- Day 1 - We travel to Belgium for the night.
- Day 2 - We arrive in Lake Garda for two nights. B,D
- Day 3 - Lake Garda Tour, including boat trip (optional). We'll stop at some of the most picturesque villages on Lake Garda, including the gem of the peninsula, Sirmione, from where we take a private boat to Gardone, on the way passing the private island of Garda, with its Venetian Villa inhabited by the Countess Borghese and her five bachelor sons. B,D
- Day 4 - We travel to Tuscany for three nights. B,D
- Day 5 - Lucca & Pisa (included) Our first stop this morning, is in the Tuscan town of Lucca. Hidden behind imposing Renaissance walls, the town still follows the layout set by the former Roman colony founded in 180BC. We explore at leisure, before spending the afternoon in Pisa, famous for its leaning tower. There's free time to discover the sights of this spectacular city. Our Pisa sightseeing tour (optional, included on Silver Service) starts at the 'Field of Miracles', where we admire the splendid buildings that rise from the emerald-green lawns. From here, the tour continues to the town's historic centre, including such places as Via Santa Maria and Piazza dei Cavalieri. B,D
- Day 6 - Florence (included). The Renaissance city of Florence is the capital of Tuscany and is a centre of culture, art and science, home to many of the world's most important works of art. Experience the rich heritage of this fine city in one of the many museums and art galleries, or browse the shops in and around the centuries-old Ponte Vecchio, or Santa Croce area, for gold and leather. Our optional sightseeing tour, with guide, takes us by coach up the hills behind the city, to Piazza Michelangelo, from where we enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the city and countryside. Our guide will then lead us on a walking tour through the delightful streets of Florence on our return. B,D
- Day 7 - Milan (included). We leave Tuscany and head to Milan for an overnight stay. Milan has perhaps the world's most elegant shopping arcades, the Sforza Palace, the marvellous Gothic cathedral, the glittering La Scala Opera House, the church and cloister of Santa Maria della Grazie, where Leonardo da Vinci's painting, the Last Supper, can be seen. On our sightseeing tour (optional, included on Silver Service), we discover the historical and artistic heart of Milan; the breathtaking Duomo is one of the world's largest, most striking Gothic cathedrals, while Milan's art galleries, many housed in former palaces, are home to many significant works. B,D
- Day 8 - We travel to our hotel in northern France for an overnight stay. B
- Day 9 - We journey to Calais, then return home. B
12-Day Special Italian Break
For only a little extra, our 12-day option gives you three extra days at our hotel in Tuscany. Spend your time relaxing, exploring independently, or taking advantage of the excellent extra excursions to the likes of Portofino, Siena, and Volterra. The choice is yours.
- Days 1 - 6 - Same as 9-day holiday (checking into your hotel on Day 3 for six nights instead of three).
- Extra Leisure Day 7 - Santa Margherita and Portofino Cruise (optional). We travel to Santa Margherita, an attractive resort town with a thriving marina. During our visit, we will have the chance to join an included boat cruise to the exclusive resort of Portofino (weather permitting). Once a struggling artists' refuge, the town is now one of Italy's most fashionable resorts. B,D
- Extra Leisure Day 8 - Siena (included). Siena is one of Tuscany's most celebrated attractions. A picturesque medieval town, situated just south of Florence, the town centre is listed by UNESCO as one of the world's most significant historic sites. Our guided walking tour (optional) visits the major sights, starting at the Basilica di San Domenico; and ending up at the Piazza del Campo, one of the most famous squares in the world. B,D
- Extra leisure Day 9 - Volterra & San Gimignano (included) Most of the important periods of art history - Etruscan, Roman, Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance - have in some way left their mark in Volterra. The city is famous for its alabaster quarries, workshops and works derived from this brilliant mineral. San Gimignano has also been called the 'New York of the Middle Ages', due to its forest of high towers, each one taller than the previous one, representing the never-ending competition among the local, aristocratic families. B,D
- Day 10 - Milan. As day 7 of 9-Day holiday. Stay overnight in Milan. B,D
- Days 11 - 12 - Same as Days 8-9 in 9-day itinerary. B
B=Breakfast Br=Brunch L=Lunch D=Dinner
