Fantasia All Italy 2024

Departing at 0715HRS from Hotel St Martin by a deluxe coach, you will arrive in Assisi, ready to explore, at your own leisure, this tiny town surrounded by walls, built in the Middle Ages. Take your time to visit the Basilica of St Francis, where you will see masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue and then, have free time for lunch (not included). Board the coach to reach Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, world-known for the Palio, the historical horse race around the shell-shaped town square, Piazza del Campo. Next, you will continue on to Florence, where you will check in at your hotel before enjoying dinner and a well-earned night of rest. (D)

After breakfast, you will spend the day venturing around beautiful Florence, the “Cradle of Renaissance", where, with the help of Michelangelo, Italian art reached its pinnacle. Based on Etruscan-Roman origins, the city flourished in the Middle Ages as a free 'Commune' and was further refined during the Renaissance. You will be fascinated by the uncountable monuments, churches and buildings as Santa Maria del Fiore, more commonly referred to as the Duomo. On your visit, you will be amazed by its magnificent dome built by Filippo Brunelleschi. Cross a small piazza to see the ‘Campanile’ tower (partly designed by Giotto) and the Baptistery, with its bronze doors where Michelangelo imagined the ‘Gates of Paradise’. In the heart of the city, you will see Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo della Signoria (also known as Palazzo Vecchio), and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Lunch in a typical Tuscan restaurant in Piazza Santa Croce. Spend the afternoon strolling the cobblestone streets of Florence on your own or take a short trip to Pisa (optional), one of the four main historical Marine Republics of Italy. There, you will tour the Piazza dei Miracoli with the Duomo, Pisa’s symbol “The Leaning Tower” and the Baptistery. Dinner at leisure, overnight stay in Florence. (B, L)

After breakfast in Florence, departure to Bologna. There, you will discover the elegant city centre with its 'porticos', it’s shopping streets and so on. From Piazza Malpighi you will walk to Piazza del Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore (Neptune Square and Major Square) in the heart of the city, then King Renzo’s Palace, Palazzo Podestà and the Basilica of San Petronio, one of the biggest in the world. Bologna is a real gourmet’s heaven, don’t miss a tasty meal at your own leisure. In the afternoon, continue toward Padua, with Sant’Antonio Basilica, one of the most visited churches by pilgrims of the catholic world. Later in the afternoon, arrival in Venice (Mestre). Check in at your hotel for an overnight stay. (B)

After breakfast, enjoy your transfer to Piazza San Marco, and visit the most iconic places of the “Floating City” - Palazzo dei Dogi, symbol of Venice’s glorious past, the legendary 'Bridge of Sighs'. After the walking tour, be treated to a spritz or a prosecco, as a delightful conclusion to your visit to the highlights of Venice, in the company of your Tour Director. While you sit comfortably and savour your drink, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy a taste of the famous 'Cicchetti', a Venetian variation of tapas (light lunch). Spend the afternoon roaming along Venice’s canals at your leisure and then return to the hotel for overnight. (B, L)

After breakfast, departure from Piazzale Roma heading to Tuscany, world-known for its landscapes, its churches and castles and its delicious wines. You will proceed to Val di Chiana with a stop in Montepulciano, a medieval town rich in history and art. Known for its ‘Nobile’ wine, on sale in local wine houses, Montepulciano also hosts an annual ‘Jazz and Wine Festival’ every July. Lunch in a typical restaurant included. After lunch, quick stop to spend some free time. In the evening, you will arrive in Rome to check into your hotel. (B, L)

Between 0745-0800HRS, after breakfast, departure from the hotel for the included tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Square with exclusive ‘Skip the Line’ access. No stress to reach the area. Upon arrival, your guide will lead you into the museums where you’ll visit one of the most important art collections in the world. Walk along the beautiful Galleries of Tapestries and Geographical Maps before admiring Raphael’s Rooms and then, the amazing Sistine Chapel. After this incredible masterpiece, the tour ends in St Peter’s Square where you can admire the incredible masterpiece St Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world. The tour ends in St Peter’s Square. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the city at your own leisure or join one of the optional tours. Overnight stay in Rome. (B)

Enjoy an energetic breakfast at your hotel before spending the day exploring Rome on your own or by joining one of the optional, regular tours in the city or its surroundings. Return to the hotel for your last overnight in Rome. (B)

After breakfast, pick up at your hotel at approx 0700HRS. Departure by coach head­ing south, crossing the regions of Lazio and Campania. Arrival in Naples and short pan­oramic tour climbing up to Vomero Hill to enjoy beautiful views over the Gulf of Naples with the Vesuvius, Capri, Ischia and Procida and the city below - time to take some nice photos. Descending towards the port of Mergellina, you will leave the city and travel south towards Mount Vesuvius and, once you reach the town of Pompeii, you will have lunch with the real Neapolitan pizza. After lunch, you will enter into one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruins of Pompeii, with ‘Skip the Line’ entrance and a guided tour. Visit the haunting ruins of Pompeii, traveling back in time to the tragic days in 79AD when the silent Mount Vesuvius suddenly erupted, covering the pros­perous Roman city in deadly volcanic ashes and poisonous gases, leaving this prosperous city crystallised until our days. You will learn how people lived at that time, visiting houses and “bars” of the time, admiring frescoes and mo­saics to imagine how rich and prosperous the city was before the dreadful day. After the visit, you will drive along the Sorrentine Coast, arriv­ing in Sorrento for dinner (dress code: jacket for men) and an overnight at your hotel. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, get ready for an exciting ex­cursion to the Island of Capri, one of the most exclusive summer destinations in the Med­iterranean. Depending on weather and sea conditions, you will admire the dreamy Blue Grotto on a small rowboat. Afterward, free time for lunch (lunch not included) and then roam the island at your own pace. Once back on the mainland, return to the hotel for dinner and your last overnight in Sorrento. (B, D)

Breakfast at your hotel, then spend a leisurely morning exploring Sorrento. In the afternoon, you will reach the port of Naples, where you will board on the Tirrenia/Snav ferry to Paler­mo. Let the waves rock you to sleep. Dinner and breakfast are not included on the ferry. (B)

Arrive in Palermo and transfer to your hotel. Tonight, have dinner at the hotel and rest up for the adventure that lies ahead. (D)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, and then head out on a morning excursion to Monreale, re­cently included on the UNESCO World Heri­tage List, an ancient royal town famous for its almonds, olive oil and citrus fruits, as well as for its fine Norman architecture. Visit the elaborate Cathedral of Monreale and then en­joy some shopping of local delicatessen and souvenirs. Back to Palermo and continue with a walking tour of the city. Wander the streets of the Old Town, hearing tales of Palermo’s 3,000-year history and discovering attractions like Palermo Cathedral. Walk inside the impressive place of worship and marvel at its arches, cupolas and mosaics with an incredible mix of influences coming from sev­eral dominations on the island. Enjoy free time in the late afternoon and return to your hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Early breakfast and departure to Erice, a me­dieval village stacked into the side of Monte San Giuliano. Many say that little has changed in the village since the sixth century, and its labyrinth-like twist of lanes is perfect for a cool and pleasant morning amble. Continue to visit the Saline, an extraordinary lagoon, where his­tory, nature and archaeology find a perfect harmony and allow the visitor to try different, unique and charming experiences. Afterwards, you will set off to Marsala, whose lands are known for its Marsala wine. You will take part in a sensorial experience, visiting a traditional tav­ern and tasting regional products during a light but unforgettable lunch. Return to your coach and travel to Agrigento, your final destination of the day. Visit Ancient Greek monuments and ruins at the Valley of Temples (entrance in­cluded), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and learn about archaeological relics like the Classi­cal Temple of Concord, Temple of Hercules, Temple of Jupiter, one of the largest Dor­ic-style buildings. Check into your hotel in the evening. Dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)

Breakfast at the hotel and travel to Ragusa to visit the enchanting historical centre “Ibla”, with its stunning baroque palaces and church­es. Together with other seven cities in the Val di Noto, Ragusa is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit the old gate of San Giorgio, Giardini Iblei and then walk to Pi­azza Pola where you will visit the Church of San Giuseppe, a little gem. Be enchanted by the elegant Cathedral of San Giorgio, Church of the Souls in Purgatory and the magnificent Cosentini Palace, one of the most interesting late Baroque palaces in Sicily. Arrive at the hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Breakfast at the hotel and travel to Noto, a pic­turesque fishing town popular for its stately Baroque architecture. Visit Cathedral of San Nicolò, recently restored after an earthquake, and then have a nice walk in the town centre. Continue along the south coast to Syracuse, on Sicily’s southeastern tip. Upon arrival in Syra­cuse, cross one of the city’s bridges for a visit to the Island of Ortygia, the most ancient part of Syracuse, home to a wealth of Baroque churches and medieval palaces. In the late afternoon arrive in Taormina, check into your hotel and enjoy dinner. (B, D)

Breakfast at your centrally located hotel and then head off to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe and the highest mountain in Italy. Learn about volcanic activity and marvel at the old lava fields and black magma rock that comprises Etna’s landscape. If weather permits, you have a chance to climb to the summit (1,800m). Return to Taormina, the beautiful and romantic town located on Mount Tauro. Arrival to Taormina in the after­noon, where you can spend the rest of your day at leisure. (B)

Enjoy breakfast before the tour comes to an end. (B)