From Michelangelo's statue of David to the echoes of gladiators at Rome's Colosseum, the art and drama of the ages inspire this journey.
10 Day Coach Tour
Italian Lakes - Lake Como - Venice - Florence - Uffizi Gallery - Vineyards and Rome - Vatican - Rome
Your Day by Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Welcome to the pleasures of the Italian Lakes
Depart from the Milan Malpensa Airport one hour after the arrival of Tauck-selected flights. To travel Italy Tauck Style - from great cities to places that are off-the-beaten track - begin by heading north from Milan to Lugano, Switzerland, set on the edge of a lovely lake. Enjoy free time to explore the waterfront promenade, then meet fellow traveling companions at the welcome reception and dinner. Meals: Lunch, dinner. Lodging: Grand Hotel Eden, Lugano, Switzerland
Day 2: Villa delights and a cruise on Lake Como
Travel to Tremezzo to visit Villa Carlotta, built in the 18th century, and noted for garden landscaping and sculpture. Admire the dramatic views of the Alps silhouetting the famous villas along the shores of Lake Como on a private boat cruise. Arrive in the picturesque town of Bellagio, and enjoy free time to explore the town as you please; return to Lugano, where the evening is free. Meals: Breakfast. Lodging: Grand Hotel Eden, Lugano, Switzerland
Day 3: A local guide shows you Venice
Journey to Venice, designed along an intricate system of canals within a lagoon. Upon arrival, head to St. Mark's Square, the heart of Venice, with a local guide. Visit St. Mark's Basilica, one of the greatest buildings in Europe, featuring exquisite mosaics and detailed carvings. See the Doges' Palace, a pink marble Gothic masterpiece containing a precious art collection. A serenade aboard a gondola cruise through the canals is the perfect ending to the afternoon. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Lodging: Hotel Danieli Venezia, Venice, Italy
Day 4: Explore Venice
Spend the day exploring the museums and sites that interest you most in Venice, a highlight as you travel Italy as an insider. Perhaps tour the Galleria dell'Accademia or the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, or take a boat ride to islands in the lagoon. Meals: Breakfast. Lodging: Lodging: Hotel Danieli Venezia, Venice, Italy
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Essential Information:
Confirmed reservations provide an opportunity to view the original works of the masters at the Uffizi Gallery, and Florence's Galleria dell'Accademia.
Enjoy confirmed reservations at the Doges' Palace in Venice, see St. Mark's Square, and take a gondola ride on the canals complete with a serenade. Visit the medieval town of Siena in the Tuscan countryside.
Take a private boat across Lake Como at the foot of the Alps, and a high-speed train ride to Florence.
See the Colosseum in Rome, and view the inspiring treasures of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel during an after-hours guided visit - a Tauck Exclusive!
And of course, you'll also have ample time to pursue what interests you most in Venice, Florence, and Rome when you travel Italy with Tauck!
What's Included:
17 meals; all accommodations, entertainment, special dinners, motor coach, rail transportation, luggage handling, admissions, services of Tauck Directors, train crew and drivers; gratuities for luggage handling, bellmen, doormen, dining room servers, housekeepers, local guides, ship and train crew.
Each Classic Italy and Rome tour is conducted by a Tauck Director who remains with the group throughout the duration.
No Options Sold: Price includes special dinners, entertainment, sightseeing and most activities. Tauck Directors sometimes assist with information on free-time activities, based on honest opinion and guidance, but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed, pleasant experience for you.
Highlights
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Doges' Palace
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St. Mark's Square in Venice
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Roman Forum
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Vatican in Rome
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Siena - Tuscan countryside
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Lake Como
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Venice
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Florence
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Day 5: Statue of David in Florence
Travel Italy by rail today to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Get an introduction to the city's architectural landmarks and great artists from a local art historian prior to a walking tour of the city - a special touch when you travel Italy with Tauck. At the Galleria dell'Accademia, marvel at Michelangelo's marble statue of David standing nearly 17 feet tall. View Lorenzo Ghiberti's bronze doors with detailed panels at the Baptistry, part of the Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiori complex. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Lodging: The Westin Excelsior, Florence, Italy
Day 6: Masterpieces of the Uffizi
Gaze at some of the world's greatest art masterpieces at the extraordinary Uffizi Gallery, Italy's largest art museum. Admire works by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Sandro Botticelli, and more. You have a gallery reservation, but can spend as much time as you like looking at the art. During your free afternoon you can explore as you please; perhaps you may want to visit the Pitti Palace, the Medici Chapels or stroll across the Ponte Vecchio to the lovely Boboli Gardens. Meals: Breakfast. Lodging: The Westin Excelsior, Florence, Italy
Day 7: Vineyards and Rome - highlights when you travel Italy
Travel Italy landscapes featuring olive groves, cypress trees, and vineyards, including the region that produces Chianti wine. Stop in the medieval hill town of Siena, and wander through the narrow streets. See the Piazza del Campo where the Palio bareback horse race is held. Visit the Duomo, one of Italy's great cathedrals, with scenes inlaid in the marble floors and sculpture by Michelangelo. Continue through scenic Tuscany to Rome, center of the once-powerful Roman Empire. Meals: Breakfast, dinner. Lodging: St. Regis Grand, Rome, Italy
Day 8: Visit the Vatican
Explore the rich treasures of the Vatican, starting at the Vatican Museums. In the Sistine Chapel, view Michelangelo's masterpieces, and view the art and architecture of St. Peter's Basilica. Pursue your own special interests in Rome during the afternoon. Meals: Breakfast. Lodging: St. Regis Grand, Rome, Italy
Day 9: A day in Imperial Rome
Get an insider's view of Rome from a local guide. A tour highlight is the Colosseum, opened in AD 80 for gladiator combat. Explore the Roman Forum with temples, monuments, and the Senate House. Choose among many historic sights and museums for your free afternoon. Share your favorite experiences at the farewell dinner, a nice finale when you travel Italy with Tauck. Meals: Breakfast, dinner. Lodging: St. Regis Grand, Rome, Italy
Day 10: Arrivederci Rome
Your journey ends at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino 2 1/2 hours prior to the departure of Tauck-selected flights. If you are departing at other times, you must secure your own transportation to the airport. Meals: Breakfast.
To request a Tauck Brochure click here
The 2012 tour departures are from $9,777pp share twin.
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