Day 1 | Mar. 1, 2018 | TORONTO—FLORENCE, ITALY
Lufthansa flight 471 departs Toronto at 6:15p.m. arrives Frankfurt at 7:45a.m. (the following day). Connecting with Lufthansa flight 312 departs Frankfurt at 12:30p.m. arrives Florence at 1:55p.m.

Day 2 | Mar. 2, 2018 | FLORENCE—TUSCANY (D)
Upon arrival you will be met by your local representative for your transfer to Tuscany. Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner at 7 p.m. with your group at the hotel restaurant!
Accommodations (14 nights): Borgo Artimino
Address: Viale Papa Giovanni XXIII, 1, 50040 Artimino, Italy
Phone: (39) 055 875141

Facilities:
These self-catering apartments boast a hilltop location, surrounded by rolling hills, ancient olive groves and vineyards. Daily breakfast is included and will be served in the breakfast room located 200m from the apartments. Explore the local culture and charming historic towns and discover the regional secrets of Tuscan cuisine! Guests of the Artimino Apartments may also use the facilities at the nearby Hotel Paggeria Medicea, just a ten minute walk. This hotel has a pool, tennis courts and bikes, free WiFi , a bar and a restaurant serving local Tuscan cuisine. The Hotel can assist with money exchange, booking of local train tickets, mountain bikes etc. Note: The Borgo Artimino is located in Artimino, a remote village in the countryside of Tuscany on a hilltop location with stunning views. For those wishing to explore the surrounding area in Artimino please be aware that there are some hills, cobblestones and uneven grounds. For guests with mobility issues, we strongly advise you take a taxi or the small hotel shuttle to the nearest town as the area outside the property requires a lot of walking. Free six passenger hotel mini shuttle is offered daily on a schedule to all Merit Travel guests (sign up at front desk) from the Borgo to the nearest town of Signa where there the train station, local supermarket and bank is located. Train to Florence: we suggest you take the free mini shuttle or a taxi to SIGNA train station to catch a train to Florence (17 km). (10 minute drive). Then take a train to the Florence main station which is reachable in only 12 minutes. Signa is a train station also on the railway that goes to Pisa and Siena Florence (17 km): Public bus stop approx. 100-200 meters from apartments, near the tower. You can purchase a one-way ticket to Poggio Caiano for €1,10 p.p. or to Signa Train station for €1,70 one-way per person. Bus schedule (subject to change): Monday-Friday (bus will stop at Poggio Caiano then proceed to SIGNA) The 59 apartments are rustically designed in historic buildings and you can choose from a one-bedroom or upgrade, for a small fee, to a two-bedroom apartment, depending on your requirements. $200CAD p.p. for 14 nights based on double occupancy. One-bedroom apartments have a large open plan dining/living room area including, a double sofa bed with a kitchenette (2 ring hob, microwave, kettle, toaster and fridge), a double bedroom and a separate shower room. Two-bedroom apartments have two separate bedrooms that may be made up as twins or doubles, two shower rooms, open plan dining/living room with double sofa bed and kitchenette (2 ring hob, microwave, kettle, toaster and fridge). Shared furnished terrace or garden area available. Useful information: Cleaning and change of linen once a week. Toilet paper provided approx. three times per week depending on consumption. The pool will be open in March and available for guests but depending on weather conditions. Relax at your hillside Tuscan apartment or explore the surrounding area of Tuscany and Florence. You will also have five excursions included to explore the local culture. Your local Tour Manager will reconfirm the local pick up times for each excursion locally.

Day 3 | Mar. 3, 2018 | FLORENCE
FLORENCE WALKING CITY TOUR FULL DAY EXCURSION: transfer by bus from the hotel and English-speaking guide. Today we are off to Florence for a guided walking tour of the city, including: Franciscan church of Santa Croce, known as the “Pantheon of the Italian Glories” where many illustrious Italians, such as Michelangelo, Galileo, Rossini and Machiavelli, are buried. We will also have the option to visit the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia.

Day 6 | Mar. 6, 2018 | SIENA
SIENA WALKING CITY TOUR FULL DAY EXCURSION: transfer by bus from your hotel with an English-speaking guide. Enjoy a morning walking tour of Siena. Admire the Cathedral, the Piazza del Campo, the Town Hall, and San Domenico. At the end of the tour, immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of the Palio with a visit of the “Contrada (District) Museum”.

Day 8 | Mar. 8, 2018 | PISA
PISA WALKING CITY TOUR FULL DAY EXCURSION: transfer by bus from your hotel, with an English-speaking guide and access to the cathedrals. Enjoy a walking tour of Pisa, in northern Tuscany, famous for its leaning tower. Pisa has much more to offer travellers, including its medieval center, beautiful Duomo and Baptistery, parks, statues, the homes of Lord Byron and Shelley, and a walk along the river.

Day 12 | Mar. 12, 2018 | CHIANTI (L)
CHIANTI WINE TASTING EXCURSION WITH LUNCH: transfer by bus from your hotel with an English-speaking guide for a unique wine tasting with a private tour of the famous cellar of “Chianti”. We will explore the Chianti area, the famous land of the vineyards and hilltop towns.

Day 14 | Mar. 14, 2018 | SAN GIMIGNANO (L, D)
WINE TASTING WITH WALKING EXCURSION OF SAN GIMIGNANO AND COOKING CLASS WITH LUNCH: Transfer by bus from your hotel with an English-speaking guide. Today we will explore the San Gimignano area, participate in a hands-on cooking class and enjoy a wine tasting and lunch included. Enjoy a group farewell dinner on your last evening in Tuscany.

Day 16 | Mar. 16, 2018 | TUSCANY—ROME (B)
This morning check out of your apartment and be ready in the hotel lobby at 9 a.m for your coach transfer to Rome. Arrive in Rome and transfer to the Le Meridien Visconti Palace hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Breakfast included.
Accommodations: Le Meridien Visconti Palace Hotel
Address: Via Federico Cesi 37 - 00193, Rome
Phone: (39) 06 3684

Facilities:
Le Meridien Visconti Palace Hotel is positioned in central Rome on the right bank of the Tiber river between Piazza del Popolo, Piazza di Spagna, Piazza Navona and the Vatican City. This modern hotel puts you one block from the Tiber River in the Prati District. It’s an easy 20-minute walk to Vatican City and just 10 minutes’ walk to Castel Sant’Angelo and Lepanto Metro Station. The hotel is strategically located in the historic, cultural and business heart of Rome. You can cross nearby Ponte Cavour to get to Via del Corso within a 15 minute walk. The street, and surrounding area, are popular for shopping. Enjoy an evening meal in the area or just stroll around this wonderful area with the lovely Piazza Navona, approx. a 25 minute walk. The hotel’s 242 stylish, contemporary rooms are equipped for both working and relaxing, with WiFi and smart desks, along with minibars. Modern paintings continue the hotel’s fresh, arty theme, and some rooms have large windows with inspiring city views. Wifi is offered complimentary in the hotel lobby area only.

Day 17 | Mar. 17, 2018 | ROME (B)
ROME CITY TOUR: Depart from your hotel at 9 a.m. by coach for your half day Rome city tour crossing Piazza della Repubblica with the fountain of the Nayads, you will stroll through the historical centre where you can admire the Trevi fountain, La colonna di Marco Aurelio, the Palazzo di Montecitorio designed by Bernini, the Pantheon, Palazzo Madama (seat of the Senato) and Piazza Navona. The rest of your afternoon will be at leisure in Rome for shopping or exploring.

Day 18 | Mar. 18, 2018 | VATICAN EXCURSION (B)
After breakfast, depart by coach from your hotel arriving near the Vatican City. Your guide will lead you into the Vatican Museums through the Gallery of the Tapestries and the Gallery of Geographic Maps, before arriving to the Sistine Chapel with its magnificent fresco of the last Judgement by Michelangelo. Afterwards visit St. Peter’s Basilica. The rest of your afternoon is free for shopping or exploring.

Day 19 | Mar. 19, 2018 | ROME—SORRENTO (B, D)
After breakfast check out of the hotel and be ready in the hotel lobby at 9 a.m. for your coach transfer to Sorrento. Upon arrival in Sorrento check into the Plaza hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel this evening with wine.
Accommodations: Plaza Hotel
Address: Via Fuorimura, 380067 Sorrento (Napoli), Italy
Phone: (39) 055 875141

Facilities:
Hotel Plaza is near Piazza Tasso, the city’s main square, and the
Circumvesuviana railway station is only 200 metres away. Restaurants, bars, shops and public transport are all nearby. Featuring a terrace with pool (pool is not open in March) and furnished deck, Hotel Plaza is set in the centre of Sorrento. It offers modern rooms, a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi throughout. Classic rooms at the Plaza include satellite flat-screen TV and air conditioning, as well as a private bathroom with hairdryer.

Days 20-24 | Mar. 20-24, 2018 | SORRENTO (B, D)
Enjoy your days at leisure in Sorrento. Breakfast and dinner with wine is included daily. Your dinners (three-course menu with beverages included) from Mar. 20-24 will be served at a local restaurant “Ristorante Tasso” approx. 200 m. from the hotel Explore Sorrento, the gateway to the Amalfi Coast and a great base to explore the region’s highlights including: the Amalfi coast to the east, Pompei to the north and the fabled island of Capri. You will have four cultural excursions included during your stay in Sorrento.

MAR 20, 2018 FULL DAY AMALFI COAST & RAVELLO EXCURSION: transfer
by bus from your hotel and English speaking guide. The Amalfi coast has fascinating landscapes and breathtaking views protected by UNESCO! You will stop above Positano where you will have the opportunity to take a beautiful picture of this amazing village from the top. Next stop will be Amalfi coast a very unique town where the 11th century cathedral of St. Andrew is located in the main square; it’s said to hold the remains of the apostle. Here you will have some time to stroll through the town. Continue to Ravello, that has long been a retreat for artists and writers! Return back to your hotel in Sorrento in the afternoon.

Day 21 | Mar. 21, 2018 | CAPRI
CAPRI WALKING EXCURSION: transfer by bus from your hotel, with an English-speaking guide. Discover the beautiful island of Capri, one of the most fascinating places in Italy, famous worldwide for its timeless wonders! Transfer from your hotel to Castellammare pier where you will transfer by hydrofoil to Capri. Explore the island with your local guide and the magical, and relaxed atmosphere and the narrow streets. The tour will include a visit to the famous Piazzetta. Then stroll down Via Camerelle, famous for the luxury shops and designer fashion boutiques which line the street. Continue along Via Tragara until reaching the breathtaking scenic overlook facing the Faraglioni rock formations Return back to your hotel in Sorrento in the afternoon.

Day 22 | Mar. 22, 2018 | POMPEII & VESUVIO
FULL DAY POMPEI & VESUVIO EXCURSION: transfer by bus from your hotel with an English-speaking guide. Departure from your hotel via motorcoach to Pompeii, the Roman city buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The preservation state of its buildings, due to the particular burial (under a blanket of 6 meter of ash and rock) caused by the eruption, is why Pompeii can be considered the only archaeological site which gives the real image of a Roman city. Continue by coach to Mount Vesuvius up to 1000 meters, and upon arrival then walk to the summit along with your local guide. Mt. Vesuvius is the best known volcano on earth and dominates the Bay of Naples. On the journey back, visit one of the most prestigious cameo and coral factories, to see the typical lavoration of cameos. Return to your hotel in Sorrento in the afternoon.

Day 23 | Mar. 23, 2018 | NAPLES
NAPLES CITY TOUR: transfer by bus from your hotel with an English speaking guide. Enjoy a city tour of this beautiful city, with several photo stops in the most strategic points of the city such as the Posillipo hill with stunning views of the Bay of Naples, the Vomero hill with the Castel St. Elmo, the monumental area with the Castel Nuovo, Piazza del Plebiscito, the Royal Palace, the Galleria Umberto I, with its impressive glass dome, and finally the old town, with its narrow streets and the 13th century Cathedral of St. Gennaro. Return to your hotel in Sorrento, in the afternoon.

Day 25 | Mar. 25, 2018 | SORRENTO (B, D)
Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner and wine with your group at the Plaza hotel restaurant.

Day 26 | Mar. 26, 2018 | SORRENTO—TORONTO (B)
After breakfast, transfer to the Naples airport for your flight home. Lufthansa flight 1927 departs Naples at 1:00p.m. arrives Munich at 2:40p.m. Connecting with Lufthansa flight 494 departs Munich at 3:30p.m. arrives Toronto at 6:30p.m.
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