Metropole

Lake Como

After a morning walking tour of Como, we travel by hydrofoil to Bellagio, known as the ‘Pearl of the Lake’. At the Villa Melzi exotic species thrive in the warm climate – the garden is renowned in springtime for its riotous display of azaleas.

6 nights price from £3989 per person

Naples

The ancient, imperial history of Naples and its glorious bay is so powerfully etched into the minds of travellers to the region that it often comes as a shock to remember that, after the fall of the Roman Empire, Naples was reborn and went on to establish itself as a major cultural centre.

6 nights price from £2547 per person

Lecce

Puglia, the ‘heel’ of Italy, is an ancient land that produces more olive oil and wine than any other region of Italy. It is highly fertile despite its harsh limestone landscape typical of the Mezzogiorno.

6 nights price from £2989 per person

Lucca

A perfect example of a beautifully preserved Tuscan town, Lucca has artistic treasures of the first order. A popular destination for day visitors, it rewards those who stay a little longer with secrets which are slowly revealed.

4 nights price from £1756 per person

Milan

La Scala, Milan is, for most opera lovers, the world’s most revered and important opera house. The theatre opened in 1778 with a performance of an opera by Salieri and since then many of the greatest Italian operas have received their first performance on its hallowed stage.

4 nights price from £2298 per person

Umbria

Perugia, the capital of Umbria and one of the finest cities in Italy is the centre from which we explore this fascinating region. Umbria is filled with historic art towns, perched on their hilltops with wonderful views of the rolling Umbrian countryside planted with olive groves and vineyards. 

7 nights price from £2798 per person

Florence

Since the Renaissance, Florence has been one of the most important destinations for discerning travellers with an appreciation of art, but it was the Grand Tourists of the 18th century who made Florence an essential component in a cultural education.

5 nights price from £2349 per person

Florence

Encounter the great scientific minds and discoveries of the Renaissance, which helped cement Italy's role at the forefront of scientific endeavour – from Brunelleschi and Botticelli to polymaths like Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo Galilei.

5 nights price from £2729 per person

Venice

The second of our two weeks in Venice with Charlie Hall will take you beyond La Serenissima itself, to the islands of the lagoon, Giotto's magnificent frescoes in Padua and the Palladian villas of the Veneto. A series of world-class experts will give lectures on Venetian cuisine, opera and modern art.

13 nights price from £7598 per person

Venice

The first of our two weeks in Venice with Charlie Hall provides a fascinating in-depth introduction to the art, architecture and history of La Serenissima in the company of world-class experts, as well as a day in Ravenna, last capital of the Western Roman Empire.

13 nights price from £7598 per person