Italian Treasures - Rome to Budapest

Arrive in Rome by 12pm to be met and transferred to your hotel. On a guided afternoon tour, you’ll learn about the Italian capital’s proud, domineering history that lives on through its astounding collection of ancient landmarks. Head to the Forum, where triumphant processions and speeches played out over the course of history. Arrive at the Colosseum – the largest and most symbolic amphitheatre of Imperial Rome – then pay a visit to the Pantheon. Dedicated to the gods, it dates all the way back to AD118. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner tonight. Accommodation: Two Nights: Rome, NH Vittorio Veneto Meals: Dinner

Venture to the walled enclave and seat of Christianity on a tour of the Vatican City. Take in the sweeping expanse of St Peter’s Square before exploring the Vatican Museums. Here you’ll find many of the world’s greatest sculptures and paintings, including Michelangelo’s frescoed masterpiece upon the barrel-vaulted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. With the afternoon and evening at leisure, perhaps visit the Spanish Steps, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain or join the Romans on their ‘passeggiata’ (evening stroll). Meals: Breakfast

Heading south, take the coastal route past cliffs that overlook the Bay of Naples. Enjoy postcard views as you reach Sorrento, where clusters of coloured buildings rest on a cliff above a harbour. Perhaps spend time this afternoon taking in the village atmosphere over a glass of rosé, before browsing the narrow laneways lined with shops and boutiques. A Taste of Italy – enjoy an authentic taste of Campanian culture as you share a home-style Italian meal with a local family. Accommodation: Two Nights: Sorrento, Hotel Michelangelo Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Once a resort island for Roman emperors, today you will get to experience the beauty and magic that has so famously contributed to Capri’s allure. Cruise across bright blue waters to spend time exploring the main village of Capri. No matter where you roam on this idyllic isle, you won’t be far from spectacular views. Meals: Breakfast

Engulfed by the lava from Mt Vesuvius in AD79, Pompeii provides a vivid picture of ancient Roman life as you explore the eerie ruins. After, journey north and enjoy the bucolic Tuscan countryside, where terracotta villas are dotted between undulating, vine-covered hills. Special Stay – an overnight stay amidst the jumbled streets of San Gimignano promises to be a highlight of your Italian journey. Accommodation: San Gimignano, Relais La Cappuccina Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

As you explore the historic streets and fortifications of San Gimignano, turn your gaze toward the sky to admire its 14 ancient towers. Continue north and be transfixed as Florence’s cityscape of bell towers and domes emerges on the horizon. Savour a Tuscan lunch at Castello Vicchiomaggio before an evening at leisure. Accommodation: Two Nights: Florence, Hotel NH Firenze Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Explore this jewel of the Renaissance, home to some of Italy’s most famous names – Dante,Da Vinci and Michelangelo. Your tour includes a visit to the Academy of Fine Arts, where you will see Michelangelo’s ‘David’. A Taste of Italy – sample the city’s finest gelato at a famous local gelateria. Then delight in an afternoon at leisure to soak in the history and culture of the city at your own pace. Meals: Breakfast

In Verona, ‘The City of Love’, visit the Roman Arena and put yourself in Romeo’s shoes beneath Juliet’s balcony. Later, head to Venice. Accommodation: Two Nights: Venice, NH Laguna Palace Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Venice stands alone as a sanctuary of architectural and artistic wonder. Spend the morning discovering the city, where streets are replaced by romantic canals and cars by gondolas. The leisurely tour will take you to discover an array of sights on foot, including St Mark’s Square. Meals: Breakfast

Travel via Slovenia to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, and set out on a guided tour. Tonight you’ll enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers. Accommodation: Hotel Sheraton Zagreb Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Travel from Zagreb to Budapest, here your journey comes to an end. Meals: Breakfast