Scenic Tours
1300 SCENIC (723 642)
Grand Tour of Italy & Mediterranean Ocean Cruise
(23 days, Rome - Rome, 2012)
Spend 23 days exploring Italy including Rome, Florence, Sorrento, Venice and Cinque Terre and a glorious 10 day Mediterranean cruise to Dubrovnik and the Greek Isles.
Beginning in Rome, the 14 day land tour will explore some of the best experiences that Italy has to offer starting with Rome’s iconic Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona plus a sightseeing tour of Vatican City. Travelling south to Sorrento, the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, you will visit Pompeii, a city buried under tonnes of ash following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
From Sorrento you will visit the Isle of Capri and discover the beautiful Blue Grotto before departing for Tuscany where you’ll visit San Gimignano, a medieval city famous for its 14 towers. You’ll also spend time in Florence to witness both Michelangelo’s statue of David and the imposing Duomo with its spectacular exterior of marble panels. Your tour continues with a walk through the five fishing villages that make up the famous Cinque Terre before heading to Piedmont for the town of Stresa situated on the shores of Lake Maggiore. In the most unique city in the world, Venice, you will take a romantic gondola ride, a must-do Venetian experience gliding under ancient bridges through its intricate canal network.
Your tour then continues to Modena, famous for its balsamic vinegar and sparkling lambrusco wine; and Perugia where you will view the Fontana Maggiore and the monuments around the Roman Forum, Duomo and the Palazzo del Priori, Umbria’s finest palace. Arriving in Civitavecchia, you will board your luxury Holland America cruise ship, the ms Noordam to begin your 10 day cruise.
In the Croatian city of Dubrovnik you will explore the Old Town’s extraordinary views from its magnificent medieval walls, which protect this World Heritage-listed city; and in Corfu, the most luscious of all the Greek Islands, you’ll be mesmerised by the roads that wind past groves of ancient olive trees. Your tour then continues to the Greek city of Olympia, home to the original Olympic Stadium where winners were crowned with a laurel wreath.
You will also visit the temple of Zeus, one of the few remaining Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, before continuing your travels to beautiful Santorini and onto Kusadasi to visit Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the classical world. It is home to the one remaining pillar from the Temple of Artemis, another of the ancient Seven Wonders. Your tour will continue to Athens for the Acropolis, Constitution Square, Hadrian’s Arch and the Olympic Stadium. Your final destination is a return to Rome.
- Spacious Elegant Ship
- Guaranteed Outside Stateroom
- 5 -star Dining with a choice of 4 Restaurants
- Refined Public areas adorned with Antiques and Fine art
- Exploration Café – the largest at sea Library
- Outdoor Swimming Pool
- Daily Entertainment
- Fitness Centre and Spa
- Signature of Excellence Service
- Exploration Speaker Lectures
- ALL Meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner daily included on the cruise
- Overnight in Key ports for extra leisure time
- One Crew for every Two Guests
- Dine at the family owned and run Francischiello’s restaurant overlooking the Bay of Naples and Mt Vesuvius in Sorrento
- Learn how to make wine and oil at a Tuscan farmhouse near San Gimignano then enjoy lunch
- Visit by foot, boat and train the five famous fishing villages that make up the Cinque Terre
- Cruise across Lake Maggiore to the fishermen’s island of Isola delle Pescatore for a traditional seafood lunch
- Enjoy a romantic gondola serenade in Venice followed by dinner at Antico Pignolo
- Sightsee around Capri; or visit the Blue Grotto
- Tour the Uffizi Gallery in Florence; or see the Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Private Lagoon cruise; or a guided tour of the Guggenheim Museum.
- 52 superb meals including 22 Full Breakfasts - hot and cold buffet selections (FB), 2 Highlight Lunches - two course table d’hôte (HL), 11 Lunches - buffet and daily à la carte selections (L), 4 Highlight Dinners - three course table d’hôte (HD) and 13 Dinners - three to four course table d’hôte (D)
- The Westin Excelsior has played host to celebrities, statesmen and artists since 1906 and is located in the heart of Rome near the Villa Borgehese and Spanish Steps
- The Hotel Danieli was originally a 14th century palace of Doge Dandolo’s family, today the Grand Canal location and opulence of the former palace is ours to enjoy
- Enjoy a guided visit to the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square and the Colosseum in Rome
- Visit Pompeii and see the ruins of this wealthy Roman town buried under ash for nearly 2,000 years
- Enjoy an orientation tour of San Gimignano and see the remaining 14 towers of this famous hilltop village
- Enjoy a guided tour of Siena to see the Torre della Mangia and visit the renowned Piazza del Campo
- Take a guided tour of Florence and visit the Duomo and see Giotto’s Belltower and Brunelleschi’s Dome
- Take a guided walking tour of Verona and visit the Roman arena and see Juliet’s balcony
- Enjoy a guided tour of Venice including visits to the Doges’ Palace and St.Mark’s Basilica
- Learn how balsamic vinegar and Lambrusco are made during a visit to a local producer in Modena, where we will also enjoy lunch
- Visit the medieval hilltop village of Assisi and during your walking tour visit the Basilica of San Francesco
- Enjoy a 10 night luxury cruise sailing on Holland America Line’s ms Noordam
- Luxury 40 seat coach
- Small group touring experience
- Professional Tour Director
- Whisper Headsets for all walking tours
- All Tipping, Gratuities and Porterage Included
Day 1: Rome
You will be met at Fiumicino Airport by your Scenic Tours Representative and transferred* to your centrally located hotel. (Please schedule flights to arrive before midday). Our first Included excursion today is an afternoon walking tour to see many famous sights for which Rome is renowned, including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona.
Two Night Special Stay: Rome
Two Night Special Stay: Rome
Day 2: Rome
(FB,HD)
We begin today’s Included sightseeing at the Vatican City. See the huge wealth accumulated through the centuries during our visit to the Vatican Museums and the breathtaking Sistine Chapel. The highlights here are Michelangelo’s Last Judgement and Old Testament Frescoes. We then enter the world’s largest church, St. Peter’s Basilica and emerge into St. Peter’s Square. We continue to the Forum and walk to the mighty Colosseum. This evening see the city illuminated by night on the way to dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 3: Rome - Sorrento
(FB,HD)
This morning we leave the Eternal City and venture to Pompeii, which lay buried under tonnes of ash following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Our Included tour enables us to appreciate the incredible level of civilisation enjoyed by the ancient Romans. We continue on to Sorrento, perched dramatically on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. SCENIC ENRICH Tonight we will enjoy dinner at the famous Francischiello’s family restaurant and enjoy the wonderful panorama of the bay of Naples and Mt Vesuvius, while mama makes fresh pasta in the kitchen.
Two Night Special Stay: Sorrento
Two Night Special Stay: Sorrento
Day 4: Sorrento
(FB,L)
We make the short hydrofoil trip across the gulf of Sorrento to Capri. From the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE today choose from: (1) a funicular ride to Capri town for a journey around the island; or (2) visit the Blue Grotto, followed by a funicular ride to Capri town. For those selecting (1) or (2) above, there is time to relax before we enjoy a light lunch prior to our return to Sorrento. Once back, there is time to shop in the squares of Sorrento, or simply unwind at your hotel.
Day 5: Sorrento - San Gimignano
(FB,D)
We view medieval hill towns, olive groves and vineyards which characterise the central Italian landscape en-route to Tuscany. Famous red grape varieties are grown in the renowned Chianti region around Siena, which we visit. Enjoy the sights of this well-preserved medieval city including the Torre della Mangia, the Duomo and the famous heart of the town, the Piazza del Campo. We make a short but pleasant journey to medieval San Gimignano, famous as the city of 14 towers.
Overnight Stay: San Gimignano
Overnight Stay: San Gimignano
Day 6: San Gimignano - Florence
(FB,HL)
Our Included orientation tour of San Gimignano will feature the main square, dominated by the Communal Palace and the Duomo. SCENIC ENRICH We visit a Tuscan farmhouse where we will be shown the cantina and learn the techniques of wine and oil production used in the area. A typical rustic lunch will feature the local produce and wines. A brief journey to Florence brings us to our next centrally located hotel.
Two Night Special Stay: Florence
Two Night Special Stay: Florence
Day 7: Florence
(FB,HD)
Today we enjoy an Included guided walking tour of the city, starting at the Academy of Fine Arts to admire Michelangelo’s David. We then visit the Duomo with its spectacular exterior of marble panels. A walk onto the stunning Ponte Vecchio and through Piazza della Signoria will take us back to the historic centre. SCENIC FREE CHOICE this afternoon choose from one of the following Included tours: (1) a guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery featuring works by Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Michelangelo; or (2) an excursion to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower. This evening we enjoy exquisite Italian cuisine in one of Florence’s fine restaurants.
Day 8: Florence - Stresa
(FB,D)
SCENIC ENRICH A truly memorable day awaits as we journey to the Cinque Terre. We start from Manarola along the Via dell’Amore (the Lover’s Pathway) to Riomaggiore, then by boat to Monterosso, visiting the stunning villages along the way. We continue through the Italian Riviera before heading to the town of Stresa, situated on the shores of Lake Maggiore.
Two Night Stay: Stresa
Two Night Stay: Stresa
Day 9: Stresa
(FB,HL)
This morning we cruise across Lake Maggiore to the Borromean Islands. On our Included tour we visit the Isola Bella, featuring outstanding gardens and the summer palace of the Borromean family. The stately residence contains priceless Lombard paintings and Flemish tapestries. SCENIC ENRICH We continue our cruise of the tranquil waters to the tiny and picturesque fishermen’s island,Isola delle Pescatore, for a delightful traditional lunch. We cruise back to Stresa where your afternoon is at leisure.
Day 10: Stresa - Venice
(FB,HD)
We pass pine trees and rolling hills this morning as we approach Verona, famous as the home of the tragic lovers, Romeo and Juliet. With our local guide we visit the amazingly intact Roman arena, built in the first century AD and still in use. We will also see Juliet’s balcony, the Piazza Bra and the ornate tombs of the Scaligeri family. Then on to Venice – the most unique city in the world, built on 117 low-lying islands. We cruise up the Grand Canal by private motor launch past ornate Palazzos and Palladian churches to our superbly located hotel. SCENIC ENRICH Tonight we enjoy a romantic gondola serenade as we enjoy this iconic Venetian experience whilst gliding under ancient bridges amongst the breathtaking canals followed by dinner at Antico Pignolo, a traditional restaurant located alongside one of the city’s canals.
Two Night Special Stay: Venice
Two Night Special Stay: Venice
Day 11: Venice
(FB)
With our local guide this morning we survey the stunning 17th century St. Mark’s Square with its cafés. We visit St. Mark’s Basilica with its incredible Byzantine architecture and enter the gothic Doges’ Palace, after which we view the famous Bridge of Sighs. Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE this afternoon choose from the one of the following tours: (1) a private lagoon island cruise; or (2) a guided tour of the Guggenheim Museum.
Day 12: Venice - Perugia
(FB,L,D)
Our journey continues to the city of Modena, famous for its balsamic vinegar and sparkling Lambrusco wine. We learn how these specialities are made and enjoy a sample of each product during an Included visit to a local producer. We travel past rustic villages before arriving in Perugia. We view the Fontana Maggoire and the monuments around the site of the Roman Forum – the Duomo and the Palazzo dei Priori, Umbria’s finest palace.
Overnight Stay: Perugia
Overnight Stay: Perugia
Day 13: Perugia - Civitavecchia
(FB,D)
A short drive this morning takes us to the hilltop medieval village of Assisi, home of St. Francis. We enjoy a walking tour and visit the Basilica of San Francesco, built in the 13th century after the Saints death. We then journey through the gentle Umbrian landscape to the west coast, where the Tyrrhenian Sea and Civitavecchia awaits us. Board your luxury Holland America cruise ship, the ms Noordam.
Next Ten Nights: Cruising
Next Ten Nights: Cruising
Day 14: At Sea
(FB,L,D)
Spend a leisurely day as you familiarise yourself with the ship’s extensive facilities or simply relax on deck.
Day 15: Dubrovnik
(FB,L,D)
Magnificent medieval walls protect this World Heritage Site and former naval city-state. Inside are a beautiful 14th-century Franciscan monastery, the Sponza Palace and graceful stone palazzi.
Day 16: Corfu
(FB,L,D)
Fortresses flank your entrance to this most beautiful of the Ionians. Stunningly green, Corfu is the most luscious of all the Greek islands, with roads that wind past groves of ancient gnarly olive trees. Lose yourself in the Venetian old town amongst the medieval fortress and the Royal Palace of St George and St Michael.
Day 17: Olympia (Katákolon)
(FB,L,D)
The small fishing village of Katákolon is your gateway to mystical Olympus, site of the original Olympic Stadium where winners were crowned with a laurel wreath. In ancient times Olympia was a renowned place of worship, and you are still able to visit the Temple of Zeus – one of the few remaining Wonders of the Ancient World.
Day 18: Santorini
(FB,L,D)
Your harbour on this island was created by a volcano in 1500 BC, and the effect is still explosive: steep cliffs rise 1,000 feet from sea level, where cubist white houses glow in the Aegean sun above black pebble beaches.
Day 19: Ephesus (Kusadasi)
(FB,L,D)
Not far from the port at Kusadasi lies Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the classical world. It is home to the one remaining pillar from the Temple of Artemis – an Ancient Wonder of the World. You can also see the amphitheatre where St Paul preached to the Ephesians.
Day 20: Piraeus (Athens)
(FB,L,D)
The port of Piraeus is your gateway to the wonders of Athens, including the Acropolis, Constitution Square, Hadrian’s Arch, the Olympic Stadium and more.
Day 21: At Sea
(FB,L,D)
Time today to relax on deck and make the most of your favourite pastimes on board the ship.
Day 22: Messina
(FB,L,D)
Messina is home to a Cathedral Treasury featuring the sumptuous Madonna golden mantle and important artworks. View the world’s largest astronomical clock at noon and don’t miss the Orion Fountain.
Day 23: Rome (Civitavecchia)
(FB)
This morning you disembark from the ship and transfer* from the port to Fiumicino International Airport for your onward or homebound flight. (Please do not book departure flight prior to midday).
*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.
*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.
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