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Italian Showcase
15 DAYS FROM £969

This holiday has departures available between: 1st Aug 2008 to 24th Oct 2008
683 Mrs E Buxton Cheshire Our trip to Italy in September, doing the Tour, was everything we expected and more. I'd just finished reading Dan Brown's novels so our tour of Rome took on a new dimension - thrilling!

We had a superb coach driver, Umberto, who took all the strain, which allowed us to really relax and enjoy being dropped in the centre of the cities. Our tour guide, Chero, was also superb; his attention of detail was great. Our hotels were varied and good bases to explore from.

We loved the magnificent gardens and waterfalls of Tivoli, outside Rome. Whilst sipping our drinks on a sun-kissed terrace we were serenaded by a classical choral group accompanied by a harpsichord.

The numerous fine cathedrals and Duomos we visited deserve a mention, but my favourite was the lower Basilica at Assissi. Wherever we went, especially in the restaurants, where the wine and music flowed, we were welcomed warmly. Visiting Monte Cassino was a moving experience especially the visit to the war graves.

The Tuscan scenery was delightful from the rolling hills covered in vineyards and cypress trees to the timeless medieval towns perched on hill tops, as portrayed in many a Renaissance painting.

We loved exploring the side streets of Venice, Florence, Siena and Verona. The waterbuses of Venice were ideal and we enjoyed our visit to the Guggenheim Gallery.

On returning to Naples, we visited the beautiful island of Capri. We saw magical views after travelling by chair-lift to the highest point on Capri. Vesuvius dominated the Bay of Naples. Our ultimate trip was to Pompeii, which lived up to our expectations as being quite unique.

As a tribute to our super tour director, Chero, we wrote and dedicated a song to him, which my partner sang on our last night out in a Neopolitan restaurant. The chorus was joined in by the rest of our coach party. It summed up all the spectacular treasures we'd seen and the fun we had on this memorable holidays.
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Experience Italy's magical diversity on this journey rich in architectural delights, evocative scenery and cultural heritage.

Included Highlights

Rome City sightseeing
Orvieto Visit cathedral
Florence Walking tour
Pisa Visit the Square of Miracles
Verona City sightseeing
Padua St Antony's Basilica and Prato della Valle
Venice Canal boat ride, city sightseeing and glass-blowing demonstration
Ravenna Visit
San Marino Visit
Urbino Visit
Gubbio Visit
Assisi St Francis Basilica
Montecassino Visit
Capri
Naples Orientation drive
Pompeii Archeological site with local guide
Sorrento visit

Your Price Includes

Flights: UK - Naples - UK
Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
Meals on tour 14 breakfasts (B) and 8 dinners (D)
Professional tour director on tour and local representative in resort
Porterage at hotels during tour only (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 - Naples - Rome.
Fly to Naples where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for a three night stay.

DAY 2: Rome. Included sightseeing.
The 'Eternal City' 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. (B)

DAY 3: Rome.
The day is yours to continue exploring Rome. There are so many historic and cultural attractions to visit, you'll be spoilt for choice. Alternatively, you can browse the chic designer shops or enjoy a cappuccino in one of the stylish pavement cafés. We also have a range of great-value optional organised excursions on offer. (B)

DAY 4: Rome - Orvieto - Tuscan Hills - Poggibonsi.
We head north to the wine-making town Orvieto in the province of Umbria, standing high on a rocky hilltop, where we'll visit the impressive black basalt and yellow limestone cathedral. Next we enjoy an introduction to the beauty of the Tuscan countryside and the hillside towns and villages that skirt the Chianti wine growing region of Castellina, before continuing to Poggibonsi for a four-night stay. This pretty little town, located in the heart of Tuscany, half way between Florence and Siena and next door to San Gimignano, is an ideal base for touring the region. (B, D)

DAY 5: Poggibonsi.
The day is yours to relax and do as you please. Perhaps you'd like to join our optional excursion to picturesque San Gimignano, one of Italy's best preserved medieval towns, set on a hilltop and surrounded by vines and olive trees, and to Siena, one of Italy's architectural and historic jewels, with its well-preserved medieval streets, converging on the glorious, semi-circular Piazza del Campo, famous for the 'Palio' horse racing event. Tonight you have the opportunity to join the optional Tuscan dinner. (B)

DAY 6: Florence. Included sightseeing.
The Tuscan capital simply overflows with wonderful Renaissance art and architecture. Our full-day excursion includes a guided walking tour taking in the sightseeing highlights, such as a Piazza Santa Croce, the Palazzo Vecchio and Brunelleschi's magnificent Duomo. (B, D)

DAY 7: Pisa.
We take a short drive to Pisa to visit the world famous 'Square of Miracles', home of the amazing Leaning Tower, as well as the Duomo, the Baptistry and the Campo Santo cemetery. There's time to take a stroll down the 'Via Santa Maria', perhaps Pisa's most typical street, with its busy shops and restaurants. The afternoon is at leisure. (B, D)

DAY 8: Poggibonsi - Verona (included sightseeing) - Padua - Venice area.
We head north through the Tuscan countryside, into the flatlands of the Po Valley and across its river to the beautiful 'pink city' of Verona on the banks of the Adige. Get to know more about this enchanting city on your included city sightseeing tour, which will take in various highlights, including, of course, the famous 'Juliet's' Balcony. Next stop is Padua in the Veneto, where the famous university was founded in 1222, before we arrive in the Venice area for a two-night stay. (B)

DAY 9: Venice. Included sightseeing.
A short drive takes us to Venice for an included city sightseeing tour and an afternoon with a choice of optional great-value excursions. This 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 sightseeing tour with local guide starts with a boat ride and takes in many of the city's highlights, including St Mark's Basilica. You'll also enjoy a visit to a typical Venetian glass-blowing demonstration. (B, D)

DAY 10: Venice area - Ravenna - San Marino.
Heading south, we stop in Ravenna in the Emilia- Romagna region, at one time an imperial city known as the Byzantium of the west, after which we travel into the tiny hilltop republic of San Marino, the smallest independent state in Europe after the Vatican and Monaco, for an overnight stay. (B, D)

DAY 11: San Marino - Urbino - Gubbio - Assisi area.
First stop today is Urbino, birthplace of the artist Raphael, with its magnificent Ducal Palace towering over the town. Then it's on to medieval Gubbio, where you'll enjoy a superb view of the rooftops of the town from the Consul's Palace. Next we head for the picturesque hilltop town of Assisi, birthplace of St Francis, staying overnight in nearby Foligno. (B, D)

DAY 12: Assisi area - Montecassino - Naples.
We start the day with a visit to Assisi's Basilica, with its world famous frescoes by Giotto. Then we travel south across the Apennines into the province of Latium for a stop in Montecassino, doubly famous as a holy place for its Benedictine Abbey and as a site of a major World War II battle. Later in the day we arrive at the shores of the beautiful, blue Mediterranean for a three-night stay in one of its most historic and vibrant cities, Naples, spectacularly set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Vesuvius. (B, D)

DAY 13: Capri.
A favourite haunt of the jet set, Capri is a beautiful island with many sightseeng attractions, including some impressive Roman ruins and villas. We'll travel by boat to this legendary island, surrounded by rose-tinted rocks, 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. Return to Naples for overnight. (B, D)

DAY 14: Pompeii. Included sightseeing.
This morning there's a chance to get to know more about lively Naples on our included orientation drive. Then it's on to Pompeii, the incredible ancient city which was buried for centuries by lava ashes from the volcano, Vesuvius. You'll enjoy an included tour with local guide of the site where you can see the well-preserved remains of villas, temples and the forum. Spend the evening in the seaside town of Sorrento before returning to Naples for overnight. (B)

DAY 15: Naples - Flight to the UK.
Transfer to Naples airport for your flight to the UK. (B)

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Accommodation on Tour

Rome: Princess (4*); Tuscan Hills: Toscana Ambassador at Poggibonsi (4*); Venice area: Poppi at Mira (4*); San Marino: Titano (3*); Foligno: Holiday Inn Express at Foligno (3*); Naples: San Germano (4*).

Holiday Extensions

  • Add a week in Ischia - 7 Extra nights from £234

    Why not add a relaxing week on the beautiful island of Ischia?
    You can extend your holiday with a week in any of the hotels in Ischia. If prices for the combination of your choice are not shown on this page please ask your reservations advisor for details.
    On day 15 (Fri) you will be transferred to the hotel of your choice, where you will enjoy a week's stay before returning to Naples airport for your flight home.

  • Add a week in Sorrento - 7 Extra nights from £240

    Why not add a relaxing week in cosmopolitan Sorrento?
    You can extend your holiday with a week in any of the hotels in Sorrento. If prices for the combination of your choice are not shown on this page please ask your reservations advisor for details.
    On day 15 (Fri) you will be transferred to the hotel of your choice, where you will enjoy a week's stay before returning to Naples airport for your flight home.

Accommodation on Extensions

Add a week in Ischia - 7 Extra nights from £234

  • Eden Park DiamondDiamondDiamond

    A cheerful and pleasant hotel that has been completely renovated. Here, surrounded by gardens, you should be able to enjoy your holiday in a totally relaxing and hospitable atmosphere.

    Location: Just 300 metres from the sandy beach of Chiaia and about 1 kilometre from the resort centre of Forio, which can be easily reached by the local buses that stop directly outside the hotel.
    Facilities: Swimming pool; hydro massage pool; indoor thermal pool; pool/snack bar; lounge bar; restaurant; sun terrace; safety deposit box in bedrooms.
    Price includes: Half board in a twin room with shower, wc and air-conditioning (Jun-Sep).
    Options: Balcony; sole occupancy (not available 1-21 Aug); full board.
    Official category: 3 star.
    Note: This hotel is situated in a very hilly area. The hotel does not have a lift.

Add a week in Sorrento - 7 Extra nights from £240

  • Gran Paradiso DiamondDiamondDiamondDiamond

    This comfortable hotel is peacefully situated high on a hillside overlooking the Bay of Naples. There is a large terrace offering wonderful picturesque views.

    Location: 2.5 kms from the centre, reached by the hotel's courtesy bus which runs approximately 8 times a day. There are bars and restaurants in the St Agnello area 1 km away and it is 1.6 kms to Marinella beach.
    Facilities: Swimming pool; free sunbeds; pool bar; lounge bar; restaurant; à la carte menu available; games room; table tennis; pool table; lifts; minibar in bedrooms (on request).
    Price includes: Half board in a twin room with shower and wc; balcony (rear view); satellite TV; air-conditioning (Jul-Aug) and safety deposit box .
    Options: Sea view; single (no balcony); full board.
    Official category: 4 star.
    Note: There is a large number of steps within the hotel and it is situated on a hillside.

  • Hilton Sorrento Palace DiamondDiamondDiamondDiamondplus

    Set in extensive, well-kept gardens, with beautiful views across the Bay of Naples, this large well known hotel offers excellent amenities and can't fail to impress.

    Location: 800 metres uphill from the town centre and 1 kilometre from the nearest beach.
    Facilities: 6 cascading pools with free sunbeds, parasols and towels; poolside bar serving snacks; sun terrace; garden with orange and lemon groves; tennis court (charge for floodlights); small gym; lounge and piano bar; à la carte restaurant available; lifts; live music in the lounge most evenings and minibar in bedrooms. Note: A smart/casual dress code applies in the restaurant.
    Price includes: Half board in a twin room with bath or shower and wc; balcony (with rear view); TV; air-conditioning (May to Sep) and safety deposit box.
    Options: Sea view; executive room and sea view; single room (rear view).
    Official category: 4 star.
    Special offer: No single room supplement.

  • Caravel DiamondDiamondDiamondDiamond

    The Caravel is an elegantly furnished and comfortable hotel set in attractive gardens, in a quiet residential area 5 minutes' walk from the centre of St Agnello.

    Location: 200 metres from the bars and restaurants of St Agnello and Marinella beach (open from mid-May to the end of Sep). 1.5 kilometres from the centre of Sorrento which is served by a courtesy bus five times a day (three at weekends).
    Facilities: Swimming pool with free sunbeds; jacuzzi in pool; roof top sun terrace; lounge bar serving snacks (lunch only); restaurant; games room; internet access; lifts; live music 3 times a week; minibar; free ironing room.
    Price includes: Half board in a twin room with bath or shower and wc; air-conditioning (Jun to Sep); satellite TV; safety deposit box and hairdryer.
    Options: Balcony; full board; sole occupancy; single room.
    Official category: 4 star.

Holiday Review: ,
Italian Showcase
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