From Venice to Milan (or Rome)

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Venice, Sirmione (Lake Garda), Lake Como, Milan (or Rome with optional bus transfer)

TRAVEL ITINERARY:

Day 1 - Thursday: VENICE
Arrive separately at the designated Venice hotel by way of your own preferred transportation. In the evening you will attend an informative meeting led by the tour leader to learn more about the excursions to come. Sit down and enjoy a satisfying dinner at the hotel before taking advantage of the comfortable overnight accommodations included in your package.

Day 2 - Friday: VENICE VERONA SIRMIONE (Lake Garda) LAKE COMO MILAN
Start your morning off with a buffet breakfast at your hotel before embarking on the day's journey. Traveling by motor coach, the first stop will be Verona, an artistic city that served as the backdrop for the story of two star-crossed lovers, Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Situated in northern Italy and spanning the Adige River, Verona has an abundance of historical architecture and Ancient Roman monuments that will be seen along the way. The city is home to the Arena, a Roman Amphitheater located in the expansive Piazza Bra and constructed around the year 30 AD. A landmark that once drew crowds for gladiator matches and other events, today the Arena continues to host fairs, operas and theater performances.

Following your time in Verona, you will continue on to Sirmione. This historic resort town is located close to the end of the Sirmio Peninsula of Lake Garda in Lombardy's Brescia province. You will be allowed time at leisure for lunch as you indulge on local cuisine and explore the many sights the area has to offer. The Grotto of Catullus is a must-see landmark as it is a superb representation of a Roman private edifice found in the northern portion of the country. Along the way you may come across the renowned thermal springs. Other stops you may choose to make include the 13th century Scaliger Castle, the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, and the Church of San Pietro in Mavino, with its Romanesque bell tower dating back to 1070.

In the afternoon, you will join the group and move on to Lake Como for a panoramic bus tour of this historic and scenic portion of northern Italy. Located in the Italian Lake District, the area presents a natural beauty that has drawn visitors for centuries. You will enjoy a panoramic tour by bus passing through some of the towns and villages that encircle the lake and experience the stunning views they have to offer. The resort town of Como is located on the southern end, while Menaggio, Nesso, and Griante can be found on the western side. The town of Tremezzo is known for Villa Carlotta's remarkable botanical garden and scenic waterfront. Varenna and Bellagio are also popular destinations on the lake thanks to their beauty and charming atmosphere. When evening falls you will find yourself in the historical, yet modern city of Milan. It is here that you will sit down to a satisfying dinner at the hotel before turning in for the night.

Day 3 - Saturday: MILAN or ROME
You will start your day with a buffet breakfast at the hotel prior to departing on your excursion. You will enjoy a panoramic tour of Milan, known for its extensive shopping opportunities and exquisite Italian fashion. A stop at the glass-domed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping gallery is a perfect example of the glamour to be experienced throughout this city. Constructed in 1877, the historic structure flaunts large plate-glass windows and decorative awnings on the exterior, while providing a spacious interior environment. Prada, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and a number of famed cafes all call the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II home. The Sforza Castle will also be seen along the way. Francesco Sforza, the Duke of Milan, built the Castello Sforzesco in the 15th century on the ruins of a 14th century fortification. Since its recent renovation, the quadrangular structure now features intriguing art collections and museums. You will also admire one of the world's largest Gothic Cathedrals, the Splendid Duomo. This symbol of Milan stands at the center of the city with all roads branching out from its grounds. Be sure to take in the impressive size of the architecture and marvel at some of the more than 3,000 statues placed throughout. Afterwards, the tour will end at the Centrale Railway Station. Any transfers to a hotel in Milan or the airport are not included in the package; however, there is the possibility of a complimentary transfer to Rome via bus, which will arrive in Rome around 7:30 p.m. End of our services.

PACKAGE START AT $544.00 INCLUDES:

- Transportation by Deluxe motor coach or minivan as per itinerary;
- Accommodation in 4 Star Category Hotels in double/twin rooms with private facilities (the Hotel on Venice Island might be 3 or 4 Star);
- Daily Buffet Breakfast;
- 2 Dinners as per itinerary;
- English Speaking Tour-Escort;
- Panoramic Visits as per itinerary;
- Complimentary return to Rome by Tour bus.
- Vat Taxes and service Charges.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- All Land & Air prices: Additional U.S. & Foreign Departure Taxes and Surcharges Fee(s) assessed by the Airlines.
-Hospitality city tax which varies by city and hotel category. Where applicable it must be paid locally to the hotel.
- Beverages.
- Porterage service.
- Entrance Fees to Monuments or Museums Tips, Extras.
- All which is not listed under PACKAGE INCLUDES.

GENERAL CONDITIONS:
Monolingual escorted group tour in English.
All departures are Guaranteed.
Itinerary may be reversed or modified for technical reason.

(*) Rate based on two adult persons sharing a double or twin bedded room with private bathroom. Single rooms are available at an additional supplement. Childrens, triple room rates and alternative accommodation arrangements are available upon request. (Additional and different charges may apply).