Picturebook Italy

Continue south to Lake Garda for a three-night stay.

A full-day included excursion along the shores of Lake Garda visiting some of the picturesque villages on its shoreline. We travel along the eastern side of the lake where we visit Malcesine, dominated by Monte Baldo, a 2218-metre high mountain.

We continue to Garda, the principal town of the area. Spend time exploring the narrow streets of the old village or relax in one of the many cafés. We also see the ancient fortified town of Sirmione, from where you can take an optional cruise around the peninsula, which lasts approximately 30 minutes. Sit back, relax and enjoy the picturesque views of the surrounding area from the lake itself.

Join our optional excursion to Venice. Venice is renowned for its beauty, architecture and its artwork. It is the world’s only pedestrian city, which makes it easy to explore on foot. Be sure to see some of the famous sights such as the Doge’s Palace, the symbolic seat of Venetian power and the enclosed Bridge of Sighs. A visit to St. Mark’s Square, the main public square of Venice, is also a must. It is dominated at its eastern end by the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica, a superb example of the Romanesque-Byzantine style. Perhaps take a ride on a gondola, with your expert gondolier steering you through the busy waterways of Venice (at own cost) or maybe sit back and relax at Harry’s Bar with one of their famous Bellini cocktails, the choice is yours.

We leave Lake Garda and call in at Siena, a picturesque, Tuscan medieval town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Piazza del Campo is one of the most famous squares in the world on account of its beauty and architectural integrity. It is also the place where the famous horse race, the Palio di Siena, is run. Continue to the Fiuggi or Tivoli area near Rome for a three-night stay.

Join our optional visit to the popular Neapolitan resort town of Sorrento, where you can spend the full day exploring at your leisure. If you wish to be introduced to all Sorrento has to offer, then join our optional Taste of Sorrento excursion, where you can combine your visit to Sorrento with a guided walking tour of the town and a visit to a Limoncello factory.

Today you have the full day to discover the Italian capital city of Rome on our included excursion. The Historic Centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with wonderful palaces, churches, basilicas, Roman ruins, monuments and fountains. It has an immensely rich historical heritage and cosmopolitan atmosphere. There will be ample free time for you to explore this wonderful city at your leisure. To make the most of your visit, why not join our optional guided sightseeing tour. The sightseeing tour takes place on both coach and foot and will introduce you to the city’s wonderful sights, including the mighty Colosseum (entrance not included) and the Trevi Fountain. Note: Although Rome is a relatively compact city, we would remind you that this is a walking tour, not suitable for anyone with mobility difficulties and we would recommend you wear suitable shoes for the day.

We leave our hotel and travel to our overnight stay in the Montecatini Terme area, Tuscany. En route we visit the Renaissance city of Florence. There will be time at leisure to explore the endless historic sights. See the shops in and around the centuries-old Ponte Vecchio, or even have your portrait painted by one of the street artists who usually gather in the square next to the medieval Duomo (cathedral). To get the most from your visit, join our optional guided sightseeing tour with local guide. The tour starts by coach and takes us up the hills behind the city, to Piazza Michelangelo. Here you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the city and surrounding countryside. Once you have taken your photos the coach will take you back to the city, where your guide will lead you on a walking tour through the delightful streets of Florence, pointing out the major sights. See the Santa Croce church, the burial place of Michelangelo, the famous statues in Piazza della Signoria and also the magnificent Santa Maria Duomo.

This morning we leave our hotel and head north pausing at the beautiful city of Pisa, home to the world-famous Leaning Tower. There will be time at leisure for you to explore all the city has to offer. The area around the Leaning Tower is geared more towards tourists, so you will find lots of small souvenir kiosks selling all kinds of merchandise with the leaning tower motif. Pisa is also famous for its biscotti biscuits and bakeries all through the town sell different varieties. To introduce you to the most important sights why not join our optional guided walking tour? The tour starts at the Piazza dei Miracoli or Field of Miracles. The piazza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains the city’s most famous sights. The Leaning Tower or Torre Pendente has to be the most legendary of them all. Later today we travel to Lake Maggiore for a two-night stay.

Join our optional excursion to the southern shores of beautiful Lake Maggiore and the lakeside town of Baveno, from where we board a boat for a cruise out to the picturesque Borromean Islands with their landscaped gardens and parks. We visit Isola Bella, which was completely transformed by its occupants, and its palace and gardens (entrance included) are the epitome of opulence and luxury. We also visit Isola dei Pescatori, a complete contrast to Isola Bella, but equally captivating.

To northern France for an overnight stay.

Return home.