Italy and Rome Tour

Bologna to Florence

ISTANBUL – BOLOGNA – FLORENCE

We meet at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport International Departures Terminal three hours before the flight. After completing baggage, check-in and boarding procedures, we take our Pegasus Airlines scheduled flight to Bologna. Upon arrival, we transfer to our private coach waiting at the airport. We depart Bologna for Florence. After arrival, we begin our Florence city tour. Florence holds a unique place in world cultural heritage as the birthplace and development center of the Renaissance. The city has witnessed great advances 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 dividing the city, the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge known for its jewelers, Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria Square, home to the Hercules and David statues – masterpieces of the Renaissance, Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore – Duomo) with Italy's 3rd largest dome, and the Baptistery famous for its doors are all among the places we visit. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel in Florence. Free time in the evening for check-in and rest.

Optional day in Tuscany

FLORENCE – (TUSCANY TOUR: SIENA – SAN GIMIGNANO – PISA) – FLORENCE

After breakfast, you will have free time. Guests who wish may join the optional Tuscany tour, organised by our guide for an extra 125 €. We set out on our tour covering Siena, San Gimignano and Pisa. Our first stop is Pisa, a romantic Italian city known for its historic character. The city’s internationally renowned landmark, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, stands in Miracles Square. The square also contains Pisa Cathedral and the Baptistery, both built of white marble. Each of these structures reflects the artistic and architectural wealth of medieval Italy. After seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa and nearby Miracles Square, we continue to San Gimignano. The towers are the first structures to attract attention in the medieval town of San Gimignano. The town once had 72 towers, but only 14 remain standing today. Wealthy families of the past built these towers to display their power and wealth. The town’s social and religious centre is Cathedral Square. Here you can see San Gimignano Cathedral, built in the 12th century, and its frescoes reflecting the spirit of medieval Italy. The Town Hall stands beside the cathedral. Our next stop is Cistern Square. Named after the old water cistern at its centre, the square evokes the atmosphere of the past with its stone buildings and historic structures. You can browse local products and handmade souvenirs in the small shops here and sample one of the world’s most delicious ice creams at the renowned Dondoli Ice Cream Shop on the corner of the square. After our visit, we proceed to Siena. Our first stop in this city, where neighbourhood traditions continue, is Field Square, the heart of Siena. At the centre of this broad, sloping space, considered one of the world’s most beautiful squares, stands the marble Joyous Fountain. The square hosts the renowned Siena Palio horse race twice every year. Horses representing 17 different districts compete in this event. The Gothic Siena Cathedral, clad in white and green marble, is also among the sights we will see. As you make your way through Siena’s narrow, winding streets, you can encounter wall frescoes and old stone buildings. In the evening, we return to our hotel in Florence and have free time to rest.

Rome via lakes and outlets

FLORENCE – ROME – NEMI – CASTEL GANDOLFO OUTLET – ROME

After breakfast, we complete our hotel checkout and depart for Rome. Upon arrival in Rome, we depart for the Outlet and Lakes District & Outlet – Castel Gandolfo – Nemi tour. Castel Gandolfo is shaped around an elegant castle rising toward the sky; at every step through its stone streets, as if stepping out of a fairy tale where the past whispers, you will be captivated by the magic of this peaceful town where history and nature embrace each other. The lake, resembling the bluest mirror beneath the sky, is like a gateway to a fairy tale world with its tranquility and beauty. The Papal Palace, located in the heart of the town, is a symbol of fairy tale beauty and historical splendor. For centuries, popes found peace and rest in this magical place. Its gardens and paths filled with colorful flowers will make you feel as if 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 at one of Italy's most famous outlet districts. These outlet centers offer attractive shopping opportunities for both locals and tourists. After exploring Rome's historical and cultural riches, you can take a pleasant break at these modern shopping centers, find souvenirs for your loved ones and special pieces for yourself. Free hours on our return to the hotel and for rest.

Optional night tour of Rome

After breakfast, free time. Our guests who wish may join the Rome by Night Tour (125€ per person), which will be organized by our guide as an optional extra, to escape the daytime crowds and heat and enjoy the magnificently illuminated historic structures. The enchanting city of Rome, which once gleamed with eternal splendor and was shaped by the winds of history, has been home to the grandeur of its emperors, the courage of its gladiators, and the most sublime forms of art. On this tour, we 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 Medieval and Renaissance periods, it served as a kind of prison and papal citadel.

Another site we will see in Rome is the Colosseum, located in 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. After the Colosseum, we proceed to the Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi), made famous by the film La Dolce Vita. As water melodies echo among the dazzling sculptures, you too can make a wish and toss a coin into the fountain, fulfilling the tradition of returning to Rome.

Continuing on our tour, we explore the important symbols of Rome, the imperial city that shaped European civilization and has witnessed 23 centuries of history. Among our stops are the Pantheon, one of the oldest surviving monuments in the city, Piazza Navona, one of Rome's most beautiful squares with its baroque architecture and famous fountain, and the Spanish Steps, renowned for its street artists.

We then proceed to the Vatican, the center of the Catholic world. Here, we view St. Peter's Basilica, one of the world's largest and most important religious structures, and St. Peter's Square from the outside, and have the opportunity to photograph the impressive atmosphere created by the square's nighttime lighting. The Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica interior visit will not be conducted as part of the night tour.

Return to the hotel and accommodation.

Flight home to Istanbul

ROME - ISTANBUL

After breakfast, check-out from rooms and transfer to the airport at the time your guide will announce. Flight to Istanbul on Pegasus Airlines' scheduled service. Upon our arrival at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport, our tour and services come to an end. We look forward to meeting you again on another tour where we will experience unforgettable moments.