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| Explore — Worldwide 2008/09 |
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EUROP0E
ITALY
Amalfi Coastline
ITALY
Best of Italy
15 DAYS HOTELS VENICE, VATICAN AND LA DOLCE VITA
Ref RIT
JFMAMJJASOND JFMA
Best of Italy Ref RIT
VENICE
City of canals CROATIA St Marks Square Rialto Bridge Doges Palace
City and have the opportunity to visit such highlights as the Trevi fountain, the mighty Coliseum and the Vatican during our stay. Sorrento & Capri Exploring remains of the affluent city of Pompeii, once home to 15000 citizens, is a mesmerising experience ghostly photograph of the instant when, in 79AD, an entire community was unexpectedly overcome by scorching ash. We also visit the ruins of Herculaneum hermetically sealed under volcanic mud by the last great eruption of Vesuvius. From Sorrento we take an optional ferry to the exclusive Isle of Capri, an artists haven. Its possible to visit the delightful Villa San Michele with its eccentric museum, and enjoy some free time for scenic walks or boat excursions.
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PISA
Leaning Tower
FLORENCE
Ponte Vecchio & Duomo Poggibonsi
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Amalfi & Cilento
TREKKING GRADE B
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San Gimignano Walks in rural Tuscany
SIENA
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Stay in Agriturismo
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JFMAMJJASOND JFMA
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ITALY
8 DAYS HOTELS RAMBLES THROUGH CAMPANIA, EXPLORE PASTEL-COLOURED AMALFI AND THE BEAUTIFUL CILENTO COAST
ROME
The Coliseum Trevi Fountain Vatican City
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A twin-centre walking holiday contrasting the cliff-hugging communities of the renowned Amalfi Coast, with the little-visited, yet rewarding Cilento Coast. From our base at the village of Scala we'll walk footpaths that link small, unspoilt towns before heading to the ancient site of Paestum. Our second base, Agropoli, provides a contrast with its warren of medieval streets and the hint of its mountainous hinterland.
Rambles from Ravello Our base for the first few days is Scala, a delightful town set above the justly famous Amalfi Coast. We make our first foray into Ravello where we explore the pretty heart of the town before setting off on a walk, perhaps to Amalfi. Here the landscape is riven by gorges, with cliffs rising steeply out of the sea, small pastel-coloured towns clinging precariously to the rock. Pathways wind through wildflower meadows and provide for outstanding views. Returning at the end of our day we enjoy wonderful local dishes such as pesce azzurro or try a drink of Nucillo 'é curti. Paestum & Velia Our visit to Paestum, south of Amalfi reveals what is said to be the only Greek city north of Walks in the Cilento NP
Amalfi & Cilento Ref AC
Naples
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Naples
Vesuvius
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ITALY
Vesuvius
ITALY Naples
km 0 300
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Optional visit to Capri SORRENTO Visit Herculaneum & optional Pompeii
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Gulf of Naples Ravello
Amalfi
SCALA
Salerno
Co Amalfi Gulf of Paestum S a l e r n o Greek temple
AGROPOLI
Castellabate
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Sacco Day walk in Cilento NP Wildlife haven
TYRRHENIAN SEA
km 0 50
Vélia Optional visit
This classic journey takes us from Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic, to the azure splendour of the Sorrento. Between the two we will spend time discovering the art treasures of Florence, the stunning landscapes of Tuscany and marvel at the might of Rome. This is an ideal tour for first time visitors to Italy, as well as those returning for a second look at this remarkable country.
Venice & Florence Venice has been a major trading route from the fall of the Roman Empire to the modern day. Often referred to as La Serenissima, the most serene, it has attracted artists and traders throughout its history. We have two full days to discover the spires and squares of this remarkable watery-city. Our train takes us to the city, that for many, is synonymous with art itself: Florence still a living centre of artisan crafts, with bustling workshops carved into the celebrated walls and palazzos of the Renaissance. Theres also a visit to Pisa, with its legendary Leaning Tower. Siena & Rome With its twisting alleys barely wide enough for cars, the walled city of Siena is the archetypal Italian medieval town. Amongst its glories are the soaring Torre del Mangia and the shellshaped Piazza del Campo where the bitterly fought equestrian Palio is staged every year. From our base we set out to explore San Gimignano, the medieval tower-town noted for its dramatic and instantly recognisable skyline. Next, we travel to Rome, the Eternal
Sicily. Founded in the 6th century its glory days were around 200 years later and during the ensuing Roman period. Today it's three temples are icons of the region and mustsees for visitors to Campania. From our second base in Agropoli, another cliff-top town, we have time to relax or perhaps explore Velia further down the Cilento coast (optional). Cilento Coast & National Park Our final days see us exploring the coast south of Agropoli and the hinterland. We'll walk around the Tesino promontory enjoying amazing views of the coast to reach Castellabate Marina, a pretty fishing town, with beautiful white sandy beaches. Inland we finish with a walk in the Cilento NP, home to abundant wildlife, traditional villages, caves, forest and olive groves.
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Water-ways of Venice
FACTFILE
Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Venice. 2 & 3 In Venice; visit St. Marks square, Rialto Bridge, Doges Palace on city walking tour. 4 Train to Florence; PM city tour. 5 Free day in Florence. 6 Full day excursion to Pisa. 7 Train to Siena, explore on foot; transfer to agriturismo. 8 Sightseeing to and walks around San Gimignano. 9 Train to Rome. 10 Full day exploring on foot. 11 Free day in Rome. 12 Train to Sorrento; PM visit to Pompeii. 13 In Sorrento; visit Herculaneum and Vesuvius. 14 Free day in Sorrento; optional visit to Capri. 15 Fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 12 nts hotel, 2nts Agriturismo; 14 breakfasts & 1 dinner included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: Train/Taxi/Bus/On foot. Comment: A classic journey combining many of Italys mainland highlights, from the Adriatic to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The history and culture of Italys most famous cities is complimented by our time spent in an agriturismo in Tuscany, before finally heading to the unique Roman sites of Pompeii of Herculaneum. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s) and some local guides. Group Size: Approx. 14 to 16.
FACTFILE
Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Naples; transfer to Scala. 2 Orientation walk in Ravello; afternoon walk. 3 Walk from Scala to Amalfi and return by bus. 4 Drive to Paestum for included visit; continue to Agropoli for orientation walk. 5 Walk Cilento NP. 6 Free day for optional walks or train journey to Vella. 7 Walk to Castellabate Marina. 8 Transfer to Naples. Fly to London. Accommodation & Meals: 7nts hotel; 7 breakfasts included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: Bus/On foot. Comment: Graded moderate this tour is suitable for any active individual who enjoys walking. Walks range in length from 2 to around 6 hours. Given the hilly nature of the terrain there are several ascents and descents. Bring trail boots with ankle support. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader plus driver. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16.
Evening view of Florence
Trek length and gradients
900m 750m 600m 450m 300m 150m 0m Agropoli Scala Scala Agropoli Agropoli
Day 2 3hrs
Day 3 6hrs
Day 4
Day 5 5hrs
Day 6
Day 7 6hrs
28
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