Winter Term Great Italy Express Tour (October 5, 12, 2026) with THY for 5 nights (FCO-VCE)

1. DAY ISTANBUL – ROME Meet at Turkish Airlines check-in counter at Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal. After baggage and ticket processes, depart for Rome. Arrive in Rome local time. Our private vehicle and guide will take us to Rome. After arrival, we will have a panoramic city tour of Rome. During the tour, we will see some of the city’s most valuable treasures including the Vatican (St. Peter’s Basilica), Castel Sant’Angelo, ruins of the ancient Roman Circus Maximus stadium, and baroque city streets. There will be a brief photo stop at the Colosseum, followed by free time in the afternoon. In the evening, optional extra: join our Rome Night Tour (45€), where we will see some of the city’s most famous squares and streets that we haven't seen before, enjoying the lively Roman atmosphere. After the tour, transfer to our hotel for overnight stay. 2. DAY ROME After breakfast, free day. For those interested, guided optional tour to Albano Lake & Nemi Roman Villages (Strawberry Village) & Castelli Romani Outlet (95€). We visit the area where popes stay during summer and the charming Nemi village famous for its wild strawberries. Later in the day, optional shopping at Castel Romano Designer Outlet, where you will find many famous brands. In the afternoon, optional Rome Monuments & Masterpieces (65€) tour. On this tour, we will explore the oldest monuments of Rome including the ancient Pantheon temple, and the famous baroque Piazza Navona square with its Fountain of the Four Rivers, the Trevi Fountain where legend says throwing a coin ensures returning to Rome, the Spanish Steps full of street artists, Castel Sant’Angelo (Angel’s Castle) and its bridge. Experience Rome’s ancient stories and historical ambiance step by step with your guide as you explore the city’s legendary heritage. Transfer back to the hotel for overnight stay. 3. DAY ROME – FLORENCE – MONTECATINI After breakfast, transfer to Florence. Upon arrival, we will start with a panoramic city tour of Florence, capturing its historic streets and squares, ending at Piazza della Repubblica. For those interested, continue exploring Florence on foot with our guide on an optional Renaissance Masterpieces of Florence (45€) tour, focusing on the city’s history, notable artists, and landmarks such as Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria with Michelangelo’s David and Hercules statues, Uffizi Gallery, the historic Ponte Vecchio bridge, the Medici corridor, Dante Alighieri’s house, the Florence Cathedral with its massive dome, and the Baptistery with its "Gates of Paradise". At the end of the day, transfer to our hotel for overnight stay. 4. DAY FLORENCE (MONTECATINI) After breakfast, free day. Those interested can join the Great Tuscany Tour (145€) covering Pisa, San Gimignano, and Volterra. In Pisa, see the iconic Leaning Tower, Cathedral, Baptistery, and Miracles Square during a panoramic tour. Those who wish can take photos in this historic city. San Gimignano, known as the City of Towers, was built in the 12th and 13th centuries by rival noble families. We visit the central Cistern Square where you can shop for souvenirs. Volterra, a medieval walled town with Etruscan and Roman origins, has been featured in Hollywood productions such as "Game of Thrones" and "Twilight Zone". We stroll through its ancient streets and squares, visit the Roman Theatre, archaeological forum, Priori Square, and the 12th-century Volterra Cathedral. Enjoy free time to taste local cheeses and wines or relax in nearby cafes. Return to our hotel for overnight stay. 5. DAY FLORENCE (MONTECATINI) – VENICE After breakfast, depart from our hotel heading to Venice. Upon arrival, start a panoramic tour of Venice featuring St. Mark’s Square, Basilica, Doge’s Palace, the Clock Tower, the Bridge of Sighs, and the historic Campanile. Optional tour with guide: Gondola Ride (30€). Another option is the Grand Canal Tour (55€), a boat trip along Venice’s main waterway, offering spectacular views of the city’s structures and landmarks from the water. Transfer to our hotel for overnight stay. 6. DAY VENICE – ISTANBUL After breakfast, check-out and departure from the hotel. Optional optional tour to Verona & Venedik Designer Outlet (125€) with your guide. In Verona, the birthplace of Shakespeare’s young lovers Romeo and Juliet, visit Juliet’s house, the Arena (built in 30 AD), Erbe Square and Signori Square. Continue to Venedik Designer Outlet for shopping with discounted prices on international brands. At the designated time, transfer to the airport for your flight with Turkish Airlines back to Istanbul. Arrive locally in Istanbul and end of the tour.