Europe’s jewel in crown. A country steeped in art, history, culture and tradition. A nation with extremely enjoyable food and wine, weather, alpine slopes, Mediterranean warmth and definitive sense of fashion and design.

This is one not-to-be-missed destination by any avid traveller. The best way to see this country is by travelling independently at your own pace, soaking in the cosy native experience.

MUST SEE ITALY

OVERVIEW	ROME - FLORENCE – VENICE (MUST SEE ITALY TOUR)
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DETAILS
DAY	NIGHT STAY	SIGHTSEEING
DAY 1	ROME	Arrive in Rome.
		Transfer from airport to hotel [All Comfort Residenza or equivalent]
DAY 2	ROME	Skip the Line: Prestige Tour - Vatican City
		Enjoy this morning tour of the treasures of the Vatican, including the Sistine Chapel and the Basilica of St. Peter. After crossing the park of Villa Borghese we reach the Vatican City, the smallest independent sovereign state in the world. In the Vatican Museum, you'll be shown a fine collection of antiquities, including the Sculpture Museum, the fascinating Tapestry Gallery, the Gallery of Maps and the world famous Sistine Chapel decorated by Michelangelo. The tour will then proceed to the Basilica of St. Peter, where you will see the art treasures of the largest Roman Catholic Church in the world, including Michelangelo's Pieta'. [Start time - 08:30; Duration - 4 hrs]
		Includes - Transportation by coach, guide service, skip the line entrance and guided tour of the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel, entrance and guided tour of the Basilica of St. Peter.
		Evening free to spend on own.
DAY 3	ROME	Open City Tour -
		Enjoy Rome from an open top bus. The Rome open tour offers you the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful hop on - hop off experience, with an itinerary including stops at the most famous sites in Rome with 2 hours commentary in 8 languages. [From 08:30 - 17:00]
		Includes - Transportation by bus, recorded commentary.
		OR OPTIONAL TOUR AS BELOW
		Naples-Capri-Anacapri
		Take a day out of Rome to visit Capri with its famous Blue Grotto and Anacapri. We travel southwards along the Autostrada del Sole and arrive in Naples to board the jetfoil for the island of Capri. Upon arrival and weather permitting we visit the Blue Grotto, a miracle of equilibrium between water, light and reflections of the wonderful sea-floors. Returning to Marina Grande we proceed by minibus to Anacapri for lunch. Then there will be free time for shopping and it's back to Marina Grande to embark for Naples. [Start time - 07:15; Duration - 13.5 hrs] – cost 145 EUR per person.
		Includes - Transportation by coach and jetfoil, guide service, entrance to the Blue Grotto in Capri, lunch, free time.
DAY 4	FLORENCE	Train to Florence in the morning [09:15 - 10:50].
		Check in to hotel [Panama or equivalent] .
		Excursion to Pisa (Afternoon) -
		Go on an excursion through the picturesque Tuscan countryside to the historic university city of Pisa, famous for its architectural beauty and home of the Leaning Tower. [Duration : 5.5 hrs. ; start time : 13:30]
		Includes - Transportation by coach, tour escort, local guide, entrance fee to the Cathedral.
DAY 5	FLORENCE	Optional tours as below.
		OPTION 1 :
		A day in San Gimignano,Siena and Chianti -
		The first stop during our trip is San Gimignano, one of the most splendid examples of medieval towns and declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. The town, famous for its wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, saffron and the precious Santa Fina pottery, will meet our eye in the early morning. The guide will accompany you to every corner of the town characterised by beautiful squares, buildings, churches and suggestive alleyways.The day will continue with the tour of Siena where you will be enchanted by the architectural styles of the Cathedral (interior) and of the Palazzo Comunale (Municipal Building) in Piazza del Campo, the stage of the famous Palio race. In the afternoon we will tour the Chianti classico area with its charming scenic views. After a stop at the hamlet of Castellina in Chianti you will have the pleasure of experiencing an itinerary through taste and tasting some of the best wines of Tuscany. A rich snack based on sliced cold meats, bruschettas, salami and cheeses will accompany the sampling. [Start time - 08:45; Duration - 11 hrs; COST - 55 Eur Per adult & 27.5 Eur per child upto 8 yr]
		Includes - Transport, tour escort, local guide in Siena, Siena Cathedral entrance, wine tasting.
		OPTION 2 :
		Tuscany by Bike -
		A fun and relaxing bicycle excursion in the Tuscan countryside including lunch and a wine tasting at a Chianti wine estate. Leisurely, professionally guided and fully supported bike rides in the Tuscan countryside outside Florence. First you will be transferred to the starting point of the ride from the city centre. From there, you will ride your bike through shimmering olive groves and past fertile vineyards. As you ride you will see Florentine castles and hillside villa estates. You will stop at one of these for a light lunch including local specialities and there you will have the opportunity to taste some of the locally produced wines. After a leisurely day return back to Florence. [Start time - 09:30; Duration - 7.5 hrs; COST 80 Eur Per adult/child]
		Includes - Transportation to and from the start point of the ride, use of a 21 speed bicycle, helmet, water bottle, light lunch and English speaking guide throughout.
DAY 6	VENICE	Train to Venice in the morning [08:30 - 10:33]
		Check in to hotel [Malibran or equivalent].
		Half Day to Murano, Burano & Torcello (Afternoon)-
		Sail to Murano to see how the beautiful coloured glass is made, then on to the pretty islands of Burano and Torcello. After sailing past the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, the Public Gardens, the tip of Sant'Elena and the famous Lido beach resort, the boat arrives in Murano, known throughout the world for its glass manufacturing industry. The second stop is at the picturesque island of Burano, famous not only for its lace but also for the fishermen's houses painted in bright colours. Then after a short cruise, we reach Torcello, the earliest centre of civilization in the estuary. Only the Cathedral with its magnificent mosaics and the church of Santa Fosca remain as testimony of its former glory. [Duration - 3 hrs. 30 min. ; Start time - 14:15]
		Includes - Transportation by boat, visit to a Glass Factory.
		An Enchanting Gondola Ride in the evening: Venice viewed from the water ! A romantic 'promenade' by gondola that will take you along the canals of Venice. An unmissable opportunity to travel along Venice's waterways looking up at the fabulous mediaeval palaces that line these historic thoroughfares and down to see their shimmering reflections dancing on the surface of the water. This cruise through the city's most secluded waterways passing under small bridges will help you appreciate the special quality of this floating city. [Duration : 35 min.]
DAY 7	ON FLIGHT	In morning train back to Rome to catch flight back home & transfer from Rome station to airport (included). If your flight is from Venice, a shared transfer from Venice Island to airport can be booked at extra cost of 59 EUR pp or private boat from 109 EUR for two persons