Best of Italy Vacation

Roman antiquities, pious Assisi, Venetian canals, Renaissance Florence and Capri sunshine are fused with a touch of 'la dolce vita' for the perfect tour of Italy. Tour Pace: This tour has a well balanced pace with two-night stays in three of the five centres - Rome, Florence and Sorrento - and overnight stays in Assisi and Venice. The driving days are short and comfortable, interspersed with sightseeing. The high-speed train from Florence to Naples turns what is normally a full day on the coach in to a more leisurely affair. Hotels: Hotels include the modern La Griffe, situated on one of Rome's most famous shopping streets, and the Sheraton selected for its easy access to the airport. Traditional styles prevail in the other centres. Stay in the medieval heart of Assisi at the Giotto and close to the Grand Canal in Venice.

• INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS
  Rome: Tour the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica. Visit the Colosseum and see the Forum.Assisi: See the Saint Mary Basilica then walk through the cobbled streets to visit the Basilica of St Francis.Venice: Cruise, with commentary, to St Mark's Square. See the Bridge of Sighs, Doges' Palace and St Mark's Basilica. Drift through the canals on a traditional gondola serenade. Demonstration of traditional glass-blowing.Pisa: See the Cathedral, Baptistery and 'Leaning Tower.Florence: Admire Michelangelo's original 'Statue of David' in the Academy Gallery. See the Cathedral, bell tower, 'Gates of Paradise' and visit Signoria Square. Demonstration of traditional Florentine leather-work.Sorrento: Cruise to Capri, the Island of Dreams, ride into Capri town by open top taxi (weather permitting) and return by funicular railway. Join in the Italian social ritual of 'La Passeggiata'. Demonstration of 'Intarsio' inlay woodworking.Pompeii: Tour the excavations of this buried Roman resort.Scenic Drives: Apennine Mountains, Sorrento clifftops.