Day 1– Depart USA
Overnight flight to Milan.

Day 2 – Arrive Milan – Como (2 nights)
Welcome to Italy, and the unofficial northern capital city, Milan! On arrival at Como there is time to unwind, or perhaps enjoy a cruise to admire the exquisite villas and gardens. Later we enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director and fellow traveling companions before dining at the hotel. (Dinner) 

Hotel: Barchetta Excelsior Grand Hotel Di Como (2 nights)

Day 3 – 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 cafés and boutiques. Maybe shop for bargains in Swiss chocolate and elegant timepieces. Then we drive to fashionable Milan where we enjoy a guided tour which includes the gothic cathedral, La Scala and the Galleria. (Buffet breakfast)

Day 4 – Como – Verona – Venice (Lido) (3 nights)
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 waterbound 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! (Buffet breakfast Dinner) 

Hotel: Des Bains (3 nights)

Day 5 – Venice orientation & Visit a Murano Glass workshop
A scintillating entrance to the city as we approach St. Mark's Square on our private launch where we will see the Bridge of Sighs, Doge’s Palace 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. (Buffet breakfast)


Day 6 – Secret Venice walking tour & visit to the market
Today with our local guide we enjoy a guided commentary using our effective audio system which will bring the city to life as we cruise along the canal to the Rialto Bridge. We cross the Rialto and visit the colourful fish market, which has existed for centuries, and then enjoy a walking tour through the 'calle' seeing sites such as the house of Marco Polo and other curious as well as beautiful architectural works of art. The balance of the day is at leisure to perhaps take a trip to Burano and enjoy eating some of the local seafood, or visit one of the many art galleries or museums. Maybe just stroll through the maze of little pathways and absorb the unique atmosphere. (Buffet breakfast)

Day 7 – Venice (Lido) – Ferrara – Florence (2 nights)
This morning we cross the Veneto plains then travel over the steep Apennine Mountains to arrive in the city of Pisa. Here we will see the incredible Leaning Tower of Pisa, the amazing carved marble cathedral and baptistery in the field of Miracles. Later, we travel through the province of Tuscany and arrive in Renaissance Florence for our two night stay. Tonight we enjoy an authentic Tuscan dinner of local produce in a restaurant with stunning views over the rolling Chianti hills. (Buffet breakfast 'Be my guest' Dinner) 

Hotel: Astoria Londra (2 nights)

Day 8 – Florence sightseeing & at leisure
Today's walking tour on foot with a local expert shows us the multi–coloured Duomo, the Piazza Signoria and visits the Santa Croce Basilica where so many great Italians are buried, including Michelangelo. We also enjoy a panoramic view over the city from Piazzale Michelangelo before time at leisure perhaps to shop for high quality leather and gold. Or maybe visit the Fine Arts Academy to see the famous statue of ‘David’ by Michelangelo. (Buffet breakfast)

Day 9 – Florence – Pisa – Amalfi Coast (Maiori) (3 nights)
Leaving Florence, our drive takes us through the Arno Valley and down towards the south of Italy, passing the Bay of Naples to arrive at our hotel in Maiori on the Amalfi coast for a relaxing three nights. (Buffet breakfast Dinner) 

Hotel: Panorama (3 nights)

Day 10 – Amalfi town & at leisure
This morning we take a short cruise to the charming town of Amalfi where we enjoy an orientation tour with our Tour Director including the Romanesque church and a fascinating Hidden Treasure! Later time to sip a cappuccino or maybe take a dip in the Mediterranean. The choice is yours! (Buffet breakfast Dinner)

Day 11 – Isle of Capri Excursion and Amalfi drive
After breakfast our day begins with a mini–cruise to the Isle of Capri (weather permitting). Here we go up to Capri town by funicular for a walking tour using our audio system showing us the famous Piazzetta, the Caesar 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 we cruise or drive back to Maiori on the Amalfi coast. (Buffet breakfast)

Day 12 – Amalfi – Pompeii – Rome (2 nights)
Today we drive to Pompeii where we will enjoy a guided walking tour using our audio system 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? (Buffet breakfast)

Hotel: Grand Tiberio Ateneo Garden Palace (2 nights)

Day 13 – 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 overlook the Forum and the Circus Maximus, renowned for chariot races, and to visit the mighty Colosseum. The rest of the day is at leisure. This evening, join your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a celebratory Farewell Dinner with wine. (Buffet breakfast Farewell Dinner)

Day 14 –Rome – USA
'Arrivederci Roma' till the next time, as our Italian vacation comes to an end. There are airport transfers available, conditions apply. (Buffet breakfast)

Free airport transfers:
Transfers on Day 2 at Milan Malpensa Airport will operate at 09.00 and 12.30. Passengers arriving later should make their own way to the first hotel. Return transfers on the last touring day will arrive at Rome Fiumicino Airport at 07.00 and 09.30.