Day 1     Rome

Arrive Rome and make your own way to the tour hotel. In the evening, you'll meet your driver/guide and fellow travellers over the first of many delicious Italian meals in a local restaurant. (D)

Day 2   Rome

Few cities have had such an influence on the world as Rome and, whilst it might not be caput mundi (capital of the World), it remains a city of huge historical significance. We discover its illustrious antiquity as we explore its classical streets. Be dazzled by the plethora of famous sites and monuments as our local guide takes us through the city, which is more like an outdoor museum. We hear about the history of Rome as we explore those well known local sites including: the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. There will be free time this afternoon for you to further uncover this city at your own pace. Tonight is your own to enjoy the local culinary delights and appreciate the city alight in the night. (B)

Day 3    Rome

This morning we visit the Vatican Museum, a complex of different pontifical museums which were built to promote knowledge of the arts and history. Here we find some of the greatest artistic masterpieces in the world, spectacular archaeological finds and the rich Gallery of Tapestries. A must-see highlight is Michelangelo’s monumental artistic achievement, the remarkable painted ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. After lunch we head out of the city for a guided tour of another famous and ancient site, the underground cemeteries known as the Catacombs. (B)

Day 4      Perugia

It’s time to depart Rome as we travel the scenic route along the Via Salaria (the ancient salt route), stopping at historic towns along the way. Our first is the picturesque town of Rieti, whose cathedral dates back to the 12^th century and features a Romanesque bell tower. We also visit Spoleto, the home of the arresting Albornozian Castle, whose hilltop position offers an incredible view over the town and surrounding valley. Later this afternoon we marvel at 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. Tonight we stay in Perugia, a lively medieval walled town, famous for its chocolates. Our traditional hotel is located in the heart of the town so the old town can be easily assessed on foot. (B,D)

Day 5   Volterra

Today we once again admire the breathtaking countryside as we travel to the ravishing region of Tuscany, renowned for its exquisite art, food and wine. We visit  beautiful San Gimignano, known as ‘The City of Towers’ and one of Tuscany’s best preserved medieval towns. We then head to Siena where we explore its exquisite sites, such as the Palazzo Pubblico, a fine example of Italian medieval and Gothic architecture and of course the Piazza del Campo, arguably the most beautiful arena in Italy. We arrive in the medieval hilltop town of Volterra, where scenes from the Twilight Saga were set and where we will relax in our comfortable hotel for the next two nights. (B,D)

Day 6   Volterra

It is a short yet dramatic drive to Florence, the home of Renaissance art and architecture. We experience a wonderful walking tour with a local guide, which takes us to some of the city’s most remarkable sites. We see the Ponte Vecchio (medieval bridge over the River Arno), the Duomo Cathedral, the Uffizi Gallery and Santa Croce – the burial place of some of the most illustrious Italians, including Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. The afternoon and evening is your own to further absorb your Italian surroundings. Why not further explore the streets of this exquisite city then sample the local cuisine in one of the many restaurants in the old city. (B)

Day 7   Pisa & Lucca

This morning we journey to ancient Pisa. Its famous Leaning Tower needs no introduction. This 12^th century freestanding bell tower seems to defy gravity and has been attracting visitors for many years. We view the adjoining cathedral, the Baptistery and the decorated Campo Santo, or ‘Holy Field.’ Get your cameras ready as we travel to the charming city of Lucca, probably the most spectacular walled town in Italy. Explore the ancient walls with your guide, before discovering the house where Puccini was born, the quirky Torre Guinigi and more! Tonight we relish another delicious Italian evening meal together. (B,D)

Day 8   Cinque Terre & Lucca

It’s time to travel to the Italian Riviera and explore its rugged coastline which includes the five captivating villages that make up the Cinque Terre, back-dropped by breathtaking sea views. There will be plenty of time to take in the beguiling vista as we admire the villages from the famous walking track through the National Park. Alternatively, access the villages via boat or train and discover the secrets of this stunning UNESCO World Heritage site. (B)

Day 9     Venice

Today we take the back roads and enjoy a stunning drive over the Apennine Mountains to Ravenna, to uncover its eight World Heritage listed sights and stunning 5^th and 6^th century mosaics. We then travel to the famous city of Venice. Venice is best travelled on the water, so sit back and enjoy a vaporetto ride to our hotel, located in one of the best locations on one of Venice’s historic islands. Tonight we enjoy the flavours of Venice over dinner and then maybe take a delightful evening stroll through this romantic city. (B,D)

Day 10   Venice

This morning we fully immerse ourselves in this splendid city as we explore its iconic sites and monuments on a guided walking tour. We watch daily Venetian life pass by in the bustling St Mark’s Square, visit the gleaming Basilica, the most famous cathedral church in the city, view the Campanile (bell tower) and the Gothic Doges Palace. Venice is a labyrinth of canals crossed by beautiful bridges, and we shall visit some of its most attractive, including the Bridge of Sighs and the Rialto Bridge as we wind through this city. This afternoon is free for you to continue your enthralling exploration of the city. (B)

Day 11     Lake Como

Leaving Venice, we head to romantic Verona, famous for Juliet’s Balcony from Shakespeare’s play Romeo & Juliet and its many well preserved archaeological sites. We explore the city, including its colossal Roman amphitheatre, the Arena, the picturesque Piazza delle Erbe, the Madonna Verona fountain and Tower Lamberti. Aside from its historical sites, Verona offers some fantastic shopping opportunities with its abundance of unique shops and boutiques. This afternoon offers a contrast from the bustle as we enter the serene lakes region of northern Italy nestled in the foothills of the Alps. This region boasts impressive scenery as the mountains roll into the deep lakes. Lake Como is a popular holiday destination for local Italians looking for a summer retreat, evident by the beautiful old villas scattered alongside the lake. We stay at our own lakeside hotel with marvellous views making it a perfect setting for this evening’s meal. (B,D)

Day 12     Lake Como

Today we can really relax and be captivated by Lake Como which has attracted stars and movie makers alike, including Casino Royale. The area is an oasis of tranquillity, with arresting views across the pristine lakes and surrounding majestic mountains. You may enjoy the facilities of the hotel, saunter round the lake and local town or even take a ferry ride across the lake. If you are feeling adventurous, why not join your guide on an optional excursion across the border into Switzerland and to the lakeside town of Lugano. (B)

Day 13    Milan

En route to Milan we have time to visit the historic walled town of Como, where we have some time to explore the old town and its 400-year-old buildings and ancient churches. Milan is Italy’s famous fashion capital; the city is as beautiful as its people. We take a guided walking tour of the city, appreciating the city’s glamour as we pass through the city centre and see its impressive Gothic cathedral, and its famous church, Santa Maria delle Grazie, where Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper hangs. Nearby is La Scala, one of Italy’s famous Opera Houses.  The afternoon is at your leisure - wander through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the world’s most beautiful shopping mall, or maybe an opera? (B)

Day 14    Milan
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel. End of services. (B)