Italian Intermezzo

Greet your Travel Director at Milan's Malpensa Airport. Later, head to a traditional restaurant known for its delicious Milanese dishes. Tonight's dinner is a chance to mingle and get to know your fellow travellers over a pleasant evening. (D) Stay: Duo Milan Porta Nuova

Journey across the Veneto plain, rich in agriculture, known for its peach trees & vineyards, with the Dolomite mountains on the northern horizon. Your hotel, exuding authentic Venetian charm, beautifully reflects the history and culture of the surrounding area. As night falls, there's the opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of St. Mark's Square, with its orchestras and delightful alfresco cafes, providing an unforgettable experience. (B) Stay: Indigo - Sant'Elena, Venice

Wake up ready to embrace this romantic city. What better way to see Venice than from a private boat, sailing past palazzos and churches to St. Mark's Square? See the gilded basilica, the Doge's Palace and Lord Byron's Bridge of Sighs.

No visit to Venice would be complete without a gondola serenade through the myriad of beautiful canals. Relax and enjoy the local traditional songs, as you drift along in awe. While here, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a traditional glassmaking workshop, where you can see how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills.

Spend the afternoon and evening as you wish. Or, leave the hustle of St. Mark's Square behind on a delightful private cruise around the islands of the Venetian lagoon on an Optional Experience to the island of Burano. Alight at the island of Burano, famous for its candy-coloured houses, artisan lace makers and leaning bell tower that would give Pisa a good run for its money. Enjoy a superb meal sampling the local specialities with wine included. (B)

Stop in Pisa to see the incredible Leaning Tower, from which Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity. Explore Florence with Insight Choice: choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo's David.

Afterwards, continue on foot to admire the multicoloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. Continue into the Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune, Hercules and Cacus in front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Alternatively, take a stroll with your Travel Director to enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local cafe. (B/D) Stay: Albani Firenze, Florence

The rest of the day is yours to fully immerse yourself in the Tuscan capital at your own pace. Perhaps shop for high-quality leather or handcrafted gold goods or unwind at a charming street cafe while enjoying the vibrant local atmosphere. Don't miss the magnificent museums and world-renowned galleries that house some of the greatest masterpieces in art history. You may choose to join a guided excursion to Tuscany's most iconic hilltop town, San Gimignano. Stroll through its timeless streets, browse local artisan shops and admire the medieval architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the evening, consider an Optional Experience featuring a traditional Tuscan dinner paired with local wines— including, of course, Chianti from the region's famous vineyards. (B)

Journey to Umbrian Orvieto, a hilltop village overlooking a vineyard-covered plain. Explore the town with your Travel Director and visit Piazza del Duomo to admire the cathedral, before continuing towards the Eternal City of Rome. Enjoy the backstreets and secrets of pedestrian Rome on an optional experience taking a "passeggiata" (stroll) with your Local Expert discovering the piazzas and fountains. Be amazed at sights such as the fascinating Pantheon and the beauty of 17th-century fountains and beautiful piazzas. Why not throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to the city? (B) Stay: Villa Pamphili, Rome

In the morning, enjoy the very best of the city's highlights, including fast-tracked entry to the Vatican Museums with a Local Expert. Admire the Papal art collection and step inside the Sistine Chapel, where you'll marvel at Michelangelo's masterpiece on the ceiling.

Afterwards, view the magnificent exterior of St Peter's Basilica, followed by free time. In the evening, dine on Lazio's culinary specialities as you celebrate your journey through Italy's heritage and culture with your fellow travellers. (B/D)

Bid farewell to the glories of Italy, savouring the memories of its enchanting cities, historic landmarks and stunning landscapes. Italy's unique allure will linger in your heart long after you leave. (B)