Day 1. Monday 13 April.
Auckland
Departure
Afternoon departure from
Auckland
on Thai Airways flight with arrival in
Bangkok
later that evening, connecting in
Bangkok
and arriving in
Rome
early the next morning.
Day 2. Tuesday 14 April.
Rome
Transfer to our hotel where we have arranged for immediate check in to your rooms with time to rest or explore on your own. This afternoon we have arranged to take you on an introductory sightseeing tour of
Rome
including the Forum and the Colosseum.
Day 3. Wednesday 15 April.
Rome
–
Sorrento
We travel south via the autostrada to Monte Casino site of the famous battle in which the Anzacs played a major role following the invasion of
Italy
. A battle which signaled the beginning of the end of the second world war. We will pause at the grave site on the outskirts of Monte Casino before continuing on to
Sorrento
(B)
Day 4. Thursday 16 April.
Sorrento
- Isle of
Capri
This morning we venture out to the fabled Isle of Capri located a short distance outside the
Bay
of
Naples
. This afternoon travel via the spectacular Amalfi coast to Villa Cimbrone at the town of
Ravello
.
Day 5. Friday 17 April.
Sorrento
-
Pompeii
The ancient ruins of
Pompeii
are some of the most spectacular in
Europe
. In 79 AD the larva from nearby Vesuvius covered the thriving city. We will spend a morning exploring Including a visit to the gardens of Cassa Vetti. This evening enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 6. Saturday 18 April.
Sorrento
-
Assisi
We begin early for the drive north, skirting
Rome
we proceed to the
village
of
Bagnaia
to visit the gardens at Villa Lante before continuing to
Assisi
, the famous hill top town and home of Saint Francis.
Day 7. Sunday 19 April
Assisi
-
Florence
Time to explore the town of
Assisi
before traveling via
Perugia
and
Arezzo
to
Florence
. Enjoy fabulous views from the Piazzale Michelangelo overlooking the city.
Day 8. Monday 20 April
Florence
Enjoy a morning introductory sightseeing tour of the city, then in the afternoon we’ll discover the formal walled gardens of the privately owned Villa Caponi in the hills overlooking
Florence
. This evening we’ll sample a range of local food at an excellent local restaurant set in the Chianti hills outside
Florence
.
Day 9. Tuesday 21 April
Florence
The morning is free then in the afternoon we’ll see the unique water parterre, clipped green amphitheatre and grotto contribute to the once seen, never forgotten Villa Gamberaia. Almost destroyed in World War two, this impeccably maintained, privately owned garden has been thoughtfully restored and is a highlight of the tour.
Day 10. Wednesday 22 April
Florence
-
Siena
-
Rome
This morning we drive through the famous Chianti region stopping at San Gimignano, known as the "Manhattan of Italy" because of its tall medieval towers, before continuing on to walled city of
Siena
. Enjoy a tour of the city and lunch in a local restaurant before returning to
Rome
in the late afternoon.
Day 11. Thursday 23 April.
Rome
This morning is free for some shopping in
Rome
. This afternoon we visit
Italy
’s finest water garden. The magnificent sixteenth century Villa d’Este drew inspiration from the ancient classical ruins which we will see later in the day at Hadrians Villa. This evening enjoy dinner at an excellent village restaurant in
Tivoli
returning to
Rome
in the late evening for a spectacular tour of the city lights.
Day 12. Friday 24 April.
Rome
-
Athens
This morning we fly from
Rome
to
Athens
followed by a brief introductory sightseeing tour en route to our hotel. This evening enjoy a tour of the city lights.
Day 13. Saturday 25 April.
Athens
- Cruise to
Istanbul
Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of the ancient city. Visit the Acropolis, spectacularly located overlooking the city, visit the archaeological museum and explore the bustling markets. In the afternoon we transfer to the
port
of
Piraeus
to board our ship for the cruise to
Istanbul
.
Day 14. Sunday 26 April.
Istanbul
Overnight and day cruising the
Aegean Sea
, passing through the
Dardanelles
and the
Sea
of
Marmaris
to
Istanbul
where we arrive in the late afternoon.
Day 15. Monday 27 April.
Istanbul
- Kusadasi
On your morning tour you will discover the highlights of the city before departing in the late afternoon returning through the
Dardanelles
to the coastal resort of Kusadasi.
