INCLUDED FEATURES...

• Rome Sightseeing tour includes views of the Forum, Colosseum and Circus Maximus plus visits to St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel*.
• Venice Canal cruise by private launch. View St. Mark's Square, the Byzantine Basilica, Doges' Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Visit a glass-blowing factory.
• Florence Sightseeing tour includes the Duomo, Signoria Square, Baptistry and a visit to the Santa Croce Basilica. Panoramic view from Piazzale Michelangelo. Admire Florentine leatherwork.
• Scenic drives through the Umbria, over the Apennine Mountains, through the Chianti vineyards of Tuscany, across the fertile Po Valley, along the shores of Lake Garda and the hills of the Latium.

Dining Highlights

• A Welcome dinner and drinks with your Tour Director in Rome
• 6 Buffet breakfasts
• 2 three-course dinners 9 meals in total (see day-by-day itinerary)

First Class Travel Highlights

• The services of one of Trafalgar's top professional multi-lingual Tour Directors.
• A qualified local city guide in Rome and Florence.
• Chauffeur driven on Trafalgar's luxury air-conditioned motorcoaches with reclining seats and washroom.
• Rome Fiumicino Airport Transfers are provided on Days 2 and 8.
• You'll stay in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
• All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
• A stylish travel bag and wallet containing tour documents andhelpful information.

Double click on Map to englarge

Day 1 - Depart USA
Overnight flight to Rome.

Day 2 - Arrive Rome (2 nights). On arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport you are met and transferred to your hotel. After check-in the remainder of the day is at leisure, perhaps to relax or explore. This evening, enjoy a Welcome dinner of pasta and wine in a local trattoria with your Tour Director and fellow travelling companions. (Welcome Dinner) Hotel: Melia Aurelia Antica (2 nights)

Day 3 - Rome sightseeing & at leisure. Today's highlight is our visit to the Sistinew Chapel to admire the painted ceiling by Michelangelo rendered even more fascinating by the clear commentary of our local guide, thanks to our effective audio system. From here we make our way into St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, to see the famous Pieta - among other great works. Next we are off for a walking tour in ancient Rome stopping at the Forum to see the mighty Colosseum. Finally, our local guide shows us the Circus Maximus, where 'Ben Hur' style chariot races were often held. Then there's time at leisure to perhaps visit the Catacombs or relax in one of the many pavement cafés. (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 4 - Rome - Venice (Main.). We drive through the Umbrian Hills, past Orvieto and into the Apennine Mountains reaching the Emilia Romagna. Next past Bologna and along the Veneto Plain to magical Venice. Tonight after dinner at the hotel, there's time for a gondola serenade. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner) Hotel: Antony

Day 5 - Venice sightseeing - Lake Garda. This morning we savour the sights and sounds of this floating city on an included canal cruise by private motor launch to St. Mark's Square viewing the Bridge of Sighs and Doges' Palace. Next we visit a glass-blowing factory, before time on your own to perhaps take a trip to Burano. Then we drive across the plains of Veneto past Verona towards the Italian Lake District for the night. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner) Hotel: Atlantic Club

Day 6 - Lake Garda - Florence. Today's drive takes us along the shores of Lake Garda, as we head via Mantua to Renaissance Florence. On our arrival a walking tour with a local guide and audio system, features the Duomo, Baptistry, Piazza Signoria and visits the Santa Croce Basilica. Later, you may wish to discover the artistic wonders in the museums or shop for leather and gold. (Buffet Breakfast) Hotel: Grand Mediterraneo

Day 7 - Florence - Rome. We enjoy a scenic drive back to the 'Eternal City', Rome. Your afternoon is free, perhaps to visit beautiful Villa d'Este. Tonight, why not discover the city's culinary delights in a local trattoria? (Buffet Breakfast) Hotel: Sheraton Golf

Day 8 - Rome - USA. It's 'buon viaggio' as we transfer you to Rome Fiumicino airport for your return flight to America. (Buffet Breakfast)