Best of Italy - 5 Days First Class

Itinerary

DAY 1: ROME - Assisi - Sienna - FLORENCE:  Leave central Rome by luxury coach and travel north to the region of Umbria to the hilltop town of Assisi. A UNESCO World Heritage-listed town, Assisi is best known as the birthplace of Italy’s patron saint, St Francis of Assisi. Stop for a walk around town with your guide, seeing the incredible Basilica di San Francesco, which is dedicated to the saint, as well as Santa Maria degli Angeli Church where he is said to have worshiped. Hop back on board your coach and travel west into Tuscany to visit the enchanting city of Siena. Surrounded by ancient walls, the city is best-known as the venue for the Palio (its colorfully chaotic horse race). Stroll around at leisure, exploring Piazza del Campo where the race takes place each year, and see other city highlights like Siena Cathedral and Palazzo Comunale – Siena’s elegant Gothic palace. Return to your coach and travel to Florence in time for dinner at your hotel. (D)

DAY 2: FLORENCE: After breakfast at your hotel, head out on a morning tour by coach with your guide. Taking in the city’s architectural highlights (of which there are many!), your tour visits places like Piazza della Signoria – home to majestic Palazzo Vecchio – and Piazza della Duomo to see Florence Duomo topped by Brunelleschi’s Dome. Admire Giotto’s Bell Tower and learn about Renaissance art in the city from your guide. Finish your tour back at your hotel, and then spend the rest of your day at leisure. Perhaps take a stroll across Florence’s magnificent bridge – the Ponte Vecchio – to visit the bohemian Oltrarno neighborhood or relax in the beautiful Boboli Gardens (entry own expense). Your evening dinner is included at your hotel.  (B, L)

DAY 3: FLORENCE - Bologna - Padua - VENICE: Check out of your hotel after breakfast and travel north out of Tuscany to Bologna in Emilia Romagna. Famously the birthplace of everyone’s favorite pasta dish – Spaghetti Bolognese – the foodie haven of Bologna has some pretty magnificent monuments, too. Walk around town with your guide, passing through Piazza Nettuno to see the Fountain of Neptune, and admiring lavish palaces like Palazzo Re Enzo and Palazzo del Podestà. Leave Bologna after lunch (own expense), and relax on the journey northeast to Padua, the neighboring town to Venice. Enjoy time at leisure here to explore the city’s handsome streets, enjoy a coffee in the sun (own expense) or visit its most celebrated monument – St Anthony’s Basilica. Meet your guide at the pre-arranged time, and travel to Venice. Check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner.   (B, D)

DAY 4: VENICE: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, and then set out to discover the delights of Venice. On a walking tour admire highlights of the famous water-filled city like Piazza San Marco –- home to Doge's Palace and St Mark’s Basilica –- and the elegant Rialto Bridge. Discover where to go to buy the best Murano glass and then finish your tour either in town or back at your hotel. Explore the city independently in the afternoon and make the most of the opportunity to lose your bearings in one of the world’s most romantic cities; explore the footpaths lining the canals and cross from elegant bridge to even-more-elegant bridge as you get to know this incredible city. Return to your hotel in time for dinner and spend your night at leisure. (B)

DAY 5: VENICE - Montepulciano - ROME:  After breakfast, departure from Piazzale Roma heading to Tuscany, world-known for its landscapes, its churches and castles and its delicious wines. You will proceed to Val di Chiana with a stop in Montepulciano, a medieval town rich in history and art. Known for its “Nobile” wine, on purchase in local wine houses, Montepulciano also hosts an annual Jazz and Wine Festival every July. Lunch in a typical restaurant included! After lunch, quick stop to spend some free time. In the evening, you will arrive in Rome, where the tour ends. (B, L)

Tour Includes:

2 nights 4* hotel in Florence

2 nights 4* hotel in Venice Mestre

5 Day Motorcoach with English speaking Guide

All sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary

All meals per itinerary

Porterage of 1 suitcase

Please note: Rates do not include city taxes. City tax will be paid directly at the reception hotel desk at the arrival or at the checkout according to the local city board procedure. City tax will change according to hotel category (3 - 6euros/ per day)
Hotels are subject to availability at time of booking. In the rare event that the mentioned hotel is unavailable, you will be accommodated in another centrally located hotel of the same star rating.

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