Italy's Classic Cities

Throughout the tour you will stay in comfortable 3 to 4-star hotels with bar, restaurant and lift. Bedrooms feature TV, telephone and private facilities. Typical of the hotels we use are the Nelson in Lido di Jesolo, the Grand Hotel Panoramic in Tuscany and the Argentina in Fiuggi.

Hotels will be confirmed in your final documents.

Day 1: UK/Venice

Depart on your scheduled flight to Venice. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Lido di Jesolo on Italy’s Adriatic coast for a twonight stay.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Venice

Enjoy our included excursion to the renowned city of Venice. This extraordinary city of canals, palaces and Renaissance architecture is celebrated the world over. You’ll see the main sights such as St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge and Doge’s Palace. Take time to stroll through the narrow lanes and discover hidden piazzas, wonderful boutiques and ateliers. Relax in one of the charming cafés in St Mark’s Square’s as you listen to the live music which occurs daily. Perhaps step aboard a gondola and sit back as your gondolier navigates Venice’s maze of canals – this is a wonderful way to see more of the city and offers an unusual perspective.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 3: Bologna

After breakfast we drive across Italy into the rolling scenery of Tuscany. En route we visit the ‘Red City’ of Bologna, so-called because of the stone used in the old architecture, with its wonderful old centre, stylish squares and Gallerie shopping plus the imposing Church of San Petronio. The city is highly regarded for its excellent cuisine and in a country which takes food very seriously this is high praise indeed. Bolognese sauce and tortellini are just two of the foods which originated in Bologna. We continue to our Tuscany hotel in the spa resort of Montecatini Terme for a three-night stay.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 4: Florence

Join our included full-day tour, with a city guide, to Florence, the ‘Art City’ of Italy. Florence, the most populated city in Tuscany, is home to Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, the Ponte Vecchio, the wonderful Cathedral and some fine shopping. The city is considered to be the birthplace of the Renaissance and its streets teem with reminders of the period. It is often referred to as one of the most beautiful cities in the world and is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 5: Montecatini Terme

In the morning enjoy our optional half-day excursion to Pisa to see the amazing Leaning Tower which took 176 years to complete. The tower is one of four buildings which make up the cathedral complex and what is known as the Field of Miracles. Over an 11 year period, during which time the tower was closed, engineers stabilised the structure so that it could continue to be enjoyed by visitors. The tower’s lean has now been halted and predictions suggest that the tower will remain strong for another two centuries.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 6: Orvieto

Time to leave Tuscany as we head south towards the region of Lazio and Rome. Along the way we visit the impressive fortress town of Orvieto and the historic centre. In the late afternoon we arrive in the traditional spa resort of Fiuggi, nestling in the hills of Monti Ernici, for a two-night stay. The waters here are said to have restorative properties – in the 14th century Pope Boniface VIII claimed that he was healed by the waters of Fiuggi. The town itself is centred around two spas set in an attractive park, just a short walk from the main shops, restaurants and cafés.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 7: Rome

Enjoy our included full-day excursion to Rome, featuring many of the famous landmarks. Step back in time and see the Colosseum where gladiators would fight for public entertainment in the 1st century. You will visit the landlocked sovereign city state of the Vatican City and take time to admire the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica which you will approach via the huge open space that is St Peter’s Square. See the Spanish Steps and the wonderful Trevi Fountain; throw in a coin, legend has it that this will guarantee your return. Includes city guide.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 8: Rome/UK

Transfer to Rome airport for your return flight to the UK.

Meals: Breakfast