A trip to Italy is not complete without visiting some of the country's most famous cities. This 5 day escorted tour focuses on Italian cities that are renowned for their beautiful art and architecture. The first stop of the tour is Assisi, the city of St. Francis where you will admire the treasures of the eponymous Basilica. Next you will travel through the Tuscan countryside, stopping in the medieval city of Siena before arriving in Florence, known as the Cradle of the Renaissance, with breathtaking art and architecture present around every corner. Enjoy a stop in Padua, well-known for the Basilica of St. Anthony, and then end the tour in Venice where you will wander through the city center to discover the secrets of the city's most famous monuments including St. Mark's Basilica. During this 5 day itinerary featuring Italy's art cities you will spend your days admiring Italy's most iconic art and architecture creating memories that will last a lifetime.
From Rome to Venice
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Rome, Assisi, Siena, Florence, Pisa (optional), Padua, Venice
TRAVEL ITINERARY:
Day 1 – Monday: ROME-ASSISI-SIENA-FLORENCE
Depending on the hotel’s location, in the early morning you will either gather at a designated meeting point within the city center or you will be picked up from the hotel. Leave via coach to Assisi, the birthplace of Saint Francis, the patron saint of animals. Assisi is an ancient city, kept safe in more dangerous times by sturdy city walls that are still intact. During your stay here, you will stop by the Basilica of Saint Francis, home to masterful pieces of art by Giotto and Cimabue. After the stop in Assisi, depart for Siena, a Medieval city positioned in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. Siena is most famous for the Palio, a horse-race organized in the famous Piazza del Campo, the main city square. Following the conclusion of the Siena tour, head to Florence and sit down for a pleasant dinner before turning in for the night.
Day 2 – Tuesday: FLORENCE, PISA (optional, not included)
Begin the day with a buffet breakfast, then depart for a thorough exploration of Florence, a city of astounding beauty and culture. As the Cradle of the Renaissance, Florence contains a wealth of historical artifacts from that time. The city is also loved for its variety of architecture, which spans many centuries. During your time in Florence, you will admire the pristine marble accents of pink, green and white adorning the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the majestic Giotto’s Bell Tower, standing 277 feet tall, the Baptistery of St. John with its gold-adorned carved doors, and Santa Croce, a stunning Franciscan church built in the 13th century. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own. You may wish to visit Michelangelo’s famous statue of David at the Accademia Gallery or visit the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world’s most important art museums. Your tour leader can also suggest activities and other places to see. Perhaps you may wish to visit Pisa and its famous Leaning Tower (optional activity, not included). In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner and retire for the night at your hotel.
Day 3 – Wednesday: FLORENCE-PADUA-VENICE
Start with a buffet breakfast before leaving for Venice via coach. During the trip to Venice, you will make a brief stop in Padua, site of the beautiful Basilica of St. Anthony. Outside, the church is protected by Donatello’s “Gattamelata.” This stoic statue pays homage to Erasmo of Narni, a famous mercenary who fought for several Italian city states before the country was unified. After the stop in Padua, make your way to Venice and immediately embark on a comprehensive walking tour around the City of Bridges. Along the way, admire St. Mark’s Square, which beholds the Basilica of St. Mark, where the architectural blending of the East and West meet splendidly. Other stops include the Doge’s Palace, a spectacular Gothic structure with a heavy Byzantine influence, and the Bridge of Sighs, named so because it was the prisoner’s last view of Venice before being locked away. After the day's adventures, relax with a delicious dinner before settling in for the night.
Day 4 – Thursday: VENICE
Begin the day with a buffet breakfast. In the morning, you will embark on a boat tour across the lagoon. You will get a chance to see the mesmerizing Venetian architecture and watch as the islands flow by. Your destination is the island of Murano, on which a small town of about 5,000 people lies. Some of the world’s best glassblowers work their trade here, producing pieces that are coveted the world over. Murano is particularly known for its intricate lanterns and lamps. You will get to see some of this fine glass being made and will have some time to shop before heading back to Venice. Spend your afternoon strolling the tiny alleys and canals of the city on your own before sitting down for an intimate dinner at the hotel. After dinner, relax in your comfortable accommodations for the night.
Day 5 – Friday: VENICE
After checking out of the hotel, the tour and our services will end.
PACKAGE START AT $1,098.00 INCLUDES:
- Transportation by Deluxe motor coach as per itinerary;
- Stay in comfortable accommodations at 4 Star Hotels found in the heart of each City (in Venice the hotel accommodation may be 3 or 4 star right on the Venice Island);
- A Hearty Breakfast buffet every morning;
- 4 Dinners (Drink Not included);
- English Speaking Tour-Escort;
- English Speaking Local Guides;
- Panoramic Visits and sightseeing opportunities as per itinerary;
- 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.
- Others Entrance Fees to Monuments or Museums, Tips, Extras.
- All which is not listed under “PACKAGE INCLUDES”.
GENERAL CONDITIONS:
English Only language escorted group tour.
All departures are Guaranteed.
The itinerary may be reversed or modified for technical reasons.
(*) Rate based on two adult persons sharing a double or twin bedded room with private bathroom. Single rooms are available at an additional supplement. Children’s, triple room rates and alternative accommodation arrangements are available upon request. (Additional and different charges may apply).
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