DAY 1: DEPART USA. Overnight flight to Rome.

DAY 2: ARRIVE ROME. Welcome to Rome. Complimentary transfers to your Insight tour hotel; depart Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 09.30, 12.30 & 15.30 hours. Later, join your fellow guests and Tour Director for a Welcome Drink.

Hotel: Grand Hotel Tiberio/Villa Pamphili

DAY 3: ROME SIGHTSEEING. Sightseeing in this magnificent city includes St. Peter's, the largest church in the world, the Colosseum and Roman Forum. This afternoon we are free to shop, relax on the Via Veneto, then there is so much to choose from: visit the Catacombs, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps. This evening, why not try a typically Roman dinner in one of the many restaurants? (BB)

DAY 4: ROME - FLORENCE. This morning with a local guide we visit the vast art collection in the Vatican Museums as well as the Sistine Chapel, the glorious masterpiece of Michelangelo's fresco skills. We then ascend the Apennine Mountains to the hilltop town of Orvieto. Here we visit the impressive cathedral, with its breathtaking facade, considered one of Italy's finest! Then, a beautiful drive takes us through the Tuscan vineyards to Piazzale Michelangelo for sweeping views over Florence - a great photo opportunity! Now on to our hotel. (BB,D)

Hotel: Croce di Malta/Mediterraneo

DAY 5: FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING. On our guided walking tour we visit the Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo's original statue of David. We then continue to the huge Cathedral to see the Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery. Next we visit Signoria Square, political heart of the city and still an open air gallery of Renaissance art. Our last stop is the Basilica of Santa Croce which houses the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo. We finish with a demonstration of leather work. The rest of the day is at leisure. (BB)

DAY 6: FLORENCE - VENICE. This morning we travel to Verona, setting for one of history's saddest love stories. Here we view Juliet's balcony and the well-preserved Roman Arena (still used for open-air opera performances). We then continue to the romantic city of Venice - a step back in time to the 16th century! (BB,D)

Hotel: Continental

DAY 7: VENICE SIGHTSEEING. Venice - a living treasure! Appreciate her splendouras: we cruise by the Church of the Redentore and Palladio's San Giorgio Maggiore, to St. Mark's Square. Once one of the greatest trading centers of the world, importing goods especially from the Orient, the city's wealth and power is evidenced by the riches of St. Mark's Basilica. We also see the Doges' Palace and its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. Later we visit one of the glass showrooms for a demonstration of traditional craftsmanship, unchanged for centuries. Now time to relax and watch the gondolas as they slip beneath the bridges. Don't miss the chance to try the delicious seafood, freshly caught in the lagoon! (BB)

DAY 8: VENICE - ROME. Today we follow the smooth highway across the fertile valley of the river Po before climbing high into the Apennine mountains. Continuing southwards, we reach the valley of the river Tiber and follow its course to Rome. This evening, we drop a coin in the glittering Trevi Fountain to ensure our return, before enjoying a Highlight Dinner including wine and live entertainment! (BB,HD)

Hotel: Grand Hotel Tiberio/Villa Pamphili

DAY 9: RETURN TO USA. Sadly, our tour comes to an end after breakfast today. Transfers from the hotel arrive at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07.00 & 09.30 hours. (BB)