DAY 1
Rome. You will be met at the airport after your scheduled flight, and transferred to the Grand Hotel Beverly Hills Hotel or the Sheraton Hotel for your two night stay. Your Tour Director will assist you with checking in and advise how to make the most of your time in the 'Eternal City'. This evening join your fellow passengers as we enjoy a Welcome Drink followed by a Highlight Dinner of local cuisine with entertainment. (HD)
DAY 2
Rome Sightseeing. Our in-depth sightseeing tour with a local guide takes us first into the Vatican Museums and then to visit the Sistine Chapel. We admire the ceiling painted by Michelangelo and then wonder at his 'Pieta', inside the magnificent St Peter's Basilica. Next, we drive across the Tiber to Ancient Rome. Between the Palatine and the Aventine Hills lies the Circus Maximus - scene of the exciting chariot race in the movie, 'Ben Hur'. Time for snapshots here before viewing the ancient Baths of the Emperor Caracalla. We continue to see the world's largest Roman arena, the Coliseum, scene of many gladiatorial contests, and view the Roman Forum before heading for Piazza Venezia and the Victor Emmanuel Monument. Finally, we see the Baths of the Roman Emperor Diocletian before spending time at leisure. Relax or maybe window shop along the Via Condotti with its many designer boutiques? (BB)
DAY 3
Rome - Venice. We journey into the Apennine hills to the peaceful Umbrian hilltop town of Assisi. First we visit the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels and then continue up Mount Subasio to visit the town and Basilica of St Francis, with its Giotto frescoes. A pleasant drive brings us to the richly romantic city of Venice. Our overnight stay is at the Principe Hotel, located on the Grand Canal. This evening enjoy the magical atmosphere as we cruise along the Venetian canals by gondola. (BB,D)
DAY 4
Venice - Italian Lakes. What better way to see Venice than from our private launch, which cruises past Palladian Churches and 13th century palazzos to St Mark's basin where we see the Doges' Palace, the Island of San Giorgio, the Bridge of Sighs and the Byzantine Basilica. We disembark for a short stroll to St Mark's Square and then to a Venetian glass-blowing factory, where we watch one of the few remaining Masters of this art blow the molten glass into a unique creation. Then, past scenery reminiscent of a Shakespearean backdrop, we arrive in Verona where we see Juliet's balcony and admire the Roman arena - so well preserved it is still used today for musical concerts and opera. Skirting Milan, we arrive in the region of the Italian Lakes where we drive along the shores of mountain-ringed, balmy Lake Maggiore, to the lakeside Splendid Hotel in Baveno for our overnight stay. (BB,D)
DAY 5
Italian Lakes - Tuscany. Via the Italian Riviera highway we head for one of the most famous monuments in the world, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which has always tilted, but being set in the Field of Miracles may avoid falling over! There's also time to admire the white marble cathedral and Baptistery of Pisa - a memorable visit! Then to the Tuscan spa resort of Montecatini, where our two night stay is at the Francia & Quirinale or Ambasciatori Hotel. (BB)
DAY 6
Tuscany - Florence Sightseeing. This morning we drive to Florence where sightseeing includes a guided visit to the Accademia, viewing Michelangelo's original Statue of David. We also enjoy a walking tour, taking in such highlights as the multi-coloured marble Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto's belltower, the Gates of Paradise and Piazza Signoria. Florence is also famous for the high quality of its luxury goods, and so we are treated to a demonstration of leatherwork in the area around Santa Croce Basilica, where this craft first established itself. Then, there's time to shop! (BB,D)
DAY 7
Tuscany - Sorrento. Through the volcanic hills of Frascati to Cassino, where we visit the peaceful Commonwealth Cemetery, overlooked by the monastery of Montecassino, birthplace of the Benedictine order. Then past Naples, where a dramatic clifftop drive brings us to Sorrento. Our two night stay is at the Corallo Hotel. (BB)
DAY 8
Isle of Capri Excursion. This morning we visit a workshop to observe the local craft of inlaid woodworking or 'intarsio'. Then to Capri, which for 2,000 years has beckoned visitors from Augustus and Tiberius Caesar to Gracie Fields! Arriving at Marina Grande by boat, we ascend to Capri Town by funicular railway. We then have time to wander through the elegant shops or enjoy fabulous views of the Mediterranean. But don't miss the chance to visit the famed Blue Grotto! (BB,D)
DAY 9
Sorrento - Rome. A short drive north from Sorrento lies Pompeii, the Roman city preserved by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD79. With a local guide, a tour of the excavations here, brings this ancient city to life. Then through the fields of Campania and Latium to Rome. Our hotel is the Massimo D'Azeglio. (BB)
DAY 10
Rome. Our tour ends today after breakfast with a transfer to Rome Airport for your return flight.