Renaissance & Riviera

Transcription

1 10 days Venice to Rome From Venice to Rome in 10 days, discover Italy's incredible architecture and art, beautiful landscapes and gastronomic delights. Visit Verona, relax by Lake Como, explore the spectacular cliffside villages of Cinque Terre and the captivating Tuscan cities of Florence and Siena. HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS Trip Highlights Small group tour, with maximum group size of 16, and boutique hotels Preschiera del Gardia - taste fine Italian wines at a local wine cellar Venice - cruise along the beautiful Grand Canal in a water taxi, visit St Marks Square and the breathtaking Basilica Lake Como - spend two nights by this beautiful lake, which is a playground for the rich and famous Cinque Terre - follow a spectacular coastal trail to discover five captivating fishing villages in pastel hues, which cling to the cliff face Milan - take in the highlights of the fashion capital on a morning tour, including the extravagant gothic Milan Cathedral Lucca - stop to visit the enchanting Tuscan town of Lucca, set within imposing Renaissance walls Pisa - visit the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa Genoa - visit a local market and enjoy an Italian Cooking Demonstration, sampling tasty local produce Bassano del Grappa - sample Italy's favourite tipple on a tour of the Grappa Museum Verona - explore its pretty piazzas, the impressive Roman Arena and see Romeo & Juliet's famous balcony Florence - roam around this beautiful Renaissance city, taking in highlights such as the iconic cathedral Rome - end your tour in Itay's historic capital, allowing you to spend as much time as you'd like taking in famous sites such as Colosseum Greve - sample local meats at Falorni, the famous Tuscan butchers which has been open since 1729 Siena - discover the gothic delights of Tuscany's second city and sample the traditional dessert of Panforte Civita di Bagnoregio - wander through the cobbled streets of this beautiful hill top town 9 nights 3-4 star hotels 9 breakfast, 3 dinners Venice arrival transfer from Marco Polo Airport on day 1 by water taxi Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle Touring of Venice, Verona, Lake Como, Milan and Florence Cinque Terre day pass Food demonstration & tasting -Genoa & Geve in Chianti & Siena Food & Wine sampling in Verona What's Not Included Entrance Fees: Euro (payable locally) International flights and visa Tipping - an entirely personal gesture Departure transfer - can be booked upon request DETAILED ITINERARY Day 1 : Venice What's Included Escorted by an English speaking tour leader Services of a local English speaking guide in Venice, Verona, Milan and Florence -1-

2 Sunday. Today is arrival day into the magnificent city of Venice. At Venice Marco Polo airport you will be met and transferred to our hotel by water taxi, giving you the opportunity to take in the beautiful Grand Canal and the buildings lining its banks. This afternoon there's free time to settle in and explore or enjoy a traditional Gondola ride through the canals. This evening at 19:00 meet your tour guide and other members of the group in the hotel lobby and then enjoy a welcome dinner together. Overnight - Venice (D) Day 2 : Verona & Grappa Museum Venice - Verona. After breakfast we start our walking tour of Venice, exploring its many waterways & narrow back streets as we pass neighbourhood churches, listen for the gondoliers wake up calls and marvel at the Venetian lifestyle. We visit the Rialto Bridge, one of four bridges that span the Grand Canal, which is not only the most iconic but also the oldest. Our tour also takes us to St Mark's Square and Day 3 : Verona & Wine Tasting Day 5 : Milan & Genoa Verona - Lake Como. This morning we'll enjoy a walking tour of the old centre of Verona, which was the setting of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'. We visit the impressive Roman Arena, the Basilica of San Zeno and the Arco di Gavie, which is a fine example of Roman antiquity. No tour of Verona would be complete without seeing Juliet's famous balcony, and then we head to Zeno Gelati e Cioccolato for some unique flavoured gelati. This afternoon we leave Verona and travel to the Preschiera del Gardia area for wine tasting at local wine cellar, before continuing our journey to picturesque Lake Como, where we spend the next two nights. Overnight - Lake Como (B) Day 4 : Lake Como St Marks Basilica. The imposing Basilica is an unforgettable sight with over 8000 sq metres of luminous mosaics and dazzling domes. This afternoon we take a water taxi out of Venice to board our coach and travel on to Bassano del Grappa at the base of Mount Grappa, which is the home of Grappa, that popular, and somewhat potent, Italian tipple. Here we enjoy a tour of the Grappa Museum visiting the distillation room with its ancient steam system and sampling Grappa, before travelling on to the city of Verona. Overnight - Verona (B) Lake Como - Milan - Genoa. Bidding farewell to Lake Como, we spend the morning in the fashion capital Milan, where we explore some of the sights on a guided walking tour including the iconic Milan Cathedral and La Scala Opera House. After the tour there's some free time to grab a bite to eat and shop or taking a stroll around the Quadrilatero d'oro, where some of the world's most famous fashion houses stand. This afternoon we travel on to Genoa, where we visit a market, enjoy a local cooking demonstration and taste the local produce before checking into our city centre hotel. Overnight - Genoa (B) Day 6 : Cinque Terre Day tour Renowned for the rich and famous who live and holiday here, Lake Como's shoreline has some amazing villas, which we can peek at as we enjoy a scenic drive along the west bank of the lake today. We can also enjoy the spectacular views as we make our way to one of region's famous villas - The Villa Carlotta, which houses numerous Canova masterpieces and stunning gardens. Here we're free to wander around the gardens. Later we take the ferry across to the beautiful lakeside town of Bellagio with its maze of steep stone staircases, red-roofs and green-shuttered buildings. We have free time to explore this beautiful lakeside town and enjoy a leisurely Italian lunch or a picnic on the waterfront. Later we travel back to our hotel, where the rest of the day can be spent at leisure. Overnight - Lake Como (B) Genoa - Cinque Terre - Montecatini. Today we head to spectacular Cinque Terre, where we can explore the captivating, pastel hued fishing villages, which cling to the rugged coastline and make up the Cinque Terre (five towns) - Monterosso (the oldest), Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Corniglia and Manarola. Cars have -2-

3 been banned for over 10 years but a 19th century railway line ferries people from village to village. Our tour includes a Cinque Terre pass, which allows you to travel on the train for free. Alternatively you can opt to walk along a section of the scenic coastal trail, enjoying spectacular views of the coastline and villages. You're free to explore Cinque Terre at your own pace, travelling down the coast from Monterosso to Riomaggiore, where we meet back up for a short transfer to our first Tuscan town, Montecatini. After a busy day we enjoy some rest and relaxation before dining together at a local Trattoria. Overnight - Montecattini (B, D) Day 7 : Lucca & Leaning Tower of Pisa We then have free time to explore the city at leisure. Overnight - Florence (B) Day 8 : Florence sightseeing Day 10 : Civita di Bagnoregio & Rome After breakfast this morning we are joined by our local guide for a walking tour through the historical centre of Florence, including the Duomo, with its striking red dome, Giottos bell tower and the Baptistry. We then visit the famous Galleria Del Accademia, home to one of Michelangelo's most famous sculptures "David". Later this afternoon there's free time to explore. Art enthusiasts can head to the Uffizi Gallery or consider walking up to the Piazzale Michelangelo, which offers a stunning panoramic view of Florence. Overnight Florence (B) Day 9 : Siena Montecatini - Pisa - Florence. After breakfast we visit the charming Tuscan town of Lucca, which is entirely surrounded by its original wall. There's time to enjoy a leisurely stroll around the cobbled streets, or relax with a coffee in one of Known as the 'Cradle of the Renaissance', the small historic city of Florence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its narrow cobbled streets are filled with architectural masterpieces, wonderful sculptures and world class museums. After check in we head out to the Central Market - Florence's largest and oldest food market where there is an incredible array of delicious local Tuscan produce to sample and purchase. Tuesday. Siena - Rome. This morning we head south towards Rome. En route we visit the beautiful hill top town of Civita di Bagnoregio, which is located above the Tiber River valley and has architecture spanning several hundred years. There's time to explore the cobbled streets of this captivating town and have lunch at a local trattoria or bar before we continue on to Rome. Our tour ends upon arrival in Rome late this afternoon. We offer post tour accommodation in Rome, allowing you as much time as you'd like to independently explore the capital, which is home to the legendary Colosseum and a whole host of other historic sights.(b) the lovely piazzas, before we travel on to Pisa. In Pisa we visit the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa for that all important photo opportunity! Then there's time to enjoy lunch and have a stroll around the city before we travel on to the beautiful Renaissance city of Florence. sample some delicious traditional desserts like the panforte, in one of the most famous pastry shops. This evening we enjoy a group dinner to celebrate the final night of our tour. Overnight - Siena (B, D) Ending your tour in Rome Florence - Siena. Today we leave Florence and head south to Greve in Chianti. Stopping at the famous Falorni" butchers, which opened in 1729, we can sample the local specialities, such as Prosciutto Saporito (cured ham) and Finocchiona (salami). Then we continue through the picturesque Tuscan countryside to the beautiful gothic city of Siena. This afternoon we explore the historic centre of Siena, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its stunning cathedral and enchanting medieval square. After wandering around the city's vibrant streets, we stop to Flights from Rome Airport should depart no earlier than 7pm on the final day of the tour. Our tour ends in Rome city centre. Private airport departure transfers can be booked upon request, alternatively there is both train and bus service that run to both major airports Rome has two airports. Leonardo da Vinci Airport (Fiumicino] is 32 kms from the city and used by the major airlines for schedule flights and GB Pastine Airport (Ciampino), is 15kms from the city and used by budget airlines Easyjet and Rynair. Rome to Leonardo da Vinci Airport By train -3-

4 Leonardo Express, a non-stop service exclusively for airport passengers to/from Rome Termini railway station to Leonardo da Vinci Airport, leaving every 15 minutes with a journey time of 32 minutes. Tickets can be brought online or at Rome Termini and cost 14. By bus There are a number of bus services and all depart from the main Rome Termini Station. The journey takes approx 90mins. Tickets can be brought online or on the bus and cost less than 10 For passport holders of other nationalities not included here, please check the Project Visa website for more information South African Residents South African passport holders require a Schengen visa in order to enter Italy. Capago is the only intermediary recognised and authorised to process visa applications on behalf of the Italian Consulate in South Africa. Visit for further information. Rome to Ciampino Airport By train The nearest train station from Rome Termini railway station, to the GB Pastine Airport [Ciampino] is in the town of Ciampino and is a regular service. This journey is approx 15mins and will cost 1.50 You will then need to take a buses connection to the airport by COTRAL/ SCHIAFFINI buses every 30 minutes. The journey time is, on average, 5 minutes. The cost of the ticket, for sale both on board and from the ground staff is 1. Entrance Fees By bus There are a number of bus service and all depart from the main Termini Station. The journey takes approx 45mins. Tickets can be brought online or on the bus and cost less than 10 The official currency in Italy is the Euro. Check for latest exchange rates. For full details please visit the KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Visa Requirements UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and USA passport holders do not require a visa for a stay of less than 90 days in any 180-day period. Please be advised that visa requirements are subject to change and that visa procurement is the responsibility of the traveller and not On The Go Tours, therefore it is essential that you check current visa requirements with the embassy before travel. Please also ensure that your passport is valid for at least 3 months from your planned date of departure from the Italy with at least two blank pages and your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years. On group tours, entrance fees to tourist sites are not included in our tour price. These will be collected by your tour leader on day 2. You will find the cost of entrance fees noted under 'What's Not Included' on page 1 of this document. Entrance fee amounts do change, therefore upon arrival in Italy your tour leader will outline the exact total of your entrance fees and collect this amount in Euros on day 2 of your tour. Currency British Pounds, US Dollars and other major currencies can be easily exchanged locally in banks or bureau de change prior to departure. Credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in most of the major hotels, restaurants and shops. Use of American Express is not as common. Traveller's Cheques are not recommended as they're often difficult to exchange and incur high fees. Arrival on day 1 Your tour includes an airport arrival transfer from Marco Polo airport only. If your flight arrives at the smaller airport Treviso, popular with the budget airlines, you will need to make your own way to Marco Polo airport or the hotel directly. From Treviso by public transport - ATVO bus to Mestre, change to ATVO bus to Marco Polo. Cost: approx 5 Euro. If, for any reason you have trouble locating our representative [after waiting 20 minutes in the arrival hall] or your flight to Venice has been delayed please call the emergency contact number as stated on your tour voucher. Please do not leave the airport or go to the hotel on your own, please follow the advice given by our local team. Pre Tour Accommodation If you have booked pre-tour accommodation with us an airport arrival transfer will also be provided. If arriving prior to 9am on day 1 (essentially on a flight that arrives very, very early in the morning) consider purchasing a night of pre-tour accommodation to save you waiting until hotel check in time, which is generally from 2pm onwards. Departure Transfers Departure transfers are not included but can be booked upon request Time Zone Italy lies in the Central European Time Zone, which is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +1). During summer, daylight-saving is observed in Italy, where the time is shifted forward by 1 hour so it becomes 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +2). After summer the time in Italy is shifted back by 1 hour to Central European Time. Daylight savings takes place between 26th March and 29th October. Seasons and Weather Thanks to its location in Europe, Italy enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterised by hot and dry summers, and cool and wet winters. It's a country that experiences four distinct seasons, though the summer months are considered the best time to visit with sunny days perfect for sightseeing. Spring and autumn are also considered great times to visit due to pleasant temperatures. Our Italy group tours operate from May to September. Spring in Italy The shoulder season of spring is a delight in most places in Europe, and Italy is no exception. Flowers are blooming, coastal towns are beginning to awake from the winter and the -4-

5 sun is starting to come outs. From May to midjune it s a lot less crowded in both major cities and coastal areas but the weather is still very pleasant. In coastal areas during spring, flowers are starting to come out and Italians are setting up for the season that lies ahead. Arancini is another Italian food that s great to experience. It s basically rice balls dusted in bread crumbs then fried. Each region has a slightly different way of making them. Arancini con ragu adds mozzarella and tomato sauce into the mix and is particularly delicious. Summer in Italy While things certainly get a lot busier by mid June, the height of high season is really July and August. Crowds descend on popular destinations but spirits are high and so are the temperatures. It's the perfect time for a visit to Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast although undoubtedly the most expensive time to go. The temperatures get hotter so make sure you are prepared for it with loose clothing and water, especially when sightseeing. As for dessert, Gelato is an obvious one. It s said to have hailed from Florence originally. It is soft, creamy and fresh in Italy. It s often made with regional produce and they can be quite experimental with flavours. Tiramisu is a traditional desert made from ladyfingers (sponge biscuits), eggs, coffee, cocoa, sugar and mascarpone cheese. Autumn in Italy September is a wonderful month to visit - the crowds ease off and the weather is still nice but there are fewer tourists. Popular tourist spots such as Rome, Venice and Florence still see crowds in autumn with many people booking a weekend city break. Plugs & Voltage Standard voltage is volts. Primary sockets generally require European plugs of the two round-pin variety. We recommend that you pack a universal travel adaptor. You will need a voltage converter and plug adaptor in order to use U.S. appliances. Italian Cuisine Without a doubt one of the most popular cuisines in the Western world, Italian food is a cultural experience in itself. Pizza, pasta, gelato, tiramisu it s everything that s right with the world really. Go traditional with pizza. Italians eat it with fewer toppings. A simple Margherita with tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil will blow your mind. There s also pasta, of course. This varies depending on what region of Italy you are in. In Rome they do pasta alla carbonara particularly well. Risotto is another typical dish, made from rice cooked in a seasoned broth to create a deliciously creamy texture. and perfume, which are all worth purchasing. Since food is so important to Italian culture, it s a great thing to shop for here. Think great cheese, pasta, wine and authentic limonchello. Is bargaining acceptable in Italy? This is entirely dependent on where in Italy you are. In shops in a cosmopolitan city like Milan it isn t acceptable but in markets in the south people often bargain for cheaper prices. It's also worth trying in some art stores. It s important to be polite and not unreasonable in your bargaining. At the very least it's worth asking if the vendor can round the price down a little in artisan/craft shops. Cheese and wine are a major part of Italian cuisine and are often paired together. Along the coast, fish forms an essential part of the local diet, accompanied by fresh, seasonal vegetables and grains. Basil, nuts and olive oil are just some of the simple ingredients that feature in many Italian dishes. WiFi Safe eating while travelling in Italy Food hygiene standards in Italy are relatively high so travellers are unlikely to fall ill from food poisoning during their trip. As with anywhere in the world, it is important to be wary of any meat or fish that has not been cooked thoroughly. If food looks old, unclean or poorly prepared, it is best to avoid it. Italy is in the European Union. If you are travelling from the UK, you are entitled to buy fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices. Shopping Italy is a mecca for shopping fans with plenty of amazing, authentic products, which make great souvenirs from your trip. Italy produces fantastic leather products and high quality leather goods can be found across the country, though Florence has some of the best. Ceramics are another thing to shop for in Italy. Handcrafted and hand-painted bowls, plates, trays you name it. A lot of the high-end shops can arrange for your beautiful new ceramics to be shipped to your home country so it s definitely worth enquiring. The Amalfi Coast is host to fantastic ceramics, as is Tuscany. Italy also has great paper products, in fact, Europe s oldest paper shop is in Venice and named Legatoria Piazzesi. The country also produces high quality sandals, cashmere shawls WiFi can be found in the majority of restaurants, bars, cafes and hotels throughout Italy and is likely to be both fast and reliable. All of the hotels that we stay in during the tour offer free WiFi. Duty Free Allowance If you are travelling from within the EU, there is no limit on the amount or value of goods you may import, providing your goods are for personal consumption. Goods imported for commercial purposes are subject to duty and the following guideline amounts are in place to determine whether this is the case: 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco 10L of spirits over 22% volume, 20L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume, 90L of wine (no more than 60L of sparkling wine) and 110L of beer If you are arriving from a non-eu country, the following goods may be imported into Italy by travellers over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco -5-

6 4L of wine (excluding sparkling wine) and 16L of beer and 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume Other goods up to the value of 430 for air and sea travellers and 300 for other travellers It s not permitted to import meat or dairy products into Italy from outside the EU. Also prohibited are unauthorised firearms and ammunition. Tipping There isn t one simple rule for tipping in Spain and Portugal. If you are happy with the service in restaurants then a 10% cash tip is common. However, you aren t likely to cause offense if you don t leave a tip. Hotel staff don t usually expect a tip but leaving 1-2 Euro if someone carries your bags or delivers food to your room is a nice gesture. With taxis, tips aren t expected but rounding up the total bill or leaving loose change is appreciated. It is customary to tip your tour leader and driver at the end of the tour, for a job well done. As a guideline we recommend that you budget the following: Tour leader euros per person per day Driver euros per person per day This information is given as a guide, as many travellers are unsure and uncomfortable about how much to tip. Tipping is an entirely personal gesture and the amount you tip is at your own discretion. Essential Packing A small daypack for your day-to-day needs Either a rucksack or suitcase is suitable Travel insurance documents A photocopy of your passport data pages Spare camera batteries & memory cards Mobile Phone and phone charger Lightweight clothing (check the forecast before you travel and pack appropriately) A lightweight water/windproof jacket A small umbrella Comfortable walking shoes Sandals or flip flops/thongs/jandals Electrical adaptor. Standard voltage is 220V, 50Hz AC. Sockets require a Continental or European style plug (two round pins) DEET based mosquito repellent and antihistamine cream Personal first aid kit including Dioralyte Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, swimming costume A towel for swimming Antibacterial hand cleansing gel Pocket size phrasebook Health Requirements You should seek medical advice from your local health practitioner before travelling to Spain and ensure that you re up to date for recommended vaccinations for your home country. Other vaccines to consider are Tetanus. Visit the NHS Fit to Travel page or the CDC Traveler s Health page for more information. Cost of Living Italy is a slightly more expensive European country but still very affordable for travellers. The less touristic the place, the lower the prices will be. We recommend if you are on a budget that you avoid the often overpriced restaurants and cafes that line the main squares and chose places to eat a few streets back. A meal in an inexpensive restaurant will cost around USD $17 and a pint of domestic beer costs about USD $4.60. Coffee is cheap at around USD $1.35 and a one way train ticket will only set you back about USD $1.70. Safe eating will in Italy Food hygiene standards in Italy are generally very high so travellers are unlikely to fall ill from food poisoning during their trip. As with anywhere in the world, it is important to be wary of any meat or fish that has not been cooked thoroughly. If food looks old, unclean or poorly prepared, it is best to avoid it. Tap Water Tap water is safe to drink in the major cities in Italy, although it should be avoided in rural areas where sanitation quality isn't as good. Its best to play safe with bottled water in these areas. -6-