Seven Cities of Italy

Direct Flights From Belfast Int

04 July 2010 -  £749p.p

05 September 2010 - £759p.p

This escorted holiday sees us based in two resorts; the first on the shores of beautiful Lake Garda, and the second high in the Tuscan hills.

Torbole

Torbole, on Garda's north-eastern shore, offers a vibrant cafe life and a lakeside promenade, from where, most afternoons, the windsurfing enthusiasts skimming across the water are a colourful sight.

Chianciano Terme

The spa-resort of Chianciano Terme lies about 60 miles south of Florence. Boasting a wonderful climate, Chianciano comprises two settlements: the old hill-town and the modern spa town below it. The resort offers some excellent shops, and many small bars, cafes and restaurants serving local food and wine.

Day One

Fly to Italy and transfer to Torbole and your hotel. After a chance to relax and familiarise yourself with your surroundings, enjoy dinner in the hotel.

Day Two

Today we explore "fair Verona", the historic backdrop for the tragic tale of "Juliet and her Romeo" and home to the famous opera season held yearly in its Roman amphitheatre. Explore this fascinating place, then take a seat in an open-air cafe in Piazza Bra to watch the world go by.

Day Three

Venice is one of the world's most beautiful cities, and you can explore alone or join our optional guided tour. With its mysterious labyrinth of alleys and waterways, spectacular St Mark's Square and Cathedral, the clock tower, the Doge's Palace, the Rialto Bridge and the mystique of the Palace of Prisons and the Bridge of Sighs, Venice has to be seen to be believed.

Day Four

Bidding farewell to Garda's shores, we travel south through Umbria to Assisi, birthplace of Italy's patron St Francis, and home to the magnificent Basilica with its frescoes celebrating the life of that "most saintly of all the saints", before we continue into Tuscany and our second base - Chianciano Terme.

Day Five

Today we travel south to Rome. Enjoy our optional guided tour of the ancient Colosseum and Forum, the great basilicas and the Baroque fountains. In the Vatican City, the dome of St Peter's looks over the vast Square, while a visit the nearby Sistine Chapel will reveal Michelangelo's fabled frescoes.

Day Six

A highlight of our tour, today's excursion is to Florence. See the magnificent Florentine skyline, explore Santa Croce and cross the medieval Ponte Vecchio. Art lovers can visit the Accademia to marvel at Michelangelo's peerless statue of David, or wander the Uffizi and admire Botticelli's 'Birth of Venus' (payable locally).

Day Seven

Our final day's touring takes us into the rolling Tuscan hills to Siena. See the magnificent Piazza il Campo, home of the traditional Palio horse race, before heading to see the exquisite, Tuscan, hill-top fortress of San Gimignano and its beautiful towers, medieval walls and cathedral.

Day Eight

Transfer back to the airport for check-in and your flight home.

Wining and dining

Fresh fish, fruit and vegetables are plentiful, as are typical Italian dishes of pasta, soup or meat. You will generally be offered a choice of starter and main course, with fruit or dessert to follow. There are also many excellent, well-priced wines to enjoy during your stay.

Changes to your hotel

Should demand for this holiday exceed expectation, we reserve the right to accommodate you in another hotel of the same category in the area. Should this be necessary, we will send you full details with your Joining Instructions