DAY 1: DEPART USA. (FRI.) Overnight flight to Rome.

DAY 2: ROME AT LEISURE. (SAT.) On arrival at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport there are complimentary transfers to your tour hotel. Relax and settle in before joining your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink.

Hotel: Cicerone

DAY 3: ROME SIGHTSEEING. (SUN.) Tour St Peter's Basilica, seeing the Popes' Altar by Bernini. Now visit the Colosseum, scene of great entertainment in Imperial times and overlook the Roman Forum. Time at leisure this afternoon. (BB)

DAY 4: ROME - OVERNIGHT FERRY. (MON.) Meet your local guide for a sightseeing tour of the priceless art in the Vatican Museums before admiring Michelangelo's amazing ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Drive through vine-covered hills to visit the peaceful Commonwealth War Cemetery at Cassino. Stop at Pompeii, where a local expert will guide you around the excavations of the city, buried by an eruption in 79 AD. Drive through the city of Naples before boarding an overnight ferry to Sicily. (BB)

DAY 5: PALERMO - AGRIGENTO. (TUE.) Arrive in the early morning in Palermo where a guided tour will show you the cathedral, the Arab-Norman Palatine Chapel and the magnificent Monreale. Then it's off to the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento, considered the finest Greek sanctuary in Sicily. See the impressive Temple of Concord and Temple of Juno, overlooking the sea. (BB,D)

Hotel: Dioscuri Palace

DAY 6: AGRIGENTO - GIARDINI NAXOS. (WED.) Visit the Roman Villa of Casale today, noted for the mosaics which cover almost the entire floor. Descend to the east coast and follow the coastline of the Cyclops Riviera to Giardini Naxos. (BB,D)

Hotel: Sant Alphio

DAY 7: TAORMINA EXCURSION. (THU.) Tour the hillside town of Taormina. Founded in 400 BC, Taormina is beautifully located, facing the snowy peak of Mount Etna. Visit the Greek Theatre before free time to explore the sub-tropical terraced gardens, or stroll along elegant Corso Umberto to Piazza 9 Aprile for panoramic views across the bay. Return to Giardini Naxos where the rest of the day is at leisure. (BB,D)

DAY 8: GIARDINI NAXOS - SORRENTO. (FRI.) Drive to Messina to board the ferry back to the Italian mainland. Continuing north past Salerno, take the cliff- top road to Sorrento. (BB)

Hotel: Parco del Sole

DAY 9: ISLE OF CAPRI EXCURSION. (SAT.) See the art of 'intarsio', or marquetry wood inlaying, before cruising to the island of Capri. A funicular train takes you up to Capri town to spend time browsing the shops and admiring the Mediterranean views. Perhaps visit Anacapri before returning to Sorrento. (BB,D)

DAY 10: SORRENTO - ASSISI. (SUN.) Drive north into Umbria and continue to the walled town of Assisi, spread across the slopes of Monte Subasio. Stroll through the narrow streets and visit the Basilica of St Francis with its famous frescoes by Giotto before spending the afternoon at leisure. The energetic can climb up to the castle for fine views over the valley. (BB,D)

Hotel: Windsor Savoia

DAY 11: ASSISI - VENICE. (MON.) Visit the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels, built to commemorate the site where St Francis died. Then a delightful mountain drive takes you through the heart of the Apennines to the independent Republic of San Marino, couched within medieval ramparts at the top of a dramatic cliff. Explore the old town, and perhaps shop at duty-free prices, before continuing to romantic Venice, where your hotel overlooks the Venetian Lagoon. (BB,D)

Hotel: Dei Dogi

DAY 12: VENICE SIGHTSEEING. (TUE.) Relax and enjoy the scenery as you travel by private launch to St Mark's Square. See the Bridge of Sighs, connecting the Doges' Palace to the prisons. See the ornate St Mark's Basilica, followed by a demonstration of Venetian glass blowing. To truly appreciate this unique city, step aboard your gondola to glide along the peaceful canals. Now you are at leisure. Why not cruise to Burano Island for a delicious seafood meal? (BB)

DAY 13: VENICE - FLORENCE. (WED.) Cross the fertile valley of the river Po before heading into the Apennines to the Tuscan capital, Florence. A guided tour takes you to the original 'Statue of David' inside the Academy Gallery. Walk to the Cathedral to see Giotto's Belltower and the 'Gates of Paradise' before continuing to Signoria Square, adorned with statues and fountains, before visiting the basilica of Santa Croce, where Michelangelo lies buried. Finally, watch a leatherwork demonstration before enjoying some time at leisure. (BB,D)

Hotel: Sheraton

DAY 14: FLORENCE AT LEISURE. (THU.) A whole day is set aside to explore this glorious city, the treasure house of the Italian Renaissance. Take an excursion to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa or indulge in a delicious local meal with rich Chianti wine. (BB)

DAY 15: FLORENCE - ROME. (FRI.) Travel through the Chianti vineyards and olive groves to Siena, Renaissance rival of Florence. Walk through the narrow cobbled streets to the vast Campo Square, where the Palio horse race takes place. See the Town Hall, Della Quercia's 'Fountain of Joy', and climb up to the hilltop Cathedral before returning to Rome. Stop by the Spanish Steps before enjoying a Highlight farewell dinner with pasta and music. (BB,HD)

Hotel: Sheraton

DAY 16: RETURN TO USA. (SAT.) The tour ends with transfers to Rome Airport. (BB)