Day 1: Rome
Welcome to Rome - capital of Italy and also known as the Eternal City! After check-in the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore. Later, enjoy a Welcome Drink with your Tour Director and travelling companions. 
Hotel: NH Giustiniano/Grand Hotel Mediterraneo (SF) for two nights

Day 2: Rome sightseeing and at leisure
The first highlight of the day is a visit to the Sistine Chapel where the works of Michelangelo are brought to life by the local expert guide's commentary. Then head into St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican to see this amazing architectural feat. From here cross the Tiber into ancient Rome to overlook the Forum and the Circus Maximus where chariot races used to take place. Visit the inside of the mighty Colosseum. The rest of your day is at leisure. This evening why not discover the city’s culinary delights? (B)

Day 3: Rome - Pompeii - Sorrento
Today your journey takes you near to Monte Cassino where you will stop and visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery. Next enjoy a guided walking tour of Pompeii, the town frozen in time when it was engulfed by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. Later, continue your journey along the coastline to Sorrento. (B)
Hotel: Johanna Park (F) for two nights

Day 4: Isle of Capri excursion
After breakfast, witness the art of inlaid wood-working, one of the crafts of the Sorrento peninsula. Later embark on an included excursion by ferry to the Isle of Capri where you will enjoy a walking tour of Capri town and the local gardens. There's plenty of time to explore this lovely island. Why not visit the villa of the Swedish doctor Axel Munthe? Return to Sorrento where tonight you will enjoy a delicious 'Be My Guest' dinner prepared with local produce grown on a picturesque lemon farm. (B,D)

Day 5: Sorrento - Assisi
This morning's drive will take you to the province of Umbria and mystical Assisi, perched on Mount Subasio and overlooking a peaceful Umbrian landscape. Under the protection of St. Francis this city is still enclosed by medieval ramparts. On arrival a guided walking tour with a local expert includes the Basilica of St. Francis, famous for its fresco paintings depicting the life of this much-loved saint. Later time is your own to do as you please. Why not shop for local handicrafts? This evening dine at your hotel. (B,D)
Hotel: Ora Hotel Cenacolo (SF)

Day 6: Assisi - Classe - Venice
Enjoy a morning drive through the Apennines to the Adriatic Coast which brings you to the town of Classe with its ancient mosaics and Byzantine architecture. Here visit the Church of St. Apollinaris before seeing the Romanesque Basilica of Pomposa. Next drive to the floating city of Venice where you stay on Lido Island. (B,D)
Hotel: Biasutti Hotel/Le Boulevard (F) for two nights

Day 7: Venice sightseeing and at leisure
This morning after breakfast absorb this city's unique atmosphere on an included canal cruise by private motor launch to St. Mark's Square. View the Bridge of Sighs, Doge’s Palace and Basilica. Afterwards stop to visit a traditional glass-blowing factory to witness a demonstration of this ancient art. There is still time to cruise across the lagoon to discover the colourful Island of Burano and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch. (B)

Day 8: Venice - Verona - Milan - Lake Maggiore
Your day will start with a drive to the home of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers - Verona. Stop to admire the Roman arena and Juliet's balcony. From here cross the plains of Lombardy to the fashionable city of Milan for a guided walking tour, which shows you the Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera house and the famous Galleria, before continuing on to your hotel? (B,D)
Hotel: Splendid (F) for two nights

Day 9: Lugano excursion
Drive into the Ticino, the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, where you stop to visit the beautiful resort of Lugano. On arrival there's time to shop or simply relax with a cappuccino in the main square. (B,D)

Day 10: Lake Maggiore - Pisa - Florence
Today drive across the Plains of Lombardy and the forested Apennine Mountains and pass by Genoa. Next off to Pisa to see the extraordinary Leaning Tower before arriving in Florence, cradle of the Renaissance. Tonight, why not enjoy a meal of excellent Tuscan cuisine? (B)
Hotel: Croce di Malta (F) for two nights

Day 11: Florence sightseeing and at leisure
The Cathedral, Signoria Square and a visit to Santa Croce Basilica feature on your guided walking tour. Later, enjoy a panoramic view from Piazzale Michelangelo before free time to explore. Discover the artistic wonders in the museums or shop for high quality leather and gold. (B,D)

Day 12: Florence - Siena - Rome
Enjoy a scenic drive through the Chianti wine-producing region to medieval Siena, famous for its exciting Palio horse race. Arrive in Rome late in the afternoon. This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner together with your Tour Director and new-found touring friends. (B,D)
Hotel: Sheraton Golf (SF)

Day 13: Depart Rome
This morning after breakfast say ‘arrivederci Roma’ as your memorable tour of Italy comes to an end. There are transfers available to Rome Fiumincino Airport. Conditions apply. (B)