ROAD TRIP: Iconic Italy

Taking in all of the key sights of the Italian renaissance, this itinerary has something for everyone. Known for food, history, art and culture, Italy is a feast for the senses. Journeying between the ancient city of Rome, the artistic heartlands of Florence, and the iconic canal city of Venice, you will experience the diverse cultures and traditions that make Italy so unforgettable.

Pick up your rental car on arrival into Rome Fiumicino airport, and make your way into the centre of Rome.

One of Europe's most historic cities, Rome will delight each of your five senses. It's easy to stimulate all five in one hour, never mind one day.

For your first day in Rome, we would recommend familiarising yourself with the area around your hotel, and taking yourself out for a nice dinner. The next few days are heavy on sightseeing so relax into the city, perhaps with some light sightseeing at the Villa Borghese gardens, and some authentic roman food.

Your second day in Rome will get you up close with one of Rome's most enduring and famous landmarks - the Colosseum. Built almost 2000 years ago, the Roman Colosseum is the largest still standing of it's kind, and one of the most famous landmarks in the world. On your guided tour, you will learn all about the history of this building - including the types of events it hosted, and the most famous sport of Ancient Rome, The Gladiator games. After thoroughly exploring the Colosseum, you will be shown around the ruins of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill to learn what everyday life in Rome was like.

After your tour, the rest of your day is yours to spend as you wish. We would suggest to pick a neighbourhood and explore it in depth to get the most of your time in Rome. For more culture, the area around Piazza Navona is a great spot to visit. In close walking distance to the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain, keep an eye out for three Carravaggio paintings that hang in the church of San Luigi dei Francesi. If you wish to explore the food of Rome some more, travel across to Trastevere neighbourhood for authentic (and less touristy!) food, or just whiling your time away in one of the cities many wine bars.

Today you cross the border into the smallest microstate in the world. The heart of the Catholic church, the Vatican City is known worldwide for the impressive art collection housed within its walls. Most famous for the Sistine Chapel, the walls of the Vatican are adorned with religious artwork from many famous artists - including Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh and Henri Matisse. The crowning glories of the Vatican City however lie in the Italian greats - with the work of Michaelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Carravagio all displayed within.

After exploring the Vatican on your guided tour, the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure. For some authentic Roman street food, look out for suppli, pizza al taglio, and trapazzino.

For your final day in Rome, make sure you check out any of the sights that you haven't managed to see on your trip. Return to you favourite bars and restaurants, walk your favourite streets and neighbourhoods, and say a fond farewell to Rome before your departure tomorrow.

Continuing on your tour of Italy, your next stop is the Renaissance heartlands of Florence. A relatively short drive of around 3 hours, why not take the day to explore as you venture between Rome and Florence. Towns such as Orvieto, Montepulciano, and Siena are an easy detour - taking you not far off track, but allowing you to see more of the historic charm of Italy. Once you're done exploring, continue on to Florence for your next three nights.

Whilst in Florence, one of the most famous sights is the Statue of David which you will see on your Accademia Gallery walking tour. However Florence has so much more to offer. For one of the most unique things in Florence, keep an eye out for their wine windows. These are small windows - hardly large enough for a hand to pass through - where you can buy a glass of wine. Consult the wine window maps online, find a few windows, and after purchasing just find a place to unwind and take in the sights and sounds of Florence.

Your final stop in Italy will take you to the romantic canal city of Venice. With the winding canals, the romantic gondolas, and the beautiful architure, Venice is a place like no other. Comprised of six main neighbourhoods, each different area of Venice offers a unique vibe and plenty to explore. For the artistic, the area of Dorsoduro is incredibly cultural and authentic - and from the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute you can see the impressive towers of St Mark's Square but without the bustle of the tourists.

A visit to Venice would not be complete without sampling the local food and wine, and getting an insiders tips into the best places to visit. With your included Urban Adventures Cicchetti and Wine tour, you will get to sample seven Cicchetti (small plate) dishes, and 5 glasses of wine. Cross the canals in a Traghetto Gondola, and explore the best parts of Venice - beyond the tourist paths.

After a remarkable 10 days in Italy, say ciao (for now) to this magical country before dropping off your car at Venice Marco Polo airport and continuing on with your journey.