Top to Toe of Italy

Open squares, dreamy canals and broad boulevards of Renaissance architecture — there really is nothing quite like the beauty of Venice. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Stay Two Nights: Venice, Hotel Excelsior or similar (D)

With its unique cityscape and rich heritage as head of the Byzantine Empire, Venice has enchanted visitors for centuries. Today, you'll enjoy a guided tour, admiring landmarks such as St Mark's Basilica and the dazzling Doge's Palace. The afternoon is free for you to explore. (B)

Leaving Venice, board your high-speed train to Florence. Here, you will embark on a tour of this fascinating city. Afterwards, during free time, perhaps take a stroll through the alluring Boboli Gardens or wander down to the Arno. Stay Three Nights: Florence, Hotel de la Ville or similar (B/D)

This morning, you'll travel to the quintessentially Tuscan city of Siena. Its well-preserved centre is interlinked by a web of narrow streets that lead to the Campo, a grand shell-shaped piazza. Take a guided tour of this charismatic city and see sights that include the Siena Cathedral, which is constructed from strips of black and white marble. (B)

On arrival in Pisa, a guided tour takes you to the Field of Miracles. See the romanesque Duomo and the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Next, it's on to Lucca – a delightful city that has escaped the tourist crowds. Enjoy free time to explore the walled city's medieval core and ramparts, or perhaps visit the Guinigi Tower, known for the majestic oak tree growing from its top. Return to Florence and enjoy an evening at leisure. (B)

Insider Experience: Enjoy a Tuscan rail excursion to Pisa and Lucca.

Today, set your sights on the Eternal City as you travel to Rome. From the remains of the ancient Roman Empire, including the structurally impressive pantheon, the Roman Forum and, of course, the instantly recognisable Colosseum, to the Baroque detail of the Trevi Fountain, Italy's capital city is a treasure trove of culture and history. There's also a wonderful café culture to make the most of, alongside fantastic bars and shops.

On arrival, check in to your hotel. Stay Three Nights: Rome, NH Collection Roma Palazzo Cinquecento or similar (B/D)

See the mighty Colosseum, Roman Forum and the Trevi Fountain as you explore this incredible city on foot during a guided tour. Then, spend the afternoon discovering Rome for yourself – sample some culinary delights as you wander the streets or view the masterpiece ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. (B)

With a day at leisure, perhaps climb the famous Spanish Steps, or stand in awe beneath the domed ceiling of the Pantheon, which has stood the test of time for almost 2,000 years. (B)

Travel by train to Naples, then continue to Sorrento via coach. En route, visit an Italian farmhouse for a delicious lunch. On arrival in Sorrento, a guided walking tour will take you down narrow cobbled streets, where you'll see an exciting fusion of palace buildings and quaint old churches. Stay Three Nights: Sorrento, Hilton Sorrento Palace (B/L)

Insider Experience: Visit a local agriturismo, a farm specialising in authentic, seasonal food. We sit down amid rustic surroundings to enjoy a delicious meal, sampling handmade mozzarella and tasting limoncello, a favourite drink among the locals.

A perfect Mediterranean landscape, the Amalfi Coast's soaring cliffs and olive groves are both dizzying and wonderful. Sail to Positano, an unspoilt village perched on the cliffside, where pretty pastel houses seemingly tumble into the turquoise sea. Enjoy a little time to soak up its picture-perfect beauty before we continuing on to Amalfi. Here, you have free time to discover the town's historic delights, before returning to Sorrento. (B/D)

Insider Experience: This evening for dinner, join a local chef and pizza-making expert to learn the secrets of making authentic Italian pizza.

Travel by train to ancient Pompeii, which was buried in ash by the Mount Vesuvius eruption in AD79. Take a guided tour of the lost city and see public buildings like the amphitheatre, as well as a selection of private villas. (B/D)

Transfer to Salerno for a train journey along Italy's rugged west coast. Leaving mainland Italy behind travel to Sicily, just off the toe of Italy's boot. Crowned by mighty Mount Etna, this volcanic island is packed with history and boasts stunning scenery. Check into your hotel in the seaside town of Giardini Naxos. Stay Three Nights: Giardini Naxos, Hellenia Yachting Hotel or similar (B)

Insider Experience: In Villa San Giovanni, the train joins a special ferry for the journey across the Straits of Messina to the island of Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean.

Today, visit to Mount Etna, an active stratovolcano that measures around 3,330 metres in height and towers over the city of Catania on the island of Sicily. (B)

Insider Experience: Beginning in the village of Adrano, take the winding Circumetnea train and journey around the base of Mount Etna, passing through rugged lava plains.

Today, head out on a guided tour of Taormina's highlights, including the spellbinding Teatro Greco, an immaculately preserved Greek-style amphitheatre. After the tour, enjoy some time to discover why this is one of Sicily's most popular summer destinations. This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner. (B/D)

After breakfast this morning, your rail adventure through Italy draws to its conclusion. Transfer to Catania airport for your onward flight. (B)