Italy Cities Tour

Arriving in Naples

We meet at the Turkish Airlines counter in the international departures terminal of Istanbul Airport, 3 hours before the flight. After check-in and passport control we board Turkish Airlines flight TK1453, departing at 07.55 for Naples. We land at 08.15 local time, and our waiting vehicle takes us straight into a panoramic city tour.

Naples, a port city on the Mediterranean in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, has a character all its own, with lively markets, traditional pizza and historic remains.

After the tour, guests who wish can join the optional extra Pompeii tour (70 Euro). Buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 and uncovered centuries later, Pompeii preserves homes and traces of daily life in remarkable detail, a direct journey into Ancient Rome. After the tour we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Sorrento and Rome

After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish can join the optional extra Sorrento tour (50 Euro). On the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is known as the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, with sea views, historic buildings, lemon groves, narrow stone streets and small boutiques.

Afterwards we travel to Rome. With some 2500 years of history, Rome was the centre of one of the greatest civilisations and for centuries a seat of power, culture and faith. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with palaces, churches and basilicas a thousand years old, ancient ruins, monuments and fountains. Our tour takes in Vatican City and St Peter's Basilica, the centre of the Catholic world, the Colosseum, where gladiators once fought, the Roman Forum at the heart of the ancient city, the Vittoriano monument, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna). After the tour we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Castel Gondolfo and Vatican

After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish can join the optional extra Castel Gandolfo, Nemi, Outlet and Vatican tour (85 Euro). The first stop is Castel Gandolfo, home to the papal summer palace and known for its views and gardens. Next is the village of Nemi on the shore of a volcanic crater lake, also called the strawberry village for its fresh strawberries, where we have free time to stroll and shop among its ruins and stone lanes. We then head to Italy's best-known outlet area, again with free time. The last stop is St Peter's Square in the Vatican, with its central obelisk and sweeping colonnade, and free time to visit the basilica and the square.

After the tour we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Arriving in Florence

After breakfast at the hotel we set off for Florence. In Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, our panoramic tour covers the Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore), the Baptistery, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria. After the tour we transfer to our hotel for free time. Overnight at our hotel in Montecatini.

Tuscany's hill towns

After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish can join the optional extra Tuscan Towns tour (Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano) (110 Euro). The first stop is the Leaning Tower of Pisa, one of the symbols of Italy. After a photo stop we continue to Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whose medieval lanes, stone buildings, Piazza del Campo and cathedral show Italian town life at its most graceful. The last stop is San Gimignano, called the "Manhattan of the Middle Ages" for its 14 tall stone towers, raised in the 14th century as local families competed for wealth and prestige. Its Gothic and Romanesque buildings, Piazza della Cisterna and frescoes look out over wide Tuscan views.

After the tour we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Bologna and Venice

After breakfast at the hotel we set off for Venice. On the way we stop for a Bologna city tour (included in the tour price). Set against the Apennines in northern Italy, Bologna stands out for its cultural heritage. Our city tour takes in Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio, Palazzo del Podestà and the City Hall.

We then continue to Venice. Venice, a maze of canals and gondolas built on the water, is our next city. Our tour covers St Mark's Basilica and Square, the Doge's Palace, the Grand Canal, the Bridge of Sighs and the Rialto Bridge. Afterwards, guests who wish can join the optional extra gondola ride (40 Euro), gliding through the canals in the city's traditional boats. We then transfer to our hotel for free time. Overnight at the hotel.

Verona and Milan

After breakfast at the hotel we set off for Milan. On the way we join the Verona tour (included in the tour price). Set on the Adige River, Verona has a cultural heritage reaching back to Roman times. The city is tied to Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet", and we see the house known as Juliet's, with its balcony. The Arena di Verona, an amphitheatre from the 1st century, still hosts major concerts, while narrow stone streets and lively squares such as Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza Bra reflect the city's long history.

We then continue to Milan for a panoramic city tour. Milan pairs history with modern life. We see the Duomo, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world, La Scala, one of the world's most established opera houses, the 19th century arcade of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and Castello Sforzesco, Milan's castle.

After the tour, guests who wish can join the optional extra Lakes tour (Como and Lugano) (75 Euro). The first stop is Como, named after its lake and visited by travellers from all over the world. Besides its Gothic and Renaissance buildings, it is known for the homes of celebrities such as Madonna and George Clooney. The second stop is Lugano, on a lake at the foot of the Alps in southern Switzerland, where Swiss and Italian culture meet. It is known for its lake views and elegant shopping streets. After the tour we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Flight home

After breakfast at the hotel there is free time until the hour set by our guide. We then transfer to Milan airport. After check-in and passport control we board Turkish Airlines flight TK1876, departing at 18.35 for Istanbul. We arrive at 23.40 local time, and our tour ends.