Italian Elegance

The epitome of picture postcard Italy, awash with colour, blending historic cities and exquisite resorts with rustic towns and idyllic fishing villages.

Insight Vacations - Italian Elegance Included Premium Highlights

    * View the priceless art collection of the Vatican Museums and ceiling in the Sistine Chapel
    * Explore the wonders of ancient Rome as you over look the Forum and visit the Colosseum
    * Travel through classic Tuscan countryside to enjoy a Chianti wine tasting
    * Visit Florence's Academy Gallery to admire Michelangelo's original statue of David
    * Visit the hidden gem of the Cinque Terre, UNESCO World Heritage Site
    * Cruise the Ligurian coast to the fishing village of Portofino, reputedly Italy's most beautiful port
    * Drift through the romantic canals of Venice on a traditional gondola

Included Personal Insights

    * As night falls, join in the Italian social ritual of 'La Passeggiata' where the locals dress for the evening and enjoy 'the art of strolling the streets'.

Included Additional Excursions & Sights

    * Tour St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City
    * See Siena's striped cathedral, Fountain of Joy and vast Campo Square
    * See Florence's Duomo, 'Gates of Paradise' and Signoria Square
    * Visit the Swiss lakeside resort of Lugano
    * Stop in Romeo and Juliet's Verona to see the Roman Arena and Juliet's balcony
    * Venice cruise to St Mark's Square to see the Basilica, Bridge of Sighs and Doges' Palace
    * Demonstration of Venetian glass-blowing
    * Demonstration of traditional leatherwork in Florence
    * Scenic drives - Tuscan Hills, Apennines, Dolomites, Italian Lake District

Included First Class Services

    * Escorted by a professional Tour Director
    * Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
    * Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
    * Insight Traveller document wallet, map book journal and information pack
    * Airport Shuttle arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 1 and Day 12

Included Quality Dining

    * Dine Around evening at your own choice of restaurant from our selection in the Italian Lakes (DA)
    * 11 full breakfasts (BB) and 5 three-course table d'hote Dinners or buffets plus tea or coffee (D)
 

Insight Vacations - Italian Elegance


Day 1 - ROME

Welcome to Rome! Situated on the river Tiber, the Italian capital is one of the world's great cities, where ancient monuments happily coexist with some 300 churches, fine palaces, bustling piazzas, green parks and a vast urban sprawl. On arrival at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport, your airport shuttle service leaves for the tour hotel at 09:30, 12:30 & 15:30. The rest of the day is at leisure. Later join your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza Rome-St Peter's

Day 2 - ROME SIGHTSEEING

Get to know Rome with a tour of the priceless art collection of the Vatican Museums, followed by a visit to the celebrated Sistine Chapel. Using your audio headset, a local guide explains the significance of Michelangelo's famous painted ceiling. Then visit St Peter's Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world. Cross the Tiber to enter the Colosseum and see the Roman Forum. The afternoon is free for shopping, relaxing or more sightseeing. (BB)

Day 3 - ROME - SIENA - TUSCANY

Take the autostrada north to medieval Siena, where you can explore narrow cobbled streets lined with palaces and patrician mansions. Twice a year, in the famous Campo Square, the Palio horse race takes place to the accompaniment of great festivities. After some time to explore, get your cameras ready for a drive through the beautiful rolling countryside of Tuscany, past olive groves, old farmhouses, medieval towns and, of course, the famous Chianti vineyards. Stop for a taste of some of the most famous products of Tuscany at a local winery with a short group tutorial on Italian wines. Continue to your elegant Tuscan villa near the walled town of Monteriggione. Having spent two days in the bustling metropolis of Rome, your villa is a welcome retreat. The meticulously manicured grounds, friendly staff and terrific food are out of this world. Relax by the pool, take in the tranquil surroundings, this is Tuscany at its best.
Hotel: Borgo San Luigi (BB,D)

Day 4 - FLORENCE EXCURSION

After breakfast make the short journey to Florence, jewel of the Renaissance. Accompany your local guide, inside the Academy Gallery to admire Michelangelo's original statue of David. Once outside, continue to the lofty Cathedral - its adjoining Baptistery is adorned with the 'Gates of Paradise', while Giotto's 14th century Campanile is said to be the most beautiful bell-tower in the world. Walk on to Signoria Square with its open-air gallery of Renaissance sculpture. Afterwards, there is the chance to shop for Florentine leather, or discover more art treasures housed in the many museums and galleries. As night falls, why not consider joining a Tuscan dinner party? (BB)

Day 5 - TUSCANY - CINQUE TERRE - SANTA MARGHERITA

Head down towards the coast and the famous Italian Riviera. Get ready for a highlight of your tour, the Cinque Terre, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy's best kept secrets! This wild but hospitable coastline, with its vineyards and fishing villages at one time could only be reached by boat or train! Visit two of these picturesque villages before continuing along the 'coast of the rising sun' to the resort of Santa Margherita Ligure.
Hotel: Best Western Regina Elena (BB,D)

Day 6 - SANTA MARGHERITA - PORTOFINO - ITALIAN LAKES

This morning, enjoy a short cruise (weather permitting) along the Ligurian coast to the exclusive and elegant fishing village of Portofino, epitome of La Dolce Vita. Admire the gaily-coloured houses, browse the fashionable boutiques, stay a while in the cafe bars on the piazzetta and watch the yachts moored in the harbour. Later, head north to beautiful Lake Maggiore in the Italian Lake District. This evening perhaps join in the traditional ritual of la passeggiata, a pre-dinner promenade, to 'see and be seen'.
Hotel: Grand Hotel Dino (BB,D)

Day 7 - ITALIAN LAKES SIGHTSEEING

Relax this morning, or perhaps take an optional cruise to the beautiful Borromean Islands? Later, a delightful drive takes you along the shores of the lake, past splendid villas set in sub-tropical gardens, with the Swiss Alps providing the backdrop. Cross into Switzerland to visit fashionable Lugano, nestled on the shores of its lake, amid spectacular mountains. Stroll in the gardens and browse through the exclusive shops before returning to your hotel. Tonight, your Tour Director offers you a selection of restaurants to choose from for your dining pleasure. (BB,DA)

Day 8 - ITALIAN LAKES - VERONA - CORTINA D'AMPEZZO

Drive to the town of Verona, legendary home of Romeo and Juliet, with free time to admire the well preserved Roman Arena and Juliet's Balcony. Continue through the colourful peaks and sheer valleys of the Dolomites, some of the most beautiful scenery that Europe has to offer, to your overnight stay in the mountain resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Hotel: Ancora (BB D)

Day 9 - DOLOMITES AT LEISURE

Your hotel is located right across from the church tower in the pedestrian mall which incorporates most of downtown Cortina. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and blue skies as you relax in this fashionable capital of the Dolomites. Why not ascend to the summit of one of the nearby peaks by cable car for magnificent Dolomite panoramas? (BB)

Day 10 - CORTINA D'AMPEZZO - VENICE

A morning drive through the mountains brings you to the unique and romantic city of Venice, 'Queen of the Adriatic'. Arrive at your traditional hotel overlooking the Grand Canal. This afternoon a private launch ferries you past canals lined with ornate palaces to St. Mark's Square. See the Basilica, the Doges' Palace and Bridge of Sighs. Watch a demonstration of Venetian glass-blowing before enjoying a highlight ride by traditional gondola along the picturesque canals.
Hotel: Continental. (BB,D)

Day 11 - VENICE AT LEISURE

Today is entirely free is to enjoy the magical atmosphere of this incredible city at your own pace. Perhaps meet the locals at the open air markets near the Rialto Bridge, explore the back lanes and squares or cruise across the lagoon to the colourful island of Burano. Stroll back to your hotel tonight, past the al-fresco cafes... unforgettable! (BB)

Day 12 - DEPART VENICE

Sadly you must bid farewell to Bella Italia and your new found friends. Departure transfers arrive at Venice Airport at 08:00. (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.

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

ROM20 - CATACOMBS OF ANCIENT ROME
First we visit the Catacombs which are early Christian underground cemeteries carved out of soft tufa stone. Next; a visit to the Basilica of St Paul without the Walls, built on the site of St Paul's tomb. Visit the interior which is celebrated for its great works of art. EURO 34

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

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

FLO16 - CINQUE TERRE IN DEPTH
Complement your Cinque Terre experience with a panoramic boat cruise, starting from Monterosso and sailing past all five of the stunning villages set majestically along the coastline. We continue along the Italian Riviera to visit one of its most beautiful ancient towns, Porto Venere. Finally we sail to La Spezia and rejoin our coach. EURO 37

FLO09 - SAN GIMIGNANO EXCURSION
A delightful excursion to Tuscany's most famous hilltop town. San Gimignano is considered the medieval Manhattan of Italy due to its towers which dominate the skyline. There is time to enjoy the atmosphere of this unchanged ancient jewel which has remained intact since the 14th century, and today is a UNESCO World Heritage town. EURO 31

COM01 - EXCURSION TO LAKE COMO
A cruise past the villas of the rich and famous on the spectacular 'Queen of the Lakes' before some free time in Como.
EURO 36

ITL01 - BORROMEAN ISLAND OF LAKE MAGGIORE
The premier attraction of Lake Maggiore is the Borromean Islands. Our lake cruise takes us to Isola Bella, the largest and most famous island, renowned for its incredible palace and stunning Botanical Gardens. A guided tour of this privately owned palace with free time to admire the gardens is a must. EURO 34

COR02 - GRAND TOUR OF THE DOLOMITES
A full day excursion through the Dolomites - one of the most impressive mountain ranges in the Alps. View the unique rock formations and experience spectacular panoramas by taking a cable car ride to the summit for breathtaking 360 degree vistas. Your day will include photographic stops; a visit to a World War 1 museum and complimentary coffee and strudel! (Weather and season dependent). EURO 59

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 cafè 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

VCE02 - BURANO EXCURSION & LUNCH
Explore the Venetian lagoon on our cruise around the islands including the colourful island of Burano - a photographer's paradise and famous for its lace. Then enjoy a superb lunch sampling the local specialities. An excursion not to be missed! Lunch may be replaced with a dinner. EURO 65