itinerary

Escape to
HOLIDAYS
Italy
15
days
$7584 per person twin share
mn
moderate pace
departing Saturday 3 October 2015
1300 1500 50
www.cotaholidays.com.au
Escape to Italy
Rome • Lake Maggiore • Florence
Sorrento • Assisi • Venice
A luxury tour of Italy’s most beautiful sights including Michelangelo’s famous
Sistine Chapel ceiling and Statue of David, vineyards of Tuscany, Juliet’s
balcony, the ancient city of Pompeii, enjoy a gondola serenade in Venice
and much more.
All inclusive in the Escape to Italy package
•
•
•
•
return flights from your home port to Rome
escorted first class tour of Italy
meals as per itinerary
all transfers and entrance fees
Itinerary
day
1
Home Port to Rome
in flight
Saturday 3 October
Today you board your flight to Rome. Sit back and enjoy the in-flight entertainment on your journey to Rome to begin
your Escape to Italy.
day
2
Welcome to the Eternal City of Rome
in flight
welcome
Sunday 04 October
Welcome to Rome! Once the hub of a vast empire that spread from Britain to
the Persian Gulf and from Africa to Germany. On arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino
Leonardo da Vinci Airport, airport transfers leave for the tour hotel. This
afternoon, relax and settle in. Later, join your Tour Director for a Welcome
Reception and a pleasant evening of dinner and wine.
Rome
Hotel: Kolbe/Mercure, Rome
day
3
Papal & Imperial Rome
Monday 05 October 2015
You are met by a resident historian who guides you through the priceless art collection of the Vatican Museums,
culminating beneath Michelangelo’s famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Your VIP visit includes fast-track entry and
takes you behind the scenes to see the Bramante Staircase, a part of the Vatican closed to the general public. Then
enter St Peter’s Basilica to see Bernini’s ‘Popes’ Altar’ above the spot where St Peter is reputed to have been crucified.
Afterwards, cross the River Tiber to visit the Colosseum and gaze out over the Forum, the centre of ancient public life.
The afternoon is all yours to do as you please.
Hotel: Kolbe/Dei Borgia, Rome
day
4
Medieval Siena & Florence
Tuesday 06 October
Travel north to medieval Siena and stroll through the winding stone paved
streets to the vast Piazza del Campo, where the Palio horse race takes place
amid great festivities. See the ‘Fountain of Joy’ and then walk up to the hilltop
cathedral, striped with black and white marble. Continue through the cypress
clad hills and vineyards of Tuscany to Florence, jewel of the Renaissance.
Hotel: AC Hotel, Florence
day
5
Florence, Birthplace of the Renaissance
Wednesday 07 October
After a restful night’s sleep, join a resident expert inside the Accademia Galleria
to admire Michelangelo’s ‘Statue of David ‘. This is where your audio headset
comes into its own, providing clear, expert commentary from your guide. Gaze
up now and truly appreciate the significance of Michelangelo’s work. Then
continue to the Cathedral to see Giotto’s bell tower and the ‘Gates of Paradise’
adorning the Baptistery. Visit Signoria Square, filled with works of art and finally
pause in Santa Croce Square, overlooked by its basilica, the final resting place
of Galileo and Michelangelo. After a demonstration of leather-work, you have
spare time to shop or perhaps visit San Gimignano? By night don’t miss the
chance to try the delicious local cuisine and sample rich Chianti wine.
Florence
Hotel: AC Hotel, Florence
day
6
Pisa & the Italian Lakes
Thursday 08 October 2015
Your first stop today is in Pisa, to see the incredible Leaning Tower, from which
Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity. See also
the splendid Cathedral and Baptistry, decorated with mosaics and designs in
solid marble. Now onwards, past the marble quarries at Carrara used since
the time of Ancient Rome, through the dramatic Apennine Mountains to the
fertile valley of the River Po. Continue to your lake-side resort on beautiful Lake
Maggiore. As night time draws in, why not work up an appetite before dinner
with a traditional evening stroll (passeggiata).
Hotel: Grand Hotel Dino, Italian Lakes
Pisa Cathedral and Tower
day
7
At Leisure in the Italian Lake District
Friday 09 October 2015
Today is set aside to relax and enjoy all the fantastic sights of this beautiful lake land area. Perhaps take
a cruise over to Isola Bella, one of the picturesque Borromean Islands? As the evening descends, choose
from a selection of restaurants for your dining pleasure.
Hotel: Grand Hotel Dino, Italian Lakes
day
8
Vino, Verona & Venice
Saturday 10 October 2015
Follow the southern fringes of the European Alps to the vineyards, close to the
shores of Lake Iseo. Wine making traditions run deep here and you get to visit a
family owned estate that goes back generations. In an arcaded building dating
back to the 13C, with 16C frescos in the cellars, taste the delicious vintages
produced by the Berlucchi brothers and their sister, Pia. Continue to Verona,
setting for one of literature’s saddest love stories. Walk with your Tour Director to
Juliet’s balcony in the reputed courtyard of the Capulet home and see the well
preserved Roman Arena (still used for open-air opera performances). Now on to
your hotel in Venice, a city of 118 islands, with no motor car traffic to mar its beauty.
Hotel: Carlton on the Grand Canal/Principe, Venice
day
9
Verona
Venice & the Magic of La Serenissima
Sunday 11 October 2015
Wake up ready to embrace this romantic city. What better way to see Venice
than from a private launch, cruising past palazzos and churches to St Mark’s
Square. See the gilded Basilica, the Doges’ Palace and Lord Byron’s Bridge
of Sighs. No visit to Venice would be complete without a gondola serenade
through the ‘watery streets’. Relax and enjoy the atmosphere, music and songs
as you drift along the romantic canals. While here, you also visit a traditional
arts centre on Giudecca Island where you can see how hand-crafted glass,
masks and gondolas are made. Spend the afternoon as you wish. As night
falls, why not savour the magic of St. Mark’s square with its orchestras and
al-fresco cafés?
Venice
Hotel: Carlton on the Grand Canal/Principe, Venice
day
10
From dazzling mosaics to St. Francis’ Assisi
Monday 12 October 2015
Skirt the Venetian Lagoon and cross two of Italy’s most important rivers, the
Adige and Po, before approaching the city of Ravenna. Stop to visit the Church
of St Apollinaris in Classe with its dazzling mosaics. Then the scenery changes
dramatically as you drive through the wild Apennines. Your destination is the
stone built hill-town of Assisi, home of St Francis. See the Church of St Mary
of the Angels before continuing up Mount Subasio to enjoy a guided visit inside
the Basilica of St Francis.
Hotel: Giotto, Assisi
Assisi
day
11
Along the Autostrada del Sole to Sorrento
Tuesday 13 October 2015
Drive southwards, joining the Highway of the Sun, past the vineyards of Frascati
and Castelli Romani. Stop briefly at the Commonwealth Cemetery in the shadow
of the hilltop monastery of Monte Cassino. Continue along the cliff top road to the
picturesque resort of Sorrento, which bustles with life until late each night.
Hotel: Hotel Regina, Sorrento
Sorrento
day
12
Exploring Capri, the Isle of Dreams
Wednesday 14 October 2015
In the morning, investigate the art of ‘intarsio’ or marquetry wood inlaying
before cruising to Capri - the isle of dreams. Under the Mediterranean sun,
take one of the island’s iconic open-top taxis up the steep, windy roads while
a symphony of cicadas chirr away in the pines. Explore the narrow alleyways
of Capri Town, browse in exclusive boutiques and enjoy the views over the
Tyrrhenian Sea. Perhaps join an optional tour to visit Axel Munthe’s Villa San
Michele? Descend to the port by funicular railway and return to Sorrento for
some relaxation time.
Hotel: Regina, Sorrento
day
13
Pompeii - A Town Frozen in Time
Thursday 15 October 2015
Drive to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, eerily preserved by the eruptions
of Mount Vesuvius in AD79. Walk with a local expert through cobbled streets
to explore some of the shops, villas and temples. Witness colourful frescoes
hidden for centuries. Return to Rome where this evening, your escapade
reaches its zenith in the elegant illuminated Piazza Navona, the perfect setting
for the quintessential Italian experience – fine food, wine, music and a private
performance of enchanting operetta!
Hotel: Sheraton, Rome
day
14
Arrivederci Roma!
in flight
Friday 16 October 2015
Depart Rome to Home Port. This morning the group will be transferred from your hotel in Rome to the airport to
board your flight back to your Home Port.
day
15
Arrive Home Port
in flight
Extend your Italy Escape
Passengers wishing to extend their holiday may join a 7 night cruise on Cunard’s luxurious Queen Victoria Cruise Liner
visiting La Spezia, Monte Carlo on the French Riviera, Barcelona in Spain and Corsica before returning to Rome.
Cruise Extension
7
nights
departing Saturday 17 October 2015
You will be picked up from the hotel in Rome and transferred to Civitavecchia, Rome’s sea port to board the Queen
Victoria for a magnificent 7 night voyage. Visiting La Spezia, Monte Carlo on the French Riviera, Barcelona
Spain and Corsica. The cruise ship returns to Rome on Saturday the 24th of October.
Cost of Cruise extension is per person, twin share including return transfers from Rome & additional night in Rome.
Inside Cabin $1466pp
Oceanview Cabin $1697pp
Balcony Cabin $1895pp
leisurely pace
Itinerary for passengers joining the Mediterranean Cruise
day
1
Rome, Italy (from Civitavecchia)
Saturday 17 October
You will be transferred from your hotel in Rome to Civitavecchia in time to board the Queen Victoria. Check in starts
from 12pm and the ship sets sail early evening.
day
2
La Spezia, Italy
Sunday 18 October Arrive early morning / depart early evening
Tucked into the Ligurian coastline between Genoa and Pisa, is the pretty town
of La Spezia – one of Italy’s most important military and commercial harbours.
But it’s not this that attracts so many. La Spezia is the gateway to the UNESCO
World Heritage Site called Cinque Terre – a collection of five coastal villages
perched on the coastline.
day
3
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Monday the 19th of October
Arrive early morning / depart early evening
Monte Carlo, two words that are synonymous with luxury and splendour. Lying
at the heart of the Riviera, this tiny principality is undoubtedly big on glamour
as diamonds, lavish yachts and Ferraris are all part of the lifestyle here. You
may be tempted to buy your own after a flutter at Monte Carlo’s most famous
landmark – the Grand Casino.
day
4
Barcelona, Spain
Tuesday 20 October
Arrive morning / overnight
Delve into the Picasso Museum or Miró Foundation. Explore the genius of Gaudí
too, as you survey the city from Parc Güell, witness the extraordinary Casa Mila
and Casa Batlló, and marvel at his unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia.
After all that sight-seeing a shady spot in one of Barcelona’s numerous cafés
provides the perfect vantage point for watching the colourful street performers
on Las Ramblas.
day
5
Barcelona, Spain
Wednesday 21 October
Depart evening
day
6
At sea
Thursday 22 October
day
7
Ajaccio, Corsica
Friday 23 October
Arrive early morning / depart afternoon
Ajaccio offers the chance to retrace the renowned footsteps of Napoleon
Bonaparte. Visiting the house where he was born, brimming with Bonaparte
family documents and portraits, you can ponder the journey that made him one
of Europe’s most feared and notorious leaders. Admire Tino Rossi harbour- a
postcard scene of pastel façades, brightly painted fishing boats and rustling
palms- named after the local tenor and film star.
day
8
Rome
in flight
Saturday 24 October
Arrive early morning / disembarkation
Arrive back at Rome to disembark and you will transfer to Rome’s Fiumicino
Leonardo da Vinci Airport for the flight back to Australia, arriving home Sunday
25th of October.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
PRICES
Are correct at time of printing (7
April 2015) and are subject to
availability, supplier and currency
fluctuations at any time until full
payment is made. All itineraries
and costings are subject to change
without notice.
BOOKING & PAYMENTS
A non refundable deposit of $1000
per person is due within 3 days of
booking. For tour bookings only,
full payment is due no later than
14th August 2015. For bookings
including the cruise addition,
full payment is due no later than
13th July 2015. Flights are based
on group airfares which require
a minimum of 10 passengers. If
minimum numbers are not met, an
additional deposit may be required
to cover payment of instant
purchase flights.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
is $1067 tour only this is based
on pricing at date of printing
and is also subject to supplier
fluctuations. Singles who wish to
be matched up with another single
traveller of the same gender may
be accommodated, however, in the
event that no single companion can be
matched prior to your final payment, a
forced single supplement will apply.
Single cabin price for cruising
available on application. Please ask
your consultant for details.
TRAVEL PROVIDERS
Presently Holiday Wonders are
using Insight Vacations to provide
travel services for this group. Should
there be any significant changes
implemented by any one of these
suppliers, Holiday Wonders reserves
the right to make necessary changes
in order to maintain the price/quality
of the tour package. Should this
occur, such changes will be advised to
booked passengers.
CANCELLATIONS
Deposits and Airline tickets are non
refundable at all times after payment. For
cancellations after the 13th July 2015,
100% cancellation fee applies.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
It is a condition of booking that we
have a passport copy on file which
has at least 6 Months validity at your
date of return to Australia.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Passengers should ensure they have
adequate travel insurance.
INCLUDED MEALS
AMENDMENTS
Your package is fully changeable by you
at any time until final payment at a fee of
$220 per person per change, in addition
to any airline and supplier charges.
COTA Holidays partner with licensed travel operator
TTA150304
PAYMENTS
Accepted methods of payment are:
direct transfer, cash, cheque,
MasterCard, Visa, Amex and Diners.
Please note that payments made
via Visa and MasterCard will attract
a 1.5% merchant fee and Amex and
Diners will attract a 3% merchant fee.
If you chose to make your payment
via cheque or direct transfer please
allow at least 3 working days for the
payment to clear to our account. If
money is not received by our office
within the specified time frame your
reservations may be cancelled.
Buffet breakfast
Lunch
Dinner