Begin in Rome, the “Eternal City.” This evening, get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner featuring regional specialties. (D) Stay: Grand Hotel Palatino (2 Nights)

On a locally guided tour of the Vatican Museums explore Papal palaces, halls and galleries housing priceless artifacts from ancient Egypt and Etruscan Italy, as well as statuary from classical Greece and Rome. Admire the Gallery of Maps and works by great Renaissance masters such as Perugino, Botticelli, Ghirlandaio. In the Sistine Chapel, marvel at Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling and brilliant Last Judgement.

Next, wander through the towering columns of St. Peter's Basilica, a daring feat of human artistry and engineering. Admire the baroque spirals of Bernini's altar canopy and gaze up at Michelangelo's dome – still the tallest in the world. Later this afternoon, take in views of the River Tiber, the Circus Maximus and the Colosseum during a panoramic drive back to your hotel. The evening is yours. Perhaps you'll join an optional dinner in a popular restaurant, indulging in a hearty meal accompanied by wine and local entertainment. (B)

Ease your way into the local culture as your Tour Manager shares a few key Italian phrases. Travel to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Take in the old-world atmosphere on a guided walking tour of the old city, including the Basilica of St. Francis. Then you're off to medieval Perugia, the historic capital of Umbria. With free time to explore, consider wandering along the Piazza IV Novembre or visiting medieval palaces and ornate cathedrals. (B) Stay: Sangallo Palace Hotel

Head through Tuscany's graceful low-lying hills to the Etruscan city of Cortona. Perched on the side of a hill, take in the ornate facades and medieval architecture. Peek at the adjacent Lake Trasimeno, situated off in the distance. You might recognize the city as the charming setting for the book and film Under the Tuscan Sun. End your day in Florence – the “Cradle of the Renaissance” – and visit the world-famous Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo's David. (B) Stay: Hotel Albani (2 Nights)

This morning, experience Florence's cultural treasures on a walking tour, passing by the Duomo, the Baptistery, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Piazza della Signoria. The rest of the day is yours. Perhaps you'll join an after-hours tour of the 14th-century Certosa monastery, followed by dinner featuring local wines, Tuscan food, and live entertainment. (B)

Start your day with a visit to a historic winery in the heart of the Chianti region. In the shadow of its 12th-century castle, learn about Tuscan wines and enjoy a chef-led cooking class. Next, sit back and savor regional delicacies during a delicious lunch. This afternoon, journey through central Italy, crossing the wooded Apennine Mountains toward the Po River Valley. Enchanting Venice awaits with 117 tiny islands and its latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges. (B/L/D) Stay: Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal (2 Nights)

See Venice from the water and take a boat to Murano Island. At a glass-blowing demonstration, discover the secrets of this ancient art up-close and marvel at the one-of-a-kind designs. Make your way to the historic center of Venice and see the Castello district with a local expert. End in St. Mark's Square, taking in the basilica and the ornate façade of the Doge's Palace. The remainder of the day is yours. Consider an optional tour featuring Venice's most famous pastime – a serenaded gondola ride. (B)

Travel to Milan. Then, it's your choice! Take in some of the city's iconic sights on a walking tour. View the La Scala Opera House and Vittorio Emanuele Gallery before visiting the Duomo – a Gothic cathedral that is the third largest in Europe -OR- join a local guide for a tour of the Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan's high-fashion district, including visits to some of the city's best ateliers and fashion stores. This evening, celebrate the end of an unforgettable trip with a farewell dinner at a popular local restaurant, featuring regional delicacies and fine Italian wines. (B/D) Stay: UNAHOTELS Scandinavia Milano

Your journey comes to a close in Milan this morning. (B)

Begin in Rome, the “Eternal City.” This evening, get to know your fellow travelers during a welcome dinner featuring regional specialties. (D) Stay: Grand Hotel Palatino (2 Nights)

On a locally guided tour of the Vatican Museums* explore the Papal palace housing priceless artifacts from ancient Egypt along with works by great Renaissance masters such as Perugino, Botticelli, Ghirlandaio. In the Sistine Chapel, marvel at Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling and brilliant Last Judgement. Next, wander through the towering columns of St. Peter's Basilica, a daring feat of human artistry and engineering. Admire the baroque spirals of Bernini's altar canopy and gaze up at Michelangelo's dome – still the tallest in the world.

Later this afternoon, take in views of the River Tiber, the Circus Maximus and the Colosseum during a panoramic drive back to your hotel. The evening is yours. Perhaps you'll join an optional dinner in a popular restaurant, indulging in a hearty meal accompanied by wine and local entertainment. (B)

Ease your way into the local culture as your Tour Manager shares a few key Italian phrases. Travel to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Take in the old-world atmosphere on a guided walking tour of the Basilica of St. Francis. Then you're off to medieval Perugia, the historic capital of Umbria. With free time to explore, consider wandering along the Piazza IV Novembre or visiting medieval palaces and elegant cathedrals. (B) Stay: Sangallo Palace Hotel

Head through Tuscany's graceful low-lying hills to the Etruscan city of Cortona. Perched on the side of a hill, take in the ornate facades and medieval architecture. Peek at the adjacent Lake Trasimeno, situated off in the distance. You might recognize the city as the charming setting for the book and film Under the Tuscan Sun. End your day in Florence – the “Cradle of the Renaissance” – and visit the world-famous Academy Gallery* to see Michelangelo's David. (B) Stay: Hotel Albani (2 Nights)

This morning, experience Florence's cultural treasures on a walking tour, passing by the Duomo, the Baptistery, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Piazza della Signoria. The rest of the day is yours. Perhaps you'll join an after-hours tour of the 14th-century Certosa monastery, followed by dinner featuring local wines, Tuscan food, and live entertainment. (B)

Start your day with a visit to a historic winery in the heart of the Chianti region. In the shadow of its 12th-century castle, learn about Tuscan wines and enjoy a chef-led cooking class. Next, sit back and savor regional delicacies during a delicious lunch.

This afternoon, journey through central Italy, crossing the Apennine Mountains toward the Po River Valley. Enchanting Venice awaits with 117 tiny islands and its latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges. (B/L/D) Stay: Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal (2 Nights)

See Venice from the water and take a boat** to Murano Island. At a glass-blowing demonstration, discover the secrets of this ancient art up-close and marvel at the one-of-a-kind designs. Make your way to the historic center of Venice and see the Castello district with a local expert. End in St. Mark's Square, taking in the basilica and the opulent façade of the Doge's Palace. The remainder of the day is yours. Consider an optional tour featuring Venice's most famous pastime – a serenaded gondola ride. (B)

This morning, you'll be whisked across the plains of northern Italy to the shores of glamorous Lake Como. During a ferry ride to alluring Bellagio, admire the endless succession of historic villas, lush gardens, and colorful villages reflected in the lake's blue waters. Enjoy some time at leisure to explore Bellagio's charms before sailing back to Como where you check into your hotel in the late afternoon.

This evening, celebrate the end of an unforgettable trip with a farewell dinner at your hotel. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Barchetta Excelsior

Your journey comes to a close in Como this morning. (B)