Winter Semester Big Italy Express Tour (October 13, 2026) with Turkish Airlines for 5 nights (FCO-BLQ)

Day 1, ISTANBUL – ROME Meeting in front of the Turkish Airlines check-in counter at the International Departures terminal of Istanbul Airport. After baggage and ticket procedures, departure to Rome. Arrival in Rome according to local time. We depart for Rome with our private vehicle and guide. Upon arrival, panoramic Rome city tour. During our tour, we view the city’s most valuable treasures including Vatican (San Pietro), Castel San't Angelo (Angel’s Castle), the ruins of Circo Massimo stadium from ancient Rome, and the streets from the Baroque period by bus. A short photo stop at the Colosseum, followed by a sightseeing tour. Free time in the afternoon after the tour. In the evening, for guests who wish, we move for an optional Rome Night Tour (45€) to see the city’s famous piazzas and streets, enjoying a pleasant walk. After the tour, transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. Day 2, ROME After breakfast, a free day. Those interested can join our guide for an optional Castelli Romani Outlet, Lake Albano & Nemi Villages (Strawberry Village) Tour (95€), exploring the natural beauty where popes stay during summer and the Nemi village famous for wild strawberries. Following this, we will experience shopping at Castel Romano Designer Outlet, where you find many famous brands. Later in the day, guests who wish can participate in an optional Rome Monuments and Masterpieces Tour (65€). On this tour, we will see the oldest monument of Rome, the Pantheon, and the famous Piazza Navona with its baroque architecture and fountains, the Trevi Fountain where legend says coins will bring you back to Rome, the Spanish Steps bustling with street artists, Castel San't Angelo (Angel’s Castle) and its bridge. Wander through the ancient stories and historic fabric of Rome with your guide. Transfer back to our hotel for an overnight stay. Day 3, ROME – FLORENCE – MONTECATINI After breakfast, departure to Florence. Upon arrival, a panoramic city tour to photograph Florence’s historic streets and squares, ending the tour at Piazza della Repubblica. Then, for those interested, continue exploring Florence on foot with our guide. An option available is the Medici’s Renaissance Artifacts Tour (45€), explaining Florence's history and the lives of its artists and scientists shaping the Renaissance. Highlights include Palazzo Vecchio, the Medici family’s residence; Piazza della Signoria with the Fountain of Neptune and the David and Hercules statues; Uffizi Gallery; Ponte Vecchio and the Medici corridor; Dante Alighieri’s house; Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore) with its massive dome and the Baptistery with the “Gates of Paradise”. Enjoy free time to explore market stalls and taste local cheeses and wines. Transfer to our hotel in Montecatini for an overnight stay. Day 4, FLORENCE (MONTECATINI) After breakfast, a free day. Those interested can join the Great Tuscany Tour (145€) including Pisa, San Gimignano, and Volterra. In Pisa, visit the famous Leaning Tower, Cathedral, Baptistery, and Miracles Square, with free time for photos. San Gimignano, known as the “Town of the 13 Towers,” was built in the 12th and 13th centuries by rival noble families; explore the Cistern Square and do some shopping at local stores. Volterra, an ancient hilltop town with Etruscan and Roman history, has appeared in Hollywood movies like Game of Thrones and Twilight Zone. Walk in its medieval streets, see ruins of the Roman Theatre, forum, Priori Square, and the 12th-century Volterra Cathedral. Tasting local cheeses and wines in free time. Transfer back to our hotel in Montecatini for overnight. Day 5, FLORENCE (MONTECATINI) – VENICE After breakfast, depart from our hotel towards Venice. Upon arrival, start a panoramic city tour of Venice. Visit St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Clock Tower, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Campanile Tower. Optional, join the Gondola Ride (30€), organized by your guide. Also, enjoy a Grand Canal Tour (55€) aboard our private boats to see the city's sights from the water. Transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. Day 6, VENICE – BOLOGNA – ISTANBUL After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport. Depart for Istanbul with Turkish Airlines. Arrival in Istanbul according to local time. End of the tour.