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Discover Romantic Italy
8 DAYS FROM £670

This holiday has departures available between: 3rd May 2009 to 20th Sep 2009
1067 No name given UK We thoroughly enjoyed this 8 day tour although you have to be prepared to do plenty of walking.

The weather was very hot but where possible the tour director organised excursions around the cooler parts of the day. Venice was amazing and well worth the visit as was the outing to Parma. The included visit to the Cinque Terre was excellent as all 5 villages are extremely beautiful. The only excursion that was a disappointment was to Milan. We weren't impressed by the over inflated prices and found Verona and Vicenza much, much nicer.

It was lovely being based in one hotel for 5 days instead of moving around every couple of days and Salsamaggiore was a busy, but very nice Italian spa resort. The only other downside was Marco Polo airport - a nightmare for checking in. We were there early and still only got booked in as our flight was boarding.

All in all though this tour was well worth the money.
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Discover some of Italy's best-kept secrets and celebrated gems on this relaxing tour taking in Venice, Parma, Verona and the Cinque Terre.

Included Highlights worth £70

Venice Visit including canal boat ride to St Mark's Square
Padua Visit including St Anthony's Basilica
Salsomaggiore Walking orientation including Terme Berzieri visit
Parma Walking tour
Sanvitale Castle at Fontanellato Guided visit
Soragna Castle Guided visit
Parmesan Cheese Museum Visit and tasting
Cinque Terre Train ride and Sentiero dell'Amore walk
Verona Visit
Vicenza City sightseeing and Teatro Olimpico guided visit

Included in the Price

Flights: UK - Venice - UK
Accommodation on tour in twin rooms with private facilities
Meals on tour 7 breakfasts (B) and 6 dinners (D)
Professional tour director on tour and local representative in resort
Porterage at hotels during tour (one suitcase per person)
Transfers between overseas airport and hotel
All local and airport taxes/service charges

Holiday Itinerary

DAY 1: UK - Venice area.
Fly to Venice where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in the Venice area for a one night stay. (D)

DAY 2: Venice area - Padua - Salsomaggiore.
Your holiday starts with a highlight: a memorable canal boat ride to the heart of Venice. This enchanting 'floating' city is undoubtedly the most romantic in all Italy, with its criss-crossing canals, ornate water-washed palaces, enchanting arched bridges and hidden piazzas. Later, return to the mainland for a drive to Padua, a city with Shakespearean references, with time to admire its historic centre and grandiose St Anthony's Basilica. From here, continue on to Salsomaggiore Terme, your base for the next five nights. (B, D)

DAY 3: Salsomaggiore.
This morning enjoy an introductory walking tour of the charming town of Salsomaggiore, exploring its handsome architecture, pedestrianised café-lined streets and beautiful public park. Your tour includes a visit to its best-known landmark - the ornate spa house Terme Berzieri, an extraordinary example of liberty-style architecture protected as a national monument. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace or enjoy our optional afternoon excursion to Mantova, a town in Lombardy with a stunning medieval centre. (B, D)

DAY 4: Parma & Castles of the Duchy.
Today our first stop is the Sanvitale Castle at Fontanellato, an enchanting, moat-ringed medieval fortress. The castle is celebrated for its masterpiece by Parmigianino - a ceiling fresco depicting the myth of Diana and Actaeon. Next, enjoy a visit to the Meli Lupi fortress of Soragna. Transformed in the 17th century, this splendid edifice was home to Soragna's famous Meli Lupi princes and is still inhabited by one today. Admire the castle's lavish Baroque frescos, paintings and furnishings. From the castle, continue to the fascinating Museum of Parmigiano Reggiano, a unique celebration of its most famous export - Parmesan cheese - which tells the history of this legendary delicacy and how it is made. After sampling this local speciality, continue on to Parma, one of Italy's prettiest, yet often neglected cities. The visit includes a memorable walking tour of the city, taking in its medieval square and Romanesque cathedral with frescos by Correggio. (B, D)

DAY 5: Cinque Terre.
Look forward to wonderful scenery today as you cross the Apennines to La Spezia, a small city with a rich naval heritage on Italy's delightful Tyrrhenian coast. From here, a short train ride takes you to the spectacular Cinque Terre region, where the beauty of the rugged cliffs and romantic fishing villages once inspired Lord Byron. You will have the opportunity to walk along the famous 'Love Path' or 'Sentiero dell'Amore', a breathtakingly beautiful trail carved into the rocks between Riomaggiore and Manarola affording dramatic sea views. There is also the chance to continue to Monterosso, a picturesque seaside resort. Your Tour Director will explain all the options for your day and provide you with train passes and tickets to the 'Sentiero dell'Amore'. (B, D)

DAY 6: Salsomaggiore.
A day at your leisure to explore charming Salsomaggiore. Why not stroll through its tree-lined avenues or take advantage of some of the therapeutic wellness treatments the city is famous for. Alternatively, join our optional day trip to vibrant Milan, Italy's fashion capital. This historic, buzzing city brims with artistic heritage and boasts a spectacular cathedral, its mighty Gothic Duomo. (B, D)

DAY 7: Salsomaggiore - Verona - Vicenza - Venice area.
Bid farewell to this beautiful region today on our return to the Venice area, but not before experiencing two further pearls of Italy's cultural heritage. First stop is romantic Verona, a delightful city where Shakespeare set Romeo and Juliet, to admire its famous Juliet balcony. From here, on to Vicenza, where you'll enjoy a locally guided tour around its most famous sights. The highlight is your visit to the stunning Olympic Theatre, the world's oldest covered theatre. Arrive in the Venice area early evening. (B)

DAY 8: Venice area - UK.
After breakfast, transfer to Venice airport for your flight to the UK. (B)

Check prices and availability for this holiday

Accommodation on Tour

Venice Area: Palladio at Malcontenta (3*) or Lugano at Marghera (4*).

Salsomaggiore and your choice of hotels

Salsomaggiore
A quintessential Italian spa resort nestled beneath the gentle Apennine hills of Parma, Salsomaggiore and its surrounding area is one of Italy's best-kept secrets. This region is known for its beautiful castles dotting the countryside, the fertile plains of the River Po and famous local specialities such as Parmesan cheese and Parma ham. Salsomaggiore is located close to Parma and provides the perfect location to explore the sights of Northern Italy.

  • Grand Hotel Porro DiamondDiamondDiamondDiamond

    The hotel, built in Liberty style and completely refurbished recently, offers a refined and elegant atmosphere and is equipped with all the modern comforts available.

    Location: Situated within a century-old park, next to the town centre just 200 metres from shops, bars and restaurants.
    Facilities: Free use of public thermal indoor swimming pool (close by); games room; jacuzzi; restaurant; in-house spa and wellness centre including steam room; lounge bar; TV room; lifts.
    Price includes: Half board in a twin room with bath or shower and wc; air-conditioning (Jun-Sep); TV; minibar and safe.
    Options: Single room.
    Official category: 4 star.

  • Valentini DiamondDiamondDiamondplus

    This characteristic Liberty style hotel owned by the Salsomaggiore Spa, offers peace and comfort as well as superb regional and international cuisine.

    Location: Only 200 metres from the shops, bars and restaurants, the hotel is located in the heart of a century-old park.
    Facilities: Free use of public thermal indoor swimming pool (close by); games room; in-house spa and wellness centre including jacuzzi; restaurant; lounge bar; TV room; lifts.
    Price includes: Half board in a twin room with bath or shower and wc; air-conditioning (Jun-Sep); TV; minibar and safe.
    Options: Single room.
    Official category: 4 star.

Holiday Extensions

  • Add Eastern Mediterranean Cruise - 7 Extra nights from £476

    Why not extend your stay with a fantastic cruise on the Eastern Mediterranean on the cruise ship MSC Musica?
    On day 8 (Sun) of your tour you will be transferred to the port in Venice to meet the MSC Musica. After your cruise you will transfer to Venice airport for your flight home.

  • Add a week in Lake Garda - 7 Extra nights from £230

    After your leisurely tour, why not stay on for a relaxing week by beautiful Lake Garda. You can extend your holiday with a week in any of the hotels in Lake Garda. If the price for the combination of your choice is not shown on this page please ask your reservations advisor for details.
    On day 8 (Sun) of your tour you will be transferred to the hotel of your choice for a week's stay before returning to Venice airport for your flight home.

  • Add a week in Lido di Jesolo - 7 Extra nights from £140

    After your leisurely tour, why not stay on for a relaxing week at the popular beach resort of Lido di Jesolo. You can extend your holiday with a week in any of the hotels in Lido di Jesolo. If the price for the combination of your choice is not shown on this page please ask your reservations advisor for details. On day 8 (Sun) of your tour you will be transferred to the hotel of your choice for a week's stay before returning to Venice airport for your flight home.

Accommodation on Extensions

Add Eastern Mediterranean Cruise - 7 Extra nights from £476

  • MSC Musica DiamondDiamondDiamondDiamond

    Your cruise ship, the Italian owned MSC Musica, was built specifically for MSC Cruises and launched in June 2006. This elegant ship has been designed with unmistakeable Italian style décor, fully equipped with the highest quality materials and luxurious amenities to guarantee you cruise in comfort. On board, you will find a long-standing dedication to hospitality and service, in a warm and friendly environment.

    Public Rooms & Facilities
    Sun deck; 2 swimming pools; 9 bars; 2 poolside bars; theatre; shopping gallery; fitness centre; spa area; hairdresser; beauty centre; foreign exchange; laundry service; library and internet café.
    Dining
    Your cruise includes full board. There are 4 restaurants on board, serving the finest international cuisine with a number of Italian speciality choices as well. Main dining is in two restaurants, however, in addition there is 1 cafeteria and 1 à la carte restaurant.
    Cabins
    All cabins have twin or double beds; some cabins may have upper bunks for additional travelling companions; air-conditioning/heating; TV; telephone; radio; minibar; safe; shower and wc. Your holiday price includes a category 2 inside cabin or you may choose to upgrade.
    Options/Upgrades
    Cabin Categories & Descriptions
    2 Twin/double inside lower deck cabin
    3 Twin/double inside upper deck cabin
    4 Twin/double outside lower deck cabin
    6 Twin/double outside lower deck cabin with balcony
    11 Twin/double outside upper deck cabin with balcony
    Tipping
    It is customary to tip staff on board that give a personal service. In order to help, a sum of approximately 9 euros per person will be added as a fixed amount to your cashless account on a daily basis. This gratuity will be shared amongst the staff. This is of course discretionary and should you wish to make adjustments, you may do so by contacting the guest reception desk at any point during your cruise.

Add a week in Lake Garda - 7 Extra nights from £230

  • Astoria DiamondDiamondDiamond

    A friendly welcome awaits you at this relaxing family-run hotel, where you can enjoy beautiful views over the lake from the bar and terrace.

    Location: Situated across the road from a pebble beach; shops, bars and restaurants are 3 kilometres away in the resort centre.
    Facilities: Swimming pool surrounded by gardens with free sunbeds and parasols; pool bar (Jun-Sep); restaurant; lounge bar serving snacks, with TV area; bicycle hire; lift; safety deposit box in bedrooms.
    Price includes: Half board in a twin room with shower and wc; hairdryer; TV with English channels; balcony.
    Options: Single room.
    Official category: 3 star.
    Special offers: Free use of bicycles when available; complimentary bottle of sparkling wine for all bookings made before 15 March 2009.

  • Savoy Palace DiamondDiamondDiamondDiamond

    A popular modern hotel with a sense of spaciousness set in a tranquil location surrounded by bright and colourful gardens. Only a stone's throw away from the lake and promenade into the centre of Riva.

    Location: 150 metres from a shingle beach and 1 kilometre from the centre of Riva.
    Facilities: New swimming pool with free sunbeds, parasols and pool towels; hydromassage pool; heated indoor pool and sauna; pool bar (mid Jun to Sep); spacious restaurant with show cooking breakfast and 4 course evening meals with choice of menu and salad buffet; modern lounge area serving snacks and a wide selection of cocktails; bicycle hire (subject to availability); lifts; twice a week gala dinners; live music and dancing 6 times a week; happy hour 5-6pm.
    Price includes: Half board in a twin room with shower and wc; hairdryer; air-conditioning (15 Jun-15 Sep); safety deposit box (refundable deposit); satellite TV; balcony; minibar.
    Options: Sole occupancy.
    Official category: 4 star.
    Special offers: Complimentary 1/4 litre wine and 1/2 litre mineral water with evening meal; tea/coffee and biscuits from 4-5pm; free use of bicycles when available.

  • Splendid Palace DiamondDiamondDiamondDiamond

    Located in an idyllic setting amidst old lemon groves with spectacular views over Limone and across the lake to Malcesine.

    Location: Situated 300 metres up the hill from Limone village centre.
    Facilities: Two swimming pools with free sunbeds and parasols, one overlooking the lake and one close to the lake, indoor pool with whirlpool and sauna; pool bar; restaurant; sun terrace with bar service; lounge bar; TV area; lifts; live music weekly; safety deposit box in bedrooms.
    Price includes: Half board in a twin room with shower and wc; balcony; lake view; air-conditioning (Jun-Aug); TV; telephone.
    Options: Single room with balcony and lake view; junior suite with jacuzzi.
    Official category: 4 star.
    Special offers: A choice of local wine, beer or soft drinks, all on draught, included during dinner; complimentary afternoon tea or coffee and biscuits (from 4-5pm); candlelit Gala dinner and live music once a week; complimentary bottle of sparkling wine for all bookings made before 28 February 2009.

Add a week in Lido di Jesolo - 7 Extra nights from £140

  • D'Annunzio DiamondDiamondDiamond

    A traditional family run hotel that is close to the beach and renowned for its hospitality.

    Location: Situated on one of Lido di Jesolo's main streets just to the south of the main resort centre. The sandy beach is 100 metres away and there are shops, bars and cafés close by.
    Facilities: Swimming pool with free deckchairs and parasols; lounge bar; pavement café and bar area; restaurant; small TV area; private section of beach with free deckchairs and parasols; lift.
    Price includes: Half board in a twin room, with shower or bath and wc; balcony and safety deposit box.
    Options: Full board; single room (no balcony).
    Official category: 3 star.

  • Kennedy DiamondDiamondDiamond

    A pleasant and friendly hotel on the main shopping street very close to the beach, makes this an excellent choice for your holiday base.

    Location: The sandy beach is only 50 metres away; a selection of shops, cafés, bars and restaurants are just outside the hotel which itself is situated close to Piazza Milano, at the quieter end of the resort.
    Facilities: Swimming pool with sunbeds and parasols; private beach with free deck chairs and parasols; restaurant; terrace snack bar; lounge bar with satellite TV; lift; satellite TV, safety deposit box and air-conditioning (charge) in bedrooms.
    Price includes: Half board in a twin room with shower and wc and balcony.
    Options: Side sea view.
    Official category: 3 star.

  • Cambridge DiamondDiamondDiamondDiamond

    With an excellent location on the seafront, the Cambridge is a stylish hotel with a friendly atmosphere.

    Location: Set on the golden-sandy beach of Jesolo, 5 minutes walk from the Piazza Mazzini.
    Facilities: Swimming pool with small whirlpool; sunbeds for hire and parasols; private section of beach with free chairs and parasols; restaurants; pool bar; snack bar by the terrace; lifts; Gala night and live music (Saturday in high season); fridge and safety deposit box in bedrooms.
    Price includes: Half board in a twin room with shower and wc; balcony; side sea view; air-conditioning (Jun-Aug); hairdryer and satellite TV.
    Options: Single room (on request); full board.
    Official category: 4 star.

  • Principe Palace DiamondDiamondDiamondDiamond

    A family run hotel with excellent standards of accommodation and service. The rooftop pool offers great views to the sea and across the resort.

    Location: Facing the Piazza Mazzini with an abundance of cafés, shops and restaurants right outside; 150 metres from the beach.
    Facilities: Rooftop swimming pool with free sunbeds and parasols; pool bar; private section of beach; restaurant; lounge bar; table tennis; lifts; 18-hole golf course nearby (20% discount); occasional evening entertainment in high season; fridge and safety deposit box in bedrooms.
    Price includes: Half board in a twin room with shower and wc; balcony; satellite TV; air-conditioning (Jun-Sep); hairdryer.
    Options: Single room (on request).
    Official category: 4 star.

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