Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travelling companions, then leave the hotel for a welcome dinner at one of Rome's lively restaurants

Following the Tiber Valley, reach Orvieto, perched high atop a volcanic rock. Time to browse through tempting shops in the lanes off Piazza del Duomo and to visit the gothic CATHEDRAL with its San Brizio Chapel. Enter Tuscany, Italy's most famous and popular region, and drive through the Chianti wine area to the spa resort of Montecatini.

Today's Distance: 199 mi / 320 km

Look forward to a full day in Florence, "Cradle of the Renaissance." Meet your Local Guide, and visit the ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS with Michelangelo's celebrated David. Continue your walking tour through the historic centre and stand in awe in front of the magnificent cathedral, admire Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry's heavy bronze "Gates of Paradise," and sculpture-studded SIGNORIA SQUARE. Afterward, shop for Florentine leather goods and gold jewellery, sold by the ounce, and enjoy a traditional gelato. For art lovers, an optional excursion to the Uffizi Gallery is available

Today's Distance: 81 mi / 130 km

Drive towards the Mediterranean coast following the valley of the Arno to Pisa. Take the traditional picture pushing back the amazing Leaning Tower, 180 feet high and at least 12 feet out of the perpendicular. Next is Venice, a powerful magnet for romantics and art lovers from around the world. This evening you may wish to join a optional gondola serenade

Today's Distance: 249 mi / 400 km

Board your PRIVATE BOAT and meet your Local Guide for a walking tour. Visit Byzantine ST. MARK'S BASILICA, lavish DOGES' PALACE, and the BRIDGE OF SIGHS. Also watch a skilled GLASSBLOWER fashion delicate objects in an age-old tradition. Time to wander through narrow streets and explore the various shops, or to join a relaxing optional excursion to the island of Burano

Sit back for a scenic drive through the Apennine Mountains to peaceful Assisi, where your Local Guide accompanies you on a visit to ST. CLARE'S CHURCH and ST. FRANCIS' BASILICA built above the Saint's grave-the hub of a religious order devoted to the ideals of humility, forgiveness, simplicity, and love for all God's creatures. Hear about monastic life and admire the priceless frescoes adorning the walls of the church.

Today's Distance: 267 mi / 430 km

South along the Highway of the Sun to fascinating POMPEII. Join your Local Guide for a highlight visit of this Roman city both destroyed and preserved by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. See a patrician home, public baths, and shops that give a striking picture of what day-to-day life was like in Rome at its apex of power. In Naples, cross the blue bay by JETFOIL to the Isle of Capri for your two-night stay, and ride the FUNICULAR to Capri village

Today's Distance: 292 mi / 470 km

Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes an OPEN-TAXI RIDE to Anacapri to visit famous VILLA SAN MICHELE. Later, enjoy a BOAT CRUISE (weather permitting) around the island. Balance of the day is at leisure, to immerse yourself in the wonderful atmosphere of this beautiful island, or to just relax

Speed across the glittering bay to the charming resort of Sorrento. Enjoy time to stroll around and check out the local shops before returning to Rome. This evening, farewell dinner at a local restaurant has been prepared to say arrivederci Italia

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning.