Premium Rome to Split

Today, your leader will take you on a journey back in time as you explore Rome's historical monuments. Marvel at the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, and other iconic sites. Stop at a local bar for a quick coffee or gelato. The afternoon is free for you to explore - perhaps visit the majestic Vatican City. In the evening, avoid the daytime crowds and explore the Colosseum by night.

Today, travel to the beautiful city of Siena, where you'll explore the most interesting sights. Visit the heart of the city, Piazza del Campo, and the stunning Siena Cathedral. Next, visit Monteriggioni, a charming medieval walled town. You'll have time to explore this tiny hilltop spot before arriving at your accommodation near San Gimignano. Tonight, indulge in a gourmet dinner at your hotel, featuring traditional Tuscan dishes with a modern twist.

Start the day with a visit to San Gimignano, the 'Town of Fine Towers'. Explore the medieval Old Town center and its fine Gothic and Romanesque architecture. This region is renowned for its ancient Vernaccia grapes, which are the basis for one of Tuscany's finest white wines. Visit a local agriturismo, explore the vineyards, and sample their celebrated wine. Return to your accommodation for another delicious dinner.

Today, visit Pisa and its iconic Leaning Tower. Your next stop is Lucca, where you'll take a short walk along the city's beautifully preserved Renaissance walls. Depart to Florence where you'll discover the city on an orientation walk. Marvel at the Duomo cathedral, visit St. John's Baptistery, and cross the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge. Visit the Giardino delle Rose for a sweet-scented walk among 400 rose species before heading to Piazzale Michelangelo for sweeping views of Florence's timeless skyline.

This morning, join a private guided walk of Florence and learn about its glorious past. Your tour includes a visit to the Galleria dell'Accademia, renowned for its collection of sculptures, including the iconic statue of David by Michelangelo. Enjoy a free afternoon at your own pace. Visiting the Uffizi while you are here is highly recommended. Be sure to head to Piazzale Michelangelo for sweeping views of Florence's timeless skyline. Sample some of the culinary delicacies on offer from across Tuscany.

Your adventure begins today in the marvelous city of Venice. You will be collected from the airport on arrival and transferred to your hotel by car and water taxi, where you will meet your leader and fellow travelers for a 6pm welcome meeting. If you have time to spare before then, you may wish to take a walking tour of the highlights, including St Mark's Square and the Basilica, Doges' Palace, Accademia Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs. After the meeting tonight, join your leader and small group for a welcome dinner at a fabulous local restaurant.

Farewell Venice in the morning and travel to the Postojna Caves. After lunch, explore this network of passages, galleries, and chambers. Continue to Ljubljana, a city full of style and sophistication. On arrival, take a guided tour around the Old Town with your leader. Learn about the city's history as you visit Ljubljana Castle, the Town Hall, Cathedral of St Nicholas and the Dragon Bridge. You'll also pay a visit to the open market under arcades before continuing to the lakeside town of Bled.

This morning, drive through the misty Sava Bohinjka Valley to beautiful Lake Bohinj, the largest permanent natural lake in Slovenia. Take a cable car to the top of Mt Vogel, where you will be greeted by simply astonishing views. Take some time to enjoy this amazing area before returning to Bled, renowned for its mild, healing climate and thermal lake water. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then embark on some sightseeing. Take a Pletna boat ride to the island on Lake Bled and climb up the 99 steps to St Mary's Church. Enjoy a free evening.

Farewell Slovenia this morning and drive to Motovun, one of Croatia's most interesting towns. Today you will have the chance to sample the delectable local product during a truffle tasting combined with fritaja (Croatian omelette), a local speciality. Continue on to the romantic Croatian town of Rovinj, one of the best-kept towns on the Adriatic Coast. Among Rovinj's qualities is the beautiful, architecturally intact old town center, and its Venetian-style St. Euphemia Church. Tonight's accommodation is set on a private island just a short boat ride from Rovinj.

Today you will explore one of Croatia's most beautiful sites - Plitvice Lakes National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a fairy-tale land of wooded hills, turquoise lakes, and stunning waterfalls. After your memorable visit to the lakes, drive to the walled city of Zadar. Take an afternoon sightseeing tour of this splendid city with a local guide. Learn the ancient history of the Roman Forum built in the first-Century and St Donatus' Church. Visit the reconstructed Romanesque St Grisigono's Church, St Mary's bell tower, St Anastasia's Cathedral, and the People's Square. Lastly, you will visit the Three and Five Wells Squares. In the late afternoon, top off the day with a sunset drink overlooking the bay.

The day is yours to continue to get to know Zadar. There are a number of excellent museums to visit including the Museum of Church Art, the Archaeological Museum and the National Museum. Don't forget to visit the famous 'Greeting to the Sun' and the 'Sea Organ', two of the more modern sights of Zadar. You could also visit the vibrant fish markets of this port town, take a dip in the clear coastal waters, or explore the cafe culture and do some people watching.

After breakfast, drive to Split, making a stop in the quaint town of Sibenik. Walk amongst the stone houses, churches, narrow alleys and lanes, where past and present sit in harmony. Visit St Jacob's Cathedral, a 15th-century jewel that's UNESCO protected, before taking some time for lunch. Continue on to your final destination of Split. This is Croatia's second largest city, located in the heart of the Dalmatian coast and set on the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea against a backdrop of coastal mountains. Check into your accommodation, a charming boutique hotel with centuries of history, situated on the most beautiful square in the city.