Fantasia Italiana II, 5 Days 4 Nights (Code CAV)
3 & 4 Star hotels • Nov 2010 to Oct 2011 Mon & Sat departures
Rome • Assisi • Siena • Florence • Bologna Padova • Venice • Montepulciano • Rome

Itinerary

Day 1 - Rome/Assisi/Siena/Florence
Departure from hotel Diana by deluxe motor coach to Assisi. Arrival and time at leisure to visit this medieval city. We suggest the basilica of st. Francis, with its masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue. Lunch break (not included). Board bus for Siena. This medieval town is encircled by ancient walls and is famous for the “palio” horse race, run around the shell-shaped town square piazza del campo. Next continue to Florence. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 2 - Florence
After breakfast, spend the day venturing around beautiful Florence. Because of its numerous monuments, churches, and buildings, Florence is known as the “cradle of renaissance.” visit the domed cathedral: Santa Maria del fiore, or the duomo, its magnificent dome built by filippo Brunelleschi. See the campanile tower and the baptistery, with its bronze doors, piazza della signoria, palazzo vecchio, Santa Croce basilica. Spend the afternoon strolling the cobblestone streets of Florence on your own or take a short trip to Pisa (optional). Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3 - Florence/Bologna/Padova/Venice
Depart for bologna after breakfast in Florence. Wander through the city’s 38 km worth of elegant arcades (or porticos), for which bologna is famous. From piazza Malpighi, walk to piazza del nettuno and piazza maggiore, Neptune fountain; king renzo palace; podestà palace; and basilica of san petronio, one of the biggest in the world. In the afternoon, continue toward padova, with its original sant’antonio basilica. Later, arrive in Venice, known for its gondolas and refined art. Dinner and overnight.

Day 4 - Venice
Hit the water after breakfast as you board a private waterbus to enjoy an outstanding cruise through the lagoon of Venice before stopping at murano. The ancient art of glass blowing is still carried on in the town, thanks to a few masters left on the island. On to st. Mark’s square, exterior visit of the splendid cathedral, the doge palace. Nearby see the legendary bridge of sighs. Spend a free afternoon roaming along Venice's canals, then return to hotel for dinner.

Day 5 - Venice/Montepulciano (Tuscany)/Rome
After breakfast, depart to Tuscany, known for its romantic churches, castles and delicious wines. Proceed to val di chiana with a stop in montepulciano, a medieval town rich in history and art. Known for its “nobile” wine, which can be purchased in town. Spend the afternoon getting to know montepulciano at your own pace and tasting the local wines. In the evening, arrive in Rome, end of tour.

PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

DEPARTURE DATES 2011:

OUR HOTELS (OR SIMILAR 3/4 STARS):