Simply Italy (Winter)

Welcome to Rome! Once known as the 'capital of the world' this richly historic, passionate and elegant city will steal our hearts as soon as we arrive. We'll meet and greet our Contiki crew at 4pm, then with our eyes wide and camera roll full, we'll head to the streets for an included Italian feast before heading on an orientation tour of the city. (D) Stay: Hotel Genova (or similar)

Rise and shine, we're headed to another historical heavyweight today... But not before stopping off at Siena for lunch. This place has medieval masterpieces and the historic city center has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. We'll soak up all of that historic beauty and grab a bite before heading onto Florence... Florence is one of the foodie capitals of Italy, so we won't waste any time trying the local delicacies before turning in for the night, dreaming of the Florentine adventures that await us tomorrow. (B) Stay: BB Centro (or similar)

Florence is often referred to as a 'walking museum', and today we'll find out why. With a locally guided walking tour, we'll discover Renaissance Florence on foot, swooning at Giotto's Bell Tower, Basilica Santa Croce, and Piazza della Signoria. We'll also see the Duomo, one of the world's most remarkable architectural feats.

Later, we'll get together for a Tuscan evening of wine from the nearby vineyards. Our hosts have cooked up a feast of antipasto and Italian specialties. Save some room for ‘dolce' i.e a mystery homemade dessert! (B)

Farewell, Florence. We'll never forget you. But we've got more dreamy Italian hot spots to hit up. We can't be this way of the world without a sneaky visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Depriving you of the chance to perfect the holding-up-the-tower shot would be criminal. Another stopover will let us check out lovely Lucca, with its charming piazzas, Renaissance architecture and historic cafes. Opt for a sample of wines at the local vineyards here. Or it's a perfect spot to grab a bite before we hit the road again.

Welcome to the Italian Riviera! You're going to fall head over heels with this region over the coming days... (B) Stay: Hotel Rondine (or similar)

Some people think Cinque Terre is just one place, but it actually translates to the ‘five lands' and is made up of 5 stunning towns with their own unique identity and traditions. Included in your trip is an unlimited Cinque Terre hike and train ticket, and whichever way you choose to get around will be sure to make you fall in love with the dramatic cliff-faces and pastel colored buildings. (B)

We're hitting the road today to one of the most elegant cities in Europe. But not before experiencing the glitz and glamour of Lake Como, with its attractive villages and gorgeous gardens. The showstopper is the lake itself, of course, and we'll have the option to get out on the water and take a cruise to beautiful Bellagio.

Welcome to Milan, the sophisticated cityscape that rewards the curious traveler. We have a free night to check out the local nightlife, and eat some of the local delicacies. As always, your Trip Manager will have the top tips on where to go and where to avoid... (B) Stay: BB Hotel Milano Sesto (or similar)

The dreamy destinations just don't stop coming...

Welcome to Verona, the heart of Renaissance romance (and the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet). Beautiful architecture, rich history and plenty of jaw-dropping art makes this place a very worthy stopover. We'll check out Juliet's balcony, part of a gorgeous 13th century house, as well as the epic Roman Arena. Then it's onto another very romantic city... Yup, it's Venice, where our hearts will swell at the mazy canals and ancient architecture.

First up, we'll check into tonight's snazzy accommodation – a Contiki Special Stay on the peaceful island of San Servolo, with breathtaking views of the Venice lagoon. Your jaw is sure to drop, but don't let it stay on the floor for too long! (B/D) Stay: Centro Soggiorno San Servolo (or similar)

Wake-up sleeping beauties! Venice is yours for the entirety of this glorious Italian day. We'll be jumping aboard our own private boat and hitting the canals en route to the historical heart of the city. A gondola ride will be up for grabs, or you can always choose to get lost on your own and see where the maze takes you.

Later you'll have the chance to join a progressive food walking tour, to try different bits of cicchetti and local wines. (B)

See ya, Venice. You'll always have a piece of our hearts. Today we're headed back to Rome to explore the city in more depth. But not before making a quick stop in Bologna. Home of prosciutto, mortadella, bolognese sauce and many more tasty Italian delights, Bologna is known far and wide as La Grassa (the Fat One). Come hungry, but make sure you're not too full to explore the Unesco-listed porticoes either.

With our eyes wide and camera roll full, we'll have a free night for dinner and a chance to discover the finest food Rome has to offer. Washed down with some fine Italian wine? If you say so. (B) Stay: Hotel Genova (or similar)

Rome wasn't built in a day - so get up and get going early to make the most of this ancient city. This is also the day to do a bit of your own exploring, an included dinner tonight will refuel us after a day of sightseeing. Take a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel. Religious or not, the Vatican's Italian Renaissance church will send shivers down your spine. (B/D)

Today we're headed to another richly historical and cultural city, known for it's naturally beautiful sights and excellent cuisine. Welcome to Naples, the rough and ready but oh so charming city which encapsulates everything we love about Italy. The home of pizza, a hub of culture, and a bundle of passionate Italian energy, this is also the site of Mt Vesuvius, the infamous active volcano.

Today we have the option to check out the ruins of Pompeii, the fascinating Roman town that was destroyed by Vesuvius and then perfectly preserved in volcanic ash. Another option today is to take a tour, learning about the city, it's history and it's food culture. (B) Stay: Garden Napoli (or similar)

We're headed to the coast today to check out some of the most glamorous seascapes in Europe. Here you'll have free time to explore Sorrento's cliffs, coasts and cafes, followed by an included lunch at La Sorgente for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience. On route to our next stop, have you're Camera's at the ready for a quick snap of the stunning Positano as we drive by. Our last stop-off for today is Salerno, where you'll have a free night to explore the Roman ruins, museums, gardens and sea views. (B/L) Stay: Grand Hotel Salerno (or similar)

We've got a free day on the Amalfi coast today. Lucky us. We've got plenty of optionals, including two MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experiences.

First up, we'll visit a lemon farm to learn how these huge, sunshine-colored fruits are harvested and turned into limoncello. Next, we're off for a Tastes of Amalfi dinner on an eco-sustainable farm, washed down with... you guessed it... lemon liqueur. (B)

We're headed back to Rome today. Time for the Colosseum? Back in Rome, you don't want to miss our optional Emperors & Gladiators tour, where you'll skip the queues, enter the jaw-dropping Colosseum through the exclusive Emperor's gate and learn all about this paragon of Roman history.

Afterwards, you'll have the chance to head out to a local restaurant and make (and eat) your very own pasta. (B) Stay: Hotel Genova (or similar)

Hold our gelato. Our hearts are melting as we bid a final ‘Ciao' to our Contiki crew after a trip we'll never forget. (B)