Italy Adventure Tour with Pegasus Airlines: 4 Nights, 5 Days, BLQ-FCO

ISTANBUL – BOLOGNA – FLORENCE

We meet at the international departures terminal of Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport three hours before the flight. After completing the baggage, ticketing, and boarding procedures, we take our private bus waiting for us at the airport following our Bologna flight operated by Pegasus Airlines on a scheduled service. We depart from Bologna 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 center of development of the Renaissance. The city witnessed major advancements in 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, highlights include the Arno River, which divides the city in two; the Ponte Vecchio Bridge, famous for its jewelers; Palazzo Vecchio; Piazza della Signoria, home to the statues of Hercules and David, among the masterpieces of the Renaissance; the Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore – Duomo), which has Italy’s third-highest dome; and the Baptistery, famous for its doors. After our tour, we transfer to our hotel in Florence. In the evening, we settle into our hotel and have free time to relax.

FLORENCE – (TUSCANY TOUR: SIENA – SAN GIMIGNANO – PISA) – FLORENCE

Free time after breakfast. Guests who wish may join the Tuscany (125 €) tour, which will be organized as an optional excursion by our guide. We depart for our Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa tour. 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, also known as the Square of Miracles. This square dazzles not only with the tower but also with the magnificent Duomo Cathedral and Baptistery, built of white marble. Each one displays the artistic and architectural richness of Medieval Italy. After seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the nearby Piazza dei Miracoli, we set off for San Gimignano. When you step into the medieval town of San Gimignano, the first thing that will catch your attention is its 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. The San Gimignano Cathedral, built in the 12th century, is located here. Inside, you can see magnificent frescoes reflecting the spirit of Medieval Italy. The Town Hall (Palazzo del Popolo) is located right next to the cathedral. 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 though you are walking through a time tunnel. Here, you can browse 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 shop (Gelateria Dondoli) on the corner of the square. After our tour, 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) is also among the sights 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 through the city, you may occasionally see a wall fresco or an old stone structure. Return to our Florence hotel in the evening, followed by free time to relax.

FLORENCE – ROME – NEMI – CASTEL GANDOLFO  OUTLET – ROME

After breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures and depart for Rome. Upon arriving in Rome, we set off for the Outlet and Lakes Region & Outlet – Castel Gandolfo – Nemi tour. Castel Gandolfo is a peaceful town where history and nature embrace one another, captivating you with its magic at every step, as if it had emerged from a fairy tale whispered through the past along its stone streets, shaped around an elegant castle reaching toward the sky. The lake, resembling the bluest mirror beneath the sky, is almost like a gateway opening into a fairy-tale 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 enchanting 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 take a pleasant break at these modern shopping centers and find souvenirs for your loved ones and special items for yourself. At the end of our tour, we return to our hotel and have free time to rest.

ROME

Free time after breakfast. Guests who wish may join the Rome Night Tour (€125 per person), which will be organized as an optional extra by our guide, to escape the daytime crowds and heat and admire the magnificently illuminated historic buildings. 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. 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 type 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 the Colosseum, we proceed to the Trevi Fountain, made famous by the film La Dolce Vita. As the melody of the water echoes among the dazzling statues, you too can follow the tradition of making a wish and throwing a coin into the fountain to return to Rome.Continuing our tour, we will see more of the important landmarks of Rome, the imperial city that shaped European civilization and bears witness to 23 centuries of history. The Pantheon, one of the city’s oldest monumental works; Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most beautiful squares, with its Baroque architecture and famous fountain; and the Spanish Steps, famous for its street artists, are among the stops on our tour. Afterwards, we proceed to the Vatican, the center of the Catholic world. Here, we will view the Basilica of Saint Peter, one of the largest and most important religious buildings in the world, and St. Peter’s Square from the outside, and have the opportunity to photograph the impressive atmosphere created by the square under the night lights. The Vatican and the Basilica of Saint Peter will not be visited inside as part of the night tour.After our tour, we return to our hotel and stay overnight.

ROME - ISTANBUL

After breakfast, check-out and transfer to the airport at the time advised by your guide. Scheduled Pegasus Airlines flight to Istanbul. 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.