Articles
Grand Tour of Italy with Monaco and Nice
The essence of 'la dolce vita'
From/To: Private Group Tour
Duration: 14 days
The beauty and grace of Italy is a kaleidoscope of colors, fragrances and tastes. Discover the essence of ‘la dolce vita’ through Italy’s cuisine, art, and landscapes.
Individualy priced
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 Friday, April 24, 2015
DEPART HOME
By Air from North America - overnight flight to Milan. By Coach from Poland - all day drive via Czech Republic and Austria. Arrive Milan late evening.
Day 2 Saturday, April 25, 2015
Welcome to MILAN
Relax after the journey. Join your companions and your Travel Director later for a tour of this fashionable city. See the Duomo, La Scala Opera house and the famous Galleria. This evening enjoy Welcome Reception. Accommodation: Cosmo Palace Hotel ****
Day 3 Sunday, April 26, 2015
MILAN - ITALIAN LAKE DISTRICT - COMO - LUGANO (SWITZERLAND) - LECCO - VENICE (2 NIGHTS)
Drive north to the Italian Lake District, a favoured summer retreat of the rich and famous. Explore and soak up the scenery of Lakes: Como, Lugano and Lecce at the Italian-Swiss border. Continue to Venice, Queen of the Adriatic! Accommodation: Hotel Altieri ****
Day 4 Monday, April 27, 2015
VENICE - Secret Venice Tour and visit to the Market
Venice is a remarkable Byzantine city with a rich cultural and maritime history. Join your companions and your Travel Director for your tour to St. Mark’s Square. See the island of St. George, the elegant Customs House, the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and the Byzantine Basilica. Watch the Venetian craftsmen at a glassblowing workshop on Giudecca Island. See the Grand Canal. See how the locals shop for food and find out about some of the regional cuisine including the delicious seafood. Cross the Rialto Bridge and see the beautiful architecture including Marco Polo’s house.
Day 5 Tuesday, April 28, 2015
VENICE - SAN MARINO - RIMINI
In the morning depart to San Marino, officially the Republic of San Marino, also known as the Most Serene Republic of San Marino, an enclaved microstate surrounded by Italy. Its size is just over 64 sq km/24 sq mi with an estimated population of over 30,000. It has the smallest population of all the members of the Council of Europe and claims to be the oldest surviving sovereign state and constitutional republic in the world, as the continuation of the monastic community founded on September 3, 301 AD, by stonecutter Marinus of Arbe. See the historic center, which is in every part, a living monument. A patrimony for humanity. Enjoy the incredible view of Romagna Coast on one side and the ancient Republic on the other. Take a stroll along the narrow streets, through the squares, around the churches and thousand stores, and boutiques. Spend free time shopping for souvenirs, or perhaps with the emotion of the beautiful surroundings, a jewel, a typical artisan product, ceramics, brand-name clothing, perfume or liquor. Continue to Rimini on the Adriatic Sea, one of the most famous seaside resorts in Europe, thanks to its 15 kilometres (9 miles) long sandy beach, over 1,000 hotels and thousands of bars, restaurants and discos. Accommodation: Hotel Imperial Beach ****
Day 6 Wednesday, April 29, 2015
RIMINI - VATICAN CITY - ROME (2 NIGHTS)
Depart early morning and drive south from Rimini to Rome for two nights stay. Visit Vatican City for an Audience with the Pope. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica and view Michelangelo’s Pietà. Visit Vatican Museums, located within the Vatican City's boundaries. Admire works from the immense collection built up by the Roman Catholic Church throughout the centuries including some of the most renowned classical sculptures and most important masterpieces of Renaissance art in the world. Visit Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. Your sightseeing tour continues in ancient Rome. View the Forum and see Circus Maximus, where chariot races were held. Visit inside the impressive Colosseum. In the evening explore the city on your own, or simply relax and watch the world go by! Accommodation: Novotel Rome La Rustica ****
Day 7 Thursday, April 30, 2015
ROME
Spend the day exploring this exciting city. The elegant shops on the Via Condotti and from the ancient Forum to the colourful Piazza Navona, Rome is yours to discover. In the evening, savour the city's mouth-watering cuisine at a restaurant.
Day 8 Friday, May 1, 2015
ROME - CASTEL GANDOLFO - MONTE CASSINO - POMPEII - AMALFI COAST - SALERNO - SORRENTO - NAPLES (2 NIGHTS)
In the morning visit The Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo, or the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo from its Italian name Palazzo Apostolico di Castel Gandolfo, a 17th-century papal palace in the city of Castel Gandolfo. It has served for centuries as a summer residence and vacation retreat for the pope, the leader of the Catholic Church. Drive south and visit the Commonwealth Cemetery and the Benedictine Abbey of Montecassino. Enjoy the spectacular view from the top of the mountain. Your Local Expert Guide takes you on a fascinating tour of the excavations at Pompeii, UNESCO World Heritage site, buried for centuries under a layer of volcanic ash when Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. Continue around Amalfi Coast via Salerno to the gorgeous town of Sorrento famous for its delicious limoncello drink. Your orientation includes views of Piazza Tasso and Corsa Italia. See fine craftsmanship at an inlaid wood factory. In the evening arrive in ‘Bella Napoli’, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Your home for the next two nights! Accommodation: Joyfull Hotel ****
Day 9 Saturday, May 2, 2015
ISLE OF CAPRI
Cruise across the Bay of Naples to the beautiful Isle of Capri. Orientation of Capri town includes views of the Marina Piccola. Admire the legendary Piazzetta, the centre of local life, where the rich and famous sip their cappuccinos. Spend free time shopping at elegant boutiques, or perhaps explore the coast of this pretty island by private motor launch. Sail back across the Mediterranean to Naples.
Day 10 Sunday, May 3, 2015
NAPLES - ASSISI - SIENA - FLORENCE
See Naples’ historic city centre, the largest in Europe, covering 1,700 hectares (4,200 acres) and enclosing 27 centuries of history, listed by UNESCO as w World Heritage Site. Drive north via Latium into the Umbrian hills to the mystical town of Assisi. Your Local Expert Guide shows you the sights including views of the Church of St. Mary of the Angels, where St. Francis died. Visit the Basilica, featuring frescoes by Giotto. Discover Siena, a picturesque medieval town in the heart of Tuscany, famous for the annual Palio horse race. Admire the architecture on Piazza del Campo as you sip a cool drink at a sidewalk café. Shop for unique local pottery. Continue through picturesque Tuscan countryside to the Renaissance city of Florence. Accommodation: Ibis Florence Prato East ***
Day 11 Monday, May 4, 2015
FLORENCE - PISA - MANAROLA - GENOA
Learn about Florence’s artistic heritage during a tour with your Local Expert Guide. See the multi colored marble Duomo, magnificent Baptistery and the Piazza della Signoria with its statues and stunning palazzi. View the Ponte Vecchio bridge, one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo. Spend free time shopping for high quality leather and 18-carat gold jewelry in Florentine boutiques or consider a visit to the Fine Arts Academy to see Michelangelo’s ‘David’. Continue to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower. See La Spezia with Manarola, the second smallest of the famous Cinque Terre towns. In the evening arrive in Genoa, the birthplace of Christopher Columbus and Niccolo Paganini. Accommodation: Novotel Genova City ****
Day 12 Tuesday, May 5, 2015
GENOA - MONTE CARLO - MONACO - NICE - ALASSIO
Depart Genoa and drive along Italian Riviera - the Coast of the Rising Sun. Arrive to Monaco, officially the Principality of Monaco. Enjoy an orientation. View the Palace of the ruling Grimaldi family and the Cathedral where the late Princess Grace and Prince Rainier were married. See Monte Carlo situated on a prominent escarpment at the base of Maritime Alps along the French Riviera, see the world-famous Place du Casino, the Monte Carlo Casino and the Hotel de Paris, the Cafe de Paris, and the Salle Garnier, home of the Opera de Monte Carlo. Continue to Nice. Nice is one of the jewels in the French Riviera, and has always been a favourite with the rich and famous! Drive along the Promenade des Anglais and see the picturesque Flower Market in the Old Town and Place Massena during your orientation of the “Bay of the Angels”. Return to Italy for dinner. Accommodation: Grand Hotel Spiaggia ****.
Day 13 Wednesday, May 6, 2015
ALASSIO - ITALIAN RIVIERA - TURIN
This morning leave the Coast of the Rising Sun and travel to the famous city of Turin. Your Local Experet Guide will take you on a sightseeing tour of Turin. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and see the Antonelliana building. Visit Piazza San Carlo with its 17th century facades. Visit the Church of San Lorenzo where a full scale picture of the famous Shroud of Turin is on display. Try the local Biscotti and Bicerin, a typical hot drink from Turin. Visit Europe's largest open air food market and sample local produce. Accommodation: B&B Hotel Torino ***
Day 14 Thursday, May 7, 2015
TURIN - MILAN - HOME
In the morning depart to the airport in Milan and say ‘Arrivederci Italia’ at the end of your memorable vacation in Europe. Departure to North America. Or return to Poland by coach via Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany and Czech Republic. Accommodation on the way in Germany.
What’s Included
- Insider Experiences
- Hidden Treasure Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure experience, unique to your itinerary, courtesy of your expert Tour Director.
- Local Speciality Watch the Venetian craftsmen at a glassblowing workshop on Giudecca Island in Venice.
- Local Speciality Shop for souvenirs, or perhaps with the emotion of the beautiful surroundings, a jewel, a typical artisan product, ceramics, brand-name clothing, perfume or liquor in the Republic of San Marino.
- Local Speciality Visit Vatican City for an audience with the Pope.
- Local Speciality Visit the elegant shops on the Via Condotti and from the ancient Forum to the colourful Piazza Navona in Rome. In the evenings, savour the city’s mouth-watering cuisine.
- Local Speciality Try Sorrento’s delicious limoncello drink and see fine craftsmanship at an inlaid wood factory.
- Local Speciality See the local life at the legendary Piazzetta on the Isle of Capri and sip cappuccino with the rich and famous. Enjoy shopping at elegant boutiques.
- Local Speciality Sip a cool drink at a sidewalk on Piazza del Campo and admire the architecture in Siena. Shop for unique local pottery.
- Local Speciality Spend free time shopping for high quality leather and 18-carat gold jewelry in Florentine boutiques.
- Local Speciality See the picturesque Flower Market in the Old Town of Nice.
- Local Speciality See the world-famous Place du Casino, the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco.
- Local Speciality Try the local Biscotti and Bicerin, a typical hot drink from Turin.
- Sightseeing Highlights
- Milan
See the Duomo, La Scala Opera house and the famous Galleria. - Italian Lake District
Scenic tour at Lake Como, Lake Lugano (Switzerland) and Lake Lecce. - Venice
See the island of St. George, the elegant Customs House, the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, the Byzantine Basilica, cross the Rialto Bridge, see Marco Polo’s house. - San Marino
See the historic center, enjoy the incredible view of Romagna Coast on one side and the ancient Republic on the other. Take a stroll along the narrow streets, through the squares, around the churches and thousand stores, and boutiques. - Vatican City
Visit St. Peter’s Basilica and view Michelangelo’s Pietà. See the Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. - Rome
View the ancient Forum and see Circus Maximus, where chariot races were held. Visit inside the impressive Colosseum. - Monte Cassino
Visit the Commonwealth Cemetery at Monte Cassino and the Benedictine Abbey of Monte Cassino - Pompeii
See the excavation at Pompeii, UNESCO World Heritage site. - Sorrento
View Piazza Tasso and Corsa Italia. - Isle of Capri
View Marina Piccola, admire the legendary Piazzetta. - Naples
See the historic city centre, the largest in Europe, enclosing 27 centuries of history, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. - Assisi
View the Church of St. Mary of the Angels, where St. Francis died. Visit the Basilica, featuring frescos by Giotto. - Siena
Admire the architecture on Piazza del Campo. - Florence
See the multicolored marble Duomo, magnificent Baptistery and the Piazza della Signora with its statues and stunning palazzi. View the Ponte Vecchio bridge. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo. - Pisa
See the famous Leaning Tower. - Manarola
See the second smallest of the famous Cinque Terre towns. - Genoa
See Genoa, the birthplace of Christopher Columbus and Niccolo Paganini. - Monaco
View the Palace of the ruling Grimaldi family and the Cathedral. - Monte Carlo
See the world-famous Place du Casino, the Monte Carlo Casino and the Hotel de Paris, the Cafe de Paris, and the Salle Garnier, home of the Opera de Monte Carlo. - Nice
Drive along the Promenade des Anglais and see Place Massena during your orientation of the “Bay of the Angels”. - Turin
Enjoy panoramic views of the city, see the Antonelliana building. Visit Piazza San Carlo. Visit the Church of San Lorenzo and see the famous Shroud of Turin.
- Dining
- Welcome Reception in Milan.
- Be Spoiled Dinner with Entertainment, which includes a traditional, local three-course meal, music and more...
- 12 Breakfasts.
- 12 Three-Course Dinners.
- Farewell Dinner in Turin.
- Travel Highlights
- Air travel from any major airport in North America to Milan, Italy or Coach travel from/to Poland or LAND ONLY.
- Cruise across the Bay of Naples from Naples to the Isle of Capri and from the Isle of Capri to Naples.
- First class hotel accommodation featuring twin rooms and private facilities and complimentary WiFi internet access. Price is based on double occupancy.
- All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
- Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats, onboard restroom and complimentary WiFi internet access.
- The services of our professional Tour Directors throughout your journey.
- A qualified Local Guide in Milan, Venice, Vatican City, Rome, Pompeii, Naples, Florence and Assisi.
- Capture treasured memories of your trip with a complimentary group photo taken at a landmark location.
- Disclaimer
- This relaxed exploration of Italy savors the old-world beauty of Milan, Venice and Rome, then journeys onwards, to the laid-back southern lifestyle of the Amalfi coast and also to the Italian and French Rivieras called the Coast of the Rising Sun.
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Terms & Conditions page. Terms & Conditions can be found in the footer.