DAY 1
Rome. After your scheduled flight, you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, the rest of the day is at leisure to explore the colour and romance of this eternal city.
DAY 2
Rome - Venice. Etruscan hill towns, olive groves and the Chianti vineyards lie on our route today. Then we cross the Appenine Mountains and descend onto the vast Venetian plain. (B,D)
DAY 3
Venice Sightseeing. A private launch takes us along the Guidecca canal past monumental architecture to St Mark's Square. The palatial residences seem to float on the water, gondolas bob beneath the Bridge of Sighs - the city itself is a poem. We cruise by St. George Island then see a master create a work of art in glass. Later, perhaps combine a lagoon cruise with a delicious seafood lunch. (B,D)
DAY 4
Venice - Italian Lakes. Cameras at the ready as we walk to Juliet's balcony on our visit to Verona and then see the 1st century Roman arena. We continue to the Italian fashion capital, Milan, where we see the Gothic cathedral, as well as the elegant Galleria which leads to the famous 'La Scala' Opera House. Then to our hotel in the lovely Italian Lakes region. (B,D)
DAY 5
Italian Lakes Excursion. Our drive around the shores of Lake Maggiore provides beautiful vistas of mountains and islands as we pass through picturesque towns and villages. We stop in the beautiful lakeside resort of Stresa and there is a chance to join an optional excursion for a fisherman's lunch on the beautiful Isola Bella. (B,D)
DAY 6
Italian Lakes - Florence. We marvel at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, completed in 1350 and, being set in the Field of Miracles, it may avoid falling over! Next to the tower we also see the amazing white marble Cathedral, which dates from the 11th century. We continue our journey to Renaissance Florence, the artistic centre of Italy. (B,D)
DAY 7
Florence Sightseeing. A great centre of art and culture, Florence began life as an Etruscan village centuries before Christ. First we view this beautiful city from the Piazzale Michelangelo before watching a demonstration of leatherwork. Then we are at leisure to see the Cathedral, Giotto's Belltower and the rest of Florence's famous sights. (B)
DAY 8
Florence - Sorrento. We take the winding road to visit St Francis' Assisi, and continue south past Naples. Then take a dramatic cliff top drive to the town of Sorrento. (B,D)
DAY 9
Sorrento at Leisure. A day to enjoy this cliff-top holiday resort, romantically set on the beautiful Bay of Naples. Or there is a wonderful opportunity to join an optional excursion to the magical Isle of Capri, with its quaint winding streets, beckoning famous visitors for over 2,000 years. A romantic Sorrento evening with Neapolitan dishes of Southern Italy is an option for you tonight. (B)
DAY 10
Sorrento - Rome. As we head north today you may wish to take the opportunity of visiting the excavations at Pompeii where, in AD79, the city was covered by the eruption of Vesuvius. It is so completely preserved that visitors are able to comprehend the daily life of the Roman people. We stop at the Commonwealth cemetery of Cassino, overlooked by the imposing abbey, before driving on through vine-covered hills to Rome. (B)
DAY 11
Rome Sightseeing. Rome, as one of the world's greatest historical cities, offers unparalleled views of the past. Our expert local guide opens them for us and interprets what we see, in a tour which begins with a visit to the Vatican City and the awe-inspiring St Peter's Basilica. Here, among other treasures, we see Michelangelo's 'Pieta' before going on to see the Coliseum. Begun in 72AD and the scene of many hard fought gladiatorial contests, this model for all subsequent stadiums still has the power to impress. Next we see the ancient Forum and the Piazza Venezia. Later, there's time for an optional visit to the Sistine Chapel. Tonight, why not say 'Arrivederci!' to all your new friends at a Farewell Dinner Party? (B)
DAY 12
Rome. Our tour ends after breakfast and you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight. (B)