DAY 1: UK - Rome.
Fly to Rome where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this ancient capital. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers.
DAY 2: Rome.
The 'Eternal City' - a city steeped in history, vibrantly alive, exciting and absolutely unique! Included sightseeing with a local guide starts in St Peter's Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum. (B)
DAY 3: Rome - Siena.
Journey to the charmingly located city of Orvieto in the Umbria region to visit its black basalt and yellow limestone cathedral, an excellent example of Italian Gothic architecture. By early evening you'll be in Siena with time to visit this jewel of Tuscany. Sit in one of the cafés surrounding the Campo and admire one of Italy's most unique squares, famed the world over for its Palio horse race. (B)
DAY 4: Siena - Florence area.
Drive this morning to San Gimignano, one of Tuscany's greatest attractions. Its medieval squares, town walls, streets, alleyways, and 14 towers make it unique. Next, into the very heart of the Chianti vineyards; watch out for names such as Castellina in Chianti, Badia, Gaiole and Brolio, where classic Chianti wines are produced. Stop in Greve for some wine tasting at a local wine producer. Arrive in the Florence area in time to join the optional Tuscan dinner outing. (B)
DAY 5: Florence.
This Renaissance gem and city of the Medicis will keep you enthralled for a whole day. Traffic is banned in part of the historic centre so visitors can wander at leisure and admire the city's timeless beauty in relative peace and quiet. Don't miss out on the included walking tour with a local guide, which features most of the city highlights. You will see Piazza Santa Croce, beautiful Piazza Signoria, the Palazzo Vecchio and its courtyard, the Loggia dei Lanzi, and to top it all, the Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Door of the Baptistry known as the 'Gate of Paradise'. (B, D)
DAY 6: Florence area - Pisa - Venice area.
This morning, drive to Pisa for a visit to the Square of Miracles and the amazing Leaning Tower - 180 feet high and no less than 16 feet out of the perpendicular. Later, head across the wooded Apennine Hills into the farmlands of the Po Valley for two nights in the Venice area. (B)
DAY 7: Venice.
Venice is more like a marvellous film set than a real live city, with its criss-crossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces and little quiet piazzas. The included orientation starts with a boat ride and is followed by time at leisure and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers fashion their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. Don't miss out on the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you. (B, D)
DAY 8: Venice area - Assisi - Rome.
An interesting drive cutting across the Po Delta, then crossing the Apennines. Stop in Assisi, where St Francis was born in 1182, before visiting the world-famous Basilica with its beautiful frescos by Giotto, then heading for Rome. (B)
DAY 9: Rome - UK.
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)