A TWO WEEK ESCORTED TOUR VISITING:
Italian Lake District, Rome, Genoa, Italian Riviera, Parma Modena, Pisa, Florence, Renaissance Dinner, Italian Cooking Class, Siena San Gimignano, Orvieto, Colosseum, Vatican City
DEPARTURES:
Sept. 14, Oct. 5, Nov. 2, 2001
Mar. 29, April 19, May 17,June14, 2002
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Friday Canada / Milan
Leave your home city for the overnight flight to Milan, Italy
Day 2:
Saturday Milan / Stresa
Upon arriving in Milan, you will proceed to the picturesque Italian Lake District region and the beautiful resort of Stresa. Tonight you are transported by boat to your Welcome Dinner on Isola Bella, the largest of the Borromean Islands. Overnight at the Regina Palace. (D)
Day 3:
Sunday Stresa / Genoa / Santa Margherita Ligure (italian riviera)
A short ride brings you to the historic city of Genoa, the greatest seaport in Italy. A city tour features the Old Port, Royal Palace, Christopher Columbus’ House and much more. Next, travel to the famous resort of Santa Margherita, located on the Portofino Peninsula on the Italian Riviera. Stay for 2 nights at the Hotel Continental. (B,D)
Day 4:
Monday Santa Margherita Ligure
Enjoy a full day at leisure. You may want to take an optional boat excursion to nearby Portofino, relax and watch the world go by from a sidewalk cafe, or enjoy the fine, sandy beaches that dot the coastline. (B)
Day 5:
Tuesday Santa Margherita / Parma
Travel the countryside of Emilia-Romagna to historic Parma, home of the famous 20th century conductor Arturo Toscanini. The tour features the priceless paintings of The Parma School, the octagonal Baptistry, the Palazzo Della Pilotta and the National Gallery, containing paintings from the 13th – 16th centuries. Tonight enjoy a traditional Parmesan Dinner complete with fine Italian wines. (B,D)
Day 6:
Wednesday Parma / Modena / Pisa / Montecatini Terme
Visit a local Parmesan Cheese Processing Facility to see how this delicious cheese is made. Then travel to Modena, known for its gastronomic specialties and sparkling Lambrusco wines. A special stop is made at a processing facility to learn the secret of Aceto Balsamico. We then proceed to the ancient maritime Republic of Pisa where you will find the Piazza De Miracoli, the Duomo (Cathedral) and its historic Baptistry, along with the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Your day ends in Montecatini Terme, Italy’s most frequented thermal spa resort. You will stay 2 nights at the Hotel Croce Di Malta. (B,D)
Day 7:
Thursday Montecatini Terme / Florence
A Cultural Tour of Florence highlights many of the city’s priceless treasures. Your first stop is the Academy Gallery which houses Michelangelo’s monumental figure of David, a perfect example of the sculptor’s humanism. Proceed to Piazza Del Duomo, center of religious life in medieval Florence, to see the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore, one of the largest in the Christian world. This is followed by the Baptistry to see the masterfully crafted bronze doors – one of which Michelangelo declared worthy to be the “Gate to Paradise”. You also view the Palazzo Vecchio, the Uffizi Museum and the Church of Santa Croce, burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. A delightful experience awaits as you enjoy an authentic Renaissance Dinner at Palazzo Gaddi, featuring traditional cuisine, wines, music and costumes of the era. (B,D)
Day 8:
Friday Montecatini Terme
Begin your day with a visit to a local Pasta producing facility followed by a leisurely ride to an authentic villa, set amidst fields of olive groves. In the villa’s charming kitchen, a local expert provides instruction in the art of Italian Cooking. The presentation is followed by a “hands on” experience as you prepare a delightful Italian dinner, complete with dessert and wine. (B,D)
Day 9:
Saturday Montecatini Terme / Siena / San Gimignano
Travel the low-lying hills of Tuscany to Siena, “the beloved.” A local guide provides an informative walking tour of this mystical, gentle city and the birthplace of St. Catherine. Historic Piazza Del Campo, with its narrow Gothic streets lined with palaces and mansions, brings to life the reality of a medieval city. Your next stop is the hilltop town of San Gimignano, where you will enjoy a Winery Tour followed by a sampling of the various wines produced in the region. (B)
Day 10:
Sunday Montecatini Terme / Orvieto / Rome
Travel to Umbria and the charming medieval town of Orvieto. Situated on top of volcanic rock, there is a wealth of historic buildings; the People’s Palace, Piazza Della Republica and the Old Quarter with its medieval towers and churches. Onwards to Rome, the “Eternal City” where you will stay for 3 nights at the Hotel Quirinale. (B,D)
Day 11:
Monday Rome
Enjoy a tour of Classical Rome viewing the impressive Piazza Venezia, with its Monument to Victor Emmanuel (sometimes referred to as the Wedding Cake), and the Circus Maximus. You also visit one of Rome’s greatest structures, the Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine. More contemporary highlights of the city will also be seen, including the famous Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Your sightseeing tour culminates with a visit to Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica. Join your fellow travelers at a popular restaurant for a Farewell Dinner complete with local delicacies and fine Italian wines. (B,D)
Day 12:
Tuesday Rome
A day to explore Rome on your own. (B)
Day 13:
Wednesday Rome / Canada
Transfer to the Airport for your return flight to Canada. (B)
Notes:
Airfare is included in the tour price.
Price includes: Return economy class airfare from Toronto; First class accommodation including service charges and taxes; 11 continental breakfasts, 8 dinners; Comprehensive sightseeing; Motorcoach transportation; Special events as per itinerary; Transfers and baggage handling; English speaking professional tour escort. Not included: Insurance, government taxes, gratuities to guides, drivers, personal expenses, meals not shown.Prices from other cities available on request
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Italy
Cultural Journey
Archeology/History
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