Europe Explorer Grand Tour "Imperial Route"

Bari, the capital of the Puglia region, is a city where time seems to have stopped. The presence of the relics of the Patron Saint Nicholas in the homonymous Basilica make it one of the most important religious destinations of southern Italy. The ancient village, also called "Bari vecchia" is a magical place, where you can learn about the culture and traditions of Bari and exchange a few words with the friendly inhabitants. On the doorstep of the houses the women will invite you to taste the local specialties while they prepare the famous orecchiette, the typical handmade pasta. You will not be able to resist the scent of the focaccia and the very tasty street food. Overnight in Bari at Hotel Auditorium 3* or similar.

After arrival in Port of Bari, we will continue to Foggia, where we have a city tour. Discover the fascination of Foggia, with special openings of monuments and the historic centre. Visit for free the Civic Museum and the Cathedral Beata Maria Vergine Assunta in Cielo. Let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of the historic centre, to discover the most fascinating places in the city from the period of Emperor Frederik II, to the second world war.

Then continue to Pescara.  Pescara is the city that embodies all this nature and the challenge. Abruzzo is a region where the mountains are the highest in the Apennines and the coast is long and varied. It has been defined as the “Green Region of Europe.” Located not far from mount Gran Sasso and Maiella, overlooking the coast of the Adriatic Sea, and developed around the mouth of the river that bears the same name, and that cuts it in two. Where to cross the river, just near the point where it definitely immerses into the Adriatic, the citizens of Pescara have built a bridge - among the longest in Europe - and have called it Ponte del Mare. It rises above all sea that defines the city; in Pescara, where everything is mostly modern.

Accomodation in hotel (Alba 3*, or similar) and overnight.

After breakfast, continue to Ancona. We will have a walking tour among the alleys, monuments and views of Ancona to admire the town through the ages, from its doric origins to the present days. Walking through the streets of the Old Town it will be possible to capture the images of the main attractions and to know anecdotes, stories and legends that make Ancona fascinating and mysterious.

In the afternoon proceed to Rimini. Those who believe that all roads lead to Rome are mistaken. Rimini was already from the times of the Roman Empire, a maritime city that fulfilled the function of access from the Mediterranean to the whole Europe. A walk through the city is a travel through time that takes us through twenty-two centuries of history of a central city, from ancient Rome to Fellini, passing through the Middle Ages and Renaissance noble families. The classic itinerary of the historic center starts from the Roman Arena. The remains of this amphitheater are the last testimonies of grandiose shows of gladiators that amused the Rimini of the III century. As further proof of the importance of Rimini at the time of imperial Rome, we continue with the Arch of Augustus, a monumental entrance to the Roman city of the first century BC. Walking along Corso d’Augusto, ancient “decumanus”, we reach Piazza Tre Martiri, ancient Roman forum transformed for centuries into the lively “piazza delle erbe” surrounded by shops and by the lovely sixteenth-century temple dedicated to Sant’Antonio da Padova.

Accomodation in hotel (Sport 3*, or similar) and overnight.

After breakfast continue to San Marino. Where we will explore the most famous attractions of San Marino at your own pace, exploring the streets and squares of the old city, a place filled with history and culture. Among others, you will have time to admire the beautiful Palazzo del Governo and Piazza della Libertà, as well as the wonderful Basilica del Santo Marino. You will learn more about the unique history of San Marino and how this small country came to exist and survived until now. The tour of San Marino will give you the chance to enjoy the breathtaking views from atop the towers of the city, admiring the hills and seaside of the Italian countryside.

Then we will depart for Bologna. City tour after arrival. Bologna is a city nicknamed “The red, the fat and the well-educated”: do you guess why? For the architecture, the food and the University. This introduction tour will lead you through the central part of the historical center, giving you the basic knowledge for understanding the city and the main monuments. We will start from the central square, where the Neptune fountain and its mysteries are located; then we introduce the history of the city and the main monuments facing “Piazza Maggiore”: San Petronio church, D’Accursio palace townhall and the Podestà’s palace. We walk then under the Archiginnasio’s porticoes , entering later in the Quadrilatero, the area where some of the most ancient shops of the city are located. After that we will reach the two towers, an iconic monument which became the symbol of Bologna.

Accomodation in (Nuovo Hotel del Porto 3*, or similar) and overnight.

Departure to Florence considered Tuscany’s capital which is renowned for its beauty and home to numerous world famous artists over the years, including Michelangelo and Giotto. Surrounded by stunning historical buildings, you’ll have an incredible time exploring the heart of Florence    which is a UNESCO heritage site since 1982, there are plenty of reasons to visit here on top of the art and history connections, including the cuisine and shopping.

Accomodation in hotel (Galileo 3*, or similar) and overnight.

Then we will proceed to Pisa. We will visit The Piazza del Duomo in Pisa, which is considered one of Italy’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites inscribed in 1987. The monumental cathedral and leaning tower of Pisa is famous worldwide, and it continues to be an important part of Pisa and is also one of Tuscany’s most famous tourist destinations.

In the afternoon we will continue to Livorno. Livorno is an Italian port city on the west coast of Tuscany. It's known for its seafood, Renaissance-era fortifications and modern harbor with a cruise ship port. Walking tour to visit its central Terrazza Mascagni, a waterside promenade with checkerboard paving, is the city's main gathering place. The bastions of the 16th-century Fortezza Vecchia face the harbor and open onto Livorno's canal-laced Venezia Nuova quarter.

Accomodation in hotel (Europa Parking 3*, or similar) and overnight.

After breakfast, continue to Siena. Another of Tuscany’s historical centres to be named as a UNESCO site since 1995, which is a typical Italian medieval city. Siena’s architecture is extremely varied and even today both gothic and medieval buildings can be seen together, and the whole city can be viewed as a masterpiece of art and science.

We will continue next for Pienza. Pienza was declared a UNESCO site for its historical center, as it really is one of the best representatives of the Italian the Renaissance style of architecture, class    and is famous for its delicious food. In the afternoon we will have another spectacular visit in Toscanys’ area in Val D’Orcia (The Orcia Valley). It is located in Southern Tuscany and it boasts breathtaking views and an impressive landscape. We will enjoy the amazing views of rolling hills, greenery and vineyards.

Accomodation in hotel (Palazzuolo 3*, or similar) and overnight.

Leisure Day. Accomodation in hotel (Palazzuolo 3*, or similar) and overnight.

After breakfast, continue to Tarquini, which is an old city Italy known chiefly for its ancient Etruscan tombs in the widespread necropoleis or cemeteries which it overlies, for which it was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. It is very important to mention that only modern Albanian can translate the ancient Etrucan language that is considered a strong evidence about the ancient brotherhood roots of Etruscan-Illyrian civilisations.

Then proceed to Civitavecchia. Walking tour. Wonder around discovering one of the most important ports of Imperial Rome, through myths and legends to the medieval heart of the city. Take some time to enjoy a pleasant and interesting walk through the quaint streets of the city. The itinerary includes port, Piazza Leandra, walk through the narrow streets of the medieval village, and the Renaissance Fortress of Michelangelo.

After breakfast, we will proceed to Rome. After arrival we will have a walking tour that will give you the chance to discover the beauties of the Eternal City. Starting from St. Peter’s Square with its magnificent colonnade and the solemn St. Peter’s Basilica, which you can access thanks to our priority entrance service without queuing up. After the beauties of Saint Peter you will visit the Walking tour; Colosseum, Altar of the Fatherland, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Navona Square. Leisure afternoon.

Accomodation in hotel (California 3*, or similar) and overnight.

After breakfast, continue to Caserta, where we will visit The Royal Palace of Caserta part of UNESCO World Heritage list constructed for the Bourbon kings of Naples. The Royal Palace of Caserta is one of the largest palaces erected in Europe during the 18th century and you can spend your time visiting the gardens with fountains and cascades and also the beautiful rooms inside the palace.

Then we proceed to Naples. Napoli is one of the most ancient cities in Europe and one of the oldest continually inhabited in the world. It's historic center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It started life in the 9th century BC as the Greek colony of Neapolis, meaning New City. It is also the tenth most populated urban center in the EU, with a population of more than 4 million in the metro area. The oldest public university in the world is here, the University of Napoli Federico II. In 1995, the historic centre of Naples was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. We will have a walking tour to visit the most important sights in the city, like: Cappella San Severo with Veiled Christ, Church of Gesù Nuovo, San Gregorio Armeno, Santa Chiara cloister,Piazza Plebiscito, Maschio Angioino, etc.

Accomodation in hotel (Aer Street Hotel 3*, or similar) and overnight.

After breakfast, we will have a day tour to Amalfi Coast and Pompeii Ruins! UNESCO designated the Amalfi coast a World Heritage Site as we drive through almost 50 miles of winding coastal roads with the sea on one side and the majestic Lattari mountains on the other.

Then we continue to explore another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the remains of Pompeii. The volcano of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD killed most of the town’s inhabitants, but it did relatively little damage to Pompeii itself. The resulting blanket of ash kept the remains in perfect condition until they were uncovered again in the 18th century. Volcano's eruption visiting the highlights of the thermal baths, the large theater, the Basilica and the Macellum and the famous House of Faun. We will be seeing many interesting clues during your visit explaining the most interesting places of this ancient commercial city.

Return to Naples.

Accomodation in hotel (Aer Street Hotel 3*, or similar).

After breakfast, we will depart for Castel del Monte. Located in the Communes of Andria and Corato (Bari Province), it was built by the Emperor Frederick II in the 13th century. First of all, Del Monte Castle is a symbol of medieval military architecture. Perfectly preserved, it is able to enchant for some details such as the rigour of its plan and form, and the eclecticism of its cultural elements.

Accomodation at a hotel (Ai Pilieri di Bagnoli, or similar).

After breakfast, transfer to Bari. Leisure Day. Overnight at Hotel Auditorium 3* or similar. (B)

  Change to join up and continue to successive tour(s): Egnatia Adriatic, Dacia, Mediteranean, Dardania, Dalmatia, and Ionian loops/circuits).. Overnight in your hotel.