A division of the Atlas Travel Network
Cosmos Tours Authorized Representative
1-800-942-3301
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Italy is home to a wealth of “bests” and this vacation features them all. Experience Rome with its famed archaeological sites; Florence, “Cradle of the Renaissance;” Pisa’s infamous Leaning Tower; the unique floating city of Venice; and Pompeii’s remarkable archaeological site. You’ll also visit Milan, the capital of fashion; enchanting Lake Maggiore and Italian-speaking Lugano, Switzerland; lively Sirmione on Lake Garda; Ravenna with its precious Byzantine mosaics; Assisi with the frescoed St. Francis Basilica; Perugia, capital of Umbria; the lively resort of Sorrento; and the isle of Capri, where the rich and famous meet. Enjoy all of this, along with the warmth of the Italian people and the beauty of the diverse landscapes, as you discover the best of this captivating country. |
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City Highlights Visits to Pisa, Lake Maggiore, Milan, Lugano, Sirmione, Verona, Ravenna, Assisi, Sorrento, Capri Meals 12 buffet breakfast (B); 4 dinners (D) Hotels: ROME Pineta Palace (ST), FLORENCE AREA Europa (ST) at Signa or Meridiana (ST) at Florence, LAKE MAGGIORE Simplon (F) at Baveno or Splendid (F) at Baveno, VENICE AREA Poppi (ST) at Mira, PERUGIA Holiday Inn (F), SORRENTO Central Park (ST) at Massalubrense or Rivage (ST)
Day 1:
BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT. Day 2: ARRIVAL IN ROME, ITALY. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this ancient capital. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. Day 3: ROME. The ”Eternal City”—a city steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting and absolutely unique! Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts in St. Peter’s Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum. (B) Day 4: ROME-FLORENCE AREA. This morning, vistas of undulating hills, austere rows of cypress trees, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and rural villages form the backdrop of your journey through beautiful Tuscany. Reach Florence in time to enjoy the included walking tour with a Local Guide, featuring most of the city highlights. You will see the Piazza Santa Croce; the beautiful Piazza Signoria; the Palazzo Vecchio and its courtyard; the Loggia dei Lanzi; and, to top it all, the Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Door of the Baptistry known as the “Gate to Paradise.” (B,D) Day 5: FLORENCE. EXCURSION TO PISA. An easy drive this morning to see more of the Tuscan countryside on the way to Pisa. Stop for a visit and see the Square of Miracles and the amazing Leaning Tower. Return to Florence for the afternoon. End the day by joining the optional Tuscan dinner in a typical restaurant. (B) Day 6: FLORENCE AREA-MILAN-LAKE MAGGIORE. This morning, leave hilly Tuscany to travel north into the plains of Lombardy, crossing the great River Po with new and quite different scenery as you approach Milan for a stop to see its great Duomo. Overnight in Baveno on the Lake Maggiore area. (B) Day 7: LAKE MAGGIORE. Time to relax and get to know the area. Lake Maggiore is one of Italy’s largest lakes and is located on the very edge of Alpine Switzerland. In fact, on clear days you can see the peaks of the Swiss Alps. Take advantage of the included excursion to visit Lugano and its lake in Switzerland. (B) Day 8: LAKE MAGGIORE-SIRMIONE-VERONA-VENICE AREA. This morning, journey eastwards for a first stop in Sirmione on the shores of Lake Garda. Next, Verona for another stop to see Romeo and Juliet’s balcony before reaching the Venice area. (B) Day 9: VENICE. Venice is more like a marvelous film set than a real live city, with its criss-crossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and little quiet piazzas. The included tour starts with a boat ride and is followed by a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers fashion their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. Don’t miss out on the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you. (B,D) Day 10: VENICE AREA-RAVENNA-ASSISI-PERUGIA. An interesting drive southwards right across the Po Delta to Ravenna. In the afternoon, journey to Assisi, enclosed by ramparts and little changed since the Middle Ages. This is the town of the deeply mystical and poetic St. Francis—see the Church of St. Clara, founder of the Order of Poor Clares, the medieval castle, and cathedral. Overnight in beautiful nearby Perugia, capital of Umbria. (B,D) Day 11: PERUGIA-SORRENTO. Bypass Orvieto, then drive south on the autostrada to Pompeii. Time stopped for the rich, aristocratic town of Pompeii with the terrible eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D. On the included visit you can see the remains of luxurious villas, temples, theater, and forum. Next, Sorrento, set on a plateau above the waters of the Bay of Naples. Wander the winding streets lined with shops and stalls, and sit with a glass of wine absorbing the easygoing life of this charming resort. (B) Day 12: SORRENTO. BOAT TRIP TO CAPRI. This legendary island is surrounded by rocky coastline where the crashing sea has formed awe-inspiring caves. The town with its pretty piazza, maze of streets, fashionable boutiques, and smart restaurants is a mecca for the jet set. An optional island tour is available. (B,D) Day 13: SORRENTO-ROME. A comfortable drive northwards this morning for arrival in Rome, well in time to enjoy most of the afternoon and evening. (B) Day 14: YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (B)
Visits to Pisa, Lake Maggiore, Milan, Lugano, Sirmione, Verona, Ravenna, Assisi, Sorrento, Capri
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Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.
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