DAY 1: UK - Flight to Venice - Venice area.
Fly to Venice where you will be met by your tour director and transferred to the Venice area for overnight. (D)

DAY 2: Venice - Assisi.
The day begins with our included boat ride along the Giudecca Canal to Piazza San Marco and is followed by an orientation of this fascinating city and a typical Venetian glass blowing demonstration. In the afternoon drive south across the River Po to the blue Adriatic then into the Apennines to Assisi. Still enclosed by ancient ramparts, the town with its narrow streets and steep steps has changed little since the Middle Ages. (B, D)

DAY 3: Assisi - Sorrento.
This is the town of the mystical St Francis - marvel at the remarkable treasures of the magnificent Basilica. Leave this mellow Old Town to head across the Apennines and so to enchanting Sorrento, clinging to a cliff high above the waters of the Bay of Naples. Wander the winding streets lined with shops and stalls and sip a glass of wine enjoying the bright, friendly-life of this charming spot. Stay for two nights. (B)

DAY 4: Sorrento - Day trip to Capri.
Cross the blue sea to Capri. This legendary island, surrounded by rose-tinted rocks has incredibly beautiful coves of translucent blues and greens. The town, with its pretty piazza, maze of streets, fashionable boutiques and smart restaurants is a mecca for the jet-set. An optional tour takes you round the island with its steep roads and panoramic views. (B, D)

DAY 5: Sorrento - Pompeii - Rome. Included sightseeing.
Today step back in time with a tour of the ancient city of Pompeii, buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. Your included tour, with local guide will offer you an amazing insight into life in ancient Roman times. You will see luxurious villas, temples, theatre and forum all frozen in time by the mighty Vesuvius - and even human bodies solidified in lava. On to Rome for two nights. (B)

DAY 6: Rome. Included sightseeing.
The 'Eternal City' - a city steeped in history and culture, vibrantly alive and exciting and absolutely unique! Included sightseeing with local guide starts in St Peter's Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum. (B)

DAY 7: Rome - Florence. Included sightseeing.
North through central Italy into Tuscany, land of dark green cypress trees, olive groves and vineyards. Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance, is a city of great artistic splendour. Traffic is banned in part of the historic centre so visitors can wander at leisure and admire this city's timeless beauty. Don't miss the included walking tour with local guide which features most of the city highlights and visits one of Florence's bargain leather shops. Overnight in the Florence area. (B, D)

DAY 8: Florence area - Venice area.
Travel north to the farmlands of the Po Valley then to the Venice area for overnight. (B, D)

DAY 9: Venice area - Lake Maggiore.
This morning time to do some exploring in Venice on your own. Maybe a leisurely walk from St Mark's Square to the Rialto Bridge or just a pleasant stop in one of the open-air cafes on a quiet "Campo" just to sip a cool drink and do some people watching. Whatever your choice enjoy all the mystique of this, Italy's most enchanting city. In the afternoon travel westwards across the farmlands of the Po Valley bypassing Lake Garda onto the shores of Lake Maggiore for a stay of three nights. (B, D)

DAY 10: Lake Maggiore - excursion to Zermatt.
Enjoy a full day excursion to Zermatt, the famous Swiss mountain resort at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn. An added highlight is the fabulous included ride on the scenic Visp-Zermatt Alpine train. (B)

DAY 11: Lake Maggiore. At leisure.
Today's highlight is the optional boat trip to the island's of Pescatori and Isola Bella. Enjoy the very best of the lake with enchanting views of the Alps and stops on both the islands with time to visit the extravagant Borromeo palace. (B)

DAY 12: Lake Maggiore - Lugano - Lake Como area.
Take in three lakes today as you leave the southern part of Lake Maggiore into Switzerland for a visit to Lugano and its lake before continuing to the shores of our third lake, Lake Como, for two nights. (B, D)

DAY 13: Lake Como - boat trip to Bellaggio.
Lake Como is famous for its dreamy lakeside villas and Cadenabbia on the western shore. A short lake steamer cruise to Bellagio is included. (B,D)

DAY 14: Lake Como - Sirmione - Verona - Lake Garda area.
Drive to picturesque Sirmione on the shores of Lake Garda for a visit before continuing to Verona for a stop to see Juliet's balcony. Continue to Lake Garda for overnight. (B, D)

DAY 15: Lake Garda area - Venice - Flight to UK.
Drive to Venice for your return flight to the UK. (B)