Travelpack

Highlights: Florence - Bologna - Ravenna - Zadar - Dubrovnik - Split - Kotor - Messina - Naples - Livorno (Overnight in port) - Rome

Hotels featured:
➤C-hotels Ambasciatori 4*
➤Royal Hotel Carlton 4*

Itinerary
Thu 12 Jun 25: Italy
➤Flights from London Heathrow Airport to Florence Amerigo
Vespucci Airport
➤Stay at C-hotels Ambasciatori for 2 Nights

Fri 13 Jun 2025: Tuscan Wine Tasting Day Trip with Lunch
➤Skip the hassle of renting a car ad explore the best of the Tuscan countryside on a full-day tour to Pisa, Chianti, and San Gimignano from Florence. First, head to the town of Pisa to see the iconic Leaning Tower and its cathedral. Continue to the UNESCO-listed medieval town of San Gimignano for a tour and a typical Tuscan lunch with wine tasting. Conclude with a walking tour of the historic center of Siena and a visit to its cathedral.
Discover the most renowned Tuscan towns in just one day
Visit Siena led by a professional local guide
Explore San Gimignano and Pisa, with its amazing Leaning Tower
Enjoy a delicious Tuscan lunch with a tasting of four wines

Sat 14 Jun 2025: Rail journey from Florence to Bologna
➤Stay at Royal Hotel Carlt for 2 nights

Mon 16 Jun 2025: Rail journey from Bologna to Ravenna

Mon 16 Jun 2025: Ravenna
➤ Ravenna is a city located in the northeastern part of Italy, in the Emilia Romagna region. This city is famous for its countless stunning mosaics that are scattered throughout its historical centre, and its transformation into the capital of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century AD. With its rich history and heritage, Ravenna has become one of Italy's most visited places, attracting tourists from all over the world.
The city’s history dates back to the Etruscan era, with the origins of the city being shrouded in ancient mystery. However, the city first gained widespread attention during the Roman Empire's decline, which Ravenna played a significant role in. During this time, the city was an essential cultural and political center, and in 402 AD, Emperor, Honorius, transferred the capital of the Western Roman Empire from Milan to Ravenna.
One of the most notable features of Ravenna is its larger-than-life mosaic art. This art form was first introduced to the city in the 5th and 6th centuries, during the Byzantine Empire era. Ravenna is home to dozens of churches, chapels, and cathedrals, many of which are perfect examples of the mosaic art that the city is famous for. It is believed that Ravenna's mosaics were the one inspiration for the famous Italian Renaissance painter, Giotto.
The Basilica of San Vitale is one of the most famous churches adorned with mosaic artwork in the city. This beautiful basilica was built in the 6th century and features mosaic art from both Western and Byzantine traditions. The circular dome of the apse has a stunning image of Jesus with two angels, one of which is thought to be the Archangel Michael. The basilica's beauty comes not only from its perfectly preserved mosaic work but also from its unique architectural features.
The Mausoleum of Theodoric is another significant landmark in Ravenna. This impressive Gothic-style tomb was built in 520 AD, and although it was built for the Ostrogoth king Theodoric, it was never used, and it was converted into a Christian church. The exterior of the building is impressive, with a sixteen-sided base that leads up to a 36-meter dome decorated with intricate Romanesque and Gothic ornamentation. The Mausoleum of Theodoric is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and well worth a visit.
Another iconic attraction that Ravenna has to offer is the Palace of Theoderic, located in the heart of the city's historical centre. This palace was built for King Theoderic in 493 AD and is one of the finest examples of Ostrogothic architectural art that survives to this day. Today, the palace now houses the city's Archaeological Museum, which has a rich collection of artifacts ranging from ancient Roman to Byzantine times.
In conclusion, Ravenna is a city that is rich in history, art, and culture, and it has played a vital role in shaping Italian history. With its numerous churches, chapels, and cathedrals, all adorned with breathtaking mosaics, it's no wonder that Ravenna has become a favorite destination for tourists from all over the world. Whether you are an art lover, a history buff or simply looking for a tranquil getaway, Ravenna is a city that should be on your travel list.

Tue 17 Jun 2025: Zadar
➤Zadar, located on Croatia's picturesque Dalmatian Coast, is a charming and historic city that offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern attractions. With its rich history dating back to Roman times, Zadar has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia.
One of the highlights of Zadar is its well-preserved old town, which is bursting with ancient architecture and historical sites. The Roman Forum, built between the 1st century BC and the 3rd century AD, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. The St. Donatus Church, a symbol of the city, is an impressive Byzantine-style building that dates back to the 9th century.
A unique attraction in Zadar is the Sea Organ. This innovative musical instrument is built right into the city's waterfront promenade and produces hauntingly beautiful sounds as the waves of the Adriatic Sea push air through its pipes. Nearby, the Sun Salutation is a large circle of solar panels that light up in various patterns at night, creating a mesmerizing light show.
For those seeking a bit of natural beauty, Zadar is surrounded by stunning landscapes. The nearby Kornati Islands National Park is a collection of 89 islands known for their untouched beauty, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life. Visitors can take boat trips to explore the islands, snorkel in the turquoise waters, or simply soak up the sun on one of the many secluded beaches.
Zadar is also the gateway to two other national parks—Plitvice Lakes and Krka. Plitvice Lakes National Park is renowned for its cascading waterfalls and turquoise lakes, while Krka National Park boasts a series of waterfalls, historic monasteries, and beautiful hiking trails.
Food lovers will find Zadar's culinary scene to be equally enticing. The city is famous for its fresh seafood, and the local cuisine incorporates traditional Dalmatian flavors. Don't miss trying the traditional Dalmatian prosciutto and cheese, as well as tasty seafood dishes like black risotto and octopus salad. Pair your meal with a glass of locally produced Maraschino cherry liqueur, a specialty of Zadar.
Zadar is also a vibrant cultural center, hosting numerous music festivals throughout the year. The most well-known is the Zadar Summer Theater Festival, which brings theatrical performances, concerts, and film screenings to various venues across the city during the summer months. The Zadar Film Festival is another notable event, showcasing both national and international films.
In terms of accommodations, Zadar offers a range of options to suit every budget. From luxury hotels with waterfront views to cozy guesthouses in the old town, there is something for everyone. The city's central location also makes it a great base for exploring other parts of Croatia, such as the nearby city of Split or the stunning islands of Hvar and Brač.
With its historical sites, natural beauty, lively cultural scene, and delicious cuisine, Zadar has all the ingredients for a memorable vacation. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, foodie, or simply seeking a relaxing getaway by the sea, Zadar is a destination that should definitely be on your travel radar.

Wed 18 Jun 2025: Dubrovnik
➤This unique Adriatic port has been luring travelers for centuries, known for its luxury accommodation, excellent cuisine, and beautiful surroundings. From a turbulent history during which it was occupied and conquered by a succession of neighboring European powers, Dubrovnik has emerged as a city at peace, allowing visitors to make the most of its historic architecture, white pebble beaches, and crystal-clear ocean waters.
The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating from the 7th century. Its 13-century walls enclose well-preserved buildings representing a cross-section of Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture, while Onofrio's Fountain is one of Dubrovnik's most famous landmarks, found just inside the main entrance to the old city at Pile Gate.
The centre of the Old Town is its main street called the Stradun, which was originally a channel separating an island from the mainland. It was filled in to join two towns into the merged city of Dubrovnik.
There are many churches, monasteries, and museums to explore, while the Old Town boasts plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops. The coastal belt is awash with pretty marinas, coves, and promenades, while most hotels and the best beaches are located northwest of the Old Town, at Lapad, or in Ploce to the northeast.
Dubrovnik is a favorite on European cruise itineraries and many tourists arrive by sea, ferrying into the charming old port. Although Dubrovnik will delight cruise passengers with only a few hours to kill, it's incredibly rich in history and culture and can easily occupy travelers for days. The city is also well situated as a travel hub for exploring the villages and islands dotted along the dramatic Dalmatian Coast of Croatia.

Thu 19 Jun 2025: Split
➤The pretty city of Split has a rich history. Since ancient times, it has served in various guises as the economic and administrative centre of the beautiful Croatian Adriatic coastal region, today called Dalmatia.
The city is mainly sprawled on a peninsula on the eastern part of the island of Ciovo, although it has spread onto the mainland and encompasses the mouth of the River Cetina. From the 5th to the 2nd century BC, Greek colonists settled the mainland and adjacent islands.
Later came the Romans, in particular the Emperor Diocletian. Being of Dalmatian origin, he elected to build a huge palace at a spot then called Salona in the year 303 AD. A town grew around the palace and by the Middle Ages, the city of Split had begun to develop.
Diocletian's Palace still stands in the very heart of the old quarter of Split, charming visitors with its cobbled streets and classical architecture. The greater region is characterized by lush vegetation and verdant greenery, particularly Marjan Hill on the west of the peninsula with its ancient Indigenous forest.
The city makes an ideal base from which to explore the wondrous islands, beautiful locations, and historic villages in central Dalmatia. Split is also world-renowned among seafarers for the quality of its 44 marinas, drawing yachts and catamarans from all over Europe and making it a great cruising destination in the Adriatic.

Fri 20 Jun 2025: Kotor
➤Tourists to Montenegro will most likely spend the bulk of their time exploring the small Balkan country's natural landscape. From snowy peaks to tall pine forests, from the coastlines to the fjords, Montenegro is an outdoor lover's dream come true.
However, for those looking to get to grips with the culture of Montenegro, the medieval city of Kotor is certainly the place to visit, especially in recent years as Montenegro has swiftly established itself as one of Europe's top tourist destinations.
It's not hard to see why this is. The surrounding Mediterranean coastline, with its limestone cliffs and thick vegetation, is punctuated by the port of Kotor, which in turn is surrounded by city walls that were built by the Republic of Venice. These ramparted and bastioned city walls, together with the Venetian-inspired old city, are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and are lauded for their role in the diffusion of Mediterranean culture in the Balkan region.
A small city, with a population of just under 14,000 permanent inhabitants, Kotor is a wonderful place to navigate on foot, soaking up the scenery and admiring the medieval buildings. In terms of tourist sights, the Maritime Museum is a must-visit attraction, as is the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (built in 1166) and the Church of Our Lady of Health, which is located on a small promontory overlooking Kotor and provides unbeatable views of the bright blue Adriatic Sea beneath.

Sun 22 Jun 2025: Messina
➤Messina is the third largest city on the island of Sicily, and the 13th largest city in Italy, with a population of more than 231,000. Home to the Museo Regionale of Messina, known for featuring two of Caravaggio's paintings, the city is also famous for having been the capital of the ancient kingdom of Sicily.
Mon 23 Jun 2025: Naples
Italy's third-largest city thrives on the chaos that prevails amid its busy streets. This is the place where pizza was allegedly invented, and its restaurants continue to serve some of Italy's finest cuisine.
Sheltered by the Bay of Naples and dominated by the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, Naples is imbued with the best of nature's bounty. The city juxtaposes superb museums, Renaissance structures, and Baroque churches, against crumbling tenement blocks and poor neighborhoods. Noisy markets sell a collection of items, from high-quality fresh produce to fake designer goods.
Roads are characteristically hectic with gung-ho moped drivers weaving wildly through the streets and frustrating traffic jams clogging the city's arteries. Despite these less refined elements, Naples is a fascinating destination and a great base from which to explore popular attractions like the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and Herculaneum.
The city's transport hub is located around the immense Piazza Garibaldi, on the east side of Naples. Southwest from here is the Piazza Bovio, and branching to the left of it, the Piazza Municipio and nearby Piazza del Plebiscito. On the watery edges are the Molo Beverollo and the Stazione Marittima, the point of departure for ferries. From the reaches of Spaccanapoli, one can explore the historic part of Naples with its numerous palaces and churches.

Web 25 Jun 2025: Livorno
➤Livorno is a gritty city with a long and interesting history. In the early Middle Ages, it alternately belonged to Pisa and Genoa. In 1421 Florence, seeking access to the sea, bought it. Cosimo I (1519–74) started construction of the harbor in 1571, putting Livorno on the map. After Ferdinando I de' Medici (1549–1609) proclaimed Livorno a free city, it became a haven for people suffering from religious persecution; Roman Catholics from England and Jews and Moors from Spain and Portugal, among others, settled here. The Quattro Mori (Four Moors), also known as the Monument to Ferdinando I, commemorates this. (The statue of Ferdinando I dates from 1595, and the bronze Moors by Pietro Tacca from the 1620s.)In the following centuries, and particularly in the 18th, Livorno boomed as a port. In the 19th century, the town drew a host of famous Britons passing through on their grand tours. Its prominence continued up to World War II when it was heavily bombed. Much of the town's architecture, therefore, postdates the war, and it's somewhat difficult to imagine what it might have looked like before. Livorno has recovered from the war, however, as it's become a huge point of departure for container ships, as well as the only spot in Tuscany for cruise ships to dock for the day. Most of Livorno's artistic treasures date from the 17th century and aren't all that interesting unless you dote on obscure baroque artists. Livorno's most famous native artist, Amedeo Modigliani (1884–1920), was of much more recent vintage. Sadly, there's no notable work by him in his hometown. There may not be much in the way of art, but it's still worth strolling around the city. The Mercato Nuovo, which has been around since 1894, sells all sorts of fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, and fish. Outdoor markets nearby are also chock-full of local color. The presence of Camp Darby, an American military base just outside town, accounts for the availability of many American products. If you have time, Livorno is worth a stop for lunch or dinner at the very least.

Fri 27 Jun 2025: Rome
➤Rome is like a living museum, liberally dotted with fascinating ruins, ancient relics, and archaeological sites. Centuries are peeled back from the Eternal City with each new vista in this great metropolis of fearsome gladiators and gorgeous art. Vespas, sports cars, and nippy Fiats speed past trendy sidewalk cafes, bistros, and nightclubs, revealing the Rome of Fellini's La Dolce Vita, while the stark facades of the Stadio Olimpico remind visitors of Mussolini's attempts to reinvent the architecture of the Caesars.
For a taste of the Baroque, visitors need only climb the famous Spanish Steps, walk through the Piazza Navona, or toss a coin into the beautiful Trevi Fountain. Renaissance splendor is best revealed in the Vatican Palace, specifically Michelangelo's efforts on the roof of the Sistine Chapel. From early Christian Basilicas and the Roman Forum to the Colosseum and the Pantheon, the sequence of history trails back to the dizzying heights of the empire.
It may sound like a city of contrasts, but Rome's timeless magic lies in its ability to blend the old with the new. Empires have risen and fallen, and old gods have been replaced with the new, but Rome nonetheless remains.

Fri 27 Jun 2025: Departure
➤Fly from Rome, Italy back to the UK

Prices & Departures:
Deposit £300pp
➤Z61607 Heathrow from £3299pp
➤Z68593 Manchester £3309pp
➤Z68596 Glasgow £3259pp
➤Z68602 Dublin from £3109pp

Terms & Conditions:
Based on 2 adults Sharing

Offer Includes

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