Travel Review: Review of Family trip to Italy - 16 days

DAY 1
Arrival into Malpensa Airport. Private Minivan Transfer from MXP Airport to the Hotel Felice Casati - On arrival at Malpensa Airport please collect your luggage and make your way through customs and into the Arrivals hall where the driver will await you with a sign saying HINES. – Enjoy a leisurely transfer from the airport to the hotel...

Check into the Hotel Felice Casati where you have 1 Double Room and 1 Triple Room reserved for 1 night including breakfast, service and taxes
The Hotel Felice Casati is well located in the heart of the City of Milan near Corso Buenos Aires. The property offers the advantage of offering a pleasurable stay in the most convenient of locations. Our aim is to offer a modernized hotel in line with the customers’ requirements. Consequently, our continuous renewals allow us to reach high quality standards and a particular attention is given to our customers’ needs. You can reach in a few minutes, by feet or by subway, the main interest areas of the city. The subway station “Porta Venezia” is only 500 feet far from the hotel. The Central railway Station is also nearby.

The hotel has 99 rooms. They have all been remodelled, equipped with all comforts and divided in Standard and Superior rooms, both smoking and no-smoking. All the rooms have mini-bar, air conditioning, sat TV, telephone, bath or shower.

Time at leisure to enjoy Milano on own
In addition to the great monuments in Milan, such as the cathedral and the castle, there is a host of varied and interesting museums, churches, and civic buildings, which provide an enthralling mix of old and new. This chic and busy metropolis offers plenty of opportunities for cultural activities, gastronomic adventures, designer fashion shopping, or just strolling about, Milan-style.

Designer Fashion in Milan – Italians are famous for the attention they pay to their self-image, and here in Milan, Italian chic can be seen in the cluster of top-name shops that occupy the Quadrilatero, the Parallelogram of streets delineated by Via Montenapoleone, Via Sant’Andrea, Via della Spiga, and Via Borgospesso. Unlike the Paris fashion scene, which concentrates on flamboyant, often outrageous new designs for women, Milan is more understated in its stylishness: well cut suits, elegant accessories, chic but wearable shoes. In a sense the Quadrilatero merely reflects an upscale version of the fashions seen in the streets of any town in Italy; the values of style and comfort are the same, but the astronomical prices serve as a reminder that this is the shopping terrain of the glamorous and very well heeled.

Dinner at Leisure in one of Milano’s Restaurants – see IC Bellagio Recommended Restaurants Collection for ideas

DAY 2

Enjoy this morning a wonderful introduction to one of Europe’s most amazing cities with your very own local expert guide..
This tour is a wonderful introduction to the history of fashion and design of both the Milanese and Italy in General, the Windows of the Fashion Area of Milan including the famous streets of Via Montenapoleone, Via Sant’Andrea, Via della Spiga e Via del Gesù, visit of the Zucchi collection of Antiques hand blocks which is located near to the Cathedral or the famous Alessi products (in Rinascente) with a brief history of the company and its products. We will also visit the Museum of the La Scala Opera House with its portraits and new costumes section. La Scala Theatre is considered to be one of the world’s most famous opera houses has a beautiful theatre museum which was founded in 1913 and which boasts a fine collection of sculpture, original scores, paintings and costumes relating to the history of La Scala as well as of theatre in general. (tour duration: 3 hours)

Transfer to the train station (own arrangement). Train tickets from Milano to Venice (first class and seat reservation). Private water taxi transfer from Venice train station to Venice hotel with assistant. Enjoy a leisure transfer to the hotel…

Check into the Hotel Ala where you have 1 Double Superior Room and 1 Triple Room reserved for 2 nights including breakfast, service and taxes
This hotel is a wonderful find in Venice…Literally 4 mins walk from St. Marks Square the hotel is well positioned on a small square just 100 yards from the Grand Canal in a quiet location. The staff here are very friendly and extremely helpful – Rooms are not huge but pleasant, comfortable, well furnished and the bathrooms are pleasant however they are not spacious. Hotel is very well priced and breakfast is buffet style and plentiful…

Official Description: The hotel is in the heart of Venice, a short walk from St. Mark's Square, the Academy of Fine Arts, the Fenice theatre, Palazzo Grassi and Ca' Rezzonico. Decidedly among the most outstanding of 3 star hotels in Venice.

What is now Hotel Ala was in fact a proprietarily house, of which historical traces exist from the early eighteenth century, as can be seen on paintings, including one by Canaletto. The building was made into a hotel only in the 1960s and it has been managed by the Salmaso family for over 15 years

All of the rooms have every modern comfort, equipped with air conditioning, mini-bar, safety box, direct telephone, satellite TV, interactive TV and Pay-TV (you can choose among a lot of movies), hairdryer, orthopaedic beds. Regularly renovated, they are decorated in both a modern and functional style and in lacquered Venetian baroque style. Moreover some rooms are provided with Jacuzzi Also available are the "Antonia" Junior Suite, a beautiful and spacious attic room. The hotel does have Non Smoking Rooms available which should be requested at the time of booking – Hotel is air conditioned.

Time at leisure to enjoy Venice on own
Rising from the waters of the Venetian lagoons like a mirage, Venice, the city of canals is unlike any other. A romantic maze of alleys, waterways, silent squares, beautiful majestic palaces, Venice rarely fails to engage the imagination. Whether you are seeking to follow in the foot steps of Vivaldi, Titian or Marco Polo or enjoy a private art collection, learn all about the gondolas and masks, climb the Campanile for brilliant birds’ eye views or simply explore and enjoy the beautiful shops which line the streets and canals of Venice, there really is something for everyone here.

Dinner at Leisure in one of Venice’s Restaurants – see IC Bellagio Recommended Restaurants Collection for ideas

DAY 3

The perfect introduction to one of Europe’s most unique cities..

Meeting our guide in the hotel lobby enjoy a stroll to the very heart of Venice, the St. Marks Area of Venice. During the short walk to St. Marks Square we will not only experience the atmosphere of Venice and wonders of this unique city but we will start to understand the city, what it offers, how the people live here and how they cope with 30,000 visitors per day. On arrival in St. Marks Square we will enjoy both the Square including the Basilica and Doges Palace as well as the area surrounding the square. Following the tour enjoy a wonderful introduction to other parts of Venice by your guide who will also give you some great shopping and lunch suggestions and ideas for enjoying Venice to the full for the remainder of your time here. (Tour Duration with Guide: 3,5 hours).

Lunch and Afternoon at leisure to enjoy Venice on own…

Dinner reservation at the Aciugheta restaurant – payment for dinner directly to the restaurant
The Aciugheta, well-known in town for its excellent selection of wines, is also mentioned in all the national and international guides for the great variety of "cicheti" (bite-sized snacks and appetizers such as meat-balls, small stuffed peppers and freshly baked pizzette with anchovies) that can be tasted at the counter. Should you prefer to sit down for a while, you may linger at one of the tables in the open-air terrace and try our pizzas (the one with freshly chopped tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella is really delicious) and many other tempting local speciality. Casual atmosphere.

DAY 4

Private water taxi transfer with assistant from Venice hotel to Venice airport. Flight to Olbia (own arrangement)

Private minivan transfer from Olbia airport to your hotel in the

Check into the Hotel Baja Bianca where you have 1 Double Room and 1 Triple Room reserved for 3 nights including breakfast, service and taxes
Baja Bianca Club Hotel is situated in the North-east coast of Sardinia, in the middle of the Protected Sea-Area of Tavolara-Capo Coda Cavallo: it is the entrance key to an enchanting and complex island where nature, mistery and tradition exist all together.

Time at leisure to enjoy Sardinia on own

Dinner at the hotel

DAY 5

Day Completely at leisure to enjoy Sardinia on own..

DAY 6

Day Completely at leisure to enjoy Sardinia on own..

Dinner at the hotel

DAY 7

Check out of the hotel and settle incidentals account..

Private minivan transfer from your hotel to Olbia airport..

Flight to Bologna (own arrangement). Private minivan transfer from Bologna airport to Bologna hotel

Check into the Hotel Orologio where you have 1 Double Room and 1 Triple Room reserved for 4 nights including breakfast, service and taxes
This hotel has a wonderful location in the heart of the historical centre next the Civic Watch Tower, from which the hotel takes its name. The Hotel has 34 rooms and is located in the heart of the historical centre of Bologna surrounded by the cities most famous monuments. The building dates back to the beginning of the century and has been recently fully restored offering the highest comfort level to its guests.

Like all Bologna Art Hotels, this hotel offers a wonderful full fresh breakfast buffet daily not to mention well equipped rooms with all modern comforts such as fast line internet connection, direct dial telephone, mini-bar, air conditioning, safety deposit box to mention a few of its commodities.

Amenities

• Bicycles at disposal free of charge for use during time in Bologna
• Free Wireless Connection
• Free Internet
• Booking Service for “Teatro Comunale” and major shows in Bologna

Time at leisure to explore Bologna on own
The Historic City Centre of Bologna is a handsome ensemble of brick buildings and charming porticoed streets. Medieval palaces are clustered around the two central squares, Piazza Maggiore and Piazza del Nettuno, flanked to the south by the churches of San Petronio and San Domenico. Here too, is the venerable Archiginnasio, part of the University of Bologna, one of the oldest universities in Europe. The skyline is etched by the Asinelli and Garisenda towers, and by the campanile of Santo Stefano.

Dinner at Leisure in one of Bologna’s Restaurants – see IC Bellagio Recommended Restaurants Collection for ideas

DAY 8

Today we will enjoy a very special introduction to the World Of Motor Mania with our driver and local expert guide….
Enjoy a very special visit to the Motor Companies in the area – the choice is yours – Ferrari, Duscati, Lamborghini, Maserati and Minardi or you may prefer the private collections of Righini, Panini, Maranello Rosso and Stanguellini your choice …(tour duration 6 hours)

Dinner at Leisure in one of Bologna’s Restaurants – see IC Bellagio Recommended Restaurants Collection for ideas

DAY 9

Enjoy a wonderful introduction to the most amazing gastronomic fare in the one of the most important ‘food cities’ of Italy with your local expert guide..
Today we will enjoy a gentle stroll through the Medieval market and under the history, art and traditions linked to the ever so important ‘Foods of Bologna’. As we head through the streets we will be introduced to a traditional bakery and pasta maker and the Tortellini and Tagliatelle of Bologna. Beccari’s Salsamenteria where were will learn about the history of the mortadella from the 3rd Century BC to present times. A traditional Chocolate Makers stop is a must on any itinerary not to mention a typical Bolognese Osteria where we have the perfect introduction to the fun loving side of the world’s oldest university. (Tour duration: 3 hours)

Afternoon at leisure to enjoy Bologna on own

Dinner at Leisure in one of Bologna’s Restaurants – see IC Bellagio Recommended Restaurants Collection for ideas

DAY 10

Where better to Learn how to make pasta and the famous Pasta Dishes than the gastronomic city of Bologna – your local guide and ‘sfogline’ will give you a wonderful introduction to this age old craft…
Today we will enjoy a demonstration and the skill of the traditional pasta makers (Sfogline) of Bologna. As our guide opens up an entirely new world to us with her explanation, we will enjoy the skill and patience of these ladies as they work the pasta and introduce us to the secrets of making and rolling out and general preparation of the pasta before it becomes Tortellini, Tagliatelle or Lasagne – Bologna’s most famous pasta dishes.

Afternoon at leisure to enjoy Bologna on own

Dinner at Leisure in one of Bologna’s Restaurants – see IC Bellagio Recommended Restaurants Collection for ideas

DAY 11

Private transfer from Bologna to Florence stopping in Modena en.route for a visit to one of the famous “Acetaie” with Driver/Guide (total stopping time 2 hours tasting not included)

Check into the Residenza Casanuova where you have 1 Double Deluxe Room and 1 Triple Room reserved for 2 nights including breakfast, service and taxes
This property is very much your home from home in Florence. The Residenza Casanuova occupies the entire second floor of the building structure commonly known as Palazzetto Boboli-Ottolenghi di Vallepiana, that was designed by the famous architect David Feruzzi back in 1871. The property is a very large, comfortable apartment which has been property of the Casanuova-Gori family since 1955 and completely restored and made into a Bed and Breakfast in 2005.

Guests who arrive here are personally welcomed by Massimiliano and Beatrice Gori who offers their clients exquisite Bed and Breakfast accommodations. This property has only five rooms, all of the five rooms are complete with: Private bathrooms, hair dryers, Air conditioning and Heating individually controlled, stocked refrigerator, safe deposit box, Kettle for preparing tea or coffee, Mini-bar, Satellite Television, Direct phone line and PC Plug with Broadband Internet Connection.

Time at leisure to enjoy Florence on own…
Florence is a vast and beautiful monument to the Renaissance, the artistic and cultural reawakening of the 15th century. Writers such as Dante, Petrach and Machiavelli contributed to its proud literary heritage, but it was the paintings and sculptures of artists such as Botticelli, Michelangelo and Donatello that turned the city into one of the worlds greatest artistic capitals.

Dinner at Leisure in one of Florence’s Restaurants – see IC Bellagio Recommended Restaurants Collection for ideas

DAY 12

Enjoying the ‘Complete’ Introduction to the Highlights of Florence with your local expert guide and driver..
The best way to see Florence in a day! We begin with a private car and driver at your disposal for three hours to see the highlights of the city, including The Academy of Fine Arts, with The David and other sculptures by Michelangelo. Visit Santa Croce, the Franciscan church where Michelangelo is buried, along with Galileo, Rossini and Macchiavelli. Here are also splendid works of Giotto, Donatello and Brunelleschi. Also, enjoy the splendid views from the hills above town as we stop up at San Miniato al Monte, a lovely Romanesque church.

At the end of the three hours, our driver will leave us in the Signoria Square. Here, we shall have a short break, perhaps at the fashionable Cafe Rivoire, before a tour of the nearby Gallery of the Uffizi to see the highlights of Renaissance masterpieces in painting in a setting that once served as the offices, or administrative headquarters, for the Medici, when they ruled Tuscany as the Grand- dukes. (total tour duration with guide: 5 hours – duration touring with car/driver service: 3 hours)

Afternoon free for shopping and independent exploring.

Dinner reservation at the ever special Cavolo Nero restaurant – payment for dinner directly to the restaurant
Away from the crowds, in the part of the city that is associated with artisans, antiques, and wonderful little restaurants, you find “Cavolo Nero”. The restaurant’s look is contemporary and warmly furnished with soft and romantic lighting. It offers a particularly charming courtyard where to sit and enjoy lunch or dinner during the spring & summer months . This restaurant is a particular favourite of ours, as we consider it not only to be a hidden gem but also because, no matter what the season or whether we are talking Pasta, Main Course or Dessert, the service, presentation and actual dishes themselves are always excellent. Cosy atmosphere.

DAY 13

Private minivan transfer from Florence hotel to Florence train station. Train tickets from Florence to Rome. Transfer from Rome train station to Rome hotel. (own arrangement)

Check into the Hotel Canada where you have 1 Double Deluxe Room and 1 Triple Room reserved for 3 nights including breakfast, service and taxes
The hotel Canada has long been a favourite with IC Bellagio guests due to its location, very friendly atmosphere, well laid out and furnished rooms – in particular the superior rooms and the good value for money that this centrally located Rome hotel offers…Bathrooms are not huge but a good size and very clean and pleasant.

Official Description: The Hotel Canada is located in an elegant palatian building, situated in the heart of Rome is the result of generations of experienced hoteliers and a tradition of hospitality, which is renewed every day. The building itself dates back to 1870 and was once used to house officials of the nearby castle. Nowadays the Hotel has 70 rooms, each of the floors is decorated following its own colour scheme and with beautiful period furniture giving the impression of being in a noble private residence.

Time at leisure to enjoy Rome own
The first settlements in the Region can be traced back to the Early Etruscan Civilization in Northern Lazio. Rome grew to rule a vast empire and, as the empire began to divide, the region became the center of the Christian World. Artists and Architects flocked to work for the popes and their families, notably in the Renaissance and Baroque periods, when some magnificent works were created. There legacy of this uninterrupted history can be seen all over the city and the surrounding area.

Vatican City, the world capital of Catholicism, is the world’s smallest state. It occupies 106 acres within high walls watched over by the Vatican Swiss Guards. It was the sit where St. Peter was martyred (cAD64) and buried, and it became the residence of the popes who succeeded him. The papal palaces, next to the great basilica of St. Peter’s, are home to the Sistine Chapel and the eclectic collections of the Vatican Museums, as well as being the residence of the Pope.

Early Dinner reservation at the beautiful Antica Trattoria Tritone– payment for dinner directly to the restaurant
We love this restaurant for so many reasons. The welcome that you receive matches the friendly, relaxed atmosphere and service that you will experience during your meal. The Trattoria itself is extremely attractive with the roof vaults and historical pieces found during a recent restaurant open have been cleaned and are completely for the viewing and enjoyment of guests. These very important ‘findings’ are now very much protected by the Italian Historical Arts Society. Moving onto what you can enjoy here, the Wine List is Varied and full of the most Important and Prestigious Italian Wines as well as the good lesser known wines – the waiters can give you some wonderful advice. The portions served here are plentiful without being overwhelming and for those interested in Italian Cuisine you can enjoy watching your meal being prepared as the kitchen is in full view of the seating area of the Trattoria. Dishes offered here at the Trattora Tritone are principally traditional Roman Dishes. Whether you choose to eat inside enjoying a part of history or outside enjoying this small ‘green area full of flowers’ in the heart of the historical centre, the restaurant is located just a short distance from the Trevi Fountain and Spanish steps, we are quite sure you will enjoy the food and service and atmosphere at the Trattoria Tritone just as much as we do…

Enjoy the beautiful Monuments of Rome this evening with your local expert guide and driver..
This tour takes in some of the most beautiful areas and monuments of Rome. From Piazza Venezia we will head to the hills of Campidoglio – the actual Piazza del Campidoglio where Michelangelo designed both the geometric paving and the facades of the building. One of the most beautiful buildings in the square is the Palazzo Senatorio which was used by the Rome Senate from about 12th century – this building now houses the offices of the mayor. From the beautiful panoramic terrace of the Campidoglio we can enjoy a visual tour of the Roman Forum which is even more impressive and spectacular in the evenings. Following the Via dei Fori Imperiali we arrive at another one of Rome’s wonders – the Colosseum – commissioned by the Emperor Vespasian in AD 72. From the Colosseum we head along the Tevere River to the Piazza San Pietro, one of Rome’s most impressive and spectacular monuments. Our tour ends with a wish and a penny at the unforgettable Trevi Fountain. A wonderful way to enjoy some of Rome’s most beautiful and important monuments. (tour duration 3 hours)

DAY 14

Enjoy a very special day with your driver to head south to the beautiful Campania Region and take a step back in time with your local expert guide to enjoy the famous archaeological site of Pompeii … This very special day will take us south through the heart of the Lazio Region and down into the beautiful Campania Region to take a step back in time to the Roman Empire as we explore the amazing site of Pompeii with our local expert guide. Following the tour of Pompeii with the guide, enjoy time at leisure for a light lunch in the heart of the town of Pompeii before returning to Rome with your driver (Tour duration: 10 hours – Time with Guide in Pompeii 3 hours).

Dinner at Leisure in one of Rome’s Restaurants – see IC Bellagio Recommended Restaurants Collection for ideas

DAY 15

Enjoy a very special introduction to the amazing highlights of Imperial Rome with your local expert guide and driver..
A great way to see and enjoy the highlights of Imperial Rome. On this tour we will visit the valley of the Roman Forum. We see the inside of the Senate and the inside of the Basilica of Constantine. From the outside we will see the other ruins (temples, basilicas, Reggia, etc.,). We will walk the Via Sacra to the Arch of Tito and enjoy the Colosseum both externally and from the inside. We then head to the Basilica of St. Peter in Chains to see the Holy Chains of St. Peter and the Moses carved by Michelangelo!!! Not to mention the Vittoriano (otherwise known as the Wedding Cake). The tour ends with a panoramic drive past Circus Maximus, Aventino Hill and the Palatino Hill. (tour duration: 3 hours)

Break for lunch at leisure- your guide will have great suggestion for your lunch

This Afternoon we will enjoy a very special introduction to the Vatican City and its amazing history, highlights and hidden gems with our local expert guide….
Our Vatican experience will take us on the most amazing journey through the Vatican Museums, our entrances into which have been prearranged, and into the most beautiful and famous chapels in the world, the Sistine Chapel. As we stroll through these amazing buildings we will not only learn about the beginning, the construction, the way of life of the locals here and the amazing power that this tiny state holds but also about the effect it has on and the relationship with neighbouring Italy. From the Sistine Chapel, along with our local expert guide we will continue our ‘voyage through the Vatican’ by entering the ever majestic Basilica of St. Peters and discovering the secrets of one of the worlds most beautiful Basilica’s before heading out into the Piazza to discover one of the Vatican city’s most magical places…. (tour duration: 4 Hours) – Taxis to/from Vatican not included

Important: entrances to Vatican are ON REQUEST and can be confirmed only one month prior to tour.

Farewell to Italy Dinner reservation at the Tre Scalini restaurant– payment for dinner directly to the restaurant
This is a great restaurant in superb location on the Piazza Navona which is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. A warm welcome always awaits you as does a great selection of National and local Roman dishes. The menu is varied as is the wine list and you are just as welcome here whether choosing the Ristorante Tre Scalini for a leisurely aperitif as you are should you wish to enjoy a special meal. The atmosphere is smart.

DAY 16

Private Minivan transfer from Rome hotel to Fiumicino airport for your departure flight. Enjoy a leisurely transfer to the airport…

Buon Viaggio!