TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Superb Services
- • All the sightseeing, scenic drives and excursions
• Fully escorted by our experienced Tour Manager
• Local guides - Chateau Chillon, Venice, Florence, Rome, Pompeii, Capri, Vatican
• First Class air-conditioned touring coach
• End of Tour tips to drivers, tour manager and guides
• 17 nights selected accommodation as described
• Hotel porterage (1 bag per person)
• Buffet breakfasts daily
• 14 Dinners including Welcome and Farewell dinners, Castle dinner, Venice restaurant dinner, Candlelit Tuscan dinner
• Welcome drink Zurich and Sorrento
• Entrances: Chateau Chillon, Florence Baptistery, Uffizi Gallery, Pompeii, Vatican,
• Cinque Terre boat excursion, return by train, Borromean Islands cruise Lake Maggiore, return waterbus Venice, cog railway ride to Zermatt, return ferry to Capri
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Day 1
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Arrive Zurich
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Commencing in central Zurich, join us for a welcome drink in the hotel bar before dinner. This is an ideal chance to meet your Tour Manager and fellow travellers. (D)
Your Zurich Hotel - The Hotel Ascot. This 4 star hotel exuding style and elegance is located perfectly in the heart of downtown Zurich only a short walk from the lake and famous Bahnhofstrasse. A perfect hotel to start your tour. See http://www.ascot.ch |
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Day 2
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VILLARS sur OLLON in the Alps (FB,D)
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Passing Berne we make a special detour and take time walking around the enchanting hill top village of Gruyeres with its cobbled-stone streets and medieval castle. Later we reach the exclusive resort of Ouchy on Lake Leman (Lake Geneva) and follow the scenic lake-side drive past the ranks of extraordinary stone terraced vineyards to the delightful town of Vevay - home of Nestlé chocolate and Charlie Chaplin. You'll have plenty of time to wander through the quaint alleys and the market square where you'll find a life size statue of that 'little tramp in baggy trousers' overlooking the lake.
Later this afternoon we enter the 'Valais' where we drive up to the delightful village of Villars sur Ollon. Situated at an altitude of 4,000 feet you'll experience Swiss hospitality the way it should be. Surrounded by green meadows with exceptional views across the high, jagged peaks you'll relish relaxing in the long, bright summer evenings. (BD)
Your Swiss Alpine Hotel - The Hotel le Bristol. Located in the tranquil mountain resort of Villars, this traditional 4 star Swiss hotel is decorated throughout in rich pine. This delightful hotel boasts a pool, Jacuzzi, sauna steam room and massage centre. Your bedrooms have balconies offering stunning views across the mountains including the 'Dents du Midi' peaks. To see your hotel high in the Swiss Alps see http://www.bristol-villars.ch |
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Day 3
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VILLARS sur OLLON in the Alps (FB,HL)
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| A leisurely start as we will spend the day in the nearby the 'Swiss Riviera' town of Montreux exploring the main boulevard, lake-side promenade and shops. Once a regular haunt of the rich and famous in the early 20th century the grand houses and hotels still retain their glamour. We'll cap off the day with a fascinating guided tour through the dramatic Chateau Chillon. Jutting onto the lake this is the most impressive castle in Switzerland and was the setting for Byron's 'the Prisoner of Chillon'. Late afternoon we return to our mountain retreat (B, D) |
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Day 4
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Stresa on Lake Maggiore(FB,D)
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Mountain peaks soar either side as we follow the spectacular 'Swiss Valais', before arriving in Taesch mid morning where we board the Alpine cog railway up to the picture postcard village of Zermatt. Set at an altitude of 5,315 feet, the village is surrounded by a dozen huge peaks and dominating all is the Mighty Matterhorn. Relax and enjoy the atmosphere in this alpine village or perhaps take the Gornergrat funicular train (not included) to the highest open air railway station in Europe, where at 10,170 feet the views across the Alps are beyond belief. Mid afternoon we continue over the Simplon Pass and descend into Italy to the glorious town of Stresa on the shores of Lake Maggiore, where we will stay the next 2 nights. (B, D)
Your Stresa Hotel - The Regina Palace Hotel. Elegant and grand, the Regina Palace will delight you. Set in beautiful gardens on the lakeside promenade facing the Borromean Islands this superb first class hotel boasts crisp white tablecloths, marble columns and antique furnishings. Kings and Queens have stayed here. So will you! See http://www.stresa.net/hotel/regina |
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Day 5
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Stresa on Lake Maggiore(FB,D)
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| This morning we enjoy a peaceful cruise to visit the 3 beautiful Borromean Islands in the centre of Lake Maggiore. Isola Pescatori (the Fisherman's island) has a small picturesque village with old houses, wooden balconies, tiny boats and fishing nets. Isola Madre has terraced gardens statues, azaleas, camellias and peacocks with a backdrop of splendid views. On both Isola Madre and Isola Bella you'll find the noble villas of the Borromeo family. The afternoon is at leisure in this delightful lakeside town (B). |
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Day 6
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Castel Brando(FB,D)
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We spend the entire morning in the golden city of Milan - famous for football and fashion, the La Scala Opera House, the incredible gothic cathedral and shopping on Via Montenapoleone. After lunch we will make a special stop on Lake Garda to wander through the incredibly picturesque town of Desenzano with its tiny harbour surrounded by cobbled stoned walkways and cafes. Later we reach the foothills of the Dolomites and the superb CastelBrando where we stay for the next 2 evocative nights. Located above the medieval village of Cison di Valmarino this 2,000 year old Roman fortress was turned into a sumptuous noble's palace in the 13th Century. (B, D)
Your Castle Hotel - CastelBrando. Skillful restoration and sensitive modern-isation have brought the original magnificence back to life. Guelph style decorative battlements, stone cellars, tapestries, swords and suits of armour set the scene for the elegant halls, dining rooms, manicured gardens and terraces overlooking the valley. Amongst the leisure facilities there's an indoor pool, health spa and Turkish baths. For more information look at http://www.castelbrando.it/ |
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Day 7
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Castel Brando(FB,HL)
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| After a leisurely start we visit nearby Venice - arguably one of the most romantic cities in the world. At Piazzale Roma we board a boat to take us along the entire length of the Grand Canal. Passing Merchant Palaces and under the Rialto Bridge we reach St Marc's Square and join our expert local guide for a city walking tour. The rest of the day is free to meander through the myriad of narrow, water lined streets and alleys spanned by humped back bridges. This evening we dine out in a local restaurant - Venetian style. We return to our Castle hotel mid evening. (B, D) |
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Day 8
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Montecatini Terme in Tuscany (FB,D)
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Travelling south we stop for a few hours in Bologna where the medieval centre is characterised by narrow, arcaded streets. Renowned as Italy's food capital, it has a wide range of delicatessen cafes and restaurants. Make sure you visit the food market 'Mercato delle Erbe', held on Via
Ugo Bassi. Mid afternoon we continue to Tuscany and our home for the next four nights in the charming spa town of Montecatini Terme. This was once a favourite 'cure resort' of the crowned heads of state from all over Europe. (B D)
Your Tuscan Hotel - The Columbia. Situated in the town centre and within walking distance of the spas, this magnificent Art Noveau style building dates from the beginning of the century. Inside this 4 star hotel the atmosphere is enhanced with elegant furnishings, brass and wrought iron lamps and original 18th and 19th century paintings. The 5th Floor Panoramic restaurant overlooks the nearby Tuscan hills. For more information look at http://www.hotelcolumbia.it |
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Day 9
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Montecatini Terme in Tuscany (FB,D)
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| Today is dedicated to nearby 'Firenze' (Florence). A local guide will bring to life this truly beautiful city which is otherwise known as the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'. We'll visit the Duomo, the Baptistry and the magnificent statues in the Piazza della Signoria. Your tour ends inside the famous Uffizi Gallery - one of the world's greatest collections of Italian, Florentine and Renaissance art in the world. Your afternoon is entirely free to enjoy Florence at your own pace. Expresso Coffee on Piazza Santa Croce where Michelangelo is buried? A gelato whilst gazing at 'David'? Don't forget the excellent shopping. (B, D) |
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Day 10
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Montecatini Terme in Tuscany (FB)
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| A delightful day is planned as we explore the famous Cinque Terre. The name means 'five lands' and comes from the five un-spoilt fishing villages that cling to the cliffs overlooking the sea. We've arranged a coastal boat ride for you to admire the spectacular scenery and almost inaccessible fishing villages and visit Porto Venere, Vernazza and Monterosso. Our return journey is by train through the tunnels and cliffs above. (B) |
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Day 11
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Montecatini Terme in Tuscany (FB,HD)
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| Our first stop today is the town of Pisa with its famous Leaning Tower, Duomo, Baptistery and Cathedral in the magnificent Piazza dei Miracoli. Lunchtime will be at leisure in one of the most typically 'Tuscan' towns in the area, Lucca - a medieval walled city, filled with palaces, churches, ancient houses and the former home of Puccini where he wrote Turandot. Walk on top of the city walls for the very best city views or visit Piazza San Michele and stroll along the shops of Borgo Giannotti. This evening you'll enjoy a special candlelit 'Farewell to Tuscany' dinner with music. (B, D) |
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Day 12
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Roma (FB,D)
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Crossing Tuscany we make the short drive to fairytale 'town of towers' San Gimignano, famous for its 13th and 14th century Tuscan towers. Exploring the pedestrian walkways of this hilltop town is an absolute delight. Lunchtime will be spent in the beautifully preserved streets of medieval Siena amongst the great sights such as the Gothic Town Hall, Duomo and the Piazza del Campo, scene of the famous Palio horse race. Bidding farewell to Tuscany we reach the 'Eternal City' of Rome where you will stay in your central city hotel for the next two nights. (B, D)
Your Rome Hotel - The Hotel Massimo D'Azeglio. Dating back to 1875 this 4 star hotel still retains that late nineteenth century atmosphere and style. The main façade has kept the same look as it had under King Umberto. It is centrally located and an easy walk to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. For more information look at http://www.romehoteldazeglio.it |
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Day 13
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Roma (FB,L,D)
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| Today we take a panoramic tour around the famous landmarks of this city from the magnificent fountains by Bernini, the palaces and open squares to Piazza Venezia and the massive Colosseum. Our expert local guide will also take us on a walking tour through the ancient Roman Forum to Michelangelo's Piazza del Campidoglio. The rest of the day is at leisure. The Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona are 'a must' or alternatively shop near the Spanish Steps in the elegant stores of Via Condotti or Via Borgognona. (B) |
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Day 14
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Sorrento to the Neopolitan Riviera (FB,L,D)
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Driving south past Vesuvius we visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii where a local guide takes us through this city that was buried under volcanic ash in AD 79. Paintings, furniture, mosaics, sculptures, graffiti and even loaves in ovens are wonderfully preserved. From here it's only a short drive to our stunning hotel in Meta di Sorrento where we stay for three nights. (B, D)
Your Riviera Hotel - The Mar Alimuri. This stunning 4 star hotel epitomizes the Riviera. Backed by high cliffs, the restaurant and bar spill out onto the terrace with views over the swimming pool and private beach across to the Bay of Naples. The hotel offers a free shuttle service into nearby Sorrento town. Make sure you look at http://www.alimuri.com |
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Day 15
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Sorrento to the Neopolitan Riviera(FB,L,D)
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| Enjoy your day as we take you from Sorrento across to Marina Grande on the island of Capri which the Roman emperor Tiberius made his capital. On arrival we board our coach for a short orientation tour of this dramatic island. The rest of the day is free to explore the towns of Capri, Anacapri or maybe Marina Piccola, a tiny hamlet, where you can laze on a rock or dine on seafood. (B, D) |
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Day 16
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Sorrento to the Neopolitan Riviera(FB,L,D)
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| You simply cannot visit this region without taking a day trip along the length of the famous Amalfi Coast. Joining this spectacular road at San Pietro we follow the twisting, winding scenic drive to stop in the picturesque villages and towns hugging the cliffs and craggy coves. Highlights will be your visits to lovely Positano and Amalfi. (B, D) |
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Day 17
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Roma (FB,L,D)
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We return to Rome around midday. This afternoon we'll visit the Basilica di San Pietro (St Peter's) and a local guide will take you through the Vatican City - the largest museum complex in the world and home to the breathtaking Sistine Chapel. As a finale we will have our farewell dinner in a local restaurant. (B,D)
Your Rome Hotel - The Hotel Massimo D'Azeglio |
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Day 18
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Roma (FB,L,D)
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| Sadly your tour is completed after breakfast in your hotel. (B) |
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AUD$6,179 NZD$7,089 pp twin share
Single Supplement AUD$1,089/NZD$1,249
Land Only Prices 18 days/17 nights
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