Italy Tour from Istanbul

ISTANBUL (SAW) - MILAN We meet at Sabiha Gökçen Airport international departure terminal three hours before the flight. After baggage, check-in and boarding procedures, following our scheduled AJet flight to Milan, we transfer to our private buses waiting for us and head to Milan city center. Milan is a dynamic city located in northern Italy, known as the center of fashion, design and business. Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) is one of the most iconic buildings in Milan and a perfect example of Gothic architecture. This cathedral is the fifth largest church in the world and one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe. The exterior of the cathedral is made of white marble and decorated with detailed carvings. The front façade of the cathedral features countless sculptures and reliefs. The most striking sculpture is the golden Madonnina statue at the very top of the cathedral. This statue is considered the patron saint of the city. Right next to the Duomo is Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This magnificent shopping gallery is famous for its glass ceiling and mosaic floors. Here you can find luxury brand stores, stylish cafés and restaurants.

MILAN – LAKE GARDA - VENICE After breakfast, departure to Lake Garda. We visit Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake, to relax and enjoy the magnificent scenery. The waters of Lake Garda display emerald green and the most beautiful shades of blue. Walking around the lake or simply watching the view is truly relaxing. After our Lake Garda tour, we continue to Venice. Upon arrival at Tronchetto Square, a short vaporetto ride takes us to St. Mark's Square for a panoramic city tour. At the end of St. Mark's Square stands the magnificent St. Mark's Basilica. This basilica is famous for its golden mosaics and Byzantine-style architecture. The famous Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) is also located here – it is where prisoners caught one last glimpse of the city view as they walked to their cells. Our city tour includes the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge spanning it, the Doge's Palace, the Campanile, and the Church of Giorgio Maggiore. When you first arrive in Venice, the first thing that catches your eye is, of course, the waterways. The Grand Canal is the main artery of the city, and along this canal, magnificent palaces from the Renaissance period line up.

VENICE – FLORENCE After breakfast, we depart for Florence. Upon arrival, we begin our Florence city tour. Florence holds unique significance in world cultural heritage as the birthplace and development center of the Renaissance. The city has been the stage for great developments in art, science, and philosophy. Under the patronage of the Medici family, great artists and scientists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Brunelleschi worked here. In Florence, which is like an open-air art gallery, the Arno River that divides Florence, the Ponte Vecchio bridge famous for its jewelers, Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria square which houses the Hercules and David statues, considered among the masterpieces of the Renaissance, the Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore Duomo) which has Italy's 3rd largest dome, and the Baptistery famous for its doors are among the places to see. In the evening, free hours for return to the hotel and rest.

FLORENCE – PISA – PORTOFINO – FLORENCE After breakfast, the first stop on our tour is the romantic Italian city of Pisa, steeped in history. Of course, the first thing that comes to everyone's mind is the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This world-famous tower, with its tilted stance, is located in the Piazza dei Miracoli, or the Square of Miracles. The square captivates not only with the tower but also with the magnificent Duomo Cathedral and Baptistery, made of white marble. Each one showcases the artistic and architectural richness of medieval Italy. After seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Square of Miracles right next to it, we depart for Portofino. Portofino, located on Italy's Mediterranean coast, is an excellent choice for those who want a peaceful escape, with its stunning natural beauty, rich historical heritage and calm atmosphere. Despite its small size, it offers visitors an unforgettable experience. After our boat tour, transfer to our hotel and free time for rest.

FLORENCE – SIENA – SAN GIMIGNANO – ROME Following breakfast, we begin our tour of Tuscany (Siena, San Gimignano). Our first stop on the tour is the romantic Italian city of San Gimignano, steeped in history. As you step into the medieval town of San Gimignano, the first thing that will catch your attention is the towers. Once there were 72 towers, but now only 14 remain. These towers were built to showcase the power and wealth of the old wealthy families. Piazza del Duomo is the heart of the town's social and religious life. Here, you will find the San Gimignano Cathedral, built in the 12th century. Inside, you can see magnificent frescoes reflecting the soul of medieval Italy. Right next to the cathedral stands the Municipal Palace (Palazzo del Popolo). Our next stop is Piazza della Cisterna. This enchanting square takes its name from the old water cistern located in its center. With its stone buildings and historic structures, the square makes you feel as if you are walking through a time tunnel.

After breakfast, we depart for the center of Rome. The enchanting city of Rome, once gleaming with eternal grandeur and shaped by the winds of history, has been home to the splendor of emperors, the courage of gladiators, and the most sublime forms of art. During this tour, we will see Castel Sant'Angelo, where Cem Sultan was imprisoned. Castel Sant'Angelo was originally built as a mausoleum by Roman Emperor Hadrian, and later converted into a fortress. During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, it was used as a kind of prison and papal fortress. Another site we will see in Rome is the Colosseum (Colosseum), located at the heart of the city, carrying the spirit of ancient times. In this massive arena, once upon a time, brave gladiators and wild animals would engage in epic battles accompanied by the cheers of the crowd. Following our Colosseum tour, as we approach the Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi), made famous by the film "La Dolce Vita," the melody of water echoes among the dazzling statues. They say that when you make a wish and toss a coin into the fountain, Rome's magic will never let you go. For they say that whoever comes here once will surely return one day.

ROMA – CASTEL GANDOLFO – OUTLET – NEMİ - ROMA After breakfast, departure for our Castel Gandolfo – Nemi – Outlet tour. Castel Gandolfo, with its elegant castle rising toward the sky, its stone streets whispering of the past – at every step you will feel as though you've stepped out of a fairytale and into the embrace of this peaceful town where history and nature intertwine. The lake, like the bluest mirror beneath the sky, serves as a gateway to a fairytale world with its serenity and beauty. The Papal Palace, located in the heart of the town, is a symbol of fairytale beauty and historical grandeur. Throughout the centuries, popes have found peace and rest in this magical place. Its gardens and paths filled with colorful flowers will make you feel as though you are inside a dream. Nemi, on the other hand, is famous for its strawberry fields that shine like red jewels. The annual Strawberry Festival is celebrated with colorful festivities. After visiting Nemi, free time in Italy's most famous Outlet district. These outlet centers offer attractive shopping opportunities for both locals and tourists.

ROME – ISTANBUL (SAW) After breakfast, rooms to be vacated and transfer to Rome airport at the time your guide will advise. Flight to Istanbul on AJet Airlines' scheduled service. With our arrival at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport, our tour and services conclude. Looking forward to meeting again on another tour where we will create unforgettable memories.