Gladiators, Gondolas and Gold

Ciao Roma! Feast your eyes and your stomach on the 'Eternal City' – the launch pad for an unforgettable adventure with la famiglia. Tread in the footsteps of the ancients before meeting with your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Kickoff Party that will rock Rome. (D) Stay: Crowne Plaza St. Peter's

Join a Local Specialist to delve into centuries of history and culture. Venture across the Tiber to the Colosseum, imagining a time when brave warriors fought to the thunderous roar of thousands. Then it's time for a cheesy Family Fun affair as we Dive Into Culture and learn how to make authentic Italian pizza, sharing a tasty slice or two of our culinary masterpieces with our loved ones. (B/D)

Book your spot on the podium. It's time for Family Fun as you become a gladiator for the day. You'll learn how to wield a gladiator's sword and gain insights into military techniques with an expert.

This afternoon, you'll have some free time to explore the city with the family. Perhaps count the Spanish Steps or toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to secure your speedy return to Rome. (B)

Embark on a scenic drive north through Tuscany's golden fields. Stop in Pisa to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Piazza del Duomo to snap a selfie in front of the famous Leaning Tower. Carry on to the Renaissance city of Florence, our home for the next three nights. (B) Stay: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo

The exquisite sights of Florence are brought to life on a walking tour in the expert company of a Local Specialist. See the magnificent Gothic Duomo and famous Baptistery before marvelling at Michelangelo's statue of David at the Academy of Fine Arts. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold.

Where better to Dive Into Culture and indulge in a refreshing gelato than in the city where it was invented? Tonight, join the Miari Fulcis family for a Be My Guest experience, enjoying delicious specialities against the backdrop of picture-perfect olive groves and vineyards on their 15th-century estate in the Tuscan hills. Salute! (B/D)

You have a full day at leisure to enjoy this remarkable Renaissance city. Florence is a living museum that you can explore on foot. Perhaps join an optional experience to the ‘Town of Towers' – San Gimignano. (B)

Stop and smell the rich aromas of Bolognese sauce, spending the morning with a Local Specialist to explore the medieval city of Bologna. Then it's just a hop, skip and a jump towards the island city of Venice. Discover the 'Queen of the Adriatic' from the comfort of one of its traditional gondolas on an optional experience. (B/D) Stay: Novotel Venezia Mestre Castellana

Cruise to bustling St. Mark's Square on a private launch. View the exquisite Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica and the Campanile and the famous Bridge of Sighs, so named for the sound condemned prisoners made at catching their last glimpse of beautiful Venice.

We then witness first-hand the exquisite tradition of Venetian glassblowing. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps to support the preservation of this precious Venetian tradition for generations to come. You'll learn how this once-thriving Venetian art is being kept alive by talented glassmakers who delight in working their magic to craft the stunning treasures for which Venice is justifiably famous. Time for Family Fun as you learn about the art of crafting Carnival masks, decorating your own masks with enough paint, feathers and glitter to rival even the most elaborate masks seen at the annual event.

This afternoon, consider an Optional Experience to the colourful island of Burano for a delicious meal. (B)

Navigating the bustling canals to the Rialto Bridge and traditional food market, embrace the sights and sounds of Venice from the water before delving into the hidden highlights of Venice during a Small Group Sightseeing walking tour, working up an appetite for lunch at a local restaurant. (B/L)

Our unforgettable journey together has come to an end. All that's left to say is a hearty arrivederci as you prepare to return home with fantastic shared memories. (B)