13 Days ~ Italy ~ Switzerland
Tour Pace
A well paced tour to allow for
an in-depth look at northern Italy. With the exception of La Spezia, there are two-night
stays in each city providing plenty of time on the second day for a relaxed sightseeing
tour or free time to spend as you wish.
DAY 1 –
THU – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Rome.
DAY 2 – FRI – ROME
Welcome to
Rome! You are met upon arrival at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport and transferred
to your hotel in the 'Eternal City'. Spend the rest of the day at leisure before
joining your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Massimo
D’Azeglio.
DAY 3 – SAT – ROME
SIGHTSEEING
Get to know Rome with a guided tour of the priceless art
collection of the Vatican Museums, followed by a visit to the celebrated Sistine
Chapel. Then visit St Peter's Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world.
Cross the Tiber to enter the Colosseum and see the Roman Forum. The afternoon is
free for shopping, relaxing or more sightseeing. As evening falls, your Tour Director
offers you an evening of fine dining from a selection of restaurants. (BB,DA)
DAY 4 – SUN – ROME
– LA SPEZIA
Take the autostrada northwards through Tuscany, home of
the famous Chianti wines, to medieval Siena, where you can explore narrow cobbled
streets lined with palaces and patrician mansions, and the famous Campo Square.
Twice a year, the Palio horse race takes place here to the accompaniment
of great festivities. Continue to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower in the 'Meadow
of Miracles', and the 11th century Cathedral and Baptistery. Follow the Mediterranean
coast past the marble quarries of Carrara to your hotel in La Spezia on the eastern
end of the Italian Riviera.
Hotel: Jolly. (BB,D)
DAY 5 – MON – LA SPEZIA – FLORENCE
Explore the Cinque Terre, or ‘five villages’, which were
for years only accessible by donkey. Luckily, today you can take the train! A local
expert will guide you around two of the villages, which both retain their charm
and reputation for producing one of Italy’s most sought after and exclusive
wines. Later, head to Florence, city of treasures and cradle of the Renaissance,
for your two night stay.
Hotel: Villa Gabriele D’Annunzio. (BB,D)
DAY 6 – TUE – FLORENCE
SIGHTSEEING
With a local guide you will see Michelangelo’s original
statue of David on your visit to the Academy Gallery. Once outside, continue to
the lofty Cathedral - its adjoining Baptistery is adorned with the ‘Gates of
Paradise’, while Giotto’s 14th century Campanile is said to be the most
beautiful bell-tower in the world. Walk on to Signoria Square with its open-air
gallery of Renaissance sculpture. Afterwards, visit the craftsmen’s area to
see the famous Florentine leather and gold-work, or discover more art treasures
housed in the many museums and galleries. As night falls, why not consider joining
a Tuscan dinner party? (BB)
DAY 7 – WED – FLORENCE
– VENICE
Descend the Apennine Mountains to reach Ravenna, the ‘City
of Mosaics’. At one time Ravenna was the capital of the Western Roman Empire
and a local guide will show you some of the area’s great artistic treasures
and famous buildings. Continue around the Lagoon to reach Venice, 'Queen of the
Adriatic'. A private launch ferries you past canals lined with ornate palaces to
your hotel, close to St Marks Square and overlooking a romantic waterfront where
gondolas moor for the night.
Hotel: Cavaletto E Doge Orseolo. (BB,D)
DAY 8 – THU – VENICE
SIGHTSEEING
Wake up to the sounds of Venice! Literally around the corner
is St Marks Square, dominated by its magnificent Basilica and overlooked by the
great Clock Tower where bronze Moors beat out the hours on a huge bell. Nearby is
the Campanile and Doges’ Palace which is connected to the prisons by the Bridge
of Sighs. See a demonstration of Venetian glass-blowing before enjoying a highlight
ride by traditional gondola along the picturesque canals. This afternoon is free
to enjoy the magical atmosphere of this unique city at your own pace. Stroll back
to your hotel tonight, past the al-fresco cafés, with the sound of music drifting
in the background...unforgettable! (BB)
DAY 9 – FRI – VENICE
– CORTINA D'AMPEZZO
Bid farewell to this enchanting city and
take the scenic route along the Brenta Canal, lined with classical villas by Renaissance
architect Andrea Palladio. See more of his work in the town of Vicenza, nicknamed
‘Venice on terra firma’. Walk down the main street, Corso Andrea Palladio,
and visit the Piazza dei Signori before continuing to Bassano del Grappa, which
gives its name to the brandy distilled here. Perhaps try a glass on the covered
wooden bridge designed by Palladio that spans the Brenta River. Continue through
the colorful peaks and sheer valleys of the Dolomites, to your overnight stay in
the mountain resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Hotel: Ancora. (BB,D)
DAY 10 – SAT – DOLOMITES
AT LEISURE
Enjoy the fresh mountain air and blue skies as you relax in
Cortina. Why not ascend to the summit of one of the nearby peaks by cable car for
magnificent Dolomite panoramas? (BB)
DAY 11 – SUN – CORTINA
D’AMPEZZO – ITALIAN LAKES
Take the beautiful route to
the ‘Lago di Misurina’, the prettiest lake of the Dolomites. Then it’s
on via Dobbiaco, past fields, forests, farms and mountain pastures to join the autostrada
heading south. Follow the Adige River to Verona, legendary home of Romeo and Juliet,
and see the well-preserved Roman Arena and Juliet’s Balcony. Later, continue
to Lake Maggiore in the beautiful Italian Lake District.
Hotel: Dino. (BB,D)
DAY 12 – MON – ITALIAN
LAKES SIGHTSEEING
Time to relax and enjoy the scenery this morning,
or why not take an optional cruise to the Borromean Islands to visit the exotic
gardens? Later, a beautiful drive takes you along the shores of the lake past splendid
villas set in sub-tropical gardens. Cross into Switzerland and stop awhile in fashionable
Lugano, beautifully located on the shores of its lake amid spectacular mountains.
Time here to stroll in the gardens and browse in the exclusive shops, before returning
to tour hotel. (BB)
DAY 13 – TUE – RETURN
TO USA
Sadly, your tour comes to an end after breakfast. There are complimentary
transfers to Malpensa Airport. (BB)
