Ciao Bella Italia

16 Days /15 Nights
1 night Transatlantic Flight,

2 nights Venice, 3 nights Florence, 1 night Palermo,

1 night Agrigento, 1 night Taormina, 1 night Ferry Messina - Salerno, 3 nights Sorrento, 2 nights Rome

15 Breakfasts, 15 Dinners

Day 1: DEPARTURE CITY - MILAN

Overnight flight to Milan.
 

Day 2: MILAN - VENICE

Upon arrival to Milan Airport we transfer to Venice via Verona (time permitting), known for Juliet and Romeo. Here, you can see the town’s Roman Arena, which dates back to the 1st century. You’ll also see a bronze statue of Juliet, standing below the balcony said to be the one where Juliet called to her Romeo. We then continue to magical Venice. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.
 

Day 3: VENICE

After breakfast we transfer by vaporetto to St Mark Square. Visit St. Mark's square, the Basilica and its Byzantine heritage and the Doge's Palace. Then we leave the square and crowds behind to discover the "real Venice ", enter a labyrinth of narrow passageways. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 4: VENICE - BOLOGNA - FLORENCE

Breakfast. In the morning departure to Bologna. The cityscape is further enriched by elegant and extensive arcades (or porticos), which the city is famous for. In total, there are about 38 kilometres of arcades in the city historical center for its 40 km of high system of fortifications and defensive towers. From the Via dell’ Indipendenza, we will proceed to Piazza del Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore in the heart of the city. The central streets of Bologna today are largely pedestrian zones. Here we’ll be fascinated by the Piazza del Nettuno, King Renzo’s Palace, the Podestà Palace and the Basilica of San Petronio, one of the biggest in the world. In the afternoon we will continue to Florence where you can enjoy some free time. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 5: FLORENCE

After breakfast we start the day with a guided city tour: Giottos Bell Tower, the Baptistery's bronze doors, Piazza della Signoria, the Cathedral with its famous cupola built by Bruneleschi and Church of Santa Croce. Then we walk to Ponte Vecchio a unique bridge over the Arno river. Later we visit San Lorenzo Market, an amazing street market with all kinds of shops that sell leather goods. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 7: FLORENCE - SAN GIMIGNANO - SIENA - FLORENCE

After breakfast we will depart for San Gimignano, known as the “tower city”. Visit to Porta San Giovanni, Piazza della Cisterna, Palace del Popolo, Civical Museum and Sant’ Agostino.  Visit till the lunch time, then, way to reach Siena. Siena is surrounded by Chianti woods and hills and is located in the centre of a large and attractive valley. Probably Siena’s notoriety is due to the celebration of the Palio, a horse race among all the district areas of the town, called “contrade”. Therefore, a great mixture of culture, history and healthy food. Late afternoon return to Florence.  Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 8: FLORENCE - PISA - PALERMO

After breakfast we will board a domestic flight to Palermo, Sicily. Upon arrival transfer to our centrally located hotel and after the short refreshment break we explore Palermo old town and its main sites such as: the Cathedral, Piazza Bellini, Martorana Church, Praetorial Fountain and Abatellis Palace. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 9: PALERMO-ERICE-MAZARA-SELINUNTE-AGRIGENTO

After breakfast we will depart for Erice, situated 700 meters above sea level and remained unchanged thanks to its retaining wall erected in the VI century B.C. We will then visit Mazara del Vallo, fishing port of Italy overlooks the Strait of Sicily. We will then proceed to Selinunte, where we can admire its ruins and temples. Next, we’ll go on to Agrigento to visit the Valley of the Temples with the Temple of Juno, the Temple of Concorde, the Temple of Hercules and Temple of Jupiter, one of the largest of all Doric style buildings. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 10: AGRIGENTO - MODICA - SYRACUSE - TAORMINA

Breakfast. After leaving Agrigento we will cross Modica, where its faded tonality, its baroque buildings and its chocolate will astonish you. Then you will visit one of the most beautiful baroque church on the island: the Church of St George. Will continue towards Syracuse, crossing the Island of Ortigia, rich in Baroque and medieval palaces and churches. Syracuse's Duomo is one of the town's most celebrated sights. You will also be fascinated  by the Greek Amphitheatre, the Dionisio Ear and the Roman Theatre. In the afternoon arrival at Taormina. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 11: TAORMINA - MESSINA - NIGHT FERRY TO SALERNO

Day 12: SALERNO - POMPEII - SORRENTO

After breakfast on the Ferry we will arrive in Salerno where we will board our Coach that will take us to Pompeii for a visit to the excavations of the famous Roman city, destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Leaving Pompeii and driving along the coast we arrive in Sorrento. The town offers a fantastic view over the Bay of Naples. For 2000 years visitors from all over the world have been attracted to Sorrento by breathtaking sunsets and fragrances of orange and lemon gardens. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 13: SORRENTO - CAPRI - SORRENTO

After breakfast we board the boat for the Island of Capri. Visit to Anacapri with entrance to the delightful Villa San Michele. Late afternoon return to Sorrento.  Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 14: SORRENTO

After breakfast we will explore our host city: Sorrento. The town offers a fantastic view over the Bay of Naples. For 2000 years visitors from all over the world have been attracted to Sorrento by breathtaking sunsets and fragrances of orange and lemon gardens. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

DAY 15: SORRENTO - CASERTA - ROME

Breakfast and departure for Caserta. Once in Caserta, located 22 km north of Naples, there will be a panoramic tour of the Royal Palace, which dominates the city. The Palace, as big and luxury as the one of Versailles, better known as “Reggia”, it’s one of the most visited historical place in Italy. We will then walk along the elegant gardens, the English garden, and we’ll admire an impressive waterfall: the Large cascade of Diana. We will continue to Rome where will arrive in the afternoon to enjoy a walking tour of "Baroque Rome." See: Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Pinzio Hill and the Spanish Steps. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.
 

Day 15: ROME

After breakfast we will visit Vatican City, one of the European microstates, situated on the Vatican Hill in the west-central part of Rome, Its borders closely follow the city wall constructed to protect the Pope from outside attack. Leaving the Piazza San Bernardo, adorned by Moses’ Fountain the itinerary will continue passing by Via Bissolati, Via Veneto and the Villa Borghese. After this ample panoramic view, we will visit the Vatican Museums and the Vatican Galleries. There you will admire the modern entrance built for the Jubilee 2000, the Galleries of the Chandeliers, of the Tapestries and of the Geographical Maps, the Sobiesky Hall and the Immaculate Conception Hall. We will then stop to admire the Sistine Chapel, seat of the Conclave, with the famous frescoes of Michelangelo. We will continue with a visit of the Basilica of Saint Peter, commonly called Saint Peter's Basilica. Afternoon free time. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 16: DEPARTURE

After breakfast we transfer to Rome airport for the return flight.