Jewels of Italy by Rail

On arrival in Venice, transfer to your hotel and spend time settling in. Stay: Venice, Sina Centurion Palace

This morning, board a comfortable high-speed train and head towards historic Florence.

On arrival, visit the Galleria dell'Accademia and stare in awe at Michelangelo's masterpiece, the Statue of David, a true sight to behold.

Afterwards, set out on a tour of the romantic city of Florence, immersing yourself in the bustling lanes and admiring sublime locations including the intricate marble Duomo and the fascinating Opera del Duomo.

Later, indulge in free time to explore more of the birthplace of the Renaissance before dinner at a local restaurant. Stay Two Nights:  Florence, Sina Villa Medici Autograph Collection (B/D)

Travel to the medieval city of Siena by coach and explore the historic centre, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the magnificent striped façade and intricate ornamentation of the Duomo. Then, wander around the Piazza del Campo, a typical Tuscan town square that was once a vibrant medieval marketplace. Take in your surrounds of brick buildings adorned with red awnings and a traditional tower, Torre del Mangia.

Later, head into the heart of the lush Chianti wine region in central Tuscany for a tantalising wine tasting before returning to Florence.

This evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. For dinner, perhaps try a local trattoria with traditional pasta dishes typical of the region. (B)

Journey by regional train from Florence to the enchanting city of Lucca, once home to the composers Luigi Boccherini and Giacomo Puccini. Spend time on a tour of this quaint medieval walled city and stroll through the cobbled streets, lined with colourful buildings and decorated with green shutters.

Afterwards, travel towards Pietrasanta on the coast of northern Tuscany where you will spend the night. Stay Two Nights: Pietrasanta, Albergo Pietrasanta (B/D)

Journey to Carrara on a regional train.

On arrival, board 4WD vehicles to see the impressive marble quarries of Carrara and join a tour of the site.

Afterwards, savour a lunch featuring a local specialty, Colonnata's Lard.

Later, return to Pietrasanta to enjoy an evening at leisure. (B/L)

• In Portovenere, board a private motorboat and cruise to the Cinque Terre, taking in views of Italy's most picturesque coastline along the way. Indulge in a delectable lunch and a wine tasting.

Embark on an in-depth tour of the lively port city of Genoa, well-known for playing a pivotal role in maritime trade over the centuries, and delve into the history of migration to Australia.

Later, take part in a pesto cooking class followed by lunch. Originating in Genoa, ‘Pesto alla genovese' is a delicious basil-based sauce commonly paired with pasta dishes. (B/L)

This morning, travel from Genoa to Milan via a high-speed train. On arrival in the fashion capital, take a walking tour of Milan past the detailed Duomo terraces and the lavish opera house Teatro alla Scala. Soak in the dramatic contrast of these wide, cosmopolitan streets with the charming Tuscan laneways that you recently walked through.

Later, tantalise your taste buds with a traditional Milanese aperitivo, a combination of drinks, snacks typical of the region and conversations with friends prior to dinner. Perhaps try a local restaurant for dinner as you have the rest of the evening at your leisure. Stay Two Nights: Milan, Sina De La Ville (B)

Spend the day relishing undeniably outstanding views of Italy's Lake District, stretching across Italy's north. Enjoy a full day tour to the glamourous Lake Como. Home to celebrities and awe-inspiring villas, this idyllic location is one of Italy's best with its dramatic scenery of manicured gardens and aqua blue water.

Later, celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner. (B/D)

This morning after breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to Italy. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)