Day 1 – Bassano del Grappa

Join your tour group at the hotel.

Day 2 – Venice

We’ll whizz into Venice on a local train, for a guided walk that takes us to the main sights, including the Piazza San Marco and the Bridge of Sighs. Afterwards, you’re free to explore independently. Perhaps take some time to take in the stately arcades that line Piazza San Marco (and indulge in a thick hot chocolate at the famous Café Florian); float along the Grand Canal on a gondola or get lost in the warren of backstreets and canals and discover the ‘local’ Venice. An optional excursion (pre-bookable only) to visit the Doge’s Palace will take place this afternoon. You’ll see its grand façades and ornamentation – all a reflection of the city’s 14th-century wealth and power, portrayed with elaborate, Venetian Gothic flair.

Day 3 – Bassano del Grappa

On our third day in the area, you’re free to explore on your own. Or, there’s an optional trip to the old university town of Vicenza, filled with charming 16th-century buildings. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tour and entrance to the grappa museum with a tasting.

Day 4 – Ferrara – Bologna – Pistoia

Today, we travel into the region of Emilia-Romagna en route to Tuscany. We’ll visit Ferrara, one of the greatest walled cities in Italy. And we’ll stop by the regional capital, Bologna, renowned for its food (though the porticoed red-brick buildings and ancient university are also worth a mention).

Day 5 – Florence

A local train whisks us to Florence from our base in Montecatini Terme. Quite simply, Florence is utterly enchanting. From its towering, frescoed buildings, Gothic churches staggering red-tiled Duomo, you are sure to be charmed by this romantic city. A guided walking tour reveals the city’s highlights and includes entrance to the Basilica di Santa Croce, the burial place of some of the most eminent Italians. Brunelleschi and Vasari were involved in the architectural design of the basilica. The afternoon is free in Florence to make your discoveries, before returning to the hotel.

Day 6 – Pisa – Lucca

Pisa and Lucca are on the itinerary today, as we head off on a full-day excursion. Pisa’s Miracle Square (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is where you’ll find the famous Leaning Tower, as well as the shiny white marble cathedral and baptistery. In the walled medieval town of Lucca, we take a guided walk to Piazza del Mercato. It’s also known as Piazza dell’Anfiteatro – once upon a time, a Roman amphitheatre stood here (which explains the piazza’s oval shape).

Day 7 – Siena – Rome

After some time this morning to explore the ‘contrade’ (districts) of Siena, one of Italy’s most beautiful medieval cities, we wend our way south towards Rome. Along the way, we’ll quench our thirst with a wine tasting in one of the best grape-growing areas of Tuscany. We’ll arrive in Rome late afternoon.

Day 8 – Rome

Known as the Eternal City, Rome’s ancient capital will take us back some 3,000 years with icons such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon dotted among the hustle and bustle of modern life. Our introduction to Rome includes a guided walk, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, and entrance to the Colosseum.

Day 9 – Rome

Spend this morning exploring on your own – perch on the Spanish Steps and throw a euro or two into the Trevi Fountain. This afternoon we’ll visit the world-renowned Vatican and Sistine Chapel and see iconic artworks, including those of Michelangelo.

Day 10 – Pompeii – Salerno

Our tour today takes us to Pompeii. This wealthy town was buried and frozen in time in AD 79 by a massive eruption of Mount Vesuvius. This is undoubtedly Europe’s most compelling archaeological site. We’ll then continue to Salerno for a two-night stay.

Day 11 – Sorrento – Gragnano

We head to Sorrento this morning for some free time to explore this pretty town on the Gulf of Naples. We’ll then continue to Gragnano, renowned for its distinct type of pasta. We’ll visit a pasta factory for a demonstration before returning to Salerno.

Day 12 – Giardini Naxos, Sicily

We’ll make our way south from Naples through Calabria – the ‘toe’ of Italy – right down to Sicily. We’ll visit a mozzarella producer for a tasting of this delicious buffalo milk cheese – you may catch a glimpse of some of the buffalo herds as we travel through the countryside. We’ll make a stop in Cosenza, and then a short sea crossing from Reggio di Calabria takes us across to Messina on Sicily’s north-eastern tip.

Day 13 – Giardini Naxos

Relax and spend today at leisure.

Day 14 – Giardini Naxos

Spend another day enjoying your surroundings or join a full-day optional excursion to Mount Etna and then Taormina, where there’ll be a guided walk and entrance to the ancient Greek theatre, in its splendid elevated position with glorious views.

Day 15 – Giardini Naxos

Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.