Tour Details - Italian Glory 2012

Welcome to Milan - capital of the Lombardy region! Transfer to your hotel in Como. Unwind or take a leisurely stroll to see the exquisite villas and gardens. Meet your companions and your Travel Director later for a Welcome Reception.(Welcome Reception)

Enjoy an orientation tour of Como on the way to Switzerland. Visit the lakeside resort of Lugano, a charming, traffic-free medieval town with smart boutiques and cafés. Shop for Swiss chocolate and elegant timepieces. In fashionable Milan, your expert Local Guide shows you the sights. View the Gothic cathedral, La Scala and the Galleria.(Buffet Breakfast)

See the Roman arena and Juliet’s balcony in Verona, the setting of Shakespeare’s most famous play. There’s time to relax or shop on the Via Mazzini. Arrive later in the Renaissance city of Venice, your home for the next three nights. Consider a gondola ride this evening − the perfect introduction to this romantic city!(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Admire Venice in all its glory as you approach St. Mark's Square in your private launch. See the Bridge of Sighs, the Doge’s Palace and the Byzantine Basilica. Stroll across the square to one of the oldest Murano glass-blowing workshops and watch a demonstration of this ancient craft. Spend the afternoon exploring the city on your own.(Buffet Breakfast)

Your expert Local Guide brings the city’s rich history to life. Visit the colourful centuries-old fish market and see Marco Polo’s house on your walking tour through the narrow streets. Spend the rest of the day as you choose. Consider a trip to Burano for a seafood lunch, visit a museum or just stroll through the maze of streets and absorb the unique atmosphere.(Buffet Breakfast)

Traverse the Veneto plains and cross the steep Apennine Mountains to the city of Pisa. Enjoy views of the incredible Leaning Tower and the amazing carved marble Cathedral and Baptistery in the Square of Miracles. Later, travel through picturesque Tuscan countryside to Florence for your two-night stay. Tonight, join your fellow travellers and Travel Director for an authentic Be My Guest dinner in a local restaurant with stunning views over the rolling Chianti hills.(Buffet Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner)

Learn about Florence’s artistic heritage during a walking tour with your expert Local Guide. See the multi- Duomo and the Piazza Signoria. View Ponte Vecchio bridge, one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo. Spend free time shopping for high quality leather and gold or consider an excursion to the Fine Arts Academy to see Michelangelo’s ‘David’. Utilise your included 'hop-on 'hop-off' sightseeing ticket to get around the city.(Buffet Breakfast)

Drive south from Florence through the Arno Valley and past the Bay of Naples to your hotel in Maiori on the Amalfi coast.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Spend the day relaxing on this magnificent coastline. Sip a cappuccino, browse in the shops or perhaps take a dip in the Mediterranean. The choice is yours!(Buffet Breakfast)

Take a ferry to the Isle of Capri (weather permitting), and continue to Capri town by funicular railway. See the famous Piazzetta, the Caesar Augustus gardens and views of the Faraglioni Rocks during your guided walking tour. Spend time exploring on your own. Perhaps visit the house of Dr. Axel Munthe or shop for souvenirs. Later, cruise to the charming town of Amalfi to see the Romanesque Church and other interesting sights.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, leaving Pompeii covered for centuries by a layer of volcanic ash. Your expert Local Guide tells you the history of this partially buried ancient town during a guided walking tour. Later, enjoy views of the Abbey of Monte Cassino on the way to Rome. Tonight, consider an evening excursion around the City of Light.(Buffet Breakfast)

Visit the Sistine Chapel featuring magnificent paintings by Michelangelo during your included guided tour. Visit St. Peter's Basilica, one of the most important Christian churches in the world. Cross the Tiber to ancient Rome to view the Forum and the Circus Maximus, renowned for chariot races. Round your day off with a guided tour of the mighty Colosseum. This evening, celebrate with your companions and Travel Director at a Farewell Dinner with wine.(Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Say 'arrivederci Roma' at the end of a memorable holiday! Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.(Buffet Breakfast)