TOUR PCT1  PRINT ITINERARY 2008  

ITALIAN PENINSULA ESCORTED TOUR 

Day 1  ROME

Arrival at the hotel and overnight stay.

Day 2  ROME - SIENA - FLORENCE

Departure at 8:00 by deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach on the "Autostrada del Sole " to Siena.  This monumental medieval city, constructed on three hills in the heart of Tuscany, is encircled by its ancient walls and is famous for its “Piazza del Campo", a square designed in the shape of a shell.  Every year the famous "Palio" takes place here.  Also visit the elegant Palace and the Cathedral. In the afternoon proceed on to Florence. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 3  FLORENCE 

Breakfast at the hotel and a morning city to appreciate the artistic beauty  of  Florence  with  its  Dome by Brunelleschi,  the Bell tower by Giotto, and the Baptistery.  The sightseeing tour continues through  Piazza  della  Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio and  finally the church of  Santa  Croce.  Afternoon at leisure or optional escorted tours for more visiting in Florence. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4  FLORENCE –  PISA - PADUA - VENICE

Breakfast at the hotel and departure for the excursion to Pisa. This quiet and graceful town shows signs of its past and its greatness through the famous Piazza del Campo, better known as the "Square of Miracles" where we find the Cathedral, the Leaning Tower (a Romanic bell tower of 58mt) and the Baptistery.  At the end of the visit we depart to Padua for a short  visit  of the Basilica of St. Anthony, then continue to Venice, the city of gondolas.  Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5  VENICE

Breakfast at hotel and exploration of this mysterious city built on 177 islands, with 150 canals and 400 bridges.  Sightseeing includes the panoramic view of St. Mark's square and the  Doge's Palace (exterior). During the morning the group will stop in one of the famous Murano glass shops.  Afternoon at leisure or optional escorted tours for more visiting in Venice. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 6  VENICE – VERONA – LAKE GARDA - MILAN

Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Verona, the setting of Shakespeare's masterpiece “Romeo and Juliet", where we will enjoy a panoramic visit to Juliet's house. This ancient Roman colony is especially known all over the world for its Arena, a splendid amphitheatre that in summer becomes the open-air setting of the city’s most inspiring Operas.  Proceed to Milan along the largest Italian lake, the Lake of Garda. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Milan.

Day 7  MILAN – SAN MARINO

Breakfast at the hotel and city tour of Milan visiting the Cathedral, La Scala (the world’s most famous opera house) and the Gallery of Vittorio Emanuele. Proceed to San Marino, one of the smallest states in the world that has preserved its own currency, stamps and political system since for over nine centuries. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 8  SAN MARINO - ASSISI - ROME

Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Rome via Assisi. Stop in this splendid town for a panoramic visit of its Basilica and the church of St. Maria degli Angeli.  Late afternoon arrival to Rome, the Eternal city. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 9  Rome - Naples - PompeIi - Sorrento

Breakfast at the hotel. 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 of 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, we will driving along the Sorrentine coast, arriving in Sorrento. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 10  Sorrento - Capri - RomE

After breakfast we board the boat for the Island of Capri, where, weather and sea conditions permitting, we will travel by rowboat to visit the Blue Grotto. Lunch in restaurant and free time for personal activities. In the afternoon, departure to Rome via Sorrento. Arrival and overnight in Rome.

Day 11  Rome

Breakfast at the Hotel. End of services.

 Optional escorted tours

INCLUDED

• Accommodation in 4-star hotels

• Continental/Buffet breakfast

• Seven dinners

• Service charges and taxes included

• Ground transportation by deluxe motorcoach

• A multilingual tour escort during the tour

• Sightseeing tours as indicated in the itinerary

• Local guides

HOTELS:

In Florence        Hotel Mirage or similar

In S.Marino        Grand Hotel or similar

In Milan             Starhotel Ritz or similar

In Rome             Starhotel Metropole or similar

In Sorrento         Hotel Amabsciatori or similar

In Venice           Hotel Continental or similar

 

DEPARTURE GUARANTEED
2009	MAY -  OCTOBER
	FRIDAY