Day 1 – Depart USA
Overnight flight to Rome.

Day 2 – Arrive Rome
Welcome to Rome, capital of Italy, and the Eternal City! After check–in, there's time to unwind or perhaps people–watch from a pavement café. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Drink with your Tour Director and fellow traveling companions. 

Hotel: Sheraton Golf


Day 3 – Rome – Pompeii C – Isle of Capri (2 nights)
This morning we have views of the Abbey of Monte Cassino and we visit the World War II cemetery which lies in the valley below. Then on to Pompeii where we enjoy a guided walking tour with our audio system of the excavations of this Roman city petrified and preserved by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. From here we continue our journey to Sorrento where we have time to visit an inlaid wood factory to admire the fine local craftsmanship. Then we enjoy a short sea–crossing across the Bay of Naples to the beautiful Isle of Capri for two relaxing nights. This evening, dinner is included at our hotel. (Buffet breakfast Dinner) 

Hotel: Regina Cristina (2 nights)


Day 4 – Capri orientation and at leisure
Today's walking tour of Capri town with our audio system includes views of the Faraglioni Rocks and Marina Piccola plus the famous Piazzetta – home to the international jet–set. Then enjoy time at leisure perhaps to shop at the elegant boutiques, or explore the coast of this pretty island by private motor launch.  (Buffet breakfast)


Day 5 – Isle of Capri – Naples – Assisi
We enjoy a morning sail across the Mediterranean to 'Bella Napoli' – we drive through the streets of Naples and through the region of Latium before heading into the Umbrian hills and to mystical Assisi. We see the Church of St. Mary of the Angels before enjoying a guided walking tour, with our audio system, of the town much loved by St. Francis. We will visit the basilica with its serene Giotto frescoes before continuing to our hotel for dinner this evening. (Buffet breakfast Dinner)
 


Hotel: Grand Hotel Giotto


Day 6 – Assisi – Ravenna – Padua – Venice (MESTRE) (2 nights)
This morning we drive close to Ravenna where we visit the Basilica of Saint Apollinaris in Classe with its glittering mosaics. Then on to Padua where we view the Basilica of St. Anthony before continuing to the floating city of Venice. (Buffet breakfast Dinner) 

Hotel: NH Laguna Palace (2 nights)


Day 7 – Venice sightseeing and at leisure
Today we will savour the sights and sounds of this serene city by private motor launch on an included cruise to St. Mark's Square, where we will view the Byzantine Basilica, Bridge of Sighs and Doge's Palace. After witnessing a demonstration of the ancient art of Murano glass–blowing, time is your own
perhaps to explore further and relax. Or alternatively why not take a cruise to the Island of Burano and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch? (Buffet breakfast Dinner)

Day 8 – Venice – Brenta Canal – Montecatini (Tuscan Hills) (2 nights)
This morning after breakfast, we gaze on the beauty of the Palladian villas as we drive along the scenic Brenta Canal. Then we head south and ascend into the forested Apennine Mountains before reaching the beautiful region of Tuscany. Here, we make our approach to the spa–resort of Montecatini where we stay for the next two nights.  (Buffet breakfast) 

Hotel: Tettuccio Minerva Palace (2 nights)


Day 9 – Florence Excursion
Today it is only a short drive to Renaissance Florence where we spend a full
day. On our arrival a walking tour with a local guide highlights the Cathedral with its magnificent baptistery, and visits the Santa Croce Basilica and the Piazza Signoria. Florence is truly a shopper's paradise with bargains in high quality leather goods and 18–carat gold jewellery. For 'culture vultures', there are many museums and art galleries to visit. Later, we return to our hotel in Montecatini for the night and we will enjoy a special dinner this evening. We drive out to an authentic Tuscan restaurant, beautifully located amongst the olive groves, where we have the chance to taste the delicious local produce as we enjoy a memorable dinner together.  (Buffet breakfast 'Be my guest' dinner)


Day 10 – Montecatini (Tuscan Hills) – Siena – Rome (2 nights)
Today our Tour Director will show us a special Hidden Treasure! But first to Siena – famous for its Palio horse race. Here there's time to admire the architecture from one of the open–air cafés on the fan–shaped Piazza del Campo where the horse race, bare–back in medieval costume, actually takes place twice a year! Maybe take time to shop for beautiful local pottery before we must return to the ‘Eternal City’, Rome, for the next two nights.  (Buffet breakfast) 

Hotel: Borromini Aran Mantegna (2 nights)


Day 11 – Rome sightseeing and at leisure
First we visit the Sistine Chapel to marvel at the ceiling of Michelangelo. From here we visit St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, and then cross the Tiber to overlook the Forum, see the Circus Maximus, where chariot races took place, and finally visit the mighty Colosseum. The rest of the day is free to explore this fascinating city or maybe just to relax in a café and watch Rome go by! This evening we all enjoy a Farewell Dinner together with our Tour Director and new–found friends to celebrate the end of our tour. (Buffet breakfast Farewell dinner)


Day 12 – Rome – USA
Time to bid farewell to our Tour Director as our Italian vacation comes to an end. There are airport transfers available, conditions apply. (Buffet breakfast)



Free airport transfers
Transfers on arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport will operate at 09.30, 12.30, 15.30 and 18:45. 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.