Grand Italy Tour

We meet in front of the Turkish Airlines counter at the international departures terminal of Istanbul Airport 3 hours before departure. After completing baggage, ticket and passport procedures, we depart for Milan at 08.10 on Turkish Airlines flight TK1873. Upon arrival at 09.05 local time, we begin a panoramic city tour in the vehicle waiting for us at the airport. In Milan, known for its historic and modern buildings, the sights we will see 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 arcaded shopping gallery; and Castello Sforzesco (Milan Castle). After the city tour, guests who wish can join the optional Lakes (Como & Lugano) Tour for 75 Euro. Our first stop on this tour is Como. Named after Lake Como, the city attracts many visitors from around the world with its natural surroundings. Alongside buildings reflecting Gothic and Renaissance styles, Como is also home to internationally known figures such as Madonna and George Clooney. After our visit to 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. The Verona tour is included in the tour price. Located on the banks of the Adige River in northern Italy, Verona is known for its historical and cultural heritage dating back to Roman times. Also known for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, the city attracts visitors to the building known as Juliet's House and its balcony. The city has buildings that reflect medieval architecture. Arena di Verona, a Roman amphitheatre dating from the 1st century, now hosts concerts. Narrow stone streets and the squares of Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza Bra reflect the city's history and cultural diversity. After the Verona tour, we continue our journey 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 cost. (40 Euro) On this tour, we explore the canals in traditional gondolas, one of the symbols of Venice.

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Florence. On the way, we tour Bologna. The Bologna tour is included in the tour price. Located in northern Italy among the Apennine Mountains, 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 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. Overnight at our hotel in Montecatini.

After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish may join the optional Tuscany Towns (Pisa & Siena & San Gimignano) Tour at an extra charge. (110 Euro) The first stop on the tour will be the Leaning Tower of Pisa, known for its tilt and as one of the country's symbols. After taking photos here, we 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 retains traces of traditional Italian city life. Our final stop will be San Gimignano. This town in Tuscany is known for its medieval stone towers. Often called the Manhattan of the Middle Ages, San Gimignano is known for its 14 tall towers, built as a result of competition for wealth and prestige between city-states in the 14th century. Its narrow, winding streets and historic buildings reflect the town's past. Also known for its panoramic views, San Gimignano's Gothic and Romanesque buildings, historic Piazza della Cisterna square and frescoes form part of the town's artistic and cultural heritage. After the tour, we 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 heart of one of the greatest civilizations of the past, the city 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. Rome has a rich historical heritage and a cosmopolitan character, with its palaces, thousand-year-old churches and basilicas, ruins, monuments, statues and fountains. On our tour, we will see the Vatican (San Pietro Cathedral), the administrative center of the Catholic Church; the Collosseum, where gladiator fights took place; and the Roman Forum, located in the heart of ancient Rome, which once hosted religious, political and social activities. We will also see 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 cost. (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 will then travel to Nemi Village. Set 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. There will be free time in the village, which attracts tourists and nature lovers with its historic ruins, narrow stone streets and lake views. During this time, you can explore the village and shop. Next, we will visit Italy's best-known outlet shopping area, where you will have free time. Here, you can shop at affordable prices. We will then head to the famous San Pietro Square in the Vatican, regarded as the centre of Christianity. On arrival, there will be free time to visit the basilica and the square. As you walk around the square, you can see the obelisk in the centre and the surrounding columns. After the tour, we will transfer to 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 and traditional pizza. After the city tour, guests who wish may join the optional Pompei Tour at an extra charge. (70 Euro) We visit the archaeological site of this ancient Roman city, which was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 BC and uncovered thousands of years later. The well-preserved remains of the settlement and traces of daily life offer an insight into life in ancient Roman times. We then transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will have free time until the time set 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 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 its main features. After the tour, you will be transferred to Naples Airport. After baggage, ticket and passport procedures are completed, you will depart for Istanbul at 19.35 on Turkish Airlines flight TK1880. Our tour will end upon arrival at 23.50 local time.