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Splendours of Italy
9 DAYS FROM £809
A fascinating tour encompassing some of Italy's most historic and beautiful cities, combined with a visit to the famous Chianti wine region.
All this included
Rome City sightseeing with local guide - St Peter's Square, Roman Forum and Colosseum
Orvieto Cathedral visit
San Gimignano Visit
Greve in the Chianti Valley with wine tasting
Florence Walking city sightseeing with local guide
Pisa Square of Miracles
Venice Canal boat ride, orientation & glass blowing demonstration
Assisi St Francis' Basilica
Flights UK - Rome - UK
Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
Meals on tour - 8 breakfasts and 2 dinners
Services of a tour director on tour and local representative in resort
Porterage at hotels on tour (for one suitcase per person)
Individual Audio System you will be given headphones and a receiver so you can always hear the tour director/local guides on the coach and on visits.
Transfers between the overseas airports and hotels
All local and airport taxes/service charges
Single share option (on tour only) no supplement to pay
Holiday Itinerary
DAY 1: UK - Rome.
Fly to Rome where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring this 2,000 year-old city on your own before meeting your Tour Director and fellow guests this evening.
DAY 2: Rome.
Steeped in history, the 'Eternal City' never fails to inspire. Today a guide will show you the landmarks of this captivating place. Get ready to see the massive, domed Basilica of St Peter's Square and ruined arches of the Roman Forum before imagining the epic fights of gladiators and the masses of cheering spectators at the epic Colosseum, commissioned by the Emperor Vespasian in 72AD. (B)
DAY 3: Rome - Siena.
Drive through scenic Umbria to Orvieto. Perched on a volcanic bluff, this delightful town is famed for its Gothic cathedral. Step inside to admire its glittering mosaics and 13th century frescoes. Later, carry on to Siena, one of Tuscany's hilltop jewels, where you can relax in one of the cafés on its red-bricked Piazza del Campo - one of Italy's finest squares and the stage for the Palio horse race. (B)
DAY 4: Siena - Montecatini.
This morning, visit San Gimignano, regarded as Tuscany's most beautiful town for it skyline of 13th century towers. One glimpse of its cobbled streets and squares and you'll immediately see why it's a UNESCO World Heritage site. Afterwards, journey through the vineyards of Chianti, passing wine towns like Badia and Castellina, where the 'Bordeaux of Italy' is grown. Sample some wine at Greve before arriving in the spa town of Montecatini in time to join our optional Tuscan dinner outing. (B)
DAY 5: Montecatini - Florence - Montecatini.
Sitting on the River Arno, Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and one of the world's most superbly preserved medieval cities. It is also perfect for exploring on foot, with much of its centre pedestrianised. Today discover treasures such as its Piazza della Signoria and fairytale town hall, the Palazzo Vecchio. Another highlight is the Piazza del Duomo, home to the brick-domed cathedral and Giotto campanile. Nearby is the Baptistry, with its gilded East Door known as the 'Gates of Paradise'. (B, D)
DAY 6: Montecatini - Pisa - Venice area.
Today to Pisa, originally an important Etruscan port. See its beautiful 'Square of Miracles', home to the 180-feet Leaning Tower, exquisite Baptistry and 13th century cathedral. Next continue through the Apennine hills and Po Valley for two nights in the Venice area. (B)
DAY 7: Venice.
Built on 118 islands and 177 canals, Venice was once Europe's most prosperous city. Marvel at the Palazzos, the Bridge of Sighs and St Mark's Square, on a boat ride along the Giudecca Canal. Later, watch a demonstration of glassblowing, a time-honoured Venetian craft, before enjoying time to explore independently. Why not take an optional gondola ride, floating along the romantic canals serenaded by a singing gondolier? (B, D)
DAY 8: Venice area - Assisi - Rome.
Enjoy the interesting scenery as we cross the Po delta and the gentle hills to Assisi. The birthplace of St Francis in 1182, this walled hill town is built in pink-grey stone and dominated by a huge Basilica. Comprising two churches, one housing St Francis' tomb, its centrepiece is a cycle of beautiful frescoes by Giotto depicting scenes from the saint's life. Afterwards, return to Rome. (B)
DAY 9: Rome - UK.
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
Check prices and availability for this holiday
Accommodation on Tour
Rome: Fleming (4*); Siena: Italia (3*) or Mercure Degliulivi (4*); Montecatini: Plaza E Locanda Maggiore (4*); Venice area: Poppi at Mira (4*); Rome: Parco Tirreno (4*) or Princess (4*).
Special Departures
Christmas in Florence
Depart Wednesday 21 December and enjoy Christmas in Florence.
Holiday Extensions
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Add 3 nights in Sorrento - 3 Extra nights from £214
Why not extend your holiday with 3 extra nights in any of the hotels in Sorrento. On day 9 of your tour, transfer to your chosen hotel in Sorrento for 3 nights, before returning to Rome for an additional night. On day 13 (Fri) transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. If the prices for the combination of your choice are not shown on this page, please ask your reservations advisor for details.
Accommodation on Extensions
Add 3 nights in Sorrento - 3 Extra nights from £214
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View Holiday PhotosMajestic Palace
This attractive hotel is tastefully furnished in a charming traditional-style, and stands in its own well-kept gardens in the elegant residential area of St Agnello.
Location: The nearby Marinella beach terrace is 400 metres away, offering magnificent views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. The centre of Sorrento is approximately 2 kilometres away, reached by a courtesy bus which runs approximately 6 times a day.
Facilities: Swimming pool; free sunbeds; sun terrace; gardens; restaurant, weekly buffet dinner with occasional piano bar; stylish lounge and snack bar; air-conditioning (1 Jun-30 Sep); hairdresser; beauty salon; sauna and jacuzzi; small gym; table tennis; lift; safety deposit box and minibar in bedrooms.
Price includes: Half board in a lower ground floor twin room with private facilities; terrace or patio; satellite TV; air-conditioning (1 Jun-30 Sep) and hairdryer.
Options: Single room; upper floor balcony room.
Official category: 4 star.
Note: There are a number of steps within the hotel. -
View Holiday PhotosGrand Hotel Cesare Augusto
Enjoying a really desirable position in the centre of Sorrento, this well established hotel is perfect if you like being right in the thick of things. With elegant public areas and well kept colourful gardens, the hotel provides a wonderful base in Sorrento, from which to either relax or explore the town and surrounding area.
Location: In the heart of Sorrento with the main square, Piazza Tasso, shops, bars and restaurants only 50 metres away. Marina Grande and the beach are both easily reached.
Facilities: Panoramic rooftop terrace with swimming pool and snack bar; free sunbeds and towels; lounge; bar; minibar and safety deposit box in bedrooms.
Price includes: Half board in a twin room with private facilities; balcony; air-conditioning (1 Jun-30 Sep) and satellite TV.
Options: Single room.
Official category: 4 star.
View My Holiday Photos
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable)
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