Tuscany Highlights and Eastern Mediterranean Cruise October 3 rd to 18 th, 2014 15 nights 16 days Summary Itinerary Friday, October 3 rd Day 1 Depart Canada Board your transfers from select Maritime cities to Halifax and depart on your overnight flight to Rome via Montreal. Try and get some sleep before your morning arrival in Rome. Saturday, October 4 th Day 2 Arrive Rome Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City! The city stands on the Tiber River and enjoys a long and celebrated history. Sightseeing tour of the Vatican with a Local Guide. Visit Vatican City highlights and admire the lavish interiors of the Sistine Chapel boasting Michelangelo s magnificent ceiling and St. Peter s Basilica. Among the world-famous artworks are Michelangelo s Pietà and Last Judgment. Tonight we will have a Welcome Dinner in local restaurant. (D) Hotel: Hotel Roscioli or similiar (2 nights) Sunday, October 5 th Day 3 Tour Rome Enjoy complimentary breakfast in hotel. Today we have a Local Guide join us for a tour of Classical Rome. Walk along Via Veneto, past Piazza della Repubblica and through the historic centre, from the stunning Trevi Fountain to Piazza Navona and its Fountain of the Four Rivers. Visit the Pantheon and its impressive dome, the famed Colosseum, passing Piazza Colonna and the Column of Marcus Aurelius along the way. The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight dinner is on your own to explore the local cuisine in Rome. (B) Monday, October 6 th Day 4 Montecatini Enjoy complimentary breakfast in hotel then departure to Montecatini. On the way we stop in Orvieto for panoramic visit. Umbria's grand hill town, Orvieto, is just off the freeway between Florence and Rome, with three popular claims to fame (cathedral, Classico wine, and ceramics). Arrive at our host hotel in Montecatini. We will have dinner at the hotel tonight. (B, D) Hotel: Hotel Toretta or similiar (5 Nights)
Tuesday, October 7 th Day 5 Tour Pisa and Vinci Enjoy complimentary breakfast in hotel. Depart with a Local Guide to the town of Pisa and Vinci. In the coastal town of Pisa see the famous Leaning Tower, the finely sculpted marble Cathedral and the ornate Baptistery. Then travel to the scenic Tuscan town of Vinci where you will hear all about the life of Leonardo da Vinci and enjoy an included visit to the Museo Leonardiano containing some of his work. Join your fellow travellers tonight as you experience the local cuisine on your own. (B) Wednesday, October 8 th Day 6 Florence Enjoy complimentary breakfast in hotel. We depart for Florence where a Local Guide gives you a fascinating account of the history of Renaissance Florence during your walking tour. Visit the magnificent Duomo and Piazza Signoria. View the Ponte Vecchio Bridge, one of the city s most famous landmarks and visit the Academia Gallery to see the statue of David. We have dinner in local restaurant in Florence then transfer back to Montecatini. (B, D) Thursday, October 9 th Day 7 Siena and San Gimignano Enjoy complimentary breakfast in hotel. Explore San Gimignano, known as the medieval Manhattan, famed for its ring of towers which can be seen several kilometres from town. Shop for locally-produced delicacies and hand-painted Tuscan pottery. We will also have a wine tasting experience in a local cantina. In Siena, see the Piazza del Campo, scene of the celebrated annual Palio horse race, and the stunning marble Cathedral which dominates the town. Return to Montecatini. Dinner is on your own. (B) Friday, October 10 th Day 8 Day at Leisure in Montecatini Enjoy complimentary breakfast in hotel. Montecatini Terme is one of Italy s most popular thermal spa destinations, and you have the entire day to do exactly as you please! Your Travel Director will be available for suggestions on how to spend your day. Tonight we will have a Farewell to Tuscany group dinner at the hotel and share stories of your day with your travel friends. (B, D) Saturday, October 11 th Day 9 Transfer to Venice and board the NCL Jade Enjoy complimentary breakfast in hotel. We depart for Venice where we will have a two hour walking tour before we board the Norwegian Jade for a 7 day Eastern Mediterranean Cruise. Once on board, you are free to enjoy the onboard facilities and restaurants. We set sail from Venice at 6:00 pm. (B) Sunday, October 12 th Day 10 Dubrovnik, Crotia 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm Despite the magnificent 13th century walls that surround the city, Dubrovnik is one of the most welcoming cruise destinations in all of Europe. Dubbed the pearl of the Adriatic by the poet, Lord Byron, this Croatian city exudes romantic charm and beautiful scenery with its shimmering marble streets, centuries-old buildings capped by bright orange roofs, and lovely beaches ensconced between awesome rocky ledges.
Monday, October 13 th Day 11 At Sea Today will be spent at sea. Enjoy 6 complimentary dining options, from three-course dining to endless buffets with action stations. Entertainment day & night. Spectacular stage & magic shows, dance clubs, bars & lounges, piano bars and live music. Fitness center, sports court, pools, waterslides and hot tubs. Tuesday, October 14 th Day 12 Athens (Pireaus), Greece 7:00 am to 5:00 pm This is the cradle of civilization, the oldest city in Europe. Not only is this city home to the Acropolis and some of the most important architectural structures and archaeological finds in the Western world, It is also a very modern city, an urban amalgam of extraordinary art, culture, cuisine and shopping. Wednesday, October 15 th Day 13 Ephesus (Izmir), Turkey 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Archaeologically rich, historic Izmir dates back over 5,000 years. Virtually rebuilt from scratch in 1922, Izmir is a booming city today. The ancient city of Ephesus, home to the Artemis Temple and the Zeus Altar, is one of the world s best preserved archaeological sites. Thursday, October 16 th Day 14 At Sea Today will be spent at sea. Enjoy 6 complimentary dining options, from three-course dining to endless buffets with action stations. Entertainment day & night. Spectacular stage & magic shows, dance clubs, bars & lounges, piano bars and live music. Fitness center, sports court, pools, waterslides and hot tubs. Friday, October 17 th Day 15 Split, Crotia 11:00 am to 6:00 pm This Mediterranean city on the eastern shores of the Adriatic has a long and eventful history dating back to the awesome Diocletian s Palace (circa 295 A.D.) in the center of the city. Split offers cruise guests a wealth of exciting places to visit, from the majestic cathedral and marble streets in the center of town to the harbour area with its café-lined promenades and views of coastal mountains. Saturday, October 18 th Day 16 Venice and flight to Canada We arrive back in Venice and transfer to the airport for our flight home. Say goodbye to your Tour Director from Target Tours and your newfound friends from your Tuscany and Eastern Mediterranean Cruise Tour.
Shore Excursions (optional) Shore Excursions are a great way of experiencing local culture and learning firsthand about the history of the area. Target Tours will be arranging group excursions on the tours listed below. If you want to join us, please advise with final payment. Prices are approximate and will be confirmed in 2014. Dubrovnik, Crotia Historic Dubrovnik 3¾ hours Approx. $59.00 From the pier your tour guide will lead you to nearby Ploce Gate where you will board your bus. Then, drive along a panoramic road to a viewpoint where you can enjoy the magnificent view over Dubrovnik and its Riviera. Continue by motorcoach down to Pile Gate and you ll find yourselves at the beginning of the famous main street - the Stradun. Along the way you ll stop to visit the Dominican Monastery with the finest collection of Renaissance paintings in Dubrovnik. The cathedral is built over the remains built in the 12th century and destroyed in 1667 by a disastrous earthquake. Today, its treasury contains one of the finest collections of gold and silver in Europe. Other fine buildings that you ll see from the outside include the Sponza Palace, notable for its columns courtyard with elaborate stone carvings, the Church of Saint Blaise and Onofriou s Fountain. Note: This tour is not suitable for passengers who have difficulties walking due to the uneven cobblestone streets. There is approximately 1 1/2 miles of walking. Tour may be operated in reverse order. When tendering into Dubrovnik Old Town tour duration will be shorter. Athens, Greece Athens & The Acropolis 3½ hours Approx. $99.00 Commissioned by Pericles and built by Pheidias, the perfectly proportioned Parthenon crowns the Acropolis, representing the Golden Age of Classical Greece. Follow the winding path to 'the upper city' entrance through the Propylaea gateway. Beyond, on the highest part of the hill, stands the crowning glory of the Acropolis, the Parthenon, looking out over the graceful Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the Old City below. After the Acropolis, you ll drive to both the old and new sections of Athens, separated by Hadrian s Arch. You ll pass the statue of Lord Byron, the Corinthian Temple of Olympian Zeus and Constitution Square to the former Royal Palace. Here you ll have a chance to take a photo of the Presidential Guard or Evzones in traditional uniform, as they stand watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Other sights on the drive include the Academy, National Gardens and the Old Marble Olympic Stadium, built in 1895 for the first modern Olympic Games. Note: The Acropolis is explored on foot and requires approximately two hours of walking. There are some 75 steps at the entrance and in certain locations the marble is uneven and slippery. During summer months and when there are many ships at the port of Piraeus, expect extreme overcrowding at the sites with possible waiting time to enter, especially at the Acropolis. Temperatures can reach extreme highs during summer months; we recommend that you drink a lot of water and use suitable sun protection.
Ephesus, Turkey Izmir Orientation 3½ hours Approx. $49.00 'Beautiful Izmir' is the third largest city and the second largest port of Turkey. Built in the 3rd century B.C., it shared with Troy the most advanced culture in Western Anatolia. You ll see the Konak Mosque, Ataturk Monument, Passport Pier, Alsancak Train Station, Kemeralti shopping area, Izmir Fair and more. You ll visit Agora, the ancient market place and the Archaeological Museum which has a good collection of antiquities, of which the statues of Poseidon and Demeter are fine examples. You ll make a stop for a shopping opportunity at a carpet and handicraft center and refreshments before returning to your ship. Note: The market and Agora are explored on foot; this tour includes walking on cobblestone streets in the market and approximately 0.6 miles at Agora. During summer months, expect crowded venues and long lines as well as temperatures that can reach extreme highs. We recommend that you drink a lot of water, use suitable sun protection and dress in layers. Guests who are planning to visit religious sites during free time or on tour, please dress appropriately; no bare shoulders or shorts are allowed. Split, Crotia Charming Split Riviera & River Cruise 4½ hours Approx. $89.00 A scenic drive along the coast, via a mountain road, will bring you to the picturesque town and peaceful holiday resort town of Omis. Situated at the mouth of the Cetina River, many of the Medieval defenses are still visible on a hill above the town. You ll have some free time in Omis before boarding river boats for a scenic cruise along the Cetina River. The River runs out of the lake and parallel with the coast. A short boat ride will take you up the river to Radman s Mills for snacks and a refreshment. From here you can walk into the forest or enjoy the view of the River next to this magnificent old mill. Upon visiting this charming natural setting, continue by motorcoach toward the Town of Split. The Old Town of Split is built on and around the spectacular Roman Palace erected by the Roman Emperor Diocletian (born in Salona - today s Solin. u walking tour will introduce to you the rich cultural heritage of the Diocletian Palace which is proclaimed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You ll see the palace cellars, the cathedral and the Golden and Silver Gates, among other areas. Note: During summer months expect extreme heat, crowded venues and long lines. We recommend that you dress in layers, wear Comfortable shoes, hat, sunglasses and bring bottled water. Tour may be operated in reverse order.
Includes: Motor coach transfers from select Maritimes cities to Halifax International Airport Flights from Halifax to Rome and Venice to Halifax Airport transfers 7 nights accommodations including continental breakfast daily in Italy 4 evening dinners in Italy Wine tasting experience San Gimignano Step-on guided tours and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary Transfer to Venice cruise terminal 7-day Eastern Mediterranean Cruise aboard the NCL Jade All meals and entertainment onboard the cruise Complimentary welcome cocktail reception onboard the cruise Complimentary bottle of wine with dinner onboard the cruise Baggage handling Professional Multilanguage guide in Italy All taxes and fees Personally escorted by John and Lynn Dunphy from Target Tours Price: Inside Cabin $ 4579 per person Outside Cabin $ 4879 per person Balcony Cabin $ 5549 per person Prices are based on double occupancy and include all taxes. Prices include air, land and cruise package. Optional travel insurance extra. Price subject to change based on costs of airfare to be confirmed in November 2013. Deposit of $500 per person due at time of booking. Second Deposit of $1000 due on November 1 st, 2013 Final payment due July 5 th, 2014. Target Tours P.O. Box 2693 Charlottetown, PEI C1A 8C3 1 877 214 5367 jdunphy@targettours.ca