Italian Concerto

Embrace excess on this leisurely jaunt through the highlights of Italy, beginning in Rome. Spend the day soaking up the vibrant atmosphere before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a welcome reception. Enjoy a leisurely orientation through the city this evening, venturing into Ancient Rome as our journey through Italy begins. (D) Stay: Grand Tiberio , Crowne Plaza St. Peter's

Explore Rome with a Local Specialist. Take in views of St. Peter's Basilica and Square as you pass through Vatican City, and see the historic Circus Maximus, once the grand arena of Ancient Roman chariot races. Later, visit the mighty Colosseum, where gladiators once battled before roaring crowds.

This evening, consider joining a Roman dinner experience to enjoy traditional cuisine and the city's vibrant atmosphere. (B)

Discover why the Italians say 'it is sweet doing nothing', spending your day watching Rome's beautiful people embrace life lived to its fullest in the exquisite city. Delve into its treasures spanning millennia – the museums, churches, gardens and architecture that remain as enduring symbols of a powerful city. Or perhaps consider an Optional Experience to Tivoli, site of the magnificent Villa d'Este Gardens. (B)

Today, pay homage to the courageous souls who fought at the Battle of Monte Cassino. See perched high on the hillside, the 6th-century Abbey, destroyed during World War II. Continue south to Pompeii, a city frozen in time. Accompanied by a Local Specialist, explore the excavations that reveal the tragic story of this once-thriving city, buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Stroll along ancient stone avenues, passing landmarks such as the Forum and the Temple of Apollo.

Later, arrive at our hotel along the stunning Amalfi Coast, where you'll enjoy a delicious dinner with a view of the iconic Mediterranean coastline. (B/D) Stay: San Pietro Maiori

Indulge in a full free day at leisure. Consider joining an Optional Experience along the Amalfi Coast to the beautiful seaside village of Positano, a true painter's paradise. You could also choose to soak up the extraordinary beauty of the village of Ravello which has long inspired musicians, writers and artists. Smell the fresh scents of lemons as you relax in this picture-perfect setting.

After a day of sightseeing, perhaps you could spend a relaxing evening sipping limoncello and watching the Mediterranean sky light up in glorious pinks, yellows and blues. (B)

This morning, journey along the coast to the medieval town of Amalfi. See the 10th-century Romanesque Cathedral of Sant'Andrea and the Campanile before setting sail to the glamorous island of Capri.

On arrival, ascend to Capri town by funicular for a guided walking tour with a Local Specialist who will share views of the piazzetta—the heart and soul of this beautiful town. Later, return to the mainland. (B)

From the Amalfi Coast, travel north through the rolling green and golden landscape of Umbria into scenic Tuscany before arriving in the Renaissance city of Florence. You'll have a free evening to amble along the Arno River, admire the famous city skyline at night from Piazzale Michelangelo, or indulge in the finest antipasti in town. (B) Stay: FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo

Delve into the history of a city renowned for its art, architecture and cultural treasures. Join your Local Specialist for a walking tour that includes views of the exquisite marble Duomo, Baptistery and Ponte Vecchio. Wander through the Piazza della Signoria, the centre of Florentine political life since the 14th-century with its prominent Palazzo Vecchio. Join your fellow travellers this evening for a Be My Guest experience set against the backdrop of Tuscan vineyards and olive groves. (B/D)

Spend your morning enjoying Florence at your own pace. You might choose to relax with a cappuccino in a sunny piazza, explore the shops or simply take in the atmosphere of this Renaissance city. Travel north to Venice, where you'll stay for the next two nights. Discover more of the Venetian lagoon with an Optional Experience to Burano, cruising to a relaxed dinner in this colourful and characterful fishing village. (B) Stay: Amadeus, Principe

Cruise by private launch past many of the city's most prominent sights, enjoying views of the Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica and the ornate Doge's Palace.

Next up is an unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where you'll witness first-hand the intricate craft of glassblowing. Watch how master craftsmen use the same techniques their forefathers did to shape the delicate glassworks for which Venice has become justifiably famous, perhaps choosing to buy a souvenir of your own. Inspired by the artistry you've just witnessed, you'll soak up the pageantry and elegance of Venice on your own terms before enjoying dinner with our Travel Director and newfound friends to toast to the delicious flavours of Italy. (B/D)

Your leisurely encounter with an extraordinary destination has now come to an end. (B)