ISTANBUL – ROME – (Rome Icons and Vatican Tour)
After completing your baggage check-in, ticket, and passport control procedures at Istanbul Airport International Terminal 3 hours before departure, we fly to Rome on Turkish Airlines flight TK1861 at 09:10. Arriving at Rome Fiumicino Airport at 09:50 local time, we proceed to the city center with our private vehicle and begin our panoramic city tour of Rome. During our city tour in Rome, we will see the Pyramid of Cestius, a white marble structure standing 37 meters high, the Via Cristoforo Colombo which is one of the widest and longest boulevards in Rome, the magnificent Terme di Caracalla (Caracalla Baths), Circo Massimo, the largest hippodrome in Rome that now hosts concerts and events, Tiber Island known for its healing tradition, and the colorful neighborhood of Trastevere which brings the medieval atmosphere to the present day. After the city tour, during the free time offered, our guests may choose to participate in the optional Rome Icons and Vatican Tour (70 Euro). The tour will begin with Castel Sant'Angelo – the Castle of the Angels and the Navona Square, and we will visit the Vatican / St. Peter's, the center of the Catholic branch of Christianity and the smallest country in the world in terms of area. St. Peter’s Square, where thousands of Catholics gather for worship and during special occasions the Pope greets the public from his residence, and the Basilica of St. Peter, which has 140 statues of saints and is the largest cathedral in the world, will be available for free time. Guests who wish may visit the cathedral part “free of charge” depending on availability. After the free time, we continue our historical journey through the Rome Icons filled with art, history, music, shopping, sun, and food. The works of architects competing to showcase their creations attract thousands of tourists every season, while Rome can accommodate this crowd without overwhelming the visitor with its beauty and aesthetics. During our tour in the imperial city of Rome, which has witnessed 23 centuries of history and shaped European civilization, we will visit the iconic Colosseum, a symbol of the city and host of gladiator battles during the Roman Empire, the Roman Forum, the political center during the imperial times, the Trevi Fountain, where it is believed that tossing a coin into it ensures your return to Rome, the famous Spanish Steps with street performers, and the Piazza Pietra and Piazza Popolo. After completing the tour, we will transfer to our hotel in the Rome region. Check-in to our rooms and free time to rest.
ROME – (Siena Tour) – (Pisa & San Gimignano Tour) – FLORENCE
After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, we move towards our hotel in the Florence region. On the way, guests wishing to join the optional Siena Tour (50 Euro) can do so. Siena is famous for its narrow streets from the Middle Ages, its small alleys, and Campo Square, which is considered the largest square in Europe. After a pleasant tour of Campo Square and the narrow historical streets leading to it in Siena, we continue our journey to Florence. On the way, guests wishing to join the optional Pisa & San Gimignano Tour (70 Euro) can do so. Our first visit will be to San Gimignano. Due to its preservation of medieval architecture and appearance to this day, San Gimignano has earned a spot in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Despite wars and natural disasters, San Gimignano’s 14 architectural marvels including 76 towers have survived, earning it the nickname “City of Beautiful Towers.” In the square where we can panoramically see the 14 magnificent towers, it gives visitors the feeling of a time travel back to the Middle Ages through its narrow streets that open into the town square. After touring San Gimignano, we will arrive in Pisa. In Pisa, our tour will include the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Cathedral, the Baptistery, and the Miracoli Square. After a short free time to take photos of the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, we complete our tour and arrive at our hotel in the Florence region. Check-in to our rooms and free time to rest.
FLORENCE – (Florence Masterpieces and Outlet Tour) – VENICE
After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, we head towards Venice. On the way, guests wishing to join the optional Florence Masterpieces and Outlet Tour (80 Euro) can do so. In Florence, the capital of the Renaissance and the birthplace of Pinocchio, we will see the Santa Maria Del Fiore Cathedral, which is immediately noticeable with its orange dome and is the fourth largest church in Europe, from the outside. One of the most notable features of the cathedral is the bronze gate known as the ‘Gates of Paradise,’ depicting stories of prophets mentioned in the Quran. Then we will see Giotto’s Campanile, which was once used to invite people to parliament, the Piazza della Signoria, which has been the political and social center of Florence for centuries and houses Michelangelo’s famous David statue, as well as the historic Ponte Vecchio known for its antique and jeweler shops. After the Florence masterpieces tour, we will move to the outlet center, where we will offer free time for shopping at one of Italy's most famous outlet centers, known for setting global fashion trends. After our visit to the outlet center featuring prestigious stores of world-famous brands, chic cafes and restaurants, and personal activity areas, we will continue our journey to Venice. Upon arrival at our hotel in the Venice region, check-in to the rooms and free time to rest.
VENICE – (Venice Masterpieces & Hidden Venice Walking Tour) – ISTANBUL
After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, we depart for our return flight to Istanbul, heading to Venice Marco Polo Airport. On the way, guests wishing to join the optional Venice Masterpieces and Hidden Venice Walking Tour (80 Euro – "Vaporetto and city entry fees included") can do so. During our tour in Venice, we will see major iconic works such as St. Mark’s Square built with stone and marble and adorned with columns brought from Istanbul, St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace designed as a symbol of power and splendor, the Clock Tower, the Bridge of Sighs, the historical Campanile Bell Tower, and then enjoy a pleasant walk through the streets of Venice interconnected by bridges and lined by narrow canals. After the tour, we will have free time before continuing our journey to the airport. Upon arrival at the airport, we will complete our baggage check-in, check-in, and passport control procedures, before flying back to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines flight TK1870 at 19:40. Arrival at Istanbul Airport at 00:20, and the end of our tour.