Italian Holidays

Seven Cities of Italy

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Discover this magical country

Join us to explore some of the finest cities in Europe. Marvel at exquisite Venice and romantic Verona; discover the treasures of Florence and 'eternal' Rome; and wander the shrine at Assisi and the Tuscan gems Siena and San Gimignano.

This escorted holiday sees us based in two resorts; the first on the shores of beautiful Lake Garda, and the second high in the Tuscan hills.

Riva del Garda

Famous Riva, at the lake's north-western tip, has a busy historic centre surrounded by elegant, pastel-painted buildings. A good selection of cafes, gelaterie, bars, restaurants and shops make it one of the lake's most popular spots.

Chianciano Terme

The spa-resort of Chianciano Terme lies about 60 miles south of Florence. Boasting a wonderful climate, Chianciano comprises two settlements: the old hill-town and the modern spa town below it. The resort offers some excellent shops, and many small bars, cafes and restaurants serving local food and wine.

Dossobuono

This small village, just a few miles to the south west of Verona is ideally situated for a relaxing final day and transfer to the airport.

Day One

Fly to Italy and transfer to Riva del Garda and your hotel. After a chance to relax and familiarise yourself with your surroundings, enjoy dinner in the hotel.

Day Two

Today we explore "fair Verona", the historic backdrop for the tragic tale of "Juliet and her Romeo" and home to the famous opera season held yearly in its Roman amphitheatre. Explore this fascinating place, then take a seat in an open-air cafe in Piazza Bra to watch the world go by.

Day Three

Venice is one of the world's most beautiful cities, and you can explore alone or join our optional guided tour, which includes a gondola ride through the winding waterways. With its mysterious labyrinth of alleys and waterways, spectacular St Mark's Square and Cathedral, the clock tower, the Doge's Palace, the Rialto Bridge and the mystique of the Palace of Prisons and the Bridge of Sighs, Venice has to be seen to be believed.

Day Four

Bidding farewell to Garda's shores, we travel south to Florence. See the magnificent Florentine skyline, explore Santa Croce and cross the medieval Ponte Vecchio. Art lovers can visit the Accademia to marvel at Michelangelo's peerless statue of David, or wander the Uffizi and admire Botticelli's 'Birth of Venus' (payable locally).

In the afternoon we'll head further into Tuscany to our second base - Chianciano Terme.

Day Five

Our fifth day's touring takes us into the rolling Tuscan hills to Siena. See the magnificent Piazza il Campo, home of the traditional Palio horse race, before heading to see the exquisite, Tuscan, hill-top fortress of San Gimignano and its beautiful towers, medieval walls and cathedral.

Day Six

Today we travel south to Rome. Enjoy our optional guided tour of the ancient Colosseum and Forum, the great basilicas and the Baroque fountains. In the Vatican City, the dome of St Peter's looks over the vast Square, while a visit to the nearby Sistine Chapel will reveal Michelangelo's fabled frescoes.

Day Seven

Join us as we head through Umbria to Assisi, birthplace of Italy's patron St Francis, and home to the magnificent Basilica with its frescoes celebrating the life of that "most saintly of all the saints".

After our visit we'll head north to our final hotel, in Dossodouro, just outside Verona.

Day Eight

Transfer back to the airport for check-in and your flight home.

Wining and dining

Fresh fish, fruit and vegetables are plentiful, as are typical Italian dishes of pasta, soup or meat. You will generally be offered a choice of starter and main course, with fruit or dessert to follow. There are also many excellent, well-priced wines to enjoy during your stay.

Changes to your hotel

This holiday is very popular, and we have limited rooms in the hotels described. If demand is high on a particular date we may accommodate you in an alternative hotel, of a similar standard, in a convenient location for the tour. Full details of your hotel will be sent with your Joining Instructions.

Transfer times

The transfer time to your hotel is approximately one hour from Verona, and three hours from Milan and Venice. The transfer time back to the airport from your hotel is approximately 10 minutes from Verona Airport and three hours from Milan.