Grand Italy Tour

We meet at Istanbul Airport’s international departures terminal, in front of the Turkish Airlines counter, 3 hours before departure. After completing baggage, ticket and passport procedures, we depart for Naples at 07.55 on Turkish Airlines flight TK1453. Upon arrival at 08.15 local time, we begin a panoramic city tour in the vehicle waiting for us at the airport. 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 city tour, guests who wish may join the optional Pompeii Tour at an extra cost. (70 Euro) At the archaeological site of this ancient Roman city, destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 BC and uncovered thousands of years later, we will 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, guests who wish can join the optional Sorrento tour at an extra charge. (50 Euro) Located in southern Italy on the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is a seaside town known as the gateway to the Amalfi Coast. It is known for its sea views, historic buildings and lemon groves. Narrow stone streets, traditional Italian architecture and small boutiques are among the town's main features. After the tour, we depart for Rome. Once the centre of one of the largest civilisations, the city has been a centre of power, culture and religion throughout its history of approximately 2500 years. The city's historic centre is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Its palaces, thousand-year-old churches and basilicas, ancient ruins, monuments, statues and fountains form Rome's historical heritage. The city also has a cosmopolitan character. Places we will see include the Vatican (San Pietro Cathedral), the administrative centre of the Catholic Church; the Collosseum, where gladiator fights took place; and the Roman Forum, located at the heart of ancient Rome, which once hosted religious, political and social activities.

After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish may join the optional Castel Gondolfo & Nemi & Outlet & Vatican Tour at an extra charge. (85 Euro) The 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. From here, we continue 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 in the village, you can explore and shop. We then head to Italy’s most famous outlet shopping area. Here, we provide free time for shopping at affordable prices. Our next stop will be the famous San Pietro Square in the Vatican, considered the centre of Christianity. On arrival, we provide 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, a transfer to the hotel is provided. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Florence. Upon arrival in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, we begin a panoramic city tour. During the tour, we see the 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 spend the night at our hotel in Montecatini.

After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish may join the optional Tuscan 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 will continue to Siena, a city on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Siena's narrow streets and stone buildings retain traces of the Middle Ages. The historic Piazza del Campo and the cathedral are among the city's main landmarks, where traditional Italian city life can be seen. The final stop on the tour will be San Gimignano. Located in the heart of Tuscany, the town is known for its medieval stone towers. Referred to as the Manhattan of the Middle Ages, San Gimignano is known for its 14 tall towers, which reflect the competition for wealth and prestige between city-states in the 14th century. Its interconnected narrow streets and historic buildings offer glimpses of the town's past. Also known for its panoramic views, artworks and cultural heritage, the town features Gothic and Romanesque buildings, the historic Piazza della Cisterna square and frescoes.

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Venice. On the way, we tour 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 cultural heritage. Sights on the city tour include Piazza Maggiore Square, San Petronio Basilica, Podesta Palace and the City Hall. After the Bologna tour, we continue to Venice. Known for its canals and gondolas, Venice offers sights including San Marco Cathedral and Square, the Doge’s Palace, Canale Grande, the Bridge of Sighs and Rialto Bridge on our city tour. After the tour, guests who wish can join the optional Gondola Tour on the Canals of Venice at an extra charge. (40 Euro) On this tour, we explore the canals in traditional gondolas, one of the symbols of Venice. At the end of the tour, we transfer to our hotel, followed by free time. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Milan. On the way, we take a tour of Verona. The Verona tour is 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. With its history, architecture and literary connections, the city is known for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The building known as Juliet’s House and its balcony are among the sites that attract visitors. The city has examples of medieval architecture, while Arena di Verona, a Roman amphitheatre dating from the 1st century, still hosts major concerts. Its 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 Milan. On arrival, we begin a panoramic city tour. 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, an arcaded shopping gallery dating from the 19th century; and Castello Sforzesco (Milan Castle).

After breakfast at the hotel, you will have free time until the time set by our guide. You will then be transferred to Milan Airport. After baggage, ticket and passport procedures are completed, you will depart for Istanbul at 18.35 on Türk Hava Yolları flight TK1876. Our tour will end upon arrival at 23.40 local time.