Best of Italy - Small Group, Winter
Tour Type: Regional
Brochure Type Europe Winter 25 26
Explore the best of Italy on this 11-day guided tour. In Rome, marvel at the treasures around every corner and learn about its three thousand years of history. As your travels continue along the Bay of Naples, stop on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius for lunch at a local farm still growing traditional produce unique to the region. In Florence, learn the secrets of leather making from a local leatherworker. Fall in love with Venice as you see churches and palaces from a private boat, and cruise its canals on a romantic gondola ride. Sail to Capri, where craggy mountains cascade into the Tyrrhenian Sea; a Local Expert will help you navigate its narrow alleys. Before you say arrivederci to Italy, enjoy one last experience: a private opera during a four-course meal that features local wine.
Additional Included Highlights
Brochure Type Europe Winter 25 26
Explore the best of Italy on this 11-day guided tour. In Rome, marvel at the treasures around every corner and learn about its three thousand years of history. As your travels continue along the Bay of Naples, stop on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius for lunch at a local farm still growing traditional produce unique to the region. In Florence, learn the secrets of leather making from a local leatherworker. Fall in love with Venice as you see churches and palaces from a private boat, and cruise its canals on a romantic gondola ride. Sail to Capri, where craggy mountains cascade into the Tyrrhenian Sea; a Local Expert will help you navigate its narrow alleys. Before you say arrivederci to Italy, enjoy one last experience: a private opera during a four-course meal that features local wine.
Additional Included Highlights
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, y
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- Rome Enjoy a Celebration Dinner of delicious Italian cuisine and wine, accompanied by the rich tremolo of some of Italy's best loved songs.
- Rome Enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers at a uniquely Roman local restaurant.
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Florence Take a stroll with your Travel Director to Piazza Santa Croce and immerse yourself in the essence of la dolce vita of Florence while you enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local cafe.
- Florence Stand beside Michelangelo's monumental statue, 'David', in the Accademia Gallery, and admire the exquisite technique and absorbing history behind the world's most famous sculpture.
- 1 Lunch with Wine (LW)
- 5 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- Rome Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit. This 9th-century basilica's simple facade guards the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics. The history of the church springs to life as you admire the interior
- Vesuvius National Park Visit Casa Barone, a small family-run farm on the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius and one of the world's only producers of Piennolo tomatoes. Learn about their commitment to sustainability and taste the flavors of this special tomato during
- Venice Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing, now practised by precious few masters. Watch artisans create delicate works of art using rare traditional practices. The workshop's master craftsmen teach visitors about the traditional craft of glassblow
- Capri Cruise by jetfoil to this famous isle through beautiful blue Mediterranean waters to meet your Local Expert.
- Venice Delight in the magic of this charming city as you are serenaded, traveling through the atmospheric canals by gondola.
- Assisi With a Local Expert, find out why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered one of the crowning achievements of Europe.
- Pompeii Walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century.
- Venice With your Travel Director cruise to St. Mark's Square and see the Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark's Basilica.
- Capri Explore Capri town with your Local Expert and see the whitewashed houses, winding alleyways, small cafes, fashionable boutiques and artisans studios.
- Assisi See St. Mary of the Angels Church and join your Local Expert to walk through the cobbled streets and beautifully preserved medieval laneways of this quaint town.
- Capri Relax and enjoy the views as you are driven in an iconic open-top taxi.
- Florence See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods and witness a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
- Florence Stand beside Michelangelo's monumental statue, 'David', in the Accademia Gallery, and admire the exquisite technique and absorbing history behind the world's most famous sculpture.
- Pisa During your orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery bristling with marble spines, and the colonnaded bell tower lurches behind the 11th century cathedral - the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
- Florence Take a stroll with your Travel Director to Piazza Santa Croce and immerse yourself in the essence of la dolce vita of Florence while you enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local cafe.
- Florence Enjoy a stroll through Renaissance Florence and admire the medieval buildings that gave birth to this new style of architecture.
- Rome Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a passionate local. See Circus Maximus and the Ancient Forum, and stand beside the Colosseum, which bears witness to the limitless courage of the gladiators.
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Call 410-638-5822 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18824564
- Tour Operator
- Insight Vacations
- Offer
- Offer valid through 12/30/2024
- Duration
- 11 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Rome | 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 private visit for Insight Vacations guests to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, welcomed by the Rector of the basilica. Gaze in awe at the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics, illuminated for this evening's experience, and see the first sculpture by Bernini. End the day getting to know your fellow travelers over Roman specialties during a Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant. Accommodations: Hotel Mediterraneo, Rome. |
| Day 2 | Vatican | 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. Continue to St. Peter's Basilica, to wonder at another of his works, the emotive ?PietĂ ,' and stand beneath the dome completed after his death. Cross the Tiber river to enjoy ancient Rome. 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. Accommodations: Hotel Mediterraneo, Rome. |
| Day 3 | Florence | The Chianti Hills to Florence: Drive to the Chianti Hills and the city of Florence. On arrival, you will be privy to the secrets of traditional Florentine leatherwork and see a gold demonstration. This evening, indulge in a delicious meal at a local restaurant. Accommodations: NH Firenze, Florence., Hotel Albani Firenze, Florence. |
| Day 4 | Florence | 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 multi-colored 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 Piazza Santa Croce to enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local caffè, where you will be in the perfect spot to admire the basilica, indulge in people-watching the elegant Florentines and pamper yourself shopping for luxury goods like gold and leather. In the afternoon, perhaps visit medieval San Gimignano? Accommodations: NH Firenze, Florence., Hotel Albani Firenze, Florence. |
| Day 5 | Venice | 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, 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 floating city of Venice. As evening falls, day-trippers desert the city to return to the mainland. Appreciate the peace and tranquility of Venice from your centrally located hotel.This evening, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodations: Splendid Venice - Starhotels Collezione. |
| Day 6 | Venice | Venice and the Magic of La Serenissima Relaxed Start: Cruise by private boat past historic churches and 13th-century palaces to arrive close to St Mark's Square. Stroll along the waterfront past the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge's Palace. It was from here Casanova made his daring escape. Turn the corner into St Mark's Square and admire the basilica. Afterwards, board a traditional gondola for a serenade along the romantic canals. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience during a visit to the island of Murano. See how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills. Accommodations: Splendid Venice - Starhotels Collezione. |
| Day 7 | Assisi | Assisi: Journey to the peaceful town of Assisi, dotted with medieval churches, colorful frescoes and shady courtyards. In the valley, see the Church of St. Mary of the Angels, much venerated as the place of St. Francis' death, then continue up Mount Subasio to the upper town. With your Local Expert, step inside the huge Basilica of St. Francis, built in the 13th century. The frescoes painted by Giotto here heralded a new era in Italian art. Arrive at your hotel, located in the heart of the medieval Old Town. Enjoy the tranquility of the historic old town during free time. Accommodations: Hotel Giotto Assisi. |
| Day 8 | Sorrento | Sorrento on the coast: Travel south passing Cassino, the scene of a fierce battle during World War II. Follow the spectacular clifftop road to the picturesque resort of Sorrento, overlooking the Bay of Naples to Mount Vesuvius. After checking in to your hotel, spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Accommodations: Hotel Regina, Sorrento. |
| Day 9 | Sorrento | 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 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 colorful Amalfi Coast? Accommodations: Hotel Regina, Sorrento. |
| Day 10 | Rome | Pompeii, frozen in time and on to Rome: Continue to Pompeii, the opulent Roman town which 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 civilization. Visit the Forum and peer into shops and patrician villas, decorated with colorful 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 savor the unique flavors 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 Celebration 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. Accommodations: Hotel Romanico Palace, Rome. |
| Day 11 | Rome | Arrivederci Roma: Bid farewell to the glories of Italy. Departure transfers arrive at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport. Accommodations: |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- Twin prices are per person.
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class
