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ITALY 16 DAY SOLO TOUR: SEPTEMBER 2020 § Exclusively for Solo Travellers § Your Own Room Always § Visit Amazing Destinations ITINERARY www.twosacrowd.com.au ITALY

ITALY - Two's a Crowd · • Palazzo Vecchio - EUR10 • Uffizi Gallery - EUR24 • Medici Chapels - EUR15 • Baptistry - EUR10 • Duomo & Campanile climb - EUR6 • Accademia -

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ITALY16 DAY SOLO TOUR: SEPTEMBER 2020

§ Exclusively for Solo Travellers § Your Own Room Always § Visit Amazing Destinations

ITINERARY

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ITALY

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16 DAY SOLO TOUR: 7TH - 22ND SEPTEMBER 2020ITALY

Travelling to Italy to discover it’s rich culture, ancient ruins, impressive art collection, iconic architecture, show stopping cities and of course the scrumptious food and stylish fashion is an experience not to be missed.From the canals of Venice to the historic streets of Rome, Italy is constantly familiar and endlessly surprising. Catch the top-tier sights – Venice’s bridges, Pisa’s Leaning Tower and Rome’s Colosseum – and combine them with the humble delights of the fine food of Tuscany, natural vistas and unearthed cultural treasures. Travel the romantic, winding waterways of Venice in a traghetto and lose yourself in the town’s myriad of alleyways. Discover the abundance of art and culture in Florence, Italy’s outdoor museum - famous for its rolling, sun-drenched hills dotted with quaint villages and scored by manicured rows of vineyards. Set on the shores of the sparkling Mediterranean, the Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe. Feast your eyes on the spectacular and sparkling Mediterranean horizon before immersing yourself in the stunning vistas of Sorrento. The ancient Roman town of Pompeii has been frozen in time under the shadow of the very volcano which destroyed it, Mount Vesuvius. Explore the vast ruins and medieval monastries, eat a pizza (or ten!) and then descend below the city streets of Napels to discover the extraordinary catacombs. This journey will have you living ‘la bella vita’ in no time.

Will you join us?

w w w . t w o s a c r o w d . c o m . a u IRAN ADVENTURE

16 DAY SOLO TOUR: 7TH - 22ND SEPTEMBER 2020ITALY

Day 1 - Monday 7th September 2020 VENICE ARRIVAL DAY (D)Upon arrival we will be met at the airport for our group transfer to the hotel. Unpack and settle in before meeting your Two’s a Crowd Host and fellow travellers at this evening’s welcome dinner. Enjoy a typical Venetian dinner with drinks included at the hotel Trattoria. Meet the group in the hotel foyer at 7.15pm. Included Activities: • Group arrival transfers (land and boat) from airport to hotel

§ Accommodation: Your own double room at ‘Hotel Abbazia’ in Venice (3 star)

Day 2 - Tuesday 8th September 2020 VENICE (B)Today you will take an orientation walk in the morning. During your walking tour we visit the interior of the Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark’s Basilica. Board a vaporetto (water bus) to the island of San Giorgio, where we will climb the bell tower and witness expansive views of Venice. Enjoy free time in the afternoon. You might like to visit some museums or take a trip to some of the outlying islands. The Grand Canal, the quaint shopfronts that line the Rialto Bridge and the Piazza and Basilica di San Marco are all worthy sights to visit. It is equally satisfying to simply meander around the tiny cobbled streets and discover the beautiful markets, cafes, galleries and churches. A Venetian gondola ride down the canals is a must, as is a taste of the region’s speciality dessert, tiramisu.Included Activities: • 1/2 day guided walking tour of Venice• Entrance fees to Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Baslica • San Giorgio Bell Tower • Venice Traghetto Boat Ride

§ Accommodation: Your own double room at ‘Hotel Abbazia’ in Venice (3 star)

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Day 3 - Wednesday 9th September 2020 VENICE- MONTAGNANA- FLORENCE (B,L)After breakfast we depart Venice by bus and head to the charming town of Montagnana. This medieval walled city and its fortifications and walls are still intact and the façade is still original. In fact it is said that the medieval walls of Montagnana are one of the most well preserved in Europe. We enjoy lunch, and also have some free time to explore ‘The Castle of San Zeno,’ ‘The Rocca degli Alberi Castle’ and ‘The Montagnana Cathedral,’ which was built in 1431 in the gothic style of architecture. Next we journey on to Florence- one of the most culturally rich and beautiful cities in Italy, known to many as the beating heart of Tuscany. The Medicis, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Brunelleschi, Machiavelli, Donatello and Michelangelo all lived in Florence at the height of their creative reign. Walk to Piazzale Michelangelo to take in beautiful views of the city. Sample some of the culinary delicacies on offer from across Tuscany. Regional dishes are renowned for their simplicity and ingredient-driven quality. Olive oil, beans and fresh herbs are a feature here. Two standout dishes of the region are bistecca alla fiorentina (essentially a big T-bone steak that is shared between multiple diners) and ribollita (a simple, hearty soup of bread, vegetables and beans). The sweet treat of Panforte is also popular throughout this region. Included Activities: • Enjoy a light lunch in Montagnana• 2 hour guided tour of Florence

§ Accommodation: Your own room at ‘Hotel Ricasoli,’ in Florence (4 star)

Day 4 - Thursday 10th September 2020 FLORENCE (B,D)While you are in Florence, there will be plenty of time to explore the city and its museums and galleries. It is impossible to see everything in this Renaissance wonderland, however, so take your time and enjoy it. Visiting the Uffizi while you are here is highly recommended – it is one of the oldest galleries in the world, and a building of great beauty. Similarly, a visit to Galleria dell’Accademia, where you can see Michelangelo’s famous statue of David, is a must. Special Information: All of the Florentine State Museums

require tickets, and the queues can be long. Booking your tickets online in advance ( uffizi.org and accademia.org) is essential. Your leader can be of assistance booking these. Optional Activities: • Museo dell’Opera di S.Maria del Fiore - EUR15 • Pitti Palace (Boboli Gardens, Museo Argenti,

Costume Gallery, Porcellain Museum) - EUR12 • Museum Bargello - EUR12 • Palazzo Vecchio - EUR10 • Uffizi Gallery - EUR24 • Medici Chapels - EUR15 • Baptistry - EUR10 • Duomo & Campanile climb - EUR6 • Accademia - EUR16 • San Lorenzo Central Market Food Tasting - EUR15 Tonight the group will enjoy a typical Florentina ‘Apperitivo and tour’.

§ Accommodation: Your own room at ‘Hotel Ricasoli,’ in Florence (4 star)

Day 5 - Friday 11th September 2020 FLORENCE- PISA- LUCA- CINQUE TERRE (B)This morning you will make your way towards the dramatic coast of the Cinque Terre, and visit Pisa and Lucca on the way. Due to the precarious state of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Torre Pendente, it is not always possible to climb it, but you will definitely have the opportunity to photograph it from the ground. Your trip leader will take you to the ticket office to purchase tickets to the Cathedral, Baptistry, Museums and Campo Santo, should you wish to visit them. Your next stop is Lucca, where you can walk the bustling streets or perhaps take a walk along the famous city walls. You then continue to your accommodation in La Spezia. This is the gateway to the gorgeous Cinque Terre. Optional Activities:

• Leaning Tower of Pisa - EUR18

§ Accommodation: Your own room at ‘Hotel Firenze & Continentale,’ La Spezia (4 star)

16 DAY SOLO TOUR: 7TH - 22ND SEPTEMBER 2020ITALY

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w w w . t w o s a c r o w d . c o m . a u IRAN ADVENTUREw w w . t w o s a c r o w d . c o m . a u

Day 6 - Saturday 12th September 2020 CINQUE TERRE (B)Cinque Terre (translating as Five Lands or Five Villages) is a region of Italy famed for its rugged coastline and the colourful villages that cling to it. The footpaths that run between the villages were once the only way to travel in the region. You can choose to walk just a few sections, which will still unveil a great amount of majestic scenery. There is a train that connects the villages as well, so if you prefer to enjoy a more relaxing day, you are welcome to take this option. Join a local shop-keeper for a Pesto making class in Levanto. Make your own pesto and enjoy it with a glass of wine afterwards. In the evening there’s no better way to refuel after the taxing walks than indulging in a delicious Mediterranean feast. Be sure to try the local pesto and focaccia, both specialties of the area. Special Information: Today’s walking distance: 9 km; approximately 4 hours. Due to recent landslides in the area it is currently not possible to walk the Via dell’Amore from Riomaggiore to Manarola and the coastal section between Manarola and Corniglia. You will take the train instead for these sections. Please also note that due to safety reasons some sections of any path can be closed at short notice. Included Activities:• Cinque Terre day trip including train tickets• ‘laboratoio di Pesto’ making & demonstration Optional Activities: • Church of St Andrea in Levante with free Cinque Terre Cruise

- EUR30 • Urban Adventures - Tasting Cinque Terre - EUR89 (dinner

tour)

§ Accommodation: Your own room at ‘Hotel Firenze & Continentale,’ La Spezia (4 star)

16 DAY SOLO TOUR: 7TH - 22ND SEPTEMBER 2020ITALY

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16 DAY SOLO TOUR: 7TH - 22ND SEPTEMBER 2020ITALY

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Day 7 - Sunday 13th September 2020 CINQUE TERRE- SAN GIMIGNANO – CHIANTI REGION (B)This morning you will start to make your way to the Chianti Region, right in the heart of Tuscany. On the way, you will visit San Gimignano, the ‘Town of Fine Towers.’ This medieval walled town is famous for its well-preserved tower houses which are now on the UNESCO World Heritage list. There will be time for you to explore the old town centre and its fine Gothic and Romanesque architecture. This region is renowned for its ancient Vernaccia grapes, which are the basis for one of Tuscany’s finest white wines. Relax in a local family’s garden surrounded by olive trees and vineyards and enjoy the local organic wine varieties produced by this family for centuries. Arrive at your hotel in the afternoon. Relax by the pool or perhaps enjoy some local wines and stunning views from the rooftop terrace.Included Activities:• Agriturismo - Wine Tour and Tasting (San

Gimignano)

§ Accommodation: Your own room at ‘CDH Radda,’ in Tuscany (4 star)

Day 8 - Monday 14th September 2020 CHIANTI REGION - SIENA – MONTERIGGIONE - ROME (B)Begin the day with a short drive to the medieval city of Siena. It is best known for the Piazza del Campo, the site of the twice annual Palio (a horse race that goes around the edge of the oval square). Be sure to visit the small but stunning Siena Cathedral, and see the statue of the capitoline wolf which was brought here by the sons of Remus, the founder of Rome. It has been the city’s symbol ever since. Continue to Monteriggioni, another Tuscan hill town that was built by the Sienese to defend their territory against the Florentines in the 13th century. Learn a little more about the circular walls and 14 towers which played a significant role in the attacks staged by the Bishop of Volterra. After a 4 hour drive you will arrive into Rome in the early evening.

§ Accommodation: Your own room at ‘Hotel Eliseo,’ in Rome (4 star)

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16 DAY SOLO TOUR: 7TH - 22ND SEPTEMBER 2020ITALY

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Day 9 - Tuesday 15th September 2020 ROME (B)From incredible ancient monuments to glamorous restaurants and boutiques, Rome is a city of great beauty and diversity. Today you will be taken on a walking tour of the city. You’ll see such marvels as the Roman Forum, the Victor Emmanuel Monument, the Pantheon, the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and Venezia, the Spanish Steps and Via Dei Condotti. As you wander the city, perhaps stop in at a bar for a quick coffee, or indulge in some gelato. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this great city as you please. Make sure you take the opportunity to visit the majestic Vatican City and St Peter’s Basilica. The view from the dome of St Peter’s is breath taking. Roman food is world-renowned, and the trattorias that line the streets are the perfect place to sample the local pasta delights. A taste or two of the (very well priced) local wine is also a must. Special Information: You can pre-book tickets to the Vatican Museum online to avoid the long queues. Visit biglietteriamusei.vatican.va for more information. Included Activities: • Rome city walking tour (3 hours)

§ Accommodation: Your own room at ‘Hotel Eliseo,’ in Rome (4 star)

Day 10 - Wednesday 16th September 2020 ROME (B)Day at leisure to enjoy the Eternal City.Optional Activities:• Castel Sant’Angelo - EUR10 • Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill - EUR16 • Vatican Museum - EUR16• Galleria Borghese - EUR15 • Pantheon - EUR2 • St Peter’s Dome Climb & Elevator - EUR8 • Venezia Palace - EUR5 • Urban Adventures - Ancient Rome: Archaeological Discovery

Tour - EUR110 • Urban Adventures - Roman Dolce Vita - EUR65

§ Accommodation: Your own room at ‘Hotel Eliseo,’ in Rome (4 star)

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16 DAY SOLO TOUR: 7TH - 22ND SEPTEMBER 2020ITALY

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Day 11 - Thursday 17th September 2020 ROME- NAPLES - POMPEII (B)Today we travel by train to Naples (approximately 3 hours), a raucous city that overflows with passion, tradition and gastronomy. Naples was carved out by many empires of the past and by merchants and pirates from across the world: Romans, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Venetians, Spaniards, Normans and Africans. Its evocative, historical old centre is a World Heritage-listed area and the famous Spanish Quarter is still one of the most densely populated residential areas in Europe. Naples is the birthplace of the pizza, so why not head to one of the many pizzerias and taste what’s truly some of the best that Italy has to offer. Head underground to see ancient Napoli Sotterranea, the famous underground city. Later in the afternoon, travel by private vehicle to the time capsule of Pompeii, in the shadow of Mt Vesuvius (approximately 1 hour). Tonight’s accommodation is perfectly located right near the entrance to the archaeological excavation site. Included Activities:• Train ticket• Guided tour of Napoli Sotterranea Underground City

(3 hours) Optional Activities:• Naples Archaeological Museum - EUR14 • Chapel of San Severo - EUR7 • Duomo - Free • St Claire’s Church and Cloister - EUR6

§ Accommodation: Your own room at ‘Hotel Forum,’ in Pompei (4 star)

Day 12 - Friday 18th September 2020 POMPEII (B)The small picturesque town of modern Pompeii has a wonderful old town square – the perfect place to while away some time with the locals, drinking true Italian coffee and watching the world go by. Most of today though will be spent exploring the ruins of ancient Pompeii on a guided tour. Until 26 August, 79 AD, Pompeii was a thriving Roman trading centre, where ordinary people went about their everyday business, but it was frozen in time when Mount Vesuvius erupted, killing 2,000 people and their homes under a layer of ash. The city was never rebuilt and largely disappeared from people’s minds until the 18th century, when the ruins were re-discovered. Now you can take an unparalleled look back into the lives of ancient Romans and discover how they lived, worked and interacted 2,000 years ago. The finely preserved ruins include villas, temples, theatres and bustling markets. Walk along the chariot-marked streets, visit the magnificent amphitheatre and the ‘Villa of Mysteries’. You can also visit the Roman Forum and basilica, temples, public baths, and the tiny Odeon created for music recitals. The rest of the day is free, but if the ruins piqued your interest, head to nearby Herculaneum, which also holds a wealth of fossilised archaeological finds.Included Activities: • Pompeii Archaeological Site tour and entrance fees

(3 hours) Optional Activities: • Herculaneum Ruins entrance - EUR13 • Sanctuary of St Mary of the Rosary - Free

§ Accommodation: Your own room at ‘Hotel Forum,’ in Pompei (4 star)

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16 DAY SOLO TOUR: 7TH - 22ND SEPTEMBER 2020ITALY

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Day 13 - Saturday 19th September 2020 POMPEII- MT VESUVIUS- SORRENTO (B)This morning take a private bus transfer up the mighty Mt Vesuvius, where you’ll meet a local volcanology guide. Ascend to the summit of Mt Vesuvius for staggering 360 degree views over the Bay of Naples and into the steaming crater. Although Mt Vesuvius is still considered to be an active volcano, the last eruption was in 1944 and there’s no sign of lava. See first-hand the awesome power of the volcano that engulfed the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79AD. In the afternoon, travel by private vehicle to the picturesque resort town of Sorrento (approximately 1 hour). People have been coming to the peninsula and islands of the Sorrento region for at least 2,000 years, and set invitingly atop dramatic cliffs over sparkling, blue waters, it’s easy to see why. There are many options in this small seaside town with its fine piazzas, maze of old streets, sidewalk cafes and glamorous shops. The area is also famous for its lemon groves, producing the famous limoncello liqueur. In the evening head out to try some of the best limoncello on offer in Sorrento. Special Information: The final ascent of the volcano can only be done on foot, up a steep but well-made trail of volcanic ash and gravel. The ascent takes around 45 minutes, and comfortable closed shoes are essential. Sufferers of vertigo may prefer to opt out. Included Activities:• Mt Vesuvius Summit Climb guided tour and entrance fees• Sorrento Limoncello Tasting

§ Accommodation: Your own room at ‘Hotel Hilton Sorrento’ (4 star)

Day 14 - Sunday 20th September 2020 SORRENTO (B)After breakfast you have a free day to explore this delightful area and the museums, galleries and piazzas of Sorrento. Perhaps stroll along the marina or cool off in the waters of the local small beaches. They’re not big on sandy beaches here, so swimming Sorrento style is via wooden or stone bathing platforms beneath the cliffs. Taking a trip to Capri is also a great option, with a hydrofoil taking you across to the island that was once home to the magnificent holiday palaces of the Roman emperors. Capri’s dramatic rocky coastline is pierced by natural grottoes, while in the interior, narrow roads wind through fragrant citrus groves, past villages of flat-roofed white cubist-looking houses with flower-filled gardens, and manicured towns which offer swanky hotels and chic cafes. Here you can take a boat trip to the fairy-tale Blue Grotto (La Grotta Azzurra), where the water shines with anextraordinary blue translucence, a result of refraction of the sunlight outside. Your leader will be of assistance and will have plenty of suggestions of what to do and see today. End the day in a very Italian way with a demonstration of Gelato making and feast on your own delicious creations. Included Activities: • Sorrento gelato making experienceOptional Activities: • Capri and Blue Grotto day tour (8 hours)

§ Accommodation: Your own room at ‘Hotel Hilton Sorrento’ (4 star)

Thinking of extending your stay?

We are offering the Budapest- Amsterdam solos River Cruise prior to this Italy Highlights tour, and an incredible solos trip through Persia can be enjoyed after this Italy Highlights trip. Let the friendly Two’s a Crowd booking team organise your additional touring requirements and any pre-tour accommodation in Venice or post-tour accommodation in Rome.

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16 DAY SOLO TOUR: 7TH - 22ND SEPTEMBER 2020ITALY

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Day 15 - Monday 21st September 2020 SORRENTO- ROME (B, D)After breakfast you will be transferred back to Naples station for your onward train journey to Rome. On arrival in Rome you will have the remainder of the day free to explore or take the opportunity to buy your souvenirs. In the evening we will gather for a final meal as a group.

§ Accommodation: Your own room at ‘Hotel Eliseo,’ in Rome (4 star)

Day 16 - Tuesday 22nd September 2020 ROME DEPARTURE DAYThere are no activities planned for the final day of the tour. After enjoying breakfast you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. A group departure transfer to the airport is included. Alternately you may wish to continue your stay in Rome to further explore this fabulous City, or travel on to experience another great adventure with Two’s A Crowd.

NEED MORE INFORMATION? CONTACT THE TEAM: (Phone: 1300 55 45 01 (AUS) or 0800 895 145 (NZ) Email: [email protected]

ABOUT TWO’S A CROWD: We are an award winning tour company exclusively dedicated to the needs of solo travellers. At Two’s a Crowd, single and solo travellers have access to fantastic itineraries at great prices without ever feeling like a third wheel to someone else’s

private getaway. Our travellers enjoy the best of both worlds: private time, personalised attention, low single supplements, as well as thecamaraderie of like-minded travellers. For your peace of mind we are ATAS accredited (No A13850).

Our commitment is to make solo travel more enjoyable and affordable.Terms & Conditions: • Prices are per person and based on sole use rooms throughout • Pricing correct at May 2019 and is subject to change until paid in full. • Refer to our website www.twosacrowd.com.au for full terms and conditions. ©2019 Travel Passion Pty Ltd | ABN 32 140 754 856 trading as Two’s a Crowd.

Two’s a Crowd and the disk logo are registered trademarks of Travel Passion Pty Ltd.Issued: 13/05/2019

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TOUR PRICE A$8,898 PLUS INTERNATIONAL AIRFARES AND TAXESTOUR DATES: 7TH - 22ND SEPTEMBER 2020

16 DAY SOLO TOUR: 7TH - 22ND SEPTEMBER 2020

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Tour Inclusions: § All guiding and experiences as per detailed itinerary

§ Two’s a Crowd Tour Host accompanies group throughout.

§ Accommodation at listed hotels (or similar) in your own room with daily breakfasts.

§ All transport as mentioned by comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles and trains.

§ All group airport transfers with English speaking drivers.

§ Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfasts, L= lunches and D=dinners).

§ All entrance fees as detailed in itinerary.

§ English speaking guide.

§ All hotel city taxes (worth €120 per person)

§ Tips and gratuities (worth AU$110 per person)

§ Maximum group size of 14 (plus guide and Two’s a Crowd Tour Host)

§ Standard CHI Travel Insurance Policy (underwritten by Allianz). Additional premium may be payable if over 69 years, have an existing medial condition or wish to extend your travelling dates.

Tour Exclusions: § International flights and taxes.

§ Personal expenses.

§ Visas (not required for Australian or NZ passport holders).

§ Services and meals if not mentioned in itinerary.

§ Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature.