Grand Italy Tour

We meet at the international departures terminal of Istanbul Airport, in front of the Türk Hava Yolları counter, 3 hours before departure. After completing baggage, ticket and passport procedures, we depart for Milan at 11.30 on Türk Hava Yolları flight TK1895. Upon arrival at 13.20 local time, we begin our panoramic city tour in the vehicle waiting for us at the airport. Sights on the tour include Duomo Cathedral, one of the world’s largest Gothic cathedrals; La Scala, one of the world’s longest-established opera houses; Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, a 19th-century shopping arcade; and Castello Sforzesco (Milan Castle). After the city tour, guests who wish can join the optional Lakes (Como & Lugano) Tour. (75 Euro) The first stop on this tour is Como. Named after Lake Como, the city attracts visitors from around the world with its natural surroundings. Alongside buildings reflecting Gothic and Renaissance styles, Como is also home to residences owned by internationally known figures such as Madonna and George Clooney. After visiting Como, we continue to our second stop, Lugano.

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Venice. On the way, we take a tour of Verona, included in the tour price. Located in northern Italy on the banks of the Adige River, Verona is known for its cultural heritage dating back to Roman times. The city is noted for its history, architecture and literary connections, including Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The building known as Juliet’s House and its balcony are among the places that attract visitors. Alongside examples of medieval architecture, the city is home to the Arena di Verona, a Roman amphitheatre dating from the 1st century that still hosts major concerts. Narrow stone streets and the squares of Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza Bra also reflect the city’s history and cultural diversity. After the Verona tour, we continue to Venice. On our city tour of Venice, known for its canals and gondolas, sights include San Marco Cathedral and Square, the Doge’s Palace, Canale Grande, the Bridge of Sighs and Rialto Bridge. After the tour, guests who wish may join the optional Gondola Tour on the Canals of Venice at an extra charge.

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Florence. On the way, we take a tour of Bologna. The Bologna tour is included in the tour price. Located among the Apennine Mountains in northern Italy, Bologna is a historic city known for its rich culture. Sights on the city tour include Piazza Maggiore Square, San Petronio Basilica, Podesta Palace and the City Hall. After the tour, we continue our journey to Florence. Upon arrival in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, we begin a panoramic city tour. This tour introduces us to the city’s culture, art and architecture, with sights including Duomo Church (Santa Maria Del Fiore), the Baptistery, the Old Palace, Ponte Vecchio and Piazza Signoria. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel and have free time. We stay overnight at our hotel in Montecatini.

After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish can join the optional Tuscan Towns (Pisa & Siena & San Gimignano) Tour at an extra charge. (110 Euro) The first stop will be the Leaning Tower of Pisa, known for its tilt and recognised as one of the country's symbols. After taking photos here, we will continue to Siena, a city on the UNESCO World Heritage List. With its narrow medieval streets, stone buildings, historic Piazza del Campo and cathedral, Siena preserves traces of traditional Italian city life. Our final stop will be San Gimignano. Located in Tuscany, this town is known for its medieval stone towers. Known as the Manhattan of the Middle Ages, San Gimignano has 14 tall towers that reflect the rivalry over wealth and prestige among city-states in the 14th century. The town's narrow, winding streets and historic buildings preserve traces of the past. Its wide views, Gothic and Romanesque buildings, historic Piazza della Cisterna square and frescoes are also part of its artistic and cultural character. After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Rome, the country’s largest city and capital. Once the center of one of the greatest civilizations of the past, Rome has been a center of power, culture and religion throughout its approximately 2500 years of history. The city’s historic center is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Its palaces, thousand-year-old churches and basilicas, ancient ruins, monuments, statues and fountains form its historical heritage. Rome is also a cosmopolitan city. Sights on the tour include the Vatican (San Pietro Cathedral), the administrative center of Catholic Christianity; the Collosseum, which hosted gladiatorial contests; and the Roman Forum, located at the heart of ancient Rome, where religious, political and social activities once took place. The itinerary also includes the Victory Monument (Vittoriano Emanuele), Fontana di Trevi, known in our country as the Fountain of Love, and the Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna). After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish may join the optional Castel Gondolfo & Nemi & Outlet & Vatican Tour at an extra charge. (85 Euro) Our first stop will be Castel Gondolfo, home to the Papal Summer Palace, known as the summer residence of the Popes. The historic palace and its surroundings are known for their views and gardens. We then head to Nemi Village. Located around Lake Nemi, which formed in a volcanic crater, the village is also known as the strawberry village because of the strawberries grown in the area. Its historic ruins, narrow stone streets and lake views attract tourists and nature lovers. During free time here, you can explore the village and shop. We then visit Italy’s most famous outlet shopping area, where you will have free time to shop at affordable prices. Next, we head to the famous San Pietro Square in the Vatican, considered the centre of Christianity. On arrival, you will have free time to visit the basilica and the square. As you walk around the square, you can see the obelisk at its centre and the columns surrounding it. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Naples. Located in southern Italy, on the Mediterranean coast and at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, this port city is known for its historical and cultural heritage, lively markets, traditional pizza and ancient ruins. After the tour, guests who wish may join the optional Pompeii Tour at an extra charge. (70 Euro) At the archaeological site of this ancient Roman city, destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 BC and unearthed thousands of years later, you can see well-preserved remains of the settlement and traces of daily life. We then transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will have free time until the time specified by our guide. Guests who wish may join the optional Sorrento tour at an extra cost. (50 Euro) Sorrento is a coastal town in southern Italy, on the shores of the Bay of Naples. Known as the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, the town is noted for its sea views, historic buildings and lemon groves. Its narrow stone streets, traditional Italian architecture and small boutique shops are among the features that attract visitors. After the tour, you will be transferred to Naples Airport. After baggage, ticket and passport procedures are completed, you will depart for Istanbul at 20.45 on Turkish Airlines flight TK1880. Our tour will end upon arrival at 00.05 local time.