Sightseeing Highlights

• Rome Sightseeing tour with special audio system includes views of the Forum, Colosseum and Circus Maximus plus visits to St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine* Chapel.
• Venice Canal cruise by private launch. View St. Mark's Square, the Byzantine Basilica, Doges' Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Visit a glass– blowing factory.
• Florence Sightseeing tour with audio system includes the Duomo, Signoria Square, Baptistry and a visit to the Santa Croce Basilica. Panoramic view from Piazzale Michelangelo. Admire Florentine leatherwork.
• Scenic drives through the Umbria, over the Apennine Mountains, through the Chianti vineyards of Tuscany, across the fertile Po Valley, along the shores of Lake Garda and the hills of the Latium.

* Note: Friday departures will visit the Sistine Chapel before departing for Venice on Day 4.

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Dining Highlights

• A welcome drink with your Tour Director in Rome.
• 6 Buffet breakfasts
• 3 three–course dinners

9 meals in total (see day–by–day itinerary)

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First Class Travel Highlights
The service of one of Trafalgar's top professional multi–lingual Tour Directors. A qualified local city guide in Rome and Florence. Chauffeur driven on Trafalgar's luxury air–conditioned motorcoaches with reclining seats and washroom. A stylish travel bag and wallet containing tour documents and helpful information.

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First Class Hotels
You'll stay in twin–bedded rooms with private facilities at these superb hotels:

Rome: Melia Roma Aurelia Antica Venice (Mestre): Antony Lake Garda: Atlantic Club Florence: Grand Mediterraneo Rome: Sheraton Golf

All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.

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Airport Transfers
For passengers who book Land only, group transfers will be provided on the scheduled arrival and departure dates, of your chosen tour. Please ensure your Travel Agent reserves your flight to coincide with the transfer times shown. For passengers who book their Land + Air inclusive tourpackage with Trafalgar, a transfer will be provided outside of these times. Rome (Fiumicino) arrival transfer times are at 9:30, 12:30 & 15:30 and departure transfer times are 7:00 and 9:30.

Tour Duration: 8 days

• Day 1
  Depart USA Overnight flight to Rome.



• Day 2
  Arrive Rome (2nights) On arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport you are met and transferred to your hotel. After check–in the remainder of the day is at leisure, perhaps to relax or explore. This afternoon, enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow travelling companions.



• Day 3
  Rome sightseeing & at leisure Today's highlight is our visit to the Sistine* Chapel to admire the painted ceiling by Michelangelo rendered even more fascinating by the clear commentary of our local guide, thanks to our effective audio system. From here we make our way into St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, to see the famous Pieta – among other great works. Next we are off to ancient Rome stopping at the Forum to see the mighty Colosseum. Finally, our local guide shows us to the Circus Maximus, where 'Ben Hur' style chariot races were often held. Then there's time at leisure to perhaps visit the Catacombs or relax in one of the many pavement cafes.
  (Buffet breakfast)



• Day 4
  Rome – Venice (Mestre) We drive through the Umbrain Hills, past Orvieto and into the Apennine Mountains reaching the Emilia Romagna. Next past Bologna and along the Veneto Plain to magical Venice. Tonight after dinner at the hotel, there's time for a gondola serenade.
  (Buffet breakfast/ Dinner)



• Day 5
  Venice sightseeing – Italian Lakes This morning we savour the sights and sounds of this floating city on an included canal cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square viewing the Bridge of Sighs and Doges' Palace. Next we visit a glass–blowing factory, before time on your own to perhaps take a trip to Burano. Then we drive across the plains of Veneto past Verona towards the Italian Lake District for the night. (Buffet breakfast/ Dinner)



• Day 6
  Italian Lakes – Florence Today's drive takes us along the shores of Lake Garda, as we head via Mantua to Renaissance Florence. On our arrival a sightseeing tour on foot with a local guide and audio system, features the Duomo, Baptistry, Piazza Signoria and visits the Santa Croce Basilica. Later, you may wish to discover the artistic wonders in the museums or shop for leather and gold. (Buffet breakfast/ Dinner)



• Day 7
  Florence – Rome We enjoy a scenic drive back to the 'Eternal City', Rome. Your afternoon is free, perhaps to visit beautiful Villa d'Este. Tonight, why not discover the city's culinary delights in a local trattoria? (Buffet breakfast)



• Day 8
  Rome – USA It's 'buon viaggio' as we transfer your to Rome Fiumicino airport for your return flight to America. (Buffet breakfast)