JOURNEY THROUGH ITALY WITH JOHN GORA
Frascati - Pienza – Siena – San Gimignano - Montecatini – Florence – Pisa – Lucca –
Chianciano Terme – Assisi – Cassino – Pompeii – Rome
Wed June 1st Depart on transatlantic flight.
Thu June 2nd
Frascati
( Welcome Dinner )
Arrive Rome and transfer to hotel in Frascati. Free time to relax or take a stroll around Frascati,
located on the outskirts of Rome in the Alban Hills, in the area referred to as the Castelli Romani.
Welcome dinner at a local restaurant including local wine. Overnight in Frascati at Hotel Flora.
Fri June 3rd
Frascati – Pienza - Siena ( breakfast, wine & pecorino cheese tasting, dinner )
After breakfast we leave Frascati and travel north towards Tuscany. In the southern part of Tuscany
situated between Montepulciano and Montalcino lies centuries-old Pienza which is best known for its
rich pecorino cheeses, which we have have the opportunity to taste today.
In the late afternoon we arrive at our hotel located just outside the ancient walls of Siena.
Take advantage of the swimming pool or the rooftop terrace which offers a panoramic view of the
surrounding area. Our dinner tonight will be at the famous Gallo Nero Restaurant complete with
medievel entertainment and local wines. Overnight in Siena.
Sat June 4th
Siena – San Gimignano – Montecatini ( breakfast, dinner )
After breakfast we explore Siena. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, Siena is one of the most
beautiful cities of Tuscany. At the heart of the city is the Piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s greatest
medievel squares. Other landmarks include the Palazzo Comunale, Museo Civico, Siena Cathedral
and Torre del Mangia.
In the afternoon we continue to San Gimignano, a small walled medieval hill town known as the
“Town of Fine Towers”. The historic centre is designated as a UNESCO heritage site.
The town also is known for the white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, produced from the ancient
variety of Vernaccia grape which is grown on the sandstone hillsides of the area.
In the early evening we arrive in Montecatni Terme for dinner and overnight.
Sun June 5th
Montecatini - Florence - Montecatini ( breakfast, dinner )
We will spend the day in Florence, the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Renaissance.
Home to masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, Donatello, Brunelleschi and many more.
In the morning we will visit the Basilica di Santa Croce, Piazza della Signoria , Palazzo Vecchio (Town
Hall) with a copy of the famous David at the entrance , Ponte Vecchio, Cathedral of Santa Maria del
Fiore. The afternoon will be free to explore Florence further on your own. Return in the evening to
our hotel in Montecatini for overnight.
Mon June 6th Montecatini – Pisa - Lucca - Chianciano Terme ( breakfast, dinner )
After breakfast we leave Montecatini and after a short drive visit one of Italy’s most famous
landmarks, the Leaning Tower of Pisa! Our next stop will be the Etruscan town of Lucca. Broad, treelined pathways along the tops of massive 16th- and 17th-century ramparts are popular for strolling
and cycling. Lucca is also known for its high-quality olive oil produced in the region.
We arrive to Chianciano Terme for dinner and overnight.
Tue June 7th
Chcianciano Terme - Assisi - Cassino ( breakfast, dinner )
Today we leave Tuscany and visit Assisi, the birthplace of St Francis ( 1181-1226), in the province of
Perugia in Umbria. The Basilica of St. Francis is a massive, 2-level church, consecrated in 1253. Its
13th-century frescoes portraying the life of St. Francis have been attributed to Giotto and Cimabue,
among others. The crypt houses the saint’s stone sarcophagus. Free time for lunch and to
explore the town of Assisi on your own before we continue south to Cassino for dinner and overnight.
Wed June 8th Cassino – Pompeii - Rome ( breakfast, dinner )
After breakfast we will drive to the top of Monte Cassino to visit the Benedictine Abbey founded
originally by Benedict of Nursja between 525 and 527 AD. The Abbey was almost completely
destroyed by bombings during World War II. The Battle of Monte Cassino was one of the most
important military operations of WWII. Also known as the Battle for Rome, it wasn't just one battle
but rather a series of military assaults by the Allies against the Germans, starting on January 17th and
ending in late May of 1944. The Polish soldiers of the 2nd Corps (part of 8th British Army) played a
critical role in the final stage of operation forcing Germans to surrender.
We will visit the Polish Cemetary to honour those who perished here fighting for freedom.
From Cassino we continue south to tour the ancient ruins of Pompeii, which in the year 79 AD was
detroyed by Volcanic ash after the eruption of Mt Vesuvius. Our final destination today is the eternal
city of Rome. Evening arrival for dinner and overnight in Rome.
Thu June 9th
Rome ( breakfast, lunch )
Today we have a lot to see! The highlights of ancient Rome will be our focus this morning: the
Roman Forum, Collosseum, Pantheon, The Capital, Circo Massimo, La Bocca della Verita "the Mouth
of Truth", we then visit the ancient roman Catacombs and drive along the Via Appia Antica which is
the most important road built by the Ancient Romans to connect Rome with Capua. On the Via Appia
we also visit the Chiesa del Domine Quo Vadis, on the site where, according to the legend, as Saint
Peter was fleeing persecution in Rome, he met Jesus and asks him, "Lord, where are you going?"
(Latin: Domine, quo vadis?). Jesus answered, "I am going to Rome to be crucified again". We will have
lunch near the Via Appia Antica before returning to the center of Rome to continue with a walking
tour of the historical center of Rome to admire the fabulous baroque fountains and piazza's of Rome,
decorated with the incredible works of Borromini and Bernini. The rest of the day at your leisure to
enjoy the nightlife of Roma! Dinner on your own tonight. Overnight in Rome.
Fri June 10th
Rome ( breakfast, farewell dinner )
After breakfast we will meet in the lobby and then transfer to the Vatican for our guided visit of the
Vatican Museums including the Sistine Chapel and then to St. Peter’s Basilica to visit the tomb of St.
John Paul II. After our visit the rest of the day is on your own to continue exploring the Eternal City.
Meet in the hotel lobby at 7.30 pm and drive to our welcome dinner at „Da Meo Patacca” located in
the historic Trastevere neighborhood with live entertainment and wine included. Overnight in Rome.
Sat June 11th
Depart Rome ( breakfast )
Breakfast and transfer to the airport in Rome. End of tour 
Cost for land only is $ 2300 USD / $ 2900 CAD per person in dbl room
Single supplement add $ 490 USD / $ 630 CAD
Early bird discount - deduct $ 100 per person if booked & depost paid by Jan 31st, 2016
Call to check airfare from your departure gateway.
**At the moment Alitalia sale price from Toronto is approx $ 870 Cad txs included**
For further information or to reserve please contact Wanda at Chopin Tours
1-800-533-0369 or wanda@chopintours.com
www.chopintours.com