Great Italy Express Tour (April-August 2026) with THY for 5 nights (FCO-VCE) - RETURNS AT NIGHT

1. DAY ISTANBUL – ROME Gathering in front of the Turkish Airlines counter at the international departure terminal of Istanbul Airport. After baggage and ticket procedures, we depart for Rome. Arrival in Rome at the local time. We head to Rome with our private vehicle and guide waiting for us. After arrival, a panoramic city tour of Rome. During our tour, we will see the Vatican (St. Peter's), Castel Sant'Angelo, the ruins of the Circus Maximus stadium from ancient Rome, and the Baroque era streets panoramic by bus. A short photo stop at the Colosseum, after which we will have free time in the afternoon. In the evening, for our guests who wish, we have an optional evening tour of Rome (45€) to see famous squares and stroll through the streets that we have not seen before. After the tour, transfer to our hotel and overnight stay. 2. DAY ROME After breakfast, a free day. For those who wish, we will head to the unique nature of Lake Albano & Nemi Roman Villages (Strawberry Village) & Castelli Romani Outlet (95€) organized by our guide. We will explore the area of natural beauty where the popes spent their summers and visit the town of Nemi, famous for its wild strawberries. Continuing the tour at the Castel Romano Designer Outlet where we can find well-known brands for shopping opportunities. Following this tour, for those who wish, there is an optional tour of Rome's Monuments and Masters (65€). In this tour, we will witness 23 centuries of history in the imperial city of Rome which has shaped European Civilization, seeing ancient monuments such as the ancient Pantheon temple, the famous Piazza Navona with its Baroque architecture and famous fountain, the Trevi Fountain where it is believed that throwing a coin will ensure your return to Rome, the Spanish Steps famous for street artists, Castel Sant'Angelo - the Angel's Castle and Bridge. Be prepared to get lost in the ancient stories and historical fabric of Rome as we explore step by step with your guide. After the tour, transfer to our hotel and overnight stay. 3. DAY ROME – FLORENCE – MONTECATINI After breakfast, we head to Florence. Upon arrival in Florence, we will begin our panoramic city tour by photographing the historical streets and squares of Florence, ending our panoramic tour at Piazza Della Repubblica (Republic Square). After a short break, for those who wish, we continue to explore the capital of the Renaissance, UNESCO World Heritage Site Florence, step by step with our guide. In the afternoon, there is an opportunity to join the optional tour following the footsteps of the Medici's Renaissance Works (45€). In this tour, we will closely examine the monuments of this historic city alongside the life stories of Florentine artists and scientists who shaped the Renaissance. Among the sights during the tour are Palazzo Vecchio where the Medici Family ruled, Piazza Della Signoria hosting masterpieces like Hercules and David statues, the Uffizi Art Gallery, the historic Ponte Vecchio the oldest bridge in the city, the home of the famous literary master Dante Alighieri, the Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiore with its tallest dome in Italy, and the Baptistery known for its "Gates of Paradise" and Florence's famous historic markets. After the tour, transfer to our hotel and overnight stay. 4. DAY MONTECATINI (FLORENCE) After breakfast, a free day. For those who wish, we have an optional tour arranged by our guide to Pisa & Italian Riviera Portofino (145€). This trip consists of two different parts; the Italian Riviera Portofino, a gem of the Italian Riviera that has inspired songs, where we will see colorful well-maintained houses and the luxurious cafes, bars, and luxury yachts docked in the ports below. In the Santa Margherita harbor, we will encounter the coastal promenade with restaurants and cafes guarded by Brown Castle, and in Pisa, we will visit the famous Leaning Tower, Cathedral, Baptistery and the Miracle Square during our panoramic tour, where our guests may take photos in this historic city. After the tour, transfer to our hotel and overnight stay. 5. DAY MONTECATINI (FLORENCE) - VENICE After breakfast, we depart from our hotel for Venice. Upon arrival, we will begin our panoramic city tour of Venice. Our exploration points will include St. Mark's Square, Basilica, Doge's Palace, Clock Tower, the Bridge of Sighs, and the historic Campanille Bell Tower. Guests can optionally join the gondola ride (30€) organized by our guide. Additionally, we have the opportunity to take a tour of the Grand Canal (55€) which has become a symbol of Venice and offers views of all the beauties and historical buildings of the city. After the tour, transfer to our hotel and overnight stay. 6. DAY VENICE - ISTANBUL After breakfast, check-out procedures from the hotel and free time. Guests may join the optional tour organized by our guide to Verona & Lake Garda Sirmione (125€). During our visit in Verona, the birthplace of the two young lovers Romeo and Juliet as written by Shakespeare in the 15th century, we will see Juliet's house, the arena completed in A.D. 30 where gladiatorial games were held in the Veneto Region, and Erbe and Signori squares. Then, we will proceed by our private bus to Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy. Lake Garda is renowned for its natural beauty and thermal waters. Our visit will take place in Sirmione, a lakeside town once home to the ancient Roman poet Catullus' villa and the summer villa of the world-famous soprano Maria Callas, captivating you with its stone houses and streets, local boutiques, and cafes. After shopping and free time, transfer to the airport. Departure for Istanbul with Turkish Airlines. Arrival in Istanbul at local time marks the end of our tour.