Italy Encompassed

Days 1-3  Venice  
Fly to Venice, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel by water taxi. Sit back and relax on your included gondola ride, drifting past charming churches, terraces and historic buildings. While in Venice, enjoy an included day trip to the Dolomites and Cortina.  

Days 4-5  Venice to Verona  
Journey by train to the medieval city of Verona, known for its associations with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, as well as for its Roman-era landmarks, vibrant markets and Stone Bridge.  

Days 6-7  Verona to Lake Garda  
Board the train to Italy’s beautiful lake district.  In Lake Garda, explore the pretty lakeside towns, soak up the sun on the shoreside beaches and opt for a boat ride around the lake’s glistening waters, taking in the astounding alpine views.  

Days 8-9  Lake Garda to Milan  
Enjoy the views from your train window as your journey southwest to fashion capital Milan. Be introduced to one of Italy’s most celebrated masterpieces – Leonardo Da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’ as part of your small group walking tour.

Days 10-11  Milan to Bologna  
Settle in for your train journey to Bologna, the food capital. While here, absorb the delightful atmosphere of this city, with its iconic portico lined streets and remarkable medieval old centre.  Cap off your visit with a dish of authentic Taglietelle al Ragù Bolognese, as part of your included Bologna food tour.    

Days 12-14  Bologna to Florence  
Set off by train for the dazzling city of Florence, admiring the magnificent views of the Duomo on arrival. Check out the incredible artwork and sculptures in the Accademia and Uffizi galleries and sample a dish of mouth-watering Florentine pasta. Included in your package is a visit to the splendid seaside villages of Cinque Terre and Pisa, both prime spots for photography enthusiasts!  

Days 15-17  Florence to Rome  
No extended trip to Italy would be complete without a visit to its capital, Rome, recognised for its historical, cultural and archaeological importance. With the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Vatican City, there is no shortage of incredible sightseeing on offer.  

Day 18  Rome to Naples  
Take the trip to Southern Italy, boarding the train to Naples, where, after arrival, you may choose to treat yourself to an authentic, thin-crust pizza. Why not explore the National Archaeological Museum, boasting impressive Roman-era artefacts?  

Days 19-20  Naples to Sorrento  
Meet your private driver for a drive to the glittering Sorrento coastline, a gateway to the beautiful Amalfi Coast. During your visit to Sorrento, enjoy an included guided group tour to the acclaimed, ancient sites of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius, famous for its eruption in the year 79.

Days 21-23  Sorrento to Amalfi  
Today, transfer to the town of Amalfi. You might wish to explore the pastel-painted villages, hike along one of the picturesque walking trails, or simply while away the hours beside your hotel pool.

Days 24-26  Amalfi to Lecce  
Settle in for the scenic train journey to Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot. Known for its intricate baroque and Rococo architecture, enjoy a few days getting to know the historic, cultural capital of Puglia. On your included tour, delight in authentic Italian cuisine before heading over to the town of Alberobello to admire the unique architecture of the trulli houses.  

Days 27-28  Lecce to Ostuni  
Set off by train for Ostuni, a gorgeous, whitewashed city perched atop a hill with views overlooking the stunning Adriatic Ocean. While here, opt for a visit to a nearby grove for olive oil tasting, or to one of the local vineyards, to sample some of the world-famous Puglia wine.  

Days 29-31  Ostuni to Monopoli  
The perfect way to end your Italian extravaganza, treat yourself to a relaxing beach break on the golden sands of Monopoli. Perhaps enjoy a day trip to nearby Polignano a Mare, home to a spectacular cliff-sided cove before soaking up the warm rays of the Mediterranean on the beach.  

Day 32  Transfer to Bari and fly home.