Today we journey to Venice, known as the city of romance, it has the capacity to impress not only first timers, but also the most jaded of travellers. It is unlike anywhere else on the planet, with a mosaic of 117 islands connected by 409 bridges, where cars are banned and everyone, including postmen and the police, travel by boat. Before travelling to Venice, we explore Bologna's historic centre, which is in fact the second largest in Europe. Settlements in the city date back to 1000 BC and it is also home to the world's oldest university - the University of Bologna, founded in 1088. Bologna's Piazza Maggiore is an extensive plaza lined with a mix of bustling cafes and medieval and renaissance structures including the City Hall, and the Fountain of Neptune.
Discover these fascinating sights on a walking tour, as well as the Piazza della Mercanzia, a bountiful market filled with colourful produce. We will also visit the magnificent Archiginnasio of Bologna, before standing in awe of Due Torri, Bologna's two leaning towers. After some free time for lunch we'll visit the Gelato Museum, with tastings so you can pick your favourite. We arrive in Venice in the afternoon. (B)
Our destination today is the world capital of fashion and design, Milan. Often described as the city of the future, this buzzing metropolis is where big business and high-end fashion meet, creating a city like no other. But first we'll visit the magnificent city of Verona, made famous by Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Admire the scenic countryside of northern Italy as we travel to this romantic medieval town.
Enjoy some free time here, where you can discover its historical centre. Perhaps explore some of the superb churches and palaces that helped make this town become UNESCO World Heritage-listed. Special Experience: Visit a famous wine cellar in Franciacorta for a tasting, accompanied by some local cheeses and smallgoods. During our tasting we'll learn about the Franciacorta method, an ancient wine making tradition that is an invaluable legacy in this region. (B)
This morning we depart Milan and make our way to the hilly region of Langhe. A foodie's paradise, the Langhe Region is renowned for its gastronomic delights including wine, truffles and over 100 types of cheese. En route we'll visit the elegant city of Turin. We'll explore the tree-lined boulevards and visit the Duomo, home to the famous Holy Shroud. We also visit the region's Royal Palace, a majestic 17th century building designed by renowned architects from Italy and across Europe. Also known as the ‘Residences of the Royal House of Savoy,' this UNESCO World Heritage-listed property is home to ornate tapestries, grand staircases and an Armory of bygone weaponry. Be sure to keep an eye out for the golden relief of Medusa on the Palace gates, when entering the Palace grounds.
Enjoy some free time for lunch before we continue our journey to Guarene, in the Langhe Region. Tonight we'll get to enjoy dinner with a local resident. This is a great way to get to know more about the local culture and way of life. (B/D)
Sit back and enjoy the beautiful Tuscan countryside as we make our way to Florence via Pisa. Patronised by the Medici family from the late 14th century, Florence was a city where art flourished. This is evident today with its outstanding Renaissance buildings, sculptures and artwork. Although famous for its Leaning Tower, Pisa is also home to more than 20 historic churches and medieval palaces.
Today we will see the Piazza dei Miracoli, a fascinating Cathedral with Romanesque art, the Baptistry, and one of Europe's most iconic structures – the Leaning Tower. Construction of the tower commenced in the late 12th century, taking 200 years to complete. The tilt comes from the poor foundations on one side and the tower leans at an angle of 4 degrees. We'll enjoy some free time here where you can choose to go inside the historic monuments of Pisa. Later in the day we continue our journey to Florence. (B)
This morning we begin to explore beautiful Florence. Our tour commences at the grand Piazza del Duomo where we see the Cathedral of Florence (the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore). It was here in the 15th century that Filippo Brunelleschi designed its distinctive dome. The engineering behind the dome was revolutionary for its time and it remains the world's largest brick dome to this day. Considered the father of the Renaissance, Brunelleschi's technical prowess changed architecture and art, developing linear perspective. We also visit Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistery with Ghiberti's bronze ‘Gate of Paradise'.
We continue to the Galleria dell'Accademia and Michelangelo's incomparable statue of David, sculpted by the master at the age of 26. This marble statue was carved in the early 16th century as a symbol of youth, strength and beauty. After our tour we'll be able to enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Why not stroll down to Gelateria dei Neri, a famous local ice cream shop that is known by locals as the best gelato in Italy. (B)
We discover majestic Vatican City this morning, where we'll visit the amazing museum with its collection of artworks and artefacts, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica. The world's smallest sovereign state, Vatican City is situated entirely within the city of Rome, spread over a hill west of the River Tiber. It's regarded as a non-commercial economy as it has no major imports or exports and is administered by the Pope and the Pontifical Commission. Most notably, it is the centre of the Roman Catholic Church worldwide organisation.
Vatican City is home to the famous Sistine Chapel and incredible museums, St Peter's Square, St Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Garden. The Sistine Chapel is most famous for the painted ceiling by Michelangelo which was commissioned by Pope Julius II and took 4 years to complete (1508-1512). St Peter's Basilica (one of the largest basilicas of Christianity) stands on the site where Peter, the apostle who was considered to be the first Pope, was crucified and buried. St Peter's Square is directly in front of the Basilica and is surrounded by a colonnade of 284 columns. After our morning tour the remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy at leisure. (B)
Today we explore Imperial Rome. Highlights include the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, the Capitol, the Imperial Palace and lastly, the Colosseum. The Colosseum is one of the most famous sites in Rome and was the largest amphitheatre built in the Roman Empire. Capable of seating 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles, including mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on classical mythology. We will also visit the Roman Forum and picturesque Palatine Hill, a site where emperors once lived. Here we will learn the fascinating history about one of the most ancient parts of this Eternal City.
The afternoon is free for you to enjoy at leisure. Why not visit Bocca della Verità, a large marble disc depicting a man's face with an open mouth, known as the ‘Mouth of Truth.' According to legend, those who are accused of lying place their hand inside the mouth and if found guilty, would lose the appendage. (B)
Today we continue to the beautiful coastal town of Sorrento, gateway to the Amalfi Coast. Built into the cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples, the sweeping views will take your breath away. We first depart for the ancient city of Pompeii, where a local guide will meet us for a tour of the famous ruins. The prosperous Roman city of Pompeii lay buried for hundreds of years after the eruption of the Vesuvius volcano in the year 79AD and is one of the most significant examples of Roman civilisation. The volcanic material that covered Pompeii kept the city largely intact, including both the exteriors and interiors of many buildings.
We'll have some free time to wander around and marvel at the ruins before continuing along the beautiful coastline to Sorrento. Special Experience: Visit a local teatro for a performance of the ‘Sorrento Musical', a vibrant musical depicting life on the Sorrentine Peninsula centuries ago. The cast sing traditional southern Italian folk songs, including the Tarantella. Although this performance is in Italian, it is easy to follow and an enjoyable show for all. (B)
After breakfast we'll make our way to the Sorrento port to board the ferry to Capri, the island playground for the rich and famous. The ferry between Sorrento and Capri skirts a stunning stretch of the coast so, if you can, sit on the left side to really enjoy the view! The Emperor Augustus was the first to discover the beauty of the Isle of Capri in 29BC followed by many others including Tiberius, Lenin, Mussolini, the Swedish doctor Axel Munthe and the factory owners Krupp. Each one of these guests influenced Capri's culture which continues to enchant the many visitors it receives today. A true jewel of the Mediterranean, Capri is known for its rugged seascape, café culture and brilliant bougainvillea.
On arrival we'll take a minibus up to the peaceful hilltop village of Anacapri. After our tour enjoy some free time to explore this beautiful island before we return to Sorrento later this afternoon. (B)
La Dolce Vita
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