YOUR INSIGHT GOLD DELUXE HOTELS

    * The breathtaking beauty of the superb 5 star luxury Exedra Roma hotel is beyond compare.
    * Discover a fusion of ancient beauty and contemporary sophistication at the Hotel Brunelleschi, set amid a tranquil piazza just steps from the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio in Florence.
    * Just around the corner from St Marks Square, the sublime Hotel Monaco combines period atmosphere with modern amenities and has majestic views towards the island of San Giorgio.
    * Le Grand Hotel InterContinental Paris offers old style Parisian luxury in a fantastic location

YOUR DELICIOUS GOLD DINING EXPERIENCES

    * 10 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 4 three course dinners with choice (D).
    * 1 highlight lunch on the colourful fishermens' island of Burano (HL).
    * Highlight Farewell dinner with wine in Paris (HD).

YOUR EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION OF INCLUDED SIGHTSEEING & HIGHLIGHTS

    * Rome: Welcome drink reception; view the priceless art collection of the Vatican Museums and ceiling of the Sistine Chapel on a privately guided tour; overlook the Forum and visit the ancient Colosseum; visit the vast St. Peter's Basilica and see Michelangelo's 'Pieta'.
    * Tuscany: Sample the fine Chianti wines of this world famous region.
    * Florence: Marvel at Michelangelo's original statue of David in the Academy of Fine Arts; see the Cathedral, Giotto's belltower,'Gates of Paradise', Piazza Santa Croce and open-air gallery of Signoria Square.
    * Bologna: See Giambologna's Neptune Fountain.
    * Venice: Drift through the romantic canals by traditional gondola; see the Doges' Palace, Basilica and the Bridge of Sighs; enjoy a Venetian glass-blowing demonstration; Venetian lagoon cruise to Burano with it's leaning belltower and colourful houses.
    * Lucerne: Enjoy an exhilarating ride by cog-wheel train and cable car to the summit of Mount Pilatus; see the emotive Lion Monument, stroll across the covered Chapel Bridge and see the Jesuit Church and Old Town Walls.
    * Dijon: See the Palace of the Dukes, Notre Dame cathedral and mansions in the Rue des Forges.
    * Paris: A guided visit to the Louvre; ascend to the viewing platform of the Eiffel Tower; see Notre Dame, Place de la Concorde, drive down the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe.
    * Scenic Drives: Tuscany, Swiss Alps, the French Jura, Burgundy

YOUR INCLUSIVE GOLD SERVICES

    * Escorted by your 'Personal Concierge', an Insight professional Tour Director; and accompanied by expert local guides where appropriate.
    * Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach, with extended leg room and on-board restroom.
    * Experience the smooth ride through the French countryside on the TGV, the world's fastest train
    * Insight Traveller document wallet, map book journal and information pack.
    * Airport arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 1.
 

Day 1 - ROME

Welcome to Italy! You are met on arrival at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport. At 09:30, 12:30 & 15:30 your transfer departs for your luxury hotel set on the grand Piazza della Repubblica. Tonight, join your Tour Director for a Welcome reception followed by dinner.

Hotel: Exedra (D)

Day 2 - IMPERIAL ROME

Join your guide in the Vatican City where you are escorted through St Peter's Basilica - its history, art and architecture expertly revealed. Now visit the Colosseum, scene of great excitement in Imperial times. Ascend the broad flight of steps to Michelangelo's spectacular Piazza del Campidoglio from where you overlook the Roman Forum. This afternoon is set aside for you to enjoy Rome as you please. (BB)

Day 3 - ROME - FLORENCE

A highlight of any visit to Rome is without doubt, a private guided tour of the priceless art in the Vatican Museums. Emerge into the glorious Sistine Chapel, immortalised by Michelangelo's painted ceiling. Head for the cypress clad hills and vineyards of Tuscany. Pause to sample the Chianti wines that make this region so famous. Continue to your central hotel, overlooking Brunelleschi's Cathedral, just steps away from the Uffizi Gallery.

Hotel: Brunelleschi (BB,D)

Day 4 - FLORENCE OF THE MEDICIS

Join your local guide for a tour of the Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo's beautiful statue of David. Continue to the multi-coloured marble cathedral, Giotto's belltower and 'Gates of Paradise' before visiting the Piazza della Signoria. Pause for a refreshing gelato before strolling on to Piazza Santa Croce famous for its cathedral and luxury shops. The joys of Florence are varied so the afternoon is free for your own personal exploration. (BB)

Day 5 - FLORENCE - BOLOGNA - VENICE

Head north through the wild Apennine Mountains to the city of Bologna, gastronomic capital of Italy. See Giambologna's Neptune Fountain in the Old Town and rub shoulders with the locals in the small shops just off Piazza Maggiore. There's time to savour the local specialties in the trattorias and ristoranti before continuing to the Venetian lagoon. Once across the causeway, leave your coach for the romantic canals of this unique city. Don't worry about your luggage, we'll arrange for it's transportation to your elegant hotel, overlooking the Grand Canal with majestic views towards the island of San Giorgio. After dinner, experience the magic of St Mark's Square under the stars.

Hotel: Monaco & Grand Canal.(BB,D)

Day 6 - THE MAGIC OF THE SERENISSIMA

Venice was once one of the greatest trading centres of the world. The city's wealth and power is evidenced by the riches of St Mark's Basilica. Admire also the Doge's Palace and its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. No visit to Venice would be complete without a gondola ride to see the hidden parts of the city. Afterwards, take to the water once more to explore the Venetian lagoon. The colourful island of Burano is a photographers' paradise, famous for its lace and leaning campanile. A local style seafood lunch sampling the local specialities and wine is included. (BB,HL)

Day 7 - VENICE - LAKE COMO - INTERLAKEN

Cross northern Italy via the wine regions of Soave and Valpolicella. Pause for a stop by stunning Lake Como, surrounded by pine covered mountains. Enjoy breathtaking scenery as you continue into the heart of the Swiss Alps, past gushing streams and soaring peaks to your charming hotel in beautiful Interlaken.

Hotel: Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel and Spa. (BB,D)

Day 8 - LUCERNE AND THE ALPS

Enjoy a relaxing day in the sumptuous surroundings of your luxury hotel or use your time to ascend the 'James Bond' mountain of Schilthorn or even the Jungfrau, 'The Top of Europe'. Alternatively, join us on a trip over the Brünig Pass to beautiful Lucerne. On arrival embark on an excursion by cog-wheel train and cable-car to the summit of one of Switzerland's most famous mountains, Mount Pilatus. Admire the views of the snow capped Jungfrau and Eiger peaks before descending to Lucerne for a walk with your Tour Director to the sorrowful Lion Monument. Stroll along the Chapel Bridge to the ornate Jesuit Church and see the Old City Walls. Spend some time shopping before returning to Interlaken. (BB)

Day 9 - INTERLAKEN - DIJON - PARIS

Cross the French border this morning. Travel to the wine growing region of Burgundy and its historic capital Dijon. See the Palace of the Dukes and imposing Notre Dame cathedral, as well as the picturesque mansions in the Rue des Forges before boarding the world famous TGV fast train to Paris. On arrival in the glittering French capital, transfer to your magnificent and historic hotel, the epitome of Parisian elegance, located near the Louvre and Opéra Garnier.

Hotel: InterContinental Paris Le Grand. (BB)

Day 10 - THE CITY OF LIGHT

Guided sightseeing shows you the highlights of the city including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Place de la Concorde, Champs Élysées, Garnier's Opera and the Arc de Triomphe. Then visit the Louvre, housing one of the world's best known art collections. Your guide leads you through the galleries to see the Venus de Milo, Winged Victory, the Mona Lisa and more. This is followed by an ascent of the Eiffel Tower for panoramic vistas over the city. The afternoon is at leisure in this most romantic of cities. Join us this evening for a farewell gourmet dinner at one of the city's renowned restaurants. (BB,HD)

Day 11 - PARIS - LONDON

Cross the battlefields of the Somme and pause for a moving visit at the WWI cemetery in Fromelles. Learn how our conservation partner, the Centre for Battlefield Archaeology, helped find a final resting place for many of these brave men. Continue to the port of Calais for your voyage to Dover. After a short drive through the pretty Kent countryside, the tour comes to an end in London. (BB)

Your Insight tour already includes a host of bonus highlights and comprehensive sightseeing. However, there is 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. All prices are quoted in local currency. Payment can be made in cash or by Visa, Mastercard or American Express. To help your pre-tour budgeting we suggest you allow approximately EURO 45 per person per day for optional excursions.

ROM18 - ILLUMINATIONS DRIVE & PIZZA DINNER
Tonight we have a pizza dinner in a typical Roman restaurant before enjoying an illuminations drive which shows us Piazza Venezia, the Forum, the Colosseum and the Campidoglio. EURO 46

ROM04B - DINE WITH THE TENORS
An evening of great entertainment and fun. A delicious Italian meal, including wine and soft drinks, is served while you are treated to a wonderful musical show, in a unique setting. EURO 57

ROM22 - ROME HIGHLIGHTS BY HORSE AND CARRIAGE
An amazing experience in an amazing city! See some of of Rome's most famous fountains and piazzas while being chauffeured by Horse and Carriage. Your tour will take you to the incredible Trevi Fountain to toss your coins to insure you return one day. Then off to the most ancient building, the Pantheon from 27BC, still standing, still in use, is a breath taking sight! We conclude our journey through the heart of this city at Piazza Navona! Considered by some Romans as the most beautiful square in Rome. There we see the famous 'Fountain of the Four Rivers' by Bernini and then have time to enjoy a gelato! At the conclusion of our tour you have the choice to either return to your hotel by our coach or stay longer and explore on your own! EURO 69

ROM16 - PIAZZA & FOUNTAINS
This walking tour takes you to the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona with its pavement cafes, 17th century fountains and architecture. Perhaps have your portrait painted by one of the street artists! This tour is conducted by a local guide and you will utilise personal headsets. EURO 32

FLO09A - SAN GIMIGNANO & THE "WORLD'S BEST GELATO"
A wonderful excursion to Tuscany's most famous hill-top town! Your chance to get off the beaten path to see one of Tuscany's gems. Considered to be the medieval Manhattan of Italy due to its towers, San Gimiginano is truly a magnificent sight! Perfectly intact since the 14th century this town is today a UNESCO World Heritage site and is like a step back in time! After some time to enjoy this unique atmosphere our visit includes a gelato from the Gelateria voted 'the best in the world'! Unique and interesting flavours await you. The only difficulty you have . . . is to decide! EURO 33

FLO03A - DINNER IN TUSCANY
A fabulous dinner of Tuscan specialties awaits you. We drive into the hills surrounding Florence for a fabulous meal and Chianti wine! A great evening of food, wine and fun! (On certain occasions a visit to the Monastery will be included before the dinner Euro 62). EURO 57

VCE06 - MAGICAL VENICE
This evening we board our private boats for a cruise down the famous "Grand Canal", past illuminated palazzi and twinkling chandeliers, to the romantic St Mark's Square. We have reservations in a famous café where we sit under the stars listening to the orchestra play some of Italy's best loved music (One drink is included). EURO 45

VCE09 - HIDDEN VENICE
An historical walk, with a local guide, through some of the lesser known quarters of Venice. Discover some of the secrets of other quarters of the Venetian labyrinth. Your experience will be enhanced by the use of individual headsets. EURO 26

PAR24 - MOULIN ROUGE
Dinner and cabaret at the world famous Moulin Rouge – the original Parisian cabaret – immortalized by the recent award winning film! EURO 145
NOUVELLE EVE - Dinner with wine included at one of the most prestigious cabarets in town. An evening of exciting acts, stunning tableaux and wonderful entertainment. EURO 125

PAR02 - SEINE CRUISE & ILLUMINATIONS
After our leisurely Seine Cruise we take a magical tour of the 'city of light'. EURO 32