Italy is renowned as one of the most beautiful countries in Europe with a wealth of architectural marvels, artistic achievements, culinary delights and scenic wonders. After traversing the length of the country on this tour of constant highlights, you will certainly have experienced this for yourself and will doubtless be captivated. We finish in Athens, offering a chance to see the ancient Acropolis so you can compare for yourself the two ancient civilizations of Rome and Greece.

Itinerary:

Day 1, FLORENCE Arrival day. No meals Days 2-3, FLORENCE The capital of Tuscany and the heart of Renaissance Italy, Florence is packed with world famous museums, art galleries, cathedrals, piazzas and churches. We have two full days to discover the artistic and architectural wealth of the city. (B) Day 4, PISA Today we take a train to Pisa, famous for its leaning tower. The afternoon is free to visit the tower and nearby cathedral before we continue to La Spezia. (B) Day 5, CINQUE TERRA - LA SPEZIA In the early morning we take a train to Riomaggiore, the easternmost village of the justifiably famous Cinque Terra region. We enjoy an 11km walk along the spectacular coastline to Monterosso, enjoying gorgeous views along the way. In the late afternoon we take a train back to la Spezia. (B) Day 6, LA SPEZIA La Spezia is an attractive seaside town with a palm fringed beach promenade and an impressive backdrop of mountains. The day is free to explore or you could take a day trip to the attractive fishing village of Portofino, up the coast. (B) Day 7, VENICE We take the train to Venice where we spend two nights. (B) Day 8, VENICE The fairytale city of Venice is one of the most romantic cities in Italy with a myriad of canals, enticing narrow streets, wonderful bridges and impressive architecture. We have a full day to explore. Day 9, ROME Travelling south through the Italian countryside we take the train to Rome. Day 10, ROME Capital of Italy, Rome is like a living history lesson covering the last two thousand years. We have a full day to explore with the chance to visit the Roman Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. (B) Day 11, NAPLES Continuing south we take the train to Naples, home to the best pizza in Italy. There is time to explore the city. (B) Day 12, NAPLES Not far from Naples is the ancient city of Pompeii, famously destroyed by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius. Today is free for you to visit the ruins. (B) Day 13, BARI - OVERNIGHT FERRY We travel across Italy to the port of Bari. On arrival there is time to look around before we board the overnight ferry to Patras in Greece. (B) Day 14, PATRAS - ATHENS Arrive in Patras by midday and transfer to Athens. Day 15, ATHENS Tour ends after breakfast. (B)

Maximum Group Size: 18
Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader
Transport: Ferries, trains and buses
Activities: Extensive walking at sites, hike in the Cinque Terra, swimming
Accommodation: 13 nights simple hotels, 1 overnight ferry (deck class)
Meals: Some breakfasts included. Allow EUR12-17 (US$15-20) per day for other meals
Arrival Transfer: Not included
Entrance Fees: Not included. Allow EUR65 (US$75) or more if you wish to visit a wide range of sites
Trip Reference: UAFA