Your itinerary

Day 1: UK - Venice area.

Fly to Venice where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in the Venice area for a one night stay. (D)

Day 2: Venice area - Padua - Salsomaggiore.

Your holiday starts with a highlight: a memorable canal boat ride to the heart of Venice. This enchanting 'floating' city is undoubtedly the most romantic in all Italy, with its criss-crossing canals, ornate water-washed palaces, enchanting arched bridges and hidden piazzas. Later, return to the mainland for a drive to Padua, a city with Shakespearean references, with time to admire its historic centre and grandiose St Anthony's Basilica. From here, continue on to Salsomaggiore Terme, your base for the next five nights. (B) (D)

Day 3: Salsomaggiore.

This morning enjoy an introductory walking tour of the charming town of Salsomaggiore, exploring its handsome architecture, pedestrianised café-lined streets and beautiful public park. Your tour includes a visit to its best-known landmark - the ornate spa house Terme Berzieri, an extraordinary example of liberty-style architecture protected as a national monument. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace or enjoy our optional afternoon excursion to Mantova, a town in Lombardy with a stunning medieval centre. (B) (D)

Day 4: Parma & Castles of the Duchy.

Today our first stop is the Sanvitale Castle at Fontanellato, an enchanting, moat-ringed medieval fortress. The castle is celebrated for its masterpiece by Parmigianino - a ceiling fresco depicting the myth of Diana and Actaeon. Next, enjoy a visit to the Meli Lupi fortress of Soragna. Transformed in the 17th century, this splendid edifice was home to Soragna's famous Meli Lupi princes and is still inhabited by one today. Admire the castle's lavish Baroque frescos, paintings and furnishings. From the castle, continue to the fascinating Museum of Parmigiano Reggiano, a unique celebration of its most famous export - Parmesan cheese - which tells the history of this legendary delicacy and how it is made. After sampling this local speciality, continue on to Parma, one of Italy's prettiest, yet often neglected cities. The visit includes a memorable walking tour of the city, taking in its medieval square and Romanesque cathedral with frescos by Correggio. (B) (D)

Day 5: Cinque Terre.

Look forward to wonderful scenery today as you cross the Apennines to La Spezia, a small city with a rich naval heritage on Italy's delightful Tyrrhenian coast. From here, a short train ride takes you to the spectacular Cinque Terre region, where the beauty of the rugged cliffs and romantic fishing villages once inspired Lord Byron. You will have the opportunity to walk along the famous 'Love Path' or 'Sentiero dell'Amore', a breathtakingly beautiful trail carved into the rocks between Riomaggiore and Manarola affording dramatic sea views. There is also the chance to continue to Monterosso, a picturesque seaside resort. Your Tour Director will explain all the options for your day and provide you with train passes and tickets to the 'Sentiero dell'Amore'. (B) (D)

Day 6: Salsomaggiore.

A day at your leisure to explore charming Salsomaggiore. Why not stroll through its tree-lined avenues or take advantage of some of the therapeutic wellness treatments the city is famous for. Alternatively, join our optional day trip to vibrant Milan, Italy's fashion capital. This historic, buzzing city brims with artistic heritage and boasts a spectacular cathedral, its mighty Gothic Duomo. (B) (D)

Day 7: Salsomaggiore - Verona - Vicenza - Venice area.

Bid farewell to this beautiful region today on our return to the Venice area, but not before experiencing two further pearls of Italy's cultural heritage. First stop is romantic Verona, a delightful city where Shakespeare set Romeo and Juliet, to admire its famous Juliet balcony. From here, on to Vicenza, where you'll enjoy a locally guided tour around its most famous sights. The highlight is your visit to the stunning Olympic Theatre, the world's oldest covered theatre. Arrive in the Venice area early evening. (B)

Day 8: Venice area - UK.

After breakfast, transfer to Venice airport for your flight to the UK. (B)

Hotels On Tour

Venice Area: Sirio at Mestre (3*).

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Please choose the month you would like to travel. May 2008June 2008July 2008August 2008September 2008October 2008November 2008December 2008January 2009February 2009March 2009April 2009May 2009June 2009July 2009August 2009September 2009October 2009November 2009December 2009January 2010February 2010March 2010April 2010May 2010June 2010July 2010	There are several versions of this tour available, please select the one you prefer (optional). Discover Romantic Italy (Best Western Cristallo)Discover Romantic Italy (Valentini)Discover Romantic Italy (Grand Hotel Porro)Discover Romantic Italy + Eastern Mediterranean Cruise (Best Western Cristallo)
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Displaying departures in and around May 2008 from Glasgow normal price our price Sun 25 May 2008, 6:00am £794 £715 book

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