Rome, Sorrento & Amalfi Coast 2012 

We depart St Pancras International and board the Eurostar for Paris, with a complimentary light meal and drinks served on board. In the French capital we change trains and continue on the high-speed service to Dijon, where we spend the night at the Mercure Dijon. (E,D)

This morning we travel by high-speed train from Dijon, travelling in First Class via Lausanne to Milan. Here we change trains and continue to Rome, Italy's bustling capital. We stay at the 4-star Hotel Universo for two nights. (B,D)

Today we enjoy a full-day in the 'Eternal City', 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. During the tour we visit the monumental Spanish Steps and the legendary Trevi Fountain and see the Pantheon and the Colosseum. Following the tour, you are free to spend your afternoon savouring the sights and sounds of Rome's seductive beauty. Perhaps enter 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. Alternatively you can visit the superb St Peter's Basilica and the Vatican museums, stroll through Rome's atmospheric streets or relax in one of Rome's many squares with a coffee or ice-cream and indulge in one of the most popular Italian national pastimes: people watching. (B)

This morning we leave Rome, travelling in First Class on the high-speed train to Naples, where a coach meets us to take us to Sorrento. The incredibly picturesque coastal town sits in its own 'mini bay' within the vast Bay of Naples. The main town is perched on a natural terrace that stretches along the top of dramatic cliffs overlooking the water. The narrow, cobbled streets feature a charming combination of Renaissance palace buildings and Romanesque churches. Lemon orchards cover the hillsides and farmland around Sorrento - the town is famous for its citrus products, such as Limoncello. We spend seven nights in the Grand Hotel Vesuvio Sorrento, which looks out towards Mount Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples. (B,D)

Today we set out along the Amalfi Coast, descending into Positano, a colourful and ornate town built into the cliff sides. Positano is filled with pastel-painted houses and has a reputation for being a glamorous playground for the rich. After time to explore we enjoy a traditional Amalfi lunch at nearby Conca dei Marini, overlooking the sea. This afternoon we continue along the Amalfi coast, enjoying incredible views over the shimmering bay and the rugged island of Capri. The serpentine road twists and turns, threading through exquisite villages perched on the lush hillsides as we head to the town of Amalfi, where we have leisure time to explore. The awkward, steep terrain of the Amalfi Coast has discouraged significant development, allowing the towns and villages to retain their appeal. Lively Amalfi is a true reflection of this natural coastal charm and is dominated by its impressive cathedral and a picturesque harbour filled with expensive yachts and colourful fishing boats. (B,L)

This morning we catch the local train to Pompeii, the world-renowned town tragically buried after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. The volcanic ash that fell over the city covered everything except some of the roofs of the taller buildings. Whilst it was abandoned and forgotten until its rediscovery in 1748, the ash worked to 'freeze' Pompeii and its people in time. We have a guided tour of the shops, restaurants and villas that made up this fascinating city, as well as the Amphitheatre, dating from 80BC, and the Grand Theatre. After our tour you have some free time to explore this fascinating destination at your leisure. (B,D)

Today is free to enjoy the charming, relaxed town of Sorrento. You could take a cruise (by hydrofoil) to the volcanic island of Ischia in the Tyrrhenian Sea - the largest island in the Bay of Naples. Ischia enjoys sandy beaches and natural thermal springs, and is dominated by its extinct volcano which offers amazing views over the bay. Ischia Porto, the island's main town, houses the Angevin Cathedral of the Assunta, a monastery and the church of San Pietro a Pantaniello. Alternatively, you can travel to Ischia's smaller but no less enchanting sister, Procida. (B)

Today we cruise to Capri, the beautiful island famed for its stunning views, rocky seashores and scenic charm. Here you are free to explore - an included funicular railway ticket allows you to travel to Capri Town, the island's main town. You could take a tour to the Blue Grotto, a cave bathed in iridescent light only reachable by boat, or perhaps take a walk to Villa Jovis, the ruins of the villa from where Tiberius ruled the Roman Empire in his final years. (B,D)

We travel by coach today on a journey back to ancient times to Paestum, which was founded by the Greeks in 600BC. The three Doric temples of Paestum are said to be the best preserved Greek temples in the world, and although the city fell into disrepair around the 9th century, it was rediscovered nine centuries later. We visit a traditional 'caseificio', where we have a tasting of local mozzarella cheese before we enjoy a guided tour of the gleaming temples set against a backdrop of green hills. (B,D)

Today is free to spend as you wish. Ferries run to the vibrant city of Naples, a city filled with palaces, churches, convents and monasteries. Alternatively, you could simply relax on the beach by the hotel and enjoy the weather. (B)

Today we travel by train to Milan, and then on the spectacular journey towards the mighty, snow-capped Swiss Alps.* We travel through the Simplon Tunnel, emerging amongst fabulous scenery in Switzerland, and enjoy a journey along a section of the route of the Centovalli Railway. After relaxing on board the train enjoying the stunning scenery, we arrive in Lausanne, where we spend one night at the Continental Hotel. On Day 12 we continue by train, travelling in First Class on the high-speed service to Paris, where we connect with the Eurostar to London We enjoy a light meal and drinks on board. (Day 11-B,D; Day 12-B,E)

*Customers returning by air will leave for Naples airport on the morning of Day 11 for the flight to Heathrow. (B)

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