Historic Cities of Italy

Immerse yourself in the culture and history of this glorious country

Italy offers the romantic canals of Venice, the ageless beauty of the ancient Tuscan cities, the magic of hillside towns like San Gimignano and of course the Eternal City of Rome itself, still thriving despite the turmoil of its twenty-six centuries of history. This tour has been designed to introduce you to many of the towns, cities and countryside that make up this fascinating land.

There will be excursions to the magnificent cities of Pisa, Rome, Assisi and Florence as well as visits to ancient Tuscan towns such as Lucca, the birthplace of Puccini, Volterra, centre of the alabaster carving industry and Siena with its Piazza del Campo home of the legendary Palio horse race. There will be a boat excursion to Burano and Murano in the Venice Lagoon where there will be demonstrations of lace-making and glass-blowing.

Finally there will be free time in Venice to explore independently. Add to all this, the art, the beautiful landscapes, the delicious food and wine, and the vibrant and friendly people, and there can be no doubt that Italy arguably has it all.

Day One – Friday 20th May
Welcome to Pisa where are tour begins. Our campsite is very well located within walking distance of the City, its historic buildings and shops. This evening we will have a group dinner to welcome all of our guests.

Day Two – Saturday 21st May
A half day guided walking tour of Pisa which will show that there is more to the city than just the famous Leaning Tower. You will learn about the other buildings that make up the Piazza dei Miracoli, including the Duomo, Baptistry and the Camposanto. In the afternoon you will have free time to discover a little more of Pisa.

Day Three – Sunday 22nd May
Excursion to two of the smaller Tuscan towns. First we have a tour of Lucca, an ancient town that is the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini. The town is also the centre of the olive oil industry. We will then visit Volterra, a centre of the alabaster carving industry in Tuscany. There will be a group lunch.

Day Four – Monday 23rd May
Today we move to the northern suburbs of Rome. In the evening we will have a meal in the campsite restaurant. 212 miles

Day Five – Tuesday 24th May
You will be taken into Rome for a full-day walking tour. We will see the Forum, Coliseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Spanish Steps and the Palatine Museum. Lunch included.

Day Six – Wednesday 25th May
A free day

Day Seven – Thursday 26th May
We return to Rome to visit the Vatican City with its wonderful paintings and glorious treasures. We will also see St Peter’s, the Museum and the Sistine Chapel.
Day Eight – Friday 27th May

Today we turn north and drive to our site just outside Assisi.       94 Miles

Day Nine – Saturday 28th May
We will be taken into Assisi by taxi, where we will meet our guide at the Cathedral of St Francis and take a walking tour of this small but historic city. There will be free time for independent exploration before we are returned to the campsite, again by taxi.

Day Ten – Sunday 29th May
We leave Assisi this morning and drive to our next campsite just south of Florence, in Valdarno. In the evening we will have a group meal in the campsite restaurant. This site has been chosen for its excellent facilities. 92 miles

Day Eleven – Monday 30th May
Our walking tour of the Renaissance city of Florence takes place today. The city boasts many fabulous historic sites, including Michelangelo’s David, the Uffizi Gallery, the Piazza della Signoria, which is where you will find the magnificent cathedral and the timeless Ponte Vecchio with its jewellers’ shops. Possibly the most amazing sight in Florence, however, is the door to the Baptistry next to the cathedral. The wooden carvings by Ghiberti were described by Michelangelo as ‘The Gates of Paradise’. Later you will have some free time and lunch is included.

Day Twelve – Tuesday 31st May
A free day. You can return to Florence if you wish by making use of the campsites shuttle bus service. Alternatively you may wish to stay on site and enjoy the pool and its surroundings.

Day Thirteen – Wednesday 1st June
Today we will be taken to the perfect medieval city of Siena and we will see the Piazza del Campo, site of the old Roman forum, where the famous Palio horse race is held each year. In the afternoon we will visit the walled town of San Gimignano, famed for its hilltop towers. Lunch included.

Day Fourteen – Thursday 2nd June
We drive north again today to our campsite on the beach near Lido di Jesolo. This site is one of the best in Italy with large, shaded pitches and excellent facilities including a supermarket, bar and restaurant. It is a short bus ride away from the ferries into Venice. We will stay here for four nights. 208 miles

Day Fifteen – Friday 3rd June
An early start today as we are taken by coach to Traporti where our guide for the morning will join us and we will board our boat to Burano. Here we will see the lace-making traditionally associated with the island and its colourful buildings. We then continue by boat to Murano where we will see a demonstration of glass-blowing. The boat will take us to Venice where the rest of the afternoon is free for independent shopping and sightseeing until we meet back at the boat for our return to Traporti and then by coach to the campsite.

Day Sixteen – Saturday 4th June
A free day – this will give you the opportunity to return to Venice by using the local bus/boat transport.

Day Seventeen – Sunday 5th June
A free day. You can return to Venice or stay on site and use the fabulous facilities. In the evening we will have our Farewell Dinner at the campsite restaurant.

Day Eighteen – Monday 6th June
The tour ends this morning. You may make your way to Calais at your own pace or make use of your flexible ferry ticket to extend your stay. If the Tour Directors are returning to Calais you may accompany them by a route and timings of their choice. The Company’s liability ends this morning, and all subsequent costs incurred are your responsibility.

PRICE

Motorhome with 2 people = £0000 per person
Motorhome with 1 person = £0000

DEPOSIT £000

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 17 Campsite nights with hook-ups
• All transfers required for the excursions unless stated otherwise
• Tour Information Pack with suggested routes
• Services of experienced Tour Directors travelling in their own motorhome

• Excursions & Events

• Guided tour of Pisa
• Excursion to Lucca & Volterra + Guide
• Excursion to Rome + Guide
• Excursion to the Vatican + Guide
• Guided tour of Assisi
• Excursion to Florence + Guide
• Excursion to San Gim & Sienna + Guide
• Venice and the Islands – Boat/coach + Guide

• Meals

• Four Lunches
• Four Dinners

This tour starts in Pisa, but if you would like to travel on the outward journey at the same time as the Tour Directors, please book the optional tour package so that everything can be arranged on your behalf

OPTIONAL EXTRA PACKAGE

• Return Dover/Calais Ferry with 60 day Flexible Ticket + Club Class Lounge
• Four additional camping nights with electric hook-up at Kent, France, Germany, Switzerland
• Dinner at the campsite in Germany
• Tour information pack with suggested routes
• Services of Tour Directors travelling in their own motorhome

OPTIONAL PACKAGE PRICE

Motorhome with 2 people = £000 per person
Motorhome with 1 person = £000