DAY 1 Arrive Milan - Como (2)

Trafalgar greets you at Milan's  Malpensa airport, flights to arrive prior to 11.30am, and transfers you  to your hotel on Lake Como. On arrival time to unwind, or perhaps enjoy a  cruise to admire the exquisite villas and gardens. Later before dinner at our hotel,  we enjoy a welcome drink with our Tour Director and fellow travelling companions. (D)

DAY 2 Como orientation & Lugano Excursion

After an orientation of the town of Como, we head to the Swiss frontier and cross over to the lakeside resort of Lugano, with its traffic-free medieval town, bustling  with cafes and boutiques. Maybe take a pedalo trip or shop for bargains in  Swiss chocolate and elegant timepieces before returning to Como. The rest of your day can be spent relaxing. Or you may wish to take an excursion to fashionable Milan  - home to La Scala Opera house and to Italy's most awe-inspiring gothic Cathedral. (BB D)

DAY 3 Como - Verona - Venice (Lido) (3)

Today  we head to the city of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers - Verona.  Here we have time to window-shop along the Via Mazzini with its tempting boutiques  or perhaps to visit the 2,000 year old Roman arena. From here it's a short distance to the water bound, Renaissance city of Venice, where we spend the next three  nights. A gondola serenade this evening would make the perfect introduction to the romance of this city! (BB D)

DAY 4 Venice orientation & Visit a Murano Glass workshop

A scintillating entrance to the city as we approach St. Mark's Square on our private launch, seeing the Bridge of Sighs, Palace of the Doges' and the Byzantine Basilica. On disembarkation, a short stroll takes us to one of the oldest Murano glass-blowing workshops, where we can marvel at a demonstration of this ancient craft. Then you are free to enjoy the city at your leisure. This evening dinner is included at our hotel. (BB D)

DAY 5 Venice at leisure You have plenty of time to take in  all the sights! Saunter across the Rialto Bridge and visit the old markets, take  in the glorious paintings at the Fine Arts Academy or at the Guggenheim Museum or get away from it all by taking an optional cruise to visit some of the 200 islands  in the Venetian Lagoon and enjoy a meal of fresh fish and seafood. The possibilities  are endless! (BB)

DAY 6 Venice (Lido) - Ferrara - Florence (2)

This morning we will cross the Veneto plains en route to Ferrara, birthplace to the great reformer, Savanorola and former home to the wealthy Este dukes. Here  we will see their formidable Castello Estense, a four-towered moated castle dating back to 1385, as well as the Savanorola monument and the Palazzo Comunale. Then over the steep Apennine Mountains to the province of Tuscany and Renaissance Florence. This evening we enjoy a dinner of Tuscan cuisine in a typical Trattoria. (BB) (HD)

DAY 7 Florence sightseeing & at leisure

Today's sightseeing  tour on foot with a local expert shows us the multi-coloured Duomo,  the Piazza Signoria and visits the Santa Croce Basilica all clearly brought to life with the guide's use of our special audio system. We also enjoy a  panoramic view over the city from Piazzale Michelangelo before time at leisure  perhaps to shop for leather and gold. Or maybe head to the Uffizzi galleries or  visit the Fine Arts Academy to see the famous David by Michelangelo. (BB)

DAY 8 Florence - Pisa - Amalfi Coast (Maiore) (3)

Our morning drive takes us through the Arno Valley to Pisa, which  today is much more famous for its poorly designed and now leaning Cathedral bell-tower.  You'll be dumbstruck by the tower and its amazing carved marble Cathedral and Baptistry in the Square of Miracles. Then we follow the coastal road  skirting the chic resort of the Monte Argentario to the Bay of Naples, Amalfi and our hotel in Maiore for a relaxing three nights. (BB D)

DAY 9 Amalfi orientation, Amalfi drive & at leisure

This morning we drive as far as the charming town of Positano and then begin our exhilarating drive along the Amalfi coast past some of the most delightful villages and islands in Europe to Amalfi town itself. Here we will enjoy an orientation  tour with our Tour Director including the Romanesque Church. Later time to sip a cappuccino, or maybe take a dip in the Mediterranean. The choice is yours! (BB  D)

DAY 10 Isle of Capri Excursion

After breakfast our day begins with a drive to nearby Salerno where we embark on our mini-cruise to the Isle of Capri. Here we go up to Capri town by funicular for an orientation tour showing us the famous 'Piazzetta', the Ceasar Augustus gardens and views of the Faraglioni Rocks. Then time is your own  - perhaps to shop or visit the house of Dr. Axel Munthe. Later back to Amalfi  by ship and coach. This evening, why not visit Sorrento for a night of entertainment  and fine dining? (BB)

DAY 11 Amalfi - Pompeii - Rome (2)

Today we drive to Pompeii where we will enjoy a guided tour of the excavations of the Roman town and its inhabitants, literally 'petrified' by the eruption of  Vesuvius in AD 79. From here we continue past the Abbey of Monte Cassino to Rome, the city on the seven hills. Tonight, why not discover some of them  on an evening excursion followed by a meal of Roman cuisine? (BB)

DAY 12 Rome sightseeing & at leisure

After breakfast, it's an early start this morning as we enjoy a guided tour, including  an audio system, of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican Museums, containing  the magnificent frescoes of Michelangelo. Next it's an unforgettable visit of St.  Peter's Basilica before we cross the Tiber to ancient Rome to see the Colosseum and Forum and also view the Circus Maximus where 'Ben Hur' style chariot races took place. The rest of the day is at leisure to do as you please -  maybe window-shop in the Via Condotti or relax in a cafe. This evening, you  may wish to join your fellow travellers for an evening meal in the ancient Trastevere  district. (BB)

Day 13 Depart Rome

'Arrivederci Roma', till the next time, as we transfer you to Rome Fiumicino airport for your return flight home. (BB)

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