Italian Splendours

Day 1 UK-Pisa-Città di Castello

Fly to Pisa and stay three nights in Città di Castello, an elegant historic city surrounded by 16th-century walls which sits on the flood plain of the River Tiber in Umbria. Stay in the centre at the locally rated 4-star Hotel Tiferno (3Q+) for the next three nights. A welcome drink and dinner is included tonight.

Your comfortable hotel is located in the historic centre of the age-old Umbrian city of Città di Castello, near the Church of St Francis and has been completely restored to its original architectural design. Each of the 47 air-conditioned bedrooms include a satellite television, radio, minibar, hairdryer and complimentary Wi-Fi. D

Day 2 Rural Villages and Arezzo

Enjoy an orientation walk of Città di Castello this morning, which features such highlights as Piazza Gabriotti – a medieval town square lined with impressive monuments including the cathedral and museum.

Later, you can admire pretty Tuscan scenery – punctuated by rural villages, vineyards and cypress trees – as you drive through the countryside, pausing at the medieval city of Arezzo. B, D

Day 3 Florence

An included excursion takes you to the beautiful city of Florence – the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Renaissance.

During a guided city tour, you’ll be able to follow in the footsteps of celebrated writers, such as Robert and Elizabeth Browning and author EM Forster, who were all enchanted by this UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as Leonard da Vinci, who lived here during his youth. The city’s influence on both art and science is well documented, and it also a religious centre, with the Piazza San Giovanni containing a Baptistery with doors which Michelangelo said were beautiful enough to be the gates of Paradise. Renaissance paintings are showcased in the Uffizi gallery and the Accademia is home to perhaps the best-known sculpture in art history, Michelangelo’s David.

Don't miss the San Lorenzo church with its complex spatial patterns, while a short stroll on the medieval bridge, the Ponte Vecchio, offers rewarding views of the city and a chance to pick up a souvenir from one of the many stalls. B, D

Day 4 Fiuggi

Today you leave Città di Castello and head to Fiuggi, pausing en route at Perugia for a walking tour.

This cosmopolitan city boasts a historic centre, characterised by cobbled streets, Gothic palazzi and arched stairways. There are also Renaissance frescoes, some created by Raphael, to discover. After strolling amidst the sights of Perugia, you’ll continue to Orvieto, a pretty hilltop town. There will be some free time here – perhaps seek out the Duomo di Orvieto, which dates from the late 13th century and boasts a stunning mosaic facade.

You’ll spend the next four nights in Fiuggi, based at the locally-rated 4-star Ambasciatori Place Hotel (4Q). Facilities at the hotel include a restaurant, spa, indoor pool, lounge bar and rooftop garden. There are 92 air-conditioned bedrooms, each equipped with a television, phone, safe, kettle, hairdryer and complimentary Wi-Fi. B, D

Day 5 Fiuggi

Spend today at leisure – the perfect opportunity to explore Fiuggi independently.

This pretty spa town has a number of historic treasures and is famous for its therapeutic mineral waters, which both Pope Boniface VIII and Michelangelo claimed had healing qualities. There are two springs located close to the hotel, should you wish to test the water for yourself.

Alternatively, you can join an optional excursion to Tivoli and Villa d’Este. B, D

Day 6 Rome

Today's highlight is an included morning panoramic tour of the capital.

Wherever you turn, Rome's streets are filled with masterpieces from almost every age including the magnificent Roman Colosseum. Your afternoon is at leisure to explore the Italian capital further. Perhaps visit the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, or watch life go by in this cosmopolitan city full of fashionable shops and cafes as you sip a coffee. Don't forget to visit the Trevi Fountain and throw a coin into the water as, according to tradition, it means you'll return to Rome one day. B, D

Day 7 Caserta

n the morning, travel to Caserta via the rocky hill of Montecassino which has witnessed conflicts of the Napoleonic era and World War II. You'll have time here to explore the abbey.

Your next three nights are spent at the locally rated 4-star Hotel dei Cavalieri (3Q) in the heart of Caserta. Overlooking the Piazza Luigi Vanvitelli, the hotel is just a short distance from the Royal Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Created by Charles III, King of Naples in the 18th century, the palace was designed by architect Luigi Vanvitelli, with the intention of rivalling the Palace of Versailles and the Royal Palace in Madrid. The surrounding land and gardens incorporate a hunting park, fountains and waterfalls. The 90-room hotel has a restaurant and the room facilities include satellite television, telephone, minibar, safety deposit box, hairdryer and Wi-Fi. B, D

Day 8 Naples

A morning walking tour introduces you to beautiful Naples, which is acclaimed for its stunning views of the bay. Keep your eyes peeled for a wealth of artistic and cultural treasures, which include royal palaces, castles and museums.

With the afternoon at leisure, you can relax at your hotel or discover some of the sights of Caserta – perhaps enjoying a refreshing gelato in one of the cafes. B, D

Day 9 Caserta

Relax at the hotel or perhaps go exploring independently.

Alternatively, join a full-day optional tour to two of the region's most popular attractions. B, D

Day 11 Caserta-UK

After breakfast, travel to Naples airport for your return flight to the UK. B