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Italian Escapade - 13 Days

Price

Classic Group (33-40 guests) - from $5,108 pp

Small Group (24 guests) - from $7,225 pp


Cities

Rome, Vatican City, Siena, Tuscany, Florence, Pisa, Lake Maggiore, Lake Iseo, Venice, Assisi, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, Cassino

Trip Style

Balanced: typically feature up to 1.6-4.8 km of walking per day and might involve

some uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones and stairs.


Tour Operator

Insight Vacations


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Itinerary in Detail


  • Day 1 - Welcome to the Eternal City of Rome

    Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and baroque churches. Settle in before joining your Travel Director for a visit to Trastevere, Rome's bohemian quarter. Enjoy a private visit to Farmacia of Santa Maria della Scala, the oldest pharmacy in Europe. Gain historic insights from a Carmelite friar as you admire the Farmacia and explore the adjoining 16th-century church. Take in the vibrant atmosphere of this charming neighborhood as you indulge in dinner with wine at a local restaurant.


    • Arrival Transfer: Depart Leonardo da Vinci airport (FCO) at 09:30, 12:30, 15:30
    • Welcome: Meet your Travel Director at 17:30
    • Hotel: Radisson Blu GHR Rome
    • Included Meals: Dinner with Wine
  • Day 2 - Vatican City and Rome with a Local

    Your day is devoted to the Eternal City. Join a Local Expert for an in-depth visit to the Vatican Museums, full of priceless art treasures collected by the Popes. Visit the Sistine Chapel, where Popes are elected, to admire Michelangelo’s famous ceiling. Cross the Tiber River to enjoy ancient Rome and see the incredible Circus Maximus. Admire the beautifully preserved Arch of Constantine, walking on the ancient pavement. Discover the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum as you stroll around the exterior of this amazing structure. Later, perhaps continue your exploration of Rome to see the Pantheon, the stunning piazzas and fountains of Rome.


    • Hotel: Radisson Blu GHR Rome
    • Included Meals: Breakfast
  • Day 3 - Siena and Medieval Florence

    Travel north to medieval Siena and stroll through the winding stone-paved streets to the vast Piazza del Campo, where the Palio horse race takes place amid great festivities. See the Fountain of Joy and then walk up to the hilltop cathedral, striped with marble. Continue through the cypress-clad hills and vineyards of Tuscany to Florence. Enjoy a traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina steak dinner paired with delicious local wine, a specialty not to be missed.


    • Hotel: Michelangelo Florence
    • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
  • Day 4 - Florence, Birthplace of the Renaissance

    Explore Florence with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo’s David. After, admire the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. Continue to Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune, Hercules and Cacus along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Alternatively, take a stroll with your Travel Director to Piazza Santa Croce to enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local café, where you will be in the perfect spot to admire the basilica and indulge in people-watching the elegant Florentines.



    • Hotel: Michelangelo Florence
    • Included Meals: Breakfast
  • Day 5 - Pisa and the Italian Lakes

    Stop in Pisa to see the incredible Leaning Tower from which Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity, as well as the splendid cathedral and baptistery, decorated with mosaics and designs in solid marble. Your journey continues, past the marble quarries at Carrara, used since the time of Ancient Rome, through the dramatic Apennine Mountains to the fertile valley of the River Po. Continue to your lakeside resort on beautiful Lake Maggiore. As night time draws in, why not work up an appetite before dinner with a traditional evening stroll, or passeggiata as they say in Italy?


    • Hotel: Hotel Simplon
    • Included Meals: Breakfast
  • Day 6 - The Italian Lake District

    Today is set aside for you to relax and enjoy all the fantastic sights of this beautiful lakeland area. For your Dine-Around evening, choose from a selection of hand-picked restaurants for your dining pleasure.


    • Hotel: Hotel Simplon
    • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
  • Day 7 - To Venice With Wine Along the Way

    Follow the southern fringes of the European Alps to the vineyards of the Franciacorta wine region near the shores of Lake Iseo. Here, winemaking traditions run deep. Taste the delicious vintages produced by a master vintner at a family-owned estate. Continue to the unique city of Venice.


    • Hotel: BW Premier Collection CHC Continental
    • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
  • Day 8 - The Magic of 'La Serenissima'

    A private boat ferries you to St. Mark’s Square. See the basilica, Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a traditional workshop, where you can see how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding creative skills. Enjoy being serenaded on a gondola ride, gliding through the city's canals in romantic awe. Spend the afternoon as you wish. As night falls, why not savor the magic of St. Mark’s square with its orchestras and al-fresco cafes?


    • Hotel: BW Premier Collection CHC Continental
    • Included Meals: Breakfast
  • Day 9 - Hilltop Assisi

    Skirt the Venetian Lagoon and cross two of Italy’s most important rivers, the Adige and Po. The scenery will then change dramatically as you drive through the wild Apennines. Your destination is the stone-built, hilltop town of Assisi, home of St. Francis. See the Church of St. Mary of the Angels before continuing up Mount Subasio. Then, with our Local Expert, visit the beautiful Basilica of St. Francis.


    • Hotel: Hotel Giotto Assisi
    • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
  • Day 10 - Sorrento on the Coast

    Journey along the clifftop road to the picturesque resort of Sorrento, perched upon the southern cliffs of the Bay of Naples and looking out to Mount Vesuvius. With the evening at leisure, why not try some of the local specialties during a regional dining experience?


    • Hotel: Hotel Isabella
    • Included Meals: Breakfast
  • Day 11 - Capri, the Isle of Dreams

    In the morning, cruise to Capri, known as the Isle of Dreams. With your Local Expert, explore the narrow alleyways of Capri town, browse in exclusive boutiques and wonder at the views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Descend to the port by funicular railway and return to Sorrento for some relaxation time. Perhaps join an optional visit to Positano and the Amalfi Coast?


    • Hotel: Hotel Isabella
    • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
  • Day 12 - On to ill-fated Pompeii and Rome

    Journey north to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, eerily preserved by the eruptions of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Your Local Expert walks you through cobbled streets to explore some of the shops, villas and temples. Witness the colorful frescoes that were hidden for centuries. Continue beneath the striking hilltop monastery of Monte Cassino and back to Rome where your journey reaches its zenith in the evening. In the heart of The Eternal City, you are treated to a quintessential Italian experience. Fine food, wine, music and a private performance of enchanting operetta for your dinner.


    • Hotel: Bettoja Hotel Massimo D'Azeglio
    • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
  • Day 13 - Arrivederci Roma

    Bid farewell to the glories of Italy, savoring the memories of its enchanting cities, historic landmarks and stunning landscapes. Italy's unique allure will linger in your heart long after you leave.


    • Departure Transfer: Arrive at Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) at 07:00, 09:30
    • Included Meals: Breakfast


Trip Highlights



Venice Artisan Glassblowing Demonstration

Lake Maggiore Dine-Around Evening

Pharmacy of Santa Maria della Scala

Venice Artisan Glassblowing Demonstration

Lake Maggiore Dine-Around Evening


What is Included in Your Tour

  • Handpicked 4 & 5 star hotels in great locations
  • Business Class style coaches with extended legroom
  • Superior dining in top rated restaurants
  • Insider Access, Insightful Encounters and Insight Choice experiences
  • Daily breakfasts & many relaxed morning starts after 9am
  • Local discovery led by Local Experts
  • 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert Driver
  • Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants, is included


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