The Grand Tour of Italy 2012/2013

Luxury Italy Holiday - 13-day escorted tour

History, culture, art, architecture, opera; Italy is an intriguing, fascinating, enchanting hub of civilisation set in spectacularly beautiful surroundings. The unique combination stirs your soul and captures the very essence of romance.

Tour highlights

• Viewing the many splendours of Rome and seeing so many buildings of historical and cultural importance
• Gazing at the dome of St Peter’s Basilica soaring high above and seeing the world-famous Sistine Chapel first hand
• Wandering through the charming medieval town of San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Walking the quaint streets of Riomaggiore, past higgledy-piggledy buildings piled practically one on top of the other
• Revelling in the medieval and Renaissance architecture that gives Italy such an air of romance
• Seeing some of the World’s artistic masterpieces at the Uffizi in Florence
• Sipping a cappuccino in a Florence café, absorbing the city’s unique character
• Crossing the Bridge of Sighs and watching Venetian life drift by
• Strolling through elegant palazzos, past some of the most influential fashion houses in the world

Extend your holiday
After a tour crammed with culture, history and the legacies of ancient civilisations, why not retreat to the countryside for some R&R before you return home? We’ve arranged for you to be able to enjoy a tour extension in the picturesque Italian Lakes staying at either Lake Como or Lake Maggiore. Whilst each has its own unique personality, both are perfectly placed to explore the scenic local area.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Depart Heathrow
Your Tour Manager will meet you in the executive lounge where you can relax before your flight. Once you’ve settled into your room, you’ll meet your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.
Meals: In-flight, Dinner.
Hotel: Majestic.

Day 2 Rome
Your full day city tour starts in the ancient quarter of Rome. In the Square of the Capital, you can admire Michelangelo’s architectural genius, and view the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and the Coliseum. Walking along the forum’s ruins, you can see the temple of Vesta, the Arch of Titus and the Arch of Constantine. You’ll then explore baroque Rome with a visit to the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, which was originally a pagan temple, Piazza Navona and its fountains. The fountain in the centre of the piazza is called the Fountain of the Four Rivers, which is a glorious baroque creation by 17th century sculptor, Bernini.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Majestic.

Day 3 Rome
Today’s tour takes you to the Vatican to see its museums, collections, galleries, papal palaces and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. You’ll then continue to St Peter’s Basilica, which is the largest church in the world and a place of pilgrimage for thousands of people. Next, you’ll head into Christian Rome, from Piazza San Bernardo, across Piazza della Repubblica and Via Nazionale to the Basilica of St Mary Major, Basilica of St John in Lateran and the Holy Stairs; reputedly climbed by Jesus Christ to reach Pilate’s Palace. You’ll then board a coach which passes Piazza San Giovanni, Via Latina, Mura Latine, Porta di San Sebastiano and the Domine Quo Vadis on the Ancient Appian Way to arrive at the Catacombs of St Callixtus.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Majestic.

Day 4 Rome to Pisa
On your journey to Pisa, you’ll visit two important sites en route. San Gimignano is a small, walled hill town in the province of Siena, famous for its medieval architecture, including imposing towers that can be seen for miles around. Nestling 1,770 feet above sea level, between the rivers Bra and Cecina, nearby Volterra is also of great architectural interest, with two fine castles and numerous Etruscan remains. Arriving in Pisa, you’ll find your hotel has wonderful views of the famous leaning tower and is just a few minutes’ walk from the city centre and Piazza dei Miracoli.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Abitalia Tower Plaza.

Day 5 Pisa
Today, your tour starts with a train journey to Cinque Terre National Park; a UNESCO World Heritage Site on a rugged portion of coast on the Italian Riviera, standing to the west of La Spezia in Liguria. Cinque Terra encompasses five villages; Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. You’ll visit the tiny village of Riomaggiore, which is the wine-producing centre of the region. Here the buildings sit one on top of another between the rocky shore and the vineyards, orchards, olive groves and the Via dell'Amore walk; a narrow rock-cut path that drops down to the sea. You’ll continue on to the other villages then head back to Pisa for the rest of the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Abitalia Tower Plaza.

Day 6 Pisa to Florence
From the world-famous Leaning Tower, your tour continues on to the Campo dei Miracoli, or Field of Miracles, where the Duomo, Baptistry and Camposanto form a dazzling architectural ensemble. In the afternoon, you’ll travel to Lucca, one of the most beautiful towns in the heart of Tuscany. Protected by thick 16th century walls, the town features some of Italy's finest medieval and Renaissance architecture, along with stunning villas set into the hills. Once you arrive in Florence, settle into your hotel, close to the Ponte Vecchio and the city's most elegant shopping district, art galleries, museums and theatres.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Montebello Splendid.

Day 7 Florence
This morning visit the famous Uffizi Gallery, featuring masterpieces by Michelangelo, Botticelli, Raffaello and Caravaggio. Later continue to the Church of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Baptistry, Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria. In the afternoon you’re free to explore further and soak up the atmosphere of this iconic city.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Montebello Splendid.

Day 8 Florence to Venice
On the journey from Florence to Venice, you’ll stop off at Ravenna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is famous for its Byzantine mosaics, churches and monuments. In Venice, your hotel is a distinctive 1940’s building with striking Art Deco windows, situated by the magnificent baroque church of San Moisé and the bustling Rio San Moisé, just two minutes’ walk from St Mark’s Square.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Bauers L’Hotel.

Day 9 Venice
On a morning tour of Venice, you’ll walk to St Mark’s Square, the political and religious centre of the city. From there, you’ll visit Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and a fascinating Venetian mask and costume workshop. In the afternoon, you’re free to explore Venice at your own pace, and maybe climb aboard a gondola to see the city from a different perspective. Allow enough time to relax in your hotel; the interior décor is simply stunning.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Bauers L’Hotel.

Day 10 Venice to Milan
This morning, you’ll leave the city of Venice and travel on to the charmingly beautiful city of Verona. Verona is particularly famous for its summer opera season, performed in the Roman Arena, which has forty four seating areas, holding up to 22,000 spectators. This stunning piece of architectural heritage is one of the best preserved arenas in Italy and the third largest remaining in the world. Wandering the town, you’ll see its narrow streets are lined with palazzo and interesting buildings which make up the town’s historic centre. Piazza delle Erbe is one of Italy’s most historic and picturesque squares. In ancient times, it was a Roman forum, while today it contains many historic buildings and sculptures, alongside a popular and colourful market overflowing with fresh fruits and vegetables. Sixteenth century Verona had such a reputation for splendour, it even inspired William Shakespeare to set two of his best plays here; Romeo and Juliet and the Two Gentlemen of Verona. The building now known as Juliet’s House in Via Cappello is interesting as well as romantic, and draws over half a million visitors a year. Your journey then continues on to Milan, where you can settle in to your hotel, which is just 10 minutes from the city centre.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Melia Milano.

Day 11 Milan
A half day sightseeing tour takes in the city’s key highlights. Known internationally as one of the most influential fashion cities in the world, fashion is big business and a big draw in Milan, from the extremely upscale stores of the Quadrilatero d’Oro to the more reasonably priced shops on Corso Buenos Aires. But there are plenty of other things to see here, including the ornate Duomo cathedral, the famous La Scala opera house, Naviglio Grande, Darsena, Conca di Viarenna, San Lorenzo Basilica and Columns and St Aquilino Chapel, as well as the art museums, galleries and elegant palazzos. Leonardo da Vinci aficionados can book a viewing of “The Last Supper” and visit the Museo Nazionale della Scienza e Tecnica to see da Vinci’s technical drawings and models. In the afternoon, you’re free to shop to your heart’s content, cram in some more sightseeing, sample the delights of the wide choice of restaurants, bistros and cafés, or maybe visit the opera or theatre.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Melia Milano.

Day 12 Milan
Today is a completely free day to do as you wish, whether that be sightseeing, shopping or simply relaxing. You may choose to take our optional full day sightseeing tour of Lake Como. You’ll visit the historic town centre before embarking on a boat trip on the lake itself, with views across to various glorious villas on the shores including Villa Olmo, Villa Erba and Villa d’Este.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Melia Milano.

Day 13 Return Heathrow
Make the most of your final few hours in Milan before your transfer to the airport for your return flight to London Heathrow.
Meals: Breakfast, In-flight.