TOUR 16 DAYS/15 NIGHTS - FANTASIA ALL ITALY

DEPARTURE FROM ROME, 13 MEALS

ROME, ASSISI,SIENA, FIRENZE
Departure at 07.15 from the hotel Diana by a deluxe coach we’ll arrive to Assisi. Arrival and free time at disposal to visit this tiny town, surrounded by ancient Middle Ages walls. We suggest the visit of the Basilica of St. Francesco with its masterpieces of Giotto and Cimabue. Lunch break (not included). By the motorway we’ll arrive to Siena. This medieval town surrounded by ancient walls and known for the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, the town square, famous for hosting the Palio horse race. Then we’ll reach our destination: Florence. Dinner and overnight.

FLORENCE
Breakfast. Visit of this beautiful city where the Italian genius for art reached its pinnacle. City of Etruscan- Roman origins, it flourished in the Middle Ages as a free commune. Furtherly refined by Renaissance, Florence is known as the “craddle of Renaissance” (la culla del Rinascimento) for its monumenights, churches and buildings.The best-known site and crowning architectural jewel of Florence is the domed cathedral of the city, Santa Maria del Fiore known as The Duomo that we will visit. The magnificent dome was built by Filippo Brunelleschi. We will then proceed to the nearby Campanile tower (partly designed by Giotto) and the Baptistery with the golden bronze doors (they were so beautiful that they were called the “Gates of Paradise” by Michelangelo himself. In the heart of the city there is Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo della Signoria (also known as Palazzo Vecchio), gothic building, and the Santa Croce Basilica. Afternoon at leisure, possibility to visit Pisa (optional). The power of Pisa as a mighty maritime nation began to grow on and reached its apex in the 11th century when it acquired traditional fame as one of the four main historical Marine Republics of Italy. Then we will admire the Square of Miracles where we find the Duomo, the Leaning Tower and the Baptistery. Return to Florence. Dinner and overnight.

FLORENCE, BOLOGNA, PADOVA, VENICE
Breakfast. In the morning departure to Bologna. The cityscape is further enriched by elegant and extensive arcades (or porticos), which the city is famous for. In total, there are about 38 kilometres of arcades in the city historical center for its 40 km of high system of fortifications and defensive towers. From the Via dell’Indipendenza, we will proceed to Piazza del Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore in the heart of the city. The central streets of Bologna today are largely pedestrianized. Here we’ll be fascinated by the Piazza del Nettuno, King Renzo’s Palace, the Podestà Palace and the Basilica of San Petronio, one of the biggest in the world (during its construction it was intended to be bigger than St. Peter's in Rome. In the afternoon we will continue towards Padova, with its original Sant’ Antonio Basilica. In the evening, arrival in Venice, world-famous for its gondola (classic venetian boat) and for its elegant and refined art. Dinner and overnight.

VENICE
Breakfast. Transfer by vaporetto to St Mark Square. We will visit: St Mark Square and the Doge’s Palace (external), symbol of the glory and the authority of Venice, residence of the Dukes and seat of the Government and the Court of Justice. It can be reached crossing the Bridge of Sighs where Casanova had been sentenced to 5 years imprisonment.. At the end of the tour, the group will stop in one of the famous Murano glasses factory. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight.

VENICE, MONTEPULCIANO (TUSCANY), ROME
Breakfast and departure by motor coach from Piazzale Roma to the famous area of Tuscany interesting for its romanic churches as Pievi and its castles, area where the production of the most famous wines takes place. After a short panoramic of the Chianti Region we will reach Valle D’Orcia and stop in Montepulciano, precious medieval town rich of history and art, known for its “nobile” wine that can be bought in the winehouses of the town. For wine and jazz lovers, in July there is the Jazz and Wine festival. Tasting of local wine, Free time at disposal. In the evening arrival in Rome and overnight.

ROME
Breakfast at the Hotel. Departure from the Hotel from 07.45- 08:00 am approximately to visit by foot this famous city and its artistic beauties among which: St. Peter’s Square, Navona Square, Pantheon (visit inside), Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. Afternoon at leisure and overnight.

ROME
Breakfast at the Hotel .Day at leisure (possibility to book regular excursion in Rome) and overnight at the Hotel.

ROME, NAPLES, POMPEII, SORRENTO
Breakfast at the Hotel. Departure from the Hotel at hrs 07:00 am. After leaving Rome, the coach will take the " Sun Route " motorway, driving through the regions of Lazio and Campania, with a view of the Abbey of Montecassino. Upon arrival in Naples there will be a short panoramic city tour : Mergellina, Castel dell'Ovo Plebiscito Square, the Royal Palace, the Maschio Angioino and the port. Lunch in a restaurant on our way to Pompeii and then visit of the excavations of the famous Roman city , destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Leaving Pompeii and driving along the Sorrentine coastal, arrival in Sorrento. Dinner and overnight in the Hotel.

SORRENTO, CAPRI, SORRENTO
After breakfast we board the boat for the Island of Capri, where, weather and sea conditions permitting, we will visit the Blue Grotta in small rowing boats. Lunch in a restaurant and free time for personal activities. Return to Sorrento, Dinner and Overnight in the Hotel.

SORRENTO, PALERMO , OVERNIGHT ON BOAT
Breakfast at the Hotel and morning at leisure. In the afternoon departure towards Naples harbour to take the Ferry Boat to Palermo. Overnight on boat (no dinner no breakfast).

PALERMO
Arrival in Palermo transfer and day at leisure. Dinner and overnight.

PALERMO
Breakfast. In the morning visit of Monreale, ancient royal town. Return to Palermo. Here we will visit the Cathedral and other main interesting places of the city. Free afternoon. Dinner and overnight.

PALERMO, ERICE, MARSALA, AGRIGENTO
Breakfast. Departure as far as Erice, situated on 700 mt above sea level and remained unchanged thanks to its retaining wall erected in the VI century b.c. We will proceed to Marsala,. Free time at disposal to visit this seaside resort known for its wines growth. We will then pass by Mazara del Vallo, fishing port of Italy overlooks the Strait of Sicily.We will arrive at Agrigento. The visit will continue with the Valley of the Temples (admission tickets included) with the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Concorde, the Temple of Hercules and Temple of Jupiter, one of the largest of all doric style buildings. (If the weather doesn’t permit, we will enjoy a visit of the Valley of Temples the day after). Dinner and overnight stay.

AGRIGENTO/NOTO/SIRACUSA / TAORMINA (GIARDINI NAXOS)
Breakfast. After leaving Agrigento we reach noto a beutifull city with its baroque buildings and its chatedral that will atonish you.free time. after noto we will reach siracusa , we will visit the Greek Amphiteathre , the Dionisio Ear and the Roman Theathre (admission tickets included) after this visit we see the Island of Ortigia, rich in Baroque and medieval palaces and churches.In the afternoon arrival at Taormina. Dinner and overstay.

TAORMINA (GIARDINI NAXOS)
Breakfast. Excursion to the Mount Etna, an active volcano and it is the largest active volcano in Europe. It is the highest mountain in Italy. (Weather permitting) we’ll climb the summit area up to 1800 m. Return to Taormina, crossing the town located on a impressive embankment of the Monte Tauro. Dinner and overstay.

TAORMINA (GIARDINI NAXOS)
Breakfast. End of services.