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

Day 2: ROME
Welcome to Italy! 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 5-star luxury hotel set in the heart of Rome on the Via del Corso nor far from the Pantheon and Spanish Steps. Tonight, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception with drink and a light meal, followed by time to relax.(Welcome Reception)

Day 3: IMPERIAL ROME
Join your guide in the Vatican City where you are escorted through the superb 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 visit the Colosseum, scene of great excitement in Imperial times. Ascend the broad flight of steps to Michelangelo’s spectacular Piazza del Campidoglio from where you overlook the Roman Forum. The afternoon is set aside for you to enjoy Rome as you please.(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 4: ROME – POMPEII – CAPRI
Journey past the brooding hilltop monastery of Cassino to the Bay of Naples. Here lies 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 Naples to board your hydrofoil to the sun-drenched island of Capri. Arrive at Marina Grande and transfer to your exquisite hotel situated in Anacapri, the most exclusive part of the island, and offers spectacular views across the sparkling waters.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 5: THE ISLE OF DREAMS
Meet your guide to visit Capri town, with its cosmopolitan Piazzetta, filled with small cafés. Descend by funicular to the harbour and weather permitting, visit the amazing Blue Grotto, its walls made blue by sunlight filtering through the azure water. Then the remainder of the day is yours to devote to Capri’s white washed houses, orange and lemon trees, fashionable shops and restaurants. You could indulge at the hotel’s Beauty Farm, a favourite of Gwyneth Paltrow and other celebrities. As the orange-rose glow of twilight descends and the day trippers have returned back to the mainland, the island is all yours to saunter along scenic paths, gather with the locals in the piazzetta or dine in the superb restaurants.(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 6: CAPRI – FLORENCE
Take the hydrofoil across the bay to Naples and transfer to your high-speed train bound for Renaissance Florence. Relax in first class comfort while the countryside slips by. On arrival you are met by a local guide for a visit to the Academy Gallery housing Michelangelo’s Statue of David. Walk on to see the marble Cathedral, Giotto’s belltower and ‘Gates of Paradise’ before visiting the Piazza della Signoria, an open air gallery of sculpture.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 7: FLORENCE AT LEISURE
The joys of Florence are varied so today is entirely free for your own personal exploration. Head down to the Ponte Vecchio, haggle for leather goods at the market around San Lorenzo or relax amid the terraces of the Boboli Gardens. By night, make the most of warm summer evenings by following the locals to the buzzing covered markets for rustic Florentine dishes. Alternatively, dine alfresco with crisp table-top linen and crystal glassware.(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 8: FLORENCE – CHIANTI – PISA – VIAREGGIO
Sleep in, relax over breakfast and read the paper. Mid-morning board your coach for a drive through the patchwork of vines, olives and cypresses that typify the Chianti hills. In one of the small bucolic towns, typical of the area, stop for a taste of local Chianti wine followed by a two-course highlight lunch in a historic Tuscan cellar. Now head for the coast, pausing on the way at the amazing Leaning Tower of Pisa. Take time to explore the Square of Miracles before moving on to Viareggio.(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch / Dinner)

Day 9: THE CINQUE TERRE
Head for the UNESCO World Heritage listed Cinque Terre. To fully appreciate this rugged coastline, you first board a train and then sail by boat to one of the picturesque fishing villages, sheltered by hills covered with vines and olive groves. Spend time exploring the old medieval quarter or the popular sandy beach. The regional cuisine is exemplary, so reservations have been made at a local restaurant for lunch. Return along the famous Italian Riviera to your prestigious hotel on Viareggio’s seafront.(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch)

Day 10: VIAREGGIO – VENICE
Cross the fertile Po Valley to romantic Venice, where you are immediately plunged back to the 16C. Your exclusive 5-star luxury hotel, is set on its own private Island in the heart of the Lagoon. Savour the light summer breeze or admire the panorama over St. Mark’s Basin and the Lido.(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 11: THE MAGIC OF LA SERENISSIMA
Venice was once one of the greatest trading centres of the world. The city’s 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 romantic canals. The afternoon is entirely yours to lose yourself in the hidden parts of the city. As evening falls, you are invited to join us for a celebratory meal favoured with, good food, wine and a happy, relaxed atmosphere.(Buffet Breakfast / Celebration Dinner)

Day 12: RETURN TO USA
Your tour draws to a close today. Savour the enchanting view of Venice one more time as you cross the lagoon by private transfer boat to arrive directly at Venice Airport at 08:00.(Buffet Breakfast)