Best of Italy & Croatia - About this Tour

Tour Details | Departure Dates and Pricing

Details

• Duration (with arrival/departure): 16
• Tour Style: Regional Europe
• Destinations: Rome, Assisi, Florence, Venice, Ljubljana, Postojna, Lake Bled, Zagreb, Plitvice, Split, Dubrovnik

Itinerary

• Day 1 - Depart USA Overnight flight to Rome.



• Day 2 - Arrive Rome (3 nights) Welcome to Italy! You are met at Rome Fiumicino airport and transferred to your hotel. There's time to relax and unwind, before joining our Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Drink and learn more about the tour programme. Later, why not enjoy Rome by night?
  
  Hotel: Crowne Plaza St Peters (3 nights)



• Day 3 - Rome sightseeing & at leisure This morning, with a local guide, we enjoy an excellent and clear commentary about the magnificent works of Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel thanks to our effective audio system. Our guided tour continues through St. Peter's Basilica, where among other great works, we can admire Michelangelo's moving Pieta. Then we cross the Tiber to ancient Rome where we will overlook the Forum and the Circus Maximus and visit the mighty Colosseum. Tonight, why not enjoy dinner in a typical trattoria? (Buffet Breakfast)



• Day 4 - Rome at leisure Enjoy a completely free day to explore the delights that this wonderful city has to offer. Maybe take a trip outside the old city walls, in order to visit the ancient catacombs or take an excursion into the hills to the Sabine town of Tivoli with its magnificent Villa d'Este and refreshing fountains. Or, you may wish to visit the museums and gardens in the Villa Borghese or just while away the hours at a sidewalk cafÈ in one of the many piazzas of the city. (Buffet Breakfast)



• Day 5 - Rome - Assisi - Florence (2 nights) This morning we leave the city on the Seven hills to drive northward and into the Apennine hills to the mystical town of Assisi built on the Mount Subasio. Weíll enjoy a guided visit (with audio system) of the town including St Francisí Basilica, with itís enchanting Giotto frescoes, the narrow cobbled streets of the town and the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli. Then we head north to Renaissance Florence where we enjoy a dinner of local specialities tonight at a local restaurant. (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
  
  Hotel: San Gallo Palace (2 nights)



• Day 6 - Florence sightseeing & at leisure Today our walking tour with a local guide using our effective audio system shows us the city's main sights, from the multi-coloured 'Duomo' to the Piazza Signoria with its amazing sculptures and a visit to the Santa Croce Basilica, where so many great Italians are buried including Michelangelo. Later maybe take an excursion to Pisa to see its incredible Leaning Tower! This evening make sure you try out some of the justifiably reputed Tuscan cuisine washed down with some robust Chianti wine! (Buffet Breakfast)



• Day 7 - Florence - Venice (Mestre) (2 nights) A scenic drive through the Apennine hills with its craggy gorges and mountain streams leads to the plains of the Veneto and to the unique city of Venice. On arrival, savour the sights and sounds of this Byzantine city, as we enjoy an included canal cruise past Palladian Churches and palazzos to St Markís square, where we will see the Basilica, Bell-Tower, Doges Palace and Bridge of Sighs. Our Tour Director will reveal a Hidden Treasure to us during our stay in Venice! (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
  
  Hotel: Russott (2 nights)



• Day 8 - Venice Secret Walking Tour and Visit to the Fish Market Today with our local guide we enjoy a guided commentary using our effective audio system bringing the city to life, as we cruise along the Grand Canal to the Rialto Bridge. We cross the Rialto and visit the colourful fish market that has existed for centuries, and then enjoy a walking tour through the 'calle' seeing sites such as the house of Marco Polo and other interesting as well as beautiful architectural works of art. The balance of the day is at leisure to perhaps take a trip to Burano and enjoy eating some of the local seafood. (Buffet Breakfast)



• Day 9 - Venice - Postojna - Ljubljana (2 nights) We take the coastal highway and are soon at the Slovene border. Driving through verdant scenery we reach the awe-inspiring world of stalactites and stalagmites at Postojna. Weíll take a train ride through the most spectacular caves in Europe before continuing to the Slovene capital ñ Ljubljana. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
  
  Hotel: Mons (2 nights)



• Day 10 - Ljubljana sightseeing and excursion to Lake Bled After breakfast, a sightseeing tour with a local guide of this Roman founded city shows us the Opera house, Cathedral, National Museum and Castle, as well as the numerous parks. Then weíll drive to nearby Lake Bled - a little paradise on earth to delight in a cruise on the glassy lake in a local pletna boat. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)



• Day 11 - Ljubljana - Zagreb - Plitvice Lakes A drive along the valley of the river Sava brings us to the Croatian capital, Zagreb where sightseeing with a local guide highlights all the monuments of the Upper and Lower towns ñ the Church of St Mark and St Catherine, the Parliament, the Cathedral and the Government Palace. Then a short drive south brings us to the Plitvice National Park where we will spend the night ñ a haven of natural beauty. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
  
  Hotel: Jezero



• Day 12 - Plitvice Lakes - Trogir - Split A day of sightseeing that will take your breath away! We will visit the National Park composed of sixteen lakes linked by a series of ninety-two waterfalls and cascades before continuing to the Greek founded town of Trogir. Orientation of this island/open-air museum features the grandeur of the Cipiko palace and the Romanesque Cathedral. Finally along one of Europeís most beautiful coastlines to Split, lying on the limpid, turquoise waters of the Adriatic. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
  
  Hotel: Atrium



• Day 13 - Split sightseeing - Dubrovnik (3 nights) It was Emperor Diocletian's decision in AD 305 to build a palace for his retirement and as the palace grew so did the city, which we visit today. Our sightseeing tour with a local guide visits the Palace ñ a well-preserved fortress that was once encircled by 750-foot walls. Highlights include remains of the original palace, a colonnaded square and the Temple of Jupiter. Then we continue along the cypress-lined coast to Dubrovnik ñ Pearl of the Adriatic ñ for our three-night stay. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
  
  Hotel: Grand Hotel Park (3 nights)



• Days 14 & 15 - Dubrovnik sightseeing & at leisure We enjoy two full days in this impeccably medieval city. On our first morning a guided walking tour in the traffic free old city, reveals a great history. We'll see the Rector's Palace, the City Walls, Onofrio's fountain and the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Dubrovnik and its five bastions are sure to cast a spell on you! The balance of your time here is at leisure. You may choose to explore the lively market, enjoy lunch in a seaside restaurant or simply relax in the atmosphere of this resort. Alternatively, why not take an excursion into Montenegro to see the only Fjord in southern Europe and the 2,500 year old town of Budva? Your Tour Director will be happy to advise how best to use your free time. On our last evening here we will enjoy a Farewell Dinner of local specialities at a characteristic restaurant. (Buffet Breakfast / Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)



• Day 16 - Dubrovnik - USA Trafalgar bids you farewell as we transfer you to the airport for your flights home. (Buffet Breakfast)


Depart USAArrive Rome Rome sightseeing & at leisureRome at leisureRome - Assisi - Florence Florence sightseeing & at leisureFlorence - Venice (Mestre) Venice Secret Walking Tour and Visit to the Fish MarketVenice - Postojna - Ljubljana Ljubljana sightseeing and excursion to Lake BledLjubljana - Zagreb - Plitvice LakesPlitvice Lakes - Trogir - SplitSplit sightseeing - Dubrovnik Dubrovnik sightseeing & at leisureDubrovnik - USA

Whats Included

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Sightseeing Highlights

• Rome Sightseeing tour includes views of the Forum and Circus Maximus plus visits to St. Peters Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum.
• Assisi Guided visit of St. Francisí Basilica. See the Church of St Mary of the Angels.
• Florence Sightseeing tour includes the Baptistery and visiting Signoria Square and the Santa Croce Basilica. A panoramic view from Piazzale Michelangelo.
• Venice Canal cruise by private launch. Guided walking tour of ëSecret Veniceí to the Rialto Bridge. See St. Mark's Square, the Byzantine Basilica, Doges' Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Visit a Murano glass-blowing workshop.
• Ljubljana Sightseeing includes the Opera House and Cathedral.
• Postojna Visit the most impressive caves in Europe.
• Lake Bled Included cruise on Europeís most beautiful lake.
• Zagreb Sightseeing includes the highlights of the Upper and Lower towns.
• Plitvice Visit one of Europeís most admired National Parks.
• Split Visit Diocletianís Palace.
• Dubrovnik Guided walking tour of the old city.
• Scenic drives: Umbria, Tuscany, Apennines, Plitvice National Park, Adriatic coast.

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Dining Highlights

• 1 Welcome Drink with your Tour Director in Rome
• 14 Hot Buffet breakfasts
• 6 three-course dinners
• 1 local speciality restaurant dinner in Florence
• Farewell dinner in Dubrovnik
22 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, Assisi, Florence, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Plitvice, Trogir, Split and Dubrovnik.
• Chauffeur driven on Trafalgarís luxury air-conditioned coaches with onboard washroom.
• Stay in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
• All hotel service charges, tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
• A stylish wallet, tour documents and map book journal.

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Airport Transfers
Rome Fiumicino Airport Transfer will be provided on Day 2 and Dubrovnik Airport Transfer will be provided on Day 16. 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 Dubrovnik airport at 11.00 & 14.00.
• 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.