Secrets of Italy

Day 1 Venice

Arrive in style! Your airport arrival transfer is by private water taxi. Glide into the centre of Venice by boat to gain an appropriate sense of perspective of this unique city from the water… don’t forget to keep your camera handy! Please advise your travel agent of your flight details at the time of booking. There will be a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. Check with the hotel reception or noticeboard for details. Please have your insurance details on hand to give to your leader. Other than this meeting, there are no activities planned for Day 1, so you are welcome to arrive at your leisure. After the meeting, enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers at a local restaurant. If you arrive early today, get out and experience the winding canals and streets of beautiful Venice. This city is best explored on foot or by boat.

Day 2 Venice

Today you will take an orientation walk in the morning. Board a vaporetto (water bus) to the island of San Giorgio, where you will climb the bell tower and witness expansive views of Venice. Enjoy free time in the afternoon. You might like to visit some museums or take a trip to some of the outlying islands. The Grand Canal, the quaint shopfronts that line the Rialto Bridge and the Piazza and Basilica di San Marco are all worthy sights to visit. It's equally satisfying to simply meander around the tiny cobbled streets and discover the beautiful markets, cafes, galleries and churches. A Venetian gondola ride down the canals is a must, as is a taste of the region’s speciality dessert, tiramisu.

Day 3 Florence

Florence is one of the most culturally rich and beautiful cities in Italy, known to many as the beating heart of Tuscany. The Medicis, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Brunelleschi, Machiavelli, Donatello and Michelangelo all lived in Florence at the height of their creative reign. Walk to Piazzale Michelangelo to take in beautiful views of the city is a lovely way to while away the day. Sample some of the culinary delicacies on offer from across Tuscany. Regional dishes are renowned for their simplicity and ingredient-driven quality. Olive oil, beans and fresh herbs are a feature here. Two standout dishes of the region are bistecca alla fiorentina (essentially a big T-bone steak that is shared between multiple diners) and ribollita (a simple, hearty soup of bread, vegetables and beans). Panforte is the signature sweet treat. Notes: Our means of transportation between Venice and Florence is by High Speed Train. Italian trains are comfortable and have the added bonus of departing and arriving right in the city centre, avoiding heavy road traffic along the way.

Day 4 Florence

While you are in Florence, there will be plenty of time to explore the city and its museums and galleries. It's impossible to see everything in this Renaissance wonderland, however, so take your time and enjoy it. Visiting the Uffizi while you are here is highly recommended – it is one of the oldest galleries in the world, and a building of great beauty. Similarly, a visit to Galleria dell'Accademia, where you can see Michelangelo's famous statue of David, is a must. Notes: All of the Florentine State Museums require tickets, and the queues can be long. Booking your tickets online in advance (uffizi.org and accademia.org) is essential. Your leader can be of assistance booking these.

Day 5 Pisa - Lucca - La Spezia

This morning you will make your way towards the dramatic coast of the Cinque Terre, and visit Pisa and Lucca on the way. Due to the precarious state of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Torre Pendente, it is not always possible to climb it, but you will definitely have the opportunity to photograph it from the ground. Your trip leader will take you to the ticket office to purchase tickets to the Cathedral, Baptistry, Museums and Campo Santo, should you wish to visit them. Your next stop is Lucca, where you can walk the bustling streets or perhaps take a walk along the famous city walls. You then continue to your accommodation in La Spezia. This is the gateway to the gorgeous Cinque Terre.

Day 6 Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre (translating as 'Five Lands' or 'Five Villages') is a region of Italy famed for its rugged coastline and the colourful villages that cling to it. The footpaths that run between the villages were once the only way to travel in the region. You can choose to walk just a few sections, which will still unveil a great amount of majestic scenery. There is a train that connects the villages as well, so if you prefer to enjoy a more relaxing day, you are welcome to take this option. Join a local shop-keeper for a Pesto making class in Levanto. Make your own pesto and enjoy it with a glass of wine afterwards. In the evening there's no better way to refuel after the taxing walks than indulging in a delicious Mediterranean feast. Be sure to try the local pesto and focaccia, both specialties of the area. PLEASE NOTE: Walking distance: 9 km; approximately 4 hours. Due to recent landslides in the area it is currently not possible to walk the Via dell'Amore from Riomaggiore to Manarola and the coastal section between Manarola and Corniglia. You will take the train instead for these sections. Please also note that due to safety reasons some sections of any path can be closed at short notice.

Day 7 San Gimignano - Chianti Region

This morning you will start to make your way to your next hotel (the feature stay of this trip) in the Chianti Region, right in the heart of Tuscany. On the way, you will visit San Gimignano, the 'Town of Fine Towers'. This medieval walled town is famous for its well-preserved tower houses which are now on the UNESCO World Heritage list. There will be time for you to explore the old town centre and its fine Gothic and Romanesque architecture. This region is renowned for its ancient Vernaccia grapes, which are the basis for one of Tuscany's finest white wines. Relax in a local family’s garden surrounded by olive trees and vineyards and enjoy the local organic wine varieties produced by this family for centuries. Arrive at your hotel (a converted medieval monastery) in the afternoon. Relax by the pool or perhaps take a stroll through the vineyards that are part of the property.

Day 8 Siena - Monteriggioni - Rome

Begin the day with a short drive to the medieval city of Siena. It is best known for the Piazza del Campo, the site of the twice-annual Palio (a horse race that goes around the edge of the oval square). Be sure to visit the small but stunning Siena Cathedral, and see the statue of the capitoline wolf which was brought here by the sons of Remus, the founder of Rome. It has been the city's symbol ever since. Continue to Monteriggioni, another Tuscan hill town that was built by the Sienese to defend their territory against the Florentines in the 13th century. Learn a little more about the circular walls and 14 towers which played a significant role in the attacks staged by the Bishop of Volterra. After a 4 hour drive you will arrive into Rome in the early evening.

Day 9 Rome

From incredible ancient monuments to glamourous restaurants and boutiques, Rome is a city of great beauty and diversity. Today you will be taken on a walking tour of the city. You'll see such marvels as the Roman Forum, the Victor Emmanuel Monument, the Pantheon, the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and Venezia, the Spanish Steps and Via Dei Condotti. As you wander the city, perhaps stop in at a bar for a quick coffee, or indulge in some gelato. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this great city as you please. Make sure you take the opportunity to visit the majestic Vatican City and St Peter’s Basilica. The view from the dome of St Peter’s is breath taking. Roman food is world-renowned, and the trattorias that line the streets are the perfect place to sample the local pasta delights. A taste or two of the (very well priced) local wine is also a must. Enjoy a farewell dinner with your travel companions to end the trip. Notes: You can pre-book tickets to the Vatican Museum online to avoid the long queues. Visit biglietteriamusei.vatican.va for more information.

Day 10 Rome

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast on Day 10. Those looking to extend their stay can arrange additional nights' accommodation at the time of booking the trip (subject to availability).