Ferfergez.com Classic Italy August 8-15

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 take 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, and you will be captivated by its enchanting atmosphere at every step, as though you have entered a fairy-tale land whispered by the past along its stone streets, shaped around an elegant castle rising toward the sky. The lake, resembling the bluest mirror beneath the sky, is almost like a gateway to a fairy-tale world with its tranquility and beauty. The Papal Palace, located in the heart of the town, stands as a symbol of magical beauty and historical splendor. 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 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 relax.

ROME 

After breakfast, we begin our city tour 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. During this tour, we will see Castel Sant’Angelo, where Cem Sultan was imprisoned, from the outside. Castel Sant'Angelo was originally built as a mausoleum by the Roman Emperor Hadrian 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, carrying the spirit of ancient times in the heart of the city. In this massive 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. 

Among the places to see are the Roman Forum, the social, commercial, and religious center of the era; Piazza Venezia, home to the enormous white-marble Vittorio Emanuele monument; the Temple of Hadrian; the Pantheon; and the Spanish Steps, consisting of 135 steps and featuring the Fountain of the Sunken Ship. Afterwards, we depart for the famous St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican. Upon arrival, free time to visit the square. The obelisk in the middle 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 relax.

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 every 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 through the city, you may occasionally see a wall fresco or an old stone structure. Afterwards, we depart for San Gimignano. When you step into the medieval town of San Gimignano, the first thing to catch your attention will be the towers. Once there were 72 towers, but only 14 remain today. These towers were built to display the power and wealth of wealthy old 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 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 Square. This enchanting square takes its name from the old cistern located in its center. With its stone buildings and historic structures, the square makes you feel as though you are walking through a tunnel through time. Here, you can visit small shops selling local products and handmade souvenirs. After our tour, we depart for our hotel and have free time to relax.

FLORENCE – PISA –– FLORENCE

After breakfast, we depart for Florence and begin our tour. As the birthplace and cradle of the Renaissance, it holds a unique importance in the world’s cultural heritage. 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 dividing 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 door, are among the places to be seen from the outside. After visiting 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. This world-famous tower, known for its leaning stance, 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 richness of Medieval Italy. After seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Miracoli Square right beside it, 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. Portofino, located on Italy's Mediterranean coast, is a perfect option for those seeking a peaceful getaway, with its stunning nature, rich history, 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 is home to many tourist attractions, including 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, departure 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 decorated with detailed 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 arcade 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 numerous celebrities still staying along the lakeside has contributed to tourism. After Lake Como, we 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 enjoying the view is relaxing. After our visit to Lake Garda, we depart for Venice and, following check-in at the hotel, have free time to rest.

VENICE 

After breakfast, departure for Venice. Upon arrival at Venice Tronchetto Square, a short boat ride takes us 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, where prisoners took their last look at the cityscape on their way to their cells. During our city tour, the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge located on 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, lined with magnificent palaces dating back to the Renaissance period. Afterwards, free time, followed by 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 advised by your guide. Scheduled Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul. 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.