CODE REFF: TRAFALGARR - ITRO

Rome and Tuscan Highlights 2011

9 day tour from US$2300.00* 

 

 

Day 1

ARRIVE ROME

Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City! Situated on the Tiber river within the Lazio region of Italy, Rome's history spans over two and a half thousand years. After check-in there is time to relax before meeting your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Drink.

Hotel: NH Villa Carpegna (F)

 

Day 2

ROME SIGHTSEEING - MONTECATINI (TUSCAN HILLS) (6 nights)

Your expert guided sightseeing tour includes a visit to St. Peter’s in the Vatican. St. Peter's Basilica has the largest interior of any Christian church in the world, holding 60,000 people. It is regarded as one of the holiest Christian sites and is famous as a place of pilgrimage. Then cross the Tiber River into ancient Rome where you overlook the Forum and the see the Colosseum. This partially ruined building still remains ancient Rome's greatest architectural legacy. Vespasian ordered the construction of the elliptical bowl, called the Amphitheatrum Flavium, in A.D. 72. Later, a scenic drive takes you from Rome and into the Tuscan Hills for a six-night stay at the spa resort of Montecatini.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Grand Hotel Tamerici & Principe (F)

 

Day 3

SAN GIMIGNANO AND SIENA EXCURSION

This morning visit San Gimignano known as the ‘medieval Manhattan’ and famed for the ring of towers which can be seen several kilometers away from the town. You will have time to explore the interesting shops selling locally produced delicacies and hand-painted Tuscan pottery. Then continue to Siena to see the Piazza del Campo, scene of the celebrated Palio horse race. You will also see the stunning marble Cathedral which dominates the town before returning to Montecatini.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

 

Day 4

PISA - TORRE DEL LAGO PUCCINI & FORTE DEI MARMI EXCURSION

Today travel to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower, the finely sculpted marble Cathedral and the ornate Baptistery. In 1987 the Piazza del Duomo was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then continue to the splendid Italian Riviera via Torre del Lago Puccini, to see where the great 19th century composer wrote "La Boheme". Later enjoy some time at the fashionable seaside resort of Forte dei Marmi. Tourism is the principal activity of Forte dei Marmi's citizens and during the summer months the population nearly triples! Tonight you will enjoy a wonderful 'Be My Guest' dinner experience with beautiful views over the Tuscan hills - a night to remember!

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner)

 

Day 5

MONTECATINI AT LEISURE

Montecatini Terme is one of the most popular destinations in Italy for thermal spa tourism and relaxation. After breakfast enjoy a full day at leisure to do exactly as you please! Your Tour Director will be available for suggestions on how to spend your day.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

 

Day 6

FLORENCE EXCURSION

It's a short drive to Renaissance Florence, where a walking tour with a local expert guide shows you the Duomo and Piazza Signoria. You will visit inside the Santa Croce Basilica where many famous Italians are buried including Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli and Rossini. After a Highlight Lunch in a local restaurant you will have the opportunity to utilise your included ‘hop-on hop-off’ sightseeing ticket.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch)

 

Day 7

MONTECATINI AT LEISURE

A full day at leisure to relax by the hotel swimming pool or participate in additional sightseeing. Perhaps enjoy a round of golf or a walk in the countryside.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

 

Day 8

MONTECATINI (TUSCAN HILLS) - ASSISI - ROME

This morning drive to Assisi where you will visit the Basilica and enjoy an expert guided walking tour. This town sits on the western flank of Mount Subasio and is the birthplace of St. Francis who founded the Franciscan religious order in 1208. He is probably the most beloved of all the Catholic Saints and later became the patron saint of animals, the environment and one of the two patrons of Italy. Later return to Rome for a Farewell Dinner in the Eternal City.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)
Hotel: Sheraton Golf (SF)

 

Day 9

DEPART - ROME

'Arrivederci Roma' as your relaxing and memorable Italian tour comes to an end and you prepare to return home. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

 

Optional Extra

IN MONTECATINI

THE WALLED TOWN OF LUCCA

A chance to visit this most elegant of cities, birthplace of the composer Giacomo Puccini. We drive to the beautiful city of Lucca where we enjoy a guided tour. The monumental architecture of this charming place will transport you back to thirteenth century Tuscany - so unchanged is the area since those days of mystery and foreboding!

Code: FLOT13

Adult Price: 34 EURO

 

LUNCH OR DINNER WINE MUSIC IN THE TUSCAN HILLS

Take a scenic drive through the beautiful Tuscan countryside to a delightful regional restaurant set among the pines and cypress trees. Here a feast of gastronomic specialities awaits, accompanied by song and music.

Code: FLOTM03

Adult Price: 57 EURO

 

THE CINQUETERRE PORTOVENERE MONTEROSSO

Today we drive to the most romantic spot on the Italian Riviera – the Bay of Poets, where Byron and Shelley spent much of their Italian sojourn. We take a ferry to Monterosso, and admire the almost inaccessible 'Cinqueterre' as we sail past. These five villages, which we will see quite clearly, are built on a promontory, for years only accessible by donkey and hence little changed over the centuries. Even today, the villages retain their charm and their reputation for producing one of Italy's most sought-after and exclusive wines!

Code: STMTM01

Adult Price: 56 EURO

IN ROME

VATICAN MUSEUMS THE SISTINE CHAPEL

An extension to the included sightseeing tour which allows us to admire the artistic masterpieces collected and commissioned by the Popes. See the famous Tapestry Gallery and Gallery of Maps then finally wonder at the masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel. Take your time - Michelangelo spent 11 years in the preparation of the vault and altar wall! Our visit will be enhanced by the effective use of our excellent audio system.

Code: ROMT02

Adult Price: 42 EURO

 

ROME BY NIGHT LIGHT DINNER

An easy evening getting to know Rome and some of its main sights by coach. Followed by a delicious dinner of Italian specialties, including the true Italian pizza. Music and Drinks included

Code: ROMT18

Adult Price: 46 EURO

 

 

 

What's Included

Sightseeing Highlights

• Rome Sightseeing includes views of the Forum, Colosseum and Circus Maximus. Included visit to St. Peter’s Basilica.
• San Gimignano Visit this medieval town with its ancient towers.
• Siena Visit the medieval Tuscan city, home of the Palio horse race.
• Florence Sightseeing tour includes Signoria Square, the Duomo and visits inside the Santa Croce Basilica. Included 'hop-on hop-off' sightseeing tickets.
• Pisa Visit the Square of Miracles and view the Cathedral, Leaning Tower and Baptistery.
• Torre del Lago Puccini See the home of this great composer.
• Forte dei Marmi Visit this seaside resort.
• Tuscan Countryside Visit an olive grove including tastings of various varieties.
• Assisi Sightseeing includes St. Francis Basilica.

Dining Highlights

• Welcome Drink with your Tour Director in Rome.
• 8 hot buffet breakfasts.
• 2 three-course dinners with local wine.
• ‘Be My Guest’ speciality dinner with wine in Tuscany at an Agriturismo farmhouse.
• Local highlight restaurant lunch with wine in Florence.
• Farewell Dinner with wine in a trattoria in Rome.

First Class Travel Highlights

• First Class hotel accommodation includes twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
• All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
• Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and a washroom onboard.
• The services of one of Trafalgar's top professional multi-lingual Tour Directors.
• A qualified local city guide in Rome, Florence and Assisi.
• A stylish wallet, travel documents and Welcome on Tour book with map.
• Airport transfers are provided on Day 1 and Day 9.