Discover the big cities and some of the less famous destinations in this fabulous country. This is the only Contiki tour to stay in La Spezia in the Cinque Terre region and Milan, Italy's fashion capital! You'll also visit the picturesque village of Sirmione at Lake Garda, stop in Bologna, the home of spaghetti bolognese, and re-enact the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet in fair Verona where the story was set. Simply Italy, simply perfect!
| Length: | 13 days |
|---|---|
| Accommodations: | n/a |
| Meals: | Dinner, Breakfast as per itinerary
|
| Sightseeing: | Italy, Vatican City |
| Transportation: | Coach |
| Next Tour: |
September 09, 2008 Request a booking See all dates & rates |
Depart for EuropeYour exciting European trip begins.
Arrive RomeMake your way to the hotel, then the day is free to explore at leisure. Maybe start your souvenir shopping or try an Italian gelato. Tonight, enjoy dinner after meeting with your Tour Manager and fellow travellers at 6pm.
Rome to SorrentoFirst, an opportunity to visit the ancient city of Pompeii, then on to cliffside Sorrento with marvellous views of the Bay of Naples.
Capri ExcursionCruise to the Isle of Capri for a full day to enjoy its many attractions, from the Blue Grotto to the hilltop town of Anacapri.
Sorrento to FlorenceLeaving behind the stunning Amalfi coast we head north through Lazio and Umbria and make a stop en-route to taste some local wine. Later a first taste of Renaissance Florence.
FlorenceThe day includes a walking tour of the Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo and Santa Croce, and a chance to shop for leather, gold and silver. In your free time maybe visit one of the city's many museums or galleries and this evening enjoy the colourful Florentine nightlife.
Florence to La SpeziaFree time in Pisa, home of the famous Leaning Tower, then enter the unspoilt Cinque Terre Region. We stop at Portovenere before continuing on to the picturesque villages of Riomaggiore and Monterosso. Tonight we stay in La Spezia.
La Spezia to MilanA day of enormous contrast as we head from the tranquil western coast of Italy to the hustle and bustle of the fashion capital of Italy - Milan.
Milan to VeniceWith Milan behind us we head east to our afternoon stop in Verona, home to Shakespeare's tragic tale of Romeo and Juliet. Later we head to our hotel close to the stunning city of Venice.
VeniceA short boat ride takes us into the historical centre of Venice to see St Mark's Square, the Bridge of Sighs and the Doges' Palace. Ample time to wander the bustling streets, see the skill required to create local crafts such as Venetian glass and fine lace and visit one of the many amazing museums. Why not treat yourself to a gondola ride and evening meal with your fellow travellers as a perfect end to your Venetian experience?
Venice to RomeTravelling south we stop in Bologna, home of spaghetti bolognese, then it's on to Rome and our evening sightseeing tour.
RomeAncient and modern Rome await your discovery. Why not take a guided tour of the Imperial Forum and walk in the footsteps of Gladiators? In your free time explore the Vatican City and Sistine Chapel, snap up Italian fashions or just watch the world go by with a gelato (or two).
Depart RomeTime to swap addresses and email details and say 'Arrivederci Roma' as the tour ends after breakfast.
All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!