Compare 14 Day Italy & Malta 2017 Itinerary by Gate 1 Travel vs Gourmet Food & Fine Wine Tuscany Tours by Alma Italia

DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for Italy
Depart for Italy

DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Milan, Transfer to Como
Arrive in Milan and then transfer to your hotel in the town of Como, home to exquisite Lago di Como, one of Italy's most romantic destinations. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Tonight, a briefing with your Tour Manager about the wonderful journey that awaits you in Italy, followed by a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers
Overnight: Como
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Saturday - Cross Lake Como to the Village of Bellagio
Today, a scenic morning cruise on Lake Como to the charming village of Bellagio, termed one of the most beautiful towns in Italy and "The Pearl" of Lake Como. Nestled amidst cypress groves, its earthy-colored buildings climb up from the lakeside promenade. Wander along the narrow streets and alleyways, lined with craft shops, boutiques and cafés. Or, visit some of the gorgeous gardens with manicured lawns and fountains at Villa Melzi or Villa Serbelloni. Sail back to Como with time to experience the delights of this lakeside town with its spectacular mountain views, wonderful restaurants, and boutiques
Overnight: Como
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Sunday - Verona Walking Tour, Travel to Venice
After breakfast, set out for Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the richest cities in Roman remains. Enjoy a guided orientation tour of the city followed by free time to savor the atmosphere here. Continue to Venice and enjoy dinner at your hotel
Overnight: Venice
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Monday - Boat Ride to Murano, Tour of Venice
The discovery of Venice begins with a boat ride to the Island of Murano, known for its artistic and colorful Murano glassware. Afterwards, on to St. Mark's Square where you begin the guided walking tour of this romantic city. View the Golden Basilica of San Marco, built over several centuries in a fusion of Byzantine, Roman and Venetian architecture. See the Bridge of Sighs, created at the beginning of the 17th century to serve as a link between the prisons and the inquisition rooms of Doge’s Palace. Then, continue to the pink marble Doge's Palace, official residence of the Venetian ruler; its facade is highlighted by a massive late-Gothic gate, known as the Porta della Carta. The rest of the day is yours to explore Venice independently, or participate in this afternoon's optional Gondola Ride with music - it's definitely one of the highlights of any Italian holiday
Optional: Gondola Ride with Music (PM)
Overnight: Venice
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Tuesday - Tuscany, Pisa, Arrive in Florence
Depart Venice and travel through the stunning golden landscape of Tuscany, dotted with olives trees. Visit a typical Tuscan farm in the countryside for a wine tasting coupled with delectable local specialties. On to Pisa to view the famous Piazza dei Miracoli with its Leaning Tower, among the most instantly recognizable structures on earth. Continue to the Baptistery, the Duomo, and the Monumental Cemetery. The four monuments on the extraordinary Piazza create a unique architectural blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Then, travel to the lively Renaissance city of Florence, with its priceless art and architecture for overnight
Overnight: Florence
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Wednesday - Florence City Tour
Today's tour of Florence begins with a visit to the Accademia of Fine Arts, where Michelangelo's David is housed; stand in awe of this glorious work of art. Walk to the Duomo, celebrated for its magnificent dome designed by Brunelleschi, and view the Baptistery's renowned "Gates of Paradise" by Ghiberti. Continue on a walk through the open-air museum at Signoria Square, ending at the splendid Ponte Vecchio. Florence is indeed the center of the world's finest art and architecture. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in this spectacular Renaissance city, or participate in the optional guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery*. Tonight, a delightful evening that begins with a ride through the Tuscan hills to a lovely restaurant where a sumptuous Tuscan dinner is served along with unlimited wine and entertainment
*(Optional Uffizi Gallery Tour PM, US $56): » available for purchase only in Italy from your Tour Manager «
Florence and the fine arts are synonymous. This guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery provides insight to the history of the structure and its collections. Originally the private collection of the Medici family, the palazzo was opened to the public in 1765. Your tour highlights exceptional examples of Florentine painting with an aim to help you better understand the works of masters including Giotto, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci. Tour participation guarantees immediate entry to the Gallery, with no lengthy waits in oftentimes two-three hour queues
Important: Please note: The museum has a limited maximum capacity and therefore reserves the right to restrict admission. In this case, we may not be able to offer the tour. Price is based on minimum number of passengers
Overnight: Florence
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Thursday - Medieval Assisi to Rome
Depart Florence to the small medieval town of Assisi perched high on a hill in the Umbria region, with its Roman ruins, winding medieval streets and sacred shrines. Assisi is best known as the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi - patron saint of Italy. Its main attraction is the 13th-century Basilica di San Francesco, one of the artistic highlights of medieval Europe which contains the sacred relics of St. Francis and Giotto's astonishing frescoes. The town of Assisi has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its significant art and architecture. Afterwards, continue to Rome, the astonishing city built on seven hills. Dinner together at the hotel
Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Friday - Vatican Museum & Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel
Today visit the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo's masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel. Stroll through one of the most important art collections of the world. Admire the Gallery of Tapestries and the Geographical Maps before arriving to the Sistine Chapel, with its great frescoes by Michelangelo. Continue to St. Peter's Square, passing Bernini's famous colonnade to view St. Peter's Basilica, built on the burial site of Saint Peter, with the most famous Michelangelo’s Pieta.* Enjoy the afternoon at leisure or, join the optional walking tour of the Eternal City’s grand piazzas that includes the Spanish Steps, the legendary Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and the baroque Piazza Navona. Tonight, linger and explore on your own and perhaps enjoy the typical Roman cuisine
Optional: Piazzas of Rome (PM)
Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10, Saturday - Tour Ancient Rome
The historic tour of ancient Rome begins at the Roman Forum, the central area of the city from which ancient Rome developed. View the triumphal Arch of Constantine, erected by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine’s tenth year of leadership over the Eternal City. On to the mighty Colosseum, the largest amphitheater built in the Roman Empire that seated over 50,000, where gladiatorial contests and public events were attended by the rich, the poor and by the Emperor himself. Discover the delights of Rome this afternoon on your own. Stop at a local café for lunch and just people-watch, or savor a cappuccino, indulge in a delectable gelato or try an authentic Italian pizza. Tonight, dinner in a typical Roman restaurant with wine and music, then enjoy an illuminated tour of the city
Overnight: Rome
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11, Sunday - Flight to Malta
Today, bid farewell to Italy and transfer to the Rome airport for your flight to Malta, a country steeped in history and home to a fascinating mix of cultures. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure to discover the town of Sliema. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Drink and orientation with your new Tour Manager and fellow travelers
Overnight: Sliema
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12, Monday - Tour of Valletta & the Three Cities: Vittoriosa, Cospicua & Senglea
Spend the morning exploring the bustling streets of Valletta with a guided tour. Begin with the multi-vision show Malta Experience, which depicts over 7000 years of Maltese history. Next, view the Grand Harbor from the Upper Barraca Gardens. A visit to St. John's Cathedral afterwards, is the perfect place to see examples of Baroque architecture, plus works by Caravaggio. Continue onward to the Grand Master’s Palace, built between the 16th and 18th centuries. It is also known as the Magisterial Palace that now houses the Office of the President of Malta. Your lunch is spent in a private home, where you can taste traditional cuisine and experience renowned Maltese hospitality. In the afternoon discover the area known as the “Three Cities”. View Cospicua as you drive to Vittoriosa, an ancient city, dating back to the times of the Phoenicians. Spend time walking through the narrow streets and alleyways steeped in culture. Next, you can view the famous harbor creeks in a local 'fregatina' which is a traditional Maltese boat (weather permitting). You are then greeted in Senglea by a beautiful panorama from the vedette situated in the center of the Grand Harbor before returning to your hotel
Overnight: Sliema
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 13, Tuesday - Full Day in Malta
Today is at leisure for individual pursuits, or choose to join the optional Full Day Mdina Tour. This fortified medieval city with its beautiful old sandstone buildings, was once Malta's capital. The narrow, winding pedestrian streets dating back to medieval times, lead to grand bastions commanding magnificent panoramas. After leaving the city through the Greeks’ Gate, built in the Baroque style, continue for a stop to the early Christian catacombs in Rabat. These burial grounds form an important part of Malta’s early Christian period. Afterwards, proceed to the cliffs at Dingli for spectacular views of the island and the Mediterranean Sea. Following lunch, visit the San Anton Gardens and view the Presidential Palace. Continue with a visit to the crafts center at Ta'Qali, where you can see craftspeople at work. Before concluding the tour, view the Rotunda of Mosta with its majestic dome, one of the largest in Europe. Return to Sliema at the end of the day. Afterwards, join the group for a delightful Farewell Dinner and cocktails
Optional: Full Day Mdina Tour (AM)
Overnight: Sliema
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 14, Wednesday - Depart Malta
Transfer to the airport in Luqa for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

* Due to Religious events, the opening times of St. Peter Basilica are subject to change without notice. In these cases, you will visit the Vatican Library instead of the Basilica.