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EUROPE
Grand Tour of Italy
Detailed Tour Itinerary
Inclusions
Departure Dates
More Tours



The cruise and/or tour map shown is provided as a guide only.
The actual route of the cruise or tour may vary.
Tour Summary
Tour name: Grand Tour of Italy
Tour code: EIT  
Days: 13  
Overview:

  
Tour Itinerary
Day 1Arrive Rome (D)
Welcome to Rome. You will be met at Fiumicino Airport and transferred* to your centrally located hotel (please book flights to arrive before midday). Our first excursion today is an afternoon walking tour to see many of Rome’s famous sights including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona.
Two Night Stay: Rome
Day 2Rome Sightseeing (FB)
We begin today’s included guided sightseeing at the Vatican City. See centuries of accumulated wealth during our visit to the Vatican Museums and the breathtaking Sistine Chapel. The highlights here are Michelangelo’s Last Judgement and Old Testament Frescoes. We enter the world’s largest church, St. Peter’s Basilica and emerge into St. Peter’s Square to marvel at Michelangelo’s impressive dome. From here we cross the Tiber into ancient Rome to overlook the Forum and the Circus Maximus, where chariot races took place, and to visit the mighty Colosseum.
Day 3Rome – Siena - Florence (FB,D)
Our day begins with a drive through the Chianti vineyards and olive groves to the medieval city of Siena. Here an orientation includes a walk along the narrow cobblestone streets to the Piazza del Campo, scene of the annual Palio. See Della Quercia’s “fountain of joy” and the cathedral. There is some free time maybe to shop for beautiful ceramic pottery before we drive to the magnificent Renaissance city of Florence.
Two Night Stay: Florence
Day 4Florence Sightseeing (FB)
Today we enjoy an included guided walking tour of Florence, starting at the Academy of Fine Arts, to admire Michelangelo’s David. We then visit the Duomo with its spectacular exterior of marble panels. The immediate vicinity features Giotto’s Belltower, Brunelleschi’s Dome and Ghiberti’s ‘Gates of Paradise’. A walk onto the stunning Ponte Vecchio and through Piazza della Signoria will take us back to the historic centre.
Day 5Florence - Pisa - Milan - Italian Lakes (FB,D)
Today we will travel into the Tuscan countryside and to the once maritime city of Pisa where we visit the Square of Miracles with its monumental cathedral and famous Leaning Bell Tower. We visit the fashionable city of Milan for a walking tour, which shows us the gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera house and the famous Galleria. We continue our drive to the lakeside resort of Stresa.
Two Night Stay: Stresa
Day 6Lugano Day Excursion (FB)
We drive into the Ticino, the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, where we stop to visit the beautiful resort of Lugano. On our arrival there’s time to shop or simply relax with a cappuccino.
Day 7Verona - Venice (FB,D)
This morning we cross the plains of Lombardy to the home of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers, Verona. We stop to admire the Roman arena and Juliet’s balcony. Its then a short drive to the water bound Renaissance city of Venice. On arrival we enjoy a highlight gondola ride through the canals.
Two Night Stay: Venice
Day 8Venice Sightseeing (FB)
We will appreciate the wealth and power that pervaded this maritime city state in times past during our included walking tour of the city. See the bustling cafés in the square, the clock tower ‘dei Mori’, the Campanile and visit both the stunning Basilica of San Marco and the spectacular Doge’s Palace. The balance of the day is at leisure. Maybe just stroll through the maze of little pathways and absorb the unique atmosphere.
Day 9Venice – Ravenna - Assisi (FB)
This morning we visit the Roman town of Ravenna with its ancient mosaics and Byzantine architecture. Here we will visit the Church of St. Apollinaris in Classe to see the ancient mosaics. Our journey continues to the province of Umbria and mystical Assisi, perched on Mount Subasio and overlooking a peaceful Umbrian landscape. This city under the protection of St. Francis is still enclosed by medieval ramparts. On our arrival a guided walking tour includes the Basilica of St. Francis, famous for its fresco paintings depicting the life of this much-loved saint. Later time is your own to do as you please.
Overnight Stay: Assisi
Day 10Assisi - Sorrento (FB,D)
This morning’s drive takes us through the Apennine Mountains towards the coastline of the Bay of Naples. We continue along the cliff tops to the picturesque resort town of Sorrento.
Two Night Stay: Sorrento
Day 11Isle of Capri Excursion (FB)
After breakfast our day begins with a mini-cruise across the Bay of Naples to the Isle of Capri (weather permitting). Take a funicular train up to Capri Town and spend some time wandering the narrow alleys and exclusive boutiques.
Day 12Sorrento – Pompeii - Rome (FB,HD)
It’s a short drive to Pompeii for a guided walking tour with our audio system of the excavations of the town petrified by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Then we drive through Campania, stopping at Monte Cassino to visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery. Return to Rome where you will enjoy a farewell dinner with your tour director and fellow travelling companions.
Overnight Stay: Rome
Day 13Depart Rome (FB)
Your tour concludes after breakfast when you are transferred* to the airport for your onward or home bound flight.

*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.
Tour itinerary is valid from 01/01/2011 to 31/12/2011 and is subject to change. Enquire for itinerary details that fall outside of these dates. If you have booked on a tour please refer to the itinerary provided in your tour documentation or on Tour Personaliser for any changes that have been made.


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