TEST - Comfort Italy Tour with Turkish Airlines, 7 Nights Including Extra Tours VCE-FCO

ISTANBUL - VENICE

We meet three hours before departure at the Istanbul Airport international departures terminal. After baggage, ticket, and boarding procedures, we board our private buses for the scheduled Turkish Airlines flight to Venice and proceed to Venice city center. Upon arrival at Venice Tronchetto Square, we take a short vaporetto ride to St. Mark's Square and enjoy a panoramic city tour. At the end of St. Mark's Square stands the magnificent St. Mark's Basilica, famous for its golden mosaics and Byzantine-style architecture. The famous Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) is also located here; it was the last place where prisoners saw the city view as they were led to their cells. During our city tour, we will see the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge above it, the Doge's Palace, the Campanile and Clock Tower, and the Church of Giorgio Maggiore. When you arrive in Venice, what first catches your attention are undoubtedly the waterways. The Grand Canal (Canal Grande) is the main artery of the city, along which magnificent palaces dating from the Renaissance period line up. 

At the end of the tour, transfer to your hotel in Venice and free time to rest.

VENICE – LAKE GARDA – MILAN

After breakfast, we visit to relax on Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake, and enjoy its magnificent views. The waters of Lake Garda possess the most beautiful shades of emerald green and blue. Walking around the lake or simply admiring the view is truly relaxing. After our tour of Lake Garda, we head to Milan. Following the tour, we depart for a city tour of Milan. Milan is a dynamic city located in northern Italy, known as the center of fashion, design, and business. The Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) is one of Milan's most iconic structures and an excellent 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 facade of the cathedral is made of white marble and adorned with intricate carvings. The front facade features countless statues and carvings. The most striking statue is the golden Madonnina at the very top of the cathedral. This statue is considered the patron saint of the city. Right next to the Duomo is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This magnificent shopping gallery is famous for its glass ceiling and mosaic floor. Here you can find luxury brand stores, stylish cafes, and restaurants. The gallery has four main entrances, but the most famous one is from Piazza del Duomo. Upon entering from there, its breathtaking architecture immediately catches the eye, representing a perfect blend of modern engineering and traditional art. After the tour, transfer to your hotel and free time to rest.

MILAN - FLORENCE

After breakfast, we depart for Florence. Upon arrival, we begin our city tour of Florence. As the birthplace and cradle of the Renaissance, Florence holds a unique place in world cultural heritage. The city has been the stage for major developments 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, an open-air art gallery, notable sights include the Arno River that divides the city, the Ponte Vecchio bridge famous for its jewelers, Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria square which houses masterpieces of the Renaissance like the statues of Hercules and David, the Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore Duomo) with Italy's third-largest dome, and the Baptistery known for its doors. In the evening, we return to our hotel and have free time to relax.

 FLORANSA – (SIENA – SAN GIMIGNANO – PISA)

After breakfast, we depart for our Tuscany tour (Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa). The first stop of our tour 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. Famous worldwide for its tilt, this tower is located in Piazza dei Miracoli, the Square of Miracles. This square dazzles not only with the tower but also with the magnificent white marble Duomo Cathedral and the Baptistery. Each showcases the artistic and architectural richness of Medieval Italy. After visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the adjacent Piazza dei Miracoli, we set off for San Gimignano. Upon stepping into the medieval town of San Gimignano, the first thing that will catch your attention are the towers. Once there were 72 towers, now only 14 remain. These towers were built to demonstrate the power and wealth of old wealthy families. Piazza del Duomo is the center of the town's social and religious life. Here stands the San Gimignano Cathedral, built in the 12th century. Inside, you can admire 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 an ancient water cistern in its center. With its stone buildings and historic structures, the square gives you the feeling of walking through a time tunnel. Here, you can explore small shops selling local products and handmade souvenirs, and taste one of the world's most delicious ice creams at the famous Gelateria Dondoli in the corner of the square. After the tour, we head to Siena. Upon arriving in Siena, where neighborhood culture continues, the first place you will see is Piazza del Campo, the heart of the city. This wide and sloping square is considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world. In the center of the square stands Fonte Gaia, a marble fountain. The square hosts the famous Palio di Siena horse race, held twice a year. This exciting event features horses competing from 17 different contrade (neighborhoods). The Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena) is also among the places to visit. 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 strolling through the city, you may occasionally encounter a wall fresco or an old stone building. In the evening, we return to our hotel in Montecatini and have free time to rest.

 FLORANSA – ROMA 

After breakfast, we depart for Rome. Upon arrival in Rome, we begin our tour of the Outlet and Lakes Area (Outlet – Castel Gandolfo – Nemi). In Castel Gandolfo, a town that seems to have stepped out of a fairy tale where history and nature embrace at every step along its stone streets whispering of the past, you will be captivated by the charm of this peaceful town shaped around an elegant castle reaching toward the sky. The lake, resembling the bluest mirror beneath the sky, is like a gateway to a fairy-tale world with its tranquility and beauty. Located in the heart of the town, the Papal Palace stands as a symbol of fairy-tale beauty and historical splendor. For centuries, popes found peace and rest in this magical place. You will feel as if you are walking through a dream among its gardens and colorful flower-lined paths. Nemi, on the other hand, is famous for its strawberry fields shining like red jewels. The annual Strawberry Festival is celebrated with colorful festivities. After visiting Nemi, you will have free time in Italy's most famous outlet area. These outlet centers offer attractive shopping opportunities for both locals and tourists. After exploring Rome's historical and cultural riches, you can take a pleasant break in these modern shopping malls, finding souvenirs for your loved ones and special pieces for yourself. In the evening, we head back to our hotel and enjoy free time to relax.

ROME  

After breakfast, we set off to explore 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 visit Castel Sant'Angelo, where Cem Sultan was imprisoned. Originally built as a mausoleum by Roman Emperor Hadrian, it was later transformed into a fortress. During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, it served as a prison and a papal castle. Another site we will see in Rome is the Colosseum, located in the heart of the city and carrying the spirit of ancient times. In this colossal arena, brave gladiators and wild beasts once engaged in epic battles accompanied by the cheers of the crowd. After our visit to the Colosseum, as we approach the Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi), famous for the film La Dolce Vita, the melody of water echoes among the dazzling statues. When you make a wish and toss a coin into the fountain, Rome's magic will never leave you again. For they say that whoever comes here once will surely return one day. The Temple of Hadrian, the Pantheon, and the Spanish Steps, which consist of 135 steps and feature a sunken ship fountain, are among the places to be visited. We then head to St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. Upon arrival, you will have free time to explore the square. The obelisk in the center of the square and the columns surrounding it will captivate you. While strolling through the square, you can also see the Apostolic Palace and the famous window from which the Pope delivers his Sunday prayers. In the evening, we return to our hotel in Rome and enjoy free time to rest.

ROME – (NAPLES - SORRENTO)

After breakfast, we depart for Naples. Naples was founded by the Greeks in the 7th century BC and is the capital of the Campania region in southern Italy. The city was an important center during the Roman Empire period and has hosted many cultures and civilizations from the Middle Ages to the present day.   The Historic Center (Centro Storico) is famous for its narrow streets, historic churches, ancient ruins, and magnificent squares. Duomo di Napoli (Naples Cathedral), the fortress Castel Nuovo (New Castle), Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace)  , San Carlo Theatre , Galleria Umberto I , Via Toledo street are the most important structures of the city. After our tour, we head to the magnificent coastal town of Sorrento, located south of the Bay of Naples. Sorrento is surrounded by breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. The city is situated on cliffs overlooking the sea and is famous for its picturesque beaches, lemon groves, and olive orchards. The famous square where the heart of Sorrento beats, Piazza Tasso; is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops. After visiting Duomo di Sorrento (Sorrento Cathedral), after enjoying the picture-perfect bay, we head to Rome, the capital of Italy. Upon our arrival in Rome, we proceed to the hotel where we will stay. After check-in procedures, we have free time to relax. In the evening, we return to our hotel and have free time to rest.

ROME - ISTANBUL

After breakfast, check-out from the rooms and transfer to Rome airport at the time announced by your guide. Turkish Airlines scheduled 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 unforgettable tour experience.