Day 1 - ROME AT LEISURE

Welcome to Italy! On arrival at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport, your airport shuttle service leaves for the tour hotel at 09:30, 12:30 & 15:30. Then this beautiful and historic city is yours to discover at leisure: stroll down the Via Veneto or perhaps spend some time wandering through the vast parklands of the Villa Borghese. Tonight, join your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Cicerone

Day 2 - ROME SIGHTSEEING

A local guide introduces the grandeur of the city: drive to the independent Vatican State, the richest community in the world. Visit the vast St Peter's Basilica where you can admire one of Michelangelo's early works, the Pieta, as well as the splendid dome completed after his death. Hear tales of the glory of ancient Rome as you cross the River Tiber to visit the Colosseum. Here gladiators (and sometimes martyrs) fought to the death against armed warriors or wild beasts. You also overlook the site of the Roman Forum, once the bustling centre of commerce, law and religion.The afternoon is free to enjoy Rome at your own pace. (BB)

Day 3 - ROME - VENICE

Depart the 'Eternal City' and follow the course of the River Tiber northwards. Traverse the wild Apennine Mountains, where the German Army formed its Gothic line in the closing stages of the last war. You cross the Rivers Adige and Po to reach magical Venice, glorious city of quaint bridges, ornate palaces, and gondolas - a complete step back in time to the 16th century. Stay on the fashionable Venice Lido.
Hotel: Petit Palais (BB,D)

Day 4 - VENICE SIGHTSEEING

Appreciate the splendour of Venice as you cruise by Palladio's San Giorgio Maggiore to St Mark's Square. Your Tour Director will explain the glorious history of 'La Serenissima', once one of the greatest trading centres of the world which imported goods from the Orient - this wealth and power is echoed by the riches of St Mark's Basilica. See the Doges' Palace and its adjoining Bridge of Sighs, then visit one of the glass showrooms for a demonstration of traditional craftsmanship, unchanged for centuries. Relax and enjoy the atmosphere as you cruise along the Venetian canals by gondola. There is time to explore or browse through the shops on the Rialto Bridge in the afternoon. Don't miss the chance to try the delicious seafood, freshly caught in the lagoon. (BB)

Day 5 - VENICE - FLORENCE

Begin your day with a scenic drive along the famous Brenta Riviera. See the magnificent classical villas that were once the summer residences of the Venetian nobility. Your route takes you south, past the university city of Bologna and follows the river Reno high into the Apennines. Continue through the peaceful landscapes of Tuscany. En route, hear an informative tutorial about the famous Chianti wines that make this region so famous. On arrival in the Renaissance city of Florence, with a local guide, visit the Academy Museum to see Michelangelo's original 'Statue of David'. Afterwards, walk to the marble clad Cathedral and Baptistery, where Ghiberti's 'Gates of Paradise' have been recreated in all their glory. Next stop is Signoria Square, political heart of the city and still an open air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Finally, visit the church of Santa Croce to see the tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo.
Hotel: Hotel Londra (BB, D)

Day 6 - FLORENCE AT LEISURE

This morning enjoy a demonstration of traditional Florentine leatherwork. The rest of the day is yours to shop, explore or continue sightseeing at your own pace. Consider taking an optional excursion into the undulating hills of Tuscany and medieval San Gimignano before sampling some fine Florentine cuisine and Chianti wine. (BB)

Day 7 - FLORENCE - ROME

Take the smooth autostrada through the province of Umbria, past Orvieto, where the relics of the Miracle of Bolsena are kept, all the way back to Rome. Your Intermezzo reaches its crescendo at the Vatican Museums. Admire the collection of ancient and Renaissance art gathered by Popes over the ages, before entering the Sistine Chapel, where the Popes are elected. This is where your audio headset comes into its own, providing clear, expert commentary from your local guide. Gaze up now and truly appreciate the significance of Michelangelo's famous painted ceiling. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a last night celebration Highlight Dinner of pasta, wine and music.
Hotel: Sheraton Roma (BB,HD)

Day 8 - ROME

Bid farewell to the glories of Italy this morning. Departure transfers arrive at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport
at 07:00 & 09:30. (BB)