Classical Italy

Classical Italy, with the very best of Alpine Switzerland, Lake Lucerne and Tyrolean Austria. All of this combines into one spectacular touring holiday.Day 1 Departure
A morning departure to Dover and our ferry crossing to Calais. We continue through France and our overnight hotel in Metz.

Day 2 Travel to Lake Lucerne

Optional Excursion
Half Day Boat cruise on Lake Lucerne After breakfast we continue through the French countryside, passing over the Vosges Mountains to Lake Lucerne and to our overnight hotel. You will have the opportunity to take an optional boat cruise on the lake.

Day 3 Travel to Montecatini Terme
Leaving Lucerne we continue into Italy and on to Montecatini Terme, our resort for a 4 night stay.

Days 4-6 At leisure
At leisure in Montecatini Terme with two included excursions.

Montecatini Terme is a beautiful town that was built around its mineral water springs. The most famous spa in town is the Tettuccio Terme located on the main street of Montecatini Terme - Viale Verdi, next to the park.

Included Excursion
Full Day Florence with optional town tour A full day included excursion to A full day included excursion to Florence, which lies on the River Arno and is known for its history and its importance in the Middle Ages and during the Renaissance, especially for its art and architecture. You will also have the opportunity to take an optional tour of the town.

Included Excursion
Full Day Pisa & Lucca with optional tour of Pisa A full day included excursion visiting Pisa and Lucca. First we travel to Pisa, which is located on the right bank of the mouth of the Arno River on the Ligurian Sea. It is the capital city of the Province of Pisa. Pisa is known worldwide for its Leaning Tower, bell tower of the cathedral. This city of over 87,500 and residents contains more than 20 other historic churches. You will also have the opportunity to take an optional tour of the town. This afternoon we continue to Lucca, situated on the river Serchio in a fertile plain near (but not on) the Ligurian Sea. It is the capital city of the Province of Lucca. Among other reasons, it is famous for its intact Renaissance-era city walls.

Day 7 Travel to Frascati
We leave Montecatini Terme and continue through Italy to the ancient city of Rome, arriving during the afternoon at our hotel in the rolling Frascati hills overlooking the city, for our 4 night stay.

Days 8-10 At leisure
You may choose to visit the village of Monte Porzio Catone (a short local bus ride from our hotel), or the famous town of Frascati for a visit to the shops and cafés, or to enjoy a glass of the town’s famous namesake sparkling wine.

Alternatively, you can take the free shuttle bus from the hotel to Frascati station for the short train ride into the centre of Rome.

In Rome it is hard to choose what to see first. The city’s sights and famous landmarks include the 2000 year old Roman Forum, Trajan’s Column, the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine and a myriad of famous basilicas, churches, palaces and more…amazing sights everywhere! Rome is one of world’s most photogenic cities - not surprising when you remember what’s here - The Vatican, the Trevi Fountain, St Peter’s Square, Spanish Steps, Colosseum...

Why not take a trip to the Vatican Palace, Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s, where you can visit the greatest collections of Christian antiquities in existence. Hall after hall of treasures lead you to Michelangelo’s masterpiece on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Visit the mighty St. Peter’s, the largest church in Christianity, and visit the tomb of Pope John Paul II in the crypt.

When you need a rest, enjoy a glass of wine at one of the many pavement cafés and watch city life go by, or shop until you drop at the many chic boutiques which abound.

(Please Note – Any entrance fees are not included).

Day 11 Travel to Innsbruck
We leave Rome and travel back to Austria and into Innsbruck for our 2 night stay.

Day 12 At leisure

Included Excursion
Half Day Tour of Innsbruck Today we take a tour of Innsbruck to see the many famous sights the city has to offer.

Day 13 Travel to overnight hotel
We leave Innsbruck and continue to our overnight hotel.

Last Day Travel home
We depart for Calais and our ferry crossing to Dover, arriving home during the evening.During this holiday we stay at various hotels, all of which are of similar standard and all bedrooms are en suite.