Things to do in Europe

Immerse yourself in ancient Roman culture on this half day tour of some of the oldest sights of the city. Begin your afternoon with a visit to Palatine Hill, the most central of Rome's Seven Hills and where it is believed, the city was founded. You'll then continue on to the most iconic of the city's sights, the Colosseum. Here you will learn about the great and somewhat gory gladiatorial shows that were once held to entertain Roman citizens. From the Colosseum, follow the main street of ancient Rome – Via Sacra – and witness the ruins of the Temples of Vesta, Antonino and Faustina and the Basilica Julia and Basilica Aemilia.

Avoid the crowds and get exclusive entry to the Vatican's breathtaking Sistine Chapel before it opens the general public. Completed in approximately 1483, this is probably the most famous chapel in the world due its beautiful frescoes painted by the Renaissance artist Michelangelo and the opportunity to enjoy a self-guided tour in relative peace is an opportunity not to be missed.

If you have a sweet tooth then you'll love this ice-cream making experience. Visit the famous Gelateria David in Sorrento and learn the basics of gelato making as you watch a demo and learn about the ingredients and techniques used to create the most delicious hand-made ice-creams. Following the demo you'll be invited to taste some traditional and innovative flavours.

Discover the highlights of Baroque Rome on this guided tour which begins at the Spanish Steps. Learn about the history of these famous steps before strolling to Piazza del Popolo

which was built on the site of the Stadium of Domitian. Soak up the atmosphere at the Piaazza di Spagna and see the Fontana della Barcaccia which was designed by the renowned sculptor, Pietro Bernini, and his son. Next stop is the iconic Trevi Fountain, made famous in the Oscar-winning Fellini film, La Dolce Vita. According to legend, if you toss a coin into the fountain then you are guaranteed to return to Rome in the future. Continue to the incredible Pantheon, an architectural masterpiece and one of the city's most precious monuments. Visit the Church of St Louis to admire beautiful works of art by Caravaggio before heading back to the Piazza Navona to see the splendid Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) and the imposing St Agnes Church by Borromini where this tour ends and you are free to explore.

Experience an introduction to authentic Neapolitan cuisine at the Esperidi Resort in Sant'Agnello di Sorrento which is nestled in fragrant orange and lemon groves. Learn how to prepare a traditional meal of four local dishes including an appetiser, first course, second course and dessert, with the final reward to come as you sit down with your host and classmates to sample your mouth-watering dishes over lunch. The class will last for three hours and includes a souvenir of your culinary experience.

The city of Syracuse is known for its rich history, ancient Greek and Roman remnants and being the birth place of the mathematician Archimedes. On this full day experience you will visit the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre and the Altar of Hieron II. Next you will head to the historical centre of the city, which is situated on the island of Ortygia, home to the cathedral, the Temple of Apollo and Arethusa’s Fountain.

Take a mesmerising boat tour to visit the striking Villa Balbianello, which was used for location shooting in both Casino Royale, and Star Wars Episode 2: Attack of the Clones, and also Villa Cassinella, one of the region’s most prestigious private villas. This glamorous tour also offers the opportunity to view George Clooney’s Lake Como villa and the beautiful 19th Century Villa Fontanelle, the former residence of Gianni Versace.

Don't miss the opportunity to view one of the most important art collections in the world on this tour of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica. Be mesmerised by the beauty of Michelangelo's celebrated masterpiece and admire frescos including the Last Judgment. You will then be whisked away to St Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world, which is covered in millions of golden mosaics and home to imperssive works including Michelangelo's celebrated Renaissance sculpture– Pietà.

Arrive in Venice and take a private motorboat to St Mark’s Square for a guided walk through the city’s historic centre and its many monuments. Perhaps opt to join a gondola ride through the canals (at extra cost), before some free time to explore at your leisure. After lunch, depart on an optional trip around the lagoon’s islands, learning about the part they played in Venetian history.