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VEnicEFloating on its blue lagoon with an almost dream-like quality, Venice is just as romantic and beautiful as you could imagine. Venice rests on one of a series of 117 islands distributed throughout the Venetian lagoon at the northern end of the Adriatic Sea. The piazzas and singing gondoliers, the unique buildings and water taxis are all there to be seen, admired and photographed for posterity. A holiday in Venice will be a experience you’ll remember for a lifetime!

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alY Italy is a large country in Southern Europe. Together with Greece, it is

acknowledged as the birthplace of Western culture. Not surprisingly, it is also home to the greatest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. High art and monuments are to be found everywhere around the country. It is also famous for its delicious cuisine, its trendy fashions, luxury sports cars and motorcycles, diverse regional cultures and dialects, as well as for its many beautiful coasts, alpine lakes and mountains (the Alps and Apennines). No wonder it is often nicknamed Il Bel Paese (The Beautiful Country).

WElCoME To iTalY

MaP oF iTalY

CiTiES oF iTalY

roMEThe eternal city of Rome, constructed of ruins and in whose name the Caesars sought to claim the world, opens for the visitor as a living museum. The centuries peel back with each new vista in this great city of gladiators and ageless architecture filled with charming boisterous people. Vespas, nippy little Fiats and red sports cars speed past trendy sidewalk bistros and nightclubs, revealing the Rome of Fellini’s La Dolce Vita.

FlorEncE remains one of the world’s most beautiful cities, an artistic, architectural and a cultural gem. In a relatively small area, Florence contains a wealth of Rennaissance art treasures among streets that were once walked by their great creators like Michelangelo, Boticelli and Leonardo da Vinci. The city itself is muse to some and home to many stylish citizens who enhance the cobbled streets and fashionable piazzas with their inimitable Italian flair.

San Marco’s Square

Naples

Trevi Fountain, Rome

View of Florence

Gondolier of Venice

Venitian Costumes & Masks

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day 5 | cinque terre Today discover the Cinque Terre which consists of four villages, hanging from cliffs above the sea. Upon arrival to La Spezia a local train will take you to the first village “Vernazza”, known for its “carruggi” (narrow lanes) and steep stairways. You will continue to Monterosso, an ancient fishing village. A local train will then bring you to Manarola, where, walking along the famous “Path of Love”, you’ll arrive in Riomaggiore. The tour ends in La Spezia. Overnight in the Cinque Terre. (B)

day 6 | Florence/romeBreakfast at hotel. Transfer by own arrangements to Santa Maria Novella Station in Florence for your journey to Rome (1h 40m). Upon arrival at Rome Termini Station, transfer to your hotel by own arrangements. Overnight in Rome. (B)

day 7 | rome/airport After breakfast, transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport. (B)

Prices are per person in Australian Dollars and are subject to currency fluctuation. Rates not valid during certain trade congress meetings.

day 1 | romeUpon arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport transfer to your hotel. Time at leisure. Overnight in Rome.

day 2 | rome.After breakfast you will be picked up from the hotel for city tour with local guide including: Republic Square, Via Veneto, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, The Pantheon, Navona Square. Tour ends at St. Peter’s Square. Visit the basilica on your own. Afternoon free at leisure. Overnight in Rome. (B)

italian Flavours7 days / 6 nights - Daily DeparturesPrices From

1-30 Apr, 1-30 Jun, 1 Sep - 31 Oct 2013 1191 1640

1 Jul - 31 Aug 2013 1087 1502

iTalian FlavourS7 days - 6 nights - semi-Escorted coach tour

day 3 | rome/Florence Walking tour of the uffizi Gallery. Breakfast at hotel. Transfer from hotel to Railway Station by own arrangements. Leave Rome to Florence by rail from Rome Termini Station (1h 40m). Upon arrival in Florence Santa Maria Novella Station, transfer to your hotel by own arrangements. In the afternoon take a walking tour to see the famous places of Florence: Palazzo Vecchio and Loggia dei Lanzi, Repubblica Square, the Cathedral with the Brunelleschi’s Dome and the Baptistery. At the end of our walking, enter the Uffizi Gallery (closed on Mondays) to visit its Renaissance collections. Overnight in Florence. (B)

day 4 | Florence/siena/san Gimignano/chianti region.Breakfast at hotel. Full-day guided tour visiting both Siena and San Gimignano. Departing from Florence, the tour will commence in the medieval town of San Gimignano. You will have time to discover the town on your own. Before arriving in Siena, we make a stop at a farm house, where you’ll taste Tuscan wines. Continue to Siena, where, after some free time, your local guide will escort you through its medieval streets until you reach the Cathedral, Palazzo Comunale and Piazza del Campo. Overnight in Chianti. (B)

price includes:• Transfer from airport to hotel

and v.v (shuttle service) • 6 nights in selected

accommodation in 3 and 4 star hotels with private facilities

• 6 breakfasts • Applicable hotel taxes; • Half-day City tour of Rome• Half-day City tour of Florence

with Uffizi Gallery • Cinque Terre full-day excursion • Siena, San Gimignano and

Chianti region full-day excursion• Hotel service charges & porterage

for one suitcase, per person

Panorama of Florence © Enzo Figueres

Statue of David, Florence

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prE/post accoMModation?We can help you complete your itinerary with accommodation,

transport and sightseeing options Contact our office for further

information on 1300 65 10 65

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day 1 | rome.Upon arrival, check into hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Tonight, a welcome dinner and an introduction by your tour escort. Overnight in Rome. (D)

day 2 | rome After breakfast, commence a half-day tour of Rome. Classic sites include: Trevi Fountain, the Lungotevere, Castle of St. Angelo and St. Peter’s Basilica. Afternoon-time at leisure. Overnight in Rome. (B)

Best of italy 10 days / 9 nightsSunday Departures - Prices from

28 Apr, 12 May, 26 May, 9 Jun, 23 Jun - 6 Oct 2013 (Sun) 1973 2772

BEST oF iTalY10 days - 9 nights - Escorted coach tour

day 3 | rome/Florence (322 km)After breakfast, depart for Florence, travelling through Lazio, Umbria and Tuscany, before arriving in Florence at around noon. In the early afternoon, a local guide will introduce you to Giotto’s Bell Tower, Piazza Della Signoria, and many other famous sites. Dinner & overnight in Florence. (B,D)

day 4 |Florence/lake Maggiore (390 km)After breakfast, depart for the Lombardia region continuing to Stresa/Baveno, two towns on Lake Maggiore, where you’ll spend two nights. Lake Maggiore is one of Italy’s most beautiful lakes. Dinner and overnight in Lake Maggiore. (B,D)

price includes:• 9 nights accommodation in

selected 4-star hotels• Deluxe Coach• Breakfast daily (B)• 6 dinners (1/4 wine and 1/2

mineral water included) including: − Welcome dinner in Rome with

music and wine included• Professional English-speaking

tour escort for the entire duration of the tour

• 3 guided excursions• Dedicated local guides in

Rome, Florence and Venice.• Private boat transfer

to/from Venice.• All local taxes, hotel service

charges & porterage for one suitcase, per person

day 5 | lake Maggiore/lugano (switzerland) (200 km)Breakfast is followed by a full-day excursion into the Alps and Switzerland. Skirting Lake Maggiore, you’ll pass Pallanza, Intra and Ghiffa before reaching Lugano where you can enjoy leisure time to explore. Return to Stresa/Baveno in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight Stresa. (B,D)

day 6 | lake Maggiore/Verona/Venice (Mestre) (160 km).After breakfast, depart for Verona where you will see sites such as Romeo and Juliet’s balcony and the Roman Theatre. Depart for Venice where you will find many churches, piazzas, historical buildings, canals, restaurants & shops. Dinner and overnight in Venice. (B,D)

day 7 | Venice (Mestre).After breakfast, take a private boat across the Giudecca Canal to Piazza San Marco to meet a local expert for a guided walking tour of the city, visiting the Palace of the Doges, the Bridge of Sighs and other highlights, concluding at a glass factory. The afternoon is free for an optional visit to Murano and Burano, or to explore on your own. Overnight in Venice. (B)

day 8 | Venice (Mestre)/siena (310 km)After breakfast, cross beautiful Tuscan landscapes before arriving in Siena. Walking tour of the city to admire the Dome (outside) and Il Campo Square.Dinner and overnight in Siena. (B,D)

day 9 | siena/assisi/rome (320 km).After breakfast, depart for Assisi. Visit the Basilica with its paintings by Giotto, and the medieval city. Proceed to Rome, check into your hotel. Overnight in Rome. (B)

day 10 | rome/airportTour finishes after breakfast. (B)

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Left: St Peter’s Basilica, Vactican City, Right San Francis Basillica in Assisi

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Prices are per person in Australian Dollars and are subject to currency fluctuation. Rates not valid during certain trade congress meetings.

day 1 | romeUpon arrival, check into hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Tonight, a welcome dinner and an introduction by your tour escort. Overnight in Rome. (D)

day 2 | rome.After breakfast, take a tour of Rome visiting the famous sites including: Trevi Fountain, the Lungotevere, Castle of St. Angelo and St. Peter’s Basilica. Afternoon free time at leisure. Overnight in Rome. (B)

Beautiful italy south 8 days / 7 nights Sunday Departures - Prices from

5 May, 19 May 2013 | 2 Jun, 16 Jun 201330 Jun - 13 Oct 2013

1284 1742

BEauTiFul iTalY SouTh8 days - 7 nights - Escorted coach tour

day 3 | rome/naples/pompei/sorrento (270 km). After b eakfas depart for Naples. A short drive across this famous city, introduces us to Mergellina, Lungomare Caracciolo, Castel Dell’Ovo and il Maschio Angioino. Afterwards travel to Pompeii for a guided afternoon tour of the excavations of this Roman city, buried by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD and rediscovered at the end of the 16th century. Travel onto Sorrento. Dinner and overnight in Sorrento. (B,D)

price includes:• 7 nights accommodation in

selected 4-star hotels• Professional English-speaking

tour escort for the entire duration of the tour

• Breakfast daily• 5 dinners (D) and 1 lunch (L)

(with ¼ lt wine and ½ lt mineral water included) including: − 1 win tast ng with

light lunch. − Welcome dinner in Rome with

music and wine included• 2 guided excursions • Visit of Capri• Deluxe Coach • Dedicated local guides in

Rome and Pompeii.• Admission fees to

Pompeii excavations• All local taxes, hotel service

charges & porterage for one suitcase, per person

day 4 | sorrento/capri/sorrento.After breakfast, transfer to the ferry and cross to the Isle of Capri. Arrive at the port of Marina Grande and take mini-bus to La Piazzetta. Lunch is included and there’s leisure time to explore. Return to Sorrento. Dinner and overnight in Sorrento. (B,D)

day 5 | sorrento.Breakfast at the hotel, and a day at leisure in Sorrento or take an optional tour to Amalfi. Overnight at hotel. (B)

day 6 | sorrento/Montecassino/roman countryside (280 km).This morning you depart Sorrento and drive toward Roman Countryside. Enroute stop at the Abbey of Mt. Cassino renowned for the battle during World War ll. Proceed to The Cassino War Cemetery, the largest WWII Cemetery in Italy. In the afternoon arrive in the Roman Countryside. Dinner and overnight. (B,D)

day 7 | roman countryside.Visit the small villages in the south of Rome, called Castelli, wonderful examples of the Roman countryside. The first village to visit is Castelgandolfo and its palace, beside the lake of Albano, a former ancient volcano. Driving along the Tuscolana road you reach Grottaferrata famous for its 15th century monastery decorated with frescos of Saint Nilus’ life. Continue through to the Nemi village, above Nemi lake, another former volcano. You will have a chance to visit the local wineries for tastings of some of the best wines of Italy. Dinner and overnight. (B,D)

day 8 | roman countryside/airport.After breakfast, transfer to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport. (B)

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Prices are per person in Australian Dollars and are subject to currency fluctuation. For operational reasons, the order of excursions may be changed.Optional excursions not specified in our Itinerary, will be suggested by our tour leader.

day 1 | romeUpon arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport, be met and greeted by your tour escort and transfer to your hotel. Time at leisure in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at NH Leonardo da Vinci Hotel, or similar. (D)

day 2 | rome After breakfast, proceed by private bus and experienced guide for panoramic tour of the Capitol Hill, the Forum and the Colosseum (from outside). Before dinner enjoy a suggestive walking tour with your tour escort through the masterpieces of Bernini & Borromini. Special welcome dinner with music and wine included. Return to your hotel and overnight at NH Leonardo da Vinci Hotel or similar. (B,D)

grand Tour oF iTalY “SaSSi” & “Trulli”15 days - 14 nights - Escorted coach tour

day 3 | rome/siena/Florence (322km)After breakfast, depart for Siena. Arrive in Siena. Walking tour of the city with your tour escort to admire the Dome (outside), the magnificent Square known as Il Campo, where twice a year the Palio Race is run on bareback horses. Late in the afternoon, arrive in Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance, known worldwide for its unequalled treasures. A stop is planned at Michelangelo’s Square for a photo opportunity. Dinner and overnight in Florence at NH Hotel or similar. (B,D)

day 4 | Florence/pisa/Florence (204 km)After breakfast, commence a guided tour of Florence, including the Cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the doors of the Baptistery, Piazza della Signoria, the Church of Santa Croce, the pantheon of many famous Italian artists. Lunch in local restaurant. After lunch proceed to Pisa to admire the Leaning Tower and the Piazza dei Miracoli, free time to enjoy shopping and for taking pictures. Evening free to stroll through Florence, to find the best leather products or a quaint restaurant for dinner. Overnight in Florence at NH Hotel or similar. (B,L,D)

price includes:• 14 nights accommodation in

selected 4-star hotels• Deluxe Coach • Breakfast daily (B)• 2 lunches (L) and

11 dinners (D) including: − Welcome dinner in Rome

with music and wine included − Special dinner with wine

included in Rome • Headset and professional

English speaking tour escort for the entire duration of the tour

• 7 guided excursions • Visit of Capri• Admission fees: Church of

Santa Croce in Florence;• Dedicated local guides• Hotel service charges &

porterage for one suitcase, per person

day 5 | Florence/Venice (260 km)After breakfast, time at leisure for shopping or personal discoveries. Late in the morning depart for Venice. Arrive Venice, the “Door of the Orient”. Overnight at Bonvecchiati Hotel or similar. (B)

day 6 | Venice/san Marino (160 km)After breakfast, commence a guided visit of St. Mark’s Square and neighbouring sites. Rest of the day at leisure to discover the city. Late afternoon depart for San Marino. Dinner and overnight at Titano & Grand Hotel or similar. (B,D)

day 7 |san Marino/assisi/rome (420 km)After breakfast, free time to explore this wonderful town before leaving for Assisi, a great religious town significant in the life of St. Francis. Visit of the great Basilica with its magnificent paintings by Giotto, and of the interesting medieval city. Continue to Rome, driving through magnificent Umbria, the “Green Heart” of Italy. Arrive Rome late afternoon. Special dinner in a typical Roman restaurant. Overnight at Ergife Palace near the Airport. (B,D)

day 8 |rome/naples/sorrento (270 km).After breakfast, depart for Sorrento with a photo-stop in Naples with a panoramic tour of the Maschio Angioino and Piazza Plebiscito. Pass through the Sorrentine Peninsula following the renowned panoramic cliff-top road, offering an incredible view of enchanting towns. Dinner and overnight at Conca Park Hotel or similar. (B,D)

day 9 | sorrento/capri/sorrento.After breakfast, transfer to the harbour and departure to Capri by hydrofoil. Ticket to the funicular included. The tour escort can suggest how you can visit this marvellous island on your own. Return to Sorrento and free time at leisure. Dinner and overnight at Conca Park Hotel or similar. (B,D)

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Left: Colluseum, Rome, Right: Trevi Fountain, Rome

Spanish Steps, Rome

San Marco’s Square, Venice

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Prices are per person in Australian Dollars and are subject to currency fluctuation. Rates not valid during certain trade congress meetings.For operational reasons, the order of excursions may be changed. Optional excursions not specified in our Itinerary, will be suggested by the tour leader.

Grand tour of italy “sassi” & “trulli” 15 days / 14 nights Sunday Departures - Prices from

26 May 2013 | 9 Jun, 23 Jun 2013 | 7 Jul, 21 Jul 2013 4 Aug 2013 | 1 Sep, 15 Sep, 29 Sep 2013

2729 3447

day 10 | sorrento/amalfi coast/amalfi/Matera/alberobello.After breakfast, transfer to Apulia, on the east coast of Italy, via the magnificent and breathtaking Amalfi Coast drive. En-route stop in Amalfi to visit the ancient Maritime Republic. After lunch at your own expense, continue to Matera. Upon arrival late afternoon, visit the famous Sassi, one of the most impressive sites on the World Heritage list, and the location of the filming of Mel Gibson’s “Passion of the Christ”. After the visit, continue to Alberobello. Apulia is famous for its great food and it is considered the granary of the Country. Overnight in Alberobello. Dinner and overnight at Hotel La Chiusa di Chieri or Masseria Chiancone or similar. (B,D)

day 11 | alberobello/Manduria wine and olive oil tasting/alberobello.After breakfast, depart for an excursion to Alberobello, a village of one thousand fairytale-like Trulli, round white houses with tall conical roofs. Our local guide will explain their mysterious origins and why people continue to build them. Proceed to Manduria, where we’ll visit a local winery for a tasting of their excellent “primitivo” wines and a visit to their Wine Culture Museum. Light lunch is included. Dinner and overnight at Hotel La Chiusa di Chieri or Masseria Chiancone or similar. (B,D)

day 12 | alberobello/lecce/ostuni/alberobello.After breakfast, depart to the town of Lecce which presents an architectural feast. An ancient settlement of the Messapii tribes, it is the principal Baroque city of Puglia. Baroque architecture, is a theatrical style begun in the late 16th century Italy as a statement of the power of the Catholic Church in response to the Protestant Reformation. This morning our local guide will bring this and more to light. After lunch we’ll move on to Ostuni, the “White City” perched on a hill overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Inhabited at least since 1000 BC by native peoples, Ostuni was destroyed by Hannibal during the Punic Wars, rebuilt by the Greeks, taken over by Romans, sacked by Gauls and revived during medieval times. Dinner and overnight at Hotel La Chiusa di Chieri or Masseria Chiancone or similar. (B,L,D)

day 13 | alberobello/trani/castel del Monte/alberobello.After breakfast, transfer to Trani, in Puglia, a beautiful port town that once was a possession of Venice. Afternoon guided visit to Castel del Monte, the enigmatic octagonal castle erected by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II in the 13th century. Dinner and overnight at Hotel La Chiusa di Chieri or Masseria Chiancone or similar. (B,D)

day 14 | alberobello/rome.After breakfast, depart for Rome. Overnight at NH Leonardo da Vinci Hotel or similar. (B)

day 15 | rome airportAfter breakfast, transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport. (B)

alBEroBElloAlberobello is a small town and comune in the province of Bari, in Puglia, Italy. It has about 11,000 inhabitants and is famous for its unique trulli constructions. The Trulli of Alberobello are part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites list since 1996.

The trulli of Alberobello are an exceptional example of a building technique that has survived from prehistoric times until today. This World Heritage site consists of the Monti and Aja Piccola quarters of Alberobello, and some individual buildings elsewhere in the town.

Trulli are built without using mortar: the stones are laid on top of each other. They are also characterized by their dome-shaped roofs.

prE/post accoMModation?We can help you complete your itinerary with accommodation,

transport and sightseeing options Contact our office for further

information on 1300 65 10 65

Alberobello

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Prices are per person in Australian Dollars and are subject to currency fluctuation. Rates not valid during certain trade congress meetings.

day 1 | romeUpon arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport, be met and greeted by your tour escort and transfer to hotel. Time at leisure in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at NH Leonardo da Vinci Hotel or similar.

day 2 | rome.After breakfast, proceed by private bus and experienced guide for panoramic tour of the Capitol Hill, the Forum and the Colosseum (from outside). Before dinner enjoy a suggested walking tour with your tour escort through the masterpieces of Bernini & Borromini. Special welcome dinner with music and wine included. Return to your hotel and overnight at at NH Leonardo da Vinci Hotel or similar. (B,D)

grand Tour oF iTalY and SiCilY15 days - 14 nights - Escorted coach tour

day 3 |rome/siena/Florence (322km)After breakfast, depart for Siena. Arrive Siena. Walking tour of the city with your tour escort to admire the Dome (outside), the magnificent Square known as Il Campo, where twice a year the Palio Race is run on bareback horses. Late in the afternoon, arrive Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance, known worldwide for its unequalled treasures. A stop is planned at Michelangelo’s Square for a first photo opportunity. Dinner and overnight in Florence at Hotel Croce di Malta or similar. (B,D)

price includes:• 14 nights accommodation in

selected 4-star hotels• Breakfast daily• 2 lunches (L) and 11 dinners (D)

including: − Welcome dinner in Rome

with music and wine included − Special dinner with wine

included in Rome − Farewell special lunch with

wine included • Headset and professional

English-speaking tour escort for the entire duration of the tour

• 7 guided excursions• Visit of Capri • Visit of Etna Volcano• Deluxe Coach • Ferry from Rende to Taormina• Admission fees:

Church of Santa Croce in Florence; The Archeological Park in Syracuse; Villa Romana in Piazza Armerina;

• Dedicated local guides.• Domestic flight Palermo-Rome

in coach class.• Temple’s Valley in Agrigento;• Hotel service charges &

porterage for one suitcase, per person

day 4 |Florence/pisa/Florence (204 km)After breakfast, commence a guided visit of Florence, including the Cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the doors of the Baptistery, Piazza della Signoria, the Church of Santa Croce, the pantheon of many famous Italian artists. Lunch in local restaurant. After lunch proceed to Pisa to admire the Leaning Tower and the Marvellous Piazza dei Miracoli. Free time to enjoy shopping and taking pictures. Evening free to stroll through Florence, to find the best leather products or a quaint restaurant for dinner. Overnight in Florence at Hotel Bonvecchiati or similar. (B,D)

day 5 | Florence/Venice (260 km)After breakfast, time at leisure for shopping or personal discoveries. Late in the morning depart for Venice. Arrive Venice, the “Door of the Orient”. Overnight in Venice at Hotel Bonvecchiati or similar. (B)

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day 6 | Venice/san Marino (160 km)After breakfast, take a guided visit of St. Mark’s Square and neighbouring sites. Rest of the day at leisure to discover this unique city. Late afternoon depart for San Marino. Dinner and overnight in San Marino at Titano & Grand Hotel or similar. (B,D)

day 7 |san Marino/assisi/rome (420 km)After breakfast, free time to explore this wonderful town before leaving for Assisi, a great religious town significant of the life of St. Francis. Visit the great Basilica with its magnificent paintings by Giotto, and this interesting medieval city. Continue to Rome, driving through magnificent Umbria, the “Green Heart” of Italy. Arrive Rome late afternoon. Special dinner in a typical Roman restaurant. Overnight at Hotel Ergife Palace nearby the Airport or similar. (B,D)

day 8 |rome/naples/sorrento (270 km)After breakfast, depart Sorrento with a photo stop in Naples with a panoramic tour of The Maschio Angioino and Piazza Plebiscito. Passing through the Sorrentine Peninsula following the renowned panoramic cliff-top road, offering an incredible view of enchanting towns. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Conca Park or similar. (B,D)

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Mt EtnaMount Etna is Europe’s highest and most active volcano. Towering above the city of Catania on the island of Sicily, it has been growing for about 500,000 years and is in the midst of a series of eruptions that began in 2001. It has experienced a variety of eruption styles, including violent explosions and voluminous lava flows. More than 25% of Sicily’s population lives on Etna’s slopes, and it is the main source of income for the island, both from agriculture (due to its rich volcanic soil) and tourism.

In 122 BC, when an explosive eruption rained so much ash and lapilli onto the town of Catania that many of its buildings were destroyed by roof collapses, the town’s inhabitants were exempted from paying taxes to Rome for ten years.

Prices are per person in Australian Dollars and are subject to currency fluctuation. Rates not valid during certain trade congress meetings.

Grand tour of italy and sicily 15 days / 14 nights - Sunday Departures

19 May 2013 | 2 Jun, 16 Jun, 30 Jun 2013 | 14 Jul, 28 Jul 201311 Aug, 25 Aug 2013 | 8 Sep, 15 Sep, 22 Sep, 29 Sep 20136 Oct, 13 Oct 2013

3043 3906

day 9 | sorrento/capri/sorrentoAfter breakfast, transfer to the harbour and depart Capri by hydrofoil. Ticket to the funicular included. The tour escort can suggest how to visit this marvellous island. Return to Sorrento with free time at leisure. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Conca Park or similar. (B,D)

day 10 | sorrento/rende (cosenza) (314 km)After breakfast, time at leisure for shopping and personal discoveries. In the afternoon, depart for Rende (Calabria region). Dinner and overnight at Hotel Executive or similar. (B,D)

day 11 |rende (cosenza)/taormina (270 km)After breakfast, depart for the beautiful town of Taormina, a favourite with tourists worldwide. Free time for personal discoveries, for shopping or for a leisurely stroll along the panoramic terrace. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Executive or similar. (B,D)

day 12 |Mount Etna/syracuse (240 km)After breakfast, depart for an excursion to Mount Etna, the highest volcano in Europe, up to the “Rifugio Sapienza”, 1900 metres above sea level and time to enjoy the view. Continue to Syracuse, for a guided visit of the Neapolis Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre and the Ear of Dionysus, an ear-shaped grotto. Dinner and overnight at NH Capo dei Greci Hotel or similar. (B,D)

day 13 |piazza armerina/agrigento (215 km)After breakfast, commence a guided visit of the Roman Villas of Piazza Armerina with their beautiful mosaics, a site that is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Then, depart for Agrigento, to admire the Valley of Temples. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Kaos or similar. (B,D)

day 14 | agrigento/Monreale/palermo/rome (150 km)After breakfast, depart for Palermo. First stop is Monreale for a guided visit of the outstanding Moorish-Norman-style Duomo, extensively decorated with mosaics and fine gold. Today a Farewell Lunch consisting of typical local products, will be served. Continue to Palermo and after a panoramic visit around the city transfer to the airport for your flight to Rome. Upon arrival in Rome, transfer to hotel nearby the airport at NH Leonardo da Vinci Hotel or similar. (B,L)

day 15 rome airportAfter breakfast, transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport. (B)

Taormina with Mt. Etna in the distance

Capri

Sorrento

Taormina

Taormina

Antique illustration, dated 18th century of Catania, Sicily and Mt Etna volcano erupting

pricKly pEar (Ficudinnia)Botonical name: Opuntia ficus-indica

In Sicily, where the prickly pear fruit is known as ficudinnia (the Italian name being fico d'India), the cactus grows wild and cultivated to heights of 12–16 feet.