Classic Holidays

12 Day Italian Memories - Small Group Minivan

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Itinerary

DAY 1, THURSDAY - USA / ROME: Overnight flight into Rome. Airfare not included.

DAY 2, FRIDAY – ROME / TUSCANY: Mid-day arrival into Rome, we travel north to Tuscany Chianti area. We check-in at our hotel, balance of the day is at leisure. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner at our hotel.(D) Petriolo Spa Resort 5*

DAY 3, SATURDAY – TUSCANY /PISA: Morning tour takes you to Pisa, one of the four main historical marine republics of Italy. It’s also the home to the gleaming white monuments of Piazza dei Miracoli (square of miracles) which houses the Duomo, the leaning tower, and the baptistery. The most famous is the Leaning Tower of Pisa, an iconic UNESCO site, which is recognized around the world. Pose for photos outside the tower and see Pisa Baptistery and Pisa Duomo. Late afternoon we continue to Monteriggioni for a wine tasting and dinner with an early evening return. (B, D) Petriolo Spa Resort 5*

DAY 4, SUNDAY – TUSCANY / FLORENCE / SIENA : This morning we travel north to Florence, Michelangelo Square for a panoramic view of the city and its sights, the Academia to see Michelangelo's original "David" statue, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry with its "Gates of Paradise" doors, Signoria Square and Santa Croce Church. You will have time to visit the sights at your own pace. After lunch we will travel through the heart and hills of Tuscany to explore breath-taking landscapes with Chianti vineyards, cypress trees, olive groves, and medieval villages to Siena. This city is surrounded by ancient walls, the city is best-known as the venue for the Palio, a famous horse race. Stroll around at leisure, exploring Piazza del Campo where the Palio takes place each year, and see other highlights like Siena Cathedral and Palazzo Comunale – the city’s elegant Gothic palace. Early evening we return to our hotel. (B) Petriolo Spa Resort 5*

DAY 5, MONDAY – TUSCANY Siena: Day at your leisure to enjoy the scenic beauty of Tuscany’s Chianti Hills with its vineyards and lush countryside. Enjoy a swim, soak up the rays or take a spa at the resort. Late afternoon we have the option of visiting Siena. (B) Petriolo Spa Resort 5*

DAY 6, TUESDAY – Tuscany SIENA /MAGIONE /ASSISI /ROME: Morning departure for Rome. Drive through the serene Tuscan and Umbrian countryside, passing by the shores of Lake Trasimeno with a stop at the Castello Dei Cavalieri Dell'ordine Di Malta (Magione Castle), dating back to 1150-1170 AD. The Castle is presently the private residence of the Prince and Grand Master of Sovereign Military Order of the Knights of Malta. The castle is surrounded by the rolling terrain of a large farm partly devoted to vineyards and an olive grove totaling about 130 acres. The highlight of the castle visit will be its XV century cellar, where a wine expert will lecture on the vinification process that takes place at the castle, followed by a delicious tasting of the varieties of wines produced at the castle. Subsequently proceed to Assisi where you will lunch (on your own) at a local restaurant. The town of Assisi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A guided tour of Assisi's St Francis Basilica includes the crypt with the remains of St Francis as well as masterpieces by Cimabue and Giotto. Arrive in Rome in the late afternoon in time to experience a taste of the Roman dining scene (on your own). After dinner, explore the exciting Roman Dolce Vita and nightlife. (B) Trevi Collection Hotel 4*

DAY 7, WEDNESDAY - ROME: Rome is filled with monuments, fountains, antiquities and other sites worth exploring. Use this free day to discover the ancient and modern aspects of cosmopolitan Rome for yourself. You might also choose to take an optional tour to Ostia Antica, the Castelli Romani, or attend a Papal Blessing. There's only one Rome, so make sure you bring home enough memories to last a lifetime. In the evening, again, discover on your own why Roman trattorias are famous for their fine food and wine. (B) Trevi Collection Hotel 4*

DAY 8, THURSDAY - ROME: Early morning departure for the Vatican tour: visits include Piazza Della Repubblica, Aurelian walls, Villa Borghese Park, Piazza del Popolo. On arrival at the Vatican Walls, your guide will lead you into the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel (ticket included-Pick up from your hotel and drop off in centre of Rome).Go inside St Peter’s Basilica. Rest of the afternoon at your leisure at your own pace view the Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus, the synagogue, Isola Tiberina and Castel Sant 'Angelo. Tonight bid arrivederci to Rome at a special dinner with wine in a lovely Roman restaurant. (B, D) Trevi Collection Hotel 4*

DAY 9, FRIDAY - ROME/ POMPEII / SORRENTO: After breakfast at your hotel, we depart early, taking the highway “of the sun” through the regions of Lazio and Campania, where you will arrive in Pompeii, visit the excavations of the famous roman city, destroyed and buried under ashes and forever preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Leaving Pompeii, you will drive along the Sorrentine coast, arriving in Sorrento. Check in for dinner and an overnight in your hotel. (B, D) Hotel Carlton International , Hilton Sorrento 4* or Grand Hotel Angiolieri 5*

DAY 10, SATURDAY - SORRENTO: You will be transferred from your hotel to the port of Piano di Sorrento, depart to Capri, sailing along the Sorrento Coast. Along the way you will admire

the ancient fishing village of Marina Grande, the ruins of a Roman villa near Bagni della Regina Giovanna, the natural waterfall that flows from the rock, and other interesting attractions along the coast. Arrive at Capri and tour the island by boat with stops to visit the Marvelous Grotto, the White Grotto, the Green Grotto and the Blue Grotto (subject to sea and weather conditions). Along the way, admire the Natural Arch, the Villa Curzio Malaparte, the Faraglioni rocks and the Lighthouse of Punta Carena. Disembark on the island for approximately 4 hours to explore Capri by land. Shop in the exclusive boutiques or enjoy a lunch (on your own) at one of the delicious restaurants. Then, depart from Capri for your return trip to Sorrento. Return to the port of Piano di Sorrento and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at your leisure. (B) Hotel Carlton International , Hilton Sorrento 4* or Grand Hotel Angiolieri

DAY 11, SUNDAY – SORRENTO / AMALFI COAST: We depart early today for our tour of the Amalfi coast. We journey over the local hills onto the famous Coastal Road. Enjoy the views as you journey to your first stop at the pretty Village of Positano with an hour of free time to explore the quaint town with its shops and take in the atmosphere. Continue along the Coastal Road to Amalfi and enjoy free time. Leisure over a delicious, Southern Italian, light-lunch (on your own)… and take in the unique Mediterranean atmosphere. We continue on the higher Town of Ravello. Free time to enjoy Ravello’s stunning gardens and views down and across the whole bay, shop and explore…before re-joining your transport and journeying back to your Hotel in Sorrento. (B, D) Hotel Carlton International , Hilton Sorrento 4* or Grand Hotel Angiolieri

DAY 12, MONDAY – SORRENTO / ROME or NAPLES / USA: Morning transfer to Naples Airport for your return flight home. Transfer time from Sorrento to Naples Airport is approximately 60 minutes (30 miles) or Rome Fiumicino Airport 2 1/2 hours. (B)

NOTE: Some churches operate a very strict dress code - strappy sundresses, tank tops, shorts and miniskirts are not considered respectable clothing. The solution for women is simple - carry a large but lightweight wrap to put round your shoulders. Men will either have to wear long trousers and suffer the heat, or do their church visiting (in long trousers) in the relative cool of the morning and change clothes after visiting.

Package Includes:

• Roundtrip airport transfers ( Classic Holidays must issue airline tickets)
• First-class hotels & deluxe hotels for 10 nights.
• 19 included meals consisting of:- 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners
• Glass of Wine, mineral water & coffee or cappuccino served with lunch and dinner meals at hotels and restaurants
• Touring by private air-conditioned minivan
• Guided Vatican half day tour includes Sistine Chapel plus more
• Panoramic Sightseeing and walking tour as indicated on itinerary
• Hop on Hop off sightseeing bus ticket
• Wine tastings with 1 light lunch
• Pompeii tour entrance ticket
• Island of Capri day trip
• Day trip of Amalfi Coast visiting Positano, Amalfi and Ravello
• All baggage handling
• Hotel taxes and service charges
• Note: Not included: Hotel local tax, paid directly to hotel upon check-in.

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