Italian Discovery

Highlights

Included Sightseeing

Included Dining

Included Private Car UK Transfers

Included Flights

Prime St John (FC)

Situated in the centre of Rome between wonderful boutiques, cafés, an historical theatre and typical Roman "Hosterias", this hotel has 75 classic rooms equipped with soundproof and thermo isolation systems. Each room has air conditioning, TV, telephone, mini bar, hairdryer and internet access. The hotel has a breakfast room, American bar, fitness centre and swimming pool.

Atahotel Concord (FC)

The hotel is situated in the heart of Turin and offers a cocktail bar and an elegant restaurant featuring the best of regional, national and international cuisine.

Crowne Plaza Milan (SFC)

Enjoy a delicious menu at the "Il Giardino" restaurant or have a tasting pizza at the "Il Buongustaio". The hotel also has a breakfast room, café, cocktail bar, gymnasium and sauna.

Sheraton Golf & Parco de Medici Hotel & Resort (SFC)

A charming, country-style hotel surrounded by a 27-hole golf course. There are two pools, a sauna, two gyms, a Turkish bath, three restaurants and two bars.

Grand Hotel Mediterraneo (SFC)

The Grand Hotel Mediterraneo is set on the bank of the Arno River, just outside the historic centre of Florence. Rooms feature satellite TV. Many have panoramic views of the river and the Florence hills. Grand Hotel Mediterraneo features 3 restaurants serving Tuscan dishes, a bar, and a modern congress centre.

Grande Albergo Ausonia & Hungaria (SFC)

Set in a historic building featuring Baroque-style decor and a façade with majolica tiles, the hotel is 250 meters from the beach and 5 minutes' walk from the vaporetto stop. The hotel features the Lanna Gaia wellness centre, which includes sauna, Turkish bath and a range of massages. The restaurant is specialized in traditional Italian cuisine; it also serves national and international meals with selected wines. In the summer guests can enjoy a terraced bar.

Mecure Bologna Centro (FC)

Close to the historic city centre, and a 10 minute drive from the exhibition centre the hotel is 15 minutes walk from bologna centre and around the corner from via dell'Indipendenza, the main drag with many shops that goes down into the old town. The hotel has marvelous gardens and Lounge Bar. Local to the hotel are tennis courts and bike hire.

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 17th century fountains and architecture. NB: On certain departures, the Spanish Steps will be substituted by the Piazza Rotonda, dominated by the mighty Pantheon. Euro 32

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 Church 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. Euro 33

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. Euro 57

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. Euro 59 (without dinner 40)

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! Euro 57

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. Euro 66 (Euro 57 without the visit)

Medici Evening 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. Euro 66

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'. Euro 32

Venice by night

A scintillating introduction to this magical city! We cruise along the Grand Canal by private water taxis admiring the elegant palazzos. We see the Rialto Bridge and reach the 'most beautiful outdoor drawing room in the world' - St. Mark's Square. Here we have time to wonder at the impressive architecture before enjoying an included drink at a chic 'al fresco' café while listening to the music of its own orchestra. We return to the mainland by private motor launch. Euro 43

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 included. Euro 65

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). Euro 34

Borromean Islands - Isola Bella Palace Tour

A private launch takes us to the world-renowned islands of Lake Maggiore. We see the Isola Madre, the Isola dei Pescatori, and on the Isola Bella we visit the palace of the Borromean princes. Euro 34

Treasures of Milan

With a local city guide we visit some of this bustling city's most famous sights. First we enter the impressive Castello Sforza - today one of the country's most important museums, where we see the Pieta by Michelangelo among other great works. Euro 43

Magical Venice

This evening we board our private boats for a tour down the famous "Grand Canal", past illuminated palazzi and twinkling chandeliers, to the romantic St Mark's Square. We have reservations in a famous café where we sit under the stars listening to the orchestras play some of Italy's best loved music (One drink is included). EURO 43

Rome by night and Pizza Party

Tonight we are taken to the Rome of 'La Dolce Vita' when we visit the gardens of the Villa Borghese, the Spanish Steps, the Piazza del Popolo and of course, the famous Via Veneto. Then we enjoy a delicious dinner of Italian specialities including the true Italian pizza cooked to perfection! Drinks are included. (On certain departures the Spanish Steps will be replaced by Piazza Navona). Euro 46

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. Euro 34