Day 1: DEPART USA
Board your overnight flight (not included).

Day 2: ROME AT LEISURE
Welcome to Rome, former religious, political and commercial heart of a vast empire. You are met on arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport. At 09:30, 12:30 & 15:30 your transfer departs for your tour hotel. Relax and settle in. Join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception this evening which includes a drink and a light informal meal.(Welcome Reception)

Day 3: ROME SIGHTSEEING
In the Vatican City you are joined by a resident expert who guides you through the priceless art collection of the Vatican Museums culminating beneath Michelangelo’s famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. More of Michelangelo’s genius is on display next door in St Peter’s Basilica. Now cross the Tiber to overlook the Roman Forum and visit the Colosseum where your guide sets the scene of bloody contests, wild beasts and Gladiators. Rome is now yours to discover at your leisure.(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 4: ROME – POMPEII – ISLE OF CAPRI
Journey to the ill-fated town of Pompeii, frozen in time when it was engulfed by an eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. Walk with a local guide through the cobbled streets to learn about Roman life in the first century. Then continue to the Bay of Naples and board your hydrofoil to the island of Capri. In brilliant sunshine, enjoy a scenic drive by open top taxi past orange and lemon groves to the shady streets of Anacapri. After checking in to your hotel, there’s time to appreciate the glorious vistas over the rugged coastline and sparkling sea. For your dining pleasure tonight, you are invited to choose from a selection of local restaurants.(Buffet Breakfast / Dine Around)

Day 5: CAPRI SIGHTSEEING
During your guided tour embark on a scenic chairlift ride to the summit of Monte Solaro and enjoy a spectacular panorama over the island and across the Bay of Naples. You’ll also visit Capri town, with its whitewashed houses, winding alleyways and small cafés. The afternoon is yours to devote to Capri’s fashionable boutiques, craft shops and artisans studios. As the glow of twilight descends and the day trippers have gone home, the island is yours to saunter along scenic paths, gather with the locals in the piazzetta or relax with a glass of wine at an al-fresco restaurant.(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 6: ISLE OF CAPRI FLORENCE
Take the hydrofoil across the bay to Naples and follow the ‘Motorway of the Sun’ north, past Rome through the Province of Umbria. Continue through idyllic Tuscan landscapes to Florence, centre of art and culture, and heart of the Italian Renaissance.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 7: FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING
Join your local guide for a tour of the Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo’s beautiful statue of David. Continue to Giotto’s belltower next to the Cathedral and see the ‘Gates of Paradise’ before visiting the Piazza della Signoria, an open air museum and still the political heart of Florence. Stroll on to Piazza Santa Croce famous for its cathedral and luxury shops. The joys of Florence are varied so the afternoon is free for your own personal exploration.(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 8: FLORENCE – CINQUE TERRE – GENOA
Head for the famous Italian Riviera and a highlight of your tour, the Cinque Terre. A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Italy’s best kept secrets! Appreciate the views as you approach one of the picturesque fishing villages by boat. Spend some time exploring the old medieval quarter or the popular sandy beach before continuing along the coast to the port of Genoa, birthplace of Christopher Columbus.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 9: GENOA – PORTOFINO – ITALIAN LAKES
This morning visit the elegant seaside village of Portofino, epitome of La Dolce Vita. Admire the gaily-coloured houses, browse the boutiques, stay a while in the café bars on the piazzetta and watch the yachts moored in the harbour. Later, head north to beautiful Lake Maggiore in the Italian Lake District, a favourite retreat of the rich and famous where Alpine scenery combines with luxuriant subtropical vegetation. Relax and enjoy this popular resort and beautiful lake, or perhaps take a cruise out to the lovely Borromean Islands?(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 10: ITALIAN LAKES – VERONA – VENICE
This morning follow the southern fringes of the European Alps to Verona, setting for one of history’s saddest love stories. Walk with your Tour Director to Juliet’s balcony in the inner courtyard of the Capulet home and see the well preserved Roman Arena (still used for open-air opera performances). While here, an authentic two course highlight lunch, typical of the region, has been arranged on your behalf, including a glass of wine. Afterwards continue to the Venice Lido, the ‘Golden Island’ and your distinguished hotel, fashionable abode for the rich and famous during the Venice Film Festival.(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch)

Day 11: VENICE SIGHTSEEING
Cruise by private launch to St Mark’s Square where the city’s former wealth and power is evidenced by the riches of St Mark’s Basilica. Admire also the Doge’s Palace and its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. No visit to Venice would be complete without a gondola serenade through the ‘watery streets’. Relax and enjoy the atmosphere, music and songs as you drift along the romantic canals. The afternoon is entirely yours to lose yourself in the hidden parts of the city. As evening descends, you are invited to a tour finalé Celebration Dinner favoured with good food, good wine and good company.(Buffet Breakfast / Celebration Dinner)

Day 12: RETURN TO USA
Alas you must bid farewell to this enchanting city today. Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Airport at 08:00.(Buffet Breakfast)