Days 1-2 - By train to Rome via Paris
We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar to Paris travelling in Standard Premier Class, with a light meal and drinks served on board. This evening is free to explore this fascinating city - why not enjoy a cruise down the Seine to admire the twinkling lights of France's capital? On Day 2 we travel down through France and the heart of Italy, arriving in its magnificent capital and transferring to the Massimo D'Azeglio Hotel, our base for four nights. (Day 1- E; Day 2-B,D)
Day 3 - Exploring Rome
We enjoy a half-day guided tour of the ancient city today. Highlights include the Colosseum, the huge arena commissioned in 72AD, the incredibly well-preserved Roman Forum, and the theatrical Trevi Fountain. This afternoon you are free to savour the sights and sounds of Rome's seductive beauty, before dinner this evening in the hotel. (B,D)
Day 4 - A day at leisure in Rome
You have the opportunity to explore this fascinating city at your own pace today or visit the superb St Peter's Basilica and the Vatican museums (payable locally). Alternatively, you may simply wish to stroll through Rome's atmospheric streets, ascend the monumental Spanish Steps or relax in one of Rome's many squares with a coffee or ice-cream and watch the world go by. (B)
Day 5 - Into the hills to Castelgandolfo
Today's excursion by coach takes us into the hills beyond Rome, crossing the ancient Appian Way and wending our way through beautiful villages, including a visit to Palazzo Chigi di Ariccia, an austere and noble palace. We enjoy dinner tonight at Castelgandolfo, the Pope's summer retreat on Lake Albano. (B,D)
Day 6 - By train to Florence
This morning, we take the high-speed train to Renaissance Florence, regarded by many as Europe's artistic capital. We spend three nights at the Hotel Santa Maria Novella, a short walk from the city's historic attractions. We enjoy a guided tour this afternoon, visiting the spectacular Duomo with its distinctive orange-tiled dome, rising up above the heart of the city, and the unique Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge, constructed in 1345. Dinner tonight is in a typical Tuscan restaurant. (B,D)
Day 7 - A day at leisure
Today is free for you to discover Florence at your own pace. The Basilica di Santa Croce, which houses the tombs of Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Galileo is well worth a visit, and don't forget to visit the Uffizi art gallery. (B)
Day 8 - Excursion to Lucca
Our rail excursion today takes us to the beautiful walled city of Lucca, one of the most perfectly preserved medieval towns in Europe. We enjoy a guided tour here and enjoy lunch in a typical Lucchese restaurant, followed by some free time. Take a stroll through the narrow winding streets of the Old Town or perhaps climb one of the bell-towers for lovely views over the jumbled maze of red-tiled roofs. (B,L)
Day 9 - By train to Venice
Sit back and enjoy our high-speed rail journey to Venice. On arrival, we walk to our hotel for three nights, the splendid Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal, looking out over Venice's most famous stretch of water. There is time for you to start your exploration of this incredible floating city before we meet for dinner tonight. (B,D)
Day 10 - Sightseeing in Venice
We begin our guided tour today in the very heart of Venice, St Mark's Square, which is dominated by the magnificent Basilica di San Marco and the venerable Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace. This afternoon, why not soak up the atmosphere with a romantic gondola ride? For those who prefer a bird's-eye view, take the opportunity to climb the Campanile de San Marco, which offers incredible vistas over the buildings clustered around the centre, and shimmering lagoons further out. (B)
Day 11 - A day at leisure in Venice
Today is at leisure to explore this beautiful city. Venice lends itself to idle wandering, and possibly the best way to enjoy its captivating charms is to let yourself get lost in the myriad of winding alleys and twisting lanes that make up the city centre. Alternatively, why not sail to the island of Murano, famous for its gorgeous glassware, or Burano, well-known for its lace-making industry? This evening we conclude with a farewell dinner in a locallyrenowned restaurant in San Marco. (B,D)
Days 12-13 - Farewell to Italy
After a free morning, we take the direct train to Turin, where we spend the night at the 4-star Hotel ATA Concord. On Day 13 we travel on by TGV to Paris, where we transfer by coach across the city. We continue on the Eurostar service to St Pancras International with a light meal and drinks served before our arrival. (Day 12- B,D; Day 13-B,E)
E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday
The high speed Eurostar trains link St Pancras International in London with Paris and Lille in France as well as Brussels in Belgium.
Introduced in 1981, France's TGV - Train à Grande Vitesse - was the original European high-speed train. Linking Paris with Lyon, the new service revolutionised train travel and meant that travelling by air over medium and short distances was no longer seen as the best option, even for business travel. The network has expanded rapidly and today these sleek, stylish trains offer links to over 60 destinations throughout France. Operated by SNCF, the French national rail operator, TGV trains travel over specially-constructed high speed lines. The trains can achieve speeds of up to 186mph (300km/h) on most long distance routes and 200mph (320km/h) on the new TGV Est line, which links Paris with Strasbourg, Luxembourg and Basel. With the exception of shorter journeys, TGVs almost always have an on-board buffet car, serving a selection of drinks and light refreshments.
