Italian Delights

It's day one on tour, and Rome awaits! After arriving in Italy's capital this morning, check into the hotel before meeting up with your tour leader for a group welcome and orientation. After, head to the city for some free time! Explore the top attractions like Ancient Roman architecture, medieval structures and Renaissance masterpieces. Next, visit the Trevi Fountain and make a wish upon a coin to be fortunate enough to visit Rome again! This evening, head to a local restaurant for an included dinner before embarking on a guided city tour, including highlights such as the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps!

• Discover Rome on a walking tour

• Welcome dinner in Rome

Journey towards the shore today! Depart Rome and head to the Salerno province on the Amalfi Coast by way of Pompeii. Admire the iconic Mount Vesuvius on the road before discovering this ancient Roman city's well-preserved ruins caused by a disastrous volcanic eruption millennia ago. Next, sit down for an included lunch before travelling to the hotel in Salerno for the next two nights. Take the evening to soak in the splendour of the picturesque beaches and well-preserved historical centre! Or, experience the dazzling town of Amalfi on tonight’s optional excursion which included a local dinner.

• See Mount Vesuvius; an ancient volcano

• Explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii

Today, discover the renowned Amalfi Coast and its coastal charm from Salerno. Use today's free time to explore the area at leisure, and be sure to look for small shops that specialise in lacework, ceramics and marquetry (the craft of creating spectacular artworks by applying pieces of veneer). Otherwise, visit the well-known Isle of Capri on today's optional excursion. Not even the likes of Roman emperors and Hollywood celebrities are immune to its charm! Embark on an orientation tour with a local guide to explore the charming blend of cafés, seaside views, Roman ruins and picturesque piazzas before ending off with a boat cruise around the island’s famous grottos.

Journey north to Assisi today as the tour departs the coast and heads to Montecassino. This incredible site is famous for the Abbey of Montecassino, picturesque hilled countrysides, the natural beauty of its vineyards and rivers, as well as intense World War II battles that devastated the town. Next, journey to the Umbria region and arrive in Assisi, a medieval town famous for the birth of St Francis in 1181. Take in the charm of one of Italy's most beloved pilgrimage sites and marvel at the historic churches and basilicas that appear almost just like they would have to St Francis nearly a thousand years ago. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner with the group.

• Visit Montecassino; a famous abbey

• Explore the ancient sites of Assisi; home of St Francis

Say goodbye to the spectacular sites of Assisi as the tour continues to Venice, with a stop in San Marino, Europe's third-smallest state, en route. San Marino was founded in the early 4th century by Saint Marinus and claims to be the world's oldest sovereign state to survive to this day. Now, it's a must-see destination and a beloved day trip for travellers who visit the area. Marvel at the scenic views and the Adriatic Sea from the hilltop where San Marino is located. After arriving in Venice early this evening, unwind at the hotel or choose to embark on the optional twilight water taxi cruise of the Venetian canals.

• Visit San Marino; one of the oldest republics in Europe

Spend this full day in Venice exploring at leisure. Don't miss out on the chance to experience an iconic Venetian gondola ride! Simply arrange with your tour leader. Additionally, we highly recommend the optional excursion venturing further into the lagoon with visits to the creative and colourful islands of Murano and Burano. For the ultimate day in Venice, choose to embark on both of today's optional excursions!

• Experience the magic of Venice

Today's first stop is “fair Verona” for a sighting of the balcony where the iconic Shakespearean conversation between Romeo and Juliet took place. Not unlike the Shakespeare play, Verona has had its share of conflict, drama and romance since Roman times. During an orientation tour, be sure to stay on the lookout for the 2,000-year-old arena and the ancient city gates. Then, find out what it was about Italy that inspired DH Lawrence and Hemingway on a visit to the iconic Italian Lakes. After arriving in the scenic town of Sirmione on Lake Garda, explore at leisure for the rest of the evening.

• Visit Juliet's balcony in Verona

• Spend a night in the Italian Lake District

Depart the Italian Lakes region today and continue the journey to Cinque Terre - a truly spectacular Italian attraction. Cinque Terre comprises five idyllic towns on the Italian west coast - Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Since the towns are linked by hiking trails and train tracks, it's an awe-inspiring area to discover on a walk or train ride. Spend a few hours here exploring. Then, head to the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa for some incredible photo opportunities! Conclude the day travelling to Northern Tuscany before settling in at tonight's hotel.

• See the Leaning Tower of Pisa

• Explore Cinque Terre’s picturesque villages

Today is another adventure-filled day on this Italian tour! After travelling to Florence this morning, enjoy an orientation tour with a local guide to see the beauty of the city and its awe-inspiring Renaissance art and architecture. Next, stop at a local Italian leather shop for a deep dive into leather crafting and discover why the fashion world has been dominated by Italian leather for ages. This afternoon, explore more of the city at leisure. Choose to embark on the Taste of Tuscany optional excursion for an incredible, traditional Tuscan culinary experience! After arriving in Southern Tuscany later, indulge in a complimentary wine tasting and spend the rest of the evening as you wish.

• Explore the highlights of Florence

• Watch a leather-making demonstration

• Taste Italian wine in Tuscany

Today, traverse some of the world's most scenic terrains. As the journey continues, marvel at the Tuscan farms, vibrant vineyards and gorgeous olive groves. Today's first stop is the walled town of San Gimignano located on a hilltop. Admire the views of impressive Romanesque and Gothic architecture and 12 well-preserved tower houses in what's referred to as the “Town of Fine Towers”. Next, journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Siena, where the bi-annual Palio horse race is held in the piazza. Indulge in a wine tasting and antipasto pairing and head back to Rome thereafter. This evening, enjoy one last group dinner at the accommodation in Rome.

• Marvel at the views in San Gimignano

• Visit Siena; a popular Tuscan town home to the Palio horse race

• Farewell dinner in Rome

Spend today exploring more of Rome, the “Eternal City” of Italy! Embark on an optional tour of the captivating Colosseum and Roman Forum followed by a guided tour of the spellbinding Vatican Museums. This excursion must be booked prior to the start of the tour. Alternatively, use the free day to explore at leisure. Revisit some of your favourite spots from day one in Rome or take the time to tick off attractions like the Vatican City (home of the Pope), the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Take a deep dive into the city's top attractions or spend the day relaxing Italian-style - in a café or doing some shopping.

Say “Arrivederci, Italia”today as this memorable 12-day Italian tour concludes after breakfast. Bid your new travel family farewell and remember to exchange contact details before returning home. We hope to see you on the road again soon!