Carefully crafted to create an intimate, indulgent introduction to one of the world's most popular peninsulas, this tour takes in all the major, must-see attractions in classic Back-Roads fashion. Breach the typical tourist barriers to become totally immersed in the history of Rome, the creativity of Florence, romance of Venice, and glamour of Milan. Then move beyond the signature cities to the rustic countryside regions and the lakeside spectacle of Lake Como. Enjoy the splendours of Italy as you uncover the elegant Italian culture, cuisine and history.

Tour Inclusions
• 12 nights accommodation in unique & traditional accommodation
• Driver / Guide Companion
• All mini-coach transportation
• Local guide in Rome, Florence & Venice
• European Breakfast daily
• Local evening meals x 6
• Lake Como ferry
• Vaporetto transfer, Venice

Entrance fees as listed:

 

• Catacombs, Rome
• Vatican Museum, Rome
• Duomo, Florence
• Leaning Tower of Pisa
• Santa Croce, Florence
• La Scala museum, Milan

Sun 29 Aug, 2010 - Fri 10 Sep, 2010 (12 nights) GSun 12 Sep, 2010 - Fri 24 Sep, 2010 (12 nights) GSun 26 Sep, 2010 - Fri 8 Oct, 2010 (12 nights) GG - Guaranteed Departure

Itinerary:

Day 1   Rome
As you make your way to the spectacular city of Rome you may orientate yourself with this historic city before we meet this evening for the first of many delicious Italian meals in a local restaurant.
(D)

Day 2   Rome
Few cities have had such an influence on the world as Rome, and whilst it might not be caput mundi (capital of the World), it remains a city of huge historical significance. We discover its illustrious antiquity as we explore its classical streets, which make us feel like we are in an outdoor museum. Be dazzled by the plethora of famous sites and monument as we enjoy a local guided tour. We are introduced to some of its most impressive sites, including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. After lunch we head out of the city for a guided tour of another of its ancient sites, the underground cemeteries known as the Catacombs.
(B)

Day 3    Rome
Today we explore more of Rome at a leisurely pace. We visit the Vatican Museum, a complex of different pontifical museums which were built to promote knowledge of art and history. Here we find some of the greatest works of art in the world, spectacular archaeological finds and the rich Gallery of Tapestries. A must-see highlight is Michelangelo's monumental artistic achievement, the spectacular painted ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. This afternoon is free for you to enjoy more of this city's remarkable sights. Take a walk through St Peter's Basilica and make sure you browse through Rome's famous boutiques.
(B)

Day 4    Assisi/Perugia
It's time to depart Rome as we enjoy the scenic route along the Via Salaria (the ancient salt route), stopping at historic towns along the way. Our first is the picturesque town of Reiti, whose cathedral dates back to the 12th century and features a Romanesque bell tower. We also visit Spoleto, the home of the spectacular Albornozian Castle whose imposing hilltop position offers an incredible view over the town and surrounding valley. Later this afternoon we marvel at the Basilica of St Francis in Assisi, dating back to the 13th Century and one of the most important places of Christian pilgrimage in Italy.
(B/D)

Day 5    Volterra/Siena
Admire the breathtaking countryside as we travel to the ravishing region of Tuscany, renowned for its exquisite art, food and wine. We visit the beautiful San Gimignano, known as ‘The City of Towers' and one of Tuscany's best preserved medieval towns. We then head to Siena where we explore its exquisite sites, such as the Palazzo Pubblico, a fine example of Italian medieval and Gothic architecture, and of course the Piazza del Campo, arguably the most beautiful arena in Italy. Tonight we enjoy a traditional Tuscan dinner in one of its local restaurants.
(B/D)

Day 6    Volterra/Siena
It is a short yet dramatic drive to Florence, the home of Renaissance art and architecture. We experience a wonderful walking tour with a local guide, which takes us to some of the city's most remarkable sites. We'll see the Ponte Vecchio (medieval bridge over the River Arno), Duomo Cathedral, Uffizi Gallery and Santa Croce - the burial place of some of the most illustrious Italians, including Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. This afternoon is yours to spend a relaxing time exploring the streets of this exquisite city before we return to our accommodation.
(B)

Day 7    Lucca
This morning we journey to ancient Pisa. Its famous Leaning Tower needs no introduction. This 12th century freestanding bell tower seems to defy gravity and has been attracting visitors for many years. We view the adjoining cathedral, Bapestry and the decorated Campo Santo, or ‘Holy Field.' Get your cameras ready as we travel to the charming city of Lucca, probably the most spectacular walled town in Italy. Explore the ancient walls with your local guide, before discovering the house where Puccini was born, the quirky Torre Guinigi and more!
(B)

Day 8     Venice
We take the back-roads and enjoy a stunning alpine style drive over the Apennine Mountains to Ravenna, to uncover its eight World Heritage listed sights and stunning 5th and 6th century mosaics. We then travel to the famous city of Venice. Venice is best travelled on the water, so sit back and enjoy a vaporetto ride to our hotel, located on one of Venice's historic islands. Tonight's dinner will be a delightful Venetian dinner at a local restaurant.
(B/D)

Day 9    Venice
This morning we fully immerse ourselves in this splendid city as we explore its iconic sites and monuments on a guided walking tour. We watch daily Venetian life pass by in the bustling St Mark's Square, visit the gleaming Basilica, the most famous cathedral church in the city, view the Campanile (bell tower) and the Gothic Doges Palace. Venice is a labyrinth of canals crossed by beautiful bridges, and we shall visit some of its most attractive, including the Bridge of Sighs and Rialto Bridge as we wind through the city. This afternoon is free for you to continue your enthralling exploration of Venice.
(B)

Day 10    Lake Como
Leaving Venice, we head to romantic Verona, famous for Juliet's Balcony scene from Shakespeare's play Romeo & Juliet and its many well preserved archaeological sites. We explore the city, including its colossal Roman amphitheatre, the Arena, picturesque Piazza delle Erbe, Madonna Verona fountain and Tower Lamberti. Aside from its historical sites, Verona offers some fantastic shopping opportunities in its abundance of unique shops and boutiques. This afternoon we enter the scenic lakes region of northern Italy, and head to our hotel on spectacular Lake Como.
(B/D)

Day 11     Lake Como
Today we relax close to Lake Como. The area is an oasis of tranquillity, with arresting views across the pristine lakes and surrounding majestic snow capped mountains. We visit the historic walled town of Como, where you can explore its 400-year-old buildings and ancient churches. There will also be an opportunity for an optional drive across the border into Switzerland to the lakeside town of Lugano. Tonight we dine at a lovely lakeside restaurant.
(B/D)

Day 12     Milan
Milan is Italy's famous fashion capital; the city is as beautiful as its people. We are spoilt for choices today. To orientate us in this captivating city we take a guided walking tour to appreciate the glamour, passing through its city centre and impressive Gothic cathedral, and famous church, Santa Maria delle Grazie, where Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper hangs. Nearby there's La Scala, home to one of Italy's famous Opera Houses. This afternoon is at your leisure, wander through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the world's most beautiful shopping mall, or maybe see an opera performance.
(B)

 

Day 13 Milan
Your tour finishes after breakfast. Depending on when your flight leaves, there is an opportunity to shop or embark on further sightseeing.
(B)

 

 

 

Please note:
This tour involves a reasonable amount of walking and is only suitable for those who are reasonably fit.

Price

Pick-up/Drop-off Information:

Meet your guide at 6.00pm in your hotel in Rome. The tour finishes after breakfast in Milan at 9.00am:

Rome Hotel:

Hotel Nerva

via Tor de Conti, 3
00184 Roma, Italy

 

Milan Hotel:

Hotel Baviera
Via Panfilo Castaldi, 7
20124 Milano