DAY 1: UK - Venice area.
Fly to Venice where you'll be met by your tour director and transferred to your hotel in the Venice area for an overnight stay. (D)

DAY 2: Venice area - Padua - Bologna - San Marino.
Drive along the banks of the Brenta Riviera into Padua to visit the world-famous St Anthony's Basilica. Next head across the River Po to Bologna to see its famous leaning tower and Piazza Maggiore. From here travel on to the tiny Republic of San Marino, one of the world's most ancient states, perched on Monte Titano. Overnight in San Marino. (B)

DAY 3: San Marino - Urbino - Gubbio - Assisi area.
First to Urbino, with its magnificent Ducal Palace towering over the town. Then on to medieval Gubbio where a superb view of the rooftops of the town can be had from the Consul's Palace. Continue to Assisi, birthplace of the mystical St Francis for overnight in nearby Foligno. (B)

DAY 4: Assisi area (included sightseeing) - Viterbo - Rome.
This morning return to Assisi for the included sightseeing to see the magnificent Basilica of St Francis. From the Apennines to Viterbo where you'll have time to explore beautiful Piazza San Lorenzo. Arrive into Rome, the 'Eternal City', this evening. (B)

DAY 5: Rome. Included sightseeing.
Hub of the ancient civilised world, Rome is a city steeped in history and culture, vibrantly alive and exciting and absolutely unique! Our included sightseeing with a local guide starts in St Peter's Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum. (B, D)

DAY 6: Rome.
A day at leisure to explore the city further. Why not join one of our optional excursions such as a visit to the Vatican museum and the Sistine Chapel, a drive through the Roman Hills with dinner or a visit to Tivoli and its enchanting Villa d'Este gardens. (B)

DAY 7: Rome - Montecassino - Pompeii - Sorrento.
Start today with a visit to Montecassino to view the Abbey, perched high on a peak overlooking the valley. Next an included visit with local guide to the aristocratic town of Pompeii where time stopped with the terrible eruption of Vesuvius in 79AD. Drive south to enchanting Sorrento, set on a plateau high above the waters of the Bay of Naples. Stay two nights. (B)

DAY 8: Day trip to Capri.
With delightful Sorrento as your base, enjoy an included excursion taking you on a trip across the sea to the legendary island of Capri. Wander the winding streets or join the optional excursion to see more of this exquisite island. (B, D)

DAY 9: Sorrento - Orvieto - Siena.
Journey to Orvieto to visit its black basalt and yellow limestone cathedral, an excellent example of Italian gothic architechture. By early evening you'll be in Siena, jewel of Tuscany. Sit in one of the cafés surrounding the 'campo' and admire one of Italy's great squares, famed the world over for its horse-racing Palio. Overnight in Siena. (B, D)

DAY 10: Siena - San Gimignano - Pisa - Florence area.
This morning, drive to San Gimignano, bristling with medieval fortress towers, the status symbols of nobility. Continue to Pisa with time to admire the Square of Miracles with its amazing Leaning Tower. More of Tuscany's green and olive-studded landscape before reaching the Florence area for two nights. (B)

DAY 11: Florence. Included sightseeing.
This Renaissance gem, city of the Medicis, will keep you enthralled for a whole day. Traffic is partly banned in the historic centre so visitors can wander at leisure and admire this city's timeless beauty. Don't miss out on the included walking tour with local guide which will include most of the city highlights. (B, D)

DAY 12: Florence area - Mantua & Sirmione - Verona.
A day filled with highlights. First to Lombardy for a stop in Mantua, at one time the kingdom of the Gonzaga family which made it a seat of learning and arts in the 15th and 16th centuries. Further north next to Sirmione, located on an islet on the edge of Lake Garda. A few more miles to the Verona area. This elegant city synonymous with Romeo and Juliet is built almost completely in the distinctive local pink marble. Overnight in Verona. (B)

DAY 13: Verona - Vicenza (included sightseeing) - Venice area.
Don't miss the optional Verona city sightseeing tour this morning with local guide. On to nearby Vicenza, a charming town chiefly known for its beautiful 16th century architecture by Andrea Palladio. See his classical Palladian Teatro Olympico on your included sightseeing tour with local guide, before continuing to Venice area for overnight. (B)

DAY 14: Venice.
It's more like a marvellous film-set than a real life city, with its criss-crossing canals, gondolas, water buses, arched bridges, palaces and quiet little piazzas. The day starts with an included canal boat ride to the heart of the city and is followed by a visit to a typical Venetian glass blowing demonstration. Don't miss out on the optional gondola trip, gliding along the quiet canals with a local troubadour to serenade you. (B, D)

DAY 15: Venice area - Flight to UK.
Transfer to Venice airport for your return flight to the UK. (B)