Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic

antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces

and Baroque churches. Relax and settle in before

joining your Travel Director at 17.30 and getting to

know your fellow travelers over a delicious dinner with

wine.

Enjoy the very best of the city’s highlights including seeing St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City. Cross the Tiber river to enjoy ancient Rome with your Local Expert. See the incredible Circus Maximus famous for its chariot races, and visit the iconic Colosseum. In the afternoon, enjoy fast-tracked entry into the Vatican

Museums with a Local Expert. Admire the Papal art collection before entering the Sistine Chapel to marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpiece.

Spend time exploring the maze of alleyways and admire scenic views across the valley. Ascend serpentine alleyways to the artisan gelato parlour of world champion gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli, for a taste of his finest frozen treats.

Drive through the patchwork of vines, olives and cypresses that typify the Chianti hills before continuing to the delightful town of Lucca. Taste the lavish loaves of buccellato, Lucca's sweet raisinanise bread. Head for Pisa and see the incredible

Leaning Tower, from which Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity. See the splendid cathedral and baptistery, decorated

with mosaics and designs in solid marble. Next, cruise along the rugged Ligurian coast to the elegant seaside village of Portofino, the epitome of la dolce vita (should weather permit). Continue along the coast to the pretty seaside resort of Santa Margherita Ligure.

Head to the port of La Spezia for a highlight of your travels and one of Italy's most beautiful landscapes, the Cinque Terre. With a Local Expert, appreciate the views as you approach one of the picturesque fishing villages by boat. For lunch, enjoy a delicious Sea-to-Table dining experience. Enjoy leisure time to admire the colored houses, browse the boutiques or simply stay a while in the café bars on the

piazzetta, watching the yachts moored in the harbor.

Head north to the beautiful Italian Lake District, a

favorite retreat of the rich and famous where Alpine

scenery combines with lush vegetation. Relax and

enjoy an afternoon at leisure at this popular resort and

beautiful lake.

Travel through the stunning northern Italian countryside to one of the world’s most breathtaking wine regions. The vineyards around Conegliano Veneto produce Italy’s most prized sparkling wine. Be tempted with a taste of the crisp and aromatic flavor

of prosecco. Continue through the Dolomites, to the mountain resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo.

The whole day is free for you to explore the colorful peaks and sheer valleys of the Dolomites, one of the most impressive mountain ranges in the Alps. During summer, once the snow and ice have melted away, a breathtaking landscape is revealed. There are a number of walking tracks through pristine Alpine wilderness for the adventurous to explore, or for a more relaxed pace, perhaps take a thrilling optional

experience to the summit of one of the peaks for breathtaking panoramic views?

Descend through the mountains to the romantic city of Venice. A private boat glides you past canals lined with ornate palaces to St Mark’s Square. See the

basilica, the Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, before checking into your luxurious hotel. With the after noon at leisure, why not cruise the Venetian Lagoon to the

island of Burano for a meal of local specialties and wine?

Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a traditional arts center, where you can see how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert

glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills. Then there is free time to enjoy the magical atmosphere of this incredible city at your own pace. Mingle with the

locals at the open air markets near the Rialto Bridge and explore the back lanes and squares where Venetians go about their day. Later, on your romantic

gondola serenade, glide along the atmospheric canals exploring the intimate and hidden parts of this unique city while musicians set the mood with traditional songs. This evening, indulge in traditional Venetian dishes that are enriched with inspiration from seasonal produce during a magical dinner.

Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo

Airport.