Classic Italy Journey

On arrival at Florence Airport transfer to your hotel and check in, then meet our driver to uncover Siena – a glorious medieval city famed for the Palio horse race. Wander past Palazzo Salimbeni, dating from the 14th century, and step into the shell shaped Piazza del Campo, scene of the Palio each 2 July and 16 August.

You admire the Cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary, its façade clad in colourful local marble and home to masterpieces by Michelangelo, Donatello and Bernini. Before you return to Florence, you can sample local flavours – handmade pici and ricciarelli almond biscuits are not to be missed. You have the evening at leisure. Overnight in Florence.

After breakfast meet your local guide to explore the evocative backstreets of Florence, from Piazza del Duomo with its Baptistery and Santa Maria del Fiore to the Ponte Vecchio, and from Piazza della Signoria with Palazzo Vecchio and the Loggia dell’Orcagna to the central stone paved avenues studded with masterpieces at every turn.

This focused walk reveals the city’s essential must see highlights. You have free time for lunch, then in the afternoon your tour leader accompanies you to discover traditional craftsmanship – visit a renowned jewellery house to admire collections by Florentine master goldsmiths, browse the San Lorenzo leather market for high quality bags, shoes and jackets, and step into an old perfume workshop still using medieval monks’ methods and recipes. Overnight in Florence.

After an American buffet breakfast, check out and depart for Venice, pausing in Verona to explore its UNESCO listed historic centre. Marvel at the ancient Roman Arena, built in AD 30, superbly preserved and able to hold more than 30,000 spectators, then continue past the former home of Maria Callas and on to Juliet’s House. Back at Piazza Bra you have time for lunch.

You proceed to Venice for check in and set off on a walking tour – our local guide introduces the Doge’s Palace, the Campanile, the Clock Tower and the Library while recounting the city’s origins and illustrious history. You slip into hidden Venice to admire back alleys, lovely canals and picturesque squares, reaching the Rialto Bridge over the Grand Canal and its market area. Afterwards you can enjoy a typical dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Venice.

Ride by boat across the Venetian Lagoon to colourful Murano for an inside look at its world famous glassblowing. Watch a master craftsman at work and have time to browse the showroom of finished pieces. You then continue to Burano for a stroll and some shopping, before returning by boat to Venice. You have the rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight in Venice.

After breakfast you check out and depart for Sirmione – the Pearl of Lake Garda, 'the gem of all the peninsulas', as Catullus wrote. You begin at the atmospheric Scaliger Castle from the late 13th century, then follow narrow medieval lanes to the Parish Church of Santa Maria, where images, paintings, varied altars and precious 18th century marble works await.

Slightly uphill you reach the Church of San Salvatore dating to the 8th century. Admire the park of the prestigious five star Hotel Villa Cortine and the nearby Villa of Maria Callas before arriving at the entrance to the Grotte di Catullo – the most important archaeological area in Lombardy – with imposing remains of what was once a luxurious Roman villa on the lake. Next, drive to Milan and check in. Overnight in Milan.

After breakfast, at the agreed time you meet your driver for the transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport for your return flight.