Description
None given.
Itinerary
Impressions of Italy
Experience la dolce vita on this escape to Italy, renowned for its scenic vistas, fascinating history and unique architecture. Combined with a Mediterranean climate and delicious cuisine, it's no wonder that the country is one of Europe's most popular destinations. We enjoy many of Italy's highlights, immersing ourselves in the country's captivating culture while visiting wonderful cities. Discover remarkable Venice with its trademark canals, tick off the must-sees in historic Florence, indulge in local dishes in eternal Rome, take a photo with the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, stroll through the beautifully preserved hilltop city of Siena and more on this fantastic trip!
Impressions of Italy
Ferry to Calais and overnight stay in France on a bed and breakfast basis.Ferry to Calais and overnight stay in France on a bed and breakfast basis.
Impressions of Italy
Travel onwards to our overnight hotel in Basel, with dinner included. Along the way, we stop in the French city of Strasbourg, which sits on the German border and boasts a lovely Old Town with quaint colourful houses and twisting alleys, the canals of Petit France and the magnificent Strasbourg Cathedral. For 227 years, this imposing sandstone structure was the tallest building in the world and at its summit, the views stretch as far as the Black Forest.
Impressions of Italy
We continue on to Hotel Biondi in Montecatini Terme, driving through stunning Alpine vistas. Just one highlight is St Gottard Pass, which connects the northern and southern regions of Switzerland and offers panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys. We also stop en-route in Pisa, where must-sees include the world-famous leaning tower, the marble cathedral and spectacular baptistery of the Piazza dei Miracoli.
Impressions of Italy
Today we enjoy a guided walking tour of Montecatini Terme. As one of the largest spa towns in the area, renowned for its curative waters, we take a look at the Parco delle Terme di Montecatini, an oasis of thermal waters, stunning Art Nouveau architecture and peaceful gardens. The rest of the day is left free to relax at the hotel or continue seeing the sights. You may like to visit the contemporary art gallery of MO.C.A, which displays works of Joan Miró and Claes Oldenburg.
Impressions of Italy
We leave Montecatini Terme and travel via Siena, a beautifully-preserved hilltop city surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, best known for its Palio horse race which takes place each summer in the Piazza del Campo. We continue south to the Eternal City and check into the iH Hotels Roma Z3, where we stay for two nights.
Impressions of Italy
We start this exciting day of sightseeing with a guided city tour of Rome. Highlights include Via Veneto, Santa Maria Maggiore, Circus Maximus, Ponte Sisto, Castel Sant'Angelo and the iconic Colosseum, the largest amphitheatre ever built in the Roman Empire. We continue our tour on foot, taking in some of the most famous sights of the Italian capital; the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps. The rest of the day is free to explore the city at your own pace before we return to the hotel for dinner.
Impressions of Italy
After checking out of our Rome hotel, we head to Florence, undoubtedly one of Italy's most charming cities. Just some of the city's must-sees include the Palazzo Vecchio, with a history dating back to the Medici rule, and the Ponte Vecchio, Florence's lovely 'Old Bridge', which is still occupied by gold and silversmiths today. The true icon of the city, the Duomo, is a real sight to behold, featuring a terracotta-tiled dome, a green and pink-hued marble exterior and an impressive bell tower by Giotto. Afterwards, we travel to the Hotel Kona near romantic Verona, our base for the next two nights.
Impressions of Italy
We explore the city of Venice, a floating work of art replete with locals lounging back in sunny piazzas with a spritz in hand. Boasting wonderful attractions and postcard perfect views around every corner, highlights include St Mark's Square, the Bridge of Sighs and of course the gondolas that ply their trade up and down the canals.
Impressions of Italy
Travel to our overnight hotel in France, with a light evening meal included.
Impressions of Italy
Continue to Calais for our return ferry home, stopping along the way in the pretty city of Reims for some lunch at your leisure.
Impressions of Italy
- Return coach travel & ferry crossings
- First & last night on a bed & breakfast basis in France (last night with a light evening meal)
- Additional overnight stay on outward journey on a half-board basis in Switzerland
- 6 nights at a selection of hotels in Italy (JG3+ & JG4 rating) with dinner & breakfast
- Welcome drink
- Porterage
- Fruit & water in room on arrival
- Farewell dinner
- Excursions to Pisa, Siena, Florence & Venice
- Guided walking tour of Montecatini Terme
- Guided city tour of Rome
- Scenic drive through the Alps (includes St Gotthard Pass)
- En-route visits to Strasbourg & Reims
- Services of a tour manager
Impressions of Italy
- Excursions to Pisa, Siena, Florence & Venice
- Guided walking tour of Montecatini Terme
- Guided city tour of Rome
Venue Information
Hotel Biondi, Montecatini Terme, Italy JG3+
Located in the heart of Montecatini Terme, a lovely Tuscan town, the Biondi Hotel offers a restaurant, bar, an indoor swimming pool, outdoor terrace, free Wi-Fi in public areas and en-suite bedrooms with satellite TV, mini fridge, a hairdryer and bathrobes.
Hotel Rating
JG3+ hotels typically enjoy higher levels of satisfaction on both online hotel rating sites and our own customer satisfaction surveys and may enjoy superior locations close to resort attractions or surrounded by spectacular scenery.
Hotel Kona, Verona, Italy JG3+
Featuring an outdoor swimming pool with a view, a garden, pool bar, traditional restaurant and a main bar, the Hotel Kona has everything needed for a memorable stay. Located near to Verona amidst the vineyards of Valpolicella, the hotel also offers spacious bedrooms with complimentary toiletries, mini fridge and a hairdryer.
Hotel Rating
JG3+ hotels typically enjoy higher levels of satisfaction on both online hotel rating sites and our own customer satisfaction surveys and may enjoy superior locations close to resort attractions or surrounded by spectacular scenery.
Hotel San Giorgio, Fiuggi, Italy JG4
Located in the historic spa town of Fiuggi, the gateway to Rome, the Hotel San Giorgio offers a wonderful base for this part of Italy. The stylish bedrooms offer free Wi-Fi, a mini fridge, tea and coffee-making facilities, TV and a hairdryer while other hotel amenities include a restaurant, bar, garden and a wellness centre with an indoor swimming pool, sauna, Turkish bath and relaxation area.
Hotel Rating
Accommodation in our JG4 category is of an even higher standard, typically offering a wide range of facilities and services. Bedrooms are designed to make your stay the most comfortable possible and the staff provide a service that reflects the detail and quality. You can also expect higher standards of food and beverages.
Selected Hotels in France & Switzerland JG3
We'll stay at comfortable hotels in France and Switzerland on our outbound and return journey (JG3 rating). All rooms are en suite, and other facilities include a bar and restaurant.Your hotel will be confirmed approximately 3 weeks before departure, therefore we cannot guarantee that the hotel will have a lift and/or ground floor rooms and may be unsuitable for those with limited mobility.Hotel RatingHotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a more formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, or are very-welcoming family-owned properties. Generally, they offer a greater range of facilities and services, and bedrooms tend to be a little more spacious with additional features. Public areas are larger and include lounge seating, bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or waiter service.