arte – My Best Italy

THE SCENIC COSTIERA AMALFITANA

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Amalfi Coast will drench you in colours: fill your eyes with the spectacular sunsets on the gulf, the blossoming bougainvillea, the majolica domes, and the vertical landscape created by the Lattari Mounts that plunge dramatically into the iridescent sea.

1st day

Arrival in Naples and transfer to 3/4* Hotel.

Lunch in a typical Pizzeria in downtown Naples.

Guided tour of the most important monuments of the city: from the medieval Castel Nuovo, often called “Maschio Angioino” and the huge Piazza del Plebiscito, to the top of the hill by cableway, reaching the monastery Certosa di S. Martino and Castel Sant’Elmo, from which you can enjoy a spectacular view of the sunset on the Gulf of Naples with Mount Vesuvius looming over the city.

Dinner. Overnight stay in Hotel in Naples.

2nd day

Breakfast at the Hotel.

Transfer from Naples to Isle of Capri by boat.

Guided boat tour and visit to the Blue Grotto, a spectacular sea cave where sunlight creates a blue reflection that illuminates the cavern.

Lunch in a typical restaurant.

Free time for a coffee in the “Piazzetta”. We suggest you to stroll down Via Camerelle, famous for the luxury shops and fashion boutiques, or continue along Via Tragara to reach one of the most beautiful and breathtaking Capri overlooks, the scenic Belvedere Tragara, that faces the “Faraglioni” rock formations.

In the late afternoon, transfer by boat to Sorrento.

Dinner. Overnight stay in Hotel in Sorrento.

3rd day

Tour inside the magical atmosphere of the Penisola Sorrentina and Costiera Amalfitana.

After breakfast, we will begin our tour with the beautiful Sorrento, where the sweet scent of lemon and orange is spread from every corner of the village. We suggest you to try Limoncello, the typical lemon liqueur of this region.

Transfer to Positano, whose multicoloured houses are enclaved in the green hills leading down the coast. Lose yourself inside the labyrinth of stairways and narrow alleys, discovering the traditional linen fabric boutiques where you can buy a unique piece of “Pezze di Positano” (typical linen clothes), a chic straw bag, or some pretty sandals.

Lunch in a typical restaurant.

After lunch, we will reach Amalfi, one of the most important trading power of the Mediterranean during 9^th-13^th centuries, due to the strategical position of its port.

In the late afternoon, transfer to Salerno.

Dinner. Overnight stay in Hotel in Salerno.

4th day

Breakfast at the hotel.

Check-out and transfer to the airport or train station.

UNVEILED NAPLES + POMPEII and SORRENTO

Naples, a city of contrasts and paradoxes, will lead you to the discovery of a different way to understand history and life itself, visiting the old centre where all the historical ages are stratified, the unique Pompeii and the scenic Sorrento.

1st day

Arrival in Naples and transfer to 3/4* Hotel.

Lunch in a typical Pizzeria in downtown Naples.

Dinner. Overnight stay in Hotel.

2nd day

Breakfast at the Hotel.

Guided tour of Pompeii and Sorrento.

In Pompeii we will visit the impressive excavations and remains of the ancient Roman city that was buried under a thick carpet of volcanic ash in 79 AD.

The tour continues towards the magical atmosphere of Sorrento.

Lunch in a typical restaurant.

After lunch, you can go for a walk enjoying the seaside view of the islands of the Gulf, or taste Limoncello, a typical lemon liqueur of this region.

We will then make our way back to Naples.

Dinner. Overnight stay in Hotel in Naples.

3rd day

Breakfast at the Hotel.

Guided tour of “Napoli Sotterranea”: discover from an atypical point of view the hidden Naples that lies 40 meters below the ground, the place from which the city was born.

Free time to walk down Via San Gregorio Armeno, la “Via dei Presepi”, the street of the nativity scene makers. Here you can find dozens of workshops where artisans keep on creating hand-crafted and unique souvenirs using old techniques.

Lunch in a typical restaurant.

After lunch, transfer to the airport or train station.

DISCOVERING ROME

Come to see the magnificent place where history started: the Eternal City and its landmarks will seduce you from the very first second.

1st day

Arrival in Rome and transfer to 3/4* Hotel.

Lunch in a typical restaurant of the Roman Ghetto.

After lunch, we start our guided tour from the Colosseum, the Amphitheatrum Flavium, the largest ever built and symbol of Rome. Walking down the Via dei Fori Imperiali, we find the Roman Forum, the core of financial, political and religious life in Rome, with its outstanding ruins of important ancient buildings. Via dei Fori Imperiali leads then to Piazza Venezia with the Vittoriano, the astonishing monument built in honor of the first king of a unified Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II. Next to it, there is the Campidoglio, one of the Seven Hills of Rome, and its trapezoidal square redesigned in 1534-38 by Michelangelo Buonarroti, using a singular and refined patterned paving.

Dinner. Overnight stay in Hotel.

2nd day

Breakfast at the Hotel.

Guided tour of the Vatican City, where you will be captivated by the impressive magnificence of the Basilica of St. Peter.

Here we will visit the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo, and the Vatican Museums with its huge artistic heritage, product of centuries of collecting and papal commissions.

Lunch in a typical restaurant.

Free time to enjoy the shops of the capital: taste a delicious gelato or shop in a fashion boutique.

We suggest moving off towards Castel Sant’Angelo or walking down following the south bank of river Tevere, where narrow cobbled alleys and ancient houses preserve the colours and atmosphere of Trastevere.

Dinner. Overnight stay in Hotel.

3rd day

Breakfast at the Hotel.

Guided tour of the city centre, beginning with one of the Baroque Rome’s most spectacular squares: Piazza Navona. Walking in front of the Pantheon, one of the best preserved of all Ancient Roman buildings, we will Via del Corso to discover along the way two famous and extraordinary sites: The Trevi Fountain and Piazza di Spagna. The Trevi Fountain, caught on film by the well-known filmmaker Federico Fellini in “La Dolce Vita”, is the largest Baroque fountain in the city. Piazza di Spagna is, on the other hand, located in one of the most elegant and exclusive areas in the historic centre.

Lunch in a typical restaurant.

Free time in the afternoon to relax, taking a stroll through the wonderful gardens of Villa Borghese or, if you love art, visiting by yourself the church of Santa Maria del Popolo with two of Caravaggio’s masterpieces.

Dinner. Overnight stay in Hotel.

4th day

Breakfast at the hotel.

Check-out and transfer to the airport or train station.

CHARMING FLORENCE

The characteristic soul of Florence, birthplace of some of the most important artist of Renaissance, will open up to you with this detailed tour of the city centre.

1st day

Arrival in Florence and transfer to 3/4* Hotel.

Lunch in a typical restaurant.

Guided tour of Florence’s most important attractions, beginning with Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, with its bell tower, the extraordinary dome (the biggest brick-work dome ever built in the whole world) and the spectacular polychrome marble panels of the façade.

We continue our tour down to Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio, the town-hall of Florence, crossing then the Arno river on Ponte Vecchio, the characteristic medieval bridge with jewelry and art shops built along it.

Dinner. Overnight stay in Hotel.

2nd day

Breakfast at the Hotel.

After breakfast, guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery, home to one of the world’s largest art collection. Here you can find Raffaello’s and Botticelli’s masterpieces, as well as works by Giotto, Tintoretto, Caravaggio, and many others. Divided into various rooms arranged by chronological order, the exhibition displays works from the 12^th to the 18^th Century, with the best collection of Renaissance works in the world.

Lunch in a typical local restaurant.

In the afternoon, walk to Piazzale Michelangelo where you will have a breathtaking view of the city centre.

Free time to enjoy the city’s shops: taste a delicious gelato or shop in high fashion boutique.

Dinner. Overnight stay in Hotel.

3rd day

Breakfast at the Hotel.

In the morning, you could have the chance to visit San Lorenzo Market and the Mercato Centrale.

Florence leather market is known all over the world, as well as its artisan workshops, which create and produce high quality products, such as bags, jackets, shoes and many other accessories.

The Central Market, on the other hand, attracts visitors but also locals: here you can taste many different foods including bread, pastries, meats, sausages, cheeses, fresh pastas, wines and the famous “Lampredotto” the typical Florentine street food.

Lunch in a typical restaurant.

After lunch, transfer to the airport or train station.

GENOA, PORTOFINO and CINQUE TERRE

Discover Liguria region, between the mountains and the sea: take a stroll on Genoa’s narrow “caruggi”, relax in the Portofino bay and take some breathtaking photos of Cinque Terre.

1st day

Arrival in Genoa and accommodation in 3/4* Hotel.

Lunch in a typical restaurant in Quartiere dei Caruggi, the most ancient district of the city.

Genoa, located on a gulf in the Ligurian Sea, has historically been one of the most important ports on the Mediterranean and birthplace of Christopher Columbus.

Guided tour of the main monuments of the city centre, starting from Piazza de Ferrari, main square and heart of the city. Around it, there are the Opera and Palace of the Doges, and continuing to explore the maze of narrow alleys of the old Genoa, we will find the Cathedral of Saint Lawrence with the typical Genoese striped façade, Piazza della Nunziata with the baroque Basilica, and the magnificent Royal Palace.

Dinner. Overnight stay in Hotel.

2nd day

Breakfast at the Hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to Portofino.

Guided tour of Portofino, a beautiful seaside village, overlooking the sea and characterized by many colours, blooming gardens, wonderful orchards and pastel coloured houses, that make the city one of the most beautiful and fascinating places of all Liguria. The symbol of the ancient sea village is represented by the Church of San Giorgio characterized by the terrace with an outstanding view of the sea.

Lunch in a typical restaurant.

In the afternoon free time for shopping or your own leisure in the half-moon shaped harbour which is lined with shops, restaurants, cafes, and luxury hotels.

In the late afternoon, return to Genoa.

Dinner. Overnight stay in Hotel in Genoa.

3rd day

Breakfast at the Hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to Cinque Terre.

The Cinque Terre is one of the most beautiful natural Mediterranean areas of Liguria characterized by the presence of five ancient villages overlooking the sea (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore).

Guided tour of the coastline, the villages and the surrounding hills, which are part of “Cinque Terre National Park” and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lunch in a typical restaurant.

In the afternoon, free time for shopping or your own leisure.

In the late afternoon, return to Genoa.

Dinner. Overnight stay in Hotel in Genoa.

4th day

Breakfast at the Hotel.

Check-out and transfer to the airport or train station.

VERONA: the CITY OF LOVE + THERMAL BATHS

Best-known as a Shakespearan set, Verona invites you to discover its beautiful piazzas and knot of alleys. Relax yourself at the hot springs of Lake Garda and taste one of Italy's most famous wines: the Amarone della Valpolicella.

1st day

Arrival in Verona and accommodation in 3/4* Hotel.

Lunch in a typical restaurant.

Guided tour of the centre of Verona, the city of love par excellence where William Shakespeare set his best-known tragedy. Walking from Castelvecchio to Juliet’s House, with its famous balcony, where legend and reality melt together, we will visit the impressive Arena in the huge Piazza Bra, with its bars and restaurants, and the refined and picturesque Piazza delle Erbe, Verona’s most ancient square.

Dinner. Overnight stay in Hotel.

2nd day

Breakfast at the Hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to Lake Garda and sightseeing tour by boat to enjoy the spectacular view of the shores, with their lush nature, historical landmarks and relaxing atmosphere.

Lunch in a typical restaurant.

In the afternoon, a relaxing half-day in one of the many thermal baths of the surrounding area: Aquaria Thermal SPA in Sirmione, a wonderful medieval town; Aquardens, the largest Italian thermal park with its modern and appealing design; or Garda Thermal Park, surrounded by hedges, trees and flowerbeds.

In the late afternoon, return to Verona.

Dinner. Overnight stay in Hotel in Verona.

3rd day

Breakfast at the Hotel.

Half-day tour through the hills of Valpolicella region, and visit a typical winery: discover the secrets and techniques of wine-making of the Amarone della Valpolicella, the main wine of this territory, and taste this rich and full-bodied red wine.

Lunch in a typical restaurant.

After lunch, transfer to the airport or train station.

VENICE and the LAGOON

Experience all the highlights of this magical city with a walking tour of the narrow streets of Venice. Let yourself be seduced by the colours of the islands of Murano and Burano and enjoy a romantic boat trip on the Grand Canal.

1st day

Arrival in Venice and transfer to 3/4* Hotel.
Lunch in a typical restaurant.
Guided tour of the city centre: we begin from the huge Piazza San Marco on which the west façade of
St. Mark’s Basilica overlooks. The opulent design of this church is the evidence of the power and
wealth reached by the Republic of Venice. We continue our visit with Palazzo Ducale and Ponte dei
Sospiri, reaching the Rialto Bridge, the oldest of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, built in
the 12th century.
Dinner. Overnight stay in Hotel.

2nd day

Breakfast at the Hotel.
Transfer to Murano by motorboat to visit this island, centre of glassmaking since when the Republic
of Venice, fearing fire and the destruction of the city mostly built in wood, ordered glassmakers to
move their foundries here in 1291. We will visit the Glass Museum where you can get acquainted
with the refined technologies used during the centuries to produce high-quality glass-made objects.
Lunch in a typical restaurant.
In the afternoon, we will proceed towards the island of Burano with its colourful houses (that follow
a specific colour system, dated back to the golden age) and the Lace Museum.
Return to Venice.
Dinner. Overnight stay in Hotel in Venice.

3rd day

Breakfast at the Hotel.
After breakfast, you will start an exciting Gondola tour: a traditional, fascinating and unique way to
explore the city from a different perspective and see the canals and waterways from the inside.
Free time for shopping.
Lunch in a typical restaurant.
After lunch, transfer to the airport or train station.

MILAN BETWEEN CULTURE and FASHION

Three days dedicated to discover the two souls of Milan: you will be fascinated by this industrialized city with excellent shopping districts set in a hectic atmosphere, as well as by its immense cultural and artistic heritage.

1st day

Arrival in Milan and transfer to 3/4* Hotel.
Lunch in a typical restaurant.
Guided tour of Milan city centre: we start from the majestic Duomo, the largest church in Italy
(besides St. Peter’s Basilica, which is located in the State of Vatican City). The roof of this gothic
cathedral is open to tourists (for a fee), allowing a close-up view of some extraordinary gothic
sculptures, pinnacles and spires.
We will visit then the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping malls.
Dinner. Overnight stay in Hotel.

2nd day

Breakfast at the Hotel.
Guided tour of the Sforza Castle. The Castle is one of the most representative monuments in Milan
and it has been rebuilt and renovated multiple times during the centuries, becoming a defense
fortress, a military barrack, a private residence and a centre of cultural institutions. Nowadays houses
different museums and art collections.
Lunch in a typical restaurant.
Afterwards, free time for shopping. You can start your shopping adventure from the Fashion district
located between Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga and Corso Venezia.
Dinner. Overnight stay in Hotel.

3rd day

Breakfast at the Hotel.
Guided visit of the Opera House Alla Scala, inaugurated in 1778, and admission to its Museum, which
preserves a rich collection of costumes, manuscript letters, original autographs, portraits and ancient
musical instruments.
Lunch in a typical restaurant.
After lunch, transfer to the airport or train station.

RIMINI, GRADARA and SANTARCANGELO

Immersed in the cerulean blue and the emerald green, between the water of the Adriatic Sea and the hills of Valmarecchia, Rimini has got a strong vocation towards tourism: rich in amenities and facilities, as well as in monuments and culture, this city will cuddle and amaze you at the same time.

1st day

Arrival in Rimini and transfer to 3/4* Hotel.
Lunch in a typical restaurant.
Guided tour of Rimini, with its rich historical and artistic heritage and its 15km long (9 mi) of sandy
beach. Located on the Adriatic Sea, the city is the hometown of the famous director Federico
Fellini and it has got an interesting city centre, full of monuments from all ages, like churches,
monasteries, archaeological sites, villas and palaces: the Arch of Augustus, the Tiberius Bridge,
the Amphitheatre and the Domus del Chirurgo from the Roman age, Castel Sismondo from
Middle Ages and Tempio Malatestiano, that represents one of the main example of Reinaissance
architecture.
After the tour, free time for shopping or your own leisure.
Dinner. Overnight stay in Hotel.

2nd day

Breakfast at the Hotel.
After breakfast, transfer to Santarcangelo, an historical town with ancient origins located on the
top of the hill called Colle Giove. The medieval village is characterized by the almost intact city
walls, cobbled streets and the differences in height of the ground.
Lunch in a typical restaurant.
In the afternoon, transfer to San Leo, the jewel of the province of Rimini. This ancient town has
got a spectacular fortress laid down on an enormous rocky outcrop from which you can enjoy a
great view of the surrounding mountains, along the Marecchia Valley, all the way down to the sea.
Free time for a gelato or a stroll into the centre.

Return to Rimini.
Dinner. Overnight stay in Hotel in Rimini.

3rd day

Breakfast at the Hotel.
After breakfast, transfer to Gradara.
The town is situated at 142 metres above sea level, with the Republic of San Marino and Rimini in
the background, and it is characterized by a double line of medieval walls. Its castle is famous
because it was immortalized by Dante in his “Divine Comedy” as the scene of the famous and
tragic episode of Paolo and Francesca. We will enter the castle and visit the rooms where the
tragedy of the two lovers took place back in 1289.
Lunch in a typical restaurant.
After lunch, transfer to the airport of train station.

$ 39

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DISCOVER THE AUTHENTIC FERRARA

Ferrara and Comacchio: a geographical area that has converted itself during the centuries and through hard work, becoming a beautiful destination rich in history and a natural unique territory.

1st day

Arrival in Ferrara and transfer to 3/4* Hotel.
Lunch in a typical restaurant of the historical centre.
Half day guided tour of the most important Ferrara monuments, such as Castello Estense, the Este
large manor house erected to protect the town from external threats, Palazzo Schifanoia, with its
decorative allegorical frescoes, and Palazzo dei Diamanti, named after the diamond points of the
façade’s stone blocks.
Dinner. Overnight stay in Hotel.

2nd day

Breakfast at the Hotel.
The tour stars with a boat excursion in the Valli di Comacchio, the “fish basins of Comacchio”. We
will discover the beautiful views of these saltwater wetlands where the most important resource
for people was the fish farming of eels.
Typical seafood lunch included.
In the afternoon, walk in the characteristic town of Comacchio called “the Little Venice” because it
has been built on more than thirteen different islands connected by bridges. We will then visit the
Manifattura dei Marinati: a museum that is not just a place to visit, but also a symbol that allows
us to fully understand the true conditions of a land constantly struggling with itself.
Dinner. Overnight stay in Hotel in Ferrara.

3rd day

Breakfast at the Hotel.
Visit of the Jewish Ferrara and Via delle Volte: two of the most ancients and characteristics
neighborhoods of the city.
The Jewish settlement, located in three streets forming a triangle near the cathedral, became a
ghetto in the 17 th century. Walking through the courtyards and the secret alleys, you can breathe

in the intense atmosphere of the Ghetto which has kept its structure and characteristics from the
ancient days to the present.
Then, walking down the evocative cobblestoned Via delle Volte, we will see buildings from 12 th
and 13 th centuries and enjoy the view on the succession of several different arches.
Lunch in a typical restaurant.
After lunch, transfer to the airport of train station.