Italy: Pasta & Piazzas

First taste of Rome.

First steps in the city: after dropping your bags, you're heading straight into the heart of la dolce vita. Your local guide will lead you past the Colosseum – where ancient stones meet instant photo opportunities – through the twisting alleys of Trastevere and past fountains that are perfect for a quick selfie. Later, dig into your welcome dinner at a local trattoria, where you can twirl fresh pasta, nibble on crispy bruschetta and wash it down with a glass of something Italian – what better way to begin your first taste of Roman life?

Get lost in Venice's lanes.

Venetian daydreams: glide from Rome to Venice, ready for adventure. this morning, join a local guide for a tour of Venice's must-see spots. Wander past the bustling Rialto Market, watch gondoliers skillfully navigate the Grand Canal and peek inside tiny churches brimming with Renaissance art.

Venice in motion: slip into a gondola with your trip mates for a once-in-a-lifetime ride through Venice's twisting canals. Drift under low bridges, past palaces with peeling paint and hidden gardens, and watch the city reveal itself from the water in a way no walking tour ever could. Don't forget to snap a selfie under one of the bridges – you'll want proof you conquered Venice in style.

Venice, like a local.

A day to play: your free day in Venice is the perfect chance to explore at your own pace. Wake early and beat the crowds at St Mark's Basilica, then climb the Campanile for jaw-dropping views over the lagoon. Wander through the Doge's Palace, or if art's your thing, lose yourself in the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Fancy a change of scenery? Jump on a vaporetto and cruise out to the islands of Murano and Burano for glassblowing, colourful houses and a slower pace of life. And of course, there's always time to shop for masks, leather goods or those iconic Venetian marbled papers.

Later, your way: as evening falls, let the lantern-lit streets lead you on a wandering spree – or grab a spritz in a tucked-away bacaro (a Venetian wine bar) and snack your way through cicchetti like a local.

From canals to catwalks.

Next stop, Milan: roll into Italy's fashion capital and head straight to lunch at a local trattoria, where you might find yourself fueling up on fresh-cut pasta tossed in golden saffron, a crispy Milanese cotoletta or creamy burrata drizzled with peppery olive oil – just the kind of dishes that make Milan worth lingering over.

Slick city adventures: wander the sleek streets of the Quadrilatero della Moda for window-shopping (or splurging) on designer labels, gawp at the Duomo's intricate façade or hunt down quirky cafés and rooftop bars with killer views. Art lovers can pop into the iconic Pinacoteca di Brera, while anyone after a culture hit can check out the street art in the Navigli district before settling in for an aperitivo along the canals.

Lake Como's a-calling.

Lakeside living: today, swap Milan's city streets for glittering blue waters and mountains that look like something straight out of a movie. Stroll the cobbled lanes of Como town, peek into elegant piazzas and follow your nose to a gelateria serving up scoops of the sweet stuff piled high.

Boat life: hop on a ferry and cruise across the lake to discover storybook towns like Bellagio and Varenna. Think pastel-coloured villas, flower-draped balconies and winding staircases leading to trattorias with views worth lingering over. Grab a plate of lake fish risotto or an espresso on a sun-dappled terrace, then wander down to the water's edge before heading back to Milan, full of fresh air and that dolce vita energy.

La Spezia, seaside style.

Choose-your-own coast-venture: after rolling into Liguria, where pastel houses, sea breezes and salty air set the scene, you've got the afternoon wide open. Stroll the palm-lined promenade, watch fishing boats bob in the harbour, or duck into the local market for focaccia that's hot, oily, and gloriously messy to eat. Head to one of the little beaches nearby or just grab a gelato and watch the sun melt into the Mediterranean.

After dark: aperitivo hour is the real local sport here. Pull up a stool at a bar for an Aperol spritz or Aranciata (an orange soda, like Fanta's cooler Italian cousin) and a plate of olives or grab late-night slices of Ligurian focaccia topped with pesto. If you're not ready to call it a night, the marina's bars are buzzing until the early hours.

Hike, snap, sip: Cinque Terre style

Hike the coast: lace up your walking shoes – today your Trip Leader will guide you along the famous coastal paths linking the pastel-hued villages of Cinque Terre. There'll be steep terraces stacked with vineyards, turquoise waves crashing below and photo stops that make every step worth it. You'll pass painted houses that look like they've tumbled down the cliffs and narrow lanes strung with washing and lemon trees.

Village vibes: when the hiking's done, cool off with a dip in the sea, grab a cone of fried seafood wrapped in paper or reward yourself with a cold drink on a sunny terrace. Each village has its own personality – so whether you're wandering Riomaggiore's winding steps or watching the fishing boats bob in Vernazza's harbour, it's a day made for your camera roll (and your appetite).

Florence, unwrapped.

Streets of the Renaissance: this morning, a local guide will lead you through Florence's greatest hits. Stand beneath the red-tiled dome of the Duomo, cross the Ponte Vecchio where jewellers still trade their sparkle and stroll Piazza della Signoria – home to sculptures that look straight out of an art history book (because, well, they are). Keep your camera handy, because every corner feels like it was taken from a painting.

Your Florence, your way: the afternoon's yours to choose. Queue up for a peek at Michaelangelo's David, hunt down the city's best schiacciata (Tuscan flatbread – insiders swear by salami) or climb Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset views over terracotta rooftops. Tonight, we'll gather for an included group dinner – expect classic Florentine flavours and a round of tiramisu to seal the deal. Afterward, soak up the glow of Florence by night – a city that somehow makes every moment feel golden.

Pisa, picture-perfect.

Leaning into it: all aboard for Pisa this morning! Your Trip Leader will give you the lowdown and share a few fun tips, and then it's over to you to explore. Snap the obligatory holding up the tower photo at the Leaning Tower, explore the Baptistery and Cathedral, and soak up the buzz of students spilling out of cafés in this lively university town.

Later, your way: find a trattoria for a bowl of ribollita (Tuscan bread soup) or share a bistecca alla Fiorentina (an Italian steak dish) if you're feeling bold. Afterwards, wander the lamplit streets with a gelato in hand or perch on the steps of Piazzale Michelangelo for city views that look straight out of a Renaissance painting.

Florence from above.

Step it up: join a gentle hike with your Trip Leader up to Piazzale Michelangelo – the best lookout in town. Bask in the views of Florence's terracotta rooftops, then wander a little further to the Church of San Miniato al Monte, one of the city's oldest and most beautiful.

Later, your way: head back down for a lazy lunch (gelato counts) and spend the rest of the day however you like – haggling for a new leather jacket you absolutely don't need, museum-hopping until you can't tell your Botticelli from your Michelangelo or digging into a plate of pasta in a sunny piazza and people-watching like it's a competitive sport.

Sorrento and sips.

Vineyards with a view: today, you're making tracks for Sorrento, and you'll be stopping en route on the slopes of Mt Vesuvius at a family-run winery for lunch paired with local wines. Sip a crisp Falanghina or a bold Aglianico while soaking up views of the volcano and the Bay of Naples. Life doesn't get better than this.

Coast-bound: after touching down in Sorrento, the afternoon is yours to wander through lemon-scented streets, nibble on a fresh sfogliatella straight from a pastry shop or see in your first night on the Amalfi Coast with on a terrace overlooking the sparkling sea.

Sorrento, at your own speed.

Coastal adventures: start your day in Sorrento the Italian way – with a strong espresso – then spend it as you please. Wander the narrow streets lined with lemon-scented shops and cafés, and don't leave without a zesty lemon granita in hand (trust us on this one).

Island hopping: for a bucket-list twist, catch a ferry to Capri to explore the Blue Grotto, wander through colourful gardens, and soak in the views at the Piazzetta. Or head down the Amalfi Coast to Positano's cliffside houses, sun-soaked beaches and winding streets full of artisan shops. Your day, your adventure.

From ancient stones to Roman nights.

History up close: today, you're heading to Pompeii, where your local guide will lead you through the streets frozen in time. Wander past ancient villas, frescoed walls and the remnants of Roman life, imagining the bustling city before Mount Vesuvius changed everything.

Rome, round two: after exploring Pompeii, kick back on the ride back to Rome and get ready for your final night. Gather at a local restaurant for an included dinner and finally settle the age-old debate: which city served the best pasta? Then dive into Roman classics—creamy carbonara, punchy cacio e pepe, and tiramisu so good you'll be scheming how to sneak the recipe home.

Ciao, Rome.

One last bite: enjoy a final breakfast together in Rome, soaking in the morning buzz of the city and perhaps sneaking in a last cappuccino or cornetto. After breakfast, the tour wraps up. Say arrivederci to your new friends, pack up your memories (and souvenirs) and carry a little bit of Italy with you wherever you go next.