27 DAY TOUR STARTS: 01 JUNE 2020

This tour is a well balanced itinerary featuring historic small cities (like Ferrara and Gorizia), some beautiful unspoilt parts of Tuscany, the stunning magnificence of the Alps and the charming ambience of the picturesque islands of Elba and Giglio, just off the coast of Tuscany.
Our relaxed approach with easy optional guided strolls and centrally located hotels, makes this tour suitable for everyone.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Six gastronomic dinners with 1/4 bottle of wine and 1/2 bottle of mineral water included!
• Three and four star hotel accommodation (bed and breakfast). Some hotels are set in high spectacular positions and offer excellent panoramic views of the surrounding areas.
• Modern air conditioned mini coach with English-speaking tour manager.
• A wide range of local excursions available daily from all the major centres of the itinerary. These tours, provided at no extra cost, are on an optional basis.
• Taxi boat from Stresa to Bella Island.
• Taxi boat to Maggiore Island at Lake Trasimeno.
• Spectacular scenic train across Italian and Swiss Alps to Locarno, northern Lake Maggiore.

AT YOUR OWN COST

• Meals, other than those included in the package. (Optional group dinners in picturesque restaurants will be arranged at special reduced prices).
• Entry tickets into: museums, palaces, fortresses and castles.
• Cable cars at Mount Lussari, Locarno and Isle of Elba.
• Single accommodation supplement.
• Travel Insurance.

PROGRAM

Mon 1 Jun 09.00 – Passengers report to our tour guide at the Hotel Comfort, 3km from Rome Airport. This is an excellent four star hotel and if people stay the night before they can also use the hotel shuttle (we can organise accommodation if required).

Departure for Poppi, with an intermediate stop at Spoleto, one of the most prominent historic towns of the Umbria Region. Local sightseeing and lunch.
13.30 – Continuation to Poppi located in a panoramic position on top of a scenic hill (at 400m) in the Eastern Appennini mountain range of Tuscany. This picturesque town is still in pristine condition surrounded by an impeccable circle of medieval walls and has been miraculously by passed by the herds of tourists who invade Tuscany.
17.00 – Arrival in Poppi.
19.30 – Dinner at the hotel restaurant (included).

Tue 2 Jun 08.30 – Local orientation in Poppi, covering the main highlights and time at leisure.
13.30 – Departure from Poppi for a scenic drive to the Eremo of Camaldoli (at 1,120m). Local visit and return to Poppi.
17.00 – Arrival at the hotel.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Wed 3 Jun 08.30 – Panoramic circuit of the charming eastern countryside of Tuscany boasting impressive highlights: Caprese-Michelangelo on a hilltop (at 650m) features the house where Michelangelo was born; Anghiari, a lovely small town built on a hillside and still circled by medieval walls.
15.00 – Arrival back in Poppi.
16.00 – Departure for the nearby Castle of Romena, located on a spectacular peak at 650m overlooking a pretty traditional Tuscan landscape. It dates back to the 10th century.
18.00 – Arrival back in Poppi.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Thu 4 Jun 08.30 – Departure for Castiglione del Lago, an impressive small town set in a panoramic position on a rocky promontory overlooking Lake Trasimeno.
10.30 – Arrival and local sightseeing: most prominent are the Ducal Palace and the Castle. Time at leisure.
12.00 – Departure for Tuoro along the lake shore and taxi boat to the island of Maggiore, renowned for its ancient medieval village in picturesque setting. Local lunch, orientation and time at leisure.
14.45 – Departure from the island.
17.00 – Arrival back in Poppi. 19.30 – Optional dinner.

Fri 5 Jun 08.30 – Departure for Ferrara, a UNESCO world heritage historic city graced by a beautiful 14th century castle, surrounded by a moat and drawbridges. This is a scenic drive which initially crosses the Appennini Mountain Range through the spectacular Calia Pass in the National Park of Mount Falterona, boasting high rising peaks and huge forests. The pass also marks the border between the regions of Tuscany and Emilia Romagna. We continue downhill to reach the Adriatic coast at Cesenatico: a lovely fishing village which also features a picturesque central district.
10.30 – Arrival in Cesenatico.
13.30 – Departure from Cesenatico and continuation through the countryside of the northern Italian plains towards Ferrara.
16.30 – Arrival in Ferrara.
19.30 – Dinner in local restaurant (included).

Sat 6 Jun 08.30 – Downtown orientation in Ferrara, covering the main architectural highlights of this historic city. Afternoon at leisure.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Sun 7 Jun 08.30 – Departure for Belriguardo (Voghiera), one of a number of country residences developed by the Estense Dynasty of the Grand Duchy of Ferrara between the 13th and 16th century.
09.30 – Arrival and local visit to be followed by a short drive to another prominent residence: the Verginese. Lunch and sightseeing in the nearby picturesque town of Portomaggiore. Continuation to the Valletta di Ostellato in the Regional Park of the River Po Delta for a scenic drive and short stroll along an oasis of water and land which alternates in a unique type of landscape.
17.00 – Arrival back in Ferrara.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Mon 8 Jun 08.30 – Departure for Chioggia, minor sister of Venice on the same lagoon. Charming alleys and canals are a reminder that Chioggia was part of the Republic of Venice.
10.00 – Arrival, local orientation and time at leisure.
13.30 – Departure and scenic drive to the historic village of Mesola where we stop for sightseeing before returning to Ferrara.
17.00 – Arrival in Ferrara.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Tue 9 Jun 08.30 – Departure for Sirmione which, since Roman times has been praised for its extraordinary beauty, due to its panoramic setting along a tiny picturesque peninsula. So much so that ancient Roman ruins are still prominent at the very tip of the peninsula.
10.30 – Arrival and local orientation along the peninsula from the castle to the Roman ruins. Time at leisure.
15.00 – Departure from Sirmione and return to Ferrara.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Wed 10 Jun 08.30 – Departure for Gorizia, a very elegant city which has been part of the Austrian Empire until a century ago. Austrian influence is still evident in the city architecture.
12.00 – Arrival in Gorizia.
15.00 – Local orientation covering the main architectural highlights and the local castle.
19.30 – Dinner in local restaurant (included).

Thu 11 Jun – Morning at leisure in Gorizia.
13.30 – Departure for Miramare Castle, This sumptuous castle was developed by Maximilian of Hapsburg, heir to the throne of Austria in the 19th century.
14.30 – Arrival and local visit. The castle also boasts a beautiful park.
16.00 – Departure for Gorizia.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Fri 12 Jun 8.30 – Departure for Cividale, a UNESCO world heritage historic town. It was the ancient capital of the Longobard Dukedom in the North East of Italy.
10.00 – Arrival in Cividale and local orientation. Time at leisure.
13.30 – Departure for Rocca Bernarda, a picturesque castle on top of a hill in the famous wine district of the Friuli Region. Wine tasting is included in the visit. Return to Gorizia.
17.00 – Arrival back in Gorizia.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Sat 13 Jun 8.30 – Departure for Villa Manin: the most splendid of the Venetian villas, built by the last Dodge of Venice and dating back to the 17^th century when the north east of Italy was part of the Republic of Venice.
10.00 – Arrival and local visit.
11.30 – Departure for the picturesque seaside village of Marano Lagunare for some brief sightseeing and optional sea food lunch. Continuation to Aquileia, the most prominent Roman harbour in the north east. Roman architectural heritage is still prominent today. Local scenic stroll in pleasant setting.
17.00 – Arrival back in Gorizia
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Sun 14 Jun 8.30 – Scenic drive to Mt. Lussari. 10.30 – Arrival and cable car to Mt. Lussari (1,790m). Local sightseeing, scenic walk and lunch.
13.30 – Cable car back and short drive to Lake Fusine (900m). Local sightseeing.
16.00 – Departure from the lake.
18.00 – Arrival back in Gorizia.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Mon 15 Jun 08.30 – Departure for Domodossola, an historic town in the Region of Piedmont set amongst high Alpine peaks. Porticos and picturesque alleys give this town a special “old fashion” charm. This is an easy freeway journey.
17.00 – Arrival in Domodossola.
19.30 – Dinner at the hotel (included).

Tue 16 Jun 08.30 – Departure by train for Stresa, a famous resort on the banks of Lake Maggiore.
10.00 – Arrival and time at leisure.
13.30 – Taxi boat to the Isle of Bella (visit to local palace/park).
15.30 – Departure from the island.
16.00 – Train to Domodossola.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Wed 17 Jun 09.30 – Departure from Domodossola, boarding a scenic train travelling across Italian and Swiss Alps to reach Locarno on the banks of the Swiss northern part of Lake Maggiore.
11.20 – Arrival, guided orientation and time at leisure. Optional cable car.
14.50 – Departure from Locarno.
16.40 – Arrival in Domodossola.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Thu 18 Jun 08.30 – Very spectacular drive to Macugnaga (1,330m) at the foot of Mt. Rosa (4,670m), the second highest peak in Europe after Mt. Blanc (4,810m).
10.00 – Arrival in Macugnaga. Brief local sightseeing to be followed by an optional easy scenic walk (45 min) to the enchanting Lago delle Fate (Fairy Lake), a tiny lake set in a small side valley surrounded by high rising snowy peaks. A local panoramic chalet provides comfort and relaxation.
14.30 – Departure from Macugnaga.
16.00 – Arrival back in Domodossola.
19.00 – Optional dinner.

Fri 19 Jun 08.30 – Departure for Elba Island via a modern freeway.
16.30 – Ferry boat to Elba.
18.00 – Arrival at the hotel.
19.30 – Dinner at the hotel (included).

Sat 20 Jun 08.30 – Departure for Villa San Martino, Napoleon’s country residence.
10.15 – Departure from Villa San Martino for Capoliveri, a heritage picturesque town on a panoramic promontory, stretching out at sea. Time at leisure.
13.00 – Return to hotel.
15.00 – Scenic drive to the beautiful Gulf of Marina Di Campo for a local stroll and refreshment by the sea.
17.00 – Return to hotel.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Sun 21 Jun 08.30 – Tour of Elba’s West Coast. Scenic drive to Mt. Capanne cable car station. Optional cable car to 1,000m or 15 minutes scenic walk to the village of Marciana.
11.15 – Return to Marciana Marina. For lunch enjoy the local wines which are very famous, especially the Aleatico and Moscato.
15.00 – Scenic drive along the south west coast to Chiessi.
17.30 – Arrival back at the hotel.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Mon 22 Jun 8.30 – Scenic drive along the Enfola peninsula and around the Bay of Portoferraio. Stop at Portoferraio, the island’s capital. Visit to Napoleon’s residence (Villa dei Mulini) and the medieval fortresses.
13.30 – Departure from parking area and return to hotel.
15.00 – Scenic drive to Porto Azzurro. Local sightseeing and visit to display centre of minerals and craftmanship. Optional little train through a mine displaying the exceptional variety of minerals to be found at Elba.
16.30 – Departure and return to hotel.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Tue 23 Jun 08.30 – Departure for Portoferraio.
09.30 – Ferry boat to Piombino. Continuation along a modern freeway heading south to Talamone, a picturesque seaside village on a panoramic slope dominated by an ancient castle. After local sightseeing we drive to Porto Ercole which is of Roman origin and in the 16th century came under the rule of Spain which exerted its power for about three centuries over much of the Tuscany coast establishing the “State of Presidi” with Porto Ercole as capital. Under Spanish rule four fortresses were built (or rebuilt) around Porto Ercole to protect the medieval citadel and the governor’s palace still prominent today. The fortresses are still in excellent condition.
16.30 – Arrival in Porto Ercole.
19.30 – Dinner at the hotel (included).

Wed 24 Jun – Morning at leisure in Porto Ercole. Options: a) visit the medieval district of Porto Ercole, b) scenic walks to the medieval fortresses, c) stroll along the scenic coastline, d) relax and enjoy along the jetty and its amenities.
14.00 – Scenic drive to Capalbio, a small medieval town on top of a hill with sweeping views over the southern coast of Tuscany. Capalbio is still circled by immaculate defence walls and a panoramic stroll along its battlements is a must. Local orientation and time at leisure. 16.15 – Departure from Capalbio.
17.00 – Arrival back in Porto Ercole.
19.30 – Optional dinner in picturesque setting by the jetty.

Thu 25 Jun 08.30 – Scenic drive through the undulated typical countryside of southern Tuscany, to the impressive medieval town of Pitigliano, built on a cliff.
10.30 – Arrival, local orientation and time at leisure.
11.30 – Departure for the picturesque village of Bolsena on the banks of Lake Bolsena. Lunch in lovely setting by the lake.
14.30 – Return to hotel.
19.30 – Optional dinner at the hotel.

Fri 26 Jun 08.30 – Departure for Porto Santo Stefano. 09.30 – Ferry boat to Giglio Island. Motor Coach to Giglio Castello on top of a mountain. Local sightseeing. Return to harbour-village at time of your choice with pre-paid individual ticket.
15.30 – Ferry boat to Porto Santo Stefano.
17.00 – Arrival at the hotel.
19.30 – Optional dinner at the hotel.

Sat 27 Jun 08.30 – Departure for Rome Airport.
12.00 – Arrival at Rome Airport. End of the tour.

HOTELS

We believe that you are entitled to know exactly what you get for your money and that’s why we clearly state not only the number of stars but also the location of the hotels we use.

Unless you are in a rush tour, where you get to the hotel late at night and leave early morning, we do believe that a good location makes a world of difference to the quality of your holiday.