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The Essence of Italy |
12 day
tour from US$2475
Tour Type: Europe Experiences |
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Highlight |
Itinerary |
What's
Included |
Optionals |
Dates
& Rates |
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HIGHLIGHT |
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Highlights:
- Rome
- Isle of Capri
- Sorrento
- Paestum
- Taormina
- Syracuse
- Piazza Armerina
- Agrigento
- Selinunte
- Mozia
- Erice
- Palermo
- Palermo Experience
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ITINERARY |
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Essence of Italy |
Day
1 - Arrive Rome (2 nights)
On arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport you are met and transferred to
your hotel. After check-in at the hotel, there is time this
afternoon perhaps to explore the streets of the medieval quarter or
simply relax and unwind with a cappuccino at a pavement café.
Tonight, you'll meet up with your Tour Director and fellow
travelling companions for a welcome drink and local dinner in a
typical trattoria – a great way to get to know each other!
Afterwards we drive to Piazza Navona where we will enjoy a drink or
home-made Italian ice cream. (Highlight Dinner)
Hotel: Grand Hotel Palazzo Carpegna (2 nights)
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Day
2 - Rome sightseeing & at leisure
This morning, we join our local guide and with the use of an audio
system we begin to explore the highlights of this 'Eternal City'.
First we head to the area of the Vatican with the Basilica of St.
Peter's and the moving statue of the 'Pieta' by Michelangelo as well
as, the site of ancient Rome at the Colosseum and the Forum. Later
with time on your own you may wish to visit the Sistine Chapel or
shop in this city's elegant boutiques. This evening why not enjoy an
optional evening of italian music and cuisine. (Buffet
Breakfast)
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Day
3 - Rome – Isle of Capri – Sorrento (2 nights)
This morning our drive takes us into the rolling scenery of the
Campania and into the shadow of Mount Vesuvius - the now dormant
volcano, which erupted in AD 79 to the great astonishment of the
inhabitants of the town of Pompeii. Today we cross the Bay of Naples
and soon arrive on the Isle of Capri. Here we will enjoy a short
tour of the island featuring Capri town with its famous piazzetta
and views of the Faraglioni Rocks. Then there's time on your own to
shop in the chic boutiques before we cruise to Sorrento. On arrival,
we check-in at our hotel where this evening we will be given a short
lesson in the Italian language which will help to prepare us for
tomorrow's cookery lesson! Dinner is served at our hotel tonight. (Buffet
Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Conca Park (2 nights)
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Day
4 - Mozzarella Farm & Cookery Demonstration
After breakfast we are off on an exciting day which will begin at a
Mozzarella farm where we see how this cheese is produced and to
taste some of the many types of Mozzarella. Later this evening, we
enjoy a demonstration of how to make some of Italy’s greatest
dishes in a local restaurant– and then of course, we will enjoy
eating them!
(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
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Day
5 - Sorrento – Paestum – Taormina (Giardini Naxos) (3 nights)
Our first stop this morning is at the Greek Temples at nearby
Paestum, these being the only well-preserved Greek site north of
Sicily, as they were hidden away by thick forests for centuries
before being discovered. Here we will make a stop at the excavations
and then continue our journey south through Calabria to board our
ferry and cruise across the Straits of Messina. On our arrival we
rejoin our coach and drive to Taormina, Sicily's most exclusive
resort, where we spend the first night of our three-night stay. (Buffet
Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: San Alphio Garden (3 nights)
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Day
6 - Taormina orientation & at leisure
After breakfast this morning, we will start the day with an
orientation tour of the upper city. After, the remainder of your day
is at leisure. You may wish to either laze on the beach, go shopping
for hand-made lace on the Corso or take an optional excursion to
visit Mount Etna – yet another not so dormant volcano! Your
evening is free to do as you please, your Tour Director will be
happy to assist and advise you of the best places for dinner. (Buffet
Breakfast)
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Day
7 - Syracuse Excursion
Today's journey takes us to Syracuse where we enjoy a guided visit
of the celebrated archeological sites, including the Greek Theatre,
the Roman amphitheatre and more. Later, we walk on the so-called
Ortygia Island before returning to our hotel at Taormina. Tonight,
we get together to enjoy a delicious dinner at a typical restaurant.
(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
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Day
8 - Taormina (Giardini Naxos) – Enna – Agrigento
Our day starts with a drive via Enna and on to the scenic splendour
of Piazza Armerina. From here we continue our journey through the
vineyards of the southern hills to visit the Roman Villa of Casale
with its splendid mosaics. Finally, we make our way to our hotel at
Agrigento for the night. Here we visit the nearby Valley of the
Temples dating from the 6th century BC! (Buffet Breakfast /
Dinner)
Hotel: Grand dei Templi
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Day
9 - Agrigento – Selinunte – Palermo (3 nights)
After breakfast this morning, we make our way to Selinunte where we
visit the Dorian Temples. Next we will continue our drive on to
Mozia, where we will visit the fascinating Salt Mines. Then on via
Erice to visit the Castle gardens before reaching Palermo,
Sicily’s capital for our three-night stay. Dinner will be served
at our hotel this evening.
(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Grand Hotel et des Palmes (3 nights)
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Day
10 - Palermo sightseeing and at leisure
This morning we will enjoy a tour of this pretty city with a local
guide, seeing the Norman Cathedral, Monreale and Mondello. The
balance of the day is at leisure. Perhaps take an optional excursion
to the fishing village of Cefalu – famous for its fresh fish and
seafood. (Buffet Breakfast)
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Day
11 - Palermo Experience
This exciting day begins with a drive to a local market where we buy
the various ingredients that will go into making our lunch – all
with the help of a professional chef! Then we're off to a beautiful
villa set amid vineyards, where we can all participate in the
preparation of today's meal. Those who prefer to learn about the
wine of this area, can opt to visit a 'cantina' or two on the nearby
estates – but we will all get together for a hopefully delicious
lunch with wine in the gardens of this elegant private home. The
rest of the day is at leisure. (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight
Lunch)
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Day
12 - Palermo – Depart Rome
This morning we transfer to Palermo Airport to board our flight to
Rome. You will arrive at Rome Fiumicino airport aproximately 08.00am
to connect with your return flight home. (Buffet Breakfast)
Please do not schedule flights before 10.00am.
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WHAT'S
INCLUDED
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The Essence of Italy
What's
Included
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Sightseeing
Highlights
- Rome:
Sightseeing with a special audio system includes views of
the Forum and Colosseum plus visits the Vatican with the
Basilica of St. Peter's and the 'Pieta' by Michelangelo .
An evening drive which ends at Piazza Navona and enjoy
homemade Italian ice-cream or a drink.
- Isle of Capri:
Orientation includes views of the Faraglioni Rocks and
Capri town.
- Sorrento: Enjoy a
short lesson in the Italian language. Visit a mozzarella
farm, see how the cheese is made and taste some of the
many types. We learn to make some of Italy's greatest
dishes at our included lunch.
- Paestum: Stop at the
Greek Temples and stop at the excavations.
- Taormina: Orientation
tour includes the upper city.
- Syracuse: Visit the
celebrated archeological sites, including the Greek
Theatre, Roman amphitheatre and more. Plus visit Ortygia
island.
- Piazza Armerina:
Visit the Roman Villa of Casale.
- Agrigento: Visit the
Valley of the Temples.
- Selinunte: Visit the
Dorian Temples.
- Mozia: Visit the Salt
Mines.
- Erice: Visit the
Castle gardens.
- Palermo Sightseeing
including the Norman Cathedral, Monreale and Mondello.
- Palermo Experience:
Visit a local market to purchase various ingredients to
use at our cooking lesson in a restaurant, accompanied by
a local chef with our participation in preparing our
midday meal. Visit a wine estate.
- Scenic drives through
the rolling scenery of the Campania, across the Bay of
Naples, along the Sorrento Peninsula and through the
vineyards of the Southern Hills.
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Dining
Highlights
- A welcome drink with your Tour
Director in Rome
- 11 Buffet breakfasts
- 1 speciality restaurant lunch,
participate in the preparation of lunch in a Villa near Palermo
- 4 three-course dinners in hotels
- 3 local speciality restaurant
dinners at a Roman Trattoria, Sorrento and Taormina
19 meals in total (see day-by-day
itinerary)
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First
Class Travel Highlights
- The services of one of Trafalgar's
top professional multi-lingual Tour Directors.
- A qualified local city guide in
Rome and Syracuse, Agrigento and Palermo.
- Chauffeur driven on Trafalgar's
luxury air-conditioned motorcoaches with reclining seats and
washroom.
- Cruise to the Isle of Capri.
- Ferry across the Straits of
Messina from mainland Italy to Sicily.
- Internal flight Palermo to Rome,
including airport transfers
- You'll stay in twin-bedded rooms
with private facilities.
- All hotel service charges and
tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
- A stylish travel bag and wallet
containing tour documents and helpful information.
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Airport
Transfers
- London Gateways:
Transfers can be expensive, particularly between the Airport and
central London. When you book your tour with Trafalgar your
transfers to and from the airport are included. It's that
simple. Trafalgar has included a Free transfer to and from your
airport and Central London.
- Important – Please Note: Passengers
will only be entitled to transfers to and from London Airports
providing the following conditions are met:
- You are staying at a London hotel,
booked by Trafalgar, on the night of your arrival and the night
prior to the date of your departure.
- Flights are either booked by
Trafalgar or detailed information on flights is provided by your
Travel Agent not less than 21 days prior to departure.
- Only one included transfer both
inbound and outbound per tour is included by Trafalgar.
Transfers are by express train to a Central London Rail Station.
- Heathrow Express operates between
05.10-23.30. Gatwick Express operates inbound services between
05.20-23.45 and outbound services from 04.30-23.45. Transfers
outside of these times are at the passengers own expense.
- In the event of unforeseen events
(road or rail works, demonstrations, strikes) Trafalgar will not
be held responsible for delayed or cancelled transfers.
- No refund is available for
passengers not utilising this service.
- Why not upgrade to a Hotelink
transfer from the Airport to-the-door of your Trafalgar London
hotel? (please ask Trafalgar or your travel agent of the
additional upgrade price per person when booking)
- European Gateways: With
Trafalgar all passengers will receive complimentary arrival and
departure transfers on the scheduled arrival and departure day
of their tour at the times specified below. Please ensure your
Travel Agent reserves your flight to co-ordinate with the
transfer times shown.
- Trafalgar Bonus - Passengers who
book Trafalgar's Land+Air package and who arrive or depart
outside of these specified times on the scheduled arrival and
departure day of the tour will also be provided with a transfer.
- Passengers arriving before or
leaving after the scheduled tour days are not entitled to a
transfer but may book and purchase one through Trafalgar
providing that they also purchase the additional pre and/or post
tour hotel night(s) from Trafalgar. Please ask for prices of
transfers at the time of booking your extra night accommodation.
- Land only passengers arriving or
departing on the scheduled tour arrival or departure days but
whose flights don't coincide with the listed transfer times
below may also book and purchase these transfers. Flight details
must be provided to Trafalgar not less than 21 days before the
flight departure.
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OPTIONALS |
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The Essence of Italy
Optional Excursions
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Note:
All optional excursions listed are for
2004/2005 please use the information as a guide only.
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- BAY OF NAPLES
Capri Highlights with Lunch. Minibuses will take us on a spectacular
drive to Anacapri with its magnificent views over the Mediterranean.
Time for a spot of window shopping before visiting the Villa of the
Swedish doctor, Axel Munthe, with its cool white washed walls and
charming antiques. Our local guide will show us further highlights
of this beautiful island before lunch in a picturesque restaurant
(wine/soft drink included).
49.00 (€)
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I11
- ROME. Tivoli and Dinner
An excursion to the ancient Sabine town of Tivoli situated a few
miles outside Rome to enjoy the gardens and fountains of the Villa
D’Este. You will visit its grottos and pavilions, the Avenue of a
Hundred Fountains, and the Dragon Fountain of the Organ. We end the
evening with a typical Italian dinner, wine, soft drinks and music.
58 (without dinner 39) (€)
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I12
- ROME. Ostia Antica
Drive to the Mediterranean coast and visit the excavations of
Ancient Ostia, the former harbour of Rome. These ruins offer perhaps
a more complete picture of Roman urban life than either Rome or
Pompeii. See the remains of the baths, theatre, apartment houses,
drinking room, mosaics and wall paintings at this beautiful site,
mirrored by Cypress trees and Umbrella pines. Our visit will be
enhanced by the effective use of our excellent audio system.
35.00 (€)
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I13
- ROME. Ostia Antica visit with Dinner
An excursion to the ancient town of Ostia founded in the 4th century
before Christ. Following literally in the steps of the Roman
merchants and sailors who made this their home, you will visit the
excavated ruins of the baths, theatre, apartment houses, drinking
rooms, mosaics and wall paintings. We end the evening with delicious
Italian cuisine, wine and soft drinks included. Our visit will be
enhanced by the effective use of our excellent audio system.
58.00 (€)
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I14
- ROME. Ancient and Christian Rome
Explore Rome’s past. Visit the Catacombs where the early
Christians assembled to escape persecution and which were used as
underground cemeteries. Then, on to the best preserved of the Roman
Temples, the Pantheon - today used as a Christian church! On some
tours a visit to the Chuch of St. Peter in Chains to see
Michelangelo’s statue of Moses, will be visited instead of the
Pantheon. Our visit will be enhanced by the effective use of our
excellent audio system.
32.00 (€)
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I15
- ROME. Vatican Museums & the Sistine Chapel
An extension to the included sightseeing tour which allows us to
admire the artistic masterpieces collected and commissioned by the
Popes. See the famous Tapestry Gallery and Gallery of Maps then
finally wonder at the masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel. Take your
time - Michelangelo spent 11 years in the preparation of the vault
and altar wall! Our visit will be enhanced by the effective use of
our excellent audio system.
36.00 (€)
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I16
- ROME. Roman Highlights
On certain departures, for operational reasons, tours I14 and I15
will be combined excluding the Pantheon visit. Our visit will be
enhanced by the effective use of our excellent audio system.
61.00 (€)
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I26
- TAORMINA. Mount Etna Excursion
A half day excursion up to this famous volcano, the only one active
in the whole of Europe. You will have time to photograph the
spectacular scenery before our return descent to Taormina.
26.00 (€)
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I38
- PALERMO. Half Day Visit to the medieval fishing town of Cefalu
An hour’s drive along the blue coastal highway brings us to the
quaint medieval town of Cefalu. Here we will stroll from the long
golden beach into the winding Arab streets, stopping first at the
‘Lavatoio’ - the 9th century washing area, with its original
stone basin and fresh running water where, of old, the Arabs used to
wash their linen. Then we reach the central square with its famous
Norman Cathedral – resplendent with Byzantine mosaics. Free time
in this central area where you have the opportunity to buy Sicilian
handicrafts, Italian Fashions or to enjoy the traditional almond
pastries or ‘croissants’ with delicious icecream (With Dinner
Euro 58).
23.00 (€)
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I40
- ROME. Introduction to Rome by Night
Cameras at the ready for the many magnificent sights awaiting us as
we ‘do as the Romans do’ and start the evening with a
‘passegiata’ (evening stroll) along the Via Condotti to the
world-famous Spanish Steps in Rome’s most fashionable shopping
area. The ‘Campidoglio’, Piazza Venezia and so much more are
included on this evening visit before we linger in Piazza Navona
with its many pavement cafés and trattorias to admire the
seventeenth century fountains and architecture. NB On certain
departures, the Spanish Steps will be substituted by the Piazza
Rotonda, dominated by the mighty Pantheon.
30.00 (€)
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I41
- ISLE OF CAPRI. Cruise around the Island (weather permitting)
including Lunch
A cruise around this spectacular island to visit some of its rocky
and hidden grottos! First we take our ‘white cruise’ around the
eastern part of the island seeing the white and green grottos, as
well as the cliff from which the Emperor Tiberius is said to have
thrown women and slaves to their death! Then via the natural Arch
and the Faraglioni rocks, we view Marina Piccola and return to
Marina Grande, where we disembark and board special minibuses for a
breathtaking trip up to our scenically located restaurant for lunch.
When the weather is inclement the cruise is not possible, we will
enjoy a tour of the island by minibus, visiting the white-washed
villa of Dr. Axel Munthe in Anacapri and seeing Gracie Field’s
restaurant when we visit charming Marina Piccola.
49.00 (€)
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I67
- TAORMINA. Dinner Sicilian Style
A fantastic ‘Sicilian’ evening with a delicious dinner of
Southern Italian specialities.
43.00 (€)
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I72
- The Amalfi Drive
An exhilarting drive along one of Europe’s most scenic routes
known as the Amalfi Drive. We stop at Positano, where we have a
breathtaking view across the Mediterranean to Capri and Ischia.
Finally, we return to Sorrento Euro 23. (I72a. The Amalfi Drive
& Dinner. After we go to a scenically located restaurant for a
mouth-watering meal of Neapolitan cuisine.
58.00 (€)
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I76
- ROME. Dinner and Evening Tour
First we enjoy a robust and delicious dinner of excellent Roman
cuisine, followed by a night-time drive around the illuminated city,
stopping to visit the Spanish Steps at the Church of the Holy
Trinity and time to experience the ‘dolce vita’ along the famous
Via Veneto.
52.00 (€)
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I79
- TAORMINA. Sicilian Folklore and Show
Singers and dancers in traditional colourful costume bring the
emotion and spirit of the Sicilian soul to life. A Sicilian dessert
and one drink are included.
35.00 (€)
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DATES
& RATES |
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*These prices are correct at
the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at
the time of booking.
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