Heart of England
Historic heroes, ancient sites and regal castles meet with picturesque villages and towns on this insightful introduction to southern England’s most engaging people and places. Enjoy Shakespeare’s Stratford, magnificent Oxford and the Georgian city of Bath as well as Stonehenge, the well preserved castle at Windsor and Churchill’s Blenheim Palace.

Day 1: Cotswolds
Journey through the beautiful English countryside to the famous university city of Oxford, walk through the impressive sandstone buildings as you wind your way to Christ Church, Oxford’s grandest college. Visit Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon to discover the Ye Olde England of the Bard’s birth and his final resting place. Enjoy a short drive to Anne Hathaway’s cottage. (D)

Day 2: Bath
Today explore the Cotswolds and its honey coloured, picture-postcard villages littered with atmospheric churches, traditional country inns and lovely traditional cottages. Visit historic Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and the current home of the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough. Then traverse through the gentle timeless rolling hills of the Cotswolds, stopping at some of the exquisite village gems on your way to the splendid city of Bath. (B)

Day 3: Bath
Listed as a World Heritage Site, Bath is truly one of Europe’s most attractive cities and can boast the highest concentration of listed building anywhere in the UK. Spend the morning exploring this Georgian city, visit the Roman Baths, the towering 16th century Abbey and Georgian stone crescents. During the day take a journey to the nearby picturesque village of Lacock. Both the village and its Abbey have been used in TV and film productions such as Pride and Prejudice, The Other Boleyn Girl and Harry Potter. (B/D)

Day 4: Stonehenge / Windsor Castle
Wander through the back roads to visit the great mystical construction of Stonehenge then onto the glorious city of Salisbury to admire Britain’s tallest cathedral spire. Your final destination is a regal exploration to discover Europe’s largest occupied fortress, Windsor Castle, the favourite home of the Queen.

DEPARTURE DATES:
Tour departs London 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Jul, 6, 13, 20, 27 Aug, 3, 10, 17, 24 Sep, 01 and 08 Oct 10.

Corners of Cornwall
Gourmets will love the fine food, history buffs will relish the architecture, literature lovers will delight in scenes straight from the printed page and breathtaking views will impress absolutely everyone. This is the tour that has it all, but even its busy schedule allows ample scope to embrace the back roads and add a few adventures of your own.

Day 1: Dorset
Travel out of London to visit the glorious city of Salisbury and its magnificent cathedral. Then, to the traditional country town of Dorchester, famous for its Hardy connections. This afternoons drive will take you along the UNESCO World Heritage ‘Jurassic Coast” to Lyme Regis.

Day 2: Cornwall
Travel through Devon to the lovely South Cornish Coast. Visit the quaint fishing village of Polperro and one of the regions best gardens, the Lost Gardens of Heligan.

Day 3: St Ives
This morning visit one of Cornwalls largest fortresses, Pendennis Castle, built by Henry VIII. Next, the lovely gardens of Trebah before making your way to todays highlight, St Michael’s Mount. From here take a short drive to the lovely St Ives.

Day 4: St Ives
Today you may explore this delightful town at your own pace. Artists are attracted to this town for its great light. There are several famous galleries worth visiting, including the Tate St Ives. There is plenty to explore in its tangle of streets around the old fishing harbour.

Day 5: St Ives
More Cornish delights unfold as you admire the stunning scenery on the coastal drive towards Lands End. Travel through this uniquely Cornish coloured landscape, visit historic market towns, local fishing villages and riverside hamlets.

Day 6: Dartmoor
Today travel through the rugged north coast of Cornwall and see several more quaint villages including the picturesque Port Isaac and the gastronomic Padstow. Head inland to Launceston, where your will visit Cornwall’s grandest medieval castle.

Day 7: London
This morning explore the high lanes and sunken lanes of Devons Dartmoor. Enjoy a few “back roads” stops before driving to the last major highlight of the tour, the cathedral city of Wells in Somerset.

DEPARTURE DATES:
Tour departs London 6, 20 Jul, 3, 17, 31 Aug, 14, 28 Sep and 12 Oct 10.

The Red Dragon of Wales
Wales - derived from the Saxon word for foreigner. It was to these hills that England’s original Celtic inhabitants retreated before the conquering Roman, Saxon and Norman armies, where ‘foreigners’ established their Celtic redoubt and preserved their culture. On this tour see the fantastic scenery of the Snowdon National Park and the most impressive range of 12th Century castles of anywhere in the British Isles. Enjoy a heritage coastline, a steam train ride into the mountains, visit Cardiff, the country’s industrial heritage, prehistoric tombs, Roman remains, walled cities, the Valley of Kings and beautiful gardens.

Day 1: Monmouth
From London journey towards Wales through to the exquisite picturesque countryside and honey coloured villages of the Cotswolds. Continue west and cross the border into Wales, known as Red Dragon country. Visit the impressive Cistercian Abbey of Tintern, one of the country’s greatest monastic ruins. (D)

Day 2: Brecon Beacons
Following an interesting guided tour of the country’s capital, Cardiff, enjoy a visit to St Fagans Manor, the Museum of Welsh Life. Then begin a winding Back-Roads journey north along the Rhondda Valley to experience the country’s famous mining heritage. Climb to the rim of the Rhigos mountain, beneath which is Wales’ last deep coal mine set against the breathtaking Brecon Beacons panorama. (B/D)

Day 3: Llandudno
Continue along the Abergwesyn Pass from Llanwrtyd Wells to Tregaron - recently voted Britain’s most scenic drive - and through the heart of Wales to the eccentricity of Portmeirion. This stunning private coastal village is an eclectic, cosmopolitan melange of buildings more redolent of the Mediterranean than north Wales. (B)

Day 4: Llandudno
The flower filled Victorian resort town of Llandudno sits on a beautiful curved sandy bay overlooked by the mighty Great Orme, where you may take an optional tram to the top to experience a spellbinding vista over the Irish Sea and Snowdonia National Park. Travel along the north Welsh coastline admiring the fortified castle towns of Conwy and Caernarfon before crossing the Menai Straits to the pristine island of Anglesey. This is a whole new world of sightseeing, from prehistoric burial chambers to Celtic and Viking settlements. (B)

Day 5: Shrewsbury
Visit the magnificent Bodnant Gardens situated above the River Conwy and overlooking the valley towards the Snowdonia range. Immerse yourself in Welsh culture, skirting Snowdonia where the language still thrives today. Marvel at the architectural achievement of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. (B/D)

Day 6: Stratford-upon-Avon
This morning you will have time to independently explore Shrewsbury with its timber crossed medieval buildings, cobbled streets and ancient castle. Return to the backroads as you continue your journey and get set to unearth Shakespeare’s country. Visit Stratford-upon-Avon, and admire its historic buildings and literary associations.

DEPARTURE DATES:
Tour departs London 13, 27 Jul, 10, 24 Aug, 7, 21 Sep, 05 and 19 Oct 10.

A Scottish Journey
See the real Scotland - a land of rugged mountains, breathtaking lochs and heathercovered Highlands marked by fortressed castles, quaint villages and glorious gardens. This fascinating tour makes the most of the warm Scottish welcome, with accommodation and experiences that reflect the rich Celtic culture.

Day 1: Oban
From Edinburgh travel to Paisley, famed for its Abbey and its eponymous patterned fabrics. Visit the birthplace of William Wallace as you head to Dumbarton and its Robert the Bruce connections. Driving by Loch Lomond and its bonnie banks, take in the stunning view and climb over the “Rest and be Thankful”. The scenery is breathtaking as you make our way to Inverary with its fairytale castle. (D)

Day 2: Oban
Today take the ferry across the Firth of Lorne to the Inner Hebridean Isle of Mull giving fine views as you go, including a glimpse of Duart Castle, the ancestral home of the Maclean clan. Travel across the island, taking in the untouched landscape, before reaching Fionnphort where you will take a short ferry ride to the mystic Island of Iona. (B)

Day 3: Kintail
Travel the back roads through glorious mountain scenery as you pass through the wooded Glen Orchy and desolate Rannoch Moor into the dramatic Highlands and the splendid isolation of the pass of Glen Coe, where the Campbells tragically massacred the MacDonalds. Visit the historic Fort William before turning west along the “Road to the Isles” to Loch Shiel and Glenfinnan, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in his ill-fated attempt to restore the Stewarts to the British throne. (B/D)

Day 4: Inverness
Today cross the sea to Skye, taking the local ferry from Glenelg if the weather is clement. Depending on the route, your island journey will take in either Dunvegan Castle with its 1500 year-old fairy flag, then try and find evidence of dinosaurs on Skye’s Jurassic coast. We remember Flora MacDonald, who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape to France after his defeat at the Battle of Culloden in 1746. After lunching in Portree, cross the new Skye bridge to the Kyle of Lochalsh, passing the 3000 feet high hills of the Red and Black Cullins. (B)

Day 5: Fife
This morning see the site of the Battle of Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s rebel troops were defeated by the English. There is an excellent museum which brings the battle vividly to life. Then, picking up the famous whisky trail, visit one of the many distilleries in the Strathspey area. Go on to Braemar, famous for its Highland Games and not far from Balmoral, the Queen’s summer home. Heading down Glen Shee regain the Lowlands and the village of Meigle with its mysterious carvings on the Pictish Stones. Then through the City of Dundee and over the Tay Bridge to St Andrews. (B/D)

Day 6: Edinburgh
As you head out of the Kingdom of Fife visit one of the area’s many beautiful harbours and spend a short time in Dunfermline Abbey, the burial place of King Robert the Bruce. Dunfermline, once the capital of Scotland, was the birthplace of many Kings. Continue on to Bannockburn, famous for Bruce’s decisive win against the English in 1314. A few miles to the north you will reach Stirling, the scene of William Wallace’s 1296 victory at Stirling Bridge.

DEPARTURE DATES:
Tour departs Edinburgh 02, 16, 30 Jul, 13, 27 Aug, 10, 24 Sep and 08 Oct 10.

Provence and the French Riviera
Travelling from the Nice, the gateway to the French Riviera, uncover the glamour and splendour of the south of France. Explore vineyards, taste wonderful local cuisine and experience the proud French culture as we travel through some of France’s most glamorous coastal towns and cities. Welcome to the elegance of France as explore this region the Back-Roads way!

Day 1: Nice
This morning drive from Nice along the Corniche to Monaco. On the way see the stunning Villa Ephrussi in St Jean Cap Ferrat. There will be time to explore Monaco. This afternoon drive back to Nice, the spectacular centre of the French Riviera, will take us past villages such as Eze, perched high on the hilltops. (D)

Day 2: Cap d’Antibes
The first visit today is to the ancient fortified village of St Paul de Vence, famous for its herbs and perfume. Explore the many boutiques lining the alleyways and the artists’ galleries, surrounded all the while by the aroma of “herbes de Provence”. Stop for lunch in the neighbouring town of Vence, and visit Matisse’s Rosaire Chapel, a sacred art monument which he conceived from 1948-1951 (opening times are restricted). (B)

Day 3: Cap d’Antibes
Today spend some time in Cannes, the star of the Riviera made famous for its film festival, glitzy hotels, shopping, beaches and old port. Enjoy a delicious lunch before our leisurely exploration of the scenic coast and a drive through the narrow and hilly interior roads towards the summit at Pic de l’Our. (B)

Day 4: Aix-en-Provence
Commence your journey today with a drive along the rugged coastline, taking in the most spectacular scenery of the Cote d’Azur, the playground of the rich and famous of Europe. Travel down the real back roads, discovering sights and experiences otherwise missed from the main highway. This afternoon arrive in the historical and cultural town of Aix-en- Provence and discover its evocative architecture. (B/D)

Day 5: Aix-en-Provence
Today relax in the yellow-stoned town of Aix-en-Provence. A walking tour will take you in the footsteps of Cezanne, passing hot thermal springs, the Pavillon de Vendôme and the Musée des Tapisseries (tapestry museum), finally reaching Paul Cezanne’s studio. Aix boasts a natural history museum and a museum of fine arts and archaeology which you might choose to visit. (B)

Day 6: Avignon
Heading further inland, follow the Durance River to Avignon, meandering through the spectacular vineyards en route. Pass through Menerbes, the village immortalised by Peter Mayle in ‘A Year in Provence’. The highlight today is the 14th century walled city of Avignon, once home to the Papacy in place of Rome. Another must see is, of course, the St Bénézet Bridge, subject of the well-know tune “Sur le pont d’Avignon”! (B/D)

Day 7: Avignon
Whilst wandering through the vineyards of the Côtes-du-Rhône, visit two of the most spectacularly preserved achievements of the Roman Empire which are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites - the aqueduct of the Pont-du-Gard, and the Roman theatre of Orange. The day will end with a visit to one of the famous wine caves for a tasting. (B)

Day 8: Arles
Today turn south to the Camargue, the first stop being the fortified village of Aigues-Mortes (Latin for “dead waters”). It was created in the middle of nowhere by St Louis, who set out for the Crusades from here. Then on to Van Gogh’s Arles, a historic Roman city encircled by exceptional beauty and which also inspired paintings and drawings by Picasso. (B/D)

Day 9: Arles
This morning enjoy the local sights as you walk through the narrow streets of Arles, seeing scenes painted by Van Gogh himself. The local market is not to be missed and the Roman Amphitheatre, once seating 21,000, is one of the largest and most complete ancient monuments of its kind, rivaling those of Rome itself. The afternoon can be spent at leisure. There are interesting shops selling regional goods and souvenirs. Alternatively why not sit at a pavement café and sip a glass or two of the local wine. (B)

Day 10: Arles
Heading into the “Little Alps”, enjoy the Huguenot stronghold of Les Baux-de-Provence. Situated on a precipice, the town rewards you with a view of “half of Provence”. The village itself is incredible, almost carved out of the very rock of the hilltop. (B/D)

Day 11: Nice
As you return to Nice, pay a brief visit to Marseille and its old port, known as the gateway to the Orient and Africa. Then we follow the scenic coastal road along the Cote d’Azur, passing through the famous towns and traditional villages sitting beside the sea, before returning to Nice. (B)

DEPARTURE DATES:
Tour departs Nice 06, 27 Jul, 17 Aug, 07 and 28 Oct 10.

European Imperial Cities
Central Europe remains a desirable, yet relatively undiscovered area. Each local region has a unique character, where you will find a rich culture, magnificent landscape and grandiose architecture. These Imperial Cities come alive in summer, as locals and travellers alike enjoy the vibrant European café scene and temperate climate.

Day 1: Prague
Arriving in Prague, you have ample opportunity to explore this marvellous city before your group meets this evening for a delicious traditional meal at a local restaurant. (D)

Day 2: Prague
Situated on the bank of River Vltava in central Bohemia, the beautiful city of Prague is steeped in history and culture. Embark on a fascinating guided walking tour of the old centre of this splendid city. Crossing the memorial Charles Bridge, visit captivating sites such as the Old Jewish Quarter, Hradcany Castle, Powder Tower, Tyne Church and Wenceslas Square. (B)

Day 3: Cesky Krumlov
Visit Kutna Hora, once known as the jewel of the country and is home to a number of exquisite buildings including The Church of St Barbara and the Cathedral of Our Lady at Sedlec. The old town also features a famous cemetery chapel with an ossuary of approximately 40,000 bones. You will also visit the charming city of Cesky Krumlov, known for its Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. (B/D)

Day 4: Vienna
Crossing the border into Austria, adjourn for a moving visit to the former concentration camp at Mauthausen, one of the largest Nazi controlled labour camps in Europe during World War II. Continue alongside the Danube River and meander through the spectacular countryside, to the lovely town of Melk. Continue onto Austria’s capital city, Vienna, another World Heritage Site and home to opulent imperial palaces and grand city squares. (B)

Day 5: Vienna
Vienna is a wonderfully cultured city, once the home of Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Schubert, Strauss, Brahms, Mahler and Schönberg. Follow its 19th century ‘Ringstrasse,’ which encircles the old part of the city, and marvel at the city’s most famous buildings, including the State Opera House, St Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna’s illustrious Hapsburg palaces on the Belvedere grounds and the grandiose Schönbrunn Palace. Enjoy dinner in the magnificent Kursalon followed by a Strauss or Mozart concert. (B/D)

Day 6: Vienna
Today is free for you to enjoy more of this beautiful city at your own pace. (B)

Day 7: Budapest
Continue along the Danube River, arriving in the small town of Esztergom, the historic capital of Hungary for more than two centuries. Visit the famous Basilica, Hungary’s tallest building. Enjoy more Hungarian countryside and travel though small towns and villages. (B)

Day 8: Budapest
The Hungarian capital of Budapest offers a wealth of cultural, historical and architectural sites that will be a feast for the eyes. Enjoy a guided tour of the city and see some of its most evocative landmarks, including the Liberation Memorial, Roosevelt Square, Chain Bridge, St Mathias’ Cathedral and Fisherman’s Bastion. (B/D)

Day 9: Budapest
Your tour finishes after breakfast in Budapest. Make sure you experience a massage in one of the famous bathhouses before you leave. (B)

DEPARTURE DATES:
Tour departs Prague 04 Jul, 01 Aug, 05 Sep and 03 Oct 10
Tour departs Budapest 14 Jul, 11 Aug, 15 Sep and 13 Oct 10.

Tuscan Treats and the Cinque Tere
Savour the culture of this renowned region in true Italian tradition - slowly, like a glass of fine wine or an indulgent 6-course feast. This remarkable tour is flexible enough to allow a cappuccino stop or theatre visit when the whim takes you, but it is also cleverly crafted to reveal Tuscan treasures often overlooked by the typical tourist trail.

Day 1: Florence
Embrace the charisma and colour of Florence from the moment you arrive at the airport. Alive with culture, art, theatre, fantastic food and first class shopping, it is the capital of the Tuscan region and an ideal base for the next two nights. Met the group over the first of many delicious dinners. (D)

Day 2: Florence
Marvel at the Ponte Vecchio, the beautiful bridge spanning the River Arno. Visit the Uffizi Art Gallery, with its showcase collection bequeathed to the people of Florence by the Medici family, and lose yourself amid masterpieces by some of the greatest artists who have ever lived including Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Rembrandt. (B)

Day 3: Luca
Yesterday’s introduction will have whet the appetite for further adventures in Florence. Tour the landmark 13th century cathedral, scour the elegant shops or simply sit back and soak up the atmosphere over coffee in the Piazza del Duomo. Try climbing the 207 steps of the Torre dell Ore, a 13th century clock tower, and the 230 challenging steps to the Tower of the Palazzo Guinigi, or enjoy a more leisurely stroll around the town’s renaissance walls. (B/D)

Day 4: Luca
Ease into things with a relaxing day wandering the medieval streets of Lucca, or set out to explore the steep coastline and the five captivating villages that make up the Cinque Terre, back-dropped by breathtaking sea views. View the villages from the famous walking track through the National Park. (B)

Day 5: Pisa/Volterra
Visit the extraordinary Leaning Tower of Pisa. Then take in the rural romance and timeless beauty of the Tuscan countryside on the way to Volterra, a magnificent medieval town perched high on a rocky plateau. You might want to visit the famous Guarnacci museum with its fascinating collection of Etruscan artefacts. (B/D)

Day 6: Volterra
Relax and soak up the traditional ambience of Volterra with a cappuccino in the central Piazza dei Priori. Then the grandeur of the Tuscan countryside will continue as you enter Siena with its breathtaking array of majestic buildings and its famous cathedral. Immerse yourself in the full flavour of Italian cuisine, courtesy of Siena’s abundance of pavement cafes and great eateries. Then on to one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, San Gimignano, with its striking skyline of 800-year-old towers, which evokes images of medieval (B)

Day 7: Volterra
Today there will be time to take in more of the local area. Your guide will offer some advice as to what options are available. Perhaps you would just like to wander through the streets of Volterra, enjoying the local cuisine and shopping, or alternatively there will be an opportunity to explore the coastline of Tuscany with your guide, with time to relax on the beach. (B/D)

Day 8: Florence
Watch the rolling hills adorned with vineyards and olive groves glide past on the way to Chianti, a region that produces some of the country’s best-known wines, including the famous Chianti Classico. (B)

DEPARTURE DATES:
Tour departs Florence 10, 24 Jul, 07, 21 Aug, 04, 18 Sep, 02, 16 and 30 Oct 10.

Italian Indulgence
Carefully crafted to create an intimate, indulgent introduction to one of the world’s most popular peninsulas, this tour takes in all the major, must-see attractions in classic Back-Roads fashion. Breach the typical tourist barriers to become totally immersed in the history of Rome, the creativity of Florence, romance of Venice, and glamour of Milan. Then move beyond the signature cities to the rustic countryside regions and the lakeside spectacle of Lake Como. Enjoy the splendours of Italy as you uncover the elegant Italian culture, cuisine and history.

Day 1: Rome
As you make your way to the spectacular city of Rome you may orientate yourself with this historic city before you meet this evening for the first of many delicious Italian meals in a local restaurant. (D)

Day 2: Rome
Few cities have had such an influence on the world as Rome, and whilst it might not be caput mundi (capital of the World), it remains a city of huge historical significance. Be introduced to some of its most impressive sites, including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. After lunch we head out of the city for a guided tour of another of its ancient sites, the underground cemeteries known as the Catacombs. (B)

Day 3: Rome
Today explore more of Rome at a leisurely pace. Visit the Vatican Museum, a complex of different pontifical museums which were built to promote knowledge of art and history. A must-see highlight is Michelangelo’s monumental artistic achievement, the spectacular painted ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. This afternoon is free for you to enjoy more of this city’s remarkable sights. Take a walk through St Peter’s Basilica and make sure you browse through Rome’s famous boutiques. (B)

Day 4: Asisi/Perugia
Depart Rome and enjoy the scenic route along the Via Salaria (the ancient salt route), stopping at historic towns along the way. Our first is the picturesque town of Reiti, whose cathedral dates back to the 12th century and features a Romanesque bell tower. Visit Spoleto, the home of the spectacular Albornozian Castle whose imposing hilltop position offers an incredible view over the town and surrounding valley. (B/D)

Day 5: Volterra/Siena
Admire the breathtaking countryside as you travel to the ravishing region of Tuscany, renowned for its exquisite art, food and wine. Visit the beautiful San Gimignano, known as ‘The City of Towers’ and one of Tuscany’s best preserved medieval towns. Head to Siena where we explore its exquisite sites, such as the Palazzo Pubblico, a fine example of Italian medieval and Gothic architecture, and of course the Piazza del Campo, arguably the most beautiful arena in Italy. Tonight enjoy a traditional Tuscan dinner in one of its local restaurants. (B/D)

Day 6: Volterra/Siena
It is a short yet dramatic drive to Florence, the home of Renaissance art and architecture. See the Ponte Vecchio (medieval bridge over the River Arno), Duomo Cathedral, Uffizi Gallery and Santa Croce - the burial place of some of the most illustrious Italians, including Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. This afternoon is yours to spend a relaxing time exploring the streets of this exquisite city. (B)

Day 7: Luca
Journey to ancient Pisa. Its famous Leaning Tower needs no introduction. This 12th century freestanding bell tower seems to defy gravity and has been attracting visitors for many years. View the adjoining cathedral, Bapestry and the decorated Campo Santo, or ‘Holy Field.’ Travel to the charming city of Lucca, probably the most spectacular walled town in Italy. Explore the ancient walls with your local guide, before discovering the house where Puccini was born, the quirky Torre Guinigi and more! (B)

Day 8: Venice
Take the back-roads and enjoy a stunning alpine style drive over the Apennine Mountains to Ravenna, to uncover its eight World Heritage listed sights and stunning 5th and 6th century mosaics. Then travel to the famous city of Venice. Venice is best travelled on the water, so sit back and enjoy a vaporetto ride to our hotel, located on one of Venice’s historic islands. Tonight’s dinner will be a delightful Venetian dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D)

Day 9: Venice
This morning fully immerse yourself in this splendid city and explore its iconic sites and monuments on a guided walking tour. Watch daily Venetian life pass by in the bustling St Mark’s Square, visit the gleaming Basilica, the most famous cathedral church in the city, view the Campanile (bell tower) and the Gothic Doges Palace. Venice is a labyrinth of canals crossed by beautiful bridges, including the Bridge of Sighs and Rialto Bridge as you wind through the city. (B)

Day 10 Lake Como
Leaving Venice, head to romantic Verona, famous for Juliet’s Balcony scene from Shakespeare’s play Romeo & Juliet and its many well preserved archaeological sites. Explore the city, including its colossal Roman amphitheatre, the Arena, picturesque Piazza delle Erbe, Madonna Verona fountain and Tower Lamberti. Aside from its historical sites, Verona offers some fantastic shopping opportunities in its abundance of unique shops and boutiques. (B/D)

Day 11 Lake Como
The area is an oasis of tranquillity, with arresting views across the pristine lakes and surrounding majestic snow capped mountains. Visit the historic walled town of Como, where you can explore its 400-year-old buildings and ancient churches. There will also be an opportunity for an optional drive across the border into Switzerland to the lakeside town of Lugano. (B/D)

Day 12 Milan
Milan is Italy’s famous fashion capital; the city is as beautiful as its people. To orientate you in this captivating city take a guided walking tour to appreciate the glamour, passing through its city centre and impressive Gothic cathedral, and famous church, Santa Maria delle Grazie, where Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper hangs. Nearby there’s La Scala, home to one of Italy’s famous Opera Houses. (B)

Day 13 Milan
Your tour finishes after breakfast. Depending on when your flight leaves, there is an opportunity to shop or embark on further sightseeing. (B)