Best of Italy - About this Tour

Tour Details | Departure Dates and Pricing

Details

• Duration (with arrival/departure): 14
• Tour Style: Regional Europe
• Destinations: Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento, Isle of Capri, Assisi, Ravenna, Venice, Verona, Milan, Italian Lakes, Lugano, Pisa, Florence, Siena

Itinerary

• Day 1- Depart USA Overnight flight to Rome.



• Day 2 - Arrive Rome (2 nights) On arrival at Rome Fiumicino airport you are met and transferred to your hotel. After check-in the remainder of the day is at leisure, perhaps to relax or explore. Later, we enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director and travelling companions.
  
  Hotel: Mediterraneo (2 nights)



• Day 3 - Rome sightseeing & at leisure This morning after breakfast, the first highlight of our day, with our local guide is a visit to the Sistine Chapel where the works of Michelangelo are brought to life by the guide's clear and exciting commentary thanks to the use of an excellent audio system. Then we head into St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, to see this amazing building. 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, renowned as the arena where Gladiators fought mortal combat. The rest of your day is at leisure and this evening why not discover the city's culinary delights? (Buffet Breakfast)



• Day 4 - Rome – Pompeii – Sorrento (2 nights) Today our journey takes us past the Abbey of Monte Cassino en route to the Bay of Naples. Next we will enjoy a walking tour of Pompeii, using audio equipment, the town frozen in time when it was engulfed by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. Later, we continue our journey along the coastline to Sorrento where we spend the next two nights. (Buffet Breakfast)
  
  Hotel: Parco del Sole / Johanna Park (2 nights)



• Day 5 - Isle of Capri Excursion After breakfast, we witness the art of inlaid wood-working, one of the crafts of the Sorrento peninsula. After we will embark on an excursion by ferry to the Isle of Capri where we will enjoy a walking tour of Capri town and gardens using our excellent audio system. There's plenty of time to explore this lovely island. Why not visit the villa of the Swedish doctor Axel Munthe with its magnificent views over the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius Tonight, we enjoy dinner in a picturesque restaurant. (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)



• Day 6 - Sorrento – Assisi This morning's drive will take us 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 with audio system 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. Why not shop for local handicrafts? This evening we will dine at our hotel. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner) 
  
  Hotel: Giotto



• Day 7 - Assisi – Ravenna – Venice (Mestre) (2 nights) We enjoy a morning drive through the Apennines to the Adriatic Coast and the Roman town of Ravenna with its ancient mosaics and Byzantine architecture. Here we will visit the Church of St. Apollinaris in Classe before seeing the Romanesque Basilica of Pomposa. Next we drive to the floating city of Venice for our two-night stay. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
  
  Hotel: NH Laguna Palace (2 nights)



• Day 8 - Venice sightseeing & at leisure This morning after breakfast we will absorb this city's unique atmosphere on our included canal cruise by private motor launch to St. Mark's Square. We view the Bridge of Sighs, Doges' Palace and Basilica. After, we will stop to visit a traditional glass-blowing factory to witness a demonstration of this ancient art. Today our Tour Director shares a Hidden Treasure of Venice with us all and there is still time to discover the island of Burano and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch. (Buffet Breakfast)



• Day 9 - Venice (Mestre) – Verona – Milan – Lake Maggiore (Baveno) (2 nights) Our day will start with a drive to the home of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers, Verona. We stop to admire the Roman Arena and Juliet's balcony. From here we cross the plains of Lombardy to the fashionable city of Milan for a walking tour of the city entre using our audio system. We see the gothic 'Duomo', 'La Scala' Opera house and the famous Galleria. Finally, we make our way to our hotel
  in the Italian Lake District for dinner and our overnight stay. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner) 
  
  Hotel: Splendid (2 nights)



• Day 10 - Lugano Excursion This morning we will enjoy an excursion 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 in the main square. Later, we return to our hotel for dinner and the night. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)



• Day 11 - Lake Maggiore (Baveno) – Pisa – Florence (2 nights) Our morning drive takes us via the Plains of Lombardy and cross the Apennine Mountains to Genoa, Columbus' birthplace. Next off to Pisa to see the extraordinary Leaning Tower, before arriving at Florence, cradle of the Renaissance. Tonight, why not venture out into the hills surrounding the city for a meal of excellent Tuscan cuisine accompanied by some delicious Chianti wine? (Buffet Breakfast) 
  
  Hotel: Grand Mediterraneo (2 nights)



• Day 12 - Florence sightseeing & at leisure The Cathedral, Signoria Square and a visit to Santa Croce Basilica feature on our guided walking tour, enhanced by the use of an audio system. Later, enjoy a panoramic view from Piazzale Michelangelo before free time. Perhaps discover the artistic wonders in the museums or shop for leather and gold. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)



• Day 13 - Florence – Siena – Rome We enjoy a scenic drive through the Chianti wine-producing region to medieval Siena, famous for its exciting Palio horse-race. Here there's time to explore the wonders of this city and maybe shop for beautiful ceramic pottery. We arrive in Rome late in the afternoon. This evening, we all enjoy a Farewell Dinner together. (Buffet Breakfast, Farewell Dinner)
  
  Hotel: Sheraton Golf



• Day 14 - Rome – USA 'Buon viaggio' to new-found friends as we transfer you to Rome Fiumicino airport for your return flight to America. (Buffet Breakfast)



• Note On certain departures Milan will be visited on Day 10 and Lugano on Day 9. Friday departures will visit the Sistine Chapel before the departure to Sorrento on Day 4.


Depart USAArrive Rome Rome sightseeing & at leisureRome – Pompeii – Sorrento Isle of Capri ExcursionSorrento – AssisiAssisi – Ravenna – Venice (Mestre) Venice sightseeing & at leisureVenice (Mestre) – Verona – Milan – Lake Maggiore (Baveno) Lugano ExcursionLake Maggiore (Baveno) – Pisa – Florence Florence sightseeing & at leisureFlorence – Siena – RomeRome – USANote

Whats Included

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Sightseeing Highlights

• Rome: Rome Sightseeing tour includes views of the Forum and Circus Maximus plus visits to St Peters Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum.
• Pompeii: Visit the excavations.
• Sorrento: Witness the art of inlaid wood-working. Excursion to the Isle of Capri.
• Assisi: Sightseeing includes St. Francis' Basilica.
• Ravenna: Visit the Church of St. Apollinaris in Classe and admire its mosaics.
• Pomposa: View the ancient Romanesque Abbey.
• Venice: Canal cruise by private launch. See St. Mark's Square, the Basilica, Doges' Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Visit a traditional glass-blowing factory.
• Verona: See the Roman Arena and Juliet's balcony.
• Milan: Guided tour includes Duomo, La Scala and the Galleria.
• Lugano Excursion: Visit this magnificent lakeside resort.
• Pisa: View the Leaning Tower.
• Florence: Sightseeing tour includes a visit to Signoria Square and Santa Croce Basilica. Admire Florentine leatherwork and views from Piazzale Michelangelo.
• Siena: Visit the medieval Tuscan city, home of the Palio horse race.
• Scenic drives along the Sorrento Peninsula, Adriatic coast, Italian Lakes, Lombardy Plains, Apennine mountains, Chianti wine region, Umbrian and Tuscan hills.
• Where Trafalgar considers that our excellent audio system will enhance the commentary made by our local guides, making your tour of a city clearer and more entertaining, it will be included.

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Dining Highlights

• 1 Welcome Drink with your Tour Director in Rome
• 12 hot Buffet breakfasts
• 5 three-course dinners in hotels
• 1 local speciality restaurant dinner in Sorrento
19 meals in total (see day-by-day itinerary)

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First Class Travel Highlights

• The services of one of Trafalgar's top professional multi-lingual Tour Directors.
• A qualified local city guide in Rome, Pompeii, Assisi, Milan and Florence.
• Chauffeur driven on Trafalgar's luxury air-conditioned motorcoaches with reclining seats and washroom.
• Cruise to the Isle of Capri.
• Rome Fiumicino Airport Transfers will be provided on Days 2 and 14.
• You'll stay in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
• All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
• A stylish wallet, tour documents and map book journal.

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Airport Transfers
Group transfers on arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport will operate at 09.30, 12.30 and 15.30. Return transfers from the last hotel will arrive at Rome Fiumicino Airport at 07.00 and 09.30.
• London Gateways: Transfers can be expensive, particularly between the Airport and central London. When you book your tour with Trafalgar your transfers to and from the airport are included. It's that simple. Trafalgar has included a Free transfer to and from your airport and Central London.
• Important – Please Note: Passengers will only be entitled to transfers to and from London Airports providing the following conditions are met:
• You are staying at a London hotel, booked by Trafalgar, on the night of your arrival and the night prior to the date of your departure.
• Flights are either booked by Trafalgar or detailed information on flights is provided by your Travel Agent not less than 21 days prior to departure.
• Only one included transfer both inbound and outbound per tour is included by Trafalgar. Transfers are by express train to a Central London Rail Station.
• Heathrow Airport: Inbound transfers operate between 06.00-21.30. Outbound transfers are timed to connect with scheduled flights departing between 08.00-23.00. Transfers will be by coach. Gatwick Airport: Inbound transfers operate between 06.00-12.30. Outbound transfers are timed to connect with scheduled flights departing between 08.00-23.00. Transfers will be by express train and coach. Transfers outside these times will be at the passengers own expense.
• In the event of unforeseen events (road or rail works, demonstrations, strikes) Trafalgar will not be held responsible for delayed or cancelled transfers.
• No refund is available for passengers not utilising this service.
• Why not upgrade to a Hotelink transfer from the Airport to-the-door of your Trafalgar London hotel? (please ask Trafalgar or your travel agent of the additional upgrade price per person when booking)
• European Gateways: With Trafalgar all passengers will receive complimentary arrival and departure transfers on the scheduled arrival and departure day of their tour at the times specified below. Please ensure your Travel Agent reserves your flight to co-ordinate with the transfer times shown
• Trafalgar Bonus - Passengers who book Trafalgar's Land+Air package and who arrive or depart outside of these specified times on the scheduled arrival and departure day of the tour will also be provided with a transfer.
• Passengers arriving before or leaving after the scheduled tour days are not entitled to a transfer but may book and purchase one through Trafalgar providing that they also purchase the additional pre and/or post tour hotel night(s) from Trafalgar. Please ask for prices of transfers at the time of booking your extra night accommodation.
• Land only passengers arriving or departing on the scheduled tour arrival or departure days but whose flights don't coincide with the listed transfer times below may also book and purchase these transfers. Flight details must be provided to Trafalgar not less than 21 days before the flight departure.
• Click here to see scheduled transfer times.

Options

Child Prices: Apply to children under the age of 16.