Scenic Tours
1300 SCENIC (723 642)
Grand Tour of Italy & Mediterranean Ocean Cruise
(24 days, Rome - Venice, 2013)
This 24 day tour includes an 11 night land tour from Rome to Venice, followed by a 12 night Mediterranean Cruise through Greece and Turkey.
Rome to Venice
Art, fashion, food, wine and coffee all come to mind when pondering Italy. It is a sensory experience like no other. From the grand canals of Venice to the spectacular coastline of the Italian Riviera including Cinque Terre; and the wealth of history in Rome including Vatican City for the breathtaking masterpieces of Michelangelo at the Sistine Chapel; wherever you travel in Italy you will experience incredible conviviality, the epitome of la dolce vita. This grand Italian adventure also includes Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri on the Amalfi Coast; San Gimignano, Siena, Pisa and Florence in the heart of Tuscany; and Lake Maggiore and Stresa in Piedmont.
Venice to Venice (Mediterranean Ocean Cruise Round Trip)
Departing from Venice, this spectacular Mediterranean ocean cruise begins in the Adriatic setting sail for the renowned Greek Islands, including Lesbos, founded in the 11th century BC; Kusadasi for Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the classical world; Santorini; famous for its cubist white houses which glow in the Aegean sun; and Cephalonia, the largest island of the Ionians. From the fishing village of Katákolon, the gateway to mystical Olympus, site of the original Olympic Stadium and the Temple of Zeus to the port of Piraeus for Athens, Europe’s oldest city and home to the Acropolis with its famous Parthenon, Constitution Square and Hadrian’s Arch; the cruise also uncovers The Dardanelles, a narrow strait in Turkey that separates the Gallipoli Peninsula from mainland Asia, and extraordinary Istanbul, the world’s only two-continent metropolis.
- 11 night land tour • 12 night ocean cruise from Venice to Venice
Holland America Line Ultimate Inclusions
- Spacious Elegant Ship
- Guaranteed Outside Stateroom
- 5-star Dining
- Exploration Café – the largest at sea Library
- Daily Entertainment
- Hydro Pool
- Fitness Centre
- Thermal Suites
- Signature of Excellence Service
- Exploration Speaker Lectures
- ALL Meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner daily included on the cruise
- Overnight in Key ports for extra leisure time
- One Crew for every Two Guests
Included Scenic Enrich
- Be treated to a home hosted dinner of traditional Italian cuisine in a private family home in Sorrento
- Learn how to make wine and oil at a Tuscan farmhouse near San Gimignano then enjoy lunch
- Visit by foot and boat the famous fishing villages that make up the Cinque Terre
- Cruise across Lake Maggiore to the fishermen’s island of Isola delle Pescatore for a traditional seafood lunch
- Enjoy a romantic gondola serenade in Venice
Included Scenic FreeChoice
- Tour the Island of Capri: or cruise to the Meravigliosa and White Grottos; or take a part in an Italian cooking class in Sorrento
- Tour the Uffizi Gallery in Florence; or see the Leaning Tower of Pisa
- In Venice enjoy a private lagoon cruise; or visit the Guggenheim Museum
Included Scenic Special Stays
- The Hotel Danieli was originally a 14th century palace of Doge Dandolo’s family, today the Grand Canal location and opulence of the former palace is ours to enjoy
Included Scenic Dining
- 55 superb meals including 23 Full Breakfasts – hot and cold buffet selections (FB), 2 Highlight Lunches – two course table d’hôte (HL), 12 Lunches – buffet or daily à la carte selections (L), 4 Highlight Dinners – three course table d’hôte (HD) and 14 Dinners – three to four course table d’hôte (D)
Included Scenic FreeChoice Dining
- Enjoy Italian cuisine at your choice of one of the three superb local restaurants in Rome
Included Scenic Highlights
- Enjoy a guided visit to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica
- Visit Pompeii and see the ruins of this wealthy Roman town buried under ash for nearly 2,000 years
- Enjoy an orientation tour of San Gimignano and see the remaining 14 towers of this famous hilltop village
- Enjoy a guided tour of Siena to see the Torre della Mangia and visit the renowned Piazza del Campo
- Take a guided tour of Florence and visit the Duomo and see Giotto’s Belltower and Brunelleschi’s Dome
- Take a guided walking tour of Verona and visit the Roman arena and see Juliet’s balcony
- Enjoy a guided tour of Venice including visits to the Doges’ Palace and St.Mark’s Basilica
- Enjoy a 12 night luxury cruise sailing on Holland America Line’s ms Nieuw Amsterdam
Land Touring Exclusive inclusions
- Luxury 40 seat coach
- Small group touring experience
- Professional Tour Director
- Whisper Headsets for all walking tours
- All Tipping, Gratuities and Porterage Included
Day 1: Rome
(HD)
You will be met at Fiumicino Airport by your Scenic Tours Representative and transferred* to your centrally located hotel. (Please schedule flights to arrive before midday). Today’s Included excursion is an afternoon walking tour to see many famous sights for which Rome is renowned, including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona. Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE Dining: This evening, choose to dine at one of three superb local restaurants.
Two Night Stay: Rome
Two Night Stay: Rome
Day 2: Rome
(FB)
We begin today’s Included sightseeing at the Vatican City. See the huge wealth accumulated through the centuries during our visit to the Vatican Museums and the breathtaking Sistine Chapel. The highlights here are Michelangelo’s Last Judgement and Old Testament Frescoes. We then enter the world’s largest church – St. Peter’s Basilica, and emerge into St. Peter’s Square.
Day 3: Rome - Sorrento
(FB,HD)
This morning we leave the Eternal City and venture to Pompeii, which lay buried under tonnes of ash following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Our Included tour enables us to appreciate the incredible level of civilisation enjoyed by the ancient Romans. We continue on to Sorrento, perched dramatically on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. SCENIC ENRICH: Tonight we enjoy traditional Italian food at a home hosted dinner.
Two Night Special Stay: Sorrento
Two Night Special Stay: Sorrento
Day 4: Sorrento
(FB,L)
Today choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE activities choose: (1) a funicular ride to Capri town for a journey around the island; or (2) see the beautiful rock formations as we cruise to the Meravigliosa grotto and the White grotto before sailing through the famous Faraglioni rock to Marina Piccola bay; or (3) visit the countryside and take part in a Pizza cooking class; we travel to hills of the Sorrentine Peninsula and visit a local farm, where a family member takes us around, and reveals insights into Limoncello liqueur, fresh mozzarella cheese and olive oil production; then you’ll learn the art of making delicious Italian pizzas, topped with the farm-fresh ingredients, after which you get to eat them, of course
Day 5: Sorrento - San Gimignano
(FB,D)
We view medieval hill towns, olive groves and vineyards which characterise the central Italian landscape en-route to Tuscany. Famous red grape varieties are grown in the renowned Chianti region around Siena, which we visit. Enjoy the sights of this well-preserved medieval city including the Torre della Mangia, the Duomo and the famous heart of the town, the Piazza del Campo. We then make a short but pleasant journey to medieval San Gimignano, famous as the city of 14 towers.
Overnight Stay: San Gimignano
Overnight Stay: San Gimignano
Day 6: San Gimignano - Florence
(FB,HL)
Our Included orientation tour of San Gimignano will feature the main square, dominated by the Communal Palace and the Duomo. SCENIC ENRICH: We visit a Tuscan farmhouse where we will be shown the cantina and learn the techniques of wine and oil production used in the area. A typical rustic lunch will feature the local produce and wines. A brief journey to Florence brings us to our next centrally located hotel.
Two Night Special Stay: Florence
Two Night Special Stay: Florence
Day 7: Florence
(FB,HD)
Today we enjoy an Included guided walking tour of the city, starting at the Academy of Fine Arts to admire Michelangelo’s David. We then see the Duomo with its spectacular exterior of marble panels. A walk onto the stunning Ponte Vecchio and through Piazza della Signoria will take us back to the historic centre. SCENIC FREE CHOICE choose from one of the following Included tours: (1) an excursion to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower; or (2) take a guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery featuring works by the Italian masters. This evening we enjoy exquisite Italian cuisine in one of Florence’s finest restaurants.
Day 8: Florence - Stresa
(FB,D)
SCENIC ENRICH: A truly memorable day awaits as we journey to the Cinque Terre. We journey by rail from Manarola to Riomaggiore, then continue by boat to Monterosso, visiting stunning villages along the way. We continue through the Italian Riviera before heading to the town of Stresa, situated on the shores of Lake Maggiore.
Two Night Stay: Stresa
Two Night Stay: Stresa
Day 9: Stresa
(FB,HL)
This morning we cruise across Lake Maggiore to the Borromean Islands. On our Included tour we visit the Isola Bella, featuring outstanding gardens and the summer palace of the Borromean family. The stately residence contains priceless Lombard paintings and Flemish tapestries. SCENIC ENRICH: We continue our cruise of the tranquil waters to the tiny and picturesque fishermen’s island, Isola delle Pescatore, for a delightful traditional lunch. We cruise back to Stresa where your afternoon is at leisure.
Day 10: Stresa - Venice
(FB, HD)
We pass pine trees and rolling hills this morning as we approach Verona, famous as the home of the tragic lovers, Romeo and Juliet. With our local guide we visit the amazingly intact Roman arena, built in the first century AD and still in use. We will also see Juliet’s balcony, the Piazza Bra and the ornate tombs of the Scaligeri family. Then on to Venice – the most unique city in the world, built on 117 low-lying islands. We cruise up the Grand Canal by private motor launch past ornate Palazzos and Palladian churches to our superbly located hotel. Tonight we enjoy a highlight dinner at Antico Pignolo, a traditional restaurant located alongside one of the city’s canals.
Three Night Special Stay: Venice
Three Night Special Stay: Venice
Day 11: Venice
(FB)
With our local guide this morning we explore the stunning 17th century St. Mark’s Square with its cafés. We visit St. Mark’s Basilica with its incredible Byzantine architecture and enter the gothic Doges’ Palace, after which we view the famous Bridge of Sighs. SCENIC ENRICH experience a romantic gondola serenade, enjoy this iconic Venetian experience whilst gliding under ancient bridges amongst the breathtaking canals. Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE this afternoon choose from the one of the following tours: (1) a private lagoon island cruise; or (2) a guided tour of the Guggenheim Museum.
Day 12: Venice - Cruising
(FB,D)
Board your luxury Holland America cruise ship, the ms Nieuw Amsterdam.
Next Twelve Nights: Cruising
Next Twelve Nights: Cruising
Day 13: Venice
(FB,L,D)
Set sail into the Adriatic Sea this morning.
Day 14: At Sea
(FB,L,D)
Spend a leisurely day as you familiarise yourself with the ship’s extensive facilities or simply relax on deck.
Day 15: Katákolon (Olympia)
(FB,L,D)
The small fishing village of Katákolon is your gateway to mystical Olympus, site of the original Olympic Stadium where winners were crowned with a laurel wreath. In ancient times Olympia was a renowned place of worship, and you are still able to visit the Temple of Zeus – one of the few remaining Wonders of the Ancient World.
Day 16: Piraeus (Athens)
(FB,L,D)
The port of Piraeus is your gateway to the wonders of Athens. Perhaps explore the Acropolis with its famous Parthenon dating back to the 5th century B.C., Constitution Square, Hadrian’s Arch, the Olympic Stadium and more. Europe’s oldest city awaits with countless sights to explore at your leisure.
Day 17: The Dardanelles - Istanbul
(FB,L,D)
Today cruise through The Dardanelles, a narrow strait in north-western Turkey that separates the Gallipoli peninsula from the mainland of Asia, as we approach Istanbul. Cruising into Istanbul you will see the worlds only two-continent metropolis, the largest city in Turkey, has an incredibly rich history and culture.
Day 18: Istanbul
(FB,L,D)
There are many places you can explore in this magical city. Perhaps visit Hagia Sophia the most magnificent example of Byzantium architecture, which boasts a massive dome, a lengthy nave, and an interior decorated with precious stones and pillars from Ephesus; or Topkapi, a former palace of the Ottoman sultans and now a museum with an extraordinary collection of artefacts and jewels including the Topkapi Diamond; or the Blue Mosque, featuring six graceful minarets, whose superb interior is decorated with more than 20,000 blue Iznik tiles; and a trip to Istanbul would not be complete without wandering through the evocative Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world with over 4,000 shops.
Day 19: Mytilene (Lesbos)
(FB,L,D)
This morning we cruise into the Mytilene harbour, situated on a majestic island of Lesbos. Founded in the 11th century BC, Mytilene was part of Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, before it became part of the Kingdom of Greece in 1912. You will have an opportunity to explore Lesbos today, an authentic Island with lovely fishing villages, beautiful beaches and landscape dominated by olive groves.
Day 20: Kusadasi (Ephesus)
(FB,L,D)
Not far from the port at Kusadasi lies Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the classical world. It is home to the one remaining pillar from the Temple of Artemis – an Ancient Wonder of the World. You can also see the amphitheatre where St Paul preached to the Ephesians.
Day 21: Thira (Santorini)
(FB,L,D)
Your harbour on this island was created by a volcano in 1500 BC, and the effect is still explosive: steep cliffs rise 1,000 feet from sea level, where cubist white houses glow in the Aegean sun above black pebble beaches.
Day 22: Argostoli (Cephalonia)
(FB,L,D)
Our destination for today is Cephalonia, the largest island of the Ionians and considered to be one of the most beautiful. It is a mountainous island with impressive landscapes, dense vegetation, long golden sandy beaches, traditional villages, beautiful orthodox churches and archaeological ruins.
Day 23: At Sea
(FB,L,D)
Time today to relax on deck and make the most of your favourite pastimes on board the ship.
Day 24: Venice
(FB)
This morning you disembark from the ship and transfer* to the airport for your onward or homebound flight. (Please do not book departure flight prior to midday).
*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For guests who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.
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| Depart | Date | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2013 | from $13,360 | ||
| Sep 2013 | from $13,360 | ||
| Itinerary and departure dates subject to change. Please inquire for full details. All prices are in CAD and based on per passenger twin share. Refer to the terms and conditions. | |||
| Itinerary and departure dates subject to change. Please inquire for full details. All prices are in USD and based on per passenger twin share. Refer to the terms and conditions. | |||
At a glance
Duration
24 Days
From
$13,360
per person twin share
Dates
21 Jun 2013
On Request
01 Sep 2013
On Request
1300 SCENIC (723 642)
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