Classical Italy

Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then we travel to northern France or Belgium for an overnight stay.

Continue south to our resort on Lake Garda for a three-night stay.

Join our included excursion along the shores of Lake Garda. Heading along the eastern side of the lake, we first visit Malcesine, dominated by the Monte Baldo mountain. We continue to Garda, the principal town of the area.

Spend time exploring the narrow streets of the old village or relax in one of the many cafés. We also see the ancient fortified town of Sirmione. This famous town is known for its beautiful views and relaxed atmosphere, and we’ll be able to take in its many sights. These include the 13th century Scaliger Castle, and the churches of Sant’Anna della Rocca, San Pietro in Mavino and Santa Maria Maggiore. Enjoy an optional cruise around the peninsula, which lasts approximately 30 minutes.

Join our optional excursion to the beautiful city of Venice, where we’ll find stunning architecture, fascinating history and vibrant culture. Venice is one of the most interesting cities in the world, with its winding canals and reputation for being the birthplace (and adopted home) of many amazing musicians.

Today, Venice is an extraordinary city with lots to discover, from museums to art galleries, monuments to bridges, and everything in between. Some of the most famous places we’ll be able to visit at leisure while in the city include the Doge's Palace and the Clock Tower, as well as the Museum of Natural History and the Venice Academy Gallery. There’s also the Basilica di San Marco, the Bridge of Sighs, Rialto Bridge and the famous Grand Canal.

We leave Lake Garda and call in at Siena. With the city’s historical centre a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Siena is one of Italy’s most popular destinations and is famous for its beautiful attractions. We’ll explore its wonderful heritage and culture, and will get the chance to visit a number of its most popular sights at leisure. See the Piazza del Campo, one of the most famous squares in the world and where the famous horse race, the Palio di Siena, is run. Later, we head south to the Fiuggi area near Rome for a three-night stay.

Optional excursion to the Neapolitan resort of Sorrento, where you can spend the full day exploring at your leisure. Join our optional Taste of Sorrento excursion, where you can combine your visit to Sorrento with a guided walking tour of the town and a visit to a Limoncello factory. Limoncello is made with lemon rind, water, sugar and alcohol and is one of the most popular digestifs in Sorrento.

Today you have the full day to discover the Italian capital city of Rome on our included excursion. Known as the 'Eternal City' of the Roman Empire, Rome has an immensely rich heritage and cosmopolitan atmosphere, making it one of the world’s most-visited capitals. Packed with historical attractions and with something for absolutely everyone, we are guaranteed to enjoy our time in this famous city. We will be able to enjoy free time to explore to our heart’s content, so we can see some of the city’s best-known attractions. Take the time to discover St Peter’s Square, the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain, the choice is yours.

To make the most of your visit, why not join our optional guided sightseeing tour. The sightseeing tour takes place on both coach and foot and will introduce you to the city’s wonderful sights.

We leave our hotel and travel to our overnight stay in the Montecatini Terme area, Tuscany. En route we visit the Renaissance city of Florence. There will be time at leisure to explore the endless historic sights. Florence is a wonderful city, with amazing architecture and a huge number of historical sights. While at leisure, you can choose to see such sights as the Piazza della Signoria where the Fountain of Neptune is located, as well as a replica of Michelangelo’s David statue - the original is housed within the Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence.

There’s also the gothic Florence Cathedral and the Palazzo Vecchio. To get the most from your visit, join our optional guided sightseeing tour with local guide. The tour starts by coach and takes us up the hills behind the city, to Piazza Michelangelo. Here you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the city and surrounding countryside. Once you have taken your photos the coach will take you back to the city, where your guide will lead you on a walking tour through the delightful streets of Florence, pointing out the major sights.

This morning, we head to the wonderful city of Pisa. We will see the ‘Field of Miracles’ the historic centre of the town and of course the famous leaning tower, where seeing really is believing, at the towers gravity-defying distance from the perpendicular! We’ll enjoy free time in the city to explore at leisure before continuing to Lake Maggiore for a two-night stay.

Join our Optional excursion to the southern shores of beautiful Lake Maggiore and the lakeside town of Baveno, from where we board a boat for a short cruise out towards the picturesque Borromean Islands. The islands lie at the centre of the lake and are fine examples of natural beauty enhanced by landscaped gardens and parks.

To northern France for an overnight stay.

Return home.