Italian Concerto

Embrace excess on this At Leisure jaunt through the highlights of Italy, which begins in Rome. Spend the day soaking up its vibrant atmosphere before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception. We enjoy a leisurely orientation through the city this evening, venturing into Ancient Rome before our journey through Italy begins.

Explore the Vatican City this morning with a 'Local Specialist' who will reveal all the highlights of St. Peter's Basilica. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit the awe-inspiring Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. We continue to Ancient Rome next, to admire where exhilarating chariot races were once held, and pay a visit to the imposing Colosseum. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore on your own. From Roman ruins to Renaissance palazzi - Rome has it all.

Discover why the Italians say 'it is sweet doing nothing', spending your day watching Rome's beautiful people embrace life lived to its fullest in the exquisite city. Delve into its treasures spanning millennia - the museums, churches, gardens and architecture that remain as enduring symbols of a powerful city. Or perhaps consider an Optional Experience to Tivoli, site of the magnificent Villa d'Este Gardens.

Today we pay homage to the thousands of brave souls whose final resting place is the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Cassino. View the 6th-century Abbey that was destroyed during World War II, before venturing south to Pompeii, a city frozen in time. Join a Small Group Sightseeing tour through the excavations that yield the tragic story of a once vibrant city engulfed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Wander down the stone avenues past such sights as the Forum and Temple of Apollo. We arrive later at our hotel on the iconic Mediterranean Amalfi Coast where we'll dine tonight.

Indulge in a full free day at leisure. Consider joining an Optional Experience along the Amalfi Coast to the beautiful clifftop seaside village of Positano, a true painter's paradise. You could also choose to soak up the extraordinary beauty of the clifftop village of Ravello which has long inspired musicians, writers and artists. Smell the fresh scents of lemons as you stroll along cliffside terraces and indulge in the picture-perfect setting. After a day of sightseeing, spend a relaxing evening sipping limoncello and watching the Mediterranean sky light up in glorious pinks, yellows and blues.

This morning, we set sail to the glamorous island of Capri, ascending to Capri town by funicular for a guided walking tour with a 'Local Specialist' who will share views of the Piazzetta, the heart and soul of this beautiful town. Later, we return to the mainland and have some free time to stroll around the medieval town of Amalfi and see its 11th-century Romanesque Cathedral of Sant'Andrea and Campanile.

From the Amalfi Coast, we travel north through the rolling green and golden landscape of Umbria into scenic Tuscany before arriving in the Renaissance city of Florence. You'll have a free evening to amble along the Arno River, admire the famous city skyline at night from Piazzale Michelangelo, or indulge in the finest antipasti in town.

Delve into the history of a city renowned for its art, architecture and cultural treasures. Join your 'Local Specialist' for a walking tour, including views of the exquisite marble Duomo, Baptistery and Ponte Vecchio. Wander through the Piazza della Signoria, the centre of Florentine political life since the 14th century with its prominent Palazzo Vecchio. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Later, 'Connect With Locals' over a 'Be My Guest' dinner set against the backdrop of Tuscan vineyards and olive groves.

After a leisurely start to the day, continue north, bound for Venice, the 'Queen of the Adriatic' and our home for the next two nights.

Glide through the bustling canals of Venice on board a private launch. 'Dive Into Culture', witnessing first-hand the centuries-old craft of glassmaking on the island of Giudecca, before arriving at the gateway to the city, St. Mark's Square. Our love affair with Venice continues as we view St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, before enjoying a Farewell Dinner with our Travel Director and newfound friends to toast to the delicious flavours of Italy.

For now our leisurely encounter with an extraordinary destination has come to an end. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.