Italy Tour , September 20

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.

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.

ROME – SIENA – SAN GIMIGNANO – FLORENCE After breakfast, we set off for Siena. Upon arriving in Siena, where the neighbourhood culture is still alive, the first place we will see is Piazza del Campo, the heart of the city. This wide and sloping square is considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world. At the centre of the square stands a marble fountain called Fonte Gaia. The square hosts the famous horse race Palio di Siena, held twice a year. The race is an exciting event in which horses from 17 different contrade (neighbourhoods) compete. The Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena) (exterior) is also among the places to be seen. This magnificent Gothic structure is clad in white and green marble. As you walk through Siena's narrow and winding streets, history greets you at every corner. While strolling through the city, you may occasionally come across a wall fresco or an old stone structure. Afterwards, we depart for San Gimignano. As soon as you step into the medieval town of San Gimignano, the first thing that will catch your eye will be the towers. While there were once 72 towers, only 14 remain today.

FLORENCE – PISA – FLORENCE After breakfast, we set off for Florence and begin our tour. The city holds a unique place in the world's cultural heritage as the birthplace and cradle of the Renaissance. It has been the stage for great developments in the fields of 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. Florence is like an open-air art gallery, and among the sights we will see from the outside are the Arno River that divides the city in two, the Ponte Vecchio bridge famous for its jewellers, the Palazzo Vecchio, the Piazza della Signoria which is home to the masterpieces of the Renaissance, the Hercules and David statues, the Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore Duomo) which has the 3rd tallest dome in Italy, and the Baptistery famous for its doors. After our Florence visit, our next stop is Pisa, a romantic Italian city steeped in history. Of course, the first thing that comes to everyone's mind is the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Famous worldwide for its tilt, the tower stands in the Piazza dei Miracoli, the Square of Miracles.

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.

MILAN – LAKE COMO – LAKE GARDA – VENICE After breakfast, we depart for Milan. Milan is a dynamic city located in northern Italy, a center of fashion, design, and the business world. Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) is one of the most iconic structures in Milan and a perfect example of Gothic architecture. The exterior of the cathedral is made of white marble and adorned with detailed carvings. The most striking sculpture is the golden Madonnina statue at the very top of the cathedral. This statue is regarded as the city's patron saint. Right next to the Duomo is the 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. The gallery has four main entrances, but the most famous one is the one from Piazza del Duomo. After the Milan tour, we depart for Lake Como. Lake Como (Lago di Como) is a lake located in the Lombardy region of Italy, famous for its natural beauty. Situated at the foot of the Alps, this lake is Italy's third largest lake and is renowned for its surroundings.

VENICE After breakfast, we depart for Venice. Upon arrival at Venice Tronchetto square, we take a short vaporetto (water bus) ride to St. Mark's Square and begin a panoramic city tour. At the end of St. Mark's Square stands the magnificent St. Mark's Basilica. The 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 the place where prisoners took one last look at the city view on their way to their cells. During our city tour, the sights to be seen include the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge over it, the Doge's Palace, the Bell Tower and Clock Tower, and the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore. The first thing that catches your eye when you arrive in Venice is, of course, the waterways. The Grand Canal (Canal Grande) is the main artery of the city, and magnificent palaces from the Renaissance period line both sides of this canal. Afterwards, free time and at the end of the tour, transfer to our hotel and free time to rest.

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.