Experience the wonders of Italy's finest cities, from the Renaissance jewel of Florence to the treasures of Rome and magical Venice, all in one unforgettable journey.

DAY 1: UK - Rome.
Fly to Rome where you'll be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights. There's time to rest or start your own discovery of the 'Eternal City'. This evening, meet your Tour Director and travelling companions over a special welcome dinner, with wine, at one of Rome's lively restaurants. (D)

DAY 2: Rome.
With over 2,000 years of history crammed into its streets, Italy's capital is a sightseeing tour de force. Today your guided exploration of this fascinating city takes in the extravagant Vatican Museums and extraordinary Sistine Chapel (if closed today, your visit will take place on Day 3). Marvel at Michelangelo's 15th century masterwork, which gilds 12,000 square feet of the Chapel's ceiling. Next, continue to the glorious piazza of St Peter's Square, designed by Bernini and dominated by St Peter's Basilica, fronted by statues of Saints Peter and Paul. After crossing the River Tiber, it's on to the mighty Colosseum, commissioned in 72AD and once the stage of bloody gladiatorial contests. Another highlight is the well-preserved Roman Forum, where temples, archways and other relics mark out what once was the political and social heart of ancient Rome. With your sightseeing over, you'll have the rest of the day to explore independently or choose from a range of optional excursions. (B)

DAY 3: Rome - Pisa - Florence.
Leaving Rome behind, trace the route of Italy's ancient Aurelian Way this morning, hugging the charming Tyrrhenian Coast on your way to Pisa. Here, wonder at the world-famous Leaning Tower in the city's huge Cathedral Square. Built in the 11th and 12th centuries to stand as a vertical, freestanding belltower to the neighbouring Cathedral, this 186-foot structure leans a dramatic 12 feet from the perpendicular due its uneven foundations. After snapping photos, your next destination is Florence, Tuscany's glorious capital. Tonight, why not enjoy an optional dinner outing to a traditional Tuscan restaurant? (B)

DAY 4: Florence.
Considered by many to be Italy's finest city, Renaissance Florence is an open-air museum filled with sublime art and architectural treasures. Today, let your guide lead you around the main sights, starting at the Academy Gallery, home to Michelangelo's celebrated David, carved from a single slab of marble between 1501 and 1504. From here, you'll visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiori, a vision of loveliness with its orange-tiled Bruneschelli dome, bronze 'Gate of Paradise' and marble-tiled belltower by Giotti. Keep your camera at hand too, for Signoria Square, whose cobbles are framed by a statue-filled loggia and crenellated palace. The afternoon is free for you to explore Florence at your own pace, perhaps picking up some of city's trademark leather goods or gold jewellery, the latter sold by the ounce. (B)

DAY 5: Florence - Verona - Venice.
Head this morning for Verona, the setting chosen by Shakespeare for Romeo and Juliet. Bursting with medieval squares, churches and palaces testifying to its wealth and power in the 13th and 14th centuries, this wonderful city never fails to delight. See its famous Juliet's balcony and house, stroll Erbe square, originally the site of the Roman forum, and admire the superb Roman Arena, the third largest in the world. Afterwards, drive to Venice for two nights. (B)

DAY 6: Venice.
Start the day in style with a private boat ride before joining your guide for your walking tour of this magical city, built on no less than 117 islands in the Venetian lagoon. Feast your eyes on magnificent St Mark's Square, overlooked by the Byzantine-inspired domed St Mark's Basilica and graceful Doge's Palace, before gazing at the Bridge of Sighs, the enclosed bridge where Lord Byron imagined prisoners would sigh over their last view of Venice as they were taken to their cells. You'll also catch a demonstration by Venice's skilled glassblowers, watching as they fashion colourful glass into delicate ornaments using methods hardly changed since medieval times. Later, there's time to discover more of the city under your own steam or take our optional cruise to the tiny island of Burano, where candy-coloured houses huddle along small canals. This evening, grab the chance to enjoy Venice's atmospheric restaurants. (B)

DAY 7: Venice - Ferrara - Rome.
Sit back and soak up the scenery today as you ride through the green landscapes surrounding the River Po, to Ferrara in Emilia-Romagna. Take a stroll around this walled city, once the base of the princely Este dynasty. See its moated Este Castle and impressive Romanesque Cathedral before continuing to Rome, driving through the lush Apennines Mountains and undulating hills and vineyards of Tuscany. This evening your journey through Italy draws to a close with a farewell dinner, with wine, at a local restaurant. (B, D)

DAY 8: Rome - UK.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)

Accommodation

Rome: Cicerone (4*); Florence: Kraft (4*); Venice: Carlton & Grand Canal (4*); Rome: Villa Pamphili (4*) or Albani (4*).

All This Included

Rome City sightseeing with local guide
Pisa Visit the Leaning Tower
Florence Walking tour with local guide
Verona Walking tour
Venice Private boat ride and walking tour with local guide
Ferrara Visit

Flights UK - Rome - UK
Accommodation on tour in a twin room with private facilities
Meals on tour - 7 breakfasts and 2 dinners
Services of a tour director on tour
Porterage (for one suitcase per person)
Individual Audio System you will be given headphones and a receiver so you can always hear the tour director/local guides on the coach and on visits.
Transfers between the overseas airports and hotels
All local and airport taxes/service charges

Prices are per person, based on two people sharing.