Top to Toe of Italy

Throughout the tour, accommodation is in comfortable 3 to 4-star hotels with bar and restaurant. All bedrooms are comfortably furnished with private facilities, TV and telephone. Typical of the hotels we use are the Regina in Lido di Jesolo, the Hotel President in Tuscany, the San Giorgio in Fiuggi, the Hotel Tirrenia in Sorrento and the Caesar Palace in Sicily. Hotels will be confirmed in your final documents.

Day 1: UK/Venice

Depart on your scheduled flight to Venice. Transfer to your hotel in nearby Lido di Jesolo on Italy’s Adriatic coast for a two-night stay.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Venice

Join our included three-quarter-day trip to the wonderful city of Venice, built on a maze of over 150 canals peppered with more than 400 bridges. On our tour of the city, you will see all the main sights, such as St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge, the Doges’ Palace and much more.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 3: Bologna

After breakfast we travel through northern Italy to the stunning region of Tuscany, with a visit en route to the ‘Red City’ of Bologna, so-called because of the stone used in the old architecture. Bologna boasts a wonderful old centre, stylish squares and Gallerie shopping plus the imposing Church of San Petronio. After leaving Bologna, we continue to our Tuscany hotel in a resort such as Montecatini Terme or Marina di Pietrasanta for a three-night stay.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 4: Pisa

At leisure or join our included half-day tour to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower in the aptly named ‘Field of Miracles’. The tower took an incredible 176 years to complete.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 5: Florence

Free to relax and enjoy our optional full-day excursion to Florence, the ‘Art City’ of Italy in the company of a city guide. Built beside the River Arno, Florence has a compact centre that is easy to explore on foot. With countless iconic buildings, beautiful piazzas and charming little boutiques, as well as world-renowned art galleries, there’s something new to see around every corner in this treasure trove of a city.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 6: Orvieto

Time to leave Tuscany as we head south towards the region of Lazio and Rome. Along the way we call in at the impressive fortress town of Orvieto and visit the historic centre. In the late afternoon we arrive in the beautiful spa resort of Fiuggi, nestling in the hills of Monti Ernici, for a three-night stay. The town is centred around two spas set in an attractive park, just a short walk from the main shops, restaurants and cafés.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 7: Rome

Today we offer an optional full-day excursion to the ‘Eternal City’ of Rome, featuring the major sights with a city guide. This comprehensive full-day tour will introduce you to the very best that Rome has to offer. You will see famous sights including the Colosseum and ruins dating back to the days of the Empire in the ancient quarter, Roma Antica. You will also visit wonderful monuments such as the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain, along with the beautiful Piazza di Spagna, with its famous designer shops and charming cafés.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 8: Fiuggi

Today you are free to explore the enchanting medieval town of Fiuggi. Alternatively why not join our half-day optional excursion to the pretty hill-top villages of Castelli Romani which plays host to the Pope each year as he heads to Castel Gandolfo, his summer palace, during the warmer months. Frascati wine is produced locally and we will take time to visit a local vineyard for a tasting.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 9: Montecassino Abbey and Pompeii

Time to leave Fiuggi and continue south, stopping en route to visit Montecassino Abbey before we explore the ruins of Pompeii. In Pompeii enjoy a guided walking tour of this ancient city of the Roman Empire. Pompeii was frozen in time when nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79AD and buried the entire area under a layer of hot ash. Recent excavations have revealed mummified remains of the inhabitants and their lifestyle as they were over 2,000 years ago. Later this afternoon you will continue your journey to the beautiful Sorrento peninsula where we stay for three nights.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 10: Sorrento

Sorrento itself is set on a spectacular headland with magnificent views across the Bay of Naples. This cosmopolitan resort has an array of shops, restaurants and pavement cafés where you can relax and enjoy the setting. Today you are free to relax and explore in the resort of Sorrento at your own pace. The town is famous for its magnificent views across the Bay of Naples with Mount Vesuvius as the backdrop.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 11: Capri

Today we offer a full-day optional excursion, crossing by ferry (approx. 1hr), to the wonderful island of Capri. You’ll visit the villages of Capri and Anacapri, the Gardens of Caesar Augustus and see the Faraglioni Rocks. Why not take the chair lift from Anacapri up to the highest point of the island (at extra cost), from where there are spectacular views across to the mainland.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 12: Taormina

We travel southwards towards the very tip of the Italian boot shape taking the short ferry ride across to Messina on the wonderful island of Sicily. On arrival transfer to our hotel in the Taormina area for a threenight stay. Take time to relax this evening and enjoy your surroundings, explore the town or simply enjoy the comfort of your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 13: Taormina

After breakfast, we enjoy an included visit into picturesque Taormina, famed for its Greek amphitheatre. The town is situated at the top of a sheer cliff and enjoys panoramic views over the sea and Mount Etna. Take a stroll through the historic centre and the beautiful public gardens.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 14: Taormina

At leisure or enjoy our optional three-quarter day excursion visiting Sicily’s most famous attraction, Mount Etna (off road transport and guide available at extra cost). This is Europe’s highest volcano at a height of 10,910ft. There is an option to view the volcano from the highest point possible, the views are amazing.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 15: Catania/UK

Transfer to Sicily’s Catania airport for your return flight to the UK.

Meals: Breakfast