Tour Route: Rome (3) – Assisi/Perugia (1) – Siena (2) – Lucca (1) – Venice (2)  – Lake Como (2) – Milan (1)

• 12 nights in traditional accommodation with private facilities
• Driver/Guide companion
• Transportation by 16-seat mini-coach
• Continental breakfast daily
• 5 x dinners
• Guided city tours
• Entrance fees to the Catacombs, Rome | Vatican Museum | Duomo & Santa Croce, Florence | Leaning Tower of Pisa | Lake Como Ferry | Vaporetto transfer, Venice

Day 1     Rome
Make your way to our hotel in Rome and meet your fellow travellers and guide. Tonight enjoy a tasty welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

Day 2  Rome
Few cities have influenced the world as Rome, where every street feels like an outdoor museum. We take a guided walking tour and are introduced to some of its classical sights, including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. After lunch we head out of the city for a guided tour of one of the historic Catacombs. (B)

Day 3    Rome
Today we explore more of Rome at a leisurely pace. We visit the Vatican Museum and view some of the finest works of art in the world as well as Michelangelo’s spectacular painted ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. This afternoon is free for you to enjoy more of this city’s remarkable sights. Take a walk through St Peter’s Basilica and make sure you browse through Rome’s famous boutiques. (B)

Day 4      Assisi/Perugia
It’s time to depart Rome as we enjoy the scenic route along the Via Salaria, stopping to visit the ancient town of Reiti, whose Cathedral dates back to the 12^th century. We will also visit historic Spoleto, the home of  the spectacular Albornozian Castle. Later this afternoon we inspect the Basilica of St Francis in Assisi, dating back to the 13^th Century and one of the most important places of Christian pilgrimage in Italy. (B,D)

Day 5  Volterra/Siena
Admire the breathtaking countryside as we journey to Tuscany, renowned for its exquisite art, food and wine. We stop in Siena and see the Palazzo Pubblico and of course the Piazza del Campo, arguably the most beautiful arena in Italy. After lunch visit historic San Gimignano, Tuscany’s best preserved medieval town. Tonight we enjoy a rustic Tuscan dinner. (B,D)

Day 6   Florence
It is a short yet dramatic drive to Florence, the home of Renaissance art and architecture. Our walking tour takes us to see the Ponte Vecchio, Duomo Cathedral, Uffizi Gallery and Santa Croce – the burial place of some of the most illustrious Italians, including Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. This afternoon spend a relaxing day exploring the streets of this exquisite city. (B)

Day 7   Lucca, Pisa
This morning we journey to ancient Pisa to admire its famous Leaning Tower, the Baptistery as well as the Campo Santo. Get your camera ready as we travel to the charming city of Lucca, probably the most spectacular walled town in Italy. Explore the ancient walls with your local guide, before discovering the house where Puccini was born, the quirky Torre Guinigi and more!  (B)

Day 8     Venice
It’s a stunning alpine drive over the Apennine Mountains, along the back roads before arriving in Ravenna, to uncover its eight World Heritage listed sights and stunning 5^th and 6^th century mosaics. Later this afternoon we head north to the magical city of Venice, where we take a vaporetto ride to our hotel, located on one of Venice’s historic islands. Tonight’s dinner will be a delightful Venetian dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 9   Venice
Only by exploring Venice on foot can you really appreciate its beauty and splendour. Our walking tour takes us to bustling St Mark's Square and Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs, the Doges Palace, the Campanile and Rialto Bridge. Your afternoon is free to enjoy the many absorbing sights this city has to offer.  (B)

Day 10     Lake Como
Leaving Venice, we stop in historic Verona, famous for Juliet’s Balcony from Shakespeare’s play ‘Romeo & Juliet’ and its Roman amphitheatre, the Arena. This afternoon we enter the scenic lakes region of northern Italy, and head to our hotel on spectacular Lake Como. (B,D)

Day 11     Lake Como
Lake Como is a haven of tranquillity with superb cuisine, majestic snow capped mountains and, of course, fantastic views across the lake itself. Today we visit the historic town of Como, or take a short drive to the scenic town of Lugano in Switzerland. Tonight we dine at a lovely lakeside restaurant. (B,D)

Day 12    Milan
Milan is Italy’s famous fashion capital. However, the city is as beautiful and captivating as its people. We appreciate its glamorous city centre and impressive Gothic cathedral. Nearby there’s La Scala, home to one of Italy’s famous Opera Houses.  This evening is at your leisure; wander through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the world’s most beautiful shopping mall, or maybe see an opera performance. (B)

Day 13    Milan
Your tour finishes after breakfast. Depending on when your flight leaves, there is an opportunity to shop or further independent sightseeing. (B)