INCLUDED FEATURES...

HOTELS

The modern style of the Meridien Beach Plaza in Monte Carlo contrasts with the traditional character of both the Bellavista hotel in the spa town of Montecatini and the elegance of the Cicerone hotel in Rome.

FELLOW PASSENGERS

This tour has equal appeal for those already aware of the benefits of coach touring and those who prefer to be more independent. It is great for both experienced and first-time travellers who like to travel at a relaxed pace.

HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights include the beauty of the French Riviera and the unique setting of Monaco, the artistic heritage of Florence, the delightful visit to medieval Lucca and the awe-inspiring history of Rome.

EXCURSIONS & SIGHTS

See the Royal Palace, the yacht-filled harbour and the Cathedral in Monaco; See the Casino & drive along Monaco's Grand Prix circuit; Visit the fashionable resort of Nice - the Queen of the Riviera See the Leaning Tower of Pisa in the 'Field of Miracles'; See the Cathedral, 'Gates of Paradise'& open-air gallery of Signoria Square in Florence; Tour St. Peter's Basilica seeing Michelangelo's 'Pieta' and the Popes' Altar by Bernini Stroll to Rome's Piazza di Spagna dominated by the majestic Spanish Steps

SCENIC DRIVES

Italian Riviera, Tuscany, Apennines

GUIDED CITY TOURS

Indepth sightseeing tours in Florence & Rome Orientation tour in Nice

INSIGHT'S FIRST CLASS SERVICES

Escorted by a professional Tour Director

Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet

First-class hotels with all service charges, taxes and porterage

Travel bag, document wallet, map book journal and information pack

Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 1 and departure transfer on Day 10

DAY 1: DEPART USA. (SAT.) Overnight flight to Nice.

DAY 2: ARRIVE COTE D'AZUR. (SUN.) On arrival at Nice Airport there are complimentary transfers along the coast to the tour hotel in Monaco. The afternoon is yours to relax and settle in before joining your fellow passengers and Tour Director for a Welcome Drink. (D)

Hotel: Le Meridien Beach Plaza

DAY 3: MONACO SIGHTSEEING. (MON.) Explore Monaco, which has been ruled by the Grimaldi family since the 13th century. Walk with your Tour Director through the Old Town to see the Royal Palace, where the Grimaldi family lives, the yacht-filled harbour and the Cathedral, which houses the tombs of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. Drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit to see the Monte Carlo Casino. (BB)

DAY 4: NICE & ST PAUL DE VENCE EXCURSION. (TUE.) The day is set aside to enjoy a taste of the jet set. Visit the lively city of Nice, with its host of attractions. Take a stroll in the shady gardens, relax on the beach or browse in the exclusive boutiques. Continue to the medieval hill top town of St. Paul de Vence - source of inspiration for artists such as Chagall, Matisse and Cezanne. Wander through the narrow cobbled streets and enjoy the panoramic views over Provence. (BB)

DAY 5: MONACO - MONTECATINI. (WED.) Cross into Italy and drive through tunnels and bridges along the 'Flower Riviera'. Stop in Pisa, once one of the most important ports on the Mediterranean. Its wealthy merchants dedicated some of their wealth to build a fine Cathedral and Baptistery, but today it is the belltower which attracts most notice by leaning four metres from the perpendicular. Stay in the nearby Tuscan spa town of Montecatini. (BB,D)

Hotel: Bellavista

DAY 6: FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING. (THU.) A short drive leads you to Florence, cradle of the Renaissance. See the lofty Cathedral and Baptistery, Giotto's 14th century Campanile (said to be the most beautiful bell-tower in the world), the 'Gates of Paradise', Signoria Square with its open-air gallery of Renaissance sculpture, and visit one of the great art galleries to see Michelangelo's masterpiece, the Statue of David. In the afternoon, you may wish to discover more of the art treasures housed in the many museums and galleries or explore more of this fascinating city before returning to the hotel. Consider joining a Tuscan dinner party at night. (BB)

DAY 7: LUCCA EXCURSION. (FRI.) A short drive leads to the delightful medieval town of Lucca, its churches, squares and palaces perfectly preserved within its encircling ramparts. See the birthplace of Puccini, who wrote the tragic opera 'La Boheme', and the bronze statue dedicated to him. After time to explore, return to the hotel. During the afternoon, opt for an excursion to the hilltop town of San Gimignano, renowned for its many tall fortress towers, or take a relaxing stroll in Montecatini. (BB)

DAY 8: MONTECATINI – LAKE COMO (SAT.) Travel southwards through the province of Umbria to the valley of the river Tiber and follow its course to Rome, cradle of ancient civilisation. Sightseeing with a local guide takes you inside St. Peter's Basilica, built around the tomb of St. Peter, and designed by some of history's greatest architects - Bramante, Bernini and Michelangelo. Another highlight takes you inside the massive Colosseum, scene of great excitement and occasional martyrdom in imperial times. Then look out over the Forum - once the religious, political and commercial heart of the Roman Empire. (BB)

Hotel: Cicerone

DAY 9: COMO & LUGANO EXCURSION. (SUN.) Today your Tour Director will show you the resort of Como, dominated by its marble cathedral set in the narrow streets of the old town. Later, cross into Switzerland to fashionable Lugano, beautifully located on the shores of its lake amid spectacular mountains. Time here to stroll in the gardens and browse in the exclusive shops with the chance to buy delicious Swiss chocolate or even that exclusive Swiss watch! (BB)

DAY 10: LAKE COMO AT LEISURE(MON.) Today is free to relax and enjoy enchanting Lake Como. Maybe take the ferry across the lake to Bellagio and see why George Clooney fell in love with this part of Italy? A visit to nearby Villa Carlotta with its beautiful terraced gardens is a must! Tonight, join your Tour Director for a last night celebration Highlight Dinner at a local restaurant. (BB,HD)

DAY 11: RETURN TO USA. (TUE.) The tour ends after breakfast with complimentary transfers from the hotel to Milan’s Malpensa Airport. (BB)