Italian Highlights with Lake Maggiore 2012
Tours | Globus family of brands | Rome | Florence | Venice | Europe | Italy | Milan
Dates From:
04/13/2012 through 10/05/2012
Trip Length:
13 days
This is the perfect vacation to see Italy’s highlights at a comfortable pace—from the historical treasures in Rome and the splendid art in Florence to the picturesque, walled medieval town of San Gimignano and the romantic canals in Venice. Of course, you’ll see the famous sights on your sightseeing tours, including the Colosseum and Roman Forum in Rome, St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, the Leaning Tower in Pisa, the glass-domed Galleria in Milan, the medieval square in Siena, Juliet’s balcony in Verona, and the Academy of Fine Arts and Michelangelo’s David in Florence. You’ll also learn how Chianti wine is made and even sample some at Verrazzano Castle.
Enjoy a Venetian lagoon cruise to the islands of Murano and Burano. Did you know the Venetian Republic—fearing fire—ordered the glassmakers in Venice to move to the island of Murano in the 13th century? By the 14th century, the glassblowers became some of the most respected citizens and were granted special privileges. On this tour, you’ll see skilled Murano glassblowers in action. While in Lake Maggiore, ride a boat to Isola Bella to see the opulent palace and gardens.
Italy is an amazing country filled with beautiful art, magnificent architecture, extensive history, sumptuous cuisine, fine wines, and friendly people. You’ll experience its splendor on this fabulous vacation highlighting Italy’s most-treasured places. Be sure to pack your camera, because you’ll have plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
All services in Lake Maggiore, including Local Host assistance, are provided by Monograms.
Itinerary:
| Day | Description | View All + |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 |
Arrive in Rome, Italy. Time to rest or start exploring the “Eternal City.” At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and leave the hotel for a special welcome dinner with wine at one of Rome’s lively restaurants. (D) |
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| Day 2 |
Rome. Sightseeing with your Local Guide starts with a visit to the VATICAN MUSEUMS and SISTINE CHAPEL, world famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling paintings and The Last Judgement. Continue to monumental ST. PETER’S SQUARE and BASILICA. Afterwards, relax or explore the city on your own. Later, you may wish to join an optional walk to Trevi Fountain, Navona Square, the Roman Pantheon, and the Spanish Steps. (B) |
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| Day 3 |
Rome. This morning, follow your Local Guide and visit the COLOSSEUM and the ROMAN FORUM, where Roman legions marched in triumph. Then, time to savor la dolce vita and enjoy independent activities. (B) |
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| Day 4 |
Rome–Siena–San Gimignano–Florence. First stop this morning is in Siena. Walk through ancient, narrow lanes to PIAZZA DEL CAMPO, site of the biannual Palio, Siena’s spectacular medieval-style horse race. Then, continue through unforgettable landscapes of gently rolling, vine-clad hills to hilltop San Gimignano, and walk through the most picturesque of Italy’s perfectly preserved medieval towns. Next is Florence, the splendid capital of Tuscany and birthplace of the Renaissance. (B) |
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| Day 5 |
Florence. During your walking tour with a Local Guide, visit the ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS with Michelangelo’s celebrated David, admire the magnificent cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s heavy bronze “Gate of Paradise,” sculpture-studded SIGNORIA SQUARE, and see Ponte Vecchio. Afternoon for independent sightseeing and browsing through the shops. Florentine leather goods and gold jewelry sold by the ounce are attractive buys. Tonight, why not try the culinary delights of a fine Tuscan restaurant? (B) |
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| Day 6 |
Florence. Excursion to Pisa and Verrazzano Castle. A fast journey will bring you to Pisa. Here, take your pictures of the amazing Leaning Tower, 180 feet high and no less than 12 feet out of the perpendicular. Today’s highlight: hear about the fine art of blending four types of grapes to obtain the famous Chianti at VERRAZZANO CASTLE; enjoy a WINE TASTING and lunch before returning to Florence. (B,L,D) |
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| Day 7 |
Florence–Venice. Morning drive through the wooded Apennine Mountains to Venice, a powerful magnet for romantics and art lovers from around the globe. Enter its glittering maze of islands, canals, and bridges in style by PRIVATE BOAT to meet your Local Guide. Highlights of your walking tour are ST. MARK’S SQUARE and the byzantine BASILICA, lavish DOGES’ PALACE and the BRIDGE OF SIGHS. Then, enjoy Venice at your own pace or join an optional gondola ride. (B) |
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| Day 8 |
Murano and Burano Islands Excursion. Start your day with an unforgettable Venetian LAGOON CRUISE to the islands of Murano and Burano. Glide past the islands of San Giorgio and Sant’Elena, and along the banks of the famous Lido. In Murano, watch skilled GLASSBLOWERS fashion their delicate objects in an age-old traditional manner. Then, continue on to the picturesque fishing village of Burano, renowned for its bright pastel-colored houses and for its lace making. Take pictures of traditional fishing boats, still used by the island inhabitants, and enjoy an included lunch with wine. Return to Venice in the early afternoon. (B,L) |
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| Day 9 |
Venice–Verona–Milan. Stop in Verona, medieval setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. See Juliet’s balcony and stroll around the lovely market square. Don’t miss the Arena, an incredibly well-preserved pink marble Roman amphitheater. Built in the 1st century AD, it is now the magical venue for world-famous opera performances. Then, on to the dynamic city of Milan, hub of Italy’s economic miracle with its famous La Scala Opera House, the magnificent gothic Duomo, and the glass-domed GALLERIA. An optional farewell dinner may be the perfect way to celebrate the success of your Italian vacation. (B) |
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| Day 10 |
Milan–Lake Maggiore. You will be transferred to your hotel in Stresa at Lake Maggiore. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B) |
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| Day 11 |
Lake Maggiore. Morning guided sightseeing includes a BOAT ride to ISOLA BELLA for a visit to its opulent PALACE and GARDENS. (B) |
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| Day 12 |
Lake Maggiore. Full day at leisure. Ask your Local Host for suggestions. (B) |
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| Day 13 |
Lake Maggiore. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning (the nearest airport is Milan Malpensa). (B) |
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Highlights: RomeWelcome dinner at a local restaurant; guided sightseeing, visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, the Colosseum and Roman ForumSienaWalking tour including Piazza del CampoSan GimignanoOrientationFlorenceGuided walking tour, visit Michelangelo’s David and Signoria SquarePisa Marvel at the legendary Leaning TowerVerrazzano CastleWine tasting and lunchVenicePrivate boat ride; guided walking tour, visit St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, Doges’ Palace and the Bridge of SighsMurano and BuranoLagoon cruise and island visits, including a glassblowers’ demonstration in Murano and lunch in BuranoVeronaWalking tour including Juliet’s balcony and the ArenaMilanWalking tour, visit the Galleria Milan-Lake Maggiore By coachLake Maggiore Guided visit to the Palace and Gardens of Isola BellaHeadsets throughout the tourNotes: PRICE DETAILS: Dates and prices do not include international air travel. When planning your trip, allow one extra day before tour date for travel between the USA and Europe.Prices based on double room occupancy.Single room supplement: $812, $957 (March 29-October 25 and March 28-April 11, 2013)Triple room reduction per person: $130, $159 (March 29-October 25 and March 28-April 11, 2013)Extra nights per person in Rome:in single room $226, in twin room $165, in triple room $138Extra nights per person Lake Maggiore:in single room $222, in twin room $146, in triple room $1262013 departures are subject to itinerary and price modification. Details will be available in Sept. 2012.What's Included: MEALS: Full buffet breakfast daily (B); 2 lunches (L), one with wine tasting at Verrazzano Castle and one with wine in Burano; 2 three-course dinners (D), including a special welcome dinner with wine in RomeHOTELS: Full buffet breakfast daily (B); 2 lunches (L), one with wine tasting at Verrazzano Castle and one with wine in Burano; 2 three-course dinners (D), including a special welcome dinner with wine in Rome
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Allure Quest Travel Experience P.O. Box 150862 Nashville Tennessee 37215 | (615) 818-8241 (615) 336-8580 | dalwhitt52@yahoo.com
