Welcome to Rome! 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 there is time to relax and begin to enjoy La Dolce Vita (the sweet life). Later, join your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Sheraton Roma

Travel south to visit the formidable Abbey of Monte Cassino, carefully rebuilt after the epic battle of 1944, and still dominating the surrounding countryside from its mountain top setting. Stop at the nearby Commonwealth War Cemetery before continuing on to Pompeii, the ill-fated Roman resort buried by an eruption of Vesuvius in AD79. A walking tour with a local guide through the cobbled streets reveals the daily life of ancient Roman civilisation. Afterwards, a scenic cliff-top drive leads you to Sorrento. Sunday evenings are popular for the traditional ritual of passeggiata, a pre-dinner promenade, to 'see and be seen'.
Hotel: Grand Hotel La Pace (BB,D)

There are plenty of photo opportunities as you travel along Italy's finest coastline, the Amalfi Coast. Stop for a bird's-eye view of the terraced houses of Positano before boarding minibuses to explore the heart of the town. There's time to be tempted by the boutiques before returning to your hotel. Consider dining at one of Sorrento's top restaurants. (BB)

For 2,000 years, Capri has beckoned visitors from Tiberius Caesar to Gracie Fields. Arriving at the Marina Grande by boat, ascend to Capri Town by funicular railway. There is time to browse in the elegant shops and enjoy the fabulous views. You can also join an optional excursion to Anacapri before returning to Sorrento. (BB)

Travel north to the celebrated wine town of Frascati and continue to Castel Gandolfo to see the Pope's summer residence. Then to the hilltop town of Orvieto where an orientation tour shows you the Cathedral with its richly decorated facade.
Hotel: Aquila Bianca (BB)

After crossing the River Tiber, arrive at St Mary of the Angels Basilica, erected where St Francis died, before continuing on to hill-top Assisi to visit the Basilica. Stroll down the Via San Francesco to St Clare's church, then see the Cathedral with its baptismal font where St Francis was christened. Take time to explore or shop before continuing on to the lovely city of Perugia for two nights.
Hotel: Sangallo Palace (BB,D)

Your sightseeing begins on foot in the main street of Perugia's Old Town. See the Collegio del Cambio, the splendid Priors' Palace, the Cathedral and the finely sculptured Great Fountain. Later there is time at leisure in this beautiful, historic town. (BB)

Travel through the Apennine Mountains to the city of Ravenna, the meeting point of Roman, Christian and Byzantine cultures. Visit the church of St Apollinaris in Classe which houses some of the finest mosaics in Europe. Follow the coast road around the Lagoon to reach Venice, 'Queen of the Adriatic', where your hotel is located on the fashionable Lido.
Hotel: Le Boulevard (BB,D)

Cruise by private launch to St Mark's basin. Alight to see Lord Byron's Bridge of Sighs connecting the Doges' Palace to the Prisons. Stroll around to St Mark's Square to admire the Byzantine Basilica, before watching a glass-blowing demonstration. Enjoy a Highlight gondola ride through the canals. The rest of the day is at leisure in this remarkable city. (BB)

Cross the fertile plains of Emilia Romagna to stop in Bologna - gastronomic capital of Italy. Here your guided tour includes Giambologna's Neptune Fountain and the Old Town.Time to savour the local specialties in the many trattorias and ristoranti before continuing to Florence.
Hotel: Grand Hotel Cavour (BB,D)

With a local guide, admire some of Michelangelo's works in the Academy Gallery, including his original statue of David and the half-completed Four Slaves. Continue to see the marble clad Cathedral, bell tower and the Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery before walking to Signoria Square. Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce, to see Michelangelo's tomb and finish with a Florentine leatherwork demonstration. (BB)

A delightful drive leads to San Gimignano. Admire the Salucci Towers, Chigi Towers and Cathedral before continuing to Siena. Stroll through the cobbled streets with a local guide to the vast Campo Square where the Palio horse race is held. See the 'Fonte Gaia', then continue to the zebra striped cathedral. Follow the Tuscan country roads to the spa town of Chianciano Terme.
Hotel: Grande Albergo Fortuna (BB)

Embark on an excursion to beautiful Montepulciano, one of Tuscany's highest hill towns, its fortifications offering broad views over Umbria and Southern Tuscany. En route, there is an informative tutorial about the famous Chianti wines that make this region so famous. After some free time return to your hotel. (BB,D)

Visit Tarquinia's Archeological Museum and view the Etruscan tombs on the return journey to Rome. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Hotel: Cicerone (BB)

With your local guide, visit the Vatican Museums. Admire the vast collection of art gathered by Popes over the ages, before entering the Sistine Chapel, where the Popes are elected. Next door, tour St Peter's Basilica, seeing Michelangelo's masterpiece, the Pieta. On the opposite side of the Tiber explore ancient Rome as you visit the Colosseum and see the Forum. There is time in the afternoon to relax or explore. Tonight, enjoy a last night celebration Highlight Dinner with your new-found friends. (BB,HD)

Arrivederci Roma! Sadly, your tour comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 & 09:30. (BB)