Overview
Winter & Festive Tours
4 - 4.5 Star
Premium
5-99 Years
28
Fully Guided
XNYVV
Itinerary
Your tour commences this evening in Milan. A welcome drink and dinner are included in a local restaurant tonight. This is an ideal opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers. (D) Stay: Starhotels Ritz Hotel, Milan, Italy
Boarding our coach we drive east and stop to explore Verona, the city where tragic lovers, Romeo and Juliet, avowed a love that spanned the centuries. A local guide will bring to life this beautiful city, where these tragic lovers avowed a love that spanned the centuries.
We have included a visit to the Roman Amphitheatre, Verona Arena. Built in the first half of the 1st century A. D and renowned as one of the largest amphitheatres in Italy. It is extraordinarily well-preserved and its elliptical shape produces perfect acoustics. In 1913 the staging of a performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida gave it a new purpose as an opera theatre. With a seating area made up of 44 levels and a capacity of around 15,000 spectators, every summer, the Roman amphitheatre is transformed into the world's largest open-air opera house.
Later we arrive at our charming Villa hotel near Vicenza, where we stay for three nights. (B/D) Stay: Villa Michelangelo Vicenza - Starhotels Collezione
We will spend this morning in the ancient university town of Padua. With our local guide, we will explore this historical city. We have included entrance to the Cappella degli Scrovegni (Scrovengi Chapel) with its magnificent Giotto frescoes. Lunchtime is at leisure in the old town. You may like to take a stroll through the nearby UNESCO Heritage listed Orto Botanico – the centuries old Botanical Gardens. Dinner this evening is back in ‘our’ magnificent Villa. (B/D) Stay: Villa Michelangelo Vicenza - Starhotels Collezione
Our first stop is in beautiful Vicenza. Rich in history and culture, Vicenza was awarded UNESCO World heritage status principally due to the legacy left by the famous local architect Andrea Palladio. Considered one of the greatest architects of all time, you will find more than 16 of his palaces and villas scattered through the old town. In the glorious Piazza dei Signori, you will find the most beautiful of all the Basilica Palladiana. A local guide will join us for a walking tour of the medieval and renaissance town centre, and later you will have free time to explore and enjoy the excellent shopping down the central Corso.
This afternoon we return to our Villa for time to relax before enjoying a grand evening celebrating the New Year in the hotel’s restaurant, 'Italian style'. (B/D) Stay: Villa Michelangelo Vicenza - Starhotels Collezione
A very leisurely start today before boarding our coach to drive south into Tuscany. We stay the next three nights in the typically ‘Tuscan’ town of Lucca – a medieval walled city, filled with palaces, churches and ancient houses.
On arrival we will enjoy a guided walking tour of this beautiful city. This evening we have included dinner in a local restaurant. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Ilaria, Lucca, Tuscany, Italy
This morning we visit nearby Pisa with its famous Leaning Tower, Cathedral and Baptistery in the magnificent Piazza dei Miracoli. As a highlight we drive into the picturesque Tuscan countryside to visit a local Olive Farmhouse Estate, and enjoy an olive oil tasting accompanied by Tuscan wines and a selection of antipasto including local meats, cheese and bread – all specialities of this region, followed by a light lunch.
Returning to Lucca, the remainder of your afternoon has been left entirely free to explore delightful Lucca. Perhaps visit the former home of Puccini, where he wrote Turandot, walk, or hire a bike and ride, around the entire town on top of the broad city walls. Delightful! (B/L) Stay: Hotel Ilaria, Lucca, Tuscany, Italy
Today is dedicated to nearby ‘Firenze’ (Florence). We are joined by a local guide who will bring to life this truly beautiful city, which is otherwise 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 guided visit to the famous Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s ‘David’ and numerous other extraordinary Italian, Florentine and Renaissance works of art. Your afternoon is entirely free to enjoy Florence at your own pace. (B) Stay: Hotel Ilaria, Lucca, Tuscany, Italy
This morning we drive across the Tuscan Hills to enjoy lunchtime in the fairytale ‘town of towers’ San Gimignano, famous for its 13th and 14th century Tuscan towers. Exploring the pedestrian walkways of this hilltop town is an absolute delight. Tonight, in the eternal city of Rome, we will enjoy a farewell dinner. (B/D) Stay: Best Western Premier Hotel Royal Santina, Rome
Your New Year tour ends after breakfast and it is time to say farewell. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- ALL excursions, scenic drives, sightseeing and entrances as described
- A complimentary wine, beer or soft drink with all included dinners with a welcome drink in Milan
- 15 meals including buffet breakfast daily (B), 1 lunch (L) and 6 evening meals (D)
- Hotel porterage of 1 bag per person (where available)
- 8 nights authentic, specially selected hotel accommodation
- Free WiFi at most hotels (where available)
- Travel in a first-class air-conditioned touring coach
- Personal audio system whilst on tour (where available)
- ALL tips for your Tour Manager, Driver and Local Guides
- Fully escorted by our experienced Tour Manager
- Local guides as described in the itinerary
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Prices are for land/cruise and internal flights as specified only. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
The one aspect that everyone loves about us, is that we pace our itineraries so well. Our longer stays more of 2, 3, 4 and even 5-night stopovers in each destination means you will get quality “My Time” to explore and experience hidden delights at your own pace. It’s all about balance…
Something else we know you will love is that our tours are genuinely inclusive, from feature dinners to scheduled attractions, everything really is included in the upfront price – so you can forget about ‘optional’ expenses. Even tips for your tour manager and driver are covered.
Lastly, our European Summer holidays have group sizes of just 10 to 28 fellow travelers, all on a full-sized luxury coach which means you will travel in style and comfort for your entire journey. Come share our love of Europe!"
Our tours are designed with a leisurely pace featuring 3, 4 and even 5 night stays in each captivating city or region.
With no more than 28 travellers, and an average of 22, you get so much space on a first-class, full-size coach.
Albatross Tours are genuinely inclusive, with special excursions, feature dinners, sightseeing tours & tips for your Tour Manager and Driver.
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Albatross. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
