Best of Italy (Winter 2012/13) - Insight Vacations - W922WC07

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Price from: for 11 Days

Board your overnight flight (not included).

Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with Classical antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and baroque churches. On arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport, a transfer leaves for the tour hotel at 09:30, 12:30 & 15:30. Tonight meet your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception with drinks and a light informal meal. The following day is devoted to the ‘Eternal City’. Enjoy an in-depth sightseeing tour with a local guide who will take you inside the Vatican Museums to gaze upon the treasures of the Popes. Enjoy clear commentary via your audio headset as you admire Michelangelo’s famous ceiling inside the Sistine Chapel. Now enter St. Peter’s Basilica to wonder at another of his works, the emotive ‘Pieta’. Then cross the Tiber to visit the Colosseum, scene of many gladiatorial contests. After seeing the Roman Forum, the rest of the day is yours to shop in the boutiques or relax at a sidewalk café.(Welcome Reception / Buffet Breakfast)

Leave Rome and follow the valley of the River Tiber to the hills of Umbria, which form part of the Apennines. Your destination is peaceful Assisi, one of Italy’s most beautiful mountain towns. First in the valley see the famous Church of St. Mary of the Angels, much venerated as the place of St. Francis’ death, then continue up Mount Subasio to the upper town. Step inside the huge Basilica of St. Francis, built in the 13th Century, where the frescoes by Giotto heralded a new era in Italian art.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

A pleasant drive leads to the romantic city of Venice, and what better way to see it than from a private launch? Cruise past Palladian churches and 13C palaces to St. Mark’s Square. See the Doges’ Palace, connected to the prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. It was from here that Casanova made his daring escape. Now admire the mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica and watch one of the few remaining masters blow molten glass into a unique creation at a Venetian glass showroom.(Buffet Breakfast)

Back on the mainland, cross the plain of the Po River and traverse the Apennines to reach the peaceful landscapes of Tuscany. Follow the river to the coastal town of Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower. Time also to admire the marble cathedral and Baptistery before continuing to Florence. During your stay join a local guide for a walking tour of the historic city centre. A highlight is the visit to the Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo’s monumental figure of David. Continue to the multi-coloured marble Cathedral to see Giotto’s bell tower and ‘Gates of Paradise’ before visiting the Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence. The area around Santa Croce Basilica is famous for the quality of its luxury goods; see a demonstration of leather work in the very place this craft first established itself. There’s also free time to shop for Florence’s finest or continue sightseeing. This evening don’t miss the chance to sample the fine Florentine cuisine - tasty starters, rich pastas, accompanied by Chianti wine.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner / Buffet Breakfast)

Take the smooth motorway south, through the rich volcanic hills of Frascati to Cassino where you visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery, overlooked by the austere monastery of Montecassino. Now follow the scenic cliff top road towards the picturesque resort of Sorrento. Enjoy the evening, maybe stroll to the Piazza Tasso where the bars and cafés turn up the volume and spring to life. Next morning, investigate the art of ‘intarsio’ or marquetry wood inlaying before cruising to Capri - the isle of dreams. Under the Mediterranean sun, take an open top taxi up to Capri Town, where you can explore the narrow alleyways, browse in exclusive boutiques and enjoy the views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Perhaps join an optional tour to visit Axel Munthe’s Villa San Michele? Descend to the port by funicular railway and return to Sorrento for some relaxation time. Later, why not immerse yourself in the Italian culture and work up an appetite on a traditional evening stroll (passeggiata) - it’s a time to ‘see and be seen’. Afterwards, you are offered a selection of local restaurants for your dining pleasure.(Buffet Breakfast / Buffet Breakfast / Dine Around)

Only a short drive from the hotel lies Pompeii, the opulent Roman town which was preserved by layers of ash from the disastrous eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79. A walking tour with a local guide through the cobbled streets and extensive excavations reveals the daily life of ancient Roman civilisation. Afterwards, the smooth motorway leads back to the ‘Eternal City’ of Rome. Tonight, join your fellow passengers for an unforgettable Celebration Dinner of delicious Italian cuisine, wine, music and spine-tingling operetta - a true Italian experience.(Buffet Breakfast / Celebration Dinner)

Arrivederci Roma! Sadly, your tour comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 & 09:30.(Buffet Breakfast)