11 Days,
Rome to Rome
All the highlights without the crowds on this winter Italy tour
Visiting 3 countries: Italy, Vatican City, San Marino
Discover the top travel highlights of an Italy tour, only without the usual crowds! Exploring all that the wonderful country of Italy has to offer - Artistic masterpieces, historic treasures, fascinating cities, amazing landscapes, delicious food, wonderful wine, buzzing nightlife - but in winter means you won't miss out the best bits because of long queues! To tour Italy in winter with a small group lets you immerse yourself in the rich culture of this fascinating country. Bravissimo we hear you shout!
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Day 1:
Rome
Our Topdeck trip begins this afternoon in the ‘Eternal City’ of Rome. We meet our Topdeck Trip Leader for a brief welcome meeting before we head in to central Rome for a walking tour. We will visit Rome’s most incredible locations, including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, the ancient Roman Forum, the Colosseum and more. During our walking tour of Rome we’ll take time out for an included group dinner in an Italian restaurant near the Pantheon – the perfect chance to get to know our fellow Topdeckers.
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Day 2:
Rome
A free day to enjoy Rome! This morning we have the chance to visit Vatican City, where we can take an optional guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, home to Michelangelo’s remarkable frescoes. We’ll also be able to check out the immense and lavish St Peter’s Basilica. We have plenty of time to explore the rest of Rome today – you may wish to visit attractions such as the ancient Roman forums, the mighty Colosseum and the Palantine Hill area (the ancient commercial and political heart of Rome). On the other hand you could simply shop in some of Rome’s fashionable boutiques and relax with a coffee or two!
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Day 3:
Assisi
This morning, we drive to Assisi, crossing the Apennine Mountains which stretch down the centre of Italy's 'boot'. The mountain scenery provides a spectacular backdrop for our drive. Upon arrival our local guide will take us on a walking tour of Assisi's most incredible sights, including the Basilica of St Francis with its magnificent frescoes, many of which date back to the 14th Century. Tonight we enjoy an included group dinner at our hotel.
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Day 4:
Venice
Today we make tracks for one of the smallest countries in the world, tiny San Marino. This fascinating microstate lies in eastern Italy but is a Republic in its own right, and it famously hosted a Formula One Grand Prix for many years - its Imola circuit is where legendary drive Ayrton Senna tragically died in 1994. After that we drive (slightly more cautiously) to Maranello for an included visit to the Ferrari Museum. Then on to one of the most unusual cities in the world - Venice, the city of canals and gondolas. After a checking in to our hotel, located on the mainland across the lagoon from Venice's main islands, we enjoy an included dinner.
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Day 5:
Venice
A free day to explore extraordinary Venice – a maze of canals, bridges, squares and incredible artworks. An included walking tour with our Topdeck Trip Leader will unveil some of the city’s amazing architecture, including the striking St Mark’s Basilica in St Mark’s Square. We also enjoy a brilliant ’Totally Topdeck’ included gondola ride on the Grand Canal – it’s the perfect way to see the city.
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Day 6:
Italian Lakes
It's time to leave Venice, as we continue our journey up north to one of the most picturesque regions of Italy. The Italian Lakes District makes benefit of its nearby mountain conditions, as stunning clear blue Alpine waters are surrounded by sweeping hills, with villages nestled into the sides. Tonight we enjoy an included dinner or traditional cuisine. Belissimo!
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Day 7:
Italian Lakes
Today is your free day to take in the beautiful surroundings of the Italian Lakes District. Explore this part of Italy that is known for being home to the rich and famous! Make sure your cameras are fully charged today as some of the scenery we will be seeing is the most beautiful in the country.
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Day 8:
Milan
We sadly leave the Italian Lakes District this morning as we continue our Italian adventure and drive on to Milan, a stylish city which can be considered the world's fashion capital. Our Topdeck Trip Leader will orientate us and we'll be able to check out the main sights, including the incredible Milan Cathedral (Duomo).
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Day 9:
Florence
To Pisa, where we briefly stop to whip out the cameras, strike a pose, and get that perfect shot of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Afterwards we head to the Chianti region of Tuscany for a brilliant ‘Totally Topdeck’ inclusion – we visit a Chianti winery for a tour and, of course, a tasting. We then continue on to Florence, the incredible artistic capital of Tuscany, and settle into our well-located hotel.
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Day 10:
Florence
A free day in gorgeous Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. Our day begins with an included walking tour led by a local guide, which unveils treasures including the Duomo (Cathedral), Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria and many more. We’ll soon get a sense of why Florence is considered an ‘outdoor museum’ as we get up close to the replica of Michelangelo’s ‘David’ statue. Afterwards, a demonstration at a local leatherworks will reveal the mastery behind Florence’s famous leather goods, and we’ll have plenty of free time to explore. Dinner is included this evening.
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Day 11:
Rome
We depart for Italy’s capital – the ‘Eternal City’ of Rome. On the way we stop at the hilltop city of Orvieto, where our Topdeck Trip Leader will lead us to the Duomo (Orvieto Cathedral) and we’ll have time to find our own lunch – local specialities include wild boar panini! After arrival into Rome this afternoon, a fond farewell to fellow travellers as our Italian journey has ended.
