8 Days incl. Air, 7 day Tour

Day 1 Depart USA Overnight flight to Rome.

Day 2 Arrive Rome (2 nights) You are greeted at the airport and transfers you to your hotel. The rest of your day is free, perhaps to explore the 'Eternal City'. Later, a warm welcome from your Tour Director and a chance to get to know your fellow travellers.

Day 3 Rome sightseeing & at leisure Our morning sightseeing with a local guide shows us the Forum, Colosseum and visits St. Peter's Basilica. Later, time is your own to further explore. Maybe visit the catacombs on the Appian Way or perhaps enjoy people-watching from a pavement café on the Via Veneto. Tonight, why not try one of the many trattorias for dinner? (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 4 Rome - Florence (2 nights) Today we drive through the Chianti wine-producing region of Tuscany to Siena. It is famous for its Palio horse-race and is one of the most picturesque and lively Tuscan hill towns. Here there's time to enjoy lunch in one of the cafés on the fan-shaped Piazza del Campo. Then, we continue to Renaissance Florence arriving late afternoon. At leisure, perhaps stroll along the banks of the River Arno. (Buffet Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 5 Florence sightseeing & at leisure Our morning sightseeing tour on foot includes the multi-coloured marble Cathedral, Baptistry, Signoria Square and Santa Croce Basilica. After we see a demonstration of Florentine craftsmenship in the Santa Croce District, there is free time to shop or sightsee as you please. Your Tour Director will advise you on the best places to shop for leather goods and gold jewellery. This afternoon, you have the chance to take an excursion to Pisa, famed for its Leaning Tower. Later, why not indulge in some of the world's best cuisine in one of the restaurants in the Chianti Hills? (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 6 Florence - Venice (Mestre) Today it's a short drive to magical Venice. Here we savour the sights and sounds of this serene city on a canal cruise by private motor launch to St. Mark's Square, viewing the Bridge of Sighs. Later we visit a traditional glass-blowing factory, with time on your own to shop or sightsee further. Perhaps discover the charming island of Burano and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch. Tonight after dinner, a gondola serenade would be hard to resist! (Buffet Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 7 Venice (Mestre) - Rome First across the fertile Po Valley to Bologna, joining the Autostrada del Sole for the journey over the Apennine Mountains, heading back to Rome. This evening, discover the city's culinary delights and vibrant nightlife. (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 8 Rome - USA After breakfast it's 'arrivederci Roma' as we transfer to the airport for our return flight to the USA. (Buffet Breakfast)