Highlights of Italy & Switzerland 2010
The splendors never stop during this travel experience. The dignified statues and cathedrals of Rome and Florence, romantic Venice, and elegant Portofino contrast beautifully with traffic-free Zermatt, situated in the shadow of the Matterhorn.
Highlights
Whats Included
Sightseeing Highlights
Dining Highlights
First Class Travel Highlights
Details
- Tour Operator
- Trafalgar Tours
- Offer
- Offer valid through 12/31/2009
- Duration
- 13 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Depart USA | Depart USA : Overnight flight to Rome. |
| Day 2 | Rome | Arrive Rome (2 nights) : Welcome to Rome, capital of Italy, and the Eternal City! The rest of the day is free to relax. Later we join our Tour Director and traveling companions for a Welcome Drink.. Hotel: Aran Mantegna (2 nights) |
| Day 3 | Rome | Rome sightseeing and at leisure : Today's highlight is our visit to the Sistine Chapel to admire the painted ceiling by Michelangelo rendered even more fascinating by the clear commentary of our local guide, thanks to our effective audio system. From here we make our way into St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican to see the famous Pieta - among other great works. Then we cross the Tiber to explore ancient Rome with views of the Forum, a visit to the mighty Colosseum and a view over the Circus Maximus where chariot races were held. Later, time to relax or explore further. (Buffet breakfast) |
| Day 4 | Montecatini | Rome - Florence - Montecatini (tuscan hills) : This morning we drive into the rolling hills of Umbria and through the beautiful Tuscan landscape to the Renaissance city of Florence. We enjoy a guided walking tour of the city, which takes in the statue-lined Piazza Signoria, the Piazza del Duomo with its cathedral and baptistery and the Piazza Santa Croce. Time to shop for quality leather goods and gold jewelry before continuing to the spa resort of Montecatini. Where tonight we enjoy an authentic Tuscan dinner in an atmospheric restaurant amongst the olive groves. (Buffet breakfast / 'Be My Guest' Dinner) Hotel: Francia e Quirinale |
| Day 5 | Santa Margherita | Montecatini (tuscan hills) - Pisa - Santa Margherita (2 nights) : Today we follow the Arno Valley westwards to the city of Pisa. Here we have the chance to see the famous Leaning Tower, the Cathedral and baptistery in the Square of Miracles. Then we follow the beautiful Ligurian coast and catch sight of the massive marble quarries in the Apennine foothills. We can actually see great slabs of marble which are brought to the town of Carrara to be prepared for export worldwide. Then we pass by the important naval port of La Spezia before making our way to our hotel in Santa Margherita (Buffet breakfast) Hotel: Park Hotel Suisse (2 nights) |
| Day 6 | Santa Margherita | Italian Riviera at leisure - excursion to Portofino : This morning we take the ferry (or minibus when not available) to the Riviera's most elegant resort - Portofino - one of Italy's most romantic destinations. Renowned for its multicolored houses in a spectacular setting, it is one of the most exclusive towns in Europe, and we have the time to explore at our leisure. Later we return to Santa Margherita and have the opportunity to stroll through the elegant streets and perhaps visit the Cappuccini Church with its 12th century statue of the Virgin Mary or maybe just relax and enjoy a cool drink in a cafe overlooking the Mediterranean before dining in our hotel. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) |
| Day 7 | Geneva | Santa Margherita - Chamonix - Lausanne - Geneva : We take the highway northwards and toward the Alps. We travel via Alessandria and into the attractive skiing area of the Val d'Aosta to France. Here, in the shadow of Europe's tallest mountain, Mont Blanc, we stop in the resort of Chamonix, high in the French Alps. Then we descend to the international city of Geneva where we see the Jet d'Eau on the lake, the Reformation Monument and the United Nations building before continuing to our hotel. (Buffet breakfast) Hotel: NH Rex |
| Day 8 | Zermatt | Geneva - Lausanne - Montreux - Zermatt (2 nights) : This morning we drive eastwards along the lake passing by Lausanne, to Montreux where we stop to take a photo of the Chateau de Chillon before continuing to the upper Rhone valley. Finally we take minibuses from Tasch to the traffic-free resort of Zermatt, in the shadow of the Matterhorn, where we enjoy a special fondue Highlight Dinner tonight. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner) Hotel: National (2 nights) |
| Day 9 | Zermatt | Zermatt at leisure : Today there is time to relax and enjoy the quiet atmosphere of this mountain village, with its attractive cafes, gorgeous boutiques and surrounding green meadows. Time also to take in even better views of the Matterhorn by taking a cable car trip to one of the surrounding peaks! (Buffet breakfast) |
| Day 10 | Venice | Zermatt - Italian lakes - Venice (2 nights) : Cameras at the ready for a day of stunning scenery! First over the Simplon Pass high in the Alps and then down towards the Italian Lakes, where we enter Italy near Domodossola. We stop in the glorious resort of Stresa on Lake Maggiore, a town of elegant villas facing the picturesque Borromean Islands. Then first via Milan, we take the autostrada to Venice - a unique city of 200 islands built on wooden piles in a glassy lagoon. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) Hotel: B4 Venezia-Mestre (2 nights) |
| Day 11 | Venice | Venice orientation and at leisure : We start today with a cruise by vaporetto to the heart of Venice, St. Mark's Square. On the way we have the chance to savour the sights and sounds of this unique floating city where all services must be provided either by water or on foot. On arrival we can marvel at the Bridge of Sighs, immortalized by Lord Byron, the magnificent and ornate Doge's Palace and the Byzantine Basilica of St. Mark. Our Tour Director will reveal a Hidden Treasure to us, before we have the opportunity to watch a demonstration of the ancient craft of glass-blowing, which originated on the Island of Murano. Then we have time at leisure to explore this fascinating city or perhaps to take a trip out across the lagoon to the fisherman's Island of Burano where we can enjoy a delicious seafood lunch. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) |
| Day 12 | Rome | Venice - Orvieto - Rome : We travel over the Veneto Plain and ascend into the Apennine Mountains after Bologna. We continue through Tuscany into Umbria where we stop to visit one of its most attractive hilltop towns, Orvieto. We take the funicular to the center where we see the magnificent cathedral and have time to sample the renowned local white wine and shop for colorful ceramic pottery. Then we return again to Rome and enjoy a Farewell Dinner together. (Buffet breakfast / Farewell dinner) Hotel: Villa Pamphili |
| Day 13 | Return USA | Rome - USA : This morning it is time for final goodbyes as our vacation comes to an end. There are transfers available to Rome's Fiumicino Airport, conditions apply. (Buffet breakfast) |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- ** This list indicates brochure rates and dates.
** Trafalgar guarantees to quote you the lowest possible airfare available on the day that you book. Please note that airfares are not included in the prices.
For details on discounts that apply to this tour please refer to a brochure or see your Travel Agent.
The displayed prices are based on twin-share accommodation. A single supplement price is available on request.- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
