Day 1 UK - Rome
You'll fly from the UK today to start your exciting adventure in Rome. We'll meet you at the airport to transfer to our first hotel. Then, simply settle in, relax and meet your fellow travellers.
Day 2 Rome
Get ready for an awe-inspiring introduction to Rome and many of its world-famous landmarks on our guided walking tour. Stroll up the photogenic Spanish Steps from the Piazza di Spagna to the church of Trinita' dei Monti. We'll visit the stunning Trevi Fountain so you can toss a coin into the magical waters and ensure your return visit to the Eternal City.
Day 3 Rome - at Leisure
Enjoy a day at leisure and follow your nose to exquisite cuisine. Don't miss out on trying traditional Roman dishes, like cheese-filled supplì, spaghetti alla carbonara and the sweet maritozzo pastry. Delve further into the history of Rome's iconic monuments or prepare to stuff your suitcase full of treasures from flea markets and antique stores, to the world's most luxurious brand names.
Alternatively, you can choose to join us for an optional excursion to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. We'll discover some of the world's most famous art collections, from Egyptian mummies to ancient busts and Michelangelo's draw-dropping ceiling frescoes. Other highlights include the Raphael Rooms, the Papal Throne and the majestic corridor hosting the Gallery of the Statues.
Day 4 Rome - Siena - Florence
Say goodbye to Rome (safe in the knowledge that you'll return one day), as we journey north through the rolling hills of Tuscany. Inspiring landscapes of cypress trees, olive groves and medieval castles lead us to our stop in the magical town of Siena. It's an open-air museum of Gothic-style architecture that thrills history buffs from across the globe.
Explore narrow streets lined with palaces, delicious pastry shops and charming boutiques. Discover the splendid Piazza del Campo, which is the dramatic setting for the celebrated yearly Palio horse race, and soak up the ambience of panoramic views, ancient fountains and soaring spires. This evening we'll sit down to a mouth-watering dinner together at a local restaurant in Florence.
Day 5 Florence
Today we explore the architectural masterpieces and world-famous art in the Italian birthplace of the Renaissance - Florence. The charming cobbled streets are perfect for our guided walking tour, taking in elegant palaces, chapels and museums bursting with works by great masters, such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
Afterwards, you can choose to 'skip-the-line' on an optional, guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery to see art by Botticelli, Raphael and many more. Alternatively, enjoy free time to rub the shiny nose of the Il Porcellino statue for luck, stroll picturesque bridges crossing the Arno River or simply indulge in la dolce vita with the locals.
Day 6 Florence - Pisa - Venice
Expect excitement in the air today as we continue our journey north to Venice, with a stop at one of Italy's most photographed sights. The Leaning Tower of Pisa once tilted at about a 10-degree angle, a quirk that appeared during its construction due to shifting soil. It's stable now, but still retains the famous lean that has spawned a thousand 'look at me holding up this huge building' tourist snaps.
Following some time for such pictures, we'll travel on to our hotel in Venice. You'll love the location here, on the doorstep of award-winning beaches and Art Deco buildings of Venice Lido, home of the celebrated Venice Film Festival. Perhaps best of all, the ferry stop is right outside for a scenic, 10-minute ride to the famous St Mark's Square.
Day 7 Venice
The extraordinary floating city of Venice captivates all your senses with its intriguing canals, elaborate palaces and flamboyant history. Our walking tour with a Local Guide offers an extra special experience. Expert knowledge accompanies our explorations of the Rialto Bridge, the Doge's Palace, the Basilica di San Marco and the magnificent Grand Canal.
Free time lets you explore at your own pace and a 24-hour Waterbus travel pass makes it easy. Drift through a wealth of fragrant cafes, treat yourself to a gondola ride and people-watch in the heart of bustling St Mark's Square. Or get delightfully lost in narrow, atmospheric lanes that bring surprising discoveries at every turn. We'll gather together this evening at the hotel for a farewell dinner while sharing memorable moments.
Day 8 Venice - UK
Today we'll transfer back to the airport for our flight home to the UK.
Meals included: BAdditional Information