Italy

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Classical Italy is a tour designed to highlight Italy’s importance to our global heritage. Delve into ancient history in Rome and Pompeii and soar through the art and architecture of Renaissance Venice & Florence. It’s no wonder why Italy is the most popular educational destination.

Verona and Venice: Shakespeare’s works and Romeo and Juliet balcony

Travel to Verona (time permitting), setting for several of Shakespeare’s great works, explore the city and see the famous Romeo and Juliet balcony hidden away in a medieval courtyard. Then continue on to Venice, the sparkling maritime super power of the Renaissance.

Venice: Doges Palace and Bridge of Sighs

Today we spend a full day in Venice. In the morning an expert local Guide unveils some of the mysteries of this beautiful city and we visit the Doge’s Palace. Once home to the rulers of one of the world’s great maritime powers, it houses a phenomenal collection of art. Cross the Bridge of Sighs, named after the final breaths of the condemned as they saw their last views of the City. In the afternoon, witness the traditional Venetian art of glass blowing or explore the Venetian canals by gondola.

PISA and FLORENCE: Campo dei Miracoli

Travel the width of Italy to the historic city of Pisa, home of the iconic leaning tower. We will have a guided tour of the Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) visiting both the historic baptistery and basilica before heading into the Tuscan countryside and arriving in Florence, birthplace of the Italian language, the Renaissance and opera.

FLORENCE: Piazza della Signoria and Uffizi

The jewel of Renaissance Italy awaits. Embark on our City Walk with a local Guide to delve into the history of this famous, beautiful city. Marvel at the Duomo and Brunelleschi’s dome – the full force of Renaissance creativity has etched this City’s history, architecture and fabric. Stroll through Piazza del la Signoria seeing Michelangelo’s David in pride of place in front of City Hall (the real David is now in the Accademia Museum). This afternoon the Uffizi Gallery awaits us with a fabulous collection of paintings including Botticelli’s Venus.

ASSISI and ROME

Travelling south today we follow the old adage that all roads lead to Rome. Make a stop along the way in Assisi, the medieval city and birthplace of St Francis. This hilltop town has prospered since the 12^th Century due to its association with the Saint. Although damaged by an earthquake in the 1990s, the restoration work in the 2 churches, one on top of the other, is outstanding. Rome, the Eternal City, awaits us this evening.

VATICAN: Sistine Chapel and Trevi Fountain

Rome was not built in a day, so we first visit another country within the city of Rome, the Vatican. Seat of the Catholic Church, tour the City State with a Guide to Michelangelo’s artistic masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel. Our Guide will then whisk us to St Peter’s, supporting the largest dome in Europe. In the afternoon, stroll through Rome’s baroque centre; discover the Pantheon to all the Gods, ancient Temple, Church and burial place of kings and artists. Toss a coin into The Trevi Fountain where legend has it, promises your return to the eternal city.

ROME: Imperial forums AND Rome Coliseum

This morning walk in Julius Caesar’s footsteps along the Via Sacra, the sacred way, of the Imperial Forum. Listen to the stories of Ancient Rome come to life; see the Temple of Vesta, remains of the Senate and of course the magnificent Coliseum, named for a giant statue of the Emperor Nero that once stood on the spot. Unveil its wonders and secrets, discover how the games and gladiators really worked and lived.

DAY EXTENSIONS

POMPEII and SORRENTO

Depart Rome for the ancient city of Pompeii, incredibly preserved over the centuries by ash deposited during the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 CE. See how Roman citizens, from the wealthiest to the poorest, lived their day to day lives in this ‘naughty but nice’ City. Travel to the vibrant resort town of Sorrento, the gateway to the Isle of Capri.

ISLE OF CAPRI

Cross the Bay of Naples to the captivating Isle of Capri. Board a smaller boat to see some of the natural wonders the Island offers, culminating in the famous Blue Grotto. Spend leisure time visiting this resort island, home to the rich and famous, before boarding a fast ferry to Naples. Upon arrival meet the coach for the scenic drive back to Rome.