For centuries, Italy has drawn visitors in search of culture and romance; few countries can compare with its prodigious classical origins in art, architecture, music, design, scenery, food and wine. Italy's contribution to European painting and sculpture surpasses that of any other nation. Blend this with the magnificent scenery of its lakes, one of the world's great cuisines and the Italian attitude of living life to the absolute maximum and you have a superb destination for a tour.

Italy is blessed with fantastic scenery and some of the finest is to be found as you approach Lake Garda, where the abundant flowers and verdant trees covering the banks are reflected in an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colour. The picturesque lake with gentle waves lapping slowly onto the shingle shoreline, the stunning snow-capped Alps in the background and a scattering of charming villages all fit together in a beautifully balanced mosaic.

It is only in the past 150 years that Italy has come to exist as a nation state formed from a collection of largely independent cities, often separated by almost impenetrable marshes or mountain ranges. On this tour, we shall visit two of these - the hugely different, but equally classic cities of Verona and Venice.

Verona is without doubt one of the most attractive cities you will ever see, deservedly well known as the setting for the legendary tale of Romeo and Juliet. Significant since ancient times, it has more ancient remains than any city in Italy except Rome itself. Its most striking monument is the arena - the third largest amphitheatre ever built - where the entertainment on offer included gladiatorial combat. Enclosed by massive and exceedingly well-preserved ramparts, the city has a captivating medieval feel to it with pink-hued buildings, lovingly restored, lining the streets.

All the enticing pictures you have seen of St Mark's Square and Basilica, the Doge's Palace and the Grand Canal have merely been telling the extraordinary truth: Venice is a stunning city. You cannot walk for more than a few minutes without stopping to gaze at sights which simply demand admiration.

One of the greatest joys of visiting Italy is, of course, being amongst the Italians themselves. Stylish, always ready to help and, perhaps the overriding national characteristic, living life to the full and creating the fantastic atmosphere so much in evidence - so come with us and see.