DISCOVER ITALY

Visitors to Italy are always charmed by her vibrant atmosphere, her wealth of art and architecture and her lust for a good life, food and wine. Whatever you do, don't expect to soak up Italy's rich artistic heritage in one visit. Rests assure you'll soon be back for more.

Exploring Rome is a true delight. No other city in the Western world can boast as many architectural wonders, countless paintings and sculptures. There are ancient temples and forums, medieval churches, Renaissance Basilicas, Baroque fountains and 19th and 20th Century museums. Everyday life and masterpieces live side by side. The Colosseum may be the reason you come to Rome, but to many who live there, it's on their bus route home from work.

In the centre of Ancient Rome stand the Forum, the Colosseum, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Modern Rome has also lots to offer: from fantastic shopping, excellent hotels, coffee bars, entertainment. One cannot visit Rome without stopping at the Trevi Fountain. Legend has it that visitors must toss a coin into the fountain to ensure a return to Rome.

A visit to the Vatican is a must. St Peter's Square is your entrance to this independent state. St Peter's Basilica is one of the most impressive sights. Its size alone is overwhelming and its work of art just as awesome. A visit to the Sistine Chapel with its incredible frescoed ceiling painted by Michelangelo, is a highlight.

We offer city tours, packages, accommodations, coach tours and transfers.

(Click here for tours in Tuscany & Umbria)

1. ROME CITY TOURS
REF: APP

1.1 MONUMENTS OF ROME
Every Morning at 09:00

You will pass by the Republic Square, Nazionale and the Arts Museum to get to your first stop - Trevi Fountain. Visit the largest temple built by the emperor Adriano - Pantheon, and stop over at the most beautiful baroque square of Rome with its famous Fountain of the Four Rivers Bernini's masterpiece the Piazza Navona. You will also see the Castel St. Angelo and the St. Peter's Basilica.

1.2 ANCIENT ROME

You will be visiting Piazza Venezia and The Capitol Square, the masterpiece of Michelangelo. Enjoy a panoramic view of the ruins of the Palatine and the Roman Forum. You will pass Augustus' Forum, Column and Markets of Traiano, Ulpia Basilica, Julius Caesar's Forum, and the Massenzio Basilica to get to the Colosseum Arch of Constantine. The last place you will stop at is the Basilica of St. Paul's outside the walls.

1.3 VATICAN MUSEUMS
Departures every morning at 9:00am, return at noon (except Sundays and Religious Holidays)
You will drive past many sights on route to The Vatican Museums such as the Naiad Fountain, Aurelian Walls, Baths of Diocleziano and the Porta del Popolo. Enjoy exciting sites such as the Rooms of Raphael, with the masters magnificent frescoes, Sistine Chapel adorned with Michelangelo's famous masterpieces and Bernini's Royal Staircase.

1.4 CHRISTIAN ROME
Departures every afternoon at 14:30 (Winter)
Departures every afternoon at 15:00 (Summer)

The first stop will be at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, followed by a stop at the Holy Stairs and the Basilica of St. John in Lateran. Drive along the oldest Roman road the Appian Way to get to the Catacombs, where you will see an ancient Christian Cemetery and the Pyramide of Caius Cestius.

1.5 TIVOLI
From 1 Jan - 28 Feb & 1 Nov - 31 Dec, departures on Tuesday, Thursday, Saterday, Sunday mornings
From 1 Mar - 31 Mar, departures every morning, except Mondays
From 1 Apr - 30 Sep, departures every morning, except Mondays

Hadrian's Villa, which is the most beautiful imperial Villa, designed and built by the emperor Hadrian at the beginning of the 2nd century AD is your first stop. Visit the Enchanting Renaissance Villa - Villa d'Este that houses a multitude of sublime fountains and superbly arranged flower gardens.

1.6 ROMAN COUNTRYSIDE
Departures every Tuesday and Saturday afternoon from 1 Apr - 31 Oct

Enjoy a relaxing drive to through the countryside visiting Albano the historical town of Albalonga, a modern village that looks across the ancient volcanic lake. The stops that are made on this tour include the following: Castelgandolfo the Pope's summer residence, Ariccia a small village once isolated high in the mountains but now easy to get to by a large bridge constructed by Pope Pio IX, Genzano the birth place of Marco Antonio Colonna, the famous General of the battle of Lepanto, Nemi which is famous for its strawberries and Grottaferrata with its Monastery founded on the ruins of an old roman villa. Your last stop will be in Frascati, famous for the production of white wines.

1.7 PAPAL AUDIENCE
Wednesday morning departures at 9:00 (Papal Blessing - Sunday mornings)

Visit Castel St. Angelo and Peter's Square (Papal Audience)

1.8 ILLUMINATED ROME
Departures every evening

Including Via Veneto, Trevi Fountain, Venice square, The Colosseum and Gianicolo

1.9 ROME BY NIGHT
Departures every evening

Follow the same itinerary as with the "Illuminated Rome" tour. Enjoy a delicious meal in a selected restaurant complimented by the renowned local wine and listening to folk musicians singing Italian songs. An unforgettable evening!

2. FULL DAY EXCURIONS

2.1 ASSISI ORVIETO
Departures from 1 Apr - 31 Oct, every Monday, Thursday and Saturday

A chance to spend a delightful day out of Rome. Visit Umbria, one of the most picturesque regions in Italy rich in vineyards, olive trees and the famous hill top villages across the valleys. The route is dotted with charming medieval towns such as Orvieto - renowned for its beautiful Cathedral, Spoleto, Trevi, Foligno, Spello and most famous of all Assisi. The mystic town of Saint Francis, still surrounded by the ancient walls, is built on the green slopes of Mount Subasio with its colourful houses of pink stone. Narrow streets, flower - decked balconies, noble palaces all provide beautiful views for memorable pictures. Enjoy an interesting visit to St. Francis Basilica with its early renaissance master - pieces of Giotto and Cimabue and the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli.

Enjoy browsing in the old town, shopping in the little stores and in the artisan shops, plus a pleasant lunch in a typical Umbrian restaurant.

2.2 FLORENCE
From 1 Jan - 28 Feb, only on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
From 1 Mar - 15 Nov, daily departures except Mondays & Wednesdays

During this tour some of the most beautiful Italian regions will be crossed: Lazio, Umbria and Toscana. Arrival in Florence at approximately 11:30 am.

The tour of the city will include the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with Giotto's Bell - tower and Babtistry, the academy with Michelangelo's David, della Signoria's Square and Palace. Lunch in a typical restaurant will follow. In the afternoon the tour will proceed to Piazza Santa Croce. The drive continues to Piazzale Michelangelo from where the magnificent view of this Renaissance City can be admired, including Ponte Vecchio.

2.3 NAPLES AND POMPEI
Operated daily

Leave Rome along the Autostrada del Sole across the Roman countryside to Naples for an orientation tour of the city, including Mergellina, Lungomare Caracciolo, the Royal Palace, the San Carlo Theatre and the harbour. Continue to Pompei, where after lunch in a local restaurant, there will be a visit of the very well preserved ruins of the ancient Roman city buried by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 a.D. Proceed to Sorrento for a panoramic view of the city. Return to Rome at approx. 09:30 pm.

2.4 NAPLES AND CAPRI
Operated daily

Leave Rome along the Autostrada del Sole across the Roman countryside to Naples and depart by steamer to Capri. Upon arrival at Marina Grande, wheather permitting, visit of the Blue Grotto.
Return to Marina Grande and depart by minibus for a panoramic tour of the island ending at Anacapri.
Lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, proceed by steamer to Sorrento for a visit of the city. Return to Rome at approx. 09:30 pm.

2.5 SORRENTO
2 Days in a 4 star Hotel
Daily departures at 7:30am

Day 1: Early morning departure from Rome for Naples, whith a short City Tour of Naples. Continue to Pompei, the famous Roman City, destroyed by the volcanic eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, afterwards, a tour of the archaeological excavations. Continue along the coast to Sorrento. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Transfer to the port after breakfast in the Hotel. Catch a ferry to Capri. Weather conditions permitting, visit the Blue Grotto. Return to Marina Grande and transfer to Anacapri. Enjoy lunch in a typical restaurant followed by a visit of Augustus' Gardens with a view of the Faraglioni. Return to Rome, at approximately 21:30

(Includes transportation by Deluxe Coach, meals as specified in programme, entrance tickets, 4 star hotel accommodation with bath/shower, round trip ferryboat to Sorrento / Capri, tour guide and the assistance of qualified personnel. Beverages and extras excluded.)

3. ESCORTED TOURS

3.1 MINI TOUR OF NORTHERN ITALY
4 days in 4 star hotels
Departures from 1 Mar - 1 Nov on Tuesdays

Day 1: Rome - Assisi - Siena - Florence
Depart from Rome to Florence via Assisi and Siena. Visit the mystic town of Saint Francis still surrounded by ancient walls. Wander around narrow streets leading to the beautiful Saint Francis Basilica with its early renaissance masterpieces of Giotto and Cimabue; proceed to Siena, the beautiful medieval city renowned for the Palio. Drive to Florence. Dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Florence
After breakfast at the hotel enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the cradle of the Renaissance. You will visit beautiful Piazza del Duomo, the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistery of St John. Other highlights are the Academy of Fine Arts Gallery, housing "David" by Michelangelo and Santa Croce, the 13th century Franciscan church with Cimabue's famous crucifix. The rest of the day is at leisure for optional tours or shopping. Dinner and overnight

Day 3: Florence - Padua - Venice
Buffet breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast depart to Venice via Padua, where you will visit the famous Cathedral of St. Anthony, guarded by Donatello's Gattamelata. Upon arrival in Venice enjoy a guided walking tour of this unique city. Attractions include the Piazza and Basilica of St. Mark, the Doge's Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and the Prisons. After the tour you will stop at a glass factory where you will see the moulding of glass. Dinner and overnight

Day 4: Venice - Rome
Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure for optional tour of the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello by mototlaunch or for shopping. In the afternoon, return to Rome by motorcoach or Italian Rail.

Includes Transportation by deluxe air-conditioned coach, meals as specified, sightseeing tours, local guides and entrance fees as per the itinerary.

Visitors in shorts or sleeveless tops will not be allowed into Churches, Vatican Museums or the Audience Hall

3.2 THE ART CAPITALS
5 days / 4 nights in 4 star hotels
Departures from Mar - Oct on Saturdays

Day 1: Rome - Assisi - Siena - Florence
Early morning, departure for Assisi, the mystic town of Saint Francis still surrounded by ancient walls. Visit the Basilica of Saint Francis with its early Renaissance masterpieces by Grotto and Cimabue. Proceed on to Sienna, the beautiful medieval city renown for the Palio. Then on to Florence. Dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Florence
Continental breakfast. Guided sightseeing tour of the cradle of the Renaissance. Visit the beautiful Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistery of St John, the Academy of Fine Arts Gallery housing the "David" by Michelangelo, and Santa Croce, the 13th century Franciscan church with Cimabue's famous crucifix. Rest of the day at leisure for optional sightseeing of shopping. Dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Florence - Padua - Venice
Continental breakfast. Departure for Padua, where you will visit the famous Cathedral of St. Anthony, guarded by Donatello's "Gattamelata". Continue on to Venice, and upon arrival enjoy a guided walking tour of this unique city. You will see the Piazza and Basilica of St. Mark, the Doge's Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and the prisons. Then visit a glass factory to see the moulding of glass. Dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Venice
Continental breakfast. Morning at leisure for optional tour to the island of Murano, Burano and Torcello by motorlaunch or for shopping. Dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Venice
Continental breakfast. End of the tour. Possible additional nights in Venice.

Includes transportation by deluxe air-conditioned coach, meals as specified, sightseeing tours, local guides and entrance fees as per the itinerary as well as an assistant during the tour.

3.3 THE NORTH AND THE ART CITIES
6 days / 5 nights in 3 star hotels
Departures from 26 Mar - 29 Oct on Saturdays

Day 1: Rome - Assisi - Siena - Florence
Early morning, departure for Assisi, the mystic town of St. Francis still surrounded by ancient walls. Visit the Basilica of Saint Francis with its early Renaissance masterpiece by Giotto and Cimabue. Proceed on to Siena, the beautiful medieval city renown for the Palio. Then on to Florence. Dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Florence
Continental breakfast. Guided sightseeing tour of the cradle of the Renaissance. Visit the beautiful Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistery of St. John, the Academy of Fine Arts Gallery housing the "David" by Michelangelo, and Santa Croce, the 13th century Franciscan church with Cimabue's famous crucifix. Rest of the day at leisure for optional sightseeing of shopping. Dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Florence - Padua - Venice
Continental breakfast. Departure for Padua, where you will visit the famous Cathedral of St. Anthony, guarded by Donatello's "Gattamelata". Continue on to Venice, and upon arrival enjoy a guided walking tour of this unique city. You will see the Piazza and Basilica of St. Mark, the Doge's Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and the Prisons. Then visit a glass factory to see the molding of glass. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Venice
Continental breakfast. Morning at leisure for optional tour to the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello by motorlaunch or for shopping. Dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Venice - Verona - Lake Garda - Milan
Continental breakfast. Departure for Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, then a panoramic view of Lake Garda. Proceed to Milan. Dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Milan
Continental breakfast in hotel and the end of the tour. (Transfer to the Airport of the Railway station not included)

Includes transportation by deluxe air-conditioned coach, meals as specified, sightseeing tours, local guides and entrance fees as per the itinerary as well as an assistant during the tour.

3.4 THE ART CIRCLE TOUR
7 days / 6 nights in 3 star hotels
Departures from 26 Mar - 29 Oct on Saturdays

Day 1: Rome - Assisi - Siena - Florence
Early morning, departure for Assisi, the mystic town of St. Francis still surrounded by ancient walls. Visit the Basilica of Saint Francis with its early Renaissance masterpiece by Giotto and Cimabue. Proceed on to Siena, the beautiful medieval city renown for the Palio. Then on to Florence. Dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Florence
Continental breakfast. Guided sightseeing tour of the cradle of the Renaissance. Visit the beautiful Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistery of St. John, the Academy of Fine Arts Gallery housing the "David" by Michelangelo, and Santa Croce, the 13th century Franciscan church with Cimabue's famous crucifix. Rest of the day at leisure for optional sightseeing of shopping. Dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Florence - Padua - Venice
Continental breakfast. Departure for Padua, where you will visit the famous Cathedral of St. Anthony, guarded by Donatello's "Gattamelata". Continue on to Venice, and upon arrival enjoy a guided walking tour of this unique city. You will see the Piazza and Basilica of St. Mark, the Doge's Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and the Prisons. Then visit a glass factory to see the moulding of glass. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Venice
Continental breakfast. Morning at leisure for optional tourto the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello by motorlaunch or for shopping. Dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Venice - Verona - Lake Garda - Milan
Continental breakfast. Departure for Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, then a panoramic view of Lake Garda. Proceed to Milan. Dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Milan - Bologna - San Marimo
Continental breakfast. Panoramic tour of the city and then departure to San Marino via Bologna, one of Italy's most important art cities. Visit the fasinating medieval town with its charming squares Piazza Maggiore and Piazzadel Nettuno. Proceed to San Marino, the world's smallest and oldest independent republic, founded in the year 301, as a Christian sanctuary. Dinner and overnight

Day 7: San Marino - Perugia - Rome
Continental breakfast. Departure to Perugia, the charming university town. Visit the impressing Cathedral and the Palazzo dei Priori. Proceed to Rome. Upon arrival to Rome, end of the tour.

Includes transportation by deluxe air-conditioned coach, meals as specified, sightseeing tours, local guides and entrance fees as per the itinerary as well as an assistant during the tour.

(Click here for tours in Tuscany & Umbria - Florence, Siena, Assisi, and more!)

Please contact (012) 460 8382 for rates, or e-mail: info3@duto.co.za

Updated: January 2006