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Treasures of Italy
8 DAYS FROM £744
The holiday was a total success, there were 35 people in total on the same tour, they came from all corners of the earth, and 5 others travelled alone. All those on the tour were friendly; I did not feel as though I were travelling alone. The group included me in all activities whether planned as part of the itinerary or not. The advice given on what to wear was spot-on.
Everything wasn't perfect, it never is and some travellers looked for something to complain about including the fact that the weather was hotter than anticipated; what can anyone do about that? The coaches were air conditioned and so relaxing to travel in and the break from walking when moving to and from each destination was very welcome The tour manager kept us constantly informed as we drove past interesting landmarks.
Our group intend to keep in touch; an American family described us as an extension to their own family and intend to set up a website for us all to exchange photographs.
The entertainment during meals was delightful and gave us a flavour of Italian hospitality. We all mixed and mingled with different individuals when dining so I was able to exchange conversation with everyone on the tour.
The whole experience was exciting, busy, exhausting, elating and magical. It was brilliant to see so much in so many destinations with clear verbal guidance and information about the history of all we were shown as well as having ample opportunity to explore independently.
Can't wait to choose the next one!
Overall we enjoyed it very much. Very well organised with very good guides at each of the points of interest.
However, we did think that there was too much packed into it. We, like the rest of the group, did all the optional tours, this we felt was a mistake, as it left no time whatsoever for any free time..
Some of the trips were unsuitable for the older people on the coach, such as the Tivoli Gardens, which gives no mention of the layout and that older people will find it difficult to come back up to the top. Added to that the lift from the bottom of the house to the top, was closed due to the time of day(i.e early evening). This meant several flights of stairs which were both steep and long, had to be climbed, by people using walking aids. We felt that this information should be given in advance.
On the Friday when we were due to go to the Vatican & Sistine Chapel, we were informed that it was closed, due to the most important Holiday and Mass on the calender. As it is held every year on the same weekend, we fail to see how this was not catered for. As a result Friday`s tour was packed into Saturday, leaving a much shortened time to enjoy what Rome had to offer.
The visit to Capri, in our opinion was again subject to a lack of information. We were not told that the "Chair Lift" was of the kind used in Ski Resorts, which again those in our company with walking aids found very difficult.
On a direct complaint here, we were incouraged by our guide to use a certain Restaurant for lunch and at a good price. This turned out to be the worst lunch we had, with other Restaurants offering far better meals for less cost.
These comments sound as though we did not enjoy the tour, we did, but for the age group that tend to take up these tours, more consideration needs to be given, such as one stop on a five and a half hour coach journey is not sufficient, when the time you have is no more than half an hour.(sometimes less)
Our Tour Director Katerina was a wonderful girl, full of information and very willing and able to help with any problems, but again failing to take into account that older people just cannot walk as quick as she can, at one point I reckoned that our party stretched some fifty yards behind her. This was not a fault that was peculiar to her. There were times when we were out of communication with guides, even though we were in possession of radio links.
Enough of the negatives. the tour was designed to give a flavour of Italy and to that end it was successful. The Hotels were all good ,some better than others, but all good and the staff very friendly. If I were to ask anything of you, it would be to consider splitting Italy into two halves, we passed through a wonderful wine region, with no opportunity to vist a Vineyard for instance. A Northern Italy Tour and a Southern Italy Tour would be a preference, with a greater opportunity of free time at each stop over. ( I say this in response to a couple on our coach who were going on to a further tour after finishing the Eight day one and they expressed great concern that the next one would be as hectic as this one.)
We have been with Archers on several trips and will continue to recommend them, but perhaps having someone from your company and the the age group that tend to take up these tours, should go on the tour and experience the highs and the lows, which I feel would lead to a better understanding of what your customers are experiencing.
I do not know if you will publish this review, but if you do, to the people who read it, don`t let it stop you from taking up this trip. It may be that there were more people on our trip, that had walking difficulties, than others have had. My view on Italy has changed as a result of going. I wanted to see certain things, which I did and they were beyond my expectations.
Will I go to Italy again Yes, will it be with Archers Yes.
The sights visited were amazing and we were kept well informed about each one.
The optional excursions were good, we really enjoyed them.
We were pleased with all the hotels, they were clean and comfortable.
This tour has early mornings and a fair amount of walking, but the reward is that your visits will be cooler, less busy, and you will see most of Italy!
We will be booking again next year and will try something different.
Thank you so much Denis for an unforgettable week.
Bearing in mind that you are travelling from the north of Italy to the south and back again, in a week, it was expected that it would be a little arduous. It was. There were a couple of 7-hour journeys early in the week and this was making the coach ride a bit of an ordeal. I would rather have had the journey split into 3 or 4 legs with 20 minutes break every hour and a half or so. However, we got two mammoth journeys spaced only by one break and that of an hour.
However, I had checked the hotels on www.tripadvisor.com and it looked as if we were about to be staying at some absolute hovels and whilst the hotels were not 5 star, they were clean and practical. You have to bear in mind that we were not paying 5 star prices here.
We did most of the optional excursions. The one on Capri is essential and really should have been in as part of the holiday (at extra cost) as without it you are dumped at the harbour for about 8 hours. We took the "flavours of Italy" evening in Sorrento and this gave us a good meal at a good price. We declined the singing and dancing excursion afterwards and got mixed reports the following day. Some thought it good and some thought that it was like a school play. In Rome, the evening tour with meal was excellent. The whole party was put into a private dining room and we got an excellent meal and were entertained by musicians and the waiters. The following nights trip to Tivoli with a meal was also good.
You must bear in mind that there is an awful lot of walking to be done. You don't appreciate the early morning call and departure at the time but it meant that we got to places before the crowds and before the relentless sun. A lot of the walking tours had those earpieces and I must admit that by the time we got to the Colosseum and Forum in Rome I had given up the will to live and turned mine off.
On the last full day there was to be another tour with earpieces around Florence and as we had been to Florence before we declined and went and found a nice bar for a pizza and a beer and a sit down. We enjoyed that! I must say that we did feel a little cheated in Florence as we were all guided from the bus to a leather workshop and were given the hard sell for about 45 minutes. We had to do this as the guide was waiting by the exit with city maps and details of where we were meeting. Had we not declined the walking tour then we would not have had time for lunch.
Also, on the last morning we were told to be ready for departure to the airport at 4.30! It's as well that we didn't sleep very well as the phone went at 4.10 by a stroppy woman saying "we are waiting for you" and then a few minutes later we got another call saying that they "we're about to go". Not the best of starts. 4.10 is before I would normally get up in the middle of the night to go to the loo!
The Glasgow/Newcastle direct flight was excellent. It used BMI and there were acres of leg room. We even got an emergency exit seat on the way home as the young girl at check in saw that " I was very tall".
Overall the holiday was very good but also very tiring. Our driver, Beppe, was excellent and our director, Rita, treated the whole lot like a military exercise so no-one dared to be late back to the bus, however she made sure that everything went smoothly. I'm sure that there must have been a hole in the top of her head so she could breathe because once she got the microphone in her hand there was no stopping her.
Most of the bunch we were with were also decent people (apart from one woman who had a fag permanently in her mouth every moment we were not on the bus and blew smoke all over the place).
The early morning flight from Gatwick arrived in Venice around 10am where Archers representatives were waiting to direct us to the coaches taking us to our hotels. After a relaxing afternoon, we met our tour guide for the week, Mario, who was to prove a very helpful and caring courier.
The next day our destination was Assisi, a beautiful place and bascilica. After a comfortable night's sleep, we left early net day for the long drive to Sorrento. We loved it here and had a marvellous meal in the evening amidst the bustling back streets and shops, open til late.
A day trip to Capri was the next unforgettable trip. On the road again next day to Rome - the eternal city where the awesome Rome buildings come alive at night and the amazing Vatican City. Two days here, but all too soon, we're off to Florence, a romantic and beautiful city for the Art lover.
The next day we had to say goodbye to some of our coach party who were going home, while we (and a few others) boarded our fabulous cruise ship MSC Armonia at Venice. What a fantastic liner, so much to see and do on board, a totally new experience. Our cabin was large and comfortable. We never ever felt the boat moving which made very agreeable sailing. We couldn't fault the food (so much of it), the waiters so attentive and entertainment at night - absolutely marvellous.
Ports of call in Italy, Greece and Croatia were all fascinating places to visit and the disembarking and embarking each time was efficiently organised. Captain's cocktails night was especially enjoyed by us both.
We would thoroughly recommend this 2 week holiday to anyone, visiting so many places in a short time. We were well looked after and believe it was a value of money holiday, never to be forgotten. Easily our best holiday so far !!!!
All the organisation was first class and our guide Andrej certainly passed on his tremendous knowledge and enthusiasm. I feel very fortunate to have seen such a beautiful country with so many wonderful treasures and am amazed that I was able to see so much in just eight days.
It was a very special holiday and I would be grateful if my thanks could be passed on to as many people as possible With Many Thanks.
A tableau of historic sights and scenic beauty, featuring Italy's three key cities of culture as well as the beautiful Bay of Naples.
Included Highlights
Venice Canal boat ride, orientation & glass-blowing demonstration
Assisi St Francis' Basilica
Capri Boat trip from Sorrento
Pompeii Archaeological site
Rome City sightseeing with local guide, St Peter's Square, Roman Forum and Colosseum
Florence Walking sightseeing tour
Included in the Price
Flights: UK - Venice - UK
Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
Meals on tour 7 breakfasts (B) and 4 dinners (D)
Professional tour director on tour and local representative in resort
Porterage at hotels during tour (for one suitcase per person)
Transfers between overseas airport and hotels
All local and airport taxes/service charges
Single share option (on tour only) no supplement to pay
Holiday Itinerary
DAY 1: UK - Venice area.
Fly to Venice where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay. (D)
DAY 2: Venice - Assisi.
Venice, a city of unparalleled beauty, offers a feast of wonderful sights. Imagine the delightful criss-crossing canals, the gondolas, water buses, arched bridges, palaces and little quiet piazzas. Your day starts with a canal boat ride to the heart of Venice followed by an orientation of this delightful city and a typical Venetian glass-blowing demonstration. In the afternoon we head south, crossing the Po River and following the 'backbone' of Italy, the Apennines, to the beautiful hilltop town of Assisi for an overnight stay. (B, D)
DAY 3: Assisi - Sorrento.
In the morning we visit Assisi's beautiful Basilica of St Francis, with its world-famous frescoes by Giotto, before heading across the Apennines to the glorious azure Bay of Naples and the spectacular setting of Sorrento, your base for the next two nights. (B)
DAY 4: Capri.
A favourite haunt of the jet set, Capri is a beautiful island with many sightseeing attractions. We'll travel by ferry to this legendary island, landing in Capri Town, with its pretty piazza, maze of streets, fashionable boutiques and smart restaurants. There's a chance to join our optional tour around the island and enjoy some stunning panoramic views. (B, D)
DAY 5: Sorrento - Pompeii - Rome.
In the morning we visit the archaeological site of Pompeii with local guide, the incredible ancient city which was buried for centuries by lava ashes from the volcano, Vesuvius. You will see the well-preserved remains of villas, temples and the forum. In the afternoon, we head for the 'Eternal City', Rome, where you will spend the next two nights. (B)
DAY 6: Rome. Included sightseeing.
Rome never ceases to amaze and delight, with its rich legacy of history and culture and its stylish, vibrant atmosphere. Our included sightseeing tour starts in St Peter's Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum. There's also a full programme of great-value optional excursions to choose from, including an evening outing with dinner. (B)
DAY 7: Rome - Florence area. Included sightseeing.
Heading north, we travel through central Italy and into the lush countryside of Tuscany. We arrive in the area in time for an afternoon visit to the Tuscan capital Florence, a living museum, packed with art and architecture from the glory days of the Renaissance. Your included walking tour with local guide will take you to most of the sightseeing highlights, including the Piazza Santa Croce, the Piazza Signoria, the Palazzo Vecchio, the Piazza del Duomo with its magnificent cathedral, and the Loggia dei Lanzi. (B, D)
DAY 8: Florence area - Venice - UK.
Enjoy a last lingering look at the glorious Tuscan countryside. 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 Albatros at Mestre (4*); Assisi: Antonelli at Santa Maria Degli Angeli (3*); Sorrento Area: Rivage or Central Park (3*); Rome: Fleming (4*); Florence area: Europa at Signa (3*).
Platinum Tourer
The ultimate in comfort travel, why not choose to upgrade to our Platinum Tourer Coach?
The Platinum Tourer is offered on the following dates 21 Jun, 5, 19 Jul, 2, 16 & 30 Aug. Enjoy the benefits of a coach specifically designed for luxury touring.
Holiday Extensions
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View Holiday PhotosAdd Eastern Mediterranean Cruise - 7 Extra nights from £404
Why not extend your stay with a fantastic cruise of 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. -
View Holiday PhotosAdd a week in Lake Garda - 7 Extra nights from £220
After your 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, after leaving Florence you will be transferred to the hotel of your choice for a week's stay before returning to Venice airport for your flight home. -
View Holiday PhotosAdd a week in Lido di Jesolo - 7 Extra nights from £140
After your tour, why not stay on for a relaxing week by 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, after leaving Florence 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 £404
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View Holiday Photos
View Deck PlansMSC Musica
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 £220
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View Holiday PhotosAstoria
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. -
View Holiday PhotosSavoy Palace
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. -
View Holiday PhotosSplendid Palace
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. -
View Holiday PhotosMajestic Palace
plusThis large traditional hotel has a peaceful atmosphere, and is set in beautiful surroundings amidst lush gardens and olive groves. Extensively refurbished, a new wing houses the deluxe rooms.
Location: 1.5 kilometres from the resort centre, bars and restaurants; 2 kilometres to the beach; 500 metres to the cable car.
Facilities: 2 swimming pools; free sunbeds and parasols; indoor pool; buffet restaurant (dress code: men must wear long trousers to dinner); lounge bar serving snacks; TV bar; lifts; shuttle bus to Malcesine (charge); safety deposit box in bedrooms; table tennis; pool table; volleyball; tennis court (racquet hire available); minigolf; gym; sauna.
Price includes: Half board in a twin room with wc and bath or shower; balcony; fridge; air-conditioning (high season); satellite TV; hairdryer.
Options: Sole occupancy with balcony or terrace; deluxe room with balcony or terrace.
Official category: 4 star.
Note: Steps to the restaurant mean the hotel is not suitable for wheelchairs.
Special offers: A choice of local wine, beer or soft drinks, all on draught, during dinner; free tea/coffee and biscuits 4-5pm; candlelit gala dinner and live music once a week.
Add a week in Lido di Jesolo - 7 Extra nights from £140
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View Holiday PhotosD'Annunzio
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. -
View Holiday PhotosCambridge
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. -
View Holiday PhotosPrincipe Palace
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. -
View Holiday PhotosBrioni al Mare
Enjoying an enviable central location next to the beach, the renovated Brioni al Mare offers guests good modern amenities and some splendid sea views. A traditional hotel that will ensure a very comfortable stay.
Location: Ideally located in central Lido di Jesolo, within 50 metres of all amenities and 20 metres from the sea.
Facilities: Swimming pool with free sunbeds and parasols; TV room; restaurant; bar; rooftop jacuzzi; fitness room; disco; lifts; safety deposit box and air-conditioning in bedrooms.
Price includes: Half board in a twin room with shower and wc; satellite TV; balcony and side sea view.
Options: Single room without side sea view.
Official category: 4 star.
View My Holiday Photos
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prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement,
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