GRI TUR Comfortable Italy Tour with AJET Airlines, 7 Nights, Optional Excursions

ISTANBUL (SAW) - MILAN

We meet at the international departures terminal of Sabiha Gökçen Airport three hours before the flight. After completing the baggage, ticketing and boarding procedures, we board our scheduled AJet Airlines flight to Milan. Upon arrival, we transfer to our waiting private buses and depart for central 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 landmarks and a perfect example of Gothic architecture. This cathedral is the fifth-largest church in the world and one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe. The exterior of the cathedral is made of white marble and decorated with intricate carvings. The front façade of the cathedral features countless statues and carvings. The most striking statue is the golden Madonnina statue at the very top of the cathedral. This statue is regarded as 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 from Piazza del Duomo. When you enter from here, its stunning architecture immediately catches your attention, representing a perfect combination of modern engineering and traditional art. At the end of the tour, transfer to your hotel in Milan and free time to rest.

MILAN – LAKE GARDA - VENICE

After breakfast, depart for Lake Garda. We visit Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, 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 view is enough to relax you. After our Lake Garda excursion, depart for Venice. Upon arriving at Venice Tronchetto Square, take a short boat ride to St. Mark’s Square, followed by 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 and is where prisoners took one last look at the city view on their way to their cells. During our city tour, the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge over 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 from the Renaissance period line the canal. At the end of the tour, transfer to your hotel in Venice and free time to rest. 

VENICE – FLORENCE 

After breakfast, we depart for Florence. Upon arrival, we begin our Florence city tour. Florence holds a unique place in the world's cultural heritage as the birthplace and flourishing ground of the Renaissance. The city witnessed great developments 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 goldsmiths, Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, home to the Hercules and David statues, two of the Renaissance's masterpieces, the Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore Duomo), which has Italy's third-highest dome, and the Baptistery, famous for its doors, are among the places to be seen. In the evening, we return to our hotel, followed by free time to relax.

FLORENCE – PISA – PORTOFINO – FLORENCE

After breakfast, the first stop of our tour is Pisa, the romantic Italian city steeped in history. Of course, the first thing that comes to everyone’s mind is the Leaning Tower of Pisa. World-famous for its tilted stance, this tower is located in Piazza dei Miracoli, or 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 of them showcases the artistic and architectural richness of Medieval Italy. After seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the nearby Piazza dei Miracoli, we depart for Portofino.  Portofino, located on Italy’s Mediterranean coast, is an excellent choice for those seeking a peaceful getaway, with its stunning natural beauty, historical richness, and tranquil atmosphere. Despite its small size, it offers visitors an unforgettable experience. After our boat tour, we transfer to our hotel and have free time to rest.

FLORENCE – SIENA – SAN GIMIGNANO – ROME

After breakfast, we begin our Tuscany (Siena, San Gimignano) tour. Our first stop is the romantic Italian city of San Gimignano, steeped in history. When you set foot in the medieval town of San Gimignano, the first thing that will catch your attention is the towers. There were once 72 towers, but only 14 remain today. These towers were built to demonstrate the power and wealth of old aristocratic families. Piazza del Duomo is the center of the town’s social and religious life. Here stands San Gimignano Cathedral, built in the 12th century. Inside, you can see magnificent frescoes that reflect 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, and taste one of the most delicious ice creams in the world at the famous ice cream parlor on the corner of the square (Gelateria Dondoli). After our tour, we depart for Siena. When you arrive in Siena, where the neighborhood culture continues to thrive, the first place we will see is Piazza del Campo, the heart of the city. This spacious, 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) is also among the places to see. This magnificent Gothic structure is covered in white and green marble. As you walk through Siena’s narrow, winding streets, history greets you at every corner. While walking through the city, you may occasionally see a wall fresco or an old stone structure. In the evening, we depart for Rome and, after checking into our hotel, have free time.

 ROME 

After breakfast, we head to the center of Rome. Once a magical city that shone 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. On this tour, we will see Castel Sant’Angelo, where Cem Sultan was imprisoned. Castel Sant'Angelo was originally built by the 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, located in the heart of the city and carrying the spirit of ancient times. In this immense arena, brave gladiators and wild animals once engaged in epic battles accompanied by the cheers of the people. After our visit to the Colosseum, 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. 

It is said that when you make a wish and throw a coin into the fountain, Rome’s magic will never leave you again. They say that anyone who comes here once will inevitably return one day. The Temple of Hadrian, the Pantheon, and the Spanish Steps, consisting of 135 steps and featuring the Barcaccia Fountain, are among the places to be seen. 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, followed by free time to rest.

ROME – CASTEL GANDOLFO –  OUTLET – NEMI - ROME

Departure after breakfast for our Outlet – Castel Gandolfo – Nemi tour. Castel Gandolfo is a peaceful town where history and nature embrace one another, and you will be captivated by its charm at every step, as if you had entered a fairy-tale land shaped around an elegant castle rising toward the sky, with the past whispering through its stone streets. The lake, resembling the bluest mirror beneath the sky, is almost like a gateway opening onto a fairytale world with its tranquility and beauty. The Papal Palace, located in the heart of the town, is like a symbol of fairy-tale 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, which shine like red jewels. The annual Strawberry Festival is celebrated with colorful festivities. After visiting Nemi, free time in 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 in these modern shopping centers, finding souvenirs for your loved ones and special items for yourself. After our tour, departure for our hotel and free time to rest.

ROME  – ISTANBUL (SAW)

After breakfast, check-out and transfer to Rome airport at the time indicated by your guide. Flight to Istanbul on a scheduled Ajet Airlines service. Upon our arrival at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport, our tour and services come to an end.

We look forward to meeting again on another tour where we will have unforgettable experiences.