Italian Espresso

Rise and shine, we're headed to another historical heavyweight today... But not before stopping off at Siena for lunch. This place has medieval masterpieces and the historic city centre has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. We'll soak up all of that historic beauty and grab a bite before heading onto Florence... Florence is one of the foodie capitals of Italy, so we won't waste any time trying the local delicacies before turning in for the night, dreaming of the Florentine adventures that await us tomorrow. (B) Stay: BB Centro (or similar)

Farewell, Florence. We'll never forget you. But we've got more dreamy Italian hot spots to hit up. We can't be this way of the world without a sneaky visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Depriving you of the chance to perfect the holding-up-the-tower shot would be criminal. Another stopover will let us check out lovely Lucca, with its charming piazzas, Renaissance architecture and historic cafes.

Opt for a sample of wines at the local vineyards here. Or it's a perfect spot to grab a bite before we hit the road again. Welcome to the Italian Riviera! You're going to fall head over heels with this region over the coming days... (B) Stay: Hotel Le Grazie (or similar)

Some people think Cinque Terre is just one place, but it actually translates to the 'five lands,' made up of 5 stunning towns with their own unique identity and traditions. Included in your trip is an unlimited Cinque Terre hike and train ticket, so whether you're into trekking, taking it easy, or a combination of the two, you can explore Cinque Terre your way.

Whichever way you choose to get around, it's hard not to fall in love with the dramatic cliff-faces, cute pastel coloured buildings tumbling down the coast and all sorts of historic monuments. The food here is pretty special, too. Why not make your way down the coast trying local delicacies like pesto, focaccia and seafood! Bene! (B)

We're hitting the road today to one of the most elegant cities in Europe. But not before experiencing the glitz and glamour of Lake Como, with its attractive villages and gorgeous gardens. The showstopper is the lake itself, of course, and we'll have the option to get out on the water and take a cruise to beautiful Bellagio.

Welcome to Milan, the sophisticated cityscape that rewards the curious traveller. We have a free night to check out the local nightlife, and eat some of the local delicacies. As always, your Trip Manager will have the top tips on where to go and where to avoid... (B) Stay: BB Hotel Sesto Milano (or similar)

The dreamy destinations just don't stop coming... Welcome to Verona, the heart of Renaissance romance (and the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet). Beautiful architecture, rich history and plenty of jaw-dropping art makes this place a very worthy stopover. We'll check out Juliet's balcony, part of a gorgeous 13th century house, as well as the epic Roman Arena. Then it's onto another very romantic city... Yup, it's Venice, where our hearts will swell at the mazy canals and ancient architecture.

First up, we'll check into tonight's snazzy accommodation – a Contiki Special Stay on the peaceful island of San Servolo, with breathtaking views of the Venice lagoon. Your jaw is sure to drop, but don't let it stay on the floor for too long! (B/D) Stay: Centro Soggiorno San Servolo (or similar)