DAY 1 Arrive Rome (2)

On arrival at Rome Fiumicino airport you are met and transferred to your hotel. After check-in at the hotel, there's time to relax or perhaps take  a stroll through this historic city. This afternoon, we will enjoy a welcome  drink with our Tour Director and fellow travelling companions.

DAY 2 Rome sightseeing & at leisure

Our first highlight  today is a guided visit of the Sistine Chapel, enhanced by the use of our audio system used by our local guide, where we can gaze in awe at Michelangelo's  beautiful painted ceiling. Next we visit St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, and cross the Tiber to ancient Rome stopping in the Forum to admire the Colosseum.  Finally our local guide shows us the Circus Maximus, where 'Ben Hur'  style chariot races were often held. After, enjoy time on your own maybe to visit the Catacombs, and later, try out some Roman cuisine in a typical Trattoria. (BB)

DAY 3 Rome - Florence

We drive through the Latium, Umbria  and into Tuscany to Renaissance Florence. On our arrival we enjoy  the view from Piazzale Michelangelo before our guided walking tour, including an audio system. We'll see the Duomo, Baptistry, the Piazza Signoria and visit  the Santa Croce Basilica. Then time at leisure to explore further or to shop for leather and gold. This evening, dinner is included at our hotel. (BB D)

DAY 4 Florence - Pisa - Turin

This morning after breakfast our first stop will be at Pisa with its famous Leaning  Tower and Cathedral in the Square of Miracles. Here there's time for  photos before we continue our drive past the quarries of Carrara and the resorts  of Portofino, Rapallo and Genoa, Columbus' birthplace. Next we travel towards the Alps and Turin, where we spend the night. On our arrival a guided sightseeing tour shows us the 'Antonelliana' building and the Piazza San Carlo. (BB D)

DAY 5 Turin - Lake Maggiore - Milan

The Italian  Lakes beckon! First we travel to Lake Maggiore making a stop in  elegant Stresa, facing the pretty Borromean islands. From here we enjoy a  scenic drive along the lake which will bring us to the capital of Lombardy, Milan.  Here an orientation tour of Italy's most fashionable capital includes the  Galleria, Piazza del Duomo where we admire the gothic Cathedral, and the famous  Opera house, La Scala. Tonight, we enjoy a dinner of local specialities in a  downtown restaurant. (BB) (HD)

DAY 6 Milan - Pavia - Mantua - Venice (Mestre) (2)

This morning our first stop is a visit to the Cistercian Abbey of Pavia,  an important architectural monument in Italy. Later, we continue our journey into  the Veneto stopping to visit Mantua with its arcaded streets and Cathedral. We also visit the 16th century Ducal Palace to admire its paintings. Then on to magical Venice for two nights. (BB D)

DAY 7 Venice sightseeing & at leisure

After breakfast  our morning canal cruise by private motor launch takes us to St. Mark's Square highlighting the Doges' Palace and Basilica en route to  one of the oldest Murano glass-blowing workshops. We'll witness a demonstration  of this ancient art before time at leisure. You may wish to relax in a cafe or take an optional excursion to one of the islands in the Lagoon! Later after dinner  at the hotel, why not experience this city from an elegant gondola? (BB D)

DAY 8 Venice (Mestre) - Verona - Bologna

First  we see Juliet's balcony in Shakespeare's Verona before our arrival  in Bologna, famous for its University, architecture and fine sausages and hams. Bologna is a feast for the senses and the stomach! Here an orientation  tour shows us Neptune's fountain, the 'kissing' Towers and Piazza Maggiore. Later, perhaps enjoy some of the city's fine cuisine at a local trattoria! (BB)

DAY 9 Bologna - Assisi - Rome

This morning we  travel over the Apennine Mountains stopping at Assisi, the  peaceful home-town of St. Francis. Here we will visit the Basilica and see the Church of St. Mary of the Angels with its famous rose garden. From here  it's a short drive back to the 'Eternal City' Rome via the town of Orte. This evening, why not enjoy a 'passegiata' (evening walk) along the Via Condotti? (BB)

DAY 10 Depart Rome

This morning it's 'buon viaggio' to your Tour Director and new-found friends as we transfer you to Rome Fiumicino airport  for your return flight home. (BB)

Why Choose Trafalgar

Choose a holiday: 4 easy steps is all it takes for you to get the best holiday you’ve ever had.

• Choose where you want to go...
• Choose how long you want to stay...
• Choose when you want to go...
• Then. Dream. Pack and leave......the rest to us