Italy Tour

Castel Gandolfo and Nemi

ISTANBUL – ROME – CASTEL GANDOLFO – NEMI – OUTLET - ROME

We meet at Istanbul Airport international departure terminal three hours before the flight. After baggage check-in, ticket and boarding procedures, we land in Rome on the Turkish Airlines scheduled service and board our private coaches to set off for Castel Gandolfo. In Castel Gandolfo, you will fall under the spell of a peaceful town where history and nature embrace one another at every step, seeming to have stepped out of a fairytale land shaped around an elegant castle reaching toward the sky, with the past whispering through its stone streets. The lake, resembling the bluest mirror beneath the sky, is almost like a door opening onto a realm of fairy tales with its tranquility and beauty. The Papal Palace at the heart of the town is a symbol of fairytale beauty and historical grandeur. For centuries, popes have found peace and rested in this magical place. You will feel as if you are inside a dream, with its gardens and paths full of colorful flowers. Nemi, on the other hand, is famous for its strawberry fields shining like red jewels. The annual Strawberry Festival is celebrated with colorful festivities. After visiting Nemi, free time at Italy's most famous outlet area. These outlet centers offer attractive shopping opportunities for both locals and tourists. After discovering the historical and cultural riches of Rome, you can take a pleasant break in these modern shopping centers and find souvenirs for your loved ones and special pieces for yourself. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel and free hours to rest.

The heart of Rome

ROME

After breakfast, we begin our city tour of Rome. Once a magical city that shone with endless splendor and was shaped by the winds of history, Rome has hosted the magnificence of emperors, the courage of gladiators, and the highest forms of art. On this tour, we will see Castel Sant'Angelo from the outside, where Cem Sultan was imprisoned. Castel Sant'Angelo was originally built as a mausoleum by the Roman Emperor Hadrian and later converted into a fortress. During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, it was used as a prison and a papal castle. Another place we will see in Rome is the Colosseum, located in the heart of the city and carrying the spirit of antiquity. In this colossal arena, brave gladiators and wild animals once entered into legendary battles accompanied by the cheers of the people. After viewing the Colosseum from the outside, 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 sculptures.

Among the other places to be seen are the Roman Forum, the social, commercial, and religious center of the era; Piazza Venezia, where the massive marble Vittoriano monument stands; the Pantheon; and the Spanish Steps, with their 135 steps and the boat-shaped fountain. Afterwards, we move to the famous St. Peter's Square in the Vatican. Upon arrival, free time to visit the square. The obelisk in the center of the square and the columns surrounding it will impress you. As you walk around the square, you can see the Apostolic Palace and the famous window from which the Pope prays on Sundays. In the evening, return to our hotel in Rome and free time to rest.

Siena and San Gimignano

After breakfast, we leave Rome and travel to Siena. Our first stop in Siena, where neighborhood traditions remain alive, is Field Square in the city center. At the heart of this broad, sloping square, considered one of the world’s most beautiful, stands the marble Fountain of Joy. The square also hosts the Siena Palio twice each year, with horses representing 17 different neighborhoods competing in the race. Siena Cathedral (Cathedral of Siena), a Gothic structure clad in white and green marble, will also be viewed from outside. As you walk through Siena’s narrow, winding streets, you can see old stone buildings and wall frescoes. We then continue to San Gimignano. The first things you will notice upon arriving in this medieval town are its towers. Once home to 72 towers, the town has only 14 remaining today. These towers were commissioned by wealthy families to display their power and wealth. We then visit Cathedral Square, the town’s social and religious center. Here stands San Gimignano Cathedral, built in the 12th century. Inside the cathedral, you can see frescoes reflecting medieval Italy. Next door is City Hall (People’s Palace). Our next stop is Cistern Square, named after the old water cistern at its center. Surrounded by stone buildings and historic structures, the square has small shops where you can browse local products and handmade souvenirs. After our tour, we travel to our hotel in Florence and have free time to rest.

Florence and Pisa

After breakfast, we travel to Florence and begin our city tour. Florence, the birthplace and heart of the Renaissance, holds an important place in world cultural heritage. The city witnessed major advances in art, science, and philosophy, with artists and scientists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Brunelleschi working under the patronage of the Medici family. During our Florence tour, we will view from outside the Arno River, which divides the city in two; the Old Bridge, known for its jewelers; the Old Palace; Signoria Square, home to the statues of Hercules and David; Florence Cathedral (Saint Mary of the Flower Cathedral), which has Italy’s 3rd-highest dome; and the Baptistery, renowned for its doors. After exploring Florence, our next stop is Pisa, known for its historic and romantic atmosphere. The world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa stands in Miracles Square. The square also contains the white-marble Cathedral and Baptistery. These structures reflect the artistic and architectural heritage of medieval Italy. After seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa and nearby Miracles Square, we return to our hotel in Florence and have free time to rest.

Portofino to Milan

FLORENCE – PORTOFINO – GENOA – MILAN

After breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures and set off on our journey. Our first stop is Portofino. Portofino, located on the Mediterranean coast of Italy, is a perfect option for those who want to enjoy a peaceful getaway with its breathtaking nature, historical richness, and calm atmosphere. Despite its small size, it offers visitors an unforgettable experience. After the boat tour, we depart for Genoa. Porto Antico (Old Port), Genoa's historic harbor, was once an important trade center. Today it hosts many tourist attractions, including the Acquario di Genova (Genoa Aquarium) and the Galata Maritime Museum. Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace), located in the center of Genoa, hosts historical and cultural events. Piazza De Ferrari, Genoa's main square, lies in the heart of the city. It is famous for its elegant buildings, sculptures, and fountain. Important landmarks such as the Opera House are located around the square. Cattedrale di San Lorenzo (San Lorenzo Cathedral) is one of Genoa's most important religious buildings. This cathedral, which blends Romanesque and Gothic styles, is a significant landmark reflecting the city's history. After our tour of Genoa, we head to our hotel and have free time to relax.

Lakes Como and Garda to Venice

After breakfast, we travel to Milan. Located in northern Italy, Milan is one of the leading centers of fashion, design, and business. Milan Cathedral (Cathedral of Milan), one of the city’s landmarks, is an outstanding example of Gothic architecture. Its white-marble exterior is decorated with intricate carvings. The golden Little Madonna statue at the cathedral’s highest point is regarded as the city’s patron saint. Next to the cathedral stands the Victor Emmanuel II Gallery, known for its glass roof and mosaic floors. Home to luxury-brand stores, stylish cafés, and restaurants, the gallery has four main entrances, the best known of which opens onto Cathedral Square. After our Milan tour, we travel to Lake Como. Located at the foot of the Alps in Italy’s Lombardy Region, Lake Como is Italy’s third-largest lake and is known for the natural beauty surrounding it. Long favored as a retreat by aristocrats and wealthy visitors, the lake remains a major tourist destination today, partly because of the many celebrities who stay along its shores. After Lake Como, we continue to Lake Garda. We visit Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, to relax and admire the scenery. You can walk around the lake, with its varying shades of emerald green and blue, or simply enjoy the view. After our Lake Garda visit, we travel to Venice. Once we have checked in at the hotel, you will have free time to rest.

Venice's waterways

After breakfast, we travel to Venice. Upon arriving at Tronchetto Square in Venice, we take a short ferry ride to Saint Mark’s Square and begin our panoramic city tour. At the far end of the square stands Saint Mark’s Basilica, known for its golden mosaics and Byzantine-style architecture. Also here is the Bridge of Sighs, where prisoners are said to have taken their final look at the city before being led to their cells. During our city tour, the sights will include the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge spanning it, the Doge’s Palace, the Bell Tower and Clock Tower, and the Church of Saint George the Greater. At the heart of Venice’s distinctive network of waterways is the Grand Canal. Considered the city’s main artery, the canal is lined with Renaissance palaces. Afterward, you will have free time. At the end of the tour, we transfer to our hotel and have free time to rest.

Flying home

VENICE - ISTANBUL

After breakfast, check-out from the rooms and transfer to Venice Airport at the time to be announced by your guide. Scheduled flight to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, our tour and services come to an end.

We hope to meet again on another tour where we will have unforgettable experiences.