Itinerary for: Simply Italy (Winter 2009/2010) (WISI)
Sightseeing Highlights
- Rome: Guided visit of the Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican and the Colosseum.
- Siena: Visit this medieval Tuscan city.
- Florence: Sightseeing tour with special audio system includes Signoria Square, Santa Croce Basilica, the Baptistery and views from Piazzale Michelangelo.
- Venice: Canal cruise by private launch. View St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs.
- Scenic drives: Through the Chianti vineyards of Tuscany, across the fertile Po Valley and over the Apennine Mountains.
Dining Highlights
- 1 Welcome Drink with your Tour Director in Rome
- 6 hot buffet breakfasts on tour
- 2 three-course dinners
- Farewell Dinner with wine 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.
- Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and a washroom onboard.
- Rome Fiumicino Airport transfers are provided on Days 1 and 7.
- Professional, multi-lingual Tour Director on tour.
- Specialised local guides in Rome and Florence.
- A stylish wallet, tour documents and map book journal.
Airport Transfers
Group transfers on arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport will operate at 09.30, 12.30 and 15.30. Return transfers from the last hotel will arrive at Rome Fiumicino Airport at 07.00 and 09.30
- London Gateway: Trafalgar passengers purchasing either “Land Only” or “Land and Air” will receive Hotelink transfers during published hours of operation. This is providing that:
- Passengers are staying at a London hotel, booked by Trafalgar on the night of their arrival and the night before their departure.
- Passengers or their Travel Agents supply Trafalgar with accurate flight information not less than 21 days prior to departure.
- European Gateways: Trafalgar passengers purchasing “Land Only” will receive coach transfers at the times published in the brochure at NO extra charge. However, if these “Land Only” passengers arrive outside the brochure advertised coach transfer times they must make their own arrangements at their own expense.
- Passengers purchasing “Land and Air” from Trafalgar will receive coach transfers at times published in the brochure or, if they arrive outside of these set times, then a separate transfer will be booked for them. These transfers will be available only on the days of arrival and departure of the tour.
- Passengers purchasing pre and post tour accommodation must arrange their own transfers regardless of whether or not they have bought “Air” from Trafalgar.
Day 1 - Arrive Rome (2 nights)
Welcome to Rome, capital of Italy, and the Eternal City! The rest of the day is free to relax or explore on your own. This evening we enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director and fellow travellers. Afterwards, maybe enjoy an evening illuminations tour of the city or join the evening throng in cosmopolitan Piazza Navona with its centrepiece of Bernini’s magnificent fountain.
Hotel: Novadomus
Day 2 - Rome sightseeing and at leisure
Our morning sightseeing tour of the Eternal City with a local guide includes Michelangelo’s magnificent depiction of the Creation on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, as well as St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Our visit of the Basilica – built at the spot where St. Peter is said to have died – will include Michelangelo’s moving statue of the ‘Pietà’, as well as the colonnades around St. Peter’s Square guarded by the gaily attired Swiss Guards. Then we cross the River Tiber to reach Ancient Rome but first pause in Piazza Venezia where we may take pictures of the ‘Wedding Cake’ or monument to Victor Emmanuel, the first king of a unified Italy. We will also see the 15th century Palazzo Venezia as well as the Campidoglio. We continue along the Via Sacra to the Roman Forum and we visit the breathtaking Colosseum, the most famous monument of Ancient Rome. Originally known as Flavian’s Amphitheatre, it was started by the Emperor Vespasian between 70 and 76 AD – and today is still standing! Finally we see the Roman’s favourite chariot racing stadium – the Circus Maximus overlooked by the Palatine Hill. Later maybe visit the Catacombs and Pantheon or relax, sip a cappucino and watch the world go by in a sidewalk café on the famous Via Veneto. This evening, why not try one of the many trattorias for dinner, and don’t forget to throw a coin in the famous Trevi Fountain to ensure your speedy return. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 3 - Rome – Florence (2 nights)
We drive through the Lazio region, following the upper valley of the Tiber, before driving through peaceful Umbria. We continue into the lush green hills of Tuscany where we join the valley of the river Arno and soon arrive in Renaissance Florence. This afternoon perhaps take a leisurely stroll through the medieval streets of the city and visit some of its magnificent museums and galleries. (Buffet breakfast)
Hotel: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo
Day 4 - Florence sightseeing and at leisure
Our sightseeing tour of this beautiful city on foot includes the Cathedral, the Baptistery with its magnificent bronze doors, the Signoria Square with its Renaissance sculptures and the fine marble architecture of the Santa Croce Basilica, which we visit to see the resting place of Michelangelo and many other great artists, scientists and politicians. There’s time to shop for fine leather goods and 18-carat gold designer jewellery before perhaps taking an excursion to Pisa – famous for its amazing Leaning Tower. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 5 - Florence – Venice
Today it’s a short drive to magical Venice where we enjoy a canal cruise by private motor launch to St. Mark’s Square, viewing the Bridge of Sighs, the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica. Later we visit a traditional glass-blowing factory and our Tour Director shows us a Hidden Treasure of this unique city! Perhaps discover the Island of Burano – one of the many islands in the lagoon – and
enjoy a delicious seafood lunch with fish freshly caught in the lagoon. This evening, before dinner at our hotel, a romantic gondola serenade as you glide through the narrow canals of this Byzantine masterpiece, would be hard to resist! (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Boscolo B4 Venezia
Day 6 - Venice – Siena – Rome
Our morning drive takes us across the fertile Po valley to the area of Bologna, where we join the Autostrada del Sole for the beautiful journey over the Apennine Mountains through Emilia Romagna and past the Chianti vineyards to Siena, famous for its Palio horse race in the Piazza del Campo. Set on three hills, Siena is reputedly the best-preserved walled city in the Tuscany region, with its pedestrianised medieval centre. There’s time to enjoy a drink on the main square or maybe visit the stunning marble Cathedral which was begun in the 12th century in the Romanesque style but was transformed in the 13th century into one of the finest examples of the Italian Gothic. Then back to Rome where tonight we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with wine in a local restaurant. (Buffet breakfast / Farewell dinner)
Hotel: Cristoforo Colombo
Day 7 - Depart Rome
Today, it’s ‘Arrivederci Roma’ to your Tour Director and fellow travellers as your tour comes to an end. Airport transfers are available, conditions apply. (Buffet breakfast)
Simply Italy (Winter 2008/2009) Optional Excursions
I25 - FLORENCE. Jewels of the Renaissance
A guided tour of the Accademia allows us to appreciate the most
controversial sculpture in Italy, Michelangelo’s David. Our visit will
be enhanced by the effective use of our excellent audio system.
34 (€)
I22 - FLORENCE. Lunch or Dinner, Wine & Music in the Chianti Hills
Take a scenic drive through the beautiful Tuscan countryside to a
delightful regional restaurant set among the pines and cypress trees.
Here an feast of gastronomic specialities awaits, accompanied by song
and music.
57 (€)
I29 - FLORENCE. Medici entertainment and Sumptuous Banquet in a Renaissance Palace
Experience a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach! In a sumptuous
Renaissance Palace, we
will be served a delicious banquet of modern Tuscan cuisine - the main
course brought to us by
waiters in Renaissance dress. We will be entertained with Renaissance
music, dancing and songs by a troop of singers and dancers in the
flowing robes of the Medici era. Wine and coffee are included with the
meal and show.
66 (€)
I24 - FLORENCE. Pisa & the Arno Valley
A
half day excursion along the picturesque Arno Valley, through the land
of Leonardo near Empoli, to ancient Pisa. Time to visit the Square of
Miracles with its famous Cathedral, Baptistry and Leaning Tower within
the imposing city walls.
35 (€)
I25a - FLORENCE. The Uffizi Galleries
We enjoy a guided visit of the Uffizi Galleries. Our visit will be enhanced by the effective use of our excellent audio system.
34 (€)
I21a - FLORENCE. Visit to the monastery of Certosa and Gourmet Lunch or Dinner
We begin the evening with a fascinating guided visit to Certosa, the
monastery in the hills on the doorstep of Florence. Later we enjoy a
gourmet lunch or dinner of local specialities at a nearby restaurant
where the atmosphere will take you back in time. Wine and liqueurs at
the monastery's distillery are included. (without the visit, 57euros)
66 (€)
I14 - ROME. Ancient and Christian Rome
Explore Rome’s past. Visit the Catacombs where the early Christians
assembled to escape persecution and which were used as underground
cemeteries. Then, on to the best preserved of the Roman Temples, the
Pantheon - today used as a Christian church! On some tours a visit to
the Chuch of St. Peter in Chains to see Michelangelo’s statue of Moses,
will be visited instead of the Pantheon. Our visit will be enhanced by
the effective use of our excellent audio system.
33 (€)
I7 - ROME. Evening Tour: Fountains and Dinner
A lighthearted introduction to the “Eternal City”. Make sure of a safe
return to Rome as you toss coins in to the Trevi Fountain. Drive along
the glamorous Via Veneto - famed as the setting of “la dolce vita”, and
admire the splendour of the monuments in magnificent Piazza Venezia.
Then relax and enjoy a typical Italian meal with drinks included.
57 (€)
I40 - ROME. Introduction to Rome by Night
Cameras at the ready for the many magnificent sights awaiting us as we
‘do as the Romans do’ and start the evening with a ‘passegiata’
(evening stroll) along the Via Condotti to the world-famous Spanish
Steps in Rome’s most fashionable shopping area. The ‘Campidoglio’,
Piazza Venezia and so much more are included on this evening visit
before we linger in Piazza Navona with its many pavement cafés and
trattorias to admire the seventeenth century fountains and
architecture. NB On certain departures, the Spanish Steps will be
substituted by the Piazza Rotonda, dominated by the mighty Pantheon.
32 (€)
I12 - ROME. Ostia Antica
Drive to the Mediterranean coast and visit the excavations of Ancient
Ostia, the former harbour of Rome. These ruins offer perhaps a more
complete picture of Roman urban life than either Rome or Pompeii. See
the remains of the baths, theatre, apartment houses, drinking room,
mosaics and wall paintings at this beautiful site, mirrored by Cypress
trees and Umbrella pines. Our visit will be enhanced by the effective
use of our excellent audio system.
36 (€)
I35 - ROME. Roman dinner and concert of live musical entertainment
We spend the evening in one of Rome’s finest restaurants. Here we will
enjoy a delicious dinner, punctuated by a concert of typical Italian
songs and ‘bel canto’ for which this country is justifiably famous! Sit
back, relax and imbibe the special Roman atmosphere – the wine or soft
drinks are also included!
57 (€)
I11 - ROME. Tivoli and Lunch or Dinner
An excursion to the ancient Sabine town of Tivoli situated a few miles
outside Rome to enjoy the gardens and fountains of the Villa D’Este.
You will visit its grottos and pavilions, the Avenue of a Hundred
Fountains, and the Dragon Fountain of the Organ. We end the visit with
a typical Italian lunch or dinner, wine, soft drinks and music.
(without lunch/dinner 40)
59 (€)
I85 - VENICE Magical Venice
On certain departures, for operational reasons, tours I49 & I19 will be combined, excluding the drink.
60 (€)
I19 - VENICE. Gondola Serenade
An ideal introduction to this unique and magical city. Enjoy a romantic
gondola journey along canals full of character and colour, while
musicians and singers entertain. See the Grand Canal with its
magnificent and elegant palaces, witnesses of the past splendours of
the ‘Serenissima’.
32 (€)
I18 - VENICE. Lagoon Cruise with Lunch or Dinner
A half day off the beaten track! We are taken by private boat to the
nearby islands in the lagoon of Venice. See the island of Murano and
the Hermitage of San Francesco del Deserto. Lunch or dinner is taken at
the island of the ‘fisherman’ - Burano - a photographer’s paradise.
Drinks are also included.
65 (€)
I71 - VENICE. Venetian Glories
Accompanied by a local expert we are taken into the magnificent Doges’
Palace – home to the rulers of the Venetian republic for hundreds of
years. We are shown the main highlights of the palace and its elegant
courtyards, before entering the Byzantine Basilica of St. Mark the
Evangelist, patron saint of the city of Venice. Here we admire the
stunning golden mosaics and wonderful Byzantine architecture. (entrance
fees included).
34 (€)
I49 - VENICE. Venice by Night
A scintillating introduction to this magical city! First we cruise
along the Grand Canal by private water taxis admiring the elegant
Palazzos. We see the Rialto Bridge and then reach the ‘most beautiful
outdoor drawing room in the world’ - St. Mark’s Square. Here we will
have time to wonder at the impressive architecture before enjoying an
included drink at one of the chic ‘al fresco’ cafés whilst listening to
the music of its own orchestra. We return to our coach on the mainland
by private motor launch. (1 drink inc.)
43 (€)
Child Prices: Apply to children under the age of 16.