Switzerland and Italy Travel Itinerary:

DAY 1
ARRIVE ROME (2 nights)
Welcome to Rome – the capital of Italy known as the Eternal City! The rest of the day is free to relax. Later join your Tour Director and travelling companions for a Welcome Drink.

Hotel: Aran Mantegna (F)

DAY 2
ROME SIGHTSEEING AND AT LEISURE
Today’s highlight is a visit to the Sistine Chapel to admire the painted ceiling by Michelangelo, rendered even more fascinating by the commentary of your local expert guide. From here make your way into St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican to view the famous ‘Pietà’, among other great works. Then cross the Tiber to explore ancient Rome with views of the Forum, a visit to the mighty Colosseum and a view over the Circus Maximus where chariot races were held. Later, time to relax or explore further.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

DAY 3
ROME – FLORENCE – MONTECATINI (TUSCAN HILLS)
This morning drive into the rolling hills of Umbria and through the beautiful Tuscan landscape to the Renaissance city of Florence. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the city, which takes in the statue-lined Piazza Signoria, the Piazza del Duomo with its Cathedral and Baptistery and the Piazza Santa Croce. Thereafter, time to shop for quality leather goods and gold before continuing to the spa resort of Montecatini. Tonight enjoy an authentic ‘Be My Guest’ Tuscan dinner in an atmospheric restaurant set amongst the olive groves.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner)
Hotel: Francia e Quirinale (F)

DAY 4
MONTECATINI (TUSCAN HILLS) – PISA – SANTA MARGHERITA (2 nights)
Today follow the Arno Valley westwards to the city of Pisa. Here you have the chance to see the famous Leaning Tower, the Cathedral and Baptistery in the Square of Miracles. Then your drive follows the beautiful Ligurian coast where you will catch sight of the massive marble quarries in the Apennine foothills. The great slabs of marble are brought to the town of Carrara from the quarries to be prepared for export worldwide. Then pass by the important naval port of La Spezia before arriving at your hotel in Santa Margherita.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)
Hotel: Park Hotel Suisse (F)

DAY 5
ITALIAN RIVIERA AT LEISURE – EXCURSION TO PORTOFINO
This morning take the ferry (or minibus when not available) to the Riviera’s most elegant resort – Portofino – one of Italy’s most romantic destinations. Renowned for its multicoloured houses in a spectacular setting, it is one of the most exclusive towns in Europe. You have time to explore this exquisite resort at leisure. Later return to Santa Margherita and have the opportunity to stroll through the elegant streets and visit the Cappuccini Church with its 12th century statue of the Virgin Mary. Otherwise just relax and enjoy a cool drink in a café overlooking the Mediterranean before dining in the hotel this evening.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

DAY 6
SANTA MARGHERITA – CHAMONIX – GENEVA
Today your destination is the Alps as you travel via Alessandria and into the attractive skiing area of the Val d’Aosta to France. Here, in the shadow of Europe’s tallest mountain, Mont Blanc, you have time to explore the resort of Chamonix. Then descend to the international city of Geneva where you will see the Jet d’Eau on the lake, the Reformation Monument and the United Nations building before continuing to your hotel.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)
Hotel: NH Rex (F)

DAY 7
GENEVA – LAUSANNE – MONTREUX – ZERMATT (2 nights)
This morning drive eastwards along the lake passing by Lausanne to Montreux where a photo stop will be made at the Château de Chillon before continuing to the upper Rhône valley. Finally take minibuses from Tasch to the traffic-free resort of Zermatt located in the shadow of the Matterhorn, where you enjoy dinner tonight.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Albana Real (F)

DAY 8
ZERMATT AT LEISURE
Today there is time to relax and enjoy the quiet atmosphere of this mountain village, with its attractive cafés, gorgeous boutiques and surrounding green meadows. Time to consider even better views of the Matterhorn by taking a cable car trip to one of the surrounding peaks!

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

DAY 9
ZERMATT – ITALIAN LAKES – VENICE (2 nights)
Cameras at the ready for a day of stunning scenery! First over the Simplon Pass high in the Alps and then down towards the Italian Lakes, where you enter Italy near Domodossola. Stop in the glorious resort of Stresa on Lake Maggiore, a town of elegant villas facing the picturesque Borromean Islands. Then bypass Milan taking the autostrada to Venice – a unique city of 118 islands built on wooden piles in a glassy lagoon.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Grande Albergo Ausonia & Hungaria (SF)

DAY 10
VENICE ORIENTATION AND AT LEISURE
Start today with a cruise by private boat to the heart of Venice – St. Mark’s Square. On the way you have the chance to savour the sights and sounds of this unique floating city where all services must be provided either by water or on foot. Marvel at the Bridge of Sighs immortalized by Lord Byron, the magnificent and ornate Doge’s Palace and the Byzantine Basilica of St. Mark. You will have the opportunity to watch a demonstration of the ancient craft of glass-blowing, which originated on the Island of Murano. Then time at leisure to explore this fascinating city or to take a trip out across the lagoon to the fisherman’s Island of Burano where you can enjoy a delicious seafood lunch.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

DAY 11
VENICE – ORVIETO – ROME
Travel over the Veneto Plain and ascend into the Apennine Mountains after Bologna. Then continue through Tuscany into Umbria where you will stop to visit one of its most attractive hilltop towns, Orvieto. Take the funicular to the centre where you see the magnificent Cathedral and have time to sample the renowned local white wine and shop for colourful ceramic pottery. Then return again to Rome and enjoy a Farewell Dinner together.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)
Hotel: Sheraton Golf (SF)

DAY 12
DEPART ROME
This morning say ‘arrivederci Roma’ as your scenic tour comes to an end. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.

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