Top to Toe of Italy

Day 1: UK/Venice
Depart on your scheduled flight to Venice. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in nearby Lido di Jesolo on Italy’s Adriatic Coast, where you will stay for two nights on a half-board basis.

Day 2: Venice
After breakfast this morning you’ll join our included three-quarter-day excursion to the extraordinary floating city of Venice, built on a maze of more than 150 canals and home to some 400 bridges. You’ll see all the main sights such as St Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge and the Doge’s Palace before you return to your hotel this evening.

Day 3: Bologna
Today you will travel through northern Italy and into Tuscany’s glorious countryside. En route you’ll visit the ‘Red City’ of Bologna, so called because of the eye-catching stone which features in much of its architecture. It has a wonderful old centre, stylish squares and the imposing Church of San Petronio to explore, or why not find a restaurant and treat yourself to a delicious lunch – Bolognese sauce and tortellini are just two of the culinary specialities that originated here. After leaving Bologna, your journey continues to your hotel in Montecatini Terme where you will stay for the next three nights. If there’s time, why not take a stroll before dinner.

Day 4: Pisa
Join our included half-day excursion to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower. One of four buildings which make up the cathedral complex and what is known as the Field of Miracles, the tower took 176 years to complete. The rest of the day is spent at leisure.

Day 5: Florence
You can enjoy a free day today or take the opportunity to join our optional full-day excursion to Florence, Italy’s ‘Art City’. The city’s compact centre means its iconic buildings, beautiful piazzas and charming streets are easily explored on foot, as we will do in the company of a Local Guide for part of the day. Often referred to as one of the most beautiful cities in the world and named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll find a new treasure around every corner.

Day 6: Orvieto
You’ll leave Tuscany today after breakfast and head south towards the region of Lazio and Rome. On the way you’ll visit the impressive fortress town of Orvieto which has a historical centre well worth exploring. You’ll arrive in the traditional spa resort of Fiuggi, which is located in the hills of Monti Ernici, late afternoon. The waters here are said to have restorative properties and the town itself, where you’ll stay for three nights, is centred around two spas set in an attractive park and boasts an appealing selection of shops, restaurants and cafés.

Day 7: Rome
Today we offer an optional full-day excursion to the ‘Eternal City’ of Rome, which will introduce you to its most famous landmarks for part of the day will be spent in the company of a Local Guide. You’ll see the Colosseum and ruins which date back to the days of the Empire in the ancient quarter, Roma Antica. You will also visit the Spanish Steps and the wonderful Trevi Fountain, along with the Piazza di Spagna, home to fabulous designer shops and charming cafés.

Day 8: Fiuggi
You’ll have plenty of time today to become more acquainted with the enchanting medieval town of Fiuggi. We also offer a three-quarter day optional excursion to the pretty hill-top villages of Castelli Romani, which play host to the Pope each year as he heads to Castel Gandolfo and his summer palace. Frascati is produced locally and you will have ample opportunities to sample this golden-coloured wine with an included tasting at an “Enoteca” wine bar in the little town of Frascati itself.

Day 9: Montecassino Abbey and Pompeii
Your journey through Italy continues today as you leave Fiuggi and head south, visiting Montecassino Abbey before arriving at the ruins of Pompeii. A Local Guide will take you on a walking tour of this fascinating town that was frozen in time when nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79AD and buried the entire area under a layer of hot ash. Excavations have revealed many fascinating remains and give an intriguing glimpse into the inhabitants’ way of life 2,000 years ago. This afternoon you continue on to the beautiful Sorrento Peninsula where you will stay for the next three nights.

Day 10: Sorrento
Enjoy a day of relaxation today as you explore Sorrento at your own pace. The resort is set on a spectacular headland with wonderful views across the Bay of Naples with Mount Vesuvius as a dramatic backdrop. It boasts an array of restaurants and pavement cafés, so why not just sit back and enjoy the setting. If you’re after souvenirs to take home, you’ll find many shops selling everything from local ceramics and jewellery to limoncello and marquetry.

Day 11: Capri
It’s just a short boat journey (approximately 30 minutes) across the Bay of Naples to the wonderful island of Capri on today’s optional excursion. Here, you’ll visit the villages of Capri and Anacapri, the Gardens of Caesar Augustus and see the Faraglioni Rocks. If you choose to take the chair lift from Anacapri up to the highest point of the island you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views across to the mainland so be sure you have your camera at the ready. This evening is your final night in mainland Italy, tomorrow you’ll head further south to the island of Sicily.

Day 12: Journey to Sicily
Enjoy breakfast before travelling to the very tip of the Italian boot shape from where you will take a short ferry ride across to Messina on the wonderful island of Sicily. You’ll then transfer to your hotel near Taormina, where you’ll stay for the final three nights of your holiday. Enjoy a relaxing evening – maybe explore or simply spend time in your comfortable hotel.

Day 13: Taormina
Join us after breakfast on an included visit to picturesque Taormina. The town is situated at the top of a sheer cliff, perched above some excellent beaches and close to Mount Etna, so it’s easy to imagine the spectacular views you’ll be treated to during your stay here. Later, why not explore at your own pace with a stroll through its fine historic centre and pretty public gardens.

Day 14: Mount Etna
You may choose to spend today relaxing or perhaps you’ll join our optional three-quarter-day excursion to Sicily’s famous landmark, Mount Etna. This is Europe’s highest volcano, standing at 10,910 feet and today’s visit gives you an opportunity to view it at close hand. There is also a further option to view the volcano with an Alpine guide and 16-seater Jeep (paid locally).

Day 15: Catania/UK
You’ll bid Italy farewell today as you transfer to Sicily’s Catania Airport for your return flight to the UK.

Please note
This holiday includes walking in areas with rough ground, gradients and steps.

Accommodation throughout is in hotels of a comfortable standard, typical of the hotels you will stay in are:

3-star Hotel Salus in Lido di Jesolo
3-star Hotel President in Tuscany
4-star Hotel San Giorgio or similar in Fiuggi
3-star Hotel Tirrenia in Sorrento
4-star Caesar Palace in Sicily
All are comfortable 3 to 4-star hotels with a bar and restaurant. All bedrooms are comfortably furnished with en suite facilities, TV and telephone.

Hotels will be confirmed in your final documentation.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Included excursions and visits

Venice (three-quarter day)
Bologna visit
Pisa (half day)
Orvieto visit
Montecassino Abbey visit
Pompeii (entrance fee not included)
Taormina (three-quarter day)

Optional excursions

Florence (full day, moderate walking) £40
For full details of this excursion please see page 12 of our Italy Optional Excursions booklet

Rome (full day, moderate walking) £45
For full details of this excursion please see page 12 of our Italy Optional Excursions booklet

Castelli Romani & Frascati (three-quarter day, minimal-moderate walking) £39
For full details of this excursion please see page 11 of our Italy Optional Excursions booklet

Capri (full day, moderate walking) £62
For full details of this excursion please see page 4 of our Italy Optional Excursions booklet

Mount Etna (three-quarter day, moderate-strenuous walking) £40
For full details of this excursion please see page 10 of our Italy Optional Excursions booklet

Amalfi Coast (full day, minimal walking) £38
For full details of this excursion please see page 21 of our Italy Optional Excursions booklet

Your holiday includes

Scheduled flights
The services of a Travelsphere Tour Manager and Local Guides
Overseas transfers and other transportation
14 nights’ accommodation
Half-board basis
Hotel porterage (one bag per person)
All airport taxes and security charges
UK Airline Passenger Duty
All state and local taxes

With 50 years’ experience in arranging escorted tours to exciting destinations across the globe, Travelsphere have built an excellent reputation founded on quality and value.

By choosing a Travelsphere escorted holiday you can travel with confidence, knowing that every aspect of your holiday has been carefully planned and arranged from start to finish. Further to this they are ATOL bonded and members of ABTA.

Travelsphere’s thorough planning of travel arrangements, itineraries and accommodation combined with the unique insight of their knowledgeable Tour Managers and Local Guides will enable you to experience the culture, traditions and hidden away places less accessible to other travellers.

Our Opinion
“Travelsphere are one of the biggest names in the Escorted Tour market. Finely tuned over the last 50 years their tours have been tried, tested and refined by thousands of customers.”