Delight in the essence of Italy on this 11-day guided journey, beginning in Rome where ancient wonders and timeless stories unfold at every turn. Savor lunch on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, witness artisan leathercraft in Florence, glide through Venice’s canals by private boat and gondola, and explore Capri’s dramatic cliffs with a Local Expert.
Includes
11 Day Insight Vacations Guided Holiday
10 Nights in stylish, hand picked hotel accommodation
Authentic dining inclusive of 10 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 5 Dinners
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned coach
An expert Insight Travel Director
From time to time, your Travel Director will enchant you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination
Baggage handling everywhere, we include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels
Hotel and restaurant tips are included
Personal radio headsets, gives you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any of your local expert's fascinating insights and commentaries
Additional experiences during your free time that can be purchased at an additional cost
Unique Insight Experiences
Vatican Visit with Fast-Track Entry: Visit the Vatican Museums, witness the genius of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel and see St. Peter's Basilica.
Sightseeing Highlights
Rome City Tour
Florence Orientation
Florence Leather Demonstration
Pisa Orientation
Assisi Basilica of St Francis Visit
Cruise by Jetfoil to the Isle of Capri and much more!
Excludes
Flights
Arrival/ departure transfers
Visas
Travel Insurance
Spending money and items of a personal nature
Extras
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
Optional Experiences available at an additional cost
Not all departure dates are definite at time of loading, please enquire with one of our agents
Highlights
10 Nights in cherry-picked hotels
16 Meals
Scenic Cruise to the Isle of Capri
Itinerary
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 and get to know your fellow travellers over Roman specialties during dinner at a local restaurant.
Arrival Transfer: Depart Leonardo da Vinci airport (FCO) at 09:00, 12:30, 15:30
Welcome Dinner: Meet your Travel Director at 17:30
Accommodation: Radisson Blu GHR Rome
Included Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Vatican City and Rome with a Local
The 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, and see the beautiful exterior of St. Peter's Basilica. Cross the Tiber river to enjoy ancient Rome. See the incredible Circus Maximus. Admire the beautifully preserved Arch of Constantine and discover the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum on a guided visit. As you stroll with your Local Expert, imagine the gladiatorial battles and roaring spectators around the arena. Later, perhaps continue your exploration of Rome to see the Pantheon and the stunning piazzas and fountains of Rome. This evening, join your Travel Director for a private visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, welcomed by the Rector of the basilica.
Due to increased demand during the Jubilee year, access to the Vatican Museums may be limited. If tickets are unavailable during your visit, your sightseeing will instead explore the Capitoline Museums, home to the iconic Capitoline Wolf, ancient Roman bronzes and Renaissance art, set atop Michelangelo’s Piazza del Campidoglio with sweeping views of the Roman Forum.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu GHR Rome
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: The Chianti Hills to Florence
Continue this guided tour of Italy with a drive to the picturesque Chianti Hills and the historic city of Florence. Upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to discover the secrets of traditional Florentine leatherwork, gaining insight into the techniques that have been passed down through generations. Get up close and personal with unique pieces to appreciate the skill of local craftspersons keeping important traditions alive. Additionally, you will witness a fascinating gold demonstration, showcasing local artistry and craftsmanship. This evening, indulge in a delicious meal at a local restaurant, savouring the authentic flavours of Florentine cuisine.
Accommodation: NH Firenze/Hotel Albani Firenze
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Florence, Birthplace of the Renaissance
Explore Florence with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo’s David. After, continue on foot to admire the multicoloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. Continue into the 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 and Hercules and Cacus along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Alternatively, take a stroll with your Travel Director to enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local café.
Accommodation: NH Firenze/Hotel Albani Firenze
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Pisa to Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic
Journey to the coastal town of Pisa and see the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles, as well as the baptistery and colonnaded bell tower behind the cathedral. Relax and enjoy the scenery as you cross the spectacular Apennine Mountains, passing through the Emilia-Romagna region, one of Europe's most intensely farmed and fertile plains. Continue through the marshes of the Venetian Lagoon before crossing the causeway into the enchanting floating city of Venice. As evening falls, day-trippers leave the city to return to the mainland, allowing you to appreciate the peace and tranquillity of Venice from your centrally located hotel. Tonight, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, savouring the unique flavours of Venetian cuisine.
Accommodation: Splendid Venice - Starhotels Collezione
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Venice and the Magic of La Serenissima
Cruise by private boat on a journey of discovery past churches and palaces reflecting the rich architectural history of Venice from the 13th to the 18th centuries. Marvel at the intricate façades and learn about the stories behind these historical buildings. Arrive close to St Mark's Square and stroll along the waterfront, passing the iconic Bridge of Sighs and the majestic Doge's Palace. It was from here that the infamous Casanova made his daring escape. Turn the corner into St Mark's Square and be captivated by the grandeur of the basilica. Afterwards, board a traditional gondola for a serenade along the romantic canals. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and witness the artistry of expert glassblowers as they create beautiful, handcrafted glass pieces, preserving centuries-old techniques and traditions.
Accommodation: Splendid Venice - Starhotels Collezione
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Assisi
Continue your 11 days in Italy with a journey to the peaceful town of Assisi, nestled on the slopes of Mount Subasio and renowned for its medieval churches, vibrant frescoes and sun-dappled courtyards. In the valley, see the Church of St. Mary of the Angels, revered as the place of St. Francis’ passing. Then ascend to the upper town to meet your Local Expert. Step inside the monumental Basilica of St. Francis, a 13th-century marvel whose frescoes by Giotto marked a turning point in European art. Enjoy free time to soak up the serenity of Assisi. You might choose to stroll along Via San Francesco, lined with quaint stone buildings offering artisan foods, devotional keepsakes and locally crafted wares.
Accommodation: Hotel Giotto Assisi
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Sorrento on the coast
Travel south, passing Cassino, the site of a fierce and pivotal battle during World War II. Continue your journey along the spectacular clifftop road, offering breathtaking views, to reach the resort of the Sorrento coast. This charming area overlooks the Bay of Naples and provides stunning vistas of Mount Vesuvius. After checking in to your hotel, spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the beautiful surroundings or relaxing in the comfort of your accommodations.
Accommodation: Hotel Isabella
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 9: Capri, the Isle of Dreams
Cross the Bay of Naples to reach the beautiful Isle of Capri, a rock rising sheer from the Mediterranean! For 2,000 years, Capri has beckoned visitors from Emperor Tiberius to Gracie Fields. Arriving at the Marina Grande by boat, ascend to Capri town. A Local Expert joins you for an exploration of the narrow alleyways. Descend to the port by funicular railway and return to Sorrento, where you are at leisure for the rest of the day. Perhaps head to Positano for an exploration of the colourful Amalfi Coast?
Accommodation: Hotel Isabella
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 10: Pompeii, frozen in time and on to Rome
Continue to Pompeii, the opulent Roman town that was preserved by layers of ash from the disastrous eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. A walk with your Local Expert through the cobbled streets and extensive excavations reveals the daily life of ancient Roman civilisation. Visit the Forum and peer into shops and patrician villas, decorated with colourful wall paintings. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Vesuvius National Park and visit Casa Barone. This small family-run farm on the slopes of the volcano is one of the world’s only producers of Piennolo tomatoes, an endangered fruit that only thrives in the fertile volcanic soil. Each harvest is sustainably farmed and cared for by the extended Barone family, who all work here. Be sure to savour the unique flavours of this rare tomato during a truly unique Farm-to-Table lunch. Your journey continues to Rome. In the evening, enjoy an elegant four-course dinner with local wine at a Roman restaurant. As you dine, enjoy a private performance of popular songs and arias from some of Italy's best-loved operas.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu GHR Rome
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Arrivederci Roma
Bid farewell to the glories of Italy, savouring the memories of its enchanting cities, historic landmarks and stunning landscapes. Italy's unique allure will linger in your heart long after you leave.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Terms & conditions
Prices are per person twin share/multi share as per itinerary, and are subject to availability and rate of exchange changes. Offers above are a guide only and will vary depending on departure date, our guide price is based on the cheapest departure within the stipulated season and availability is correct at time of loading. Visas may be necessary and insurance is essential. Pentravel and Tour Operator terms and conditions apply, and may be found on our website. Offer can be removed at any time. Pricing varies pending departure date. Full payment due120 days prior to departure. Savings valid on the land-only portion of select itineraries and departures are not valid on airfares or extra night's accommodations. Minimum number of guests required to operate departures. If guests change to another tour or date not on sale, they are responsible to pay the difference and adhere to different payment conditions; discounts are not transferrable. Savings are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Doorbuster Deals are not combinable with any other discounts or promotions including Global Tour Reward savings or referral discount or credits. Discounts are capacity controlled and can be with withdrawn without notice. Please note that websites do not reflect live capacity and in some instances sold out departures may still display for a brief period of time. Other conditions may apply. At time of loading this may not be a definite departure. These packages are based on CASH price. E&OE;.
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