The Italian Explorer. Ten days departing 20th October 2010 with Great Rail Journeys. From GBP1,648 per person.
Enjoy the cultural highlights of Italy, including the Eternal City of Rome, the Renaissance splendour of Florence and the beguiling beauty of Venice, all in one amazing holiday flying from London Heathrow.
Tour highlights
- Rome including a city tour & Colosseum entrance
- A city tour of Florence
- Rail excursion to Lucca
- A guided tour of beautiful Lucca
- Typical Lucchese lunch
- Glamorous Venice including a guided tour
- Venice Travel Pass
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 - To Rome
We meet this morning in London to catch our flight to Rome, Italy's vibrant and cosmopolitan capital. On arrival we are transferred by coach to our base for the next three nights, the 4-star Hotel Mediterraneo, where we dine together this evening. (D)
Day 2 - Exploring Rome
We enjoy a half-day guided tour of the ancient city today. Highlights include the Colosseum, the huge arena commissioned in 72AD where the Romans flocked to see gladiatorial combats. We also visit the incredibly well-preserved Roman Forum, the administrative heart of ancient Rome, and the ostentatious Trevi Fountain. This afternoon you are free to discover Rome under your own steam - why not take a stroll to the Piazza di Spagna and window-shop in the glamorous boutiques for which the area is renowned? Alternatively, you can visit the Pantheon, a temple dedicated to the ancient pagan gods of Rome, or the Piazza Navona, arguably Rome's most beautiful Baroque square. (B,D)
Day 3 - A day at leisure in Rome
You have the time to continue exploring this fascinating city at your own pace today. Why not take the opportunity to join an optional excursion (payable locally) to St Peter's Basilica, set in the heart of the Vatican City and the biggest Christian place of worship on earth? The Vatican, the smallest state in the world, is home to eleven eclectic museums, which include precious works by artists such as Botticelli, Bernini, and Raphael, plus the stunning Sistine Chapel, which was painted by the brilliant Michangelo between 1508 and 1512. The Vatican has been a sovereign state since 1929, and was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites over 15 years ago. (B)
Day 4 - By train to Florence
After a relaxing morning, we depart by high-speed train to Renaissance Florence, regarded by many as Europe's artistic capital. We spend three nights at the 4-star Hotel Santa Maria Novella*, a short walk from the city's historic attractions. Dinner this evening is in a typical Tuscan restaurant. (B,D)
Day 5 - A guided tour of Florence
We enjoy a guided tour this morning, visiting the spectacular Duomo with its distinctive orange-tiled dome, rising up above the heart of the city, and the unique Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge, constructed in 1345 and spanning the rippling waters of the Arno. Our tour ends at the imposing Piazza Basilica di Santa Croce, which houses the tombs of Dante, Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Gallileo. The remainder of the day is free for you to discover Florence at your own pace. As well as the world-famous Uffizi Gallery, Florence also houses the Palazzo Pitti, the dwelling of many of the famous Medici family over the years and nowadays home to masterpieces from their extensive art collection. (B)
Day 6 - Excursion to Lucca
Our rail excursion today (Standard Class) takes us to the beautiful walled city of Lucca, one of the most perfectly preserved medieval towns in Europe. We enjoy a guided tour here followed by some free time when you can stroll through the narrow winding streets of the Old Town. A walk around the ramparts, the impressive city walls which still encircle the city, offer some lovely views of the broad tree-lined promenades. We meet for lunch in a Lucchese restaurant before heading back to Florence this afternoon. (B,L)
Day 7 - By train to Venice
Sit back and enjoy our high-speed rail journey to Venice. On arrival, we check in to our hotel for three nights, the splendid 4-star Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal, in the heart of Venice. There is time for you to start exploring this incredible floating city before we enjoy dinner together this evening. (B,D)
Day 8 - Sightseeing in Venice
We begin our guided tour today in St Mark's Square, dominated by the magnificent Basilica di San Marco and the venerable Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace. This afternoon, why not soak up the atmosphere with a romantic gondola ride? For those who prefer a bird's eye view, take the opportunity to climb the Campanile de San Marco, which offers incredible vistas over the buildings clustered around the centre, and shimmering lagoons further out. We have included a Venice Travel Pass, which gives you free travel on all vaporetto services in the city. (B)
Day 9 - A day at leisure in Venice
Today is at leisure to explore this beautiful city. Venice lends itself to idle wandering, and possibly the best way to enjoy its captivating charms is to let yourself get lost in the myriad of winding alleys and twisting lanes that make up the city centre. Alternatively, why not sail to the island of Murano, famous for its gorgeous glassware, or Burano, well-known for its lace-making industry? This evening we conclude with a final dinner together. (B,D)
Day 10 - Farewell to Italy
We set out for the airport after breakfast this morning, and return by air from Venice to London Heathrow, arriving late afternoon. (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner. These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday.
What's Included
- Return scheduled flights from London to Rome and Venice to London
- First & Standard class rail travel as described
- 9 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast each day
- 1 lunch, 5 dinners
- Venice Travel Pass
- 1 full day excursions & 3 half day excursions
- All transfers
- Services of your Tour Manager throughout
- Single room prices include the supplement for single occupancy throughout: £495
Not Included
- Cancellation, medical & travel insurance from £43
Find out more - Visit the Great Rail Journeys Website
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