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The Grand Tour of Italy
12 Days / 11 Nights from £2,195 Escorted Group or Private Journey · Venice · Florence · Siena · Rome · Bay of Naples In the 18th century, doing a `Grand Tour of Italy' was something of a cultural rite of passage for the aristocratic and fashionable in European society, completing their education with a tour that took in the grandeur of Venice, the artistic splendours of Florence and Siena, the heritage of Ancient Rome and the wonders of Mount Vesuvius. Following in the footsteps of tradition, this tour visits St Mark's Square, the Uffizi Galleries, Ancient Rome, Vatican City, Pompeii and the Bay of Naples.
Day 6 To Rome: Morning transfer to the railway station and take the train to Rome. Upon arrival, transfer to the Eurostars International Palace Hotel for 3 nights. Remainder of the day at leisure. (B) Day 7 Rome: Morning walking tour of Ancient Rome, including Capitoline and Palatine Hills and the Roman Forum, the heart of the ancient city. Visit the Colosseum, the largest and most famous amphitheatre of the Roman world, and Piazza Venezia, home to Rome's most visible landmark: the Vittoriano. Afternoon at leisure. (B) Day 8 Vatican City: Full day tour of Vatican City, the world's smallest sovereign state, including the Vatican Museum, which is home to a huge and immensely rich collection of all aspects of art. The visit culminates in a tour of the Sistine Chapel, with its magnificent barrel-vaulted ceiling that took Michelangelo four years to complete. Continue with a walking tour of St. Peter's Basilica and the Colonnade at Piazza San Pietro, Bernini's stunning architectural complex, with 284 massive columns and statues of 140 saints. (B)
Day 9 To Sorrento: Morning transfer to the railway station and take the train to Naples. Upon arrival, transfer to the Mediterraneo Hotel in Sorrento for 3 nights. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. (B) Day 10 Oplontis & Pompeii: Morning visit to the excavated luxury imperial villa at Oplontis, decorated with exquisite paintings. Continue to the extensive ruins of Pompeii, the Roman city that was buried under ash by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Considered the most important archaeological site in Europe, Pompeii offers an insight into the daily life of the Romans. Visits include the once imposing basilica, the forum that was the centre of city life, and the oldest-known Roman amphitheatre, built to seat up to 20,000 spectators. (B) Day 11 Herculaneum: Morning visit to the ruins of Herculaneum, destroyed by an earthquake in AD63 before being buried by a river of volcanic mud with the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Although not as extensive as those at Pompeii, these ruins are superbly preserved. (B) Day 12 To London: Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer to the airport for a flight to London Gatwick with British Airways. (B) Please note that modest dress is required for visiting St Mark's Basilica and Vatican City.
Day 1 To Venice: Fly from London Gatwick to Venice with British Airways and transfer to the Saturnia & International Hotel for 2 nights. (N) Day 2 Venice: Morning tour of the sites surrounding St Mark's Square, including the magnificent Doges' Palace, St Mark's Basilica, which was the Doges' private chapel until 1807, and the Grand Canal, which runs through the heart of central Venice. Afternoon at leisure. (B) Day 3 To Florence: Morning transfer to the railway station for a train journey to Florence. Upon arrival, transfer to the Roma Hotel for 3 nights. Remainder of the day at leisure. (B) Day 4 Florence: Morning walking tour of Florence, including visits to the famous landmark 12th century cathedral and the Uffizi Galleries. Housed in the Renaissance Palace, the Galleries are considered to be one of the greatest museums in the world, and contain paintings by the great masters, not just of Italy but of all Europe. Afternoon at leisure. (B) Day 5 San Gimignano & Siena: Morning drive to the fortified hill town of San Gimignano, where 14 medieval towers dot the skyline. Continue to Siena and visit the 12th century Piazza del Campo, the elegant town hall, the Palazzo Pubblico and the cathedral, built in striking black stone. (B)
Extensions Tour + Amalfi Coast
15 Days / 14 Nights from £3,035
Extend your stay in Italy relaxing on the Amalfi coast, an idyllic stretch of coastline lined with small villages, lovely beaches, restaurants and shops. Day 12 To Amalfi: Leave the group this morning and travel to Amalfi. Stay 3 nights at the Santa Caterina Hotel. (B) Days 13 - 14 Amalfi: Days at leisure. (B) Day 15 To London: Morning transfer to the
Santa Maria Novella church, Florence
For tour reservations and tailor made quotations 020 7873 5000
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