Christmas and New Year collection 2021 by Europlan

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Christmas and New Year

collection

www.europlan.it

2021

6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS

VERONA CHRISTMAS IN VERONA

NEW YEAR IN VERONA

22 - 27.12.20

28.12.20 - 02.01.21

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL Arrival at Verona’s airport and transfer to the HOTEL LEON D’ORO, in Verona. DAY 2 - VERONA DAY 3 - TRENTO AND CHRISTMAS MARKETS DAY 4 - CHRISTMAS DAY DAY 5 - VENICE DAY 6 - DEPARTURE

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL Arrival at Verona’s airport and transfer to the HOTEL PALACE, in Verona. DAY 2 - LAKE GARDA DAY 3 - VENICE DAY 4 - VERONA AND NEW YEAR’S EVE DAY 5 - BRUNCH AND VERONA ON YOUR OWN DAY 6 - DEPARTURE

VERONA After breakfast meeting with the guide for a sightseeing of Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet. After a brief bus tour, visit Piazza Bra where there is the famous Roman Arena, the biggest Roman amphitheatre after the Coliseum in Rome, which during Christmas is decorated with a huge star. A walk in the centre with our guide will take us to Piazza delle Erbe and then to Piazza dei Signori, to discover the numerous monuments, towers and churches of one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. Piazza dei Signori hosts then one of the biggest Christmas Markets of Italy. A cappuccino with a slice of Pandoro, the typical veronese Christmas Cake in a local bar will warm you up. In the afternoon we will visit one of the most important nativity exhibitions of Italy, collecting nativities from all over the world. Return to the Hotel.

the typical canals and scenic spots. The Christmas lights give then to the city a magic and unforgettable atmosphere. Return to hotel.

TRENTO AND CHRISTMAS MARKETS After breakfast departure to Trento, to dive into the magical atmosphere of the traditional Christmas markets. The traditional Christmas market, with kiosks and stands that sell many types of local merchandize and hand-crafted products takes place in 2 squares in the historical center of the city, Piazza Battisti and Piazza Fiera. You can sip a Vin Brulè, a traditional winter beverage of the area made with spiced hot wine or an hot chocolate in one of the many stands while walking around. In the afternoon proceed to Rovereto where we will visit a distillery producing Grappa; the italian national spirit. After a tasting of grappa we head back to the hotel.

CHRISTMAS DAY The morning is at leisure before a traditional Christmas lunch. You can attend a Mass or simply enjoy a walk along the lake. The afternoon is at your leisure. Back to the hotel.

NEW YEAR’S EVE Return in the hotel for an early dinner. In the evening we will return to the city center to enjoy the traditional new year’s concert at the Teatro Filarmonico. The concert ends at midnight with a glass of spumante. You can then gather with the locals at Piazza Bra before returning to your Hotel.

6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS

VENICE CHRISTMAS IN VENICE

NEW YEAR IN VENICE

22 - 27.12.20

28.12.20 - 02.01.21

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL Arrival at Venice airport and boat transfer to the HOTEL INDIGO VENICE - Sant’Elena. DAY 2 - SAN MARCO DAY 3 - DORSODURO DAY 4 - CHRISTMAS DAY DAY 5 - MURANO AND BURANO DAY 6 - DEPARTURE

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL Arrival at Venice airport and boat transfer to the HOTEL SAVOIA & JOLANDA IN VENICE. DAY 2 - SAN MARCO DAY 3 - DORSODURO DAY 4 - MURANO AND BURANO AND NEW YEAR’S EVE DAY 5 - BRUNCH AND VENICE ON YOUR OWN DAY 6 - DEPARTURE

SAN MARCO In the morning our guide will take you to a classical tour of Venice with Piazza San Marco with the Doge’s Palace (entrance not included) and the Basilica, the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs. At the end of the tour free time to explore the bridges over the lagoon, the characteristic narrow Venetian streets, the shops, the typical canals and scenic spots. Time at leisure in Venice where you can have the opportunity to visit the Doge’s Palace or simply stroll between the “Bacari”, the typical venetian wine bars. Return to the hotel. DORSODURO After breakfast our guide will take you to for a walking tour in the district of Dorsoduro. This district is still very “venetian”. Visit the Basilica della Salute, then proceed to the Gallerie dell’Accademia. Venice’s historic gallery that trace the development of Venetian art from the 14th to 18th centuries, with works by Bellini, Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese and Canaletto, among others. In the afternoon we will visit a mask factory atelier: Venetian masks are a centuries-old tradition of Venice, Italy. The masks are typically worn during the Carnival, but have been used on many other occasions in the past, usually as a device for hiding the wearer’s identity and social status. Return to the Hotel. MURANO AND BURANO Today we cruise to the islands of Murano and Burano in the Venetian Lagoon. The most famous of the Venetian islands, they are known throughout the world for their picturesque scenery, handicrafts, and history. Return to the Hotel. CHRISTMAS DAY The morning is at leisure before a traditional Christmas lunch. You can attend a Mass in one of the many churches in city. The afternoon is at your leisure to furhter discover Venice on your own.

NEW YEAR’S EVE New Year’s Eve dinner with music in Hotel.

6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS

TRIESTE CHRISTMAS IN TRIESTE

22 - 27.12.20

28.12.20 - 02.01.21

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL Arrival in Trieste and check in at the HOTEL CONTINENTALE, located in the heart of the city. DAY 2 - MOSAICO AND PROSCIUTTO DAY 3 - TRIESTE AND MIRAMARE DAY 4 - CHRISTMAS DAY DAY 5 - MUGGIA DAY 6 - DEPARTURE

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL Arrival in Trieste and check in at the HOTEL CONTINENTALE, located in the heart of the city. DAY 2 - TRIESTE AND MIRAMARE DAY 3 - UDINE, CIVIDALE AND COLLIO WINE DAY 4 - MUGGIA AND NEW YEAR’S EVE DAY 5 - BRUNCH AND TRIESTE ON YOUR OWN DAY 6 - DEPARTURE

MOSAICS AND PROSCIUTTO After breakfast departure by coach with our escorted tour to Spilimbergo. Short walking tour of the town, visit of the historical center, that rises around the city walls and the cathedral, built in the Friulian Gothic style, but the highlight of the visit is the local mosaic school, that preserves this antique Roman, Byzantine and Venetian art. It is possible to see the students coming from all over the world work, assembling tiny stones obtained in the close by river Tagliamento.We leave Spilimbergo to San Daniele, known all over the world for its ham. The visit of a ham production factory with a tasting is a must. Back to the hotel. TRIESTE AND MIRAMARE Trieste is the capital of the Friuli region and has with a rich historical and cultural background that played a strong role for the economy of the Hapsburg Empire and later Austro-Hungarian monarchy. A walking tour will show you the beautiful Catholic and Orthodox churches and one of the most beautiful synagogues in Middle Europe, built in a Syrian style. You’ll see palaces of remarkable architectural value in Neo-Classical style and Italy’s largest square overlooking the sea, Piazza Unità d’Italia and the ruins of the Roman Theater. After discovering the heart of the city, we’ll continue just few kilometres away, to the castle of Miramare. Miramare castle was a romantic residence of Maximilian from Hapsburg and his wife Charlotte from Belgium. Surrounded by a wonderful park with rare botanical species, the castle is a wonderful example of a noble residence of the mid-seventeenth century. Return to the Hotel. MUGGIA The fishing village of Muggia, 5km south of Trieste, is the only Italian settlement on the historic Istrian peninsula. Slovenia is just 4km south and Croatia (the peninsula’s main occupant) a score more. With its 14th-century castle and semi-ruined walls, the port has a

NEW YEAR IN TRIESTE

Venetian feel and its steep hills make for lovely views back towards Trieste. In the afternoon we return to Trieste where there will be time at leisure. Return to the hotel. UDINE, CIVIDALE AND COLLIO WINE After breakfast, departure to Udine, a town with squares of Venetian charme and ancient buildings: from Piazza Libertà, often considered as “the most beautiful Venetian square on the mainland”, to Piazza Matteotti which, all surrounded by porticos, seems to be an open-air lounge; here you can observe the ancient and colourful historical buildings which impart the spirit of Udine. We then proceed to Cividale. This city has been in the past the capital of the Longobards kingdom, with its temple, a sign of Lombard art, its historical centre with its medieval houses and the famous Ponte del Diavolo (Satans Bridge), on the Natisone river. On the way back to your hotel the road brings you into the Collio wine producing area: an end-of-tour tasting with Collio wines and snacks will conclude the excursion.Return to the hotel. CHRISTMAS DAY After breakfast you will have time at leisure to explore Trieste. Indulge in one of the many historical Cafès in the city center like the Caffè degli Specchi or the Caffè San Marco or climb the San Giusto hill to attend the Christmas Mass in the local cathedral. A special Christmas lunch awaits you at your hotel. Afternoon at leisure. NEW YEAR’S EVE Special New Year’s dinner in the hotel.

6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS

TUSCANY Trapani

Palermo

Selinunte Agrigento

Taormina

Siracusa Noto

CHRISTMAS IN TUSCANY

NEW YEAR IN TUSCANY

22 - 27.12.20

28.12.20 - 02.01.21

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL Arrival at Pisa or Florence airport and transfer to the HOTEL NIZZA SUISSE, in Montecatini. DAY 2 - LUCCA AND PISA DAY 3 - SIENA AND SAN GIMIGNANO DAY 4 - MONTECATINI DAY 5 - FLORENCE DAY 6 - DEPARTURE

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL Arrival at Pisa or Florence airport and transfer to the HOTEL ERCOLINI E SAVI, in Montecatini. DAY 2 - FLORENCE DAY 3 - SIENA AND SAN GIMIGNANO DAY 4 - LUCCA AND NEW YEAR’S EVE DAY 5 - BRUNCH AND MONTECATINI ON YOUR OWN DAY 6 - DEPARTURE

LUCCA AND PISA In the morning we head for Lucca. This beautiful medieval town is surrounded by a powerful ring of walls. Most of the attractions in Lucca today show its ancient history: from the trace of the Roman amphiteater that can be seen in the shape of the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro to the archeological remains under the 12th century church of Saints Giovanni and Reparata (the first city cathedral, located just around the corner from the present-day cathedral of San Martino), to the various towers from the 12th to 16th centuries including the famous torre Guinigi. We then proceed to Pisa, famous all over the world for its leaning tower, the cathedral and the baptistery. Return to the hotel.

Basilica of Santa Croce. In the afternoon time at leisure to discover the city before returning to the hotel.

SIENA AND SAN GIMIGNANO After breakfast departure to Siena; built on three hills, the city centre of the city. Here we find the Piazza del Campo with its Torre del Mangia – famous for the annual Palio horse races, and the cathedral of Siena. We then continue on to San Gimignano, a fabulous little medieval village famous for its towers, which dominate the wonderful Tuscany countryside. The area is well known for its wines and of course a tasting will complete this experience. Return to the hotel. MONTECATINI The morning is at leisure before a traditional Christmas lunch. You can attend a Mass in one of the churches in Montecatini or make a walk to the beautiful parks surrounding the thermal facilities. The afternoon is at your leisure.

LUCCA In the morning we head for Lucca. This beautiful medieval town is surrounded by a powerful ring of walls. Most of the attractions in Lucca today show its ancient history: from the trace of the Roman amphiteater that can be seen in the shape of the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro to the archeological remains under the 12th century church of Saints Giovanni and Reparata (the first city cathedral, located just around the corner from the present-day cathedral of San Martino), to the various towers from the 12th to 16th centuries including the famous torre Guinigi. Return to the hotel. CHRISTMAS DAY The morning is at leisure before a traditional Christmas lunch. You can attend a Mass in one of the churches in Montecatini or make a walk too the beautiful parks surrounding the thermal facilities. The afternoon is at your leisure. NEW YEAR’S EVE Special New Year’s Eve with music in the hotel.

FLORENCE After breakfast we will take a train ride to the “cradle of Renaissance”: Florence. Our local guide will introduce us to the many delights of this city: the Duomo, with its iconic red-tiled dome and the beautiful Ponte Vecchio, that is home to 43 jewellers’ shops, Piazza della Signoria with its Palazzo, also known as Palazzo Vecchio and the

ON LAKE GARDA!

6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS

LAKE GARDA CHRISTMAS ON LAKE GARDA

NEW YEAR ON LAKE GARDA

22 - 27.12.20

28.12.20 - 02.01.21

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL Arrival at Verona’s airport and transfer to the HOTEL LA PERLA in Garda. DAY 2 - TRENTO AND CHRISTMAS MARKETS DAY 3 - LAKE GARDA DAY 4 - CHRISTMAS DAY DAY 5 - VERONA DAY 6 - DEPARTURE

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL Arrival at Verona’s airport and transfer to the HOTEL LA PERLA in Garda. DAY 2 - VENICE DAY 3 - LAKE GARDA DAY 4 - VERONA AND NEW YEAR’S EVE DAY 5 - BRUNCH AND GARDA ON YOUR OWN DAY 6 - DEPARTURE

we will visit one of the most important nativity exhibitions of Italy, collecting nativities from all over the world. Return to the Hotel.

LAKE GARDA In the morning departure by bus with our guide for a panoramic tour of Lake Garda. One can reach picturesque towns and villages set amidst olive groves and vineyards, and enjoy breathtaking views against the lake’s deep blue background. First we get to Sirmione, visit the Romanesque church of S. Pietro in Mavino, the renowned Grotte di Catullo (caves) and the picturesque castle, then passing by Garda and Bardolino, we head to Malcesine to visit the famous Scaligero Castle. On the way back to the hotel we will visit a farm to try the local wines and to taste the freshly produced olive oil. Return to the Hotel. VERONA After breakfast departure by bus to Verona and meeting with our guide for a tour of the city of Romeo and Juliet. After a brief bus tour, visit Piazza Bra where there is the famous Roman Arena, the biggest Roman amphitheatre after the Coliseum in Rome, which during Christmas is decorated with a huge star. A walk in the centre with our guide will take us to Piazza delle Erbe and then to Piazza dei Signori, to discover the numerous monuments, towers and churches of one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. Piazza dei Signori hosts then one of the biggest Christmas Markets of Italy. In the afternoon

VENICE After breakfast departure by bus for Venice. From the Tronchetto parking take the private boat transfer to Piazza San Marco and have a guided tour of the historic centre: Piazza San Marco with the Doge’s Palace and the Basilica, the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs. At the end of the tour free time to explore the bridges over the lagoon, the characteristic narrow Venetian streets, the shops, the old bars, the typical canals and scenic spots. The Christmas lights give then to the city a magic and unforgettable atmosphere. Return to hotel. GARDA A brunch awaits for you at your hotel. In the afternoon time at leisure for a walk along the lake or to visit the little Christmas Market on the promenade of Garda. Dinner and overnight at your hotel. CHRISTMAS DAY The morning is at leisure before a traditional Christmas lunch. You can attend a Mass or simply enjoy a walk along the lake. The afternoon is at your leisure. Return to the hotel. NEW YEAR’S EVE Special New Year’s Eve dinner with music in Hotel.

6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS

LAKE GARDA CHRISTMAS ON LAKE GARDA

NEW YEAR ON LAKE GARDA

22 - 27.12.20

28.12.20 - 02.01.21

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL Arrival at Verona’s airport and transfer to the HOTEL LA PERLA in Garda. DAY 2 - VENICE DAY 3 - LAKE GARDA DAY 4 - CHRISTMAS DAY DAY 5 - VERONA DAY 6 - DEPARTURE

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL Arrival at Verona’s airport and transfer to the HOTEL LA PERLA in Garda. DAY 2 - CREMONA DAY 3 - LAKE GARDA DAY 4 - VERONA AND NEW YEAR’S EVE DAY 5 - BRUNCH AND GARDA ON YOUR OWN DAY 6 - DEPARTURE

we will visit one of the most important nativity exhibitions of Italy, collecting nativities from all over the world. Return to the Hotel.

CREMONA After breakfast departure by coach with our tour escort to Cremona and guided tour of the town. Later, visit of the Museo dei Violini, where you can see some Stradivari and Amati violins, explore five centuries of the complex process of violin making and listen to a short violin concert. During the visit we will stop in a local confectionery to taste the famous local nougat. Return to the Hotel for dinner and overnight. Return to the hotel. CHRISTMAS DAY The morning is at leisure before a traditional Christmas lunch. You can attend a Mass or simply enjoy a walk along the lake. The afternoon is at your leisure. Return to the hotel. NEW YEAR’S EVE Special New Year’s Eve dinner with music in the Hotel

VERONA After breakfast departure by bus to Verona and meeting with our guide for a tour of the city of Romeo and Juliet. After a brief bus tour, visit Piazza Bra where there is the famous Roman Arena, the biggest Roman amphitheatre after the Coliseum in Rome, which during Christmas is decorated with a huge star. A walk in the centre with our guide will take us to Piazza delle Erbe and then to Piazza dei Signori, to discover the numerous monuments, towers and churches of one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. Piazza dei Signori hosts then one of the biggest Christmas Markets of Italy. In the afternoon

6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS

ROME CHRISTMAS IN ROME

22 - 27.12.20

28.12.20 - 02.01.21

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL Arrival at Rome airport, transfer to the HOTEL HILTON DOUBLE TREE ROME MONTI, in Rome. DAY 2 - ROME AND THE VATICAN DAY 3 - ANCIENT ROME DAY 4 - ROME DAY 5 - BAROQUE ROME DAY 6 - DEPARTURE

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL Arrival at Rome airport, transfer to the HOTEL SAVOY, in Rome. DAY 2 - ROME AND THE VATICAN DAY 3 - ANCIENT ROME DAY 4 - BAROQUE ROME AND NEW YEAR’S EVE DAY 5 - BRUNCH AND ROME ON YOUR OWN DAY 6 - DEPARTURE

ROME AND “GOOD MORNING VATICAN” After breakfast we return to the historical centre of Rome to further explore the capital. The Vatican City, the heart of Catholic Christianity, awaits us beyond the Tiber River. With our guide we admire the magnificent and extremely vast Vatican Museums, which represent one of the largest and most interesting museum complexes in the world, with the incomparable Sistine Chapel famous for Michelangelo’s Last Judgement. We can offer you the unique opportunity to “open” the Vatican Museum and to literally swith the lights on: you can discover the museums out of the crowd and enjoy a breakfast at the Caffetteria della Pigna in the courtyard of the building. Free time for sightseeing of Rome until we return to our hotel. ANCIENT ROME The morning is dedicated to the visit of the landmark of Rome, the Coliseum. The Coliseum originally known as “Anfiteatro Flavio” is still nowadays the biggest amphiteater in the world. We then head to the Roman Forum, located in a valley between the Palatine and the Capitoline hills. Considered the heart of ancient Rome the Forum has been called the most celebrated meeting place in the world, and in all history. Opposite to the Forum, from Via dei Fori Imperiali you will admire the Traian’s Markets: Thought to be the world’s oldest shopping mall, the arcades in Trajan’s Market are now believed by many to be administrative offices for Emperor Trajan. The shops and apartments were built in a multi-level structure and it is still possible to visit several of the levels. The tour proceeds to the Capitol hill, for a panoramic view over the roman forum. Return to your hotel. BAROQUE ROME Today our tour goes on with the discovery of the wonders of the Eternal City. Walking through its streets is like travelling back in time, between the ancient Roman ruins, monuments, marvellous squares, fountains, gardens and villas as well as temples and churches of all

NEW YEAR IN ROME

ages - each one revealing stunning paintings, statues and altars. With our guide we visit Rome both by coach and on foot, and have free time available to admire this amazing city: the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, and the National Monument “Altare Della Patria”.... all waiting to be discovered! During the day you might have the possibility of a lunch at “Alfredo alla Scrofa’s restaurant” and try the original Fettuccine Alfredo. At the end of this memorable day we return to our hotel. CHRISTMAS DAY The morning is at leisure before a traditional Christmas lunch. You can attend a Mass in one of the many churches in city or go to St’ Peter’s square for the Papal Blessing “Urbi et Orbi”. The afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy the “Dolce Vita” in Rome. NEW YEAR’S EVE Special New Year’s Eve dinner with music in the hotel.

6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS

SORRENTO Trapani

Palermo

Selinunte Agrigento

Taormina

Siracusa Noto

CHRISTMAS IN SORRENTO

NEW YEAR IN SORRENTO

22 - 27.12.20

28.12.20 - 02.01.21

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL Arrival at Naples airport and transfer to the HOTEL EUROPA PALACE, in Sorrento. DAY 2 - POMPEI DAY 3 - NAPLES DAY 4 - CHRISTMAS DAY DAY 5 - CAPRI DAY 6 - DEPARTURE

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL Arrival at Naples airport and transfer to the HOTEL EUROPA PALACE in Sorrento. DAY 2 - POMPEI DAY 3 - NAPLES DAY 4 - CAPRI AND NEW YEAR’S EVE DAY 5 - BRUNCH AND SORRENTO ON YOUR OWN DAY 6 - DEPARTURE

POMPEI In the morning departure from the hotel towards Pompeii. Pompeii is for it’s visitors of the greatest fascination. After the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, Pompeii lay buried and forgotten for centuries under the lava. The excavations, which already begun in 18th century, still go on today. Our guide will lead you through some of the ancient streets, where you can see Baths, Forums and villas which were built by wealthy Romans in 80 BC. It is nearly unbelievable how good the fabulous frescoes that adorn the walls and floors of the villas have been preserved. You cannot say you have been to Sorrento, until you’ve tried the original Limoncello made from local grown lemons. A stop to see a Limoncello production factory with a tasting on the way to your is of course a must. Return to your Hotel. NAPLES Naples is a very charming and lively southern Italian port city on the Gulf of Naples. Its an unique location at the foot of Vesuvius. The mild climate, the rich history and numerous attractions have attracted tourists from all over the world since 18 Century. The heart of Naples is the old town, declared by the UNESCO to World Heritage, with its narrow streets which lead to mysterious churches, catacombs and caves. Between artisans, flapping laundry and screaming fish sellers still today the old Neapolitan folk culture is revealed to its visitors. Naples is dominated by the hill of Vomero with the impressive Castel S. Elmo, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view over the city, the Vesuvius and the sea. Not to miss during Christmas Period is San Gregorio Armeno, where the craftsmen have a longstanding tradition for producing nativity figurines. A lunch in a pizzeria during the visit is included: after all, pizza was invented here! Return to your Hotel.

of artists. Visit of Anacapri with the possibility of the a visit at Villa San Michele. In Capri you can have a walk from the Piazza to the Gardens of August, which offer an unique view of the Faraglioni rocks and the rugged south cost of the island. Time at leisure to explore the beautiful island on your own or to indulge for a coffee in one of the bars in the famous Piazzetta. Return to your hotel. CHRISTMAS DAY The morning is at leisure before a traditional Christmas lunch. You can attend a Mass in one of the churches in city. The afternoon you will have free time to discover the beautiful Sorrento on your own. NEW YEAR’S EVE New Year’s Eve dinner with music in the Hotel.

CAPRI After breakfast departure to Capri: by boat you will arrive at the island of the sirens, which inspired and still inspire an endless number

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