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italy
essence of italy
ORIGInAl
21 days, ex Rome
Departs every Mon from Apr to Oct itiNerary... Day 1 rome Wander through lively piazzas, visit the ancient Forum and the Pantheon, linger over mouth-watering gelati and much more. The Eternal City of Rome truly has it all. Days *plus Local Payment EU¬4500
Physical culture shock
2-3 Florence See the romantic Ponte Vecchio, the 13th century Duomo and the many statues and monuments that make Florence one of the finest outdoor museums in the world. Climb uphill to Piazzale Michelangelo to watch the sunset across the rooftops of this enchanting city. Days 4-6 lucca and Pisa Visit one of Italys hidden gems. The walled town of Lucca beckons for a stroll through its charming cobblestone streets. Then cycle across scenic Tuscan landscapes for a fun afternoon in the countryside. From here, Pisa is just a short train ride away. Learn why the Leaning Tower does just that. Days 7-8 cinque terre The coastal path between Italys Cinque Terre offers breathtaking views of mountains, the Mediterranean and the small pastel-coloured villages nestled in between. Days 9-10 Piedmont After a stop in ritzy seaside Portofino, tickle those tastebuds in Piedmont, home to the unique white tartufo (truffle) and some excellent local wines. Days 11-12 Milan and italian lakes After a short stop in fashionable Milan for a spot of shopping, travel to Lake Como. Take the ferry across the blue waters to Bellagio, then enjoy free time to cruise to the lakeside villages of Varenna, Cadenabbia or Villa Carlotta. For the fit, there are numerous hiking opportunities, or just kick back beside the glittering lake and relax. Days 13-15 Venice Beautiful and inspiring, Venice is a city of canals, cobblestone piazzas, ornate churches and elegant eateries. Explore the sights or soak up the old-world atmosphere in one of the many cafes. Days 16-17 Gubbio Travel to the medieval town of Gubbio, set amid the beautiful hills of Umbria. Take the cable car up to the Basilica di SantUbaldo to enjoy the breathtaking views. After a healthy dose of fresh mountain air, fill up on local delicacies such as pecorino cheese. Days 18-19 assisi and spello Follow the footsteps of pilgrims in Assisi, home of St Francis and St Gabriel. Stop in at an enoteca to sample exclusive local wines on a day trip to Spello. Days 20-21 rome The journey comes full circle when the train pulls back into Rome. There is time to take in some more sights or sample some of the citys exciting nightlife.
Above: Photography Competition 2006, Florence panorama - Damien Balfour Below: Rest stop near Gubbio, Umbria - Tamara Palinkas accoMMoDatioN Hotels (17 nts), apartments (3 nts) traNsPort Train, ferry, local bus, metro, cable car, bicycle, walking GrouP siZe Max 12 Meals No meals included BuDGet Allow EU¬735 for meals not included DeParts Every Mon from Apr to Oct GuaraNtee Departure guaranteed traVeller ratiNG 4.61 out of 5 triP coDe
" Walk the ancient streets of rome " see the artistic treasures of Florence " experience country life in rural tuscany " Walk the cinque terre " Feast on local delicacies " relax by lake como " explore the laneways of Venice " Visit the medieval towns of umbria
real life experiences&
This trip was excellent in every way. A small group of twelve and an excellent leader made this a trip among the best that we have ever made. Barry Hickman
ZSD
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