Italian Escapade

Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. Settle in before joining your Travel Director as you indulge in dinner with wine at a local restaurant.

Your day is devoted to the Eternal City. Join a Local Expert for an in-depth visit to the Vatican Museums, full of priceless art treasures collected by the Popes. Visit the Sistine Chapel, where Popes are elected, to admire Michelangelos famous ceiling. Cross the Tiber River to enjoy ancient Rome and see the incredible Circus Maximus. Admire the beautifully preserved Arch of Constantine, walking on the ancient pavement. Discover the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum as you stroll around the exterior of this amazing structure. Later, perhaps continue your exploration of Rome to see the Pantheon, the stunning piazzas and fountains of Rome.

Head north to Siena, where winding medieval streets lead you into the heart of the city at the vast Piazza del Campo. Stand where the thunder of hooves fills the square during the famed Palio horse race, then admire the Fountain of Joy before walking up to the marble-striped cathedral that dominates the skyline. Continue through Tuscanys cypress-lined hills and sun-drenched vineyards to Florence, your base for the next two nights. Spend the evening your way perhaps unwinding at the hotel, exploring the historic centre or joining an Optional Experience featuring a traditional Tuscan dinner paired with local wines.

This morning, join a Local Expert for a walking tour through Florences Renaissance heart. With Insight Choice, visit the Accademia Gallery to witness Michelangelos David up close before seeing the intricate marble faades of the Duomo, bell tower and baptistery, home to the gilded Gates of Paradise. Alternatively, join your Travel Director for a relaxed stroll to a nearby cafe to enjoy a traditional Italian treat. Continue through the Piazza della Signoria, where statues of Neptune, Hercules and Cacus stand guard over the historic centre of civic life. Enjoy free time to wander Florences historic streets. After a demonstration of Florences traditional leatherwork and gold craftsmanshipan enduring part of the citys artisan legacy, perhaps join the excursion to San Gimignano, known as Tuscanys medieval Manhattan. Admire its iconic towers, hear tales of rival families and explore centuries-old architecture. Your visit also includes a specially selected local delicacy.

Stop in Pisa to see the incredible Leaning Tower from which Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity, as well as the splendid cathedral and baptistery, decorated with mosaics and designs in solid marble. Your journey continues, past the marble quarries at Carrara, used since the time of Ancient Rome, through the dramatic Apennine Mountains to the fertile valley of the River Po. Continue to your lakeside resort on beautiful Lake Maggiore. As night time draws in, why not work up an appetite before dinner with a traditional evening stroll, or passeggiata as they say in Italy?

Today is set aside for you to relax and enjoy all the fantastic sights of this beautiful lakeland area. For your Dine-Around evening, choose from a selection of hand-picked restaurants for your dining pleasure.

Follow the southern fringes of the European Alps to the vineyards of the Franciacorta wine region near the shores of Lake Iseo. Here, winemaking traditions run deep. Taste the delicious vintages produced by a master vintner at a family-owned estate. Continue to the unique city of Venice.

A private boat ferries you to St. Marks Square. See the basilica, Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience during a visit to a traditional workshop, where you can see how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding creative skills. Enjoy being serenaded on a gondola ride, gliding through the city's canals in romantic awe. Spend the afternoon as you wish. As night falls, why not savour the magic of St. Marks square with its orchestras and al-fresco cafes?

Skirt the Venetian Lagoon and cross two of Italys most important rivers, the Adige and Po. The scenery will then change dramatically as you drive through the wild Apennines. Your destination is the stone-built, hilltop town of Assisi, home of St. Francis. See the Church of St. Mary of the Angels before continuing up Mount Subasio. Then, with our Local Expert, visit the beautiful Basilica of St. Francis.

Journey along the clifftop road to the picturesque resort of Sorrento, perched upon the southern cliffs of the Bay of Naples and looking out to Mount Vesuvius. With the evening at leisure, why not try some of the local specialities during a regional dining experience?

In the morning, cruise to Capri, known as the Isle of Dreams. With your Local Expert, explore the narrow alleyways of Capri town, browse in exclusive boutiques and wonder at the views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Descend to the port by funicular railway and return to Sorrento for some relaxation time. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to Positano and the Amalfi Coast?

Journey north to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, eerily preserved by the eruptions of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Your Local Expert walks you through cobbled streets to explore some of the shops, villas and temples. Witness the colourful frescoes that were hidden for centuries. Continue beneath the striking hilltop Abbey of Montecassino and back to Rome where your journey reaches its zenith in the evening. Take in the vibrant atmosphere of this charming neighbourhood as you indulge in fine food, wine, music and a private performance of enchanting operetta for your dinner.

Bid farewell to the glories of Italy, savouring the memories of its enchanting cities, historic landmarks and stunning landscapes. Italy's unique allure will linger in your heart long after you leave.