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Explore Italy’s evocative regions as you travel from Milan to Rome
Discover regional delights and stunning scenery along the way. Cruise on Lake Como, stay in a dreamy Italian castle, stroll the romantic canals of Venice and explore the idyllic villages of the Cinque Terre. Discover the fairytale ‘town of towers’ San Gimignano. Indulge in local Tuscan delights, walk beautifully preserved medieval towns and of course stay on the Amalfi Coast.
About Albatross
Operating tours in Europe since 1995, Albatross Tours offers the widest range of European Christmas, New Year and Winter small group tours, plus a distinctive European Summer tour program, all designed specifically for Australian and New Zealand travellers. With tour itineraries created exclusively to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace with two to five-night stays, Albatross offers small group tours with a maximum group size of 28. Fully inclusive sightseeing, with no optional costs, you’ll stay in authentic style accommodation in superb locations and centrally located city hotels. See more and experience more with our longer stays, quality leisure time and hand-selected experiences. When you travel on an Albatross European tour, you will receive better value for money, genuine inclusions, and unique itineraries, designed for a true holiday experience.
Highlights
4 nights in the Italian Lakes
2 nights in an Italian Castle
5 nights in Tuscany
3 nights on the Amalfi Coast
Lake Como, Venice, Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Pompeii
Inclusions
Travel in a first-class air-conditioned touring coach
Welcome drink on Day 1
29 meals including breakfast daily (B) and 12 evening meals (D)A complimentary glass of wine, beer or soft drink with all included dinners
Hotel porterage of 1 bag per person (where available)
17 nights specially selected hotel accommodation
Free WiFi at most hotels (where available)
Personal audio system whilst on tour (where available)ALL tips for your Tour Manager, Driver and Local GuidesLocal guides as described in the itineraryF
Fully escorted by our experienced Tour Manager
Hand Selected Albatross Experiences including private boat rides on Lake Maggiore, Lake Como and Venice, cruises in Cinque Terre and Capri, plus olive oil tasting in a Tuscan farmhouse
ALL excursions, scenic drives, sightseeing and entrances as described
Itinerary
Day 1 Stresa welcome
Commencing in central Milan at 2pm we will transfer you to Stresa on wonderful Lake Maggiore, where you will stay the next four nights.Join us tonight for a welcome drink before dinner. This is an ideal chance to meet, and get to know, your Tour Manager and fellowtravellers.
Stay: La Palma Hotel, Stresa, Italy. D
Day 2 Villa Carlotta and Lake Como cruise
This morning we drive to the town of Como and follow the shore of the lake to Tremezzo, where we board our private boat and enjoy acruise on Lake Como, past a number of striking lakeside villas, to delightful Bellagio. This beautiful town is situated at the tip of thepeninsula separating the lake’s two southern arms, with the Alps visible across the lake to the north. It’s time to relax in this delightfultown which boasts peaceful villas and gardens nestled by the lakeside, elegant shops and walkways plus stylish al fresco dining at its verybest. Returning to Tremezzo, we visit the world famous Villa Carlotta. This wonderful Villa is set in 70,000 square metres of romanticItalianate Gardens and faces across Lake Como to the Bellagio peninsula. The classic gardens boast fountains and pergolas and in springtime is famous for its rhododendrons and azaleas. Later we return to Stresa. Dinner tonight is included in a local restaurant.
Stay: La Palma Hotel, Stresa, Italy. B, D.
Day 3 Macugnaga and lakeside Orta San Giulio
There is nothing like a day in the mountains – especially amongst some of the highest and most dramatic in the Alps! Following a deepvalley we soon reach the mountain village of Macugnaga, close to the Swiss border. Used as a location in many films, the village is famousfor its beautifully preserved wooden huts and chalets, and the stunning backdrop of the Monte Rosa (Pink) Massif and the 4638 metreshigh Dufourspitze – Europe’s second highest mountain. Your time is at leisure to explore the village and surroundings, and perhaps take amountain cable car ride (subject to operating) to enjoy lunch and the extraordinary views. Later today we also visit the delightful town ofOrta San Giulio beside the beautiful, and some say most romantic of all the lakes – Lake Orta. Your evening is at leisure in Stresa.
Stay: La Palma Hotel, Stresa, Italy. B
Day 4 Islands of Lake Maggiore
Boarding our private boat we visit the famous islands of Lake Maggiore. First stop will be Isola Bella where we have included entrance anda guided tour of the palatial Borromeo villa and gardens, which dominate the island. The villa boasts Murano glass chandeliers, gobelin-covered chairs, intricate tapestries and paintings. The spectacular formal gardens rise behind the ornate villa, with patterned flower bedsfalling in terraces, with statues and ornamental stonework completing the Italianate style. Next we visit Isola Pescatori (the Fisherman’sisland). Lunchtime is at leisure on this small, picturesque island with its quaint cafés and restaurants set amongst the old houses withwooden balconies, tiny boats and fishing nets. The afternoon and evening are at leisure in delightful, lakeside Stresa.
Stay: La Palma Hotel, Stresa, Italy. B.
Day 5 Lake Garda and CastelBrando
Bidding farewell to Lake Maggiore we drive east and arrive at Lake Garda late morning. This is the largest of the Italian lakes, with acircumference of approximately 100 kilometres; it is surrounded by lemon and citrus groves and is the meeting point of three Italianregions. There will be time at leisure for lunch in one of the colourful and diverse lakeside towns. You stay in the foothills of theDolomites, in the superb CastelBrando for the next two evocative nights.
Stay: Hotel CastelBrando, Treviso. B, D.
Day 6 Venice sightseeing and ‘My Time’
After a leisurely start we visit nearby ‘Venezia’ (Venice) – arguably one of the most romantic cities in the world. At Tronchetto we board aprivate boat to take us to St Mark’s Square, where we join our expert local guide for a walking tour. The rest of the day is free to meanderthrough the myriad of narrow, water lined streets and alleys spanned by humped back bridges.
Stay: Hotel CastelBrando, Treviso. B, D.
Day 7 Montecatini Terme in Tuscany
A leisurely start today as we travel south to Tuscany. We arrive in the charming spa town of Montecatini Terme mid afternoon. This wasonce a favourite ‘cure resort’ of the crowned heads of state from all over Europe. We stay here for the next five nights, in a traditionalfamily run, 4-star hotel, close to the major sights. As a highlight, this evening we drive into the picturesque Tuscan countryside, where wehave arranged dinner at a local olive oil farmhouse estate.
Stay: Hotel Ercolini & Savi, Montecatini Terme. B, D.
Day 8 Florence sightseeing and ‘My Time’
Today is dedicated to nearby ‘Firenze’ (Florence). We are joined by a local guide who will bring to life this truly beautiful city, which isotherwise known as the ‘Cradle of the Renaissance’. We see the Duomo and take in the magnificent statues in the Piazza della Signoria. At the conclusion of your walking tour, we have included a visit to the famous Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s ‘David’ andnumerous other extraordinary Italian, Florentine and Renaissance works of art. Your afternoon is entirely free to enjoy Florence at yourown pace. Espresso coffee on Piazza Santa Croce where Michelangelo is buried? A gelato whilst strolling across the Ponte Vecchio? Don’tforget the excellent shopping.
Stay: Hotel Ercolini & Savi, Montecatini Terme. B, D.
Day 9 Medieval Lucca, Pisa and Olive Oil tasting in a local farmhouse
Our first stop today is in one of the most typically ‘Tuscan’ towns in the area, Lucca – a medieval walled city, filled with palaces, churches,ancient houses and the former home of Puccini, where he wrote Turandot. Walk on top of the city walls for the very best city views, orvisit Piazza San Michele and stroll along the shops of Borgo Giannotti. Afterwards we visit Pisa with its famous Leaning Tower, Cathedraland Baptistery in the magnificent Piazza dei Miracoli. This afternoon we visit a local farmhouse to enjoy an olive oil tasting accompaniedby Tuscan wines and a light dinner to sample the farms own produce.
Stay: Hotel Ercolini & Savi, Montecatini Terme. B, D.
Day 10 Cinque Terre sightseeing
A delightful day is planned as we explore the famous Cinque Terre. The name means ‘five lands’ and comes from the five unspoilt fishingvillages that cling to the cliffs, overlooking the sea. We have arranged a coastal boat ride for you to admire the spectacular scenery andalmost inaccessible fishing villages, and to visit Portovenere and Monterosso. Our return journey to Levanto, to meet our coach, is bytrain.
Stay: Hotel Ercolini & Savi, Montecatini Terme. B, D.
Day 11 ‘My Time’ in Tuscany
The whole of today has been purposely left entirely at leisure. This is a perfect opportunity for you to do as little, or as much as you want!Maybe take the local train back to the museums and shops of Florence. Alternatively explore Montecatini’s old centre and parklands, orpamper yourself in one of the spas. Perhaps just relax in your hotel or sip wine in a café and watch the world go by!
Stay: Hotel Ercolini & Savi, Montecatini Terme. B.
Day 12 San Gimignano, Siena and Spoleto
We make the short drive across Tuscany to the fairytale ‘town of towers’ San Gimignano, famous for its 13th and 14th century Tuscantowers. Exploring the pedestrian walkways of this hilltop town is an absolute delight. Lunchtime will be at leisure in the beautifullypreserved streets of medieval Siena amongst the great sights such as the gothic town hall and the Piazza del Campo, scene of the famousPalio horse race. Next we wind up to the hills of Umbria and the wonderful walled town of Spoleto where we stay the next two nights.Medieval Spoleto is easily explored on foot. There are numerous romanesque churches and cobblestoned alleyways lined with shops,bars and trattorias.
Stay: Hotel Ercolini & Savi, Montecatini Terme. B, D.
Day 13 Assisi sightseeing and ‘My Time’ in Spoleto
We spend this morning in the nearby beautiful Umbrian city of Assisi. Badly damaged by earthquakes in 1997 the city, dominated by twomedieval castles, undertook a remarkable programme of restoration which soon brought it back to all its glory. On arrival in Assisi we arejoined by a local guide for a tour of the Basilica of St Francis with its magnificent frescoes. Afterwards there is time for you to exploreAssisi at your own pace. Returning to Spoleto, the rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps take a leisurely walk along the path aroundthe castle and across the medieval viaduct in to the Umbrian countryside. This is the real Italy!
Stay: Hotel Ercolini & Savi, Montecatini Terme. B.
Day 14 Ancient Pompeii and the AmalfiCoast
Driving south past Vesuvius we visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii, where a local guide takes us through the city that was buried undervolcanic ash in AD 79. Paintings, furniture, mosaics, sculptures, graffiti and even loaves in ovens are wonderfully preserved. From here it’sonly a short drive to the Amalficoast and the port towns of Minori and Maiori, where we stay for the next three nights. A perfect base forvisiting all the local sights and soaking up the unique atmosphere of the AmalfiCoast
Stay: Hotel Ercolini & Savi, Montecatini Terme. B, D.
Day 15 Ferry ride along the AmalfiCoast to the island of Capri
Enjoy your day as we take you on the ferry along the Amalficoast, and across to Marina Grande on the island of Capri, which the Romanemperor Tiberius made his capital. On arrival we meet our local guide and board a bus which takes us up to the top of the island toexplore the charming village of Anacapri. In the main town, Capri, we visit the Giardino d'Augusto overlooking the Faraglioni, before ‘MyTime’ amongst the boutiques and galleries.
Stay: Hotel Ercolini & Savi, Montecatini Terme. B, D.
Day 16 Amalfi Coast cruise to Amalfi and Ravello
The Amalficoast is famous for its twisting, winding scenic drive with picturesque villages and towns hugging the cliffs and craggy coves.This morning we cruise from Minori along the dramatic coastline and spend time exploring Amalfi. Your afternoon is at leisure in Minori. In the late afternoon, we will drive up to perhaps one of the most scenic towns along the AmalfiCoast, Ravello. Perched on the mountain,commanding panoramic views across the coast, Ravello is evocatively described as being “nearer to the sky than it is to the sea”, and hasbeen a favourite haunt of artists and composers for centuries. You will have free time to savour the breath-taking views, enjoy an apertivooverlooking the piazza, and explore the medieval streets of this enchanting village. Your evening is at leisure in Minori.
Stay: Hotel Ercolini & Savi, Montecatini Terme. B.
Day 17 Hadrian’s Villa and Rome
Arriving in Tivoli, on the outskirts of the the ‘Eternal City’ of Rome, we enjoy a visit to the imposing Hadrians Villa (Villa Adriana) – aUNESCO World Heritage Site that epitomises the grandeur of the Roman Empire. Later we check into our central Rome hotel. Our finalewill be a special farewell dinner in a local restaurant.
Stay: Hotel Ercolini & Savi, Montecatini Terme. B, D.
Day 18 Rome
Your tour ends today after breakfast. B.
Booking terms and conditions apply.
*
Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
