10 Day Italian Splendors - North (Stresa - Rome) - Small Group Minivan 8 pax or Minibus 16 pax

Itinerary

DAY 1 - USA /MILAN:  Overnight flight to Milan, Italy.  Airfare not included.  

DAY 2 - MILAN / STRESA Lake Maggiore: Upon arrival at Milan International Airport, you will be transferred directly to Stresa. Check-in at your hotel. Rest of the day at your leisure to explore the town of Stresa with all its cafes, restaurants and shops or sit by a café admiring the beauty of Lake Maggiore.

Day 3 - STRESA/Lake Maggiore: This morning discover the tiny Borromean Islands with a hop-on hop-off ferry ticket. Soak up beautiful views of the lake and dramatic slopes. Move between the three islands as and when you please, hopping on and off the ferry. Explore botanical gardens and palatial residences on Isola Bella and Isola Madre See the quaint old houses and traditional fishing boats of Isola dei Pescatori. Optional admission tickets at Isola Madre and Isola Bella are not included. (B, D)    

Day 4 - STRESA / Como / Bellagio / VERONA:  After breakfast mid-morning take in the scenic beauty of Como and Lake Como. As you stroll at your own pace, you will check out the landmarks that bear testament to the city’s reputation as a site of art and culture. See the churches of San Fedele and Sant’Abbondio, discover the famous Broletto, and visit the city walls, which skirt the Centro Storico. Continue a short drive to Bellagio. You will have free time to spend in the beautiful town of Bellagio. Bellagio is the perfect mix of photogenic streets, small shops, wonderful restaurants, and gorgeous views across Lake Como. Bellagio is small and compact. Many of the roads are pedestrian only, perfect for strolling and exploring. Enjoy the lake and mountain views as you sip a favorite beverage at one of the many cafés.   Late afternoon we depart for Verona. Rest of evening at your leisure. (B) 

Day 5 - VERONA / MESTRE VENICE: After breakfast, a 2-hour walking tour of Verona -includes Juliet’s House, Verona Arena, Scaliger Tombs, Castelvecchio plus many other sites. Depart Verona for Venice with early afternoon arrival in Venice, World-renowned for its classic gondola boats and its elegant, refined art. Spend the day roaming Venice’s canals and narrow alleyways at your leisure. Hop on a water bus to the enormous St. Mark’s Square, visiting the cathedral and Doge’s Palace before seeing the Bridge of Sighs and stopping at a Murano glass factory. Check in at our hotel in Mestre Venice. (B)   

Day 6 - VENICE / FLORENCE:  Mid-Day continue to Florence for your two-night stay. The remainder of the day is yours to savour the Renaissance splendor of the Tuscan capital your own way.  (B)  

Day 7 - FLORENCE: Enjoy exploring the Cradle of the Renaissance, visiting Florence’s magnificent Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Then, stroll the cobblestone streets on your own or take an afternoon trip to Pisa, famous for its Leaning Tower. (B)

Day 8 - FLORENCE / SIENA /ASSISI / ROME: First stop Siena, a Medieval town known for its annual Paleo horse race around the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo. Tour Assisi at your own pace, visiting the Basilica of St. Francis. Early evening arrival in Rome. Rest of evening at your leisure. (B) 

DAY 9 - ROME: Tour the Vatican with our exclusive “Skip the Line” access! After visiting the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, pass through a private entrance into St. Peter’s Basilica, the biggest church in the world. Enjoy free time to explore Rome on your own. Tonight, dinner with wine in a lovely local Roman trattoria. (B, D) 

DAY 10 – ROME / USA:  Transfer to Rome's International Airport for your flight back home bringing wonderful memories to share. (B)

Includes

§ Roundtrip airport transfers Airport – Hotels - Airport·       

§ First class 4-star hotel accommodations with daily breakfast·  

§ Transportation throughout via air-conditioned minivan, max 8 pax or 16 pax minibus

§ Tour Escort/Driver at your disposal throughout Italy.

§ Three-hour sightseeing walking tour of Florence and entrance ticket to Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo Statue 

§ 10 Meals included: 8 breakfast, 2 dinners

§ Panoramic sightseeing per itinerary in Florence, Siena, Assisi, Rome

§ Half day Vatican tour includes Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel skip the line entrance fees 

§ Lake Maggiore hop-on hop-off ferry ticket

§ Porterage one 25” medium size suitcase

§ Hotel taxes and service charges except local hotel tax to be paid directly upon checking out of hotel. 

Please note: Rates do not include local hotel city taxes. City tax will be paid directly at the reception hotel desk at the arrival or at the check-out according to the local city board procedure. City tax will change according to hotel category (3 - 6 euros/ per day) 

TRANSFERS: Airport transfers are included per itinerary only when airfare is purchased from Classic Holidays. Taxi service or private ground transfers are available for those purchasing their airfare elsewhere at additional cost.

Price Excludes: Airfare & airport taxes (except those which are specified), passports & visas, laundry, telephone calls, drinks, food not indicated in the itinerary, expenses of a personal nature, excess luggage and transfer of the same, optional excursions & excursions during the cruise, gratuities of any kind, Personal expenses, Customary tips to your drivers, guides and escorts