ISTANBUL – ROME – CASTEL GANDOLFO – NEMI – OUTLET - ROME
We meet at the international departures terminal of Istanbul Airport three hours before the flight. After completing the baggage, ticketing, and boarding procedures, we board our private buses waiting for us following our scheduled Turkish Airlines flight to Rome and depart for Castel Gandolfo. Castel Gandolfo is a peaceful town where history and nature embrace one another, making you feel as though you have stepped into a fairy-tale land where the past whispers through its stone streets, shaped around an elegant castle stretching toward the sky. The lake, resembling the bluest mirror beneath the sky, is almost like a gateway to a fairy-tale world with its serenity and beauty. The Papal Palace, located in the heart of the town, is a symbol of its enchanting beauty and historical grandeur. For centuries, popes have found peace and rest in this magical place. With its gardens and paths filled with colorful flowers, you will feel as though you are inside a dream. Nemi is famous for its strawberry fields that shine like red jewels. The annual Strawberry Festival is celebrated with colorful festivities. After exploring Nemi, free time at Italy’s most famous outlet area. These outlet centers offer attractive shopping opportunities for both locals and tourists. After discovering Rome’s historical and cultural riches, you can enjoy a pleasant break at these modern shopping centers and find souvenirs for your loved ones and special items for yourself. After our tour, we depart for our hotel and have free time to rest.
ROME
After breakfast, we begin our Rome city tour. Once a magical city that shimmered with endless splendor and was shaped by the winds of history, Rome has been home to the grandeur of its emperors, the courage of gladiators, and the highest forms of art. During this tour, we will see Castel Sant’Angelo, where Cem Sultan was imprisoned, from the outside. Castel Sant'Angelo was originally built by Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum and was later converted into a fortress. During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, it was used as a kind of prison and papal fortress. Another place we will see in Rome is the Colosseum, carrying the spirit of ancient times in the heart of the city. In this enormous arena, brave gladiators and wild animals once engaged in epic battles accompanied by the cheers of the people. After viewing the Colosseum from the outside, as we approach the Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi), made famous by the film La Dolce Vita, the melody of the water echoes among the dazzling sculptures.
The Roman Forum, the social, commercial, and religious center of the period; Piazza Venezia, home to the enormous Vittorio Emanuele monument made of white marble; the Temple of Hadrian; the Pantheon; and the Spanish Steps, consisting of 135 steps and featuring the Fountain of the Sunken Ship, are among the places to be seen. Afterwards, we head to the famous St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican. Upon arrival, free time to visit the square. The obelisk in the center of the square and the columns surrounding it will impress you. While walking around the square, you can see the Apostolic Palace and the famous window from which the Pope prays on Sundays. In the evening, we return to our hotel in Rome and have free time to rest.
ROME – SIENA – SAN GIMIGNANO – FLORENCE
After breakfast, we depart for Siena. Upon arriving in Siena, where neighborhood culture continues to thrive, the first place we will see is Piazza del Campo, the heart of the city. This spacious and sloping square is considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world. In the center of the square is a marble fountain called Fonte Gaia. The square hosts the famous horse race Palio di Siena, held twice a year. This race is an exciting event in which horses from 17 different contrade (neighborhoods) compete. Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena) (from the outside) is also among the places to be seen.
This magnificent Gothic structure is covered with white and green marble. As you walk through Siena’s narrow and winding streets, history greets you at every corner. While walking around the city, you may occasionally see a wall fresco or an old stone building. Afterwards, we depart for San Gimignano. When you step into the medieval town of San Gimignano, the first thing that will catch your attention will be the towers. There were once 72 towers, but only 14 remain today. These towers were built to display the power and wealth of old wealthy families. Piazza del Duomo is the center of the town’s social and religious
life. San Gimignano Cathedral, built in the 12th century, is located here. Inside, you can see magnificent frescoes reflecting the spirit of medieval Italy. Right next to the cathedral is the Town Hall (Palazzo del Popolo). Our next stop is Piazza della Cisterna. This enchanting square takes its name from the old water cistern located in its center. With its stone buildings and historic structures, the square makes you feel as if you are walking through a time tunnel. Here, you can visit small shops selling local products and handmade souvenirs. After our tour, we depart for our hotel, followed by free time to relax.
FLORENCE – PISA –– FLORENCE
After breakfast, we depart for Florence and begin our tour. As the birthplace and place of development of the Renaissance, it holds a unique significance in the world’s cultural heritage. The city witnessed great advances in the fields of art, science, and philosophy. Under the patronage of the Medici family, great artists and scientists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Brunelleschi worked here. In Florence, which is virtually an open-air art gallery, the Arno River that divides the city in two, the Ponte Vecchio bridge famous for its jewelry shops, Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, which is home to the Hercules and David statues—among the masterpieces of the Renaissance—the Cathedral of Florence (Santa Maria del Fiore Duomo), featuring Italy’s third-highest dome, and the Baptistery, famous for its door, are among the places to be seen from the outside. After our visit to Florence, our next stop is the romantic Italian city of Pisa, steeped in history. Of course, the first thing that comes to everyone’s mind is the Leaning Tower of Pisa. World-famous for its leaning stance, this tower is located in Piazza dei Miracoli, or the Square of Miracles. This square dazzles not only with the tower but also with the magnificent Duomo Cathedral and Baptistery made of white marble. Each one showcases the artistic and architectural riches of medieval Italy. After seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the nearby Piazza dei Miracoli, we return to our hotel and have free time to rest.
FLORENCE – PORTOFINO – GENOA – MILAN
After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and set off. Our first stop is Portofino. Located on Italy's Mediterranean coast, Portofino is a perfect option for those seeking a peaceful getaway, with its breathtaking natural beauty, historical treasures, and tranquil atmosphere. Despite its small size, it offers visitors an unforgettable experience. After the boat tour, we depart for Genoa. Porto Antico (Old Port), Genoa's historic harbor, was once an important trading center. Today, it houses many tourist attractions, including the Acquario di Genova (Genoa Aquarium) and the Galata Maritime Museum. Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace), located in the center of Genoa, hosts historical and cultural events. Piazza De Ferrari, Genoa's main square, is located in the heart of the city. It is famous for its elegant buildings, statues, and fountain. Important structures such as the Opera House are located around the square. Cattedrale di San Lorenzo (San Lorenzo Cathedral) is one of Genoa's most important religious buildings. Blending Romanesque and Gothic styles, this cathedral is an important symbol reflecting the city's history. After our tour of Genoa, we head to our hotel and have free time to rest.
MILAN – LAKE COMO – LAKE GARDA – VENICE
After breakfast, depart for Milan. Milan is a dynamic city located in northern Italy and is the center of fashion, design, and business. Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) is one of Milan’s most iconic structures and a perfect example of Gothic architecture. The cathedral’s exterior is made of white marble and adorned with intricate carvings. The most striking statue is the golden Madonnina statue at the very top of the cathedral. This statue is considered the city’s patron saint. Right next to the Duomo is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This magnificent shopping gallery is famous for its glass ceiling and mosaic floors. Here, you can find luxury brand stores, elegant cafés, and restaurants. The gallery has four main entrances, but the most famous one is the entrance from Piazza del Duomo. After visiting Milan, we depart for Lake Como .Lake Como (Lago di Como) is a lake located in Italy’s Lombardy region and is famous for its natural beauty. Situated at the foot of the Alps, this lake is Italy’s third-largest lake and is renowned for its surroundings. The lake has long been a popular destination for aristocrats and the wealthy to relax. Today, the presence of many celebrities still staying along the lakeshore has contributed to tourism. After Lake Como, we depart for Lake Garda. We visit Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda, to relax and enjoy the magnificent scenery. The waters of Lake Garda feature the most beautiful shades of emerald green and blue. Walking around the lake or simply admiring the scenery is enough to relax anyone. After our visit to Lake Garda, we depart for Venice and, following check-in at the hotel, have free time to relax.
VENICE
Departure for Venice after breakfast. Following arrival at Venice Tronchetto Square, a short boat ride to St. Mark’s Square and a panoramic city tour. At the end of St. Mark’s Square stands the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica. This basilica is famous for its golden mosaics and Byzantine-style architecture. The famous Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) is also located here, where prisoners took their last look at the city view on their way to their cells. During our city tour, the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge spanning it, the Doge’s Palace, the Bell and Clock Tower, and the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore are among the sights to be seen. When you arrive in Venice, the first thing that catches your attention is, of course, the waterways. The Grand Canal (Canal Grande) is the city’s main artery, and magnificent palaces dating back to the Renaissance period line this canal. Then free time, followed by a transfer to our hotel at the end of the tour and free time to rest.
VENICE - ISTANBUL
After breakfast, check out of the rooms and transfer to Venice Airport at the time indicated by your guide. Flight to Istanbul on a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. Upon our arrival at Istanbul Airport, our tour and services come to an end.
We look forward to meeting again on another tour where we will have unforgettable experiences.