DAY 1 Arrive Rome (2)

On arrival at Rome Fiumicino airport you are met and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, there's time to unwind before meeting your Tour Director for a welcome drink.

DAY 2 Rome sightseeing & at leisure

Our day starts with  a guided visit of Michelangelo's amazing Sistine Chapel brought to life with the use of our effective audio system. We continue our sightseeing with a visit to St. Peter's Basilica and then on to ancient Rome where we  stop in the Forum to see the Colosseum. Next we are taken to the Palatine Hill to view the Circus Maximus, the Roman stadium where 'Ben Hur' style  chariot races were the order of the day. Later, there's free time perhaps to visit  the Catacombs or simply relax over drinks at a sidewalk cafe. (BB)

DAY 3 Rome - Gargano Peninsula (Manfredonia)

Today journey  takes us through the Abruzzi Mountains to the Adriatic Coast.  We reach the Gargano promontory and drive along its pretty coast. Next we  head to the curious site of Monte Sant Angelo before arriving in the port of Manfredonia, guarded by its 13th century castle. (BB D)

DAY 4 Gargano Peninsula (Manfredonia) - Alberobello - Lecce

This morning a drive along the coast takes us to the region of the Trulli - strange, white, dry-stone structures with conical roofs. We visit the unique town of Alberobello on route to beautiful Lecce. Here our guided sightseeing tour shows us this delightful city including the stunning Basilica  and its monumental Piazza del Duomo. (BB D)

DAY 5 Lecce - Sorrento (2)

After breakfast, we drive  along the coast to Bari and the autostrada taking us to the Gulf of Salerno to Sorrento. Here orientation shows us the Piazza Tasso and  Corso Italia with its boutiques and cafes. Tonight, we enjoy dinner in a  picturesque restaurant. (BB) (HD)

DAY 6 Isle of Capri Excursion

This morning we will visit an inlaid wood workshop where we see a demonstration of this local craft. Then, we cruise across to the beautiful Isle of Capri for the day.  Here orientation takes us up to Capri Town where we enjoy views of the Faraglioni Rocks and Marina Piccola. Then we visit the Piazzetta where the rich  and famous sip their cappuccinos - followed by free time to perhaps ascend  to Anacapri. At the end of the afternoon we cruise back to Sorrento. (BB  D)

DAY 7 Sorrento - Pompeii - Assisi

It's a short drive to Pompeii for a guided tour of the excavations of the town petrified by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Then, through the Campania, stopping at Monte Cassino to visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery.  Next on through the hills of Frascati and the Umbria en route to Assisi,  St. Francis' town. (BB D)

DAY 8 Assisi sightseeing - Ravenna - Venice (Mestre) (2)

Our morning sightseeing tour in Assisi includes the Upper and Lower Basilicas with their Giotto frescoes plus the Santa Maria degli  Angeli to visit the Basilica. From here we travel through the Apennines stopping to visit the Church of St. Apollinaris in Classe at Ravenna where we admire the mosiacs. Finally, we enjoy a scenic drive along the Adriatic Coast,  to the magical city of Venice for our two-night stay. (BB D)

DAY 9 Venice sightseeing & at leisure

Today we savour  the sights and sounds as we cruise to St. Mark's Square on our private  launch, seeing the Bridge of Sighs, Doges' Palace and St. Mark's Basilica. Afterwards, we visit a Murano glass-blowing workshop for a demonstration  of this craft. At leisure maybe enjoy lunch on the island of Burano. (BB D)

DAY 10 Venice (Mestre) - Cortina d'Ampezzo - Bolzano (Dolomites)

Today through the Veneto plains to world-famous Cortina d'Ampezzo.  Here we will see the Olympic ski-jump before time at leisure. Later, a stunning drive along the Tre Croci Pass via Dobiacco and Brunico to Bolzano.  This evening we dine at our hotel. (BB D)

DAY 11 Bolzano (Dolomites) - Verona - Bologna

Today we're off to Verona to see Juliet's balcony and the Roman Arena. Then via Mantua, we arrive in Bologna. Here an orientation tour shows us Neptune's Fountain, the Communal Palace, the Basilica of St. Petronius and the 'kissing' Towers. (BB)

DAY 12 Bologna - Milan

A morning drive via Modena and Parma brings us to Milan - home to the Italian fashion gurus.  An orientation here shows us the Duomo, the Galleria, and the  world famous La Scala Opera House. Later, perhaps visit one of the museums  or shop in the boutiques! (BB)

DAY 13 Milan - Pavia - Santa Margherita (2)

We stop at Pavia to enjoy a guided visit of the Carthusian Abbey by one of the monks (when available). Next via Genoa, Columbus' birthplace, to the Italian Riviera. We stay in the famous resort of Santa Margherita in Liguria for two relaxing nights. (BB D)

DAY 14 Portofino Excursion

This morning there's time to enjoy this pretty coast, before we cruise to nearby Portofino (weather  permitting), an internationally loved resort. Here there's time at leisure to explore  this seaside haven, before we head back to Santa Margherita. (BB D)

DAY 15 Santa Margherita - Pisa - Florence

Today  past the quarries of Carrara to Pisa, where we see the Leaning  Tower and Cathedral. Then, on to Florence, where sightseeing on foot with an audio system includes the Duomo, Giotto's bell tower, the  Baptistry and a visit to Santa Croce Basilica. Later some free time before  we enjoy a panoramic view from Piazzale Michelangelo. (BB D)

DAY 16 Florence - Siena - Serre di Rapolano - Rome

Our day begins with a drive through the Chianti vineyards to the medieval  city of Siena. Here an orientation includes the Piazza del Campo, scene of the annual Palio horse race, and the Cathedral. Next we stop  in the grounds of the ancient castle of Serre di Rapolano, before we return to the 'Eternal City', Rome. Perhaps join in an excursion to Tivoli this  evening, to see the wonderful gardens and fountains of the Villa d'Este. (BB)

DAY 17 Depart Rome

This morning bid farewell as we transfer you to Rome Fiumicino airport for your return flight home. (BB)

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