INCLUDED FEATURES...

Hotels
All four hotels are well located to enable easy exploration of the historic centres. They range in style from the modern Milan Hilton to the 15C Continental on the Grand Canal, while the Croce di Malta draws on Tuscan influences.

Fellow Passengers
This tour appeals to those wanting a flexible itinerary with the convenience of an escorted tour. Half day city tours introduce you to highlights of each location, then the rest of the time is yours to explore at will.

Highlights
Each centre is a highlight in itself! Milan’s exquisite Gothic cathedral, the haunting waterscape of Venice, Renaissance Florence and Rome – overflowing with artistry & ancient monuments.

Excursions & Sights

• See Milan’s Gothic Cathedral, Sforza Castle and La Scala Opera House
• See Juliet’s Balcony and the ancient Roman arena in Verona
• Cruise to St Mark’s Square in Venice by private launch
• See St Mark’s Basilica, Doges’ Palace and the Bridge of Sighs
• See the Duomo and Gates of Paradise.
• Visit Signoria Square & Santa Croce
• Visit the Basilica of St Francis in Assisi with its amazing frescos by Giotto
• See the Forum and visit the Colosseum & St Peter’s Basilica in Rome

Guided City Tours

• In depth sightseeing tours in Rome & Florence
• Orientation tours of Milan, Verona & Venice

Insight's First Class Services

• Escorted by a professional Tour Director
• Luxury 40 seat touring coach with extra legroom & onboard toilet
• First Class hotels with all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Travel bag, document wallet, map book journal and information pack
• Complimentary transfers on Day 2 & Day 14 between the airport and your tour hotel

Quality Dining

• Highlight Dinner of Italian cuisine in Rome (HD)
• 12 buffet breakfasts (BB), 3 three course table d’hôte dinners, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

DAY 1 – DEPART USA

Overnight flight to Milan.

DAY 2 – ARRIVE MILAN

Welcome to Italy! On arrival at Malpensa airport there are complimentary transfers to the tour hotel at 09.00 and 12.30. The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight, before dinner, enjoy a Welcome Drink with your Tour Director. Hotel: Hilton. (D)

DAY 3 – MILAN SIGHTSEEING

Sightseeing this morning includes the magnificent Milan Cathedral, its marble facade bristling with 135 pinnacles and over 2000 statues! Admire the massive Sforza Castle and world famous La Scala Theatre too, before free time to explore on your own. (BB)

DAY 4 – MILAN AT LEISURE

Today is at leisure to relax or perhaps continue sightseeing? Why not take an optional excursion to the nearby, scenic Italian Lake District? (BB)

DAY 5 – MILAN – VENICE

Head east to Verona, tragic setting for Shakespeare’s ‘star crossed lovers’. See the Arena built over 1900 years ago by the Romans and walk through the old narrow streets to the courtyard of the Capulet home to see Juliet's balcony. Then on to Venice, glorious city of bridges, palaces and gondolas. Hotel: Continental. (BB,D)

DAY 6 – VENICE SIGHTSEEING

Cruise to St Mark's Square by private launch. Pass the Bridge of Sighs attached to the Doges’ Palace before admiring the magnificently decorated Basilica. Later visit a glass showroom to see a traditional craftsman at work. Now the rest of the day is at leisure. (BB)

DAY 7 – VENICE AT LEISURE

A day to drink in the unique atmosphere of this wonderful city! Maybe explore the treasures of the Academy Museum, browse through the shops on the Rialto Bridge or sit a while at a canal side café with a glass of local wine? (BB)

DAY 8 – VENICE – FLORENCE

Cross the fertile valley and climb high into the Apennines, to enter the peaceful landscapes of Tuscany. In the Renaissance city of Florence, sightseeing includes a visit to the Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo’s statue of ‘David’. Continue with your guide to the Duomo, where Ghiberti’s ‘Gates of Paradise’ adorn the Baptistery. Now admire the many statues of Signoria Square, before visiting the Basilica of Santa Croce which houses the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo. Hotel: Croce di Malta. (BB,D)

DAYS 9 & 10 – FLORENCE AT LEISURE

Two whole days to enjoy this beautiful city! Maybe take an optional excursion to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa or the unique and beautiful Cinqueterre region? Perhaps visit San Gimignano to admire the picturesque Salucci Towers? Or why not dedicate a day to shopping for leather and gold products? The choice is yours! (BB,BB)

DAY 11 – FLORENCE – ROME

Travel through the vineyards of the Chianti region en route to Assisi. A chance to visit the tomb of St Francis and the frescoes of Giotto in the great basilica, before continuing along the Tiber valley towards the 'Eternal City', Rome. Hotel: Ateneo Garden Palace. (BB)

DAY 12 – ROME SIGHTSEEING

Sightseeing with your local guide begins with a visit to the Vatican Museums, treasure house of the Popes, and the celebrated Sistine Chapel. Next, visit St. Peter's Basilica and the Colosseum and see the Roman Forum. This afternoon you are at leisure to shop or relax. (BB)

DAY 13 – ROME AT LEISURE

A full day to explore Rome at your own pace. Perhaps spend visit the well preserved Pantheon or sip a cappuccino in the Piazza Navona - the 'Living Room of Rome'. This evening, drive to a local restaurant to enjoy a Highlight Dinner of typically Roman cuisine with entertainment. (BB,HD)

DAY 14 – RETURN TO USA

Sadly, your tour comes to an end today. Transfers from the hotel arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07.00 and 09.30 hrs. (BB)