Italy - birthplace of the Roman Empire, Leonardo Da Vinci and Dolce & Gabbana. Home to a proud and passionate people for whom football, fashion, food and family are the most important things in life – and largely in that order!
No other country has a richer blend of history, art, culture, not forgetting the legendary cuisine. Whether it is your first or twenty first trip to Italia Bella, your Topdeck trip will give you an amazing insight into a nation whose influence can be seen and felt throughout the world.
Not the best football in the world, but definitely the best gelato.
Trevor 2008
Day 1 - 2 Rome Italy
We meet our Topdeck Trip Leader this afternoon for our walking tour, taking in the major sites including the magnificent Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum. The next day discover some of the world's finest artworks at the Vatican museum and the Sistine Chapel is definitely worth a visit.
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Day 3 - 4 Sorrento Italy
Today we head to stunning Sorrento, via the ancient buried city of Pompeii. The next day we may wish to take a local bus along the scenic Amalfi coast to Positano. Alternatively take a full day excursion to the Island of Capri to see the famous Blue Grotto.
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Day 5 Assisi Italy
Today we travel through dramatic mountain scenery to Assisi, the birthplace of the Franciscan Order of Monks. With our local Italian guide, we visit the Basilica of St Francis with its magnificent frescoes, many dating back to the 14th century.
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Day 6 Florence Italy
Driving through the Tuscan Hills we visit the medieval city of Siena. Our local Italian guide takes us to the Palazzo Pubblico, Cathedral and of course the Piazza del Campo, said by many to be the most beautiful in Italy. Afterwards we head to a Chianti winery where we include a tour of the historic cellars before tasting the local 'Classico' wines, followed by an 'Al Fresco' dinner. Later we make our way on to Florence.
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Day 7 Florence Italy
Florence, the Tuscan capital, is famous for its Renaissance art and architecture. Our walking tour with our local Italian guide, takes in the Ponte Vecchio, Santa Croce Basilica, Duomo Cathedral and the Uffizi Gallery. Visit a traditional Florentine gold and silver shop and see a leathercraft demonstration. There's plenty of free time to wander the markets or discover Michelangelo's David.
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Day 8 Cinque Terre Italy
First stop Lucca, a spectacular walled town. Here our local Italian guide shows us the 16th century city walls and the quirky Torre Guingi, a 44m high tower with 7 oak trees growing on top! This afternoon, we stop at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, en-route to La Spezia - gateway to stunning 'Cinque Terre'.
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Day 9 Cinque Terre
This unspoilt group of 5 villages is perched on the spectacular Liguarian coastline of Italy. We have a full day here to make the most of the spectacular views of the unspoilt coastline. The uniqueness of this area, with its sheer rocky coastline, terraced hills and vineyards has led UNESCO to declare it a World Heritage site.
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Day 10 - 11 Venice Italy
First we head for Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy with time to take a cruise on the pristine waters. Then a stop in Verona, famous for the Roman Forum and Juliet's Balcony and later Venice. Our walking tour passes the famous Rialto Bridge, St. Mark's Basilica, Doges Palace and the Bridge of Sighs and our vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal is the perfect way to see the city.
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Day 12 Rome Italy
Today we travel south, stopping to visit the hilltop city of Orvieto, before arriving back in Rome for a farewell dinner.
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Day 13 Rome Italy
Our trip finishes this morning after breakfast.
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