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SPRINGTIME IN THE ITALIAN COUNTRYSIDE
The region of Lazio, best known for its capital Rome, is rich in natural beauty, ancient sites and historical significance. The base for this tour is the resort town of Fiuggi. Located just 50 miles southeast of Rome in the mountains, this spa is the perfect point from which to visit the area.
Tour includes: 9 nights in 4 star hotels. airport transfers, excursions as described and professional guides.
Day 1 Depart USA for Rome
Day 2 Arrive Rome, transfer to Fiuggi. Check in at hotel and enjoy a welcome lunch and time for a rest. In the afternoon we will visit the "old town" of Fiuggi, travleing back through time as we view its medieval origins and turn of the century architecture. Dinner is on your own at one of the many restaurants serving regional cuisine.
Day 3 This morning we will visit the ancient towns of "Ciociaria" ( the name of this region). These three towns are all within 15 k. First Anagni- the City of the Popes, with its 12th Cent. cathedral and frescoed crypt- played an important role medieval church history. Next is Fumone, a perfectly preserved jewel, important for its role as a signal station during the Barbarian Invasions. Finally we visit Alatri with its mammoth walls and acropolis from the 7th Century B.C. Return to Fiuggi for the evening and dinner in our hotel.
Day 4 Today we will visit Rome. First a guided tour of the Vatican Museum including the Sistine Chapel followed by a tour of St Peter's Basilica. After lunch on your own you will be free to explore the Eternal City. Return to Fiuggi and the hotel for dinner.
Day 5 Our morning tour takes us to the 13th Cent. Abbey of Casamari. Built on the ruins of the Roman General Caius Marius' home, the Abbey dates from the 12th Cent. Is is one of the finest examples of Cistercian gothic architecture in Italy. From here we procced to the town of Veroli perched on a mountainside nearby. We will visit the town and have lunch in in a restaurant there. We return to Fiuggi for the evening and dinner in our hotel.
Day 6 Today we will visit the Roman ruins of the city of Ostia Antica. Once the primary port of Rome, the city was abandoned when the Tiber River filled with silt and access to Rome was lost. Afterwards we will visit the wine region of Rome, the Castelli Romani. Lunch will be on your own in one of the towns where you will be able to sample the famous "porchetta", roast pork, a tradition in the Roman countryside. Return to Fiuggia and our hotel for dinner.
Day 7 This morning you will be free to relax in Fiuggi or visit a local market. In the afternoon we will visit Tivoli Gardens. We return to Fiuggi and our hotel for dinner.
Day 8 This morning you will realx in Fiuggi. After lunch on your own, we will visit the monastery of Subiaco. At this site in the 6th Century, St. Benedict spent 3 years in contemplation prior to setting out to found the order named for him. We will also see the first Benedictine monastery. Tonight we will dine in a local restaurant serving regional specialities.
Day 9 Today we visit the Amalfi coast. We will travel to the harbor of Naples and board the ferry boat to the Isle of Capri. There you will be free to explore this world famous island, perhaps see the Blue Grotto. After lunch we will board the ferry again and stop off in the town of Amalfi before returning to Naples for the trip back to Fiuggi. Dinner in our hotel.
Day 10 Today is a free day. Enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Fiuggi; shop; play a round of golf or enjoy a massage; take public transportation into Rome or visit a local town. Tonight is our farewell dinner in our hotel.
Day 11 Transfer to airport in Rome for departure.
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