INSIGHT VACATIONS Road to Rome - Premium Highlights

Highlights - Special highlights include the first view of Paris from the Eiffel Tower, the visit to the summit of Mount Pilatus and its Alpine views, the waterscape of Venice, the artistic heritage of Florence and the awe-inspiring visit to the Eternal City of Rome.

Hotels - There is a good mix of modern and traditional hotels, ranging from the contemporary Astoria in Lucerne and the Paris Tour Eiffel Suffren to the typical style of the Nizza and Suisse, which reflects the sedate atmosphere of the spa town of Montecatini.
Enjoy Your Included Tour Features

Premium Highlights

    * Ascend Gustave Eiffel’s wonderful creation for spectacular views over Paris
    * A ride by cog-wheel train and cable-car to the summit of Mount Pilatus
    * Enjoy a gondola ride through the peaceful canals of Venice
    * In Florence, visit the Academy Gallery with a local guide to see Michelangelo’s ‘Statue of David’
    * Learn all about ancient Rome with your guide as you overlook the Forum and visit the Colosseum

Personal Insights

    * An introduction to the tragic events and trenches of WWI at the Canadian Vimy Ridge War memorial
    * Enjoy a short group tutorial on the wines that compliment your evening meal in Rome

Additional Excursions & Sights

    * See Notre Dame and drive along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
    * View the emotive Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge in Lucerne
    * Drive through the Arlberg Tunnel to Innsbruck to see the Golden Roof and Imperial Palace
    * Visit Mirabell Gardens, see Mozart’s Birthplace and stroll to the Cathedral in Salzburg
    * Cruise to St Mark’s Square to see the Doges’ Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St Mark’s Basilica
    * See the Cathedral, ‘Gates of Paradise’ and open-air gallery of Signoria Square in Florence
    * Visit St Peters Basilica in the Vatican City seeing Michelangelo’s ‘Pieta’
    * Traditional Glass-blowing in Venice and leather-work demonstration in Florence
    * Scenic Drives - Burgundy, Inn Valley, Tauern Mountains, Apennines and Lakes Drive

Insight's 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
    * Free London Airport shuttle service, conditions apply, see Savings and Conditions pages.
    * Airport Shuttle departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 12

Quality Dining

    * Highlight Farewell Dinner with entertainment in Rome (HD)
    * 11 enhanced or Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 4 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

INSIGHT VACATIONS Road to Rome ITINERARY

Tour Pace

This classic tour is well paced with two night stays in Paris, Lucerne, Venice, Montecatini and Rome. The only one night stop is in the musical city of Salzburg. The travelling days are well planned for your comfort with frequent rest stops.

Day 1 - LONDON - PARIS

After a warm greeting from your Tour Director, leave London for Dover and wave goodbye to the white cliffs on board your ferry to Calais. Visit the imposing Canadian War Memorial at Vimy Ridge, surrounded by land still scarred from the Great War. Continue to the French capital, arriving late afternoon. Enjoy a Welcome Drink with your fellow travellers and, afterwards, consider an evening of fun at one of the spectacular cabaret shows.
Hotel: Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel

Day 2 - PARIS SIGHTSEEING

Sightseeing with a local guide shows you the highlights of the city. See the Gothic Notre Dame cathedral, with its tale of Quasimodo, hunchback of Notre Dame. Then drive past the immense facades of the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde, its centre occupied by a giant Egyptian obelisk. Continue along the elegant Champs Élysées to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe, only completed after his death. Now ascend the Eiffel Tower for fine views over Paris. Spend the afternoon at leisure, shop in the department stores or visit the Louvre's superb collections. (BB)

Day 3 - PARIS - LUCERNE

After an early breakfast, follow the autoroute across France's great agricultural lands and on through the Burgundy wine region. After passing the Jura Mountains, cross into Switzerland at Basel before ending the day in lovely Lucerne.
Hotel: Astoria (BB,D)

Day 4 - LUCERNE SIGHTSEEING

Join your Tour Director to see the Chapel Bridge and the stirring Lion Monument, dedicated to the Swiss guards who died defending the King of France. Enjoy an exciting included highlight - an exhilarating ride by cog-wheel train and cable-car to the summit of Mount Pilatus. Admire the stunning panorama of snow-capped peaks, including the Eiger and Jungfrau, before descending over mountain crags and pine forests back to terra firma. There is time set aside to shop for fine watches and delicious chocolate in Lucerne. (BB)

Day 5 - LUCERNE - INNSBRUCK

Drive east past Liechtenstein to Austria and continue through the Arlberg Tunnel to Innsbruck. See the Golden Roof and the Imperial Palace and the 14th century houses of the old town before enjoying diner at your hotel.
Hotel: Hilton. (BB,D)

Day 6 - SALZBURG EXCURSION

We visit Innsbruck's superb Wilten Basilica - its interior richly decorated with cherubs and angels. Follow the Inn Valley to Salzburg for a guided tour of Mozart's home city. From the formal gardens of the Mirabell Palace, photograph the city skyline crowned by its castle. Cross the river to the Getreidegasse and Mozart's birthplace and stroll through the Old Town's narrow lanes to the cathedral and Residenz fountain. Return to Innsbruck in the afternoon, after which you can opt to join a lively folklore party. (BB,D)

Day 7 - INNSBRUCK - VENICE

A morning drive through the mountains brings you to the unique and romantic city of Venice, 'Queen of the Adriatic'. A private launch ferries you past canals lined with ornate palaces to St Marks Square, dominated by its magnificent Basilica and overlooked by the great Clock Tower where bronze Moors beat out the hours on a huge bell. Nearby is the Campanile and Doges' Palace which is connected to the prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. See a demonstration of Venetian glass-blowing before enjoying a highlight ride by traditional gondola along the picturesque canals.
Hotel: Boscolo Bellini. (BB,D)

Day 8 - VENICE - TUSCANY

Bid farewell to Venice and follow the highway past the university city of Bologna, into the wild Apennines and on to the peaceful landscapes of Tuscany. En route, hear an informative tutorial about the famous Chianti wines that make this region so famous. Your destination is the fashionable spa town of Montecatini where you can shop or enjoy a stroll through town before dinner.
Hotel: Grand Hotel Bellavista Palace & Golf (BB,D)

Day 9 - FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING

Drive to the Tuscan capital, Florence, and join a local guide for a sightseeing tour which includes entrance into the Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo's original 'Statue of David' and the half-completed 'Slaves'. See the magnificent Cathedral, the 'Gates of Paradise', and the living gallery of Signoria Square, political stage of the Florentines. Then spend some time shopping for leather, gold and other treasured memories in this wonderful city. (BB)

Day 10 - TUSCANY - ROME

Take the 'autostrada' south to Rome, arriving at your hotel mid-afternoon. After freshening up, perhaps start the evening with a 'passeggiata' (traditional evening stroll). Rome comes alive at night; enjoy cosmopolitan squares like the Piazza Navona with its beautiful fountains, or the Via Veneto - scene of La Dolce Vita.
Hotel: Milton. (BB)

Day 11 - ROME SIGHTSEEING

A local guide will introduce you to the grandeur of the city today. Begin with a visit to the mother church of the Catholic faith, St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City. See Michelangelo's early masterpiece, the Pieta, as well as the splendid dome, completed after his death. Cross the Tiber to hear tales of the glory of ancient Rome! Visit the mighty Colosseum and overlook the Forum, once the bustling centre of commerce, law and religion. Later, there is time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing at your leisure. As night falls, join your Tour Director for a celebration Highlight Dinner of local cuisine, wine and entertainment. (BB,HD)

Day 12 - ROME

The tour ends after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 & 09:30. (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.

PAR27 - DINNER, SEINE CRUISE & ILLUMINATIONS TOUR
An excellent dinner in a traditional Parisian Bistro is followed by a cruise along the River Seine to view famous sights from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame cathedral. The evening ends with a tour of the spectacular illuminations of Paris. EURO 78

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

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

LCR01A - LAKE LUCERNE HAPPY HOUR CRUISE
Widely considered to be the loveliest of the mountain lakes, much of the shoreline of Lake Lucerne can only be fully appreciated from the water. Admire the spectacular homes of the fortunate few, privileged to live on its scenic shores, as we cruise gently by. Two drinks will be served during the trip. EURO 38

LCR14 - CARRIAGES & COUNTRYSIDE
A chance to meet the Swiss, as local farmers take us on a delightful countryside tour in horse-drawn carriages. Enjoy stunning scenery as we trot around a typical rural community, en route to a local farm where local drinks and snacks will be served. EURO 45

LCR07 - SWISS ALPINE SHOW WITH LUNCH
Enjoy a typical Swiss lunch including cheese fondue and two drinks whilst being entertained by a lively show featuring song, dance, Alpenhorn blowing and traditional Swiss flag throwing. EURO 61

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

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

FLO17 - SAN GIMIGNANO & PISA 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. Continue on to Pisa, where we view the Square of Miracles and see the world famous Leaning Tower, with our local guide. EURO 63

FLO03 - DINNER IN THE TUSCAN HILLS
One not to miss - a fabulous Tuscan gastronomic experience awaits you. We drive to a specially chosen restaurant for an evening to remember with beautiful food and wine. Viva Italia! EURO 57

FLO14 - DINNER AT LA CERTOSA
We enjoy a Tuscan dinner with wine in a private room overlooking the imposing Certosa monastery. The menu features local specialities and music is provided by local artists. At the end of the meal we can taste the famous liqueurs produced by the monks. (This tour is sometimes offered with an interior visit to the monastery). EURO 66

ROM04A - ROMAN DINNER PARTY
Enjoy an evening of delicious Roman cuisine with drinks, music and a great Italian ambience. EURO 57

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

ROM01 - CLASSICAL ROME
Our classical tour spans Rome's fascinating history from ancient Rome to the early Christians and the glory of the Papal Residence. First a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, immortalized by Michelangelo's painted ceiling. Then we visit the Catacombs where the Ancient Christians were buried in underground cemeteries. (On some tours the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls will be visited as an alternative to the Catacombs). EURO 62

SZG06 - EAGLE'S NEST & THE BAVARIAN ALPS
Drive deep into the National Park past farmhouses and picturesque villages to the ruins of Obersalzburg. From here, transfer to special motor coaches adapted to the scenic mountain climb to Hilter's notorious "Eagles Nest". There are splendid views through the arches up to the 'Hohen Goll' and across the snow capped peaks. EURO 47

SZG07 - BERCHTESGADEN AND HOHENRINGSTRASSE EXCURSION
Should optional SZG06 not be available, SZG07 below will be offered as an alternative. A scenic drive in the Bavarian Alps to Berchtesgaden within sight of Hitler's Bavarian redoubt. Then via the Hohenringstrasse, we ascend 1500 m (5000 ft) along one of Europe's most spectacular and scenic roads. EURO 34