Rome and Tuscan Highlights

Ciao Roma! Italy opens its doors for an unforgettable jaunt through Rome, Tuscany, and two millennia of culture, history and fiery Italian verve. Spend the afternoon exploring the city before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner. Embark on an orientation drive past some of Rome's icons and unexpected highlights, including the Circus Maximus, once the site of exhilarating chariot races which attracted thousands of enthusiastic spectators. (D) Stay: Midas Palace

Your journey through Rome begins when you join a Local Specialist on an included sightseeing tour. See St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City. Cross the Tiber into Ancient Rome and see the Colosseum and Circus Maximus, imagining the great chariot races and thunderous applause.

This afternoon, enjoy a leisurely drive through the scenic Tuscan hills to Montecatini, the largest and most famous spa town in Italy and your home for the next six nights. Consider joining an Optional Experience at a delightful regional restaurant set among the pines and cypress trees, where a feast of gastronomic specialities awaits, accompanied by song and music. (B) Stay: Columbia Wellness and Spa Montecatini Terme

Your Local Specialist will reveal the history of Renaissance Florence during your walking tour. View the magnificent Duomo and visit Piazza della Signoria. In your free time, perhaps take a walk across the beautiful Ponte Vecchio. Dating back to the 16th century, a decree mandated that the only businesses allowed to ply their trade on this bridge were goldsmiths and jewellers, and to this day, some of the city's most prestigious jewellery shops can be found here.

Or, enjoy an Optional Experience that provides insight into the world of Michelangelo and his masterpiece, David, by visiting the Academy of Fine Arts and its Michelangelo collection. Here, you'll learn all about the life and works of this immortal Renaissance genius through the expert commentary of your Local Specialist. (B/D)

Relax in the spa atmosphere of Montecatini on your day at leisure or join an optional experience to Cinque Terre, whose quaint pastel-hued villages cling to the rugged Ligurian cliffs. (B)

Journey to Pisa, where you'll join a Local Specialist to view the famous Leaning Tower, the finely sculpted marble Cathedral and the ornate Baptistery, said to be the largest in Italy. Continue through Tuscany, arriving in Vinci where you'll join a Local Specialist at the Museo Leonardiano to gain a deeper understanding of the life of this talented master. Admire Leonardo da Vinci's machines and models, sketches, and handwritten notes, as well as interactive exhibits during your visit.

Tonight, enjoy a Be My Guest experience at the Agriturismo Borgo Vigna Vecchia surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. (B/D)

Saunter through the beautifully preserved medieval city of Siena to see the 13th-century marble cathedral and the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, home to the biannual Palio horse race. Then venture to the walled medieval town of San Gimignano, renowned for its towers. Enjoy some free time strolling through its narrow lanes, discover hidden corners with spectacular views of the Tuscan countryside, before shopping for locally-produced delicacies—the alluring aromas of pecorino cheese and cured meats tempting you at every turn. (B)

Feast your eyes on the vibrant colours and busy stalls at a traditional food market where you'll join a Local Specialist professional chef for a tasty introduction to Tuscan cuisine. Learn how to cook like only an Italian mamma can, selecting your fresh produce from the market and preparing lunch which you will enjoy with a glass of regional wine. The tastes of Tuscany still lingering after an unforgettable lunch, you will return to your hotel in the Tuscan hills for the night. (B/L)

Departing Tuscany, travel south to Rome. This evening, Roman flavours take centre stage as you toast your travels over a selection of signature Roman dishes. (B/D) Stay: Midas Palace , Sheraton Rome Parco de' Medici

Bid a fond farewell to your newfound friends and an epic experience as you depart from Rome. (B)