Italy Tour

We meet at the international departures terminal of Istanbul Airport three hours before the flight. After completing our baggage, ticket and boarding procedures, we fly to Venice on a scheduled Turkish Airlines service. Upon arrival, we board our waiting private coaches and depart for central Venice. After reaching Tronchetto Square in Venice, we take a short ferry ride to St. Mark’s Square and begin our panoramic city tour. St. Mark’s Basilica, at the end of the square, is known for its golden mosaics and Byzantine-style architecture. The renowned Bridge of Sighs is also located here; it is known as the place where prisoners took their final look at the city before being led to their cells. During the tour, the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, Doge’s Palace, Bell Tower, Clock Tower and Church of St. George Major are among the sights we will see. One of the first features to attract attention in Venice is its waterways. Renaissance palaces line the Grand Canal, the city’s main artery. At the end of the tour, transfer to your hotel in Venice and free time to rest.

After breakfast, we visit Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, to relax and enjoy the scenery. You can walk around Lake Garda, with its shades of emerald green and blue, or admire the lake views. After our Lake Garda visit, we depart for Milan and then begin our Milan city tour. Located in northern Italy, Milan is a dynamic center of fashion, design and business. Milan Cathedral, one of the city’s landmarks, is an important example of Gothic architecture. The fifth-largest church in the world and one of Europe’s largest Gothic cathedrals, it has a white marble façade decorated with detailed carvings and countless statues. The golden Little Madonna statue at the top of the cathedral is regarded as the city’s patron saint. Next to the cathedral, the Victor Emmanuel II Gallery is known for its glass ceiling and mosaic floors. Home to luxury-brand stores, stylish cafés and restaurants, the gallery has four main entrances, the best known of which opens from Cathedral Square. Upon entering, its architecture immediately draws attention for combining modern engineering with traditional art. After our tour, transfer to your hotel and free time to rest.

MILAN - FLORENCE After breakfast, we depart for Florence. Upon arrival, we begin our city tour of Florence. Florence holds a unique place in the world's cultural heritage as the birthplace and cradle of the Renaissance. The city has been the stage for great advancements in art, science and philosophy. Under the patronage of the Medici family, great artists and thinkers such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli and Brunelleschi worked here. In Florence, which is like an open-air art gallery, the sights to see include the Arno River, which divides the city in two, the Ponte Vecchio Bridge, famous for its jewellers, the Palazzo Vecchio, the Piazza della Signoria, home to the Hercules and David statues – masterpieces of the Renaissance – the Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore Duomo), which boasts the 3rd tallest dome in Italy, and the Baptistery, famous for its doors. In the evening, we return to our hotel for free time to rest.

After breakfast, we set out on our Tuscany tour of Siena, San Gimignano and Pisa. Our first stop is Pisa, an Italian city known for its historic and romantic atmosphere. The city’s world-famous landmark, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, stands out for its tilted position and is located in Miracles Square. The square also contains the white-marble Cathedral and Baptistery. These buildings reflect the artistic and architectural wealth of medieval Italy. After seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa and nearby Miracles Square, we depart for San Gimignano. The towers are the first structures to attract attention in the medieval town of San Gimignano. Once home to 72 towers, the town now has only 14 remaining. Built by wealthy families of the past, these towers were intended to display their power and wealth. The center of the town’s social and religious life is Cathedral Square. Here stands San Gimignano Cathedral, built in the 12th century, where frescoes reflecting the spirit of medieval Italy can be seen. Next to the cathedral is the People’s Palace. Our next stop is Cistern Square, named after the old water cistern at its center.

FLORENCE – ROME After breakfast, we set off for Rome. Upon arrival in Rome, we begin our Outlet and Lakes Region (Outlet – Castel Gandolfo – Nemi) tour. In Castel Gandolfo, shaped around an elegant castle reaching up toward the sky, where the past whispers along its stone streets, you will be enchanted at every step by the magic of this peaceful town, where history and nature embrace one another. The lake, resembling the bluest mirror beneath the sky, is like a door opening into a fairy-tale world with its calm and beauty. The Papal Palace, located at the heart of the town, stands as a symbol of fairytale beauty and historical grandeur. For centuries, popes have found peace and rest in this magical place. You will feel as if you are inside a dream, wandering its gardens and paths filled with colorful flowers. Nemi, on the other hand, is famous for its strawberry fields that shine like red jewels. The Strawberry Festival, held every year, 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.

ROME After breakfast, we set off to discover Rome. Once shimmering with infinite splendour and shaped by the winds of history, the magical city of Rome has been home to the grandeur of emperors, the courage of gladiators, and the highest forms of art. On 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 the Renaissance, it was used as a prison and a papal fortress. Another place we will see in Rome is the Colosseum (Kolezyum), in the heart of the city, carrying the spirit of ancient times. In this gigantic arena, brave gladiators and wild beasts once engaged in epic struggles to the cheers of the public. After our Colosseum visit, as we approach the Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi), made famous by the film La Dolce Vita (The Sweet Life), the melody of water echoes among the dazzling statues. They say that if you make a wish and toss a coin into the fountain, the magic of Rome will never let you go. Because, as the saying goes, those who come here once are sure to return one day.

After breakfast, we depart for Naples. Founded by the Greeks in the 7th century BC, Naples is the capital of the Campania Region in southern Italy. An important center during the Roman Empire, the city has been home to many cultures and civilizations from the Middle Ages to the present day. The Historic Center is known for its narrow streets, historic churches, ancient ruins and broad squares. Naples Cathedral, New Castle, built in the 13th century, the Royal Palace, Saint Charles Theatre, Umberto I Gallery and Toledo Street are among the city’s most important landmarks. After our tour, we depart for Sorrento, a coastal town south of the Bay of Naples. Surrounded by views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, Sorrento stands on cliffs overlooking the sea and is known for its beaches, lemon groves and olive groves. Tasso Square, regarded as the town center, is surrounded by cafés, restaurants and shops. After seeing Sorrento Cathedral and allowing time to enjoy the view of the bay, we depart for Rome, the capital of Italy. Upon arrival in Rome, we proceed to the hotel where we will be staying. After check-in, you will have free time to rest.

ROME - ISTANBUL After breakfast, check-out from the rooms and transfer to Rome 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 end. We hope to meet again on another tour where we will experience unforgettable experiences.