NEW! Italian Vogue - GOLD

With Insight Gold deluxe escorted tours, you’ll appreciate luxury hotels, dine in authentic restaurants and enjoy leisurely days with premium included sightseeing. These itineraries are an entirely new perspective on classical journeys.

YOUR INSIGHT GOLD DELUXE HOTELS

    * The breathtaking beauty of the superb 5 star luxury Exedra Roma hotel is beyond compare.
    * Just around the corner from St Marks Square, the sublime Hotel Monaco combines period atmosphere with modern amenities & has majestic views towards the island of San Giorgio.
    * The historic Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World & the Great Hotels of the World

YOUR DELICIOUS GOLD DINING EXPERIENCES

    * 9 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 4 three course dinners with choice (D).
    * 1 highlight lunch in the Castelli Romani region with Frascati wine tasting (HL).
    * 1 lunch of local specialites in one of the charming villages of the Cinque Terre (L).
    * Highlight Farewell dinner with wine at Venice's Ai Do Forni restaurant (HD).

YOUR EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION OF INCLUDED SIGHTSEEING & HIGHLIGHTS

    * Rome: Welcome drink reception; view the priceless art collection of the Vatican Museums & ceiling of the Sistine Chapel on a privately guided tour; overlook the Forum & visit the ancient Colosseum; visit the vast St. Peter's Basilica & see Michelangelo's 'Pieta'.
    * Pompeii: Join a local guide for a private tour of the well preserved Roman town, buried by an eruption of Vesuvius in AD79.
    * Isle of Capri: Walk to Augustus' Gardens for views of the Faraglioni Rocks; Ascend to Capri Town by funicular; Visit the most famous of Capri's marine caves - the Blue Grotto.
    * 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 & open-air gallery of Signoria Square.
    * Cinque Terre: Travel by train & boat to enjoy time in one of the five charming fishing villages that comprise the Cinque Terre.
    * Pisa: See the famous leaning tower & Cathedral.
    * Lucca: Spend time exploring the delightful squares & piazzas of this beautiful walled town.
    * Venice: Drift through the silent canals by traditional gondola; Basilica & the Bridge of Sighs; see a Venetian glass-blowing demonstration.

YOUR INCLUSIVE GOLD SERVICES

    * Escorted by your 'Personal Concierge', an Insight professional Tour Director; & accompanied by expert local guides where appropriate.
    * Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach, with extended leg room & on-board restroom.
    * Insight Traveller document wallet, map book journal & information pack.
    * Airport arrival & 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 the superb Vatican Museums, culminating beneath Michelangelo's famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. More of Michelangelo's genius is on display next door in St Peter's Basilica. Now cross the Tiber to 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 - POMPEII - CAPRI

Journey past the brooding hilltop monastery of Cassino to the Bay of Naples. Here lies the ill-fated town of Pompeii, frozen in time when it was engulfed by an eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. Walk with a local guide through the cobbled streets to learn about Roman life in the first century. Then continue to Naples to board your hydrofoil to the sun-drenched island of Capri. Arrive at Marina Grande & transfer to your exquisite hotel situated in Anacapri, the most exclusive part of the island, & offers spectacular views across the sparkling waters.

Hotel: Capri Palace. (BB,D)

Day 4 - THE ISLE OF DREAMS

Meet your guide to visit Capri town, with its cosmopolitan Piazzetta, filled with small cafés. Descend by funicular to the harbour & weather permitting, visit the amazing Blue Grotto, its walls made blue by sunlight filtering through the azure water. Then the remainder of the day is yours to devote to Capri's whitewashed houses, orange & lemon trees, fashionable shops & restaurants. You could indulge at the hotel's Beauty Farm, a favourite of Gwyneth Paltrow & other celebrities. As the orange-rose glow of twilight descends & the DAY trippers have returned back to the mainland, the island is all yours to saunter along scenic paths, gather with the locals in the piazzetta or dine in the superb restaurants. (BB)

Day 5 - CAPRI - FLORENCE

Take the hydrofoil across the bay to Naples. Continue to the Castelli Romani region where splendid villas nestle among the vineyards & forests around peaceful volcanic lakes. Lunch has been arranged at one of the charming restaurants, along with a tasting of the local Frascati wine. Travel north along the 'Highway of the Sun' to the patchwork of vines, olives & cypresses that typify the Chianti hills. Stay in Renaissance Florence tonight. Your downtown hotel is full of charm & character, only a stone's throw from the cathedral.

Hotel: Brunelleschi. (BB,HL,D)

Day 6 - 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 & 'Gates of Paradise' before visiting the Piazza della Signoria, an open air museum & still the political heart of Florence. Pause for a refreshing gelato before strolling on to Piazza Santa Croce famous for its cathedraland luxury shops. The joys of Florence are varied so the afternoon is free for your own personal exploration. (BB)

Day 7 - FLORENCE - CINQUE TERRE - VIAREGGIO

Head for the UNESCO World Heritage listed Cinque Terre. To fully appreciate this rugged coastline, you first board a train & then sail by boat to one of the picturesque fishing villages, sheltered by hills covered with vines & olive groves. Spend time exploring the old medieval quarter or the popular sandy beach. The regional cuisine is exemplary, so reservations have been made at a local restaurant for lunch. Return along the famous Italian Riviera to your historic & prestigious 5-star hotel on Viareggio's seafront.

Hotel: Grand Principe di Piemonte (BB,L,D)

Day 8 - – VIAREGGIO - PISA - LUCCA - VENICE

Your first stop today is the incredible Leaning Tower of Pisa, which leans 5.5 degrees (about 15 feet) from the perpendicular. Take time to explore the Square of Miracles before heading to the nearby town of Lucca - its churches, squares & palaces perfectly preserved within its encircling ramparts. Continue across the fertile Po Valley to romantic Venice, where you are immediately plunged back to the 16C. Your stylish hotel is situated right on the Grand Canal - formerly a ridotto, where Casanova gambled & cavorted with nobility & courtesans.

Hotel: Monaco & Grand Canal. (BB)

Day 9 - THE MAGIC OF LA SERENISSIMA

Venice was once one of the greatest trading centres of the world. The city's wealth & power is evidenced by the riches of St Mark's Basilica. Admire also the Doge's Palace & its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. No visit to Venice would be complete without a gondola ride through the romantic canals. The afternoon is entirely yours to lose yourself in the hidden parts of the city. As evening falls, you are invited to join us for a celebratory meal favoured with, good food, wine & a happy, relaxed atmosphere. (BB,HD)

Day 10 - DEPART VENICE

As your tour draws to a close, savour the enchanting atmosphere of Venice one more time as you cross the lagoon by private transfer boat to arrive directly 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.

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

ROM05 - DINNER IN ROME AND ILLUMINATIONS
We begin with a visit to a local 'ristorante' to try a selection of Roman dishes prepared in the Roman way. Drinks such as wine, beer and soft drinks are included. After a delicious meal accompanied by music, we take you to see Rome beautifully illuminated. Our journey takes us past sights including the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia and Michelangelo's 'Cordonata' to name but a few. A night not to be missed. EURO 57

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

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

VCE02A - DINNER IN BURANO BY PRIVATE LAUNCH
A fantastic meal awaits us on the Island of Burano! By private launch we cruise out through the Venetian lagoon, past it's many small islands, en route to the fisherman's island of Burano. You will see all of what Venice has to offer as we make our way to this quaint and unique colorful island which is a photographers paradise and is also famous for its lace. We enjoy a superb meal of local specialities and the local wine. An excursion not to be missed! EURO 65

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