Grand Tour of Italy 2012 

Our holiday begins with an early afternoon departure on the Eurostar from St Pancras International. We travel in Standard Premier Class, with a light meal and drinks served on board during the journey to Paris. We spend tonight at the Mercure Hotel in Paris, located beside the Gare de Lyon. This evening you are free to explore the fascinating French capital and to dine in a restaurant of your choice. On Day 2 we continue our journey to Italy, travelling in First Class on the TGV to Milan, where we change trains and continue to Rome. On arrival in Rome we walk to the Massimo D'Azeglio Hotel, where we stay for the next four nights. (Day 1-E; Day 2-B,D)

This morning we take a guided tour of the ancient city of Rome, exploring some of the many fantastic sights and monuments in this remarkable city. Rome's architecture charts the passage of time as clearly as anywhere in Europe; with wonderfully preserved monuments from the early Romans and buildings with distinctive medieval, Renaissance and Baroque features. We enjoy a tour of the incredible Colosseum, Italy's most famous classical ruin which includes a walk through the underground passageways that proud gladiators and fierce wild animals would have used to make their entrance into the arena. We also visit the Roman Forum, the ancient power centre of Rome, and the legendary Trevi Fountain. This afternoon you are free to savour the sights and sounds of Rome's seductive beauty at leisure. (B,D)

Today you are free to continue exploring this fascinating city at your own pace. Among your many and varied options is a visit to Vatican City, the captivating Vatican museums and the wonderful Sistine Chapel, with superb frescoes painted by Renaissance artists including Michelangelo and Botticelli. One of the most breathtaking sights in Rome is found inside St Peter's Basilica, which has the largest interior of any church in the world. You can visit the remarkably well-preserved Pantheon, a temple to the gods that looks almost exactly as it did over 2,000 years ago. Ascend the monumental Spanish Steps or take a walk through the bustling streets of Rome; an excellent way to soak up the fabulous atmosphere of the city. You could also enjoy one of Italy's favourite national pastimes: people-watching. Find a table in one of the many pavement cafés, order a coffee or ice cream and watch the world go by. When in Rome… (B)

Today's excursion by coach takes us into the hills beyond Rome, crossing the ancient Appian Way and winding our way through beautiful villages, including a visit to Palazzo Chigi di Ariccia, a lavish Baroque palace. We visit Castelgandolfo, the Pope's summer retreat on Lake Albano, and enjoy a wine tasting and light lunch in the renowned Frascati region. (B,L)

This morning we travel to the beautiful city of Florence, the Renaissance capital of the world. We spend three nights here at the wonderful Hotel Santa Maria Novella, located beside the railway station and close to the city's historic attractions. This afternoon we enjoy a guided tour of the city's many treasures, including the Duomo with its iconic red-tiled dome and the Ponte Vecchio - a 14th century bridge that is home to 43 jewellers' shops. Your afternoon is free to explore Florence at leisure. The picturesque narrow streets and handsome squares, including the Piazza della Signoria - the bustling centre of activity in Florence - are a real pleasure to explore. (B,D)

Today you are free to explore Florence at leisure. Much of the beauty of the city is found indoors, with a fifth of the world's Renaissance art on display in Florence's museums, galleries, churches, monasteries and palaces; including the Basilica Santa Croce, burial place of some of Italy's most celebrated icons including Galileo, Machiavelli and Michelangelo, and as many as 1,700 masterpieces in the world-famous Uffizi Gallery. (B)

Today we travel by rail across the wonderful, rustic countryside of Tuscany, where rolling vine-covered hillsides stretch as far as the eye can see and acres of olive groves and row upon row of cypress, walnut and bay trees surround the railway lines. We pass remote farmhouses and isolated villages as we head to the wonderful city of Lucca - a place of true beauty that has managed to escape the tourist crowds; one of Italy's best-kept secrets. The heart of the city is filled with charming piazzas, small community churches and fabulous art galleries, linked together by narrow cobbled streets and intricate passageways. We enjoy a guided tour of Lucca, followed by lunch in a typical Lucchese restaurant. There is also time to explore the city at leisure this afternoon. Splendid Renaissance architecture mingles with historic buildings from the Middle Ages, making the city a pleasure to explore on foot; stroll around the wide walkways along the top of the ancient ramparts to discover the true charm of the city, or climb the Guinigi Tower, which has an oak tree growing from its top, for a bird's-eye view of Lucca. (B,L)

This morning we leave Florence by rail, travelling in First Class to the floating city of Venice. On arrival, we walk to our hotel for three nights, the splendid Hotel Sant' Elena. There is time for you to start your exploration of this incredible city before we meet for dinner tonight. (B,D)

We begin our guided tour today in the very heart of Venice, St Mark's Square, which is dominated by the magnificent Basilica di San Marco and the venerable Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace. This afternoon you are free to soak up the atmosphere of this romantic city. For a bird's-eye view of the city, take the opportunity to climb the Campanile de San Marco, which offers incredible vistas over the buildings clustered around the centre and the shimmering lagoons further out. On Day 11 you are free to continue exploring Venice at your own pace. Take an enchanting gondola ride on the canals, learning about the city's history from the informative gondolier, or explore using Venice's water-bound public transport network - the Vaporetti. Possibly the best way to enjoy the captivating charms of Venice is to let yourself get lost in the myriad of winding alleys and twisting lanes that make up the city centre. This evening we conclude with a farewell dinner in a locally renowned restaurant. (Day 10-B; Day 11-B,D)

After a free morning we take the direct train to Turin, where we spend the final night of the holiday at the 4-star Hotel ATA Concord. On Day 13 we travel by TGV to Paris, where we cross the city by coach to board the Eurostar service to St Pancras International. A light meal and drinks are served during the journey. (Day 12-B,D; Day 13-B,E)

E=Eurostar Meal, B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
These meals, where shown are included in the price of your holiday