Winter Semester Big Italy Express Tour (October 18, 2026) with Turkish Airlines for 5 Nights (BLQ-FCO)

1. DAY ISTANBUL-BOLOGNA-VENICE Meet in front of the Turkish Airlines counter at the Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal. After luggage and ticket procedures, depart to Bologna. Arrive in Bologna according to local time. Our special vehicle and guide accompany us to Venice. Upon arrival, we start a panoramic city tour of Venice. Our stops include St. Mark's Square, Basilica, Doge's Palace, Clock Tower, Torture Bridge, and the historic Campanile Bell Tower. Guests who wish can join an optional gondola ride (30€). Additionally, you can take part in the Grand Canal (55€) tour to see all the city's beauties and historic buildings from the water on our private boats, passing through the iconic Grand Canal. After the tour, transfer to the hotel and overnight stay. 2. DAY VENICE-FLORENCE (MONTECATINI) After breakfast, we depart for Florence. Upon arrival, we begin a panoramic city tour of Florence, capturing the city's historic streets and squares, ending at Piazza Della Repubblica. Guests wanting can continue exploring Florence's Renaissance treasures with our guide. In the afternoon, join an optional Medici Family Renaissance Art Tour (45€), exploring Florence’s history, key monuments, and the stories of the renowned artists and scientists of the Renaissance. Highlights include Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria with its famous sculptures, Uffizi Gallery, the historic Ponte Vecchio and the Medici Corridor, Dante Alighieri’s House, Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore Duomo) with its “Gate of Paradise,” Baptistery with its famous doors, and the city's historic markets. Transfer to the hotel for overnight stay. 3. DAY FLORENCE (MONTECATINI) A free day after breakfast. Guests may opt for a full Toskana Tour (145€), visiting Pisa, San Gimignano, and Volterra. Pisa is famous for its leaning tower; during the panoramic tour, see the Tower, Cathedral, Baptistery, and Miracles Square, with free time for photos. San Gimignano, a medieval town with 13 towers, is noted for its historic square and shopping opportunities. Volterra, with origins in Etruscan and Roman times, is a century-old hilltop town known for its medieval walls, Roman Theater, ruins, and Priori Square; enjoy free time for shopping and cafes. Return to the hotel for overnight. 4. DAY FLORENCE (MONTECATINI)-ROME After breakfast, depart for Rome. Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic tour of Rome, including the Vatican (St. Peter’s), Castel Sant'Angelo, ancient Circo Massimo stadium ruins, with views of the Baroque streets from the bus. Stop briefly at the Colosseum for photos; afternoon is free. Guests can join an optional Rome Night Tour (45€) to see the city’s famous squares and lively streets by night. Transfer to the hotel for overnight. 5. DAY ROME A free day after breakfast. Guests may opt for an optional tour to Lake Albano & Nemi (Strawberry Village) & Castelli Romani Outlet (95€), exploring the summer homes of the Popes and the picturesque Nemi Village, known for its strawberries. Afterwards, visit Castel Romano Designer Outlet for shopping. Later, optional tour of Rome’s historic monuments (65€), including the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Castel Sant'Angelo, and other historic sites, discovering the city’s ancient stories and rich history. Return to the hotel for overnight. 6. DAY ROME-ISTANBUL After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and transfer to the airport. Depart for Istanbul with Turkish Airlines. Arrive in Istanbul according to local time and conclude our tour.