| 10 Days ~ France
~ Monaco ~ Italy
Tour
Pace
This tour certainly is easy paced with three
nights each in Monte Carlo, the elegant spa town of Montecatini and lakeside
Como. There are half day excursions included in each centre still leaving
plenty of free time to explore.
DAY 1 – SUN –
ARRIVE COTE D'AZUR
On arrival at Nice
Airport there are complimentary transfers along the coast to the tour hotel
in Monaco. The afternoon is yours to relax and settle in before joining your
fellow passengers and Tour Director for a Welcome Drink. Hotel: Le
Meridien Beach Plaza. (dinner)
DAY 2 – MON –
MONACO SIGHTSEEING
Explore Monaco which has
been ruled by the Grimaldi family since the 13th century. Walk with your
Tour Director through the Old Town to see the Royal Palace, where the
Grimaldi family lives, the yacht-filled harbour and the Cathedral, which
houses the tombs of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. Drive along part of
the Grand Prix circuit to see the Monte Carlo Casino. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 3 – TUE –
NICE &ST PAUL DE VENCE EXCURSION
The day is set aside to
enjoy a taste of the jet set. Visit Nice, one of the liveliest cities in
France, with its host of attractions. Take a stroll in the shady gardens,
relax on the beach or browse in the exclusive boutiques. Visit the medieval
town of St Paul de Vence, perched high on a hill top. This was a source of
inspiration for artists such as Chagall, Matisse and Cezanne, and you will
understand why as you wander through the narrow cobbled streets and enjoy
the panoramic views over Provence. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 4 – WED –
MONACO – MONTECATINI
Cross into Italy and
drive along the ‘Flower Riviera’, following the autostrada through
tunnels and bridges. Stop in the town of Pisa, once one of the most
important ports on the Mediterranean. Its wealthy merchants dedicated some
of their wealth to build a fine cathedral and baptistery, but today it is
the belltower which attracts most notice by leaning four metres from the
perpendicular. Stay in the nearby Tuscan spa town of Montecatini. Hotel: Bellavista.
(Buffet breakfast, dinner)
DAY 5 – THU –
FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING
A short drive leads you
to Florence, cradle of the Renaissance. See the lofty Cathedral and
baptistery, Giotto’s 14th century Campanile (said to be the most beautiful
bell-tower in the world), the ‘Gates of Paradise’, Signoria Square with
its open-air gallery of Renaissance sculpture, and visit one of the great
art galleries to see Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Statue of David. In
the afternoon, you may wish to discover more of the art treasures housed in
the many museums and galleries or explore more of this fascinating city
before returning to the hotel. Consider joining a Tuscan dinner party at
night. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 6 – FRI –
LUCCA EXCURSION
A short drive leads to the delightful medieval
town of Lucca, its churches, squares and palaces perfectly preserved within
its encircling ramparts. See the birthplace of Puccini, who wrote the tragic
opera ‘La Boheme’, and the bronze statue dedicated to him. After time to
explore, return to the hotel. During the afternoon, opt for an excursion to
the hilltop town of San Gimignano, renowned for its many tall fortress
towers, or take a relaxing stroll in Montecatini. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 7 – SAT –
MONTECATINI – ROME
Travel southwards through
the province of Umbria to the valley of the river Tiber and follow its
course to Rome, cradle of ancient civilisation. Sightseeing with a local
guide takes you inside St Peter’s Basilica, built around the tomb of St
Peter, and designed by some of history's greatest architects - Bramante,
Bernini and Michelangelo. Another highlight takes you inside the massive
Colosseum, scene of great excitement and occasional martyrdom in imperial
times. Then look out over the Forum - once the religious, political and
commercial heart of the Roman Empire. Hotel: Cicerone. (Buffet breakfast,
dinner)
DAY 8 – SUN –
ROME AT LEISURE
A day to relax and
explore Rome at your own pace. Perhaps join an optional day trip to Pompeii,
the perfectly preserved Roman town which was engulfed by the eruption of
Vesuvius in AD79?(Buffet breakfast)
DAY 9 – MON –
ROME
In the Vatican State, the richest community in
the world, you visit the superb Vatican Museums, treasure house of the
Catholic faith with vast collections of ancient and Renaissance art.
Continue into the Sistine Chapel, where the Popes are elected, immortalised
by Michelangelo's painted ceiling. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Why not visit the Catacombs, where ancient Christians escaped to avoid
persecution? Tonight walk with your Tour director to the Spanish Steps
before a Highlight Dinner with wine and entertainment in a local restaurant.
(Buffet breakfast, Specialty Highlight Dinner)
DAY 10 – TUE –
ROME
Our tour ends this
morning after breakfast with transfers from the hotel to Rome’s Fiumicino
Leonardo da Vinci Airport. (Buffet breakfast)
|
