Simply Italy (Winter 2009/2010)

A purely regional tour of Italy from Rome to Florence, Venice and back to the city of the Romans. Experience a canal ride by private launch in Venice. Special audio systems are provided in Rome and Florence to enhance your experience. Enjoy scenic drives through Chianti, the Po Valley and the Apennine Mountains.

Highlights

  • Rome
  • Siena
  • Florence
  • Venice

    Whats Included

    Sightseeing Highlights

  • Rome: Guided visit of the Sistine Chapel, St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican and the Colosseum. Sightseeing tour with special audio system includes views of the Forum.
  • Siena: Visit this medieval Tuscan city.
  • Florence: Sightseeing tour with special audio system includes Signoria Square, Santa Croce Basilica, the Baptistery and views from Piazzale Michelangelo.
  • Venice: Canal cruise by private launch. View St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Visit a glass-blowing factory.

    Dining Highlights

  • Welcome Drink with your Tour Director in Rome
  • 6 hot buffet breakfasts on tour
  • 2 three-course dinners
  • Farewell Dinner with wine in Rome

    First Class Travel Highlights

  • First Class hotel accommodation includes twin-bedded rooms with private facilities, all hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes.
  • Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and a washroom onboard.
  • Rome Fiumicino Airport transfers are provided on Days 2 and 8.
  • Escorted by one of Trafalgar's top professional, multi-lingual Tour Directors.
  • A qualified local guide in Rome and Florence.
  • Experience Trafalgar's commitment to conservation in Venice.
  • A stylish wallet, tour documents and map book journal.
  • Call (555) 555-1212 for more information or to book today! Mention code 8201550

    Tour Operator
    Trafalgar Tours
    Duration
    8 Days
    Escorted
    Escorted - Yes
    DayDestinationDescription
    Day 1Depart USADepart USA :
    Overnight flight to Rome.
    Day 2RomeArrive Rome (2 nights) :
    Welcome to Rome, capital of Italy, and the Eternal City! The rest of the day is free to relax or explore on your own. This evening we enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director and fellow travelers. Afterwards, maybe enjoy an evening illuminations tour of the city or join the evening throng in cosmopolitan Piazza Navona with its centerpiece of Bernini's magnificent fountain.

    Hotel: Novadomus (2 nights)
    Day 3RomeRome sightseeing and at leisure :
    Our morning sightseeing tour of the Eternal City with a local guide includes Michelangelo's magnificent depiction of the Creation on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, as well as St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. Our visit of the Basilica - built at the spot where St. Peter is said to have died - will include Michelangelo's moving statue of the "Piet", as well as the colonnades around St. Peter's Square guarded by the gaily attired Swiss Guards. Then we cross the River Tiber to reach
    Ancient Rome but first pause in Piazza Venezia where we may take pictures of the "Wedding Cake" or monument to Victor Emmanuel, the first king of a unified Italy. We will also see the 15th century Palazzo Venezia as well as the Campidoglio.

    We continue along the Via Sacra to the Roman Forum and we visit the breathtaking Colosseum, the most famous monument of Ancient Rome. Originally known as Flavian's Amphitheatre, it was started by the Emperor Vespasian between 70 and 76 AD - and today is still standing! Finally we see the Roman's favourite chariot racing stadium - the Circus Maximus overlooked by the Palatine Hill. Later maybe visit the Catacombs and Pantheon or relax, sip a cappucino and watch the world go by in a sidewalk cafe on the famous Via Veneto. This evening, why not try one of the many trattorias for dinner, and don't forget to throw a coin in the famous Trevi Fountain to ensure your speedy return. (Buffet Breakfast)
    Day 4FlorenceRome - Florence (2 nights) :
    We drive through the Lazio region, following the upper valley of the Tiber, before driving through peaceful Umbria. We continue into the lush green hills of Tuscany where we join the valley of the river Arno and soon arrive in Renaissance Florence. This afternoon perhaps take a leisurely stroll through the medieval streets of the city and visit some of its magnificent museums and galleries. (Buffet Breakfast)

    Hotel: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo (2 nights)
    Day 5FlorenceFlorence sightseeing and at leisure :
    Our sightseeing tour of this beautiful city on foot includes the Cathedral, the Baptistery with its magnificent bronze doors, the Signoria Square with its Renaissance sculptures and the fine marble architecture of the Santa Croce Basilica, which we visit to see the resting place of Michelangelo and many other great artists, scientists and politicians. There's time to shop for fine leather goods and 18-carat gold designer jewelry before perhaps taking an excursion to Pisa - famous for its amazing Leaning Tower. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
    Day 6VeniceFlorence - Venice :
    Our morning drive takes us across the fertile Po valley to the area of Bologna, where we join the Autostrada del Sole for the beautiful journey over the Apennine Mountains through Emilia Romagna and past the Chianti vineyards to Siena, famous for its Palio horse race in the Piazza del Campo. Set on three hills, Siena is reputedly the best-preserved walled city in the Tuscany region, with its pedestrianized medieval center. There's time to enjoy a drink on the main square or maybe visit the stunning marble Cathedral which was begun in the 12th century in the Romanesque style but was transformed in the 13th century into one of the finest examples of the Italian Gothic. Then back to Rome where tonight we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with wine in a local restaurant. (Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

    Hotel: Cristoforo Colombo
    Day 7RomeVenice (Lido) - Rome :
    Our morning drive takes us across the fertile Po Valley to Bologna, where we join the Autostrada del Sole for the beautiful journey over the Apennine Mountains. We drive back through the unique Tuscan landscape, the shady hills of Umbria and return to the region of Rome, Lazio. Later this evening we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with wine in a local restaurant. (BuffetBreakfast / Farwell Dinner)

    Hotel: Cristoforo Colombo
    Day 8Return USARome - USA :
    Today, it's "Arrivederci Roma" as your tour comes to an end. Airport transfers are available, conditions apply. (Buffet Breakfast)
    Dates/Pricing

    Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
    03/20/2010$1,225.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    03/27/2010$1,225.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    04/03/2010$1,275.00* (USD) / Land PriceQuote
    Disclaimer
    This list indicates brochure rates and dates.
    *** For single travellers purchasing the twin-share option, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms.
    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.

      
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