ITALY GOLDEN CIRCLE & SORRENTO ESCAPE

Transcription

1 ITALY GOLDEN CIRCLE & SORRENTO ESCAPE 10 DAYS - 9 NIGHTS - MULTILINGUAL COMBO ESCORTED & SEMI ESCORTED TOUR 116 ROME - Pantheon

2 ITINERARY & OVERNIGHTS OPERATED ON SUNDAY APRIL 7 TO OCTOBER MILAN 1 CINQUE TERRE LA SPEZIA LAKE COMO LAKE GARDA VERONA VENICE 1 LUCCA 2 FLORENCE PISA SIENA 2 MURANO Sorrento Vesuvio Positano Pompeii Amalfi Coast Amalfi Ravello Salerno APRIL 2019 MAY JUNE JULY * 7 21* 19* 9 14* 26 16* * 30* AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 11 8* 6 18* 15 13* MULTILINGUAL ENGLISH / FRENCH DEPARTURE *DEPARTURES OF 21/04, 19/05, /06, 14-28/07, 18/08, 8-22/09, 13/10 will be multilingual English - Spanish STARTING FROM DAY * 20 MONTEPULCIANO HOTELS FEATURES ROME ARRIVAL 2 nights accommodation in a 4* hotel in Florence. 2 nights accommodation in a 4* Hotel in Venice. 1 night's accommodation in a 4* hotel in Milan. 1 night's accommodation in a 4* Hotel in Lucca. 1 night's accommodation in a 4* hotel in Rome. 2 nights accommodation in a 4* hotel in Sorrento. 9 buffet breakfasts. 6 dinners (drinks NOT included). 1 lunch in Naples/ POMPEII (water and 1 soft drink included) 1 lunch in Capri (drinks NOT included). 1 CAPRI NAPLES POMPEII 2 SORRENTO Boat and train ticket in Parco delle Cinque Terre. Guided tour of Pompeii, including entrance fee. Full day excursion to Capri Visit to the BLUE GROTTO (weather permitting/ entrance fee included) CITY HOTEL FLORENCE HOTEL PALAZZO RICASOLI VENICE HOTEL CONTINENTAL MILAN HOTEL STARHOTEL BUSINESS PALACE / ANTARES CONCORDE LUCCA HOTEL GRAND HOTEL GUINIGI ROME HOTEL GAMBRINUS / RIVOLI SORRENTO HOTEL VESUVIO / MICHELANGELO / LA RESIDENZA / CRAWFORD RATES PER PERSON DBL 2.725,00 SGL 3.350,00 TRPL 2.600,00 CITY TAX NOT INCLUDED AND IS TO BE PAID DIRECTLY AT THE HOTELS Children allowed from 12 years old / adult rates Ground transportation by deluxe coach with air conditioning. Multilingual escorted tour (English/ French/Spanish). English/ French/Spanish speaking local guides. Only one bag per person allowed plus one piece of hand luggage. ADDED SERVICES Extra nights: Possibility to add extra nights at the beginning and/or at the end of the tour; rates are on request or available online on our website. Transfers: Possibility to organize departure transfers; rates on request or available online on our website. Optional suggested tours: For optional suggested tour rates please refer to our website. gartour.com gartourprograms.com 117

3 SIENA FLORENCE VERONA ON DAY 1: Guided tour of Siena. ON DAY 2: Guided tour and discover local crafts. ON DAY 3: Walking tour in Verona. ROME - SIENA - FLORENCE (2 nights) - VERONA - VENICE (2 nights) - SIRMIONE (LAKE GARDA) - LAKE COMO - MILAN (1 night) - LA SPEZIA - PORTOVENERE - VERNAZZA SUNDAY ROME - SIENA - FLORENCE 8.00am meeting point at Destination Italia s sightseeing office or pickup at the hotel from 7.30am to 7.45am, then departure by coach to SIENA, the beautiful medieval city renowned for the Palio horse race. SIENA - Piazza del Campo Dis cover the street, Palazzo Salimbeni, which is now used as the headquarters for the Banca Monte dei Paschi Di Siena. It was built in the 14th century. Visit the main square of the town, Piazza del Campo, a beautiful seashell shaped square, where the famous Palio horse race is held every year on July 2nd and August 16th. Don't miss the chance to discover the impressive facade of the Cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary, covered with colorful local marble, where several artists such as Michelangelo, Donatello, and Bernini have work. Before you go, don't forget to taste the typical local dishes such as Pici, homemade pasta, and the almond biscuits ricciarelli, symbols of the town. You then head to Florence, arriving around 2:00pm, and after check-in at the hotel, with the help of tour leader, you have the chance to visit one of the famous museums such as the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery and Palazzo Vecchio. Welcome dinner in a local restaurant to taste a typical Tuscan menu. Overnight in Florence Meals: D 02 - MONDAY FLORENCE After breakfast meet our local guide and visit the fascinating backstreets of mysterious Florence: from Piazza del Duomo, with its Baptistery and Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, to Ponte Vecchio; from Piazza della Signoria with its Palazzo Vecchio and Loggia dell Orcagna, up to the central avenues paved with stone, where you'll find authentic masterpieces whenever you direct your gaze. An intense and concentrated tour in the very heart of Florence that will introduce you to the many wonderful must see places of interest. Free time for lunch and then in the afternoon your tour leader will take you to see excellent traditional local producers: visit one of the most famous jewelers where you can admire the collections of a Florentine goldsmith master; walk around San Lorenzo's leather market that offers high quality products, made with high-grade leather. Processed according to the most traditional methods, it gives life to the classic elegance of Florentine leather bags, wallet, shoes and jackets, that represent the essence of local artisan creativity. Finally, let your nose twitch in delight, whilst visiting an old perfume workshop, which still produces fragrances using the medieval monks' methods and recipes. Overnight at the hotel TUESDAY FLORENCE - VERONA - VENICE American buffet breakfast at the hotel, check out and departure to VENICE by coach. Along the way you will stop in VERONA. Explore the streets of this historic center, that was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage-site. Be enchanted by the gem of the city: the ancient Roman arena. Built in 30 AD, it is very well preserved and in the last century has hosted over 30,000 people for international music concerts, including the Verona Arena Festival, a summertime opera celebration that draws classical music lovers from all over the world. After taking some photos of the arena, head to the former home of famed opera singer, Maria Callas. Then move on to Juliet's House, the structure that inspired Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Wander back to Piazza Bra in time for lunch. Proceed to Venice. Travel by boat until Saint Mark s square, where you will meet a local guide who will introduce you to the most important buildings, such us the Doge s Palace, the Campanile, the Clock tower and the Library. Here you ll be told about the birth of the city and its glorious history. Walk in hidden Venice, admiring its alleyways, lovely canals, picturesque campos (squares) 118 gartour.com gartourprograms.com

4 VENICE ON DAY 4: Murano island. SIRMIONE ON DAY 5: Free time at Garda Lake. MANAROLA - LUCCA (1 night) - PISA - MONTEPULCIANO - ROME (1 night) - NAPLES - POMPEII - SORRENTO (2 nights) - CAPRI - ROME At the end of the visit there is a lovely walk to your hotel for check in. After, you will a typical dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in Venice. D 04 - WEDNESDAY VENICE - MURANO American buffet Breakfast at the hotel and then with your tour leader you will ride across the Venetian Lagoon to the colorful island of Murano. Here you will get an inside peek into the world-famous glass-blowing factories of the island. Watch a glassmaking demonstration from a master craftsman and enjoy time to browse the factory showroom, featuring finished works of art. Return to St. Mark's Square for an afternoon at leisure and time for shopping and private visits. Overnight in Venice.. MURANO 05 - THURSDAY VENICE - SIRMIONE (Lake Garda) - LAKE COMO - MILAN COMO LAKE American buffet breakfast at the hotel, check out and departure for SIRMIONE known as the Pearl of Garda Lake, "the gem of all the peninsulas", as the poet Catullus wrote. The visit to the village starts with the spectacular Scala Castle dating back to medieval times. It was built at the end of the 13th century by the Lords of Verona. Wandering along narrow medieval streets one reaches the Parish Church of S. Maria which houses many images and paintings to be admired, together with different altars and precious 18th century works of marble. Slightly uphill, one reaches the S. Salvatore Church, which dates back to the 8th century. Optional boat tour to admire the park of the prestigious and luxurious 5 star Hotel Villa Cortine and the nearby Villa of Maria Callas, from here you will reach the entrance to the Grotte di Catullo. It is the most important archaeological area in the entire region of Lombardy, with imposing remains of what was once a luxurious Roman Villa on the edge of Lake Garda. In the afternoon, proceed to COMO LAKE where your tour leader will walk you around all the historic highlights. As we stroll through the ancient streets in the heart of the town, surrounded by Roman walls, we can admire beautiful Romanesque and Baroque churches, Piazza Volta and Piazza Duomo, with its charming old Town Hall building, called Broletto, with its characteristic bell tower and the superb 600-year old Cathedral. Depart to MILAN where you can enjoy a panoramic tour to see: Sforzesco Castle, the medieval Piazza Mercanti and Piazza della Scala, admire the marble façade of Milan Cathedral and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the oldest shopping malls in the world. Your tour ends in the historic Piazza del Duomo. In the evening check in at hotel, dinner and overnight at the hotel in Milan. D gartour.com gartourprograms.com 119

5 CINQUE TERRE ON DAY 6: Full day Cinque Terre with boat and train. PISA ON DAY 7: Discover Piazza dei Miracoli & leading tower. ROME - SIENA - FLORENCE - VERONA - VENICE - SIRMIONE (LAKE GARDA) - LAKE COMO - MILAN 06 - FRIDAY MILAN - LA SPEZIA - PORTOVENERE - VERNAZZA - MONTEROSSO - LUCCA Breakfast in the hotel and check out. Depart to LA SPEZIA to embark on an unforgettable day dedicated to the discovery of one of the most amazing and enchanting landscapes in the World: CINQUE TERRE. We will reach the first village of PORTOVENERE, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its picturesque harbor is lined with brightly colored houses, while narrow medieval streets, lined with shops, lead up the hill from the ancient city gate to the castle. By boat you reach VERNAZZA, a characteristic small fishing VAL D ORCIA LUCCA - Piazza dell Anfiteatro village, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. The village is surrounded by steeply-terraced olive groves which are said to produce amongst the finest olive oil in the country. The last stop will be in MONTEROSSO, the largest of the five coastal villages. Its amazing beaches, beautiful reefs and the sea s crystal clear waters, make this small village one of the most convivial of the Ligurian Riviera. In the late afternoon return to La Spezia by train and take the coach to LUCCA. With your tour leader, stroll through the cobblestone streets and bustling piazzas, to the old Renaissance walls. Trace the city s Roman past along Via San Paolino and Piazza San Michele and see the birthplace of local composer Giacomo Puccini. Admire the medieval buildings along Via Fillungo, peek inside San Frediano church and visit landmarks such as the Cathedral of San Martino, Piazza Anfiteatro and Torre delle Ore. At the end of the walk transfer to your hotel for check in. Dinner and overnight in Lucca. D 07 - SATURDAY LUCCA - PISA - MONTEPULCIANO - ROMA Breakfast in the hotel and check out. Depart to PISA for a walk with your tour leader to the heart of the city. Admire the Cathedral Square with the Duomo di Pisa, Campo Santo, Pisa Baptistry, and, of course, the Leaning Tower of Pisa a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take time for lunch and shopping and in the afternoon depart to cross VAL D'ORCIA, the area famous for its superb wine production and for its amazing landscape, symbolic of the Tuscan region. Enjoy a stop in the most iconic town in the area, MONTE- PULCIANO. Surrounded by the ancient city wall, Montepulciano is a symbol of the power and wealth of the noble families from the 14th to 16th centuries. Be enchanted by the beauty of Piazza Grande, with the magnificent Duomo and Palazzo Tarugi; continue on to see the Fortezza and the Church of Santa Maria dei Servi, one of the finest examples of Renaissance art. Montepulciano is well known for the production of its fabulous red wine. The "Nobile di Montepulciano" is one of the most lauded Italian wines in Italy and abroad. Montepulciano has a distinct peculiarity, in that you can find several historic cantinas right within the city walls, which have been dug out underneath the prestigious palazzos. Take time to taste local wines and buy some souvenirs. Proceed to Rome where you will arrive around 7.30pm. Check in at the hotel and overnight. 120 gartour.com gartourprograms.com

6 NAPLES CAPRI SORRENTO ON DAY 8: Walking tour of historical centre. ON DAY 9: Full day tour in Capri. ON DAY 10: Day at leisure for optional tour. MANAROLA - LUCCA (1 night) - PISA - MONTEPULCIANO - ROME 08 - SUNDAY ROME - NAPLES - POMPEII - SORRENTO Departure from your hotel (pick up from hotels will be from 6.30 to 7.00 am, please remember to order your breakfast box at your hotel the day before departure!) Upon arrival in Naples we will take a walk in the historical centre to admire Piazza del Plebiscito, the Royal Palace, Piazza del Municipio, the Gallery of Umberto I and the San Carlo Opera House. After lunch in a typical restaurant with Neapolitan specialities (water and 1 soft drink included), with our local guide we will visit the Pompeii excavations, UNESCO listed ruins. This ancient Roman city was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, which buried and preserved it under a sea of volcanic ash for almost 1700 years. The archaeological journey through the ancient city will give us the opportunity to better understand how Romans used to live at that time. At the end of the tour, we may be given the opportunity to visit a coral and cameo factory, to admire items manufactured with a technique dating back to Ancient Greek times. Proceed to SORRENTO, the gateway to the Amalfi coast, with its colorful historical center and pretty waterfront, lined with fishing boats and the new Marina Grande cruise pier. Check in at your hotel in Sorrento, dinner and overnight. L D 09 - MONDAY SORRENTO - CAPRI - SORRENTO American buffet breakfast at the hotel, and departure at am to the island of CAPRI. You will board the ferry and arrive in MARINA GRANDE. Once on the island you will visit the BLUE GROTTO (weather permitting), and stop at the famous Piazzetta. A Minibus will take you up to ANACAPRI. After lunch in Anacapri, you will return to Marina Grande where you will board the ferry for your transfer back to Sorrento. Departure to Pompeii where you will join the bus to return to Rome. Arrival in Rome around 9:00pm and drop off at the hotel. L D 10 - TUESDAY SORRENTO - ROME American buffet breakfast at hotel and day of leisure to explore Sorrento or have an optional tour to discover the Amalfi coast visiting Positano, Ravello and Amalfi. Meeting point at pm in your hotel lobby and transfer to Pompeii where you will join the bus to return to Rome. Arrival in Rome around 9:00p.m (drop off guaranteed in Termini Station / Barberini Square / Destination Italia Office). CAPRI - Faraglioni gartour.com gartourprograms.com 121