Best of Italy with Trafalgar
Pricing:From R47 790 per person
Valid For Travel Dates: Selected departures February 2024
Includes:
- 13 Day Trafalgar Guided Holiday
- 12 Nights in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- 12 Breakfasts, 1 Be My Guest, 6 Dinners
- Transport by luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
- Optional Experiences at an additional cost during your free time
- Fast-Track to the Vatican Museums
- Explore Rome, Pompeii, Capri, Assisi and Florence with a Local Specialist
- Discover Venice, Milan and San Gimignano Visit the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel in Rome, the excavations at Pompeii, the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, a glassblowing factory in Venice, Lake Como and the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial
- View Juliet's Balcony in Verona, St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, the Cathedral and La Scala Opera House in Milan, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Duomo in Florence
- See the ancient sites of Rome and the Abbey on Monte Cassino Scenic Cruise to the Isle of Capri and by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice
Excludes:
- Flights
- Arrival/departure transfers
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Spending money and items of a personal nature
Additional Information
– On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
– Optional Experiences are available at an additional cost
– Not all departure dates are definite at time of loading, please enquire with one of our agents
Highlights:
– 12 Nights in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
– 12 Breakfasts, 1 Be My Guest, 6 Dinners
– Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Day 1: WELCOME TO ROME
Ciao Roma! Explore this imperial city of emperors and senators, gods and goddesses, before joining your companions and Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner. Our introduction to the ‘Eternal City’ is an evening orientation drive to view some of the sights which await us tomorrow.
Arrival Transfer
Depart Leonardo da Vinci airport (FCO) at 09:00, 12:30, 15:30
Welcome Dinner
Meet your Travel Director at 17:30
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Tiberio Rome
Included Meals: Dinner
Day 2: DISCOVER ANCIENT ROME AND THE VATICAN CITY
The Holy See takes centre stage today as we join a Local Specialist for an included sightseeing tour in the Vatican Museums. Dive Into Culture and admire the Bramante Staircase, created for Pope Julius II in the early 16th century, and Michelangelo’s magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. See the marble masterpiece of the Pietà, housed in the Basilica before crossing the Tiber into Ancient Rome. We then enjoy a guided in depth walking experience around the walls of the Colosseum, before seeing Circus Maximus; once the site of celebrated chariot races. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Rome. Indulge in an espresso in the Piazza Navona or clamber up the Spanish Steps.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Tiberio Rome
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: EXPLORE THE RUINS OF POMPEII AND SORRENTO
We journey south to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii. Here we join a Local Specialist who will share details of the devastation caused by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius as we wander through the ancient paved roads of a city that was frozen in time. Later, we arrive at our hotel in the clifftop town of Sorrento where we’ll dine tonight.
Accommodation: Johanna Park Hotel Sorrento
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: A DAY ON THE ISLE OF CAPRI
We cross the Bay of Naples today by ferry to the glamorous Isle of Capri to visit some of its landmark sights. Wander past the chic boutiques and pavement cafés in Capri town in the company of a Local Specialist before taking your time to soak up the sophistication of this lovely island. Later, we return to the mainland.
Accommodation: Johanna Park Hotel Sorrento
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: ONWARDS TO ASSISI
See the Benedictine Abbey of Cassino, which featured as the site of the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944, before heading north to the slopes of Mount Subasio. We arrive in the mystical town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, under whose protection this medieval city is said to remain. We join our Local Specialist for a visit of Basilica of St. Francis, before some free time to explore this fascinating hilltop town. Tonight, we’ll stay at one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories – a fully renovated old Franciscan monastery.
Accommodation: Hotel Cenacolo Assisi
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: DISCOVER VENICE
We journey through the glorious countryside of the Emilia Romagna region. This area is also renowned for its gastronomy and is credited with being the origin of tortellini, mortadella and parmesan cheese. Arrive later in Venice, the ‘Queen of the Adriatic’ to spend time admiring this unique city.
Accommodation: Hotel Principe Venice
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: ST. MARK’S AND MORE IN VENICE
Cruise your way through Venice by private launch to soak up the sights and sounds of what was once one of the world’s greatest ports. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with the master craftsmen of Venice follows. Watch as they share their centuries-old glassmaking traditions. Your visit helps to preserve this delicate craft for which Venice is justifiably famous and you’ll want to remember your visit by purchasing a souvenir or two to display at home. From there, continue past the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge’s Palace to St. Mark’s Square where we will view the impressive square and Basilica. Consider an Optional Experience to see the colourful fishermen’s houses on the Island of Burano or search for a cosy bacaro and indulge in some tasty Venetian treats, starting with that refreshing Venetian Spritz which is the local drink of choice.
Accommodation: Hotel Principe Venice
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: ON TO MILAN AND SCENIC ITALIAN LAKE DISTRICT
Travel to Verona, the home of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers, then cross the lush green plains of Lombardy to sophisticated Milan, Italy’s capital of design and fashion. An orientation tour takes us past the intricate Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House and the famous Galleria.
Accommodation: Hotel Metropole Suisse Como
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: STROLL AROUND LAKE COMO
The glistening blue waters of Lake Como welcome us today. We’ll enjoy some free time to explore the lakeside lifestyle and beautiful scenery which has enchanted visitors for centuries. Spend this morning exploring Como’s historical quarter, relax with a cappuccino, take the funicular for spectacular views of the lake or consider a cruise on the lake. Later arrive in the Italian Lakes where we’ll enjoy a Highlight Dinner with your fellow travelling companions.
Accommodation: Hotel Metropole Suisse Como
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 10: ADMIRE PISA AND ON TO FLORENCE
Tuscany lures us across the forested Apennine Mountains, past the marble quarries of Carrara to the famous city of Pisa and its Square of Miracles where we will enjoy an opportunity to view the Leaning Tower. Our next stop is Florence, the ‘Cradle of the Renaissance’.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 11: EXPERIENCE ART AND ARCHITECTURE IN FLORENCE
Delve into the extravagant history of the Medici family, whose legacy of art and architecture are explored in the company of a Local Specialist. We visit Piazza della Signoria with its exquisite statues and palazzi and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the beautiful skyline of Florence, dominated by the elegant Duomo and the almost 700-year-old Ponte Vecchio, from Piazzale Michelangelo. Later, learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city’s historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. This evening we’ll Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence
Included Meals: Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 12: TREASURES OF SAN GIMIGNANO AND RETURN TO ROME
This morning we stop at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. Continuing south, we visit the charming Tuscan hill-town of San Gimignano, with its extraordinary medieval architecture and rich history. Venture to the centre of town to view the Piazza del Duomo, surrounded by medieval towers and 13th century city walls. This evening in Rome we enjoy a Farewell Dinner in the company of newfound friends and our Travel Director.
Accommodation: Shangri-La Rome
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13: FAREWELL ROME
Our discovery of the best of Italy has come to an end.
Departure Transfer
Arrive at Leonardo da Vinci airport (FCO) at 07:00, 09:30
Included Meals: Breakfast
Terms And Conditions
Prices are per person twin share, include discounts, and are subject to availability and rate of exchange changes. Offers above are a guide only and will vary depending on departure date, our guide price is based on the cheapest departure within the stipulated season and availability is correct at time of loading. Visas may be necessary and insurance is essential. Standard terms and conditions apply, and can be viewed on our website. Excludes flights, transfers, visas, travel insurance and anything not mentioned. Savings are not valid on all itineraries and/or departure dates, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. High season supplements and block out dates may apply, pricing varies pending departure date. Package excludes flights. You can do optional free-time add-on experiences in your free time and pay for them as you travel (additional costs apply). Trafalgar reserves the right to withdraw promotional offers and adjust savings anytime. All savings / discounts mentioned have already been included in the advertised price. Sure Mithas Travel reserves the right to withdraw or amend promotional offers at any time. 2024 Early Bird Travel Sale: On sale from 05 Sep to 14 Dec 2023. Travel on selected dates from 01 Apr to 31 Oct 2024. Please note: at time of loading this is not a definite departure, please contact one of our travel consultants for more info .These packages are based on CASH price. E&OE;.
About Italy
Cuisine
About Italy
Italy, nestled in Southern Europe, is a captivating country steeped in history, art, and romance. As the birthplace of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance, Italy boasts a wealth of architectural wonders and artistic masterpieces, from the majestic Colosseum in Rome to the exquisite artworks of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. The country’s enchanting cities, such as Florence, Venice, and Milan, offer a unique blend of ancient charm and modern sophistication, drawing travelers from across the globe. Italy’s diverse landscapes are equally breathtaking, ranging from the rolling hills of Tuscany adorned with vineyards and olive groves to the picturesque Amalfi Coast and the azure waters of the Mediterranean. With a deep-rooted passion for fashion, music, and football, Italians embrace life with an infectious energy, making it an unforgettable destination for anyone seeking a perfect amalgamation of history, culture, and warm hospitality.
Cuisine
Italian cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its simplicity, emphasis on quality ingredients, and unparalleled flavors. The heart of Italian cooking lies in its regional diversity, each area proudly presenting its own culinary treasures. Pasta, a beloved staple, comes in various shapes and forms, paired with an array of rich sauces like carbonara, Bolognese, and pesto. Pizza, originating in Naples, has become a global phenomenon, showcasing the perfect balance of a thin crust and delightful toppings. Italy’s abundant use of fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, garlic, and olive oil imparts a distinct Mediterranean essence to their dishes. From the luscious risotto of the north to the hearty seafood dishes of the coastal regions, Italian cuisine harmonizes the best of land and sea. Indulging in authentic gelato, the heavenly Italian ice cream, is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth. With a culture that cherishes family gatherings around the table, dining in Italy is not just a meal but a sensory experience that celebrates the country’s culinary heritage and passion for food.