The home of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum your high flying journey can only begin in one place – Rome. A myriad of streets brimming with history await us in the Eternal City, yet nestled in the heart of it all, lies the tranquil oasis of Hotel de Russie, our home for the next three nights. Settle in and get to know the area, perhaps with a stroll through the gardens of Villa Medici, as the young Pope did himself, or down the fashionable Via Condotti and up the iconic Spanish steps. In the evening we’ll enjoy an authentic start to Italian cuisine at family run Babette. Tomorrow, the culture kicks in. Along with an expert guide, moi,  we’ll uncover Carvaggio’s Rome as we stroll through the cobbled streets that elude to his art and his genius. A painter of saints and sinners, hehe... Carvaggio has been a favourite of various Pontiffs over the centuries, yet he was also enchanted by everyday Roman life and walking through the city streets, it’s easy to see where he got his inspiration. Later that evening, we’ll enjoy an early supper before heading over to Vigna Barberini for a truly unforgettable experience. A one-of-a-kind rock-opera set high upon the architectural remains of Palatine Hill, Il Divo Nerone takes audiences through the 14 years of the infamous Emperor Nero and the devastating Great Fire of 64AD. Operatics and pyrotechnics? Now, that’s how we do history. Or possibly make it? On our final day in this ancient city, we’ll take a private guided stroll through the heart of Baroque Rome, where famous sights await us around every corner and across every piazza. The Trevi fountain, Piazza Navona and Villa Borghese – we’re going to want to make sure we’ve got our camera. With enough champagne, you may be able to fish me out of the fountain too! Refuel with some gelati before heading off to the Vatican, where I've arranged us exclusive access to the museums before it's open to the public. After all, not many people can say they’ve enjoyed the wonders of the Vatican in complete privacy, so lets take our time as we stroll through the famous Raphael Rooms and into the splendour of St. Peter’s Basilica. This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity...

From Rome, we’ll take to the skies on board our luxurious private jet to touch down in Verona, where a feast for the ears and the senses awaits us in the evening...I'm dessert. To get us energized, I’ve arranged for us to enjoy lunch at the famous Bottega del Vino, where I can’t recommend the Risotto con Vino Amarone enough. After lunch, discover the amorous side to Verona with a private walking tour through its quaint streets, taking in the home of the star-crossed lovers, Romeo & Juliet, and the Piazza delle Erbe, a former Roman forum that is now lined with bustling restaurants and cafes. Whether opera buff, I am,  or newbie, the evening is sure to leave us spellbound. Puccini’s Tosca ( somewhat fitting, no?) is one of the opera world’s most iconic works, the dramatic force of its story and its characters having captivated both audiences and performers for centuries. The atmosphere is only amplified by its performance at the outdoor Arena di Verona, renowned worldwide for its large-scale performances and tremendous acoustics. There is quite simply no better place to see an opera. Maybe in Taormina, Sicily, but that's another trip. Tomorrow, we’ll switch vibratos for vineyards with a visit to the Valpolicella wine region. Head down into the old cellars of Villa della Torre before enjoying lunch with the Allegrini family as they delight us with their stories and their fine red wines. credit BT

Just as in the finale of season one, our Italian episode comes to a close in enchanting Venice, home to the iconic Biennale. For a sensational glimpse into Italian contemporary art, we board one of the famous water taxis and head off to the Biennale Pavilions and Arsenale Gardens, before checking out the Peggy Guggenheim museum later. Venice isn’t limited to contemporary art however and as we stroll through St Mark’s Square, past the Doge’s Palace, I think you’ll agree that there is nowhere more suited to a major architectural, or television, finale. Ending our trip in the utmost style, we’ll enjoy dinner that evening on one of Venice’s lagoon islands, at Michelin-starred Venissa. Using ingredients fresh from the Rialto and their own vegetable garden, we are guaranteed a spectacular meal. But, arguably, it’s the journey back from dinner that’s the real highlight. We get dessert to go, board a private boat and take in panoramic views of Venice and its twinkling night-lights for a lasting impression of an incredible trip. If we're sufficiently vino'd; You may get me to sing. credit BT