Designers of Discerning Holidays
Designers of Discerning Holidays
Plan your Holiday
Destination Country:
|
|
Regions/Cities include:
|
Activities include:
|
Escorted ex Auckland. Airfare included. Packed to rafters with history, architecture, cuisine and culture - not to mention cooking lessons, truffle hunting, vineyards, a Medieval Festival, and a 7 night cruise around the Dalmatian Islands.
Saturday 29th Aug | Depart Auckland
We depart from Auckland and fly through to Italy.
Sunday 30th Aug | Vicopisano, Tuscany (D)
On arrival in Pisa we’ll meet our hosts Massimo & Jon and transfer to the village of Vicopisano. This small Brunelleschi medieval village is fortified by walls and towers and is located between the Arno river and Monte Pisano slopes - the perfect place to base ourselves in Tuscany. This evening enjoy an aperitivo and supper in the piazza.
Our accommodation for the next 10 nights is Villa Lenzi. The villa is set in landscaped gardens on a Linden tree avenue leading in to the village of Vicopisano. There are six spacious ensuite bedrooms and a well-equipped kitchen and lounge opening out to a huge patio just perfect for entertaining. Beautiful views of olive clad hills and Tuscany’s quintessential Cypress trees.
Monday 31st Aug | Vicopisano (B,T,L,D)
After an easy start to the day, we venture out to the local olive mill for an oil tasting and light lunch.
This evening we’ll dine “under the stars” at a local restaurant.
Tuesday 01st Sep | Pisa (B,D)
Ride the local bus to Pisa where we have a guided walking tour of the city and time to climb the famous Leaning Tower for a fabulous view of this picturesque city. This evening roll up your sleeves and learn to make an authentic pizza at the local pizzeria.
Wednesday 02nd Sep | Volterra & San Gimignano (B,L)
Today we visit two stunning Tuscan hilltop towns. San Gimignano is famous for its central piazza and medieval houses & towers just perfect for a gentle stroll around; and Volterra a walled town with the fabulous Palazzo dei Priori with its medieval frescoes and a bell tower with expansive views. In between towns we’ll enjoy a tasty Tuscan farm lunch at a vineyard.
Thursday 03rd Sep | Cinque Terre (B)
We have a big day out – heading off early by car to La Spezia where we board a boat. The Cinque Terre is famous for 5 colourful villages perched on the Cliffside of the Ligurian Sea. Today we aim to visit Porto Venere, Monterosso, and Vernazza where there will be time in each village for exploring the narrow streets, admiring the architecture and views, having a swim, eating lunch etc.
Friday 04th Sep | Livorno (B,D)
We’re in for a relaxing treat today as we spend a good part of the day at an Etruscan Thermal Spa which features indoor and outdoor pools. Optional spa treatments will be available to book. We’ll have some time to explore the port city of Livorno known for its Renaissance-era fortifications and modern harbour which opens onto the canal-laced Venezia Nuova quarter. Watch the sunset over an aperitivo and dinner in Livorno before returning home.
Saturday 05th Sep | Florence (B,D)
Tuscany’s capital city is blessed with many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture which we will admire on a guided walking tour. We’ll also visit one of its most iconic sights - the Duomo, a cathedral with a terracotta-tiled dome engineered by Brunelleschi and a bell tower by Giotto. The Galleria dell'Accademia displays Michelangelo’s “David” sculpture. The Uffizi Gallery exhibits Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and da Vinci’s “Annunciation. Our guide will also introduce us to the joys of Italian shopping - if you’re in the market for some genuine Italian Leather and Gold, this is the place to buy. Finish off the day with dinner in Florence.
Sunday 06th Sep | Lucca & Medieval Festival (B,D)
In the morning we will explore the cobbled streets of Lucca known for the well-preserved Renaissance walls encircling its historic centre. Broad, tree-lined pathways along the tops of these massive 16th and 17th century ramparts are popular for walking and cycling and the shopping is pretty good here too. This evening will be a highlight as we join the Vicopisano locals at the annual Medieval Festival to celebrate their traditions with re-enactments, music and food. The Middle Ages continue to be kept alive!
Monday 07th Sep | Truffle Hunting (B,L)
This morning we go hunting for the mysterious truffle. Together with a master truffle dog and guide, we venture into the woods of Savaia following the dog on an exciting ramble. After this exertion, we will no doubt be ready for a delicious lunch allowing us to taste local products with fresh truffle paired with a selection of wines from the area – an unforgettable experience for nature, wine & food lovers.
Tue 08th Sep | Cooking class (B,D)
Free morning. Our final afternoon will be filled with laughs as we loving put together an authentic Italian meal under the tuition of Mama. Our Tuscan adventure is topped off with a “ciao ciao” dinner which we prepared.
Wed 09th Sep | Vicopisano - Venice (B)
We say Addio to our hosts and take a train from Pontedera to Venice. You will no doubt be buzzing as we get our first glimpse of this fascinating city as we wind our way through the canals to our hotel by water taxi. Check in and freshen up before a meander through the streets and enjoy a gondola ride – the perfect way to appreciate the beauty, charm and colour of this unique city built on water.
Thu 10th Sep | Murano – Burano – Torcello (B)
This morning we will discover the true charm of Venice with our local guide. Starting from St Mark’s Square, we learn the history of its main monuments and have a “skip the line” entry to San Marco Basilica where we will view the fabulous Golden Altarpiece. We’ll also visit Saint John & Paul Church - one of the largest churches in the city where many doges (chief magistrates) are buried. This afternoon we sail to the Venetian islands by private boat. Murano is known throughout the world for its glass manufacturing industry and we visit a factory to see glass blowing. We then continue to the picturesque island of Burano, famous for its lace and brightly coloured fishermens houses. Finally, we visit Torcello, the earliest centre of civilisation in the estuary to see the Cathedral and the Church of Santa Fosca.
Fri 11th Sep | Venice (B)
Free day to enjoy Venice at your leisure.
Sat 12th Sep | Italy to Croatia (B,D)
Transfer by road from Venice across to Zagreb today. This evening we join other guests on this part of our tour at one of Zagreb’s most loved restaurants.
Sun 13th Sep | Zagreb - Ljubljana (B,D)
Zagreb is home to a mix of 18th and 19th century buildings with many charming parks, squares and city markets. Discover the city’s main sights then continue to Ljubljana. This lively city features a gorgeous pedestrian only Baroque Old Town nestled at the foot of Castle Hill. Dinner at the hotel.
Mon 14th Sep | Ljubljana - Bled - Radovljica - Ljubljana (B,L)
Lake Bled ranks among the most beautiful alpine resorts. Enjoy a Pletna boat ride to Bled Island. Continue to the medieval castle perched high on a cliff top for a memorable lunch. Stop in Radovljica for a stroll through this magical little town. Return to Ljubljana for an evening at leisure.
Tue 15th Sep | Ljubljana - Postojna - Predjama - Momjan - Pore? (B,T,D)
See the subterranean world of the Postojna caves by train. Photo stop at Predjama Castle, followed by a wine tasting at one of Croatia’s best wineries. Arrive to Pore?, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Euphrasius Basilica from the 6th century AD. Dinner at the hotel this evening.
Wed 16th Sep | Pore? - Rovinj - Motovun - Livade - Pore? (B,L,T)
The seaside town of Rovinj is one of the most romantic towns on the Mediterranean, with its cobbled streets, squares and picturesque buildings. Proceed to the medieval hilltop town of Motovun. Lunch today is in Livade where you will experience a tasting of local truffles. Return to Pore? for an afternoon at leisure.
Thu 17th Sep | Pore? - Pula - Vodnjan - Opatija - Rastoke - Plitvice Lakes (B,T,D)
Depart for Plitvice, en-route see Pula and its impressive Roman Amphitheatre followed by a visit to a renowned family producer of olive oil. Continue to Opatija, the old playground of the Austro-Hungarian nobility. Overnight in Plitvice Lakes and enjoy dinner at the hotel. (B, T, D)
Fri 18th Sep | Plitvice Lakes - Zadar - Split (B,D)
The beauty of the Plitvice Lakes lies in its 16 lakes inter-connected by a series of waterfalls. Discover the National park before continuing to Zadar. Zadar dates back to Roman times, see its beautiful promenade Sea Organ & Greetings to the Sun. Overnight in Split this evening. Dinner is at the hotel.
Sat 19th Sep | Split (B,D)
After breakfast enjoy some free time before joining your small ship for a 7-night cruise. See Split’s historic centre including Diocletian Palace, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to your vessel for a Welcome Reception & Cocktail.
Sun 20th Sep | Split - Bol – Hvar (B,L)
Cruise to Bra? Island for a swim stop at the famous Zlatni Rat beach near Bol. Continue to the Pakleni Islands for onboard lunch break. Arrive to Hvar Town for a short presentation of lavender products and walking tour. This evening you are free to explore the dining and nightlife possibilities.
Mon 21st Sep | Hvar - Biševo (Blue Cave) - Vis (B,L,T)
Cruise to Biševo and the Blue Cave, a natural phenomenon of colour and light, note the visit is weather dependent. Continue to the charming Island of Vis and upon arrival try some exquisite wines at a local winery. Remainder of your day is free to explore.
Tue 22nd Sep | Vis - Kor?ula (B,L)
Early morning departure to Kor?ula Island with a stop for lunch in a secluded bay. Discover Kor?ula, an enchanting medieval town surrounded by stone walls. Later enjoy free time or take an optional excursion to a local village.
Wed 23rd Sep | Kor?ula - Mljet (B,L,D)
Arrive to the Mljet Island. See the famous saltwater lakes in the National Park and enjoy a boat ride to St Mary Isle to visit an ancient Benedictine monastery, an old abbey and a church from the 12th century. Alternatively, you can rent kayaks, bicycles, scooters or convertible cars. Dinner onboard.
Thu 24th Sep | Mljet - Slano - Ston - Slano (B,L,T,D)
Depart to Slano a peaceful fishermen’s village and the starting point to Ston, another, once fortified small town, famous for its oysters. Visit an oyster farm to learn more about oysters and for a taste of this delicious treat. Transfer to the ship for Captain’s farewell dinner with entertainment & music.
Fri 25th Sep | Slano - Dubrovnik (B,L)
Discover Dubrovnik and its breathtaking fortified city, it is often referred to as ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic’. Enjoy a lunch cruise along the Dubrovnik City Walls before docking in Gruž Port. Transfer to the Old Town for walking tour, followed by a cable car ride to Mount Sr? for scenic views of city and Elaphiti Islands.
Sat 26th Sep | Dubrovnik (B)
Say Dovidenja to your crew and fellow travellers and transfer to Dubrovnik Airport for your flight home.
Monday 28th Sep | arrive Auckland
DATES | PRICE
29 Aug - 28 Sep 2020 | Tuscany, Venice, Slovenia, Croatia | $17,945 pp twin share
29 Aug - 12 Sep 2020 | Tuscany & Venice only | $10,245 pp twin share
12 Sep – 28 Sep 2020 | Slovenia & Croatia only | $9,895 pp twin share
PRICE INCLUDES:
PRICE EXCLUDES:
© 2019 Travel For Solos | All Rights Reserved | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
Website by WebSpring: web design NZ
