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The Enviroment:
ITINERARY ROYAL DEMEURE GROUP HOTEL
ROME Arrival in Rome and accommodation at the hotel
Hotel d’Inghilterra 5*****
The Hotel d’Inghilterra has its origins in the most aristocratic and elegant period in Rome’s history: monarchs, princes, artists and screen idols have always made it their home in the capital, attracted by flawless hospitality and an ideal location near Piazza di Spagna The original building dates back to the 16th century, when it was built to serve as guest quarters for the nearby palazzo of the illustrious Torlonia family. Visiting friends and compatriots of the poet John Keats, who lived in Piazza di Spagna, stayed there, and when the building became a hotel in 1845 it took the name Hotel d’Angleterre. Since that time the hotel has built a reputation as the preferred Roman base for an elite international clientele.
One day trip to discover the “must-see” beauties of the city A private guide will walk you to Piazza di Spagna where we will see the famous Spanish Steps and La Barcaccia, the fountain made by Bernini father and son; Trevi Fountain, where you can toss the coin that will ensure you will return one day to Rome; Saint Ignazio a beautiful Baroque church, with a very particular ceiling that is an optical illusion created by a master of perspective, Andrea Pozzo; The Pantheon, the best conserved Roman temple, astonishing for the history, the dimension, and with its huge hole in the vault; San Luigi dei Francesi church, with the wonderful Chapel of Saint Matthew decorated by the genius of Caravaggio (closed on Thursday afternoons); Piazza Navona, one of the most beautiful squares of Rome, decorated with the famous Four Rivers Fountain, a Baroque masterpiece designed by Bernini
With a very short walk you will reach the Ludus Magnus, that was the gladiatorial training school where the gladiators where trained for the fights in the Flavian Amphitheatre. The complex was directly connected to the Colosseum by an underground. We will go inside this incredible monument to see where the gladiators fought to the death. Entering will be quick and easy as we will make reservations in advance to skip the long queues. Out of the Colosseum you will also see the majestic Arch of Constantine
The tour will continue going through the Roman Forum, the commercial, religious and political center of the ancient Romans. Here your private guide will tell you the history and the legends that will make come alive this marvellous archeological site. You will then go up to the Capitoline Hill, to see the perfect Renaissance Square, Piazza del Campidoglio, which was designed by Michelangelo. There you will also have a beautiful view of the Roman Fori archaeological area from the terrace (with excellent photo opportunities!) Return at the hotel in the late afternoon. Free evening.
ROME : A day at Vatican city
A private guide will walk you to The Vatican. The Vatican is a must see for every visitor coming to Rome: the city of Vatican is the Holy See where the Head of the Catholic church resides, is the smallest State in the world, has the biggest church and one of the largest museums in the world. The itinerary of this walking tour will be the following; The Sistine Chapel, frescoed by Michelangelo and thought to be the largest body of painting executed solely by one artist, considered the greatest masterpiece of Western art; St. Peter's Basilica, where you will enter the heart of Catholicism. This vast and awe-inspiring church is rich in decoration, history, and magnificent art. Among its many treasures is the moving Pietà by Michelangelo
A short walk will lead us to Castel Sant'Angelo, a medieval fortress built over the first century mausoleum of Hadrian. Here the popes used to take refuge to find protection against the assaults of the barbarian invasions of Rome. Here children love to be inside an ancient castle where the charm of the Middle Ages is preserved in a setting that is both beautiful and fascinating .
We can arrange a hald day visit to Sistine Chapel.
Please note Sistine Chapel is open from Monday to Saturday and every last Sunday of the month. Sistine Chapel is regularly closed on Sunday. The price includes the guide but doesn’t include lunch.
FLORENCE : A walk in the heart of Florence
Arrival in Florence and accommodation to the hotel.
Hotel Helvetia & Bristol 5 *****
On our estimation, the Hotel Helvetia and Bristol is one of the finest luxury hotels in the center of Florence. Nothing has been spared to make this showplace a true beauty—the decor is outstanding. The lounges, exquisitely decorated with an elegant, yet extremely comfortable, homelike ambiance, exude quality without flamboyance. Each of the guestrooms is also superbly decorated, and, as in a private home, no two are alike. Abundant use of exquisite padded-fabric wall coverings, with color-coordinated draperies, upholstered chairs, and bedspreads along with lovely antiques make each one special.
Across the street from the Palazzo Strozzi, smack in the center of Florence, the H&B as it is known to regulars, is not only one of the city’s finest luxury hotels, but it is also a vibrant part of the city’s history.
On the fifth floor, the great windows of the two panoramic suites frame views of Brunelleschi’s cupola at the top of the Duomo, so near that it seems one need only reach out to brush it with a fingertip. In the afternoon you are going to have a 3 hours( more or less) walk with a private guide who will walk you to the very centre of Florence.
The Duomo (Florence cathedral) the icon of the Renaissance (including visit to the interior); The Battistero (Baptistry) and Giotto’s Belltower (from the outside); Piazza della Signoria, the beautiful square with the Middle Age Palazzo Vecchio building and the statues of the Loggia dei Lanz; Ponte Vecchio, the most ancient bridge of Florence and one of the most famous of the world; The Davanzati Palace, an original Renaissance building where you will see how was the everyday life of a noble Florentine family in the 15th century. Return to the hotel and free evening.
This is a 3 hours walk. If you wish to have free afternoon you can also postpone this walk in the morning .
PISA: The Leaning Tower
A private Limousine with private guide will drive you to Pisa. This little city was already considered an old city by the ancient Romans and the legend says it was founded by refugees arriving to Tuscany after the fall of Troy. The private tour of Pisa includes:
Piazza dei Miracoli; The Leaning Tower, one of the most famous monuments in the world. You will be able to walk up the tower but just walking (NO ELEVATOR); The Baptistry, started in 1152, with the sculptures of Nicola Pisano; The Cathedral, built between the 11th and 12th century; The 15th century Scuola Normale, one of the most ancient and prestigious universities in Europe
Drive back to Rome Airport or you can include the Itinerary Lucca,Portofino and 5 Lands
or FAI Abbazia di San Fruttuoso - Camogli - Portofino
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