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What's included
- Accommodation at 4*hotels in double room with daily breakfasts
- All airport transfers with English speaking drivers
- All entrance fees as detailed in itinerary
- All guiding and experiences as per detailed itinerary
- All hotel city taxes
- All transport as mentioned by comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles
- Fully licensed English speaking guide in each cities
- Italy for Foodies Host accompanies group throughout
- Maximum group size of 14 (plus guide and Italy for Foodies Host)
- Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfasts, L= lunches and D=dinners)
- Standard Travel Insurance Policy, underwritten by EUROPASSISTANCE
- International flights and taxes
- Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature
- Personal expenses
- Visas
- DAY 1
- DAY 2
- DAY 3
- DAY 4
- DAY 5
- DAY 6
- DAY 7
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- DAY 9
- DAY 10
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- DAY 12
- DAY 13
- DAY 14
- DAY 15
- DAY 16
- DAY 17
ROME ARRIVAL DAY
Upon arrival we will be met at the airport for our group transfer to the hotel. Unpack and settle in before meeting your LOOP TRAVEL Host and fellow travellers at this evening’s welcome dinner. Enjoy a typical Roman dinner at a local trattoria.
ROME
This morning we head to Vatican City for a guided tour of Europe’s smallest country (less than half a square kilometre) and the epicentre of the Catholic Church. Vatican City has its own telephone system, post office, gardens, astronomical observatory, radio station, banking system, and pharmacy, as well as a contingent of Swiss Guards responsible for the personal safety of the pope since 1506. The Vatican palace is the residence of the Pope within the city walls. The Holy See is the name given to the government of the Roman Catholic Church, which is led by the Pope as the Bishop of Rome.
Your tour will include St Peter’s Basilica dating back to the 4th century and the Vatican Museums including the famous Sistine Chapel which features the legendary frescoes painted by Michelangelo.
Afternoon is free to enjoy the Eternal City at leisure.
ROME
From incredible ancient monuments to glamorous restaurants and boutiques, Rome is a city of great beauty and diversity. Today you will be taken on a walking tour of the city. You’ll see such marvels as the Roman Forum, Victor Emmanuel Monument, Pantheon, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and Venezia, Spanish Steps and Via Dei Condotti. As you wander the city, perhaps stop in at a bar for a quick coffee, or indulge in some gelato. Rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Roman food is world-renowned, and the trattorias that line the streets are the perfect place to sample the local pasta and pizza delights. A taste or two of the (very well-priced) local wine is also a must.
ROME – NAPLES – POMPEII
Today we travel by train to Naples (approx. 3 hrs), a raucous city that overflows with passion, tradition and gastronomy. Naples was carved out by many empires from the past and by merchants and pirates from across the world: Romans, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Venetians, Spaniards, Normans and Africans have all called this historic city their home. Its evocative, historical old centre is a World Heritage listed area and the famous Spanish Quarter is still one of the most densely populated residential areas in Europe. Naples is the birthplace of the pizza, so why not head to one of the many pizzerias and taste what’s truly some of the best that Italy has to offer. We’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of this famous city. Later in the afternoon, travel by private vehicle to the time capsule of Pompeii, in the shadow of Mt Vesuvius (approx. 1 hr).
POMPEII
The small picturesque town of modern Pompeii has a wonderful old town square—the perfect place to while away some time with the locals, drinking true Italian coffee and watching the world go by. Most of today will be spent exploring the ruins of ancient Pompeii on a guided tour. Until 79 AD, Pompeii was a thriving Roman trading centre, where ordinary people went about their everyday business, but it was frozen in time when Mount Vesuvius erupted, trapping 2,000 people and their homes under a layer of volcanic ash. The city was never rebuilt and largely disappeared from people’s minds until the 18th century, when the ruins were re-discovered. Now you can take an unparalleled look back into the lives of ancient Romans and discover how they lived, worked and interacted 2,000 years ago. The finely preserved ruins include villas, temples, theatres and bustling markets. Walk along the chariot-marked streets, visit the magnificent amphitheatre and the ‘Villa of Mysteries’. You can also see the Roman Forum and basilica, temples, public baths, and the Odeon created for music recitals. The rest of the day is free, but if the ruins piqued your interest, head to nearby Herculaneum, which also holds a wealth of fossilised archaeological finds even closer to the base of Vesuvius.
POMPEII – MT VESUVIUS – SORRENT
This morning we take a private coach transfer up the mighty Mt Vesuvius, where you’ll meet a local volcanology guide. Ascend to the summit of Mt Vesuvius for staggering 360 degree views over the Bay of Naples and into the steaming crater. Although Mt Vesuvius is still considered to be an active volcano. The last eruption was in 1944. See first-hand the awesome power of the volcano that engulfed the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79AD. In the afternoon, travel by private vehicle to the picturesque resort town of Sorrento (approx. 1 hr). People have been coming to the peninsula and islands of the Sorrento region for at least 2,000 years, set invitingly atop dramatic cliffs over sparkling, blue waters. There are many options in this small seaside town with its fine piazzas, maze of old streets, sidewalk cafes and glamorous shops. The area is also famous for its lemon groves, producing the famous limoncello liqueur. In the evening head out to try some of the best limoncello on offer in Sorrento.
Special Information: The final ascent of the volcano can only be done on foot, up a steep but well-made trail of volcanic ash and gravel. The ascent takes around 45 minutes, and comfortable closed shoes are essential. Sufferers of vertigo may prefer to opt out.
SORRENTO
After breakfast you have a free day to explore this delightful area and the museums, galleries and piazzas of Sorrento. Perhaps stroll along the marina or cool off in the waters of the local small beaches. They’re not big on sandy beaches here, so swimming Sorrento style is via wooden or stone bathing platforms beneath the cliffs. Taking a trip to Capri is also a great option, with a hydrofoil taking you across to the island that was once home to the magnificent holiday palaces of Roman emperors. Capri’s dramatic rocky coastline is pierced by natural grottoes, while in the interior, narrow roads wind through fragrant citrus groves, past villages of flat-roofed white cubist-looking houses with flower-filled gardens, and manicured towns. Here you can take a boat trip to the fairy-
tale Blue Grotto (La Grotta Azzurra), where the water shines with an extraordinary blue translucence, the result of refraction of the sunlight outside. Your tour leader will have plenty of suggestions of what to do and see today. End the day in a very Italian way with a demonstration of Gelato making and feast on your own delicious creations.
SORRENTO – RADDA IN CHIANTI
After breakfast we will be transferred back to Naples station for your onward train journey to Rome. On arrival in Rome we’ll transfer to a private coach for our transfer to the next part of our adventure—Tuscany. On arrival in Radda you have the remainder of the day free to explore this beautiful medieval village. Set on a hilltop amongst a sea of vines, the medieval town of Radda in Chianti is typically Tuscan. Small cobblestone lanes meander up past quaint buildings, which sit stacked atop each other. Around each corner you’ll find panoramic views allowing you to take in the surrounding scenery. Grapes have been grown in the region for more than a thousand years, so it’s unsurprising that Radda is home to some of Chianti’s most elegant wines. Evening at leisure.
CHIANTI REGION – SIENA – MONTERIGGIONI
Begin the day with a short drive to the medieval city of Siena. It is best known for the Piazza del Campo, the site of the twice annual Palio (a horse race around the edge of the oval square). A two hour guided tour of this beautiful city is included before we continue on to Monteriggioni, another Tuscan hill town that was built by the Sienese to defend their territory against the Florentines in the 13th century. Learn a little more about the circular walls and 14 towers which played a significant role in the attacks staged by the Bishop of Volterra. We’ll have some free time in Monteriggioni before returning to the hotel where will have a group dinner together this evening.
RADDA – SAN GIMIGNANO – FLORENCE
This morning we make our way to the Florence, the capital of Tuscany. On the way, we visit San Gimignano, the ‘Town of Fine Towers.’ This medieval walled town is famous for its well-preserved tower houses which are now on the UNESCO World Heritage List. There will be time for you to explore the old town centre and its fine Gothic and Romanesque architecture. This region is renowned for its ancient Vernaccia grapes, which are the basis for one of Tuscany’s finest white wines. Relax in a local family’s garden surrounded by olive trees and vineyards and enjoy the local organic wine varieties produced by this family for centuries.
FLORENCE
Florence is one of the most culturally rich and beautiful cities in Italy, known to many as the beating heart of Tuscany. The Medicis, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Brunelleschi, Machiavelli, Donatello and Michelangelo all lived in Florence at the height of their creative reign. On arrival, we’ll enjoy a two hour walking tour including the Piazzale Michelangelo to take in beautiful views of the city. Evening at leisure.
FLORENCE – PISA – LUCCA – CINQUE TERR
While in Florence, there will be plenty of time to explore the city and its museums and galleries. It is impossible to see everything in this Renaissance wonderland, however, today we’ll visit two of the city’s highlights: the Uffizi, one of the oldest galleries in the world and Galleria dell’Accademia, where you can see Michelangelo’s famous statue of David.
This morning we make our way towards the dramatic coast of the Cinque Terre, and visit Pisa and Lucca on the way. Due to the precarious state of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Torre Pendente, it is not always possible to climb it, but you will definitely have the opportunity to photograph it from the ground. Your trip leader can assist with the purchase of tickets to the Cathedral, Baptistry, Museums and Campo Santo, should you wish to visit them. Your next stop is Lucca, where you can explore the bustling streets or perhaps take a walk along the famous city walls. We then continue to your accommodation in La Spezia. This is the gateway to the gorgeous Cinque Terre.
CINQUE TERRE
Cinque Terre (Five Lands or Five Villages in Italian) is a region of Italy famed for its rugged coastline and the colourful villages that cling to it. The footpaths that run between the villages were once the only way to travel in the region. You can choose to walk just a few sections, which will still unveil a great amount of majestic scenery. There is a train that connects the villages as well, so if you prefer to enjoy a more relaxing day, you are welcome to take this option. Join a local shop-keeper for a Pesto making class in Levanto. Make your own pesto and enjoy it with a glass of wine afterwards. In the evening there’s no better way to refuel than indulging in a delicious Mediterranean feast. Be sure to try the local pesto and focaccia, both specialties of the area.
Special Information: Today’s walking distance: 9 km; approx. 4 hrs. Due to recent landslides in the area it is currently not possible to walk the Via dell’Amore from Riomaggiore to Manarola and the coastal section between Manarola and Corniglia. The train instead will be used for these sections. Please also note that due to safety reasons some sections of any path can be closed at short notice.
LA SPEZIA – MONTAGNANA – VENICE
After breakfast we depart La Spezia by private coach and head to the charming town of Montagnana. This medieval walled city and its fortifications are still intact and the façade is still original over 600 years on. In fact it is said that the medieval walls of Montagnana are some of the most well preserved in Europe. We enjoy lunch, and also have some free time to explore ‘Castle of San Zeno,’ ‘Rocca degli Alberi Castle’ and ‘Montagnana Cathedral,’ which was built in 1431 and is a marvel of gothic architecture. On arrival in Venice, check in to your hotel and then your are free to explore this iconic city.
Few cities can claim such a priceless art and history heritage as Venice. This unique city with its magical, spectacular scenery is not just beautiful; it is a real miracle of creative genius: a city built
on mud, sand and the slime of a difficult, inhospitable landscape. The biggest attraction in the gorgeous city of Venice is the architecture—which is enhanced by the ancient canals that surround it. As well as Piazza San Marco and St. Mark’s Basilica, the city is home to the Gothic masterpiece Doge’s Palace. This pink and white marble buildings has to be seen in the flesh to be fully appreciated. Not only is it a breathtaking example of Italian architecture, it is also the centre of Venice Carnival celebrations every year. Tomorrow we begin our Venetian adventure.
VENICE
Today you will take an orientation walk in the morning. During the walking tour we visit the interior of the Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark’s Basilica. Board a vaporetto (water bus) to the island of San Giorgio where we will climb the bell tower and witness breathtaking views of Venice. Enjoy free time in the afternoon. You might like to visit some museums or take a trip to some of the outlying islands. The Grand Canal, the quaint shopfronts that line the Rialto Bridge and the Piazza and Basilica di San Marco are all worthy sights to visit. It is equally satisfying to simply meander around the tiny cobbled streets and discover the beautiful markets, cafes, galleries and churches. A Venetian gondola ride down the canals is a must, as is a taste of the region’s speciality dessert, tiramisu.
TRADITIONAL CRUISE TO MURANO, BURANO & TORCELLO
After breakfast at our hotel, we board a traditional Italian boat called a bragozzo (private charter just for us) and cruise to the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello in the Venetian Lagoon. Enjoy this amazing private trip across Saint Mark’s Basin, towards the Lido, cruising to the three most famous Venetian islands with their picturesque scenery, handicraft traditions and unique histories .
Your first stop will be at the island of Murano, known as the “Island of Glass”. You will visit one of its famous factories and see glass blowers at work. The tour continues to Burano, a typical fishing island with colourful contrasts and chocolate-box painted houses. Here we’ll have a delicious fish lunch. The final stop is at the island of Torcello, the most ancient inhabited island, which has a population of only 100 people. We return to our hotel in the late afternoon. Tonight your guide and LOOP TRAVEL tour host will host a farewell dinner at a local trattoria.
VENICE DEPARTURE DAY
There are no activities planned for the final day of the tour. After enjoying breakfast, we have a group departure transfer via private vaporetto to the airport. Alternatively, you may wish to continue your stay in Venice to further explore this fabulous city, or travel on to experience another great adventure with LOOP TRAVEL.
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