Best of Italy & the Italian Riviera (5 Nights)

Italian Riviera - Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre – Known in English as Five Villages, it is situated along the western coast of Italy, facing the Mediterranean Sea. UNESCO has proclaimed this area a World Heritage Site. Boasting one of the best sceneries in Italy, this region is fast becoming the most sought-after getaway for locals and tourists. The best way to visit the villages is by walking tour; you will be rewarded with the most picturesque views of the Mediterranean Sea, olive groves, vineyards, and beautiful villages hugging the rugged coastline.

Weather:
The province of La Spezia and the Cinque Terre enjoy a mild climate. The temperature is at its highest level in July and August when it reaches nearly 30C. The spring is usually moderate and introduces temperature until 25C. Showers are usually short but frequent during Spring and Autumn. In winter, however, these rains turn to snow even at low altitudes where winter-sport-lovers often spend their holidays.

Getting There:
Cinque Terre is accessible by train from all over Europe. For passengers arriving into Rome, there is a direct train to La Spezia (4 hrs). If not, they can tour either Florence or Milan first. From there, take the train to reach La Spezia (2.5hr from Florence and 3.5hr from Milan). Upon arrival in La Spezia, paxs can just take boats to the 5 villages in Cinque Terre, which is about 0.5hr journey. There are also local trains departing every hour from La Spezia to Cinque Terre, stopping at all the 5 villages.  
Note: A boat trip from La Spezia makes it possible to admire the whole Cinque Terre coastline along with other nearby places and allows you to move from one village to the next.
Trenitalia doesn’t cover the train travel between the Cinque Terre towns. Try the Cinque Terre day pass to travel all day between the Cinque Terre towns which can be purchased at La Spezia station.

Information / Website:
www.cinqueterreonline.com
www.cinqueterre.it

• Return economy airfare on Qantas & British Airways.
• 2 nights accommodation in Rome
• 1 night accommodation in Florence
• 2 nights accommodation in La Spezia
• Daily continental breakfast
• 4 days Flexi 2^nd-class Trenitalia Rail Pass

• Please note that all hotel reservations are subject to availability.
• All rail passes provided in the package exclude seat reservation fees.
• Change & cancellation of air ticket strictly not permitted once ticket issued.
• There are events or conventions held in Europe without prior notice and there may be surcharges imposed.
• Above rates are exclude all applicable taxes & subject to change without prior notice.

Day 1 : Rome
Rome is historic city of arts of culture. You may wish to visit some of the famous attractions such as Via Veneto, Piazza della Republica, Trevi Fountain, Domitian Stadium, Piazza Colonna, Pantheon and St. Peter’s Basilica. Overnight in Rome.

Day 02: Rome to Florence
After breakfast, depart in the morning. Travel on Eurostar Italia, the renowned high-speed train in Italy and arrive in Florence within 1.5hr. Rest of the day is free at leisure.

Day 03: Florence to La Spezia (Cinque Terre)
Today, rail to La Spezia, the gateway to Cinque Terre. The journey is about 2 hour. Upon arrival, you may check-in to your hotel before taking a boat trip to the villages along Cinque Terre. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the other four villages (Vernazza, Cogniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore).

Day 04: Cinque Terre
Continue your excursion to Cinque Terre, known by some as the best-preserved natural area of Italy. There is an extensive network of walking paths in the villages.

Day 05: La Spezia to Rome
Head back to Rome. The journey by train is 4 hours.

Day 06: Depart from Rome
Today, you may want to continue your journey or catch a flight back to Singapore.