Country Roads of Italy, a Women-Only Tour

Day 1  Rome    
Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and baroque churches. Transfer to your hotel to settle in before joining your group for a delicious welcome dinner at a local restaurant.    

Day 2  Rome    
Discover the modern-day city and learn how people lived in Ancient Rome. See St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City,  then, cross the Tiber river to see the Circus Maximus and the Colosseum.  

Day 3  Rome to Sorrento    
Venture to Castel Gandolfo to explore the artistic treasure of the Villa Barberini Gardens, marvelling at the intricately designed mosaic flower beds and fountains. Continue south, drinking in the views of the Bay of Naples en route to the resort town of Sorrento.    

Day 4  Capri    
Today, cross the Bay of Naples to reach the beautiful Isle of Capri, a rock rising sheer from the Mediterranean. Explore the narrow alleyways, browse in exclusive boutiques and wander at the views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Return to Sorrento and in the evening, enjoy a cocktail masterclass with spectacular views.    

Day 5  Sorrento to Todi    
Head to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii to explore this extraordinary site. After, travel into the heart of Italy to enjoy free time in Todi, located on a hilltop pedestal overlooking a vineyard-covered plain. Savour the distinctly medieval ambience and admire the Piazza del Popolo where locals take their evening stroll. Cap off the day dining at a local restaurant with a glass of wine.    

Day 6  Todi    
Admire the undulating splendour of the Umbrian hills, where the glossy green vineyards gleam in the warm rays of the sun. Settle in and enjoy a day at leisure amidst this breathtaking landscape.    

Day 7  Todi to Perugia    
Journey to beautiful Perugia, the jewel of Umbria. On a walking tour see the Collegio del Cambio, the splendid Priors' Palace, the Cathedral, and the finely sculptured Great Fountain in the magnificent main square. Visit Assisi to see St Clare’s Church, the Roman Temple of Minerva and the huge Basilica of St Francis. Travel through the Umbrian hills to a family-owned winery led by the women of the family.      

Day 8  Perugia    
In Perugia, explore more of this gem of a town. Visit a women-led artisanal workshop and learn how weavers are preserving the ancient craft of loom-weaving. With the rest of your day at leisure, perhaps visit Cortona, one of the oldest hill towns in Tuscany, home to a recently unearthed Etruscan Temple.  

Day 9  Perugia to Tuscany    
Embark on a journey, passing Lake Trasimeno to Renaissance Florence. See the marble-clad cathedral, bell tower and the Gates of Paradise on the baptistery. Afterwards, discover Florence’s rich, artisan heritage during a demonstration of traditional leatherwork and gold craftsmanship. Spend time gazing at the fountains and sculptures along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio.

Day 10  Tuscany    
This morning, explore Siena and choose to visit the medieval Basilica of St Domenico or alternatively, sample panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert. Continue to the hilltop town of San Gimignano. Strikingly visible from every angle, its towers dominate the skyline and give it the nickname the ‘Medieval Manhattan’ of Tuscany. Enjoy tasting award-winning gelato, then journey through the rolling, cypress-clad hills and vineyards of Tuscany as you return to your hotel.    

Day 11  Tuscany to Lucca    
Travel to Lucca to view the churches, squares and palaces, perfectly preserved within encircling medieval ramparts. Taste buccellato, Lucca's sweet raisin anise bread. Later, you could take the opportunity to explore nearby Pisa.  

Day 12  Cinque Terre    
Get ready to explore the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy's most beautiful landscapes. Visit one of the picturesque fishing villages, before cruising along the rugged coastline (weather permitting). There is plenty of time to explore the old medieval quarter and popular sandy beach before returning to Lucca.  

Day 13  Lucca to Parma    
Journey to the elegant university town of Parma, celebrated for its culinary heritage, including its world-famous ham and cheese. Later, unwind in the soothing waters of a natural thermal spa, set within a 19th Century palace.  

Day 14  Parma to Venice    
Enjoy a masterclass at one of Modena's top producers of authentic, artisan balsamic vinegar. Afterwards, continue through the Soave vineyards past Padua to Venice, Queen of the Adriatic.

Day 15  Venice    
Visit a traditional arts centre where you can see how beautiful, handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers. See St Mark’s Basilica and admire the Doge's Palace with its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. Glide by gondola through the atmospheric canals passing water-lapped doorways and rococo palaces. Cruise the islands of the Venetian Lagoon to arrive at Burano, famous for its candy-coloured houses. Conclude your women-only tour over a delightful dinner of local specialities.    

Day 16  Venice    
Make your way to the airport for your flight home.