Page 27 - Southern Europe

Downtown ITALY Providing Fascinating Travel Experiences
Gems of Italy
9 days
Rome, Florence, Chianti, Venice
and the cradle of Renaissance. Walk around the charming old city and visit to Duomo, with its Giotto Bell Tower and renowned Accademia Gallery full of unique masterpieces. Some f ree time to walk along the Arno River and a chance to see Ponte Vecchio and admire artisans’ workshops before your transfer from your hotel in Florence to your hotel in the Chianti region. The evening is at leisure. Overnight in the Chianti region. [B]
Day 6: Chianti
Breakfast. Small group excursion to the Chianti* area including an expla- nation on aromatic herbs harvested and dried following the ancient techniques of this wine region, wine tasting and light lunch or dinner with English speaking escort. Then, trans- fer to your hotel. Evening at leisure and overnight in Chianti region. [B/T]
* Depending on the availability, clients can choose between the following excursions: (1) San Gimignano, Chianti & Montalcino Tour, (2) Chianti & San Gimignano Grand Tour, (3) Chianti & Castles Tour or (4) Dinner in the Chianti vineyard
Day 7: Chianti, Venice
After breakfast at the hotel departure from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella
train station for your journey to Venice by high-speed train (second class tickets included) expected to arrive in Venice’s Santa Lucia train station in about 2 hours. After your arrival in Venice take a cab to your hotel for check-in and overnight. [B]
Day 8: Venice
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is different from any other because of its topography characterized by more than one hundred islands and a Grand Canal in a lagoon on the Adriatic coast of Italy. Venice has been the cross- roads of cultures and civilizations that are the inspiration of magnificent palaces, ancient bridges, Gothic, Renaissance and Byzantine artworks. The gondolas, known in the entire world ad a romantic dimension to this city so special in so many ways. Your 2- hour walking tour will bring you to many of these artistic treasures and, especially, to Piazza San Marco with the Doge’s Palace and basilica and domes. Then, Climb aboard a tradi- tional gondola for a romantic excur- sion through the city’s canals. Sit back and enjoy exploring the city as and look at its architectural treasures from the water! The rest of the day is free so you can enjoy the city on your own, so some shopping or relax at one of the
cafes. Overnight in Venice. [B]
Day 9: Venice, USA
Enjoy breakfast and be ready to picked up at your hotel for your departure transfer by taxi boat to Venice Marco Polo Airport where you’ll board your connecting flight back home. [B]
Your Tour includes:
F Transfers in:
F Rome (Fiumicino airport to the hotel)
F Florence to hotel in Chianti region
F Venice (hotel to Marco Polo airport) OR to Venice Train Station
F 8 nights accommodation in hotels of your choice
F Breakfast daily
F 2nd class high-speed train tickets:
F Rome to Florence
F Florence to Venice
F 2.5-hour walking sightseeing group tour in
Rome
F 3-hour group visit of the Vatican
F 3-hour walking group tour in Florence
F 2-hour walking group tour and gondola ride in Venice
F Half-day excursion to Chianti region including tastings and light lunch or dinner
F English-speaking guides for tours F Entrance tickets for sites visited
For prices and other details visit www.holidayswithdowntown.com 27