DAY 1

Arrive Rome (2 Nights)
Ah Roma! Once the capital of the world and today yours to explore before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and orientation drive past some of the city’s most magnificent sights.
Hotel: Grand Tiberio
Meal: Welcome Reception

DAY 2

Rome Sightseeing and Free Time
Join your Local Specialist this morning for a tour of the Vatican Museums. ‘Dive Into Culture’ as you ascend the Bramante spiral staircase, admire Michelangelo’s magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and visit St. Peter’s Basilica to see his sorrowful Pietà. We venture to the birthplace of western civilisation next and celebrate the enduring symbols that stand today as a testament of the might of an ancient power. Visit the impressive Colosseum, where brave warriors once battled for supremacy and see the Circus Maximus where chariots would thunder down the racetrack. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore more of the city or people-watch in one of the grand piazze sipping an Italian coffee.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 3

Rome – Venice (2 Nights)
We journey through scenic Lazio and Umbria today to see the impressive hilltop towns of Orte and Orvieto before travelling through Tuscany with its Chianti vineyards and terraced olive groves. Cross the lush Apennine Mountains en route to Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic. Tonight, we dine at our hotel.
Hotel: Boscolo Bellini
Meal: Breakfast,Dinner

DAY 4

Venice Orientation and Free Time
The exquisite ancient tradition of glassblowing takes centre stage this morning as we ‘Dive Into Culture’ at a glassblowing workshop on Giudecca Island. Exploring the magical waterways of Venice, we take an orientation cruise by private motor launch to St. Mark’s Square, viewing the ornate Doge’s Palace and renowned Bridge of Sighs, so named for the sound prisoners would make as they crossed the bridge en route to their imprisonment. Spend the rest of the day exploring the calli and canals of Venice, or join an Optional Experience trip to the colourful island of Burano for a delicious traditional meal.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 5

Venice – Pisa – Florence (2 Nights)
The city of Pisa beckons this morning as we cross the Veneto plains and steep Appenine Mountains to see its incredible Leaning Tower, carved marble Cathedral and the Baptistery in the Square of Miracles. We continue through the Tuscan countryside to Renaissance Florence for our two-night stay.
Hotel: Grand Mediterraneo
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 6

Florence Sightseeing and Free Time
Join your Local Specialist on a guided walking tour through Florence. See the multi-coloured Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria before venturing across the Arno River to Piazzale Michelangelo where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of this glorious city. Spend the rest of your morning shopping for leather and gold, retire to a café for decadent hot chocolate, or consider visiting the Fine Arts Academy to see the famous statue of David by Michelangelo. We ‘Connect With Locals’ next at the 12th-century Castle of Trebbio which welcomes us for an authentic Be My Guest Tuscan lunch, and olive oil and wine tasting.
Meal: Breakfast,Be My Guest

DAY 7

Florence – Siena – Rome
Our romance with Italy continues as we head south to the medieval city of Siena. See the impressive Piazza del Campo where the Palio di Siena horse race has been held for centuries, then consider indulging in a slice or two of the local Panforte before continuing to the Eternal City of Rome. Tonight we toast to our new-found gioia di vivere inspired by Italy. Join your Travel Director and amici for an unforgettable Farewell Dinner.
Hotel: Sheraton Parco de’ Medici
Meal: Breakfast,Farewell Dinner

DAY 8

Depart Rome
Arrivederci Roma! We bid a fond farewell to a memorable journey through Italy. Transfers are available to Rome Fiumicino Airport. Conditions apply.
Meal: Breakfast

Sightseeing Highlights

• VIP ADMISSION to the Vatican Museums
• CITY TOUR in Rome and Florence
• ORIENTATION of Venice, Pisa and Siena
• VISIT the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Colosseum in Rome
• VIEW St. Mark’s Basilica and the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Duomo in Florence and Piazza del Campo in Siena
• SEE the ancient sites of Rome and the canals of Venice

Dining Highlights

• 7 breakfasts
• 1 Be My Guest lunch
• 3 dinners with local wine

First class travel Highlights

• Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
• Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
• Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
• Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
• Optional Experiences and free time
• All porterage and restaurant gratuities
• Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
• An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
• All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
• Hand-picked Trip Highlights
• VIP entry to many sights