The Perfect Love Afair – Italy, Slovenia & Croatia

Home to many of the world’s greatest works of art, architecture and gastronomy, Italy inspires and moves you like no other. It’s hard not to feel a little envious sometimes, but it’s even harder
not to fall madly in love with this gorgeous country and its passionate people.

Cultural Riches 
Epicentre of the Roman Empire and birthplace of the Renaissance, this European gem groans under the weight of its cultural cachet. It’s here that you can stand in the presence of Michelangelo’s David and Sistine Chapel frescoes, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Primavera and da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans in Pompeii, revel in Ravenna’s glittering Byzantine treasures or get breathless over Giotto’s revolutionary frescoes in Padua.

Spectacular landscapes
Italy is one of Mother Nature’s masterpieces, with extraordinary natural diversity ranging from the north’s icy Alps and glacial lakes to the south’s fiery craters and turquoise grottoes. One day you could be skiing down Courmayeur’s powdery slopes, the next you could be galloping across the marshes of the Maremma, or diving in coral-studded Campanian waters. Home to many of the world’s greatest works of art, architecture and gastronomy, Italy inspires and moves you like no other. It’s hard not to feel a little envious sometimes, but it’s even harder
not to fall madly in love with this gorgeous country and its passionate people.

Endless feasts
On a map food obsessed Italy might look like a “boot” but it feels more like a decadently stuffed Christmas stocking. Every bite can feel like a revelation and the secret: superlative ingredients and finely tuned know-how. While Italy’s culinary soul might prefer simplicity, it’s equally ingenious and sophisticated. So whether you’re on a degustation odyssey in Modena, truffle hunting in Piedmont or swilling vino rosso in the Valpolicella wine region, prepare to loosen that belt.

Inimitable style 
In very few places around the world do art and life intermingle so effortlessly as they do in Italy. Beauty, style and flair invade every aspect of daily life from those perfect espressos to the flirtatious smiles of passing strangers. Italian life is devoted to living life well …. so slow down, style up and indulge in a little vita all’italiana (life, Italian style). So here’s to life, to experience every glorious, fleeting moment. Call us for your next Italian holiday because our experienced staff know Italy from top to bottom. You deserve a trip that’s innovative and unique, seamless choreographed to maximise every unforgettable moment. We also believe that good value sells itself – that you should get what you pay for, and then some, in one upfront price with virtually everything
included. Leave your worries at home because we take on the hassles and details of travel, all the planning and all the logistics.

4 DAY VENICE EXPERIENCE

Day 1: Arrive Venice
On arrival into Venice make your own way to your chosen hotel.

Day 2: Guided tour
Discover the magic and splendour of Venice on foot. This tour takes in all the highlights of this wonderful city and with Skip the Line access to the main sights you will not have to spend hours waiting in queues. As we wander around the pretty narrow alleyways, saunter along gondola spotted canals and stroll across bustling piazzas you are sure to fall in love with Venice. Duration: 2 hours. Includes skip the Line Access to St. Mark’s Basilica, entrance ticket to the terraces of St. Mark’s Basilica and headsets where necessary.

Day 3: Murano & Burano
Join us on a fascinating half-day trip to the timeless islands of Murano and Burano and discover traditional crafts that have survived the passing of time. Watch a craftsman in action as he goes about his daily business and browse the huge collection of glass art before strolling around the island. Then back to the boat and off to our next stop, Burano, a tiny picturesque island famous for its coloured houses and its centuries old tradition of lace-making. Duration: 4.5 hours At 2:15pm

Day 4: Tour end
Tour ends this morning after breakfast on hotel check-out.

3 Nights                                                                        From                     Extra Night
Budget: Hotel Firenze                                           AUD377.00              AUD88.00
Superior: Hotel Concordia                                   AUD595.00             AUD150.00
Deluxe: Hotel Londra Palace                               AUD982.00             AUD320.00

Price per person based on twin share, 3 nights accommodation, breakfast daily, sightseeing as listed (based on low season)

Excursions from Venice

Romeo & Juliet’s Verona
Day trip from Venice –Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday at 9am to 6pm

Your day starts early in Venice, from where you’ll be spirited away to Verona in an air-conditioned mini bus, straight to a photo stop at Colle di San Pietro. After some stunning photos from the viewpoint (sure to be the envy of your friends) you’ll take a lovely walk down into the city. Along the way you’ll stop off for a skip the line visit to the ancient Roman amphitheatre, a 1st century marvel that is one of the greatest amphitheatres in Italy and also among the top opera venues in the world. Then it’s on to Verona’s top attraction: The home of Shakespeare’s Juliet, where, from
the outside, you gaze up at the famed balcony where Romeo is said to have done his wooing. You’ll visit the gorgeous plazas, Piazza Bra and Piazza delle Erbe to see the Palazzo Maffei, the Palazzo Barbieri (Town Hall) and the famous Mazzanti Houses whose facades are decorated with beautiful 16th-century frescoes. You’ll also stop by the Piazza Dante to pay your respects at the statue of Italy’s most famous writer.

Venice Grand Canal Tour
Daily November to March at 3.30pm or 4.30pm or 5.30pm or 6.30pm
Picture yourself gliding along the water of the Grand Canal in Venice, the most famous city of water, with the stunning backdrop of Venetian palaces behind. This must be the most effective way to explore the Floating City! Allowing you to view the grandeur of venerable Venice, this tour by water taxi along the Grand Canal reveals the glorious facades of the palaces that nobly sit at the waters edge. Accompanied by a professional hostess to point out the historical and artistic features of the palaces along the waterway, you will get a glimpse into the city’s thriving past as you are entranced by the picture perfect panorama. Duration: Approx. 1 hour.