Contrasts of Italy by Rail

Day 1 (Door to Door)

Arrive Rome (3)

Enjoy your private car door to door transfer to your departure airport before your flight to Rome. A complimentary transfer is provided to the first hotel. Relax or perhaps take a stroll through this historic city. Join your Tour Director and fellow travellers later for a Welcome Drink. Then we enjoy an evening orientation drive of the city.
Hotel: Grand Hotel Palatino (FC)

Day 2

Rome sightseeing

Our expert local guide gives a fascinating account of the Vatican's history during our sightseeing tour. We see Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and the vast interior of St. Peter's Basilica. Our tour continues in ancient Rome where we see the Forum and Circus Maximus, where chariot races were held. We also visit the enormous Colosseum. There's time afterwards to explore the city on your own or simply relax and watch the world go by! (BB)
Hotel: Grand Hotel Palatino (FC)

Day 3

Rome at leisure

The day is free to see the sights of your choice. Consider taking a trip to the ancient Catacombs, or take an excursion to Tivoli to see the house and gardens of the Villa d'Este, a marvellous example of Renaissance architecture. This evening, why not make a wish and throw a coin in the Trevi fountain? (BB)
Hotel: Grand Hotel Palatino (FC)

Day 4

Rome - High-speed train - Florence (3)

Today we take the high-speed Frecciargento train on a comfortable journey through scenic countryside to Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. Our expert local guide shows us a wealth of historical treasures during our walking tour of Florence including the Ponte Vecchio. We visit the Fine Arts Academy to see one of the most famous works of the Renaissance, Michelangelo's statue of David. We conclude at Piazza Signoria, featuring wonderful sculptures and palazzi. (BB)
Hotel: Ambasciatori (FC)

Day 5

Florence - Pisa excursion

This morning we enjoy views of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo before a short drive along the Arno Valley brings us to Pisa, a former maritime city. We explore the Square of Miracles and see the famous Leaning Tower and the marble Cathedral and visit the Baptistery, the largest in Italy, and the cemetery, which is reputedly built on soil brought from the Holy Land. Afterwards, join your companions for a very special Highlight Lunch at a local restaurant. Relax this evening in Florence. (BB, HL)
Hotel: Ambasciatori (FC)

Day 6

Florence at leisure

Spend the day at leisure exploring the delights of this historic and picturesque city. As well as museums and galleries, there are beautiful gardens and wonderful palaces to discover, such as the Boboli and the Pitti Palace. There are many villages just outside the city with wonderful markets where one can buy all manner of local specialities. Or shop for the latest fashions in Florence's elegant and sophisticated boutiques. This evening, why not consider an optional excursion to Chianti for dinner? (BB)
Hotel: Ambasciatori (FC)

Day 7

Florence - High-speed train - Venice (3)

All aboard the express train for Venice! Marvel at the scenery as we pass through the Apennine hills and across the Veneto plain. It takes just over two hours to reach Venice with its ornate Gothic and Renaissance palaces beautifully reflected in the Venetian lagoon. This evening, consider a gondola ride along the enchanting canals. It's the perfect introduction to this magical city! (BB)
Hotel: Boscolo Bellini (FC)

Day 8

Canal cruise and orientation

Savour the sights and sounds of this unique Byzantine city as we cruise to St.Mark's Square by private launch.We see the Bridge of Sighs, Palladian Churches, the Customs House, Grand Canal, St. Mark's Basilica and Campanile as well as the Doge's Palace on our orientation of the city. Next we stroll across St. Mark's Square to one of the island's oldest glass-blowing workshops for a demonstration of this ancient craft. Spend free time afterwards exploring at leisrue. Perhaps visit the Accademia or relax and experience 'la dolce vita' at a pavement cafe. You might like to cruise to an island in the lagoon for a delicious seafood lunch. (BB)
Hotel: Boscolo Bellini (FC)

Day 9

Secret Venice walking tour

Our expert local guide brings the city's rich heritage to life as we cruise along the Grand Canal to the Rialto Bridge. We cross the Rialto and visit the colourful ancient fish market. We then wander through the narrow streets and see the house of Marco Polo and other interesting and beautiful works of art. See the sights of your choice afterwards, and celebrate this evening with your companions at a Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant. (BB, FD)
Hotel: Boscolo Bellini (FC)

Day 10 (Door to Door)

Depart Venice

Say 'arrivederci' to Italy and your fellow travellers as this fascinating holiday comes to an end. Transfers are available to Venice International Airport for your return flight back to the UK. On arrival at your UK airport, your driver will greet you and escort you to your waiting private car for your door to door transfer to your home. (BB)

Dates and prices

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Definite Departures

Please note: All flights are subject to availability at the time of booking and supplements may be applicable, especially if booking near to departure date. Dependent on flight times and availability at the time of booking, additional nights may need to be purchased at the beginning or end of your tour.

Definite departures: We are aware that you need to plan your travel arrangements early to take advantage of our early booking discounts. To assist you, we have highlighted our "Definite Departures" that are now guaranteed to operate - helping you book with confidence.

Destination Info

Overall customer rating 5 () 1 Review

• • Product :
    The tour director did an excellent job and most of the local guides were impressively knowledgeable and personable. The tour was well balanced and our overall impression was that we had achieved a lot in the time available without it being rushed or tiring. Only our travel arrangements to and from the tour detracted from our overall enjoyment. More thought could have been put into suggesting alternative flights using budget airlines and possibly staying over an extra night so that we could have flown direct from Manchester. We will do this next time but we feel let down that we were told by Milestones that there were no alternatives available. It was only later that we discovered there were!

  • Service Rating :
    The help provided in arranging alternative flights from and to Manchester to join our tour was poor and we were given wrong advice about the need to collect luggage in London and check in again. This resulted in an unnecessary 3 hour wait in London and we spent a full day travelling in each direction to complete a 2.5 hour flight! Once we joined the actual tour we were very impressed with all aspects.
    

  • Response :
    We are sorry to read that you have experienced difficulties with the flight arrangements from Manchester. Please let me explain that we do not book budget airlines as we use scheduled non budget airlines that have non-restrictive tickets so that our clients are protected should changes need to be made.
    For those clients that wish to use those airlines they are encouraged to book flights themselves and travelling a day earlier is often advised and as stated in our brochure we will endeavour to secure flights when you want and from where you want, subject to availability.
    
    There are different factors as to when you do/do not have to collect your luggage when connecting to an international flight. At the time of booking we cannot see this information to confirm it 100%, so we always encourage clients to speak to the airline check in staff who will advise if you have to pick up your bags or if they will send it through to your destination.
    
    We appreciate the excellent comments about the Tour Director, tour and your overall enjoyment of your holiday, including the high scores for our product.
    
    We thank you again for choosing Milestones and our sister companies.
    
    Kind Regards
    Shasheen Norton-Laver
    Customer Relations

  • Left 120 days ago