
Visit Sorrento's Piazza Tasso & watch the art of 'intarsio' wood inlaying. Now cross the Bay of Naples to the magical island of Capri. Ascend to Capri Town where there is time to browse among the shops & boutiques before returning to Sorrento.
Day 12
SORRENTO – ROME (250km/3h30min)
Drive to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, eerily preserved by the eruptions of Mount Vesuvius in AD79. Walk with a local guide through cobbled streets to explore some of the shops, villas & temples. Return to Rome where you enjoy a last night celebration with a Highlight Dinner including pasta, wine & music.
Day 13
ROME
Arrivederci Roma! Departure transfers arrive at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport
