Day 1 UK - Rome
Your Italian adventure begins! Fly into Rome, then transfer straight to your first hotel, where you'll have plenty of time to relax and settle in before beginning your Italian adventure.
Rome
Soak up iconic monuments and ancient ruins on a sightseeing tour of Rome. You'll see extraordinary sites, like the world-famous Colosseum and the dramatic Imperial Roman Forum before taking a guided tour, with 'skip-the-line' entrance, of the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo's stunningly decorated Sistine Chapel.
This afternoon. you are free to do as you please. Perhaps you'll stop for a spot of lunch and then spend time exploring the city's cobbled streets and pretty piazzas. Alternatively, sign up to our optional Secrets of Rome walking tour that'll see you strolling down the stunning Spanish Steps and tossing coins into the magical Trevi Fountain.
Rome - Pompeii - Sorrento
Today, we'll leave Rome behind and head south towards the sunny Sorrento Peninsula. Swot up on your ancient Roman history with a guided tour of Pompeii, the city smothered by hot ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. As we wander through the streets we'll see villas decorated with frescoes and brightly coloured mosaics, the remarkable Roman baths and spectacular amphitheatre.
Our journey continues to Sorrento where you will have some leisure time at your hotel.
Sorrento - at Leisure
Have a day to delve into the delights of Sorrento or explore other picture-perfect towns along the Amalfi Coast. You'll also have the chance to join our optional excursion to idyllic Capri. We'll journey to all four corners of the island, soaking up the sights and sounds of Marina Grande, Anacapri and the town of Capri.
In the evening, we'll reconvene for an incredible foodie tour at the Garden of Vigliano, a local Sorrento farmhouse surrounded by fragrant citrus groves. Our host Peppino and his family will give you an exclusive tour and explain the traditional farming methods they use. We'll then sit down to a delicious, traditional and unforgettable Italian feast.
Sorrento - Assisi
On our way to the lush and verdant region of Umbria, we'll take a break to view the historic cemetery at Monte Cassino. Located high up on a hill, the area is known for its ancient abbey that was partially destroyed (but, fortunately, later rebuilt) in the infamous 'Battle of Cassino' during World War II.
After arriving in Assisi, we'll check into the hotel and enjoy a few hours of free time. In the afternoon, discover more about Assisi, the birthplace of St Francis on a tour. Highlights include the striking 13th century St Francis Cathedral, which is home to a collection of frescoes depicting the saint's life, and other wonderful works of art.
Meals included: B,D
Assisi - Venice
Say goodbye to Umbria and continue north to the renowned Borgo Conde winery in the centre of the ancient Romagna winemaking region. Sample the vineyard's fine wines and snack on locally made cheeses, breads and jams.
Next, we'll journey on to Venice, where we will stay at the beautiful Hotel Riviera, which overlooks the harbour of Venice Lido. The hotel's ideal location means you have easy access to both St Mark's Square (just a 10-minute ferry ride away) and the glorious beaches of Venice Lido itself.
Venice - at Leisure
Today is yours to explore the wonderful waterways and architectural masterpieces of Venice at your own pace using your included day ferry ticket. If you'd like some expert local insight, why not join our optional Secrets and Mysteries of Venice walking tour? Beginning at St Mark's Square, we'll meander around the lagoon city and spot iconic landmarks like Rialto Bridge, as well as a host of hidden treasures.
Venice - Verona
Next, we'll journey on to Verona, a city famed for its links to Shakespeare's tragic Romeo and Juliet. A Local Guide will show us around the charming centre, pointing out the Arena, Piazza dei Signori and Piazza delle Erbe.
Verona - Florence
Soak up Lake Garda and its picturesque mountain scenery on a peaceful, private cruise. We'll pass the pretty waterfront town of Punta San Vigilio and make a stop in Gardone, where you can stroll along the lakeside promenade or take a walk up the hill to the pretty Old Town. Your cruise then continues to the historic town of Sirmione and you'll have plenty of time to enjoy lunch here if you wish.
After the cruise, we'll journey back south through the Tuscan countryside to Florence, finishing the day with a mouth-watering meal at a restaurant close to your centrally located hotel.
Florence
There's plenty to discover in beautiful Florence, the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Renaissance. See highlights like the terracotta-tiled Duomo and charming Ponte Vecchio on a morning walking tour around its historic heart.
In the afternoon, you can explore Florence at your own pace or choose our optional 'skip-the-line' entrance to the Uffizi Gallery, which famously houses works by Michelangelo and Raphael.
Florence - at Leisure
Enjoy a leisurely day in Florence or head out of the city towards the coast on our optional excursion to the magical Cinque Terre. Made up of five charming coastal villages, we'll visit two by boat (or train depending on the weather). There's also the opportunity to indulge in a traditional Tuscan dinner at a local farmhouse in the legendary Chianti wine region.
Florence - Siena - Rome
Today, we'll bring the trip back to Rome with a pitstop at spectacular Siena. The memorable medieval city is renowned for its eye-catching central square, Piazza del Campo, and historic Gothic style palace, both of which you'll explore on a guided tour.
Later in Rome, we'll check into our final hotel in Fiumicino that offers easy access to the airport. Reminisce about your Italian journey with your fellow travellers over a farewell meal of delicious and traditional Roman specialities.
Rome - UK
Today we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight home.