Depart by overnight flight to Milan.

Day 2: Milan - Lake Como
On arrival in Milan you are met at the airport and transferred to your magnificent hotel on the shores of Lake Como. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the hotel's many excellent facilities. This evening we meet our fellow travelers for drinks followed by a welcome dinner. Villa D'Este D

Day 3: Lake Como and Bellagio
A leisurely start to the day before we cruise up the lake to enjoy lunch in lovely Bellagio - a village whose beauty has inspired poets and romantics for centuries. Later, visit the beautiful 16th-century Villa Balbianello. We return to our hotel this afternoon, with free time to rest and relax. This evening we are free to dine independently. Villa D'Este B

Day 4: Lake Como - Bergamo - Lake Como
This morning we drive through the scenic Alpine foothills towards Bergamo, birthplace of the operatic composer Donizetti. We stroll through the delightful old town with its 16th-century Venetian ramparts, view the fine medieval and Renaissance buildings and visit the Accademia Carrara, one of Italy's finest art collections, containing pieces by many of the Venetian masters. After lunch at leisure, we enjoy a tour of 16th-century Palazzo Terzi, before returning to our hotel at the end of the afternoon. Dinner this evening is à la carte in our hotel. Villa D'Este B,D

Note: Today passengers taking the 13-day tour will depart the USA or Canada by overnight flight to Venice.

Day 5: Lake Como - Milan - Venice
This morning we drive to Milan to visit the city's famous cathedral, a wonderful example of 14th-century Gothic architecture, and Sforza Castle, housing the frescoed Salle delle Asse, and Michelangelo's unfinished Rondanini Pietà. We then board the train for Venice with lunch en route. On arrival, we transfer by private launch along the Grand Canal to our prestigious hotel. This evening we meet fellow travelers joining the tour and enjoy a romantic gondola ride along the canals, serenaded by musicians, followed by dinner. Hotel Gritti Palace B,L,D

Day 6: Venice
We walk with our guide through this astonishingly beautiful city, seeing St. Mark's Square, the Basilica, the Bell Tower and the Doges' Palace. The afternoon is free to wander the narrow streets or absorb the atmosphere over a cappuccino. Dinner tonight is à la carte in or out of the hotel. Hotel Gritti Palace B,D

Day 7: Venice
The day is completely at leisure to enjoy Venice as you wish. Our guide takes those interested on a morning tour of more city treasures. We dine independently this evening. Hotel Gritti Palace B

Day 8: Venice - Florence
This morning we transfer by private launch along the Grand Canal to join the train for Florence, with lunch on board. On arrival, we transfer to the Piazzale Michelangelo for a stunning panorama of the city, followed by a visit to the exquisite San Miniato Church. This evening we may choose to dine à la carte in or out of our fine hotel. Hotel Savoy B,L,D
 

We spend the morning with our guide, seeing the Renaissance palaces, squares, statues, churches and cloisters of this most beautiful city, and enjoy a visit to the Accademia Gallery, where we see Michelangelo's David. This afternoon is at leisure to explore Florence further on our own or visit the famous Uffizi Gallery. This evening we dine at a local restaurant. Hotel Savoy B,D

Day 10: Florence - San Gimignano - Siena - Wine Tasting - Florence
Drive through the glorious Tuscan countryside to visit the picturesque little town of San Gimignano with its ancient walls and towers before continuing to Siena. After walking through the famous Piazza del Campo, there is free time for lunch and explorations on our own before visiting the splendid cathedral. We return to Florence via Castellina in Chianti where we enjoy a private visit to the wine cellars belonging to Prince Ruspoli, and a tasting of wines, cheese and olive oil, all produced on the estate. This evening is at leisure. Hotel Savoy B

Day 11: Florence - Naples - Pompeii - Capri
We board an express train to Naples, with lunch in the restaurant car. On arrival, a visit to Pompeii shows us the astonishing remains of this Roman town overwhelmed by an eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. Later we continue to the glittering island of Capri and our lovely hotel where we enjoy dinner à la carte on the terrace. Grand Hotel Quisisana B,L,D

Day 12: Capri
Today we have a chance to relax and enjoy the excellent facilities of our hotel, or independently explore the delights of this beautiful island. Dinner this evening is at leisure. Grand Hotel Quisisana B

Day 13: Capri -The Amalfi Coast - Rome
This morning we take a hydrofoil across to Positano, one of the prettiest seaside villages in Italy. We then drive along the famous Amalfi Coast to visit the picturesque town of Amalfi, including its fine cathedral. Arriving in Ravello, we see the Villa Rufolo before continuing to Rome and transferring to our hotel in the heart of the city. This evening we have the choice of dining à la carte in or out of the hotel. St. Regis Grand B,D

Day 14: Rome and its Imperial Remains
A morning sightseeing tour of ancient Rome shows us the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Baths of Caracalla, Piazza Navona and the Arch of Constantine. In the afternoon we visit the Trevi Fountain and St. John Lateran, Rome's sumptuously decorated cathedral. We also visit the 17th-century Galleria Borghese, set in the beautiful surroundings of the Villa Borghese Park and housing works by Titian, Caravaggio and Raphael. The evening is free to dine independently. St. Regis Grand B

Day 15: Rome and Vatican City
Visit St. Peter's Church in St. Peter's Square, the magnificent Vatican Museum housing the Sistine Chapel with its famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo. The rest of the day is free to explore on our own. This evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner at a fashionable restaurant. St. Regis Grand B,D
 

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your homebound flight. B
 

Land Arrangements:	13 Days	16 Days
Price Per Person/Double Occupancy	$ 8,290	$ 10,970
Single Supplement	$ 2,990	$ 3,450

05/22/2003 to 06/06/2003 priced from $10,970
05/25/2003 to 06/06/2003 priced from $8,290
06/12/2003 to 06/27/2003 priced from $10,970
06/15/2003 to 06/27/2003 priced from $8,290
09/04/2003 to 09/09/2003 priced from $10,970
09/07/2003 to 09/09/2003 priced from $8,290
09/18/2003 to 10/03/2003 priced from $10,970
09/21/2003 to 10/03/2003 priced from $8,290
09/25/2003 to 10/10/2003 priced from $10,970
09/28/2003 to 10/10/2003 priced from $8,290
10/02/2003 to 10/17/2003 priced from $10,970
10/05/2003 to 10/17/2003 priced from $8,290
10/09/2003 to 10/24/2003 priced from $10,970
10/12/2003 to 10/24/2003 priced from $8,290

Price includes the best category of rooms attainable below the level of junior suite. Upgrades to suite or junior suite at any of the hotels on this tour may be requested for an additional charge, depending on availability.

All departures are guaranteed and are limited to 24 passengers.

* - Accommodation in the Lake Como region are at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni on this departure.