Dear BBers,

Thank you so much for all of your suggestions regarding the next tour. Not only has it provided us with great feedback for this tour; it has also given us valuable information for future tour planning in our main programme.

In 2010 we will be running an exclusive ‘Presidents Tour’ especially for Bulletin Board members. This will be escorted by John Boulding, Insight’s managing director, along with one of our experienced Tour Directors.

We have been working through the suggested itineraries and have short listed below those destinations that we believe will be the most popular and that will work best logistically.

The itineraries are:

BALKANS AND DALMATIA

COUNTRY ROADS OF PORTUGAL, SPAIN AND SOUTHERN FRANCE

ENCHANTING ITALY

We have also started a poll in this forum to find out which one is most popular. Poll

We welcome your feedback along with which month in 2010 would be your ideal time to travel.

Kind Regards

John
Moderator

This message has been edited. Last edited by: John - Moderator,

BALKANS AND DALMATIA

DAY 1 – ARRIVE BUCHAREST. Morning transfers to hotel. Late afternoon we offer a sightseeing tour which takes in the immense Parliament Palace, University Square and former Communist headquarters.

DAY 2 – BRAN CASTLE EXCURSION. Head north from Bucharest and follow the Prahova Valley to the elegant alpine resort of Sinaia, former summer retreat for Romania's aristocracy. As you continue into the Transylvanian Alps, imagine a horse and carriage careering up a wet mountainous road – thunder and lightning illuminating the imposing medieval castle guarding the Transylvanian border. Discover if this popular image of Dracula’s castle is true or, like the vampire story itself, only a myth, as you visit Bran Castle – said to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s book.

DAY 3 – BUCHAREST – SOFIA. Cross the Danube at Ruse and continue to the one-time capital of Bulgaria, Velika Turnovo, whose houses cling to the cliffs of the river Yantra. Cross the Balkan Mountains and drive over the plains to the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, for the next two nights.

DAY 4 – SOFIA. Sightseeing takes in the St Sofia Church across the square from the golden domed St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the archeological complex, dominated by St George’s Church. The afternoon is at leisure. Why not visit the magnificent Rila Monastery, the most important symbol of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church?

DAY 5 – SOFIA - OHRID. We head south to reach the Macedonian border to reach the Bulgarian border and our first stop is in the Macedonian capital city of Skopje to see the main square, the mosques and old Turkish buildings. We continue south to Lake Ohrid to stay in the pretty resort town of the same name.

DAY 6 - OHRID – TIRANA. We cross into Albania and drive to the Albanian capital, Tirana where we take a guided sightseeing tour before heading to our hotel.

DAY 7 - TIRANA – DUBROVNIK. Leaving Tirana, we stop in the town of Shkodra before continuing over the border to Montenegro, visit the Old Town of Kotor, perched beside the only European fjord outside Norway. Continue on Croatia and Dubrovnik. A guided sightseeing tour in the Old Town explores the stone-paved streets inside the 16th century bastions. See Onofrio’s fountain and the Rector’s Palace, the city walls, as well as the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries. Your hotel is beautifully situated overlooking Lapad Bay.

DAY 8 – DUBROVNIK AT LEISURE. Today is at leisure. Perhaps relax in one of Dubrovnik’s cafés or take a lovely walk around the Lapad peninsula. Why not join a sunset cruise tonight?
DAY 9 – DUBROVNIK – KORCULA. After breakfast drive along the beautiful southern slopes of the Peljesac peninsula. Stop amid the age-old vines to see how wine is produced and enjoy a taste. Now take the short ferry crossing to Korcula, an island of exceptional grace, history and culture. Upon arrival, explore Korcula town with its ramparts and well known legends. Your walking tour takes you to the Cathedral, the town museum and the Bishop’s Palace. The locals also claim Marco Polo was born here and you see his ruined house next.

DAY 10 – KORCULA EXCURSION. Enjoy a panoramic tour of the island, stopping to see (and taste) some of the local produce. On your return to the capital you are free to enjoy the narrow streets, beautiful churches and magnificent palaces of this charming medieval town. Tonight join your Tour Director for a highlight seafood dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 11 – KORCULA – SARAJEVO. Today’s journey takes you through the marvellous gorge of the River Neretva to Mostar where you can walk across the famous Stari Most (Old Bridge), recently reconstructed after being almost completely destroyed during the war. The cobbled old town stretches on both sides of the bridge and is filled with shops selling Turkish style souvenirs. Sarajevo is a city that has attracted its fair share of international attention over the years. In 1914 it was the site of the assassination that sparked WWI and more recently, it endured the longest siege in modern military history. Now on to your hotel and relax before dinner.

DAY 12 – SARAJEVO SIGHTSEEING. This morning your guided sightseeing tour shows you the Bacarsija, the cobbled old town market where the city was founded by the Ottomans in the 15th century. Admire Gazi Husrev-beg's Mosque and the Olympic Stadium before visiting the Sarajevo War Tunnel Museum, revered by the locals as an inanimate war hero. The afternoon is at leisure to try the Bosnian coffee and shop for traditional & hand crafted wares in the Turkish quarter

DAY 13 – SARAJEVO – BELGRADE. Your route today winds northwards through the remote villages and spa resorts which nestle in the forested Bosnian mountains. Your destination is Belgrade. On arrival transfer to your hotel and relax before dinner.

DAY 14 – THU – BELGRADE SIGHTSEEING. Your morning sightseeing tour with a local guide shows you the city's main attractions: St Sava Church, the third largest Orthodox Church in Europe, Terazije Street, the National Museum and National Theatre in Republic Square. Finish your tour at the imposing Kalemegdan Fortress, dramatically situated at the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers. The afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, why not enjoy dinner with local live music in a typical national restaurant in the old bohemian quarter of Skadarlija?

DAY 15 – FRI – DEPART BELGRADE. It’s time to take home some wonderful memories, as well a camera full of stunning photography! Departure transfers arrive at Belgrade Airport at 08:00 & 10:00.

COUNTRY ROADS OF PORTUGAL, SPAIN AND SOUTHERN FRANCE
Day 1: LISBON AT LEISURE
On arrival at Lisbon airport, there are complimentary transfers to the tour hotel. There is time to relax or explore before enjoying a Welcome Drink with your Tour Director. Tonight, an optional drive to the Bairro Alto, the old quarter of Lisbon , to admire the views over the city. Then free time in La Baixa, the heart of the city , to discover one of the many restaurants in this area. Afterwards back to the hotel passing the sights of the city by night.

Day 2: LISBON SIGHTSEEING
A local guide takes you along the spacious avenues of the Lower Town and across the tree-shaded squares. Pass beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco, the finest square in the city which was named after the palace which was destroyed in the terrible earthquake of 1755. The tour continues into the Belem Quarter to visit the 16th century Jeronimo’s Monastery with its superbly ornate cloister and vaulted church of Santa Maria. See also the modern Monument to the Discoveries and ancient Belem Tower, a fortress set originally in the middle of the river, but now left high and dry on the riverbank. Spend the afternoon at leisure: take the funicular up into the steep alleyways of the Old Town, explore the terraces of the Alfama district or join a tour to exotic Sintra and its royal summer residence. Optionals today could include a drive through Sintra, with its Royal Palace, to the attractive fishing village of Cascais and the wealthy playground of Estoril with its famous Casino and at night, dinner in a typical Portuguese nightspot, specialising in Fado Melodies & Folklore entertainment.

Day 3: LISBON – OPORTO
Head north to the fortified city of Obidos and walk inside its walls to explore the craft shops, art galleries and flower-decked houses that line the narrow, medieval streets. Continue to Batalha to visit the Royal Chapel in the ornate Gothic monastery before making your way to miraculous Fatima to join the pilgrims flocking into the great Basilica. It is here that a vision of Mary is reputed to have appeared before three local children. Stay the night in Portugal’s second largest city and the capital of the north, Oporto.

Day 4: OPORTO – SANTIAGO
Join your Tour Director to see the Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores which house the famous port wines. Admire the multi-coloured houses and churches covered in glazed tiles before heading north to the old fishing town of Viana do Castelo. Wander the pedestrian streets of the old quarter and admire the 16th century buildings before crossing the Spanish border to Santiago de Compostela. One of Spain’s most remarkable cities, a local guide will acquaint you with its buildings and heritage. See the impressive Cathedral, built upon the site of the original basilica erected over the tomb of Apostle St James.

Day 5: SANTIAGO AT LEISURE
Today is at leisure to do as you please! There is the option to take an excursion to the spectacular ‘Rias Altas’ which are green-clad, fjord-like estuaries and the fascinating coastal city of Corunna with its Roman lighthouse. On your return there is still time to explore Santiago’s charming little lanes, squares and shops.

Day 6: SANTIAGO – OVIEDO
Enjoy a scenic drive along the Costa Verde, the ‘Green Coast’ of Asturias, with glorious coastal vistas, before reaching its historic capital, Oviedo. A local guide will show you a 9th century church which was built when the city was the capital of Christian Spain; see also the stately square, Plaza Alfonso II, the cathedral and the nearby streets and their ‘cider bars’.

Day 7: OVIEDO – SANTANDER
Explore the foothills of the Picos de Europa National Park and see the ivy clad ‘Roman Bridge’ in the lovely resort of Cangas de Onis. Visit the striking holy cave of Covadonga, shrine to Pelayo, in the place where this national hero achieved the first Christian victory over the Moors in 722. Later, sandy coves, green hills and snow-capped peaks will delight you on the way to Santander, where your hotel is in the elegant resort district of Sardinero.

Day 8: SANTANDER: SANTILLANA DEL MAR EXCURSION
Drive along the ‘corniche road’, with views of the great bay of Santander, before a short drive leads to Santillana del Mar, which many writers have called the most beautiful village in Spain. Stroll through the cobblestone streets with stone houses decorated with carved heraldic symbols to reach the delightful church square. After time to explore, return to Santander. There is then time for an optional visit to Spain's most distinct region - the Basque country, with it's own language and culture, where we visit it's greatest city, Bilbao. Among other striking modern buildings on the riverfront we will stop and visit the most fascinating, architect Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum.

Day 9: SANTANDER – PAU
Travel via the beach resorts of San Sebastian and Biarritz to Pau which is a town in the Aquitaine région of southwestern France. It is famous for the Boulevard des Pyrénées, a walk of three-quarters of a kilometre from the Château de Pau (home of King Henry IV of France) to the Parc du Beaumont with magnificent views of the mountains in the Pyrenees mountain range.

Day 10: PAU – CAHORS
Drive to the market town of Lourdes - a pilgrimage place of world renown. Visit the miraculous Grotto and drink the spring waters. Perhaps an optional visit to the beautiful village of Cauterets (bordering the Pyrenees National Park) which offers ski lifts into the Pyrenees and a chance to see the Pont d'Espagne in the mountains. Travel on via Toulouse and after arriving in Cahors, visit the Valentré bridge, the Cathédrale, Saint-Étienne de Cahors and enjoy a wine tasting of the 'black' wine of Cahors (comprising Malbec, Merlot and Tannat grapes).

Day 11: CAHORS: DORDOGNE EXCURSION
Today could include visits to places like Rocamadour, La Roque-Gageac, Château de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, Sarlat-la-Canéda, Padirac Cave (near Gramat), Lascaux Caves and perhaps dinner in le Relais de St Jacques de Compostelle restaurant in the village of Collonges la Rouge.

Day 12: CAHORS – MONTPELLIER
Leaving Cahors, we travel south through Toulouse and on to the fortified town of Carcassonne where we have a walking tour and time perhaps to lunch on a traditional, local delicacy, cassoulet, in an open air restaurant. We drive on through the ancient city of Béziers (Béziers was a Languedoc stronghold of Catharism, which the Catholic Church condemned as heretical and which Catholic forces extirpated in the Albigensian Crusade) to Montpellier. Dine tonight at Auberge sur le chemin restaurant in St Guilhem-le-Desert.

Day 13: MONTPELLIER – ORANGE
Leaving Montpellier, we visit the medieval Aigues-Mortes. We drive on through the Camargue where you may see flamingos and wild horses on the way to Arles. The name of Arles is closely connected with that of Vincent Van Gogh. Inspired by the unique Provençal light, he spent a period of intense and impassioned work under the bright sunny sky of Provence. During your walking tour discover Van Gogh’s Arles as well as the fascinating wealth of Romanesque monuments, such as the Roman Amphitheatre and Constantine’s Roman baths (or thermae). Continue on through Nimes to Orange where we visit the ancient Roman Theatre before proceeding to our hotel.

Day 14: ORANGE
Travel a short distance from Orange to see the greatest legacy of the Romans’ presence: the incredible three tiered Pont du Gard. Head towards the Rhône River and the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to taste the renowned wine. Travel to Avignon, take a little train ride for an overview of the town past the old Palace of the Popes, and the ‘Pont d’Avignon’ before returning to Orange. Time for an optional visit to the old village of Les Baux de Provence and a tour of an Olive Mill near Saint Remy-de-Provence.

Day 15: ORANGE – NICE
Pass around Cavaillon, the melon capital of France and journey into the Luberon, made famous by Peter Mayle in his book “A Year in Provence”. Visit Cézanne’s home town, Aix-en-Provence. On arrival explore the Cours Mirabeau and sample a local specialty, callisons. Then perhaps lunch at the famous 17th century restaurant, Les Deux Garçons, before continuing on to visit the medieval town of St Paul de Vence, which sits high above the Riviera beaches. There is time to explore before continuing to Nice. Tonight we visit Eze Village and the Fragonard Perfume factory with free time for dinner in Old Nice.

Day 16: NICE
On a morning sightseeing tour, journey to the principality of Monaco, see the Grimaldi Palace and visit the cathedral, burial place of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier. Enjoy a drive on the Grand Prix circuit and views of the port with its luxury yachts. The rest of the day is set aside for you to enjoy the French Riviera, which could include an optional guided visit to the Villa and Gardens Ephrussi de Rothschild and perhaps an optional late afternoon private boat cruise along the coast from Nice and dinner in Villefranche-sur-mer at La fille du Pêcheur restaurant.

Day 17: NICE
The tour ends with transfers to the airport.

ENCHANTING ITALY
DAY 1: ARRIVE MILAN – ITALIAN LAKES
Welcome to Italy! On arrival at Malpensa Airport, your airport shuttle service leaves for the tour hotel in the Italian Lake District at 09:00 & 12:30. Settle into the tour hotel in Baveno overlooking Lake Maggiore and relax—the rest of the day is at leisure. Before dinner, enjoy a Welcome Drink with fellow passengers and your Tour Director.
DAY 2: MILAN EXCURSION
Visit Milan, Italy’s renowned fashion capital, a city dominated by the magnificent Cathedral, its marble facade bristling with 135 pinnacles and over 2,000 statues. See the massive Sforza Castle and world famous La Scala Theatre before using your free time to explore or shop. Return to your beautiful lake-side resort where you might like to engulf yourself in the living culture and participate in a traditional early evening stroll.

DAY 3: LAKE COMO EXCURSION
Today’s highlight is enchanting Lake Como, considered the jewel of the Italian Lakes for its superb mountain setting. Stop in the resort of Como, dominated by its marble cathedral set in the narrow streets of the Old Town. After some time to explore, return to the hotel to relax and enjoy your beautiful surroundings. Why not take a cruise out to the lovely Isola Bella to visit the palatial home and magnificent gardens of the Borromeo family?

DAY 4: ITALIAN LAKES – MONTECATINI
Travel south from the Italian Lakes, passing around Milan and following the autostrada, we travel through Genoa, arriving in the town of Pisa, once one of the most important ports on the Mediterranean. Its wealthy merchants dedicated some of their wealth to building a fine cathedral and baptistery, but today it is the belltower that attracts most notice by leaning four metres from the perpendicular. After leaving Pisa, a short drive leads to the delightful medieval town of Lucca where a local guide takes us through the town. Its churches, squares and palaces are perfectly preserved within its encircling ramparts. See the birthplace of Puccini, who wrote the tragic opera ‘La Boheme’, and the bronze statue dedicated to him. After time to explore, we drive on to Italy’s most fashionable thermal spa town of Montecatini Terme where we will spend the next two nights.

DAY 5: MONTECATINI AT LEISURE
Today is a day when you can pamper yourself with a massage and beauty treatments at one of the resort’s health spas?
Alternatively, you can take an optional excursion to Cinque Terre. We travel to the harbour city of La Spezia and board a ferry for our tour of the five small coastal villages that are referred to as the Cinque Terre: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare. The ferry provides a different vantage point of the rugged coastline and shore line at each village and there will be an opportunity to disembark and explore at each of the ports except Corniglia. (Ferries do not stop at Corniglia because it does not have a natural harbour or marina). After the last port, Monterosso al Mare, we will travel back to Le Spezia by train, where we reboard our coach for the drive to the Monte Carlo region (between Lucca and Montecantini) to the Fattoria il Poggio, an "agritourist" business with vineyards, a winery and an olive oil business together with a restaurant featuring their products for our Tuscan Countryside and Wine Tasting optional. After being shown around the farm, (they grow olives and grapes) and the production sheds, we will be treated to a fine Italian meal and wine tasting.

DAY 6: MONTECATINI – FLORENCE
A short drive leads you to Florence, cradle of the Renaissance. See the lofty Cathedral, Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, known as “The Duomo”, comprising Brunelleschi’s dome, the baptistery with its three sets of artistically important bronze doors with relief sculptures, dubbed by Michelangelo "the Gates of Paradise" and Giotto’s 14th century Campanile (said to be the most beautiful bell-tower in the world) as well as the Piazza della Signoria with its open air gallery of Renaissance sculpture. Then we visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Statue of David. After lunch, we cross the Ponte Vecchio, the famous Medieval bridge over the Arno River, to visit the Pitti Palace, which was formerly the residence of the grand-dukes of Tuscany and later of the King of Italy, which now houses several important collections of paintings and sculpture, works of art, porcelain and a costume gallery, besides providing a magnificently decorated historical setting which extends to the Boboli Gardens, one of the earliest Italian gardens famous also for its fountains and grottoes. Consider joining a Tuscan dinner party at night. Our hotel is right in the heart of the ancient city on the banks of the Arno River, giving you easy access to all the famous sites.

DAY 7: FLORENCE
Today begins with a visit to the Uffizi Gallery, one of the oldest and most famous art museums in the world. Its collection of Primitive and Renaissance paintings comprises several universally acclaimed masterpieces of all time, including works by Giotto, Simone Martini, Piero della Francesca, Fra Angelico, Filippo Lippi, Botticelli, Mantegna, Correggio, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo and Caravaggio. German, Dutch and Flemish masters are also well represented with important works by Dürer, Rembrandt and Rubens. Then a visit to the Santa Croce basilica containing the monumental tombs of Galileo, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Dante (actually a cenotaph), and many other notables. The remainder of the day is reserved to enjoy Florence. Why not dedicate some time today to shopping for leather and gold products and then perhaps discover more of the art treasures housed in the many museums and galleries in Florence or simply relax at an outdoor café with a glass of vino or visit the Vivoli Gelateria for what is arguably one of the best gelatos in the world.

DAY 8: FLORENCE – RADDA IN CHIANTI
This morning we travel to Siena, best known for the famous Palio horse race held in the magnificent Piazza del Campo. Predating the Renaissance, much of the city is in Gothic and Romanesque styles. Being the birthplace of St Catherine, it is an important religious centre and has a fine cathedral built in stunning black and white marble with a magnificent interior; the Piazza del Campo is possibly the most complete Gothic piazza in Italy. Then it’s a short drive to Radda in Chianti, a delightful hill top town that has remained unaltered in its medieval charm. This is a region full of natural beauty and ancient history, undulating hills, woods, olive groves and vineyards, peace and tranquillity as well as a wide choice of activities and unforgettable wines and food. Our Tuscan home, Palazzo Leopoldo, is a patrician villa where history, art and modern comforts meet to provide that certain old-world touch. Our four nights here will give us time to slow down, explore the region, discover the sensational flavours, spectacular scenery, and meet the charming locals. We also allow plenty of time to enjoy the facilities of our historic hotel, including the wellness centre and the pool.
DAY 9: SAN GIMIGNANO, MONTERIGGIONI, VOLTERRA
Today we visit three Tuscan villages. First we travel to San Gimignano to admire the picturesque Salucci Towers. This beautiful town was renowned for its Saffron Trade in the middle ages, exporting it both to the west and to the east (one of the few spices to go in that direction), and indeed the towers that are now San Gimignano's major attraction were financed in major part by the saffron trade. San Gimignano has remained intact over the centuries and is well known for excellent produce such as cured meats, vegetables, and wine. We are guided through the town and enjoy sampling its specialties, including the gelato at Sergio Dondoli's Gelateria di Piazza in the Piazza della Cisterna. Next we visit Monteriggioni, a mediaeval Tuscan town surrounded by its virtually intact curtain walls and fourteen towers that are the best preserved example of their kind in all of Italy. We travel on to Volterra, an important Etruscan village, of later interest to the Romans. Of particular interest is the Roman Theatre (1st century BC), excavated in the 1950s, Piazza dei Priori, one of Italy's most beautiful squares, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Guarnacci Etruscan Museum.

DAY 10: CHIUSURE, MONTALCINO, PIENZA
This morning we head to the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, a large Benedictine monastery founded in 1319. The cloister is famous for the series of frescoes begun in 1497. After lunch, we continue to the hilltop town of Montalcino. The famous Brunello grape (Sangiovese Grosso) has its very origins and exclusive growth here. Brunello di Montalcino was invented more than a century ago and has become one of the most famous wines in the world, prized and praised by wine critics, collectors and lovers. Enjoy a guided tour of Casato Prime Donne winery to discover the secrets of wine production and taste several different wines in the tasting hall that has the warmth of a home and the panorama of a helicopter. We end the day in Pienza (recently made famous by the film, "The English Patient"), often referred to as the “utopian city”, it is one of the best planned Renaissance towns, perfectly combining architecture and nature. It is located in the middle of the Val d’Orcia, a wonderful and untouched valley. We return to the villa and have an opportunity for an exclusive culinary experience: a hands on cooking lesson in the 18th century kitchen. Using local produce we will be taught the secrets of Tuscan cooking and then dine on the results, perhaps with a glass of Chianti to match.

DAY 11: AREZZO, CORTONA, MONTEPULCIANO
We discover Arezzo today, an important market for products from the fertile surrounding districts and trades in textiles, clothing, shoes, antiques and gold. After lunch we stroll Cortona’s narrow streets and alleyways, made famous by the book Under the Tuscan Sun, and we’ll realise how much history a little town can contain. We also visit picturesque Montepulciano, encircled by walls and fortifications designed in 1511. Inside the walls the streets are full of Renaissance-style palazzi and churches, but the town is chiefly known for its good local Vino Nobile wines. A long, winding street climbs up into the main square, which crowns the summit of the hill and offers spectacular views of the countryside.

DAY 12: RADDA IN CHIANTI – SPOLETO
We travel past Lake Trasimeno, one of the largest lakes in Italy, to Perugia, the capital city of the Umbria region. Your sightseeing begins on foot in the main street of Perugia’s Old Town. See the Collegio del Cambio, the splendid Priors’ Palace, the Cathedral and the finely sculptured Great Fountain. After lunch, we travel on to the ancient town of Spello. Our local guide reveals the treasures of this beautiful region. Finally, we travel on to the famous town of Spoleto, described by the poet Shelley as the “most romantic city”. A guided tour will take us to its Roman amphitheatre, the arch dating from 23AD, the recently restored cathedral and the fortress that soars above the ancient aqueduct.
Hotel: Hotel San Luca.

DAY 13: ASSISI, TODI, BEVAGNA
We start the day with a visit to Assisi and the Basilica of San Francesco, the great monument to the Saint, started after he was canonised in 1228; it has stunning frescoes by Giotto, Cimabue and Lorenzetti. We then travel to the town of Todi, which has been voted the world’s most liveable town. We then visit the small unspoilt hill-town of Bevagna. Here, we will visit a papermaker, housed in the remains of the Roman amphitheatre, who still uses traditional methods. An optional tonight includes a visit the delightful town of Corciano, where we enjoy a traditional Umbrian dinner in typical surroundings.

DAY 14: SPOLETO – ROME
We travel to the hilltop town of Orvieto where an orientation tour shows you the Cathedral with its richly decorated façade. Then we head to Tivoli, to the east of Rome, where we first visit Villa Adriana (Hadrians Villa). Built by the Emperor Hadrian, starting from 117 A.D., it is the most extensive ancient Roman villa, covering an area of at least 80 hectares, more or less as Pompeii. Next we visit nearby Villa d'Este, a masterpiece of the Italian Garden that is included in the UNESCO world heritage list. With its impressive concentration of fountains, nymphs, grottoes, plays of water, and music, it constitutes a much-copied model for European gardens in the mannerist and baroque styles. In the 16th century Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este had much of the marble and statues in Hadrian's villa removed to decorate his own Villa. Finally we drive into Rome for our two night stay.
DAY 15: ROME
We start the day with a visit to Ostia, the harbour city of ancient Rome. The beautifully preserved ruins of Ostia lie 32 km from Rome, in the meadows between the Tiber River and the Tyrrhenian Sea. It was founded, probably in the 4th century BC, as a military colony to guard the river mouth against seaborne invasions. Later, during the centuries when virtually all imports reached the Capital via the Tiber, Ostia gained prominence as the domestic landing for cargo boats. By the 2nd century AD, it had become a flourishing commercial centre inhabited by upwards of 100,000 people, whose apartment buildings, taverns, and grocery shops are still intact. (Ostia seen from the sky) After lunch, we head back into Rome and visit the Capitoline Museums. These are composed of three main buildings surrounding the Piazza del Campidoglio and interlinked by an underground gallery beneath the piazza.

DAY 16: ROME – SORRENTO
We visit the formidable Abbey of Monte Cassino, carefully rebuilt after the epic battle of 1944, and still dominating the surrounding countryside from its mountain top setting, stopping briefly at the nearby Commonwealth War Cemetery before continuing on to Pompeii. Walk with your local guide through the cobbled streets of this Roman resort buried by an eruption of Vesuvius in AD79. Afterwards, a scenic drive leads to you to Sorrento, on the Amalfi Coast. Tonight, an optional dinner at one of Sorrento’s best restaurants: Ristorante L'Antica Trattoria.
Hotel: Hotel Parco dei Principi.

DAY 17: AMALFI COAST EXCURSION
We travel along the famous road that clings to the cliffs above the coast, offering breathtaking views to Amalfi. We stop first in Positano and explore the town and then travel to the town of Amalfi where we pause briefly to visit the Duomo di Amalfi and the piazza and possibly sample some Limoncello liqueur for which the area is famous. Then we travel up into the hills to the delightful village of Ravello. It is located on a ledge with spectacular views over the sea and the coast. We visit the Villa Cimbrone, a beautiful garden in the classical style, which contains historic statues and temples. We will also visit the Villa Rufolo with its beautiful garden overlooking the sea. Built by the powerful Rufoli family, it was the residence of several popes and Charles of Anjou. Returning to the Bay of Naples, we see where mozzarella is made! Tucked away amongst the lemon and olive groves, a chance to taste the home produce in a fabulous traditional setting.

DAY 18: ISLE OF CAPRI EXCURSION
Today we take a ferry for a short distance across the Bay of Naples to the fabled island of Capri. Capri, the Island of Dreams, enchanted two Roman emperors, Augustus and Tiberius, and continues to attract artists, writers, musicians and celebrities. It is known for its temperate climate, luxuriant vegetation and dramatic, rugged coastline. On arrival we will take the funicular to the town of Capri for a guided tour. An optional here could first include a cruise around the island visiting the White grotto (weather permitting). Then by minibus, we take the spectacular Corniche road to Anacapri, with its stunning views. Here we have free time to stroll amongst the elegant shops before enjoying a light lunch. Our tour ends in Capri town at the beautiful Augustus Gardens with the picture postcard views of the Faraglioni rocks and Marina Piccola.

DAY 19: ERCOLANO, NAPLES
The eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD is infamous and while the ruins of Pompeii are well known, the upscale city of Herculaneum (Ercolano), buried under ash that same day, is better preserved. An informative guided tour of the antiquities precedes a visit to the National Archaeological Museum in Naples where many of the important finds from Pompeii and Herculaneum are displayed, as well as the Farnese family collection of sculptures. After visiting the museum, our guide will take us on an orientation drive around Naples and the Bay of Naples, and a walking tour of the city with the opportunity to sample pizza in its birthplace. The tour will include a visit to grandest interior in southern Italy, the Galleria Umberto I and perhaps even a visit to the nearby Gran Caffè Gambrinus (in the Piazza del Plebiscito), famous for its coffee and pastries like Sfogliatelle.

DAY 20: SORRENTO – ROME
Leaving Sorrento, we travel to Caserta and visit the Palace of Caserta which is the largest palace and probably the largest building erected in Europe in the eighteenth century. The garden, a typical example of the baroque extension of formal vistas, stretch for 120 ha, partly on hilly terrain. It was inspired by the park of Versailles, but it is commonly regarded as superior in beauty. After our extended visit to both the palace and gardens, we travel north to the celebrated wine town of Frascati and continue to Castel Gandolfo to see the Pope’s summer residence. Tonight we have a Highlight farewell dinner.

DAY 21: ROME
Arrivederci Roma! Sadly, your tour comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 & 09:30.

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Balkans & Dalmatia Tour Map

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