Travelmarvel China, Travel Brochure, Yangtze River Cruising, Asia Holidays, Vietnam and Cambodia Tours
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20 – www.travelmarvel.com.au – Day 1. Arrive Venice. Open squares, dreamy canals and broad boulevards of Renaissance architecture each add to Venice's beauty. Upon arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. Stay (Two Nights): Venice, Hotel Sant' Elena. D Day 2. Venice. With its unique cityscape and rich heritage as head of the Byzantine Empire, Venice has enchanted visitors for centuries. Today we enjoy a guided tour, admiring landmarks such as St Mark's Basilica and the dazzling Doge's Palace. The afternoon is free for you to explore. Perhaps you might like to take a tour of La Fenice Theatre. This opera house, with its ornate stuccoes and furnishings, is a joy to discover. B Day 3. First Class Rail, Florence. Leaving Venice, we step aboard our first train to Florence. Here we embark on a guided tour of this Renaissance city, including the Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo with its red-tiled dome. Afterwards, why not take a stroll through the alluring Boboli Gardens? Later we savour a meal of Tuscan specialties at a local restaurant. Stay (Three Nights): Florence, Grand Hotel Mediterraneo. BD Day 4. Siena. This morning we travel to the quintessentially Tuscan city of Siena. Its well-preserved centre is interlinked by a web of narrow streets that lead to the Campo, a grand shell-shaped piazza. We take a guided tour of this charismatic city, including the Duomo, built from strips of black and white marble. Afterwards we visit an agriturismo for an authentic Tuscan lunch. BL Day 5. Pisa, Lucca. We board the train to Pisa today, where a guided tour takes us to the Field of Miracles. See the Romanesque Duomo and the world- famous Leaning Tower, one of Europe's most iconic buildings. In the afternoon we travel to Lucca – a delightful city that has escaped the tourist crowds. Explore the walled city's medieval core and ramparts, and perhaps visit the Guinigi Tower, known for the majestic oak tree growing from its top. B Day 6. First Class Rail, Rome. Today we set our sights for the Eternal City and travel by rail to Rome, Italy's attractive capital. This afternoon, a guided tour by coach and foot takes us past many of the landmarks that have shaped this mesmerising city over thousands of years. We pass the Colosseum, and see the Roman Forum, which played a vital role in Roman public life. We also take in the Trevi Fountain, a wonderful Baroque sculpture set in a tiny square. Stay (Three Nights): Rome, Hotel Massimo d'Azeglio. BD Day 7. Rome. Rome is a city that has captured the imaginations of many around the world. Spend today discovering its romance for yourself – say ciao to the locals and enjoy the Italian fare as you walk along these historic streets. B Day 8. Rome. With today at leisure, perhaps visit the famous Spanish Steps, or stand beneath the domed ceiling of the Pantheon, which has hardly changed in almost 2,000 years. BD Top to Toe of Italy 15 Days | Venice | Florence | Siena | Pisa | Lucca | Rome | Sorrento | Amalfi Coast | Sicily YOUR HOLIDAY PRICE INCLUDES Services of a professional Great Rail Journeys Tour Manager and expert local guides 14 nights in premium accommodation 23 meals – 14 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L) and 8 dinners (D) First and Standard Class rail travel Rail excursion through Tuscany to Pisa and Lucca Airport transfers and tipping SIGHTSEEING HIGHLIGHTS See the dazzling St Mark's Basilica during a guided tour of Venice Be swept up in the romance of Rome Explore the colourful Amalfi Coast Visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii Discover the alluring island of Sicily Step back in time as you explore the Eternal City of Rome JOURNEY AROUND MOUNT ETNA The best way to see the fabled Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, is aboard the Circumetnea train. Chugging along, the vastly diverse area reveals a history written in lava.