13 Days ~ Italy ~ Switzerland

Tour Pace
A well paced tour to allow for an in-depth look at northern Italy. With the exception of La Spezia, there are two-night stays in each city providing plenty of time on the second day for a relaxed sightseeing tour or free time to spend as you wish.

DAY 1 – THU – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Rome.

DAY 2 – FRI – ROME
Welcome to Rome! You are met upon arrival at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport and transferred to your hotel in the 'Eternal City'. Spend the rest of the day at leisure before joining your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Massimo D’Azeglio.

DAY 3 – SAT – ROME SIGHTSEEING
Get to know Rome with a guided tour of the priceless art collection of the Vatican Museums, followed by a visit to the celebrated Sistine Chapel. Then visit St Peter's Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world. Cross the Tiber to enter the Colosseum and see the Roman Forum. The afternoon is free for shopping, relaxing or more sightseeing. As evening falls, your Tour Director offers you an evening of fine dining from a selection of restaurants. (BB,DA)

DAY 4 – SUN – ROME – LA SPEZIA
Take the autostrada northwards through Tuscany, home of the famous Chianti wines, to medieval Siena, where you can explore narrow cobbled streets lined with palaces and patrician mansions, and the famous Campo Square. Twice a year, the Palio horse race takes place here to the accompaniment of great festivities. Continue to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower in the 'Meadow of Miracles', and the 11th century Cathedral and Baptistery. Follow the Mediterranean coast past the marble quarries of Carrara to your hotel in La Spezia on the eastern end of the Italian Riviera.
Hotel: Jolly. (BB,D)

DAY 5 – MON – LA SPEZIA – FLORENCE
Explore the Cinque Terre, or ‘five villages’, which were for years only accessible by donkey. Luckily, today you can take the train! A local expert will guide you around two of the villages, which both retain their charm and reputation for producing one of Italy’s most sought after and exclusive wines. Later, head to Florence, city of treasures and cradle of the Renaissance, for your two night stay.
Hotel: Villa Gabriele D’Annunzio. (BB,D)

DAY 6 – TUE – FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING
With a local guide you will see Michelangelo’s original statue of David on your visit to the Academy Gallery. Once outside, continue to the lofty Cathedral - its adjoining Baptistery is adorned with the ‘Gates of Paradise’, while Giotto’s 14th century Campanile is said to be the most beautiful bell-tower in the world. Walk on to Signoria Square with its open-air gallery of Renaissance sculpture. Afterwards, visit the craftsmen’s area to see the famous Florentine leather and gold-work, or discover more art treasures housed in the many museums and galleries. As night falls, why not consider joining a Tuscan dinner party? (BB)

DAY 7 – WED – FLORENCE – VENICE
Descend the Apennine Mountains to reach Ravenna, the ‘City of Mosaics’. At one time Ravenna was the capital of the Western Roman Empire and a local guide will show you some of the area’s great artistic treasures and famous buildings. Continue around the Lagoon to reach Venice, 'Queen of the Adriatic'. A private launch ferries you past canals lined with ornate palaces to your hotel, close to St Marks Square and overlooking a romantic waterfront where gondolas moor for the night.
Hotel: Cavaletto E Doge Orseolo. (BB,D)

DAY 8 – THU – VENICE SIGHTSEEING
Wake up to the sounds of Venice! Literally around the corner is St Marks Square, dominated by its magnificent Basilica and overlooked by the great Clock Tower where bronze Moors beat out the hours on a huge bell. Nearby is the Campanile and Doges’ Palace which is connected to the prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. See a demonstration of Venetian glass-blowing before enjoying a highlight ride by traditional gondola along the picturesque canals. This afternoon is free to enjoy the magical atmosphere of this unique city at your own pace. Stroll back to your hotel tonight, past the al-fresco cafés, with the sound of music drifting in the background...unforgettable! (BB)

DAY 9 – FRI – VENICE – CORTINA D'AMPEZZO
Bid farewell to this enchanting city and take the scenic route along the Brenta Canal, lined with classical villas by Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio. See more of his work in the town of Vicenza, nicknamed ‘Venice on terra firma’. Walk down the main street, Corso Andrea Palladio, and visit the Piazza dei Signori before continuing to Bassano del Grappa, which gives its name to the brandy distilled here. Perhaps try a glass on the covered wooden bridge designed by Palladio that spans the Brenta River. Continue through the colorful peaks and sheer valleys of the Dolomites, to your overnight stay in the mountain resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Hotel: Ancora. (BB,D)

DAY 10 – SAT – DOLOMITES AT LEISURE
Enjoy the fresh mountain air and blue skies as you relax in Cortina. Why not ascend to the summit of one of the nearby peaks by cable car for magnificent Dolomite panoramas? (BB)

DAY 11 – SUN – CORTINA D’AMPEZZO – ITALIAN LAKES
Take the beautiful route to the ‘Lago di Misurina’, the prettiest lake of the Dolomites. Then it’s on via Dobbiaco, past fields, forests, farms and mountain pastures to join the autostrada heading south. Follow the Adige River to Verona, legendary home of Romeo and Juliet, and see the well-preserved Roman Arena and Juliet’s Balcony. Later, continue to Lake Maggiore in the beautiful Italian Lake District.
Hotel: Dino. (BB,D)

DAY 12 – MON – ITALIAN LAKES SIGHTSEEING
Time to relax and enjoy the scenery this morning, or why not take an optional cruise to the Borromean Islands to visit the exotic gardens? Later, a beautiful drive takes you along the shores of the lake past splendid villas set in sub-tropical gardens. Cross into Switzerland and stop awhile in fashionable Lugano, beautifully located on the shores of its lake amid spectacular mountains. Time here to stroll in the gardens and browse in the exclusive shops, before returning to tour hotel. (BB)

DAY 13 – TUE – RETURN TO USA
Sadly, your tour comes to an end after breakfast. There are complimentary transfers to Malpensa Airport. (BB)