Day 1 - ROME AT LEISURE

Welcome to Rome - one of the world’s most historic cities, filled with classical antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and baroque churches! Transfers to the tour hotel depart Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 09:30, 12:30 & 15:30. Then this historic city is yours to discover - stroll down the Via Veneto for a taste of ‘la dolce vita’. Tonight, join your Tour Director for a Welcome reception with drink and a light meal, followed by time to relax and explore.

Hotel: Cicerone

Meals: Welcome Reception

Day 2 - ROME SIGHTSEEING

A local guide introduces the grandeur of the city! Start off in the independent Vatican State, the richest community in the world. Marvel at the art treasures of the Vatican Museum before gazing upon Michelangelo’s famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Then visit the awe-inspiring St Peter’s Basilica, regarded as one of the holiest Catholic sites. Now relive the glory of ancient Rome as you cross the River Tiber to visit the mighty Colosseum, and imagine yourself back in the days of the gladiators. Finally, look out over the site of the Roman Forum, for centuries the centre of Roman public life. The afternoon is entirely at leisure for you to enjoy Rome at your own pace.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 3 - ROME AT LEISURE

Today is set aside for you to enjoy more of the marvels of this ancient city. Suggestions include the Catacombs, the Pantheon, the fantastic fountains in the Tivoli Gardens, or the peaceful Castelli Romani hills. Or perhaps you may like to spend some time in the boutiques of the Via del Corso, the Via Nazionale or the elegant designer stores in the neighbourhood of the Spanish Steps? In the early evening why not sip a cappuccino at a sidewalk cafe in the Piazza Navona (the ‘Living Room of Rome’) and watch life go by!

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 4 - ROME – CORTONA – FLORENCE

After a leisurely start this morning, follow the valley of the Tiber River northwards. Ascend to the beautiful hilltop town of Cortona, made famous in the movies ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ and ‘Life is Beautiful’. Time to explore the narrow streets of this ancient town before enjoying a two course lunch with wine in a local restaurant. Continue into the rolling countryside of Tuscany to Florence, the jewel of the Renaissance. From the sumptuous terrace of Piazzale Michelangelo there is a wonderful panorama of the city skyline dominated by Brunelleschi’s domed cathedral.

Hotel: NH Anglo American

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch / Dinner

Day 5 - FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING

This morning join your local guide to meet Michelangelo’s original ‘David’ in the Academy Museum. Then walk on to the multi-coloured marble Cathedral, belltower and Baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti’s “Gates of Paradise”. You also visit the open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces in Signoria Square, the political heart of the city. Round off your walking tour at the tomb of Michelangelo in Santa Croce. Then the afternoon is entirely free to explore at your own pace. At night, why not make the most of warm summer evenings by following the locals to the buzzing covered markets for rustic Florentine dishes. Alternatively, dine alfresco with crisp table-top linen and crystal glassware. Either way, don’t forget to try the local Chianti wine!

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 6 - FLORENCE AT LEISURE

Today is at leisure in this remarkable city. Everything is easily reached on foot. Traverse the medieval streets to the Ponte Vecchio, haggle for a leather goods at the market around San Lorenzo or relax amid the terraces of the Boboli Gardens. Perhaps venture even further afield, into the beautiful Tuscan countryside, the epitome of picture postcard Italy? The choice is yours, but be sure not to miss the magnificent museums and galleries – how often do you get the chance to see some of most famous works of art in the world?

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 7 - FLORENCE – VERONA – VENICE

Passing the city of Bologna, today’s highlight stop is the elegant city of Verona, legendary home of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers. Walk with your Tour Director past the Roman Arena where Opera is still performed, to the famous balcony in the courtyard of the Capulet home. After free time to savour the local dishes and wines, take the autostrada east to Venice, ‘Queen of the Adriatic’! Your luxurious hotel gazes out over the Giudecca Canal and an unforgettable city skyline.

Hotel: Molino Stucky Hilton

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 8 - VENICE SIGHTSEEING

Welcome aboard your private launch. Sit back and enjoy your introduction to this unique city of ornate palaces, bridges and gondolas. Disembark near the Bridge of Sighs before turning the corner to stand in awe at the marble arcades of Piazza San Marco. St Mark’s Basilica, with its dazzling domes, occupies the corner next to the clock tower. Next door stands the pink and white marbled Doges’ Palace. Complete your experience with a magical gondola serenade along the atmospheric canals. In the afternoon there is time to explore the museums, galleries and churches or browse through the shops on the Rialto Bridge. Others may prefer to simply lose themselves in the back lanes and ‘campi’, small squares, where tourists seldom tread and the Venetians go about their daily lives.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 9 - VENICE AT LEISURE

A day to drink in the unique atmosphere of this wonderful city! Maybe visit some of the 90 churches which house masterpieces of Venetian art or explore the treasures of the Academy Museum? Sit a while at a canal side cafe to sip the local wine, or sample delicious lagoon fresh fish. Perhaps cruise out to some of the other islands in the lagoon to experience the age-old lifestyle of Venetian fishermen and lace-makers? As evening descends, you are invited to a finalé Celebration Dinner favoured with good food, good wine and good company.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Celebration Dinner

Day 10 - DEPART VENICE

Bid farewell to this enchanting city today. Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Airport at 08:00.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast
 

Most Insight tours already include a host of bonus highlights and comprehensive sightseeing. There may also be an exciting array of optional excursions which will turn an already amazing experience into the trip of a lifetime! These are entirely optional and can be booked through your Tour Director/Local Representative at the commencement of your tour. The following is a general list for guidance and budgeting purposes only. Actual optional excursions and prices will be advised by your Tour Director at the beginning of your tour.

Details for our Optional Excursions are not available at this time.