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Itinerary - Italy, Athens, and a Greek Island Cruise.
Day 1. Sunday 1 May- Auckland Departure
Afternoon departure from Auckland on Thai Airways flight with arrival in Bankok later that evening,
connecting in Bankok and arriving in Rome early the next morning.
Day 2. Monday 2 May- 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. Tuesday 3 May. 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. Wednesday 4 May. 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. (B)
Day 5. Thursday 5 May. 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. (BD)
Day 6. Friday 6 May. 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. (B)
Day 7. Saturday 7 May. Assisi - Florence
Time to explore the town of Assisi before traveling via Perugia and Arezzo to Greve in Chianti for a tasting
of their famous wine. On arrival in Florence enjoy fabulous views from the Piazzale Michelangelo
overlooking the city. (B)
Day 8. Sunday 8 May. - 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. (B)
Day 9. Monday 9 May. 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. This evening we’ll sample a range of local food at an excellent local restaurant set in the Chianti
hills outside Florence. (B D)
Day 10. Tuesday 10 May. 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. (BL)
Day 11. Wednesday 11 May. 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 a welcome dinner at an excellent village restaurant in
Tivoli returning to Rome in the late evening for a spectacular tour of the city lights.(B D)
 Day 12. Thursday 12 . Rome - Athens
This morning we fly from Rome to Athens. This evening enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city lights
followed
by dinner in a local restaurant. (B D)
 Day 13. Friday 13 April. Athens - Cruise to Istanbul
A free morning in Athens, time for some shopping. In the afternoon we transfer to the port of Piraeus
to
board our ship for the cruise to Istanbul. (BD)
Day 14. Saturday 14 May - 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. (BLD)
Day 15. Sunday 15 May. 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. (BLD)
 Day 16. Monday 16 May Kusadasi - Santorini
A visit to Ephesus, once regarded as the commercial centre of the ancient world, is this afternoon’s
highlight. Explore the beautifully preserved library of Celsus, and the amphitheatre which offers a true sense
of antiquity. This evening we depart for Santorini. (BLD)
Day 17. Tuesday 17 May Santorini and Heraklion
Once again we wake to a new destination, the magical Santorini. At lunchtime we leave for Heraklion, the
capital of Crete and you should visit the fantastic ruins of Knossos, believed to be the centre of the ancient
Minoan culture. (BLD)
Day 18. Wednesday 18 May Rhodes
Overnight cruising has us in the port of Rhodos at 7am with a whole day to explore this fascinating city.
The
Turks occupied the island for 400 years and there is the by now familiar site of mosques and minarets
to
remind us of the previous two weeks. We depart this evening and cruise to Patmos (BLD)
Day 19 Thursday 19 May Patmos and Mykonos
By early morning we are in Patmos and in the late afternoon and evening we visit the famous island
of
Mykonos. (BLD)
Day 20 Friday 20 May Athens
All too soon we are back in Piraeus. This morning we will take you on a tour of the Olympin sites
around
the city. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner in the famous Plaka area. (B D)
Day 21 Saturday 21 May Athens Bangkok
Time for some last minute shopping in Athens before transferring to the airport for your afternoon
flight to
Bangkok.
Day 22 Sunday 22 May Bangkok
Early morning arrival in Bangkok, and because of the long layover we have booked into a central city hotel,
time to rest or go shopping in the bustling city. Evening departure from Bangkok arriving in Auckland
the
following morning.
Day 23. Monday 23 May Auckland
Morning arrival in Auckland
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