The joys of classic Italy

By P&J reporter

February 8 2016, 4:01 pm

Take a look at this Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento and Florence tour – direct from Aberdeen and Inverness

Two special departures from Aberdeen and Inverness – the first in high summer and the second offering welcome warmth when the days of early autumn are drawing in at home – will give readers wonderful opportunities to discover and explore some of Southern Italy’s greatest treasures.

Featuring a roll call of ‘must-see, must-do’ places, including the glorious Neapolitan Riviera, majestic Italian capital Rome and Renaissance cradle Florence, all brought to life by a friendly tour manager, this marvellous, two-centre, escorted tour, with accommodation in two fine four-star hotels, is ‘Classic Italy’ at its most charming and captivating.

AWARD-WINNING

Organised by multi-award-winning tour operator Newmarket Holidays, who have been providing great value holidays for P&J readers for over 30 years, and who recently picked up a ‘Best Tour Operator to Italy’ accolade at the prestigious British Travel Awards – in addition to being crowned ‘Best Large Escorted Tour Operator’ for the third successive year – the holiday begins with a convenient flight direct to Naples from either Aberdeen or Inverness.

The convenience of flying from a local airport is matched on arrival in Italy, where it’s a short transfer around the beautiful Bay of Naples to a fine four-star hotel within strolling distance of Pompeii’s awe-inspiring ruins.

SOUTHERN ITALIAN CHARM

Included are visits to the Roman city destroyed – yet miraculously preserved – by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79AD, to exquisite Sorrento, the celebrated resort built above the blue waters of Naples’ sweeping bay, and to delightful Amalfi, reached via the twists and turns of one of the world’s most famous coastal roads.

It all adds to the pleasures of a few days in this simply delightful corner of the Mediterranean. Flower-strewn squares, the hint of citrus in the air, sun-kissed days and balmy evenings, and the effervescent welcome from hospitable locals all ensure a pleasant stay from start to finish.

TO TUSCANY… VIA ROMA

The non-stop bustle of Rome, the Eternal City which serves as the modern Italian capital, home to the Vatican and the preserver of two thousand years of history, comes as something of a shock after the relaxation of the Neapolitan Riviera, but a pleasant one all the same, with opportunities to see the sights, throw coins in a fountain and enjoy a taste of la dolce vita before you continue north into the rolling hills of Tuscany for the last four nights of the holiday. As ‘en-route stop-offs’ go, Rome has to be just about the world’s best.

HISTORIC SPA

A ‘place of health’ since the 5th century BC, and a highly favoured retreat for Roman dignitaries, Chianciano Terme is one of the best known Tuscan spa resorts, with the modern town surrounding the baths sitting beneath the ancient hill settlement in its strategic setting above the plains.

A perfect place in which to rest and rejuvenate, the hotel, which boasts its own rooftop swimming pool, and the Tourist Office will extol the virtues of the various treatments available throughout the town. Strictly maintained and controlled by the spa authorities, there are five distinct waters, each with their particular health benefits, and in addition there is an ultra-modern spa in which to luxuriate and enjoy being pampered.

Chianciano is also well located for exploring yet more of Italy’s classic treasures, and two further included tours – to Assisi and Perugia and glorious, incomparable Florence – as well as the chance either to ‘take the waters’ or to join an optional excursion through the rolling hills of Chianti – complete the holiday.

ASSISI AND FLORENCE – PRICELESS TREASURES

Famed for its associations with Italy’s patron saint, Assisi is home to the majestic Basilica of St Francis, one of the country’s greatest treasures. A place of pilgrimage for centuries, the basilica, with its priceless art, draws visitors from across the world. Nearby, nestled in the Apennine Hills, the picture-postcard-perfect walled town of Perugia, with its medieval centre and famous Corso Vanucci thoroughfare, is another highlight of the holiday.

Perhaps saving the very best till last, the final included excursion is to breath-taking Florence, a Renaissance gem crowned by its stunning skyline, which is dominated by the much-photographed dome of Santa Croce. Spend a day discovering a place where a new treasure is revealed at each corner, perhaps visit one of the famous galleries, and no doubt take a stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, one of the world’s most famous bridges – the perfect ending to a truly delightful tour of Classic Italy.

YOUR HOTELS

4-Star Hotel Pompeii Resort, Pompeii

This very stylish and modern hotel is set a short 20-minute stroll from the famous ruins, and offers a warm welcome to its guests and high standards of accommodation. Individually styled bedrooms boast TV, free WiFi and bathroom with shower, and in addition to a bar and restaurant, where dinner will be served each evening, there is a garden and outdoor terrace – perfect for balmy evenings.

4-Star Hotel President, Chianciano Terme

Boasting a rooftop swimming pool and bar, from which there are panoramic views of the surrounding Tuscan hills, this four-star hotel is a five-minute drive from the town’s spas, and offers air-conditioned rooms with balcony, TV and refrigerator. There is a restaurant serving Tuscan cuisine and buffet breakfast, a garden and games room. Free WiFi is also available throughout this welcoming hotel.