Italian Elegance - Classic Group
Tour Type: Country Roads
Brochure Type Europe & Britain Premium 2025 v1
Experience the food and fun of Italy on this 12-day guided tour. In Rome, see the Colosseum where gladiators fought to the death, then visit the Vatican Museums with a Local Expert. Travel from Florence to the heart of Tuscany, stopping in scenic San Gimignano for a taste of gelato with a world-champion gelato maker; later, arrive at your hotel for a sampling of the region's most robust red wines. Prop up the Leaning Tower of Pisa for a photo and see the UNESCO World Heritage Site Cinque Terre with a Local Expert, who will join you for a sea-to-table feast in the medieval town of Monterosso. Allow yourself to be serenaded as you float along the canals of Venice in a traditional gondola, and watch a renowned craftsman blow Venetian glass into a masterful work of art.
Additional Included Highlights
Brochure Type Europe & Britain Premium 2025 v1
Experience the food and fun of Italy on this 12-day guided tour. In Rome, see the Colosseum where gladiators fought to the death, then visit the Vatican Museums with a Local Expert. Travel from Florence to the heart of Tuscany, stopping in scenic San Gimignano for a taste of gelato with a world-champion gelato maker; later, arrive at your hotel for a sampling of the region's most robust red wines. Prop up the Leaning Tower of Pisa for a photo and see the UNESCO World Heritage Site Cinque Terre with a Local Expert, who will join you for a sea-to-table feast in the medieval town of Monterosso. Allow yourself to be serenaded as you float along the canals of Venice in a traditional gondola, and watch a renowned craftsman blow Venetian glass into a masterful work of art.
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, y
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- Venice Enjoy a special Venetian Celebration Dinner with wine, situated in the heart of this historic city.
- Rome Savor regional flavors and embrace Rome's rich culinary heritage as you toast to the Eternal City at Ristorante Di Rienzo, nestled beside the Pantheon.
- San Gimignano Ascend serpentine alleyways to the artisan gelato parlour of world champion gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli for a taste of his finest frozen treats.
- Lucca Visit a traditional steam bakery and sample Buccellato, the sweet raisin bread typical of the region.
- Florence Take a stroll with your Travel Director to Piazza Santa Croce and immerse yourself in the essence of la dolce vita of Florence while you enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local cafe.
- Florence Stand beside Michelangelo's monumental statue, 'David', in the Accademia Gallery, and admire the exquisite technique and absorbing history behind the world's most famous sculpture.
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- 6 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 1 Lunch with Wine (LW)
- 11 Breakfast (B)
- Vatican Gain fast-track access into the Vatican Museums, witness the genius of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel and view the splendid dome of St. Peter's Basilica.
- Venice Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing, now practised by precious few masters. Watch artisans create delicate works of art using rare traditional practices. The workshop's master craftsmen teach visitors about the traditional craft of glassblow
- San Gimignano Visit the medieval Manhattan of Italy!
- Venice Delight in the magic of this charming city as you are serenaded, traveling through the atmospheric canals by gondola.
- Cinque Terre Led by your Local Expert, visit this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site, tucked away on the mountainous Italian Riviera coastline. Explore one of the five charming fishing villages for some memorable pictures.
- Florence Enjoy a stroll through Renaissance Florence and admire the medieval buildings that gave birth to this new style of architecture.
- Cortina d'Ampezzo Enjoy the stunning scenery of the Cortina, a small town framed by magnificent alps as your Travel Director conducts an orientation.
- Florence Stand beside Michelangelo's monumental statue, 'David', in the Accademia Gallery, and admire the exquisite technique and absorbing history behind the world's most famous sculpture.
- Pisa During your orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery bristling with marble spines, and the colonnaded bell tower lurches behind the 11th century cathedral - the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
- Florence Take a stroll with your Travel Director to Piazza Santa Croce and immerse yourself in the essence of la dolce vita of Florence while you enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local cafe.
- Portofino Cruise from Santa Margherita and get a taste of the sweet life in this elegant fishing village.
- Rome Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a passionate local. See Circus Maximus and the Ancient Forum, and stand beside the Colosseum, which bears witness to the limitless courage of the gladiators.
- Lucca Your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist will show you the churches, squares and palaces within the medieval ramparts.
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Call (630) 208-7674 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18824488
- Tour Operator
- Insight Vacations
- Offer
- Offer valid through 12/30/2024
- Duration
- 12 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
Day | Destination | Description |
Day 1 | Rome | Welcome to the Eternal City of Rome: Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. Your transfer departs from Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport for your hotel. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director and getting to know your fellow travelers over a delicious dinner with wine to soak up La Dolce Vita at a local restaurant. Accommodations: Hotel Romanico Palace, Rome. |
Day 2 | Rome | Rome Sightseeing and the Vatican: In the morning, enjoy the very best of the city's highlights including visiting the magnificent St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City with your Local Expert. Cross the Tiber river to enjoy ancient Rome. See the incredible Circus Maximus famous for its chariot races, and the iconic Colosseum. Enjoy fast-tracked entry into the Vatican Museums with a Local Expert. Admire the Papal art collection, before entering the Sistine Chapel to marvel at Michelangelo's masterpiece on its ceiling. Dine on Lazio's culinary specialties at Ristorante Di Rienzo, located beside the Pantheon, an architectural masterpiece and symbol of Italy. Accommodations: Hotel Romanico Palace, Rome. |
Day 3 | Tuscany | Renaissance Florence: Explore Florence with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo's David. After, continue on foot to admire the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. Continue into the Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune and Hercules and Cacus along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Alternatively, take a stroll with your Travel Director to Piazza Santa Croce to enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local cafe, where you will be in the perfect spot to admire the basilica and indulge in people-watching the elegant Florentines. Marvel at the artistry during a demonstration of leather work and admire how the goldsmiths create their designs both famous luxury goods found in Florence. Accommodations: Villasanpaolo, San Gimignano. |
Day 4 | San Gimignano | The flavors of San Gimignano Relaxed Start: Spend time exploring the maze of alleyways and admire scenic views across the valley. Ascend serpentine alleyways to the artisan gelato parlour of world champion gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli, for a taste of his finest frozen treats. Accommodations: Villasanpaolo, San Gimignano. |
Day 5 | Santa Margherita Ligure | The Chianti Hills to Pisa, Lucca and Santa Margherita: Drive through the patchwork of vines, olives and cypresses that typify the Chianti hills before continuing to the delightful town of Lucca. Taste the lavish loaves of buccellato, Lucca's sweet raisin anise bread. Head for Pisa and see the incredible Leaning Tower, from which Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity. See the splendid cathedral and baptistery, decorated with mosaics and designs in solid marble. Next, cruise along the rugged Ligurian coast to the elegant seaside village of Portofino, the epitome of la dolce vita (should weather permit). Continue along the coast to the pretty seaside resort of Santa Margherita Ligure. Accommodations: Best Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure. |
Day 6 | Santa Margherita Ligure | The Cinque Terre and Portofino: Head for the port of La Spezia for a highlight of your travels and one of Italy's most beautiful landscapes, the Cinque Terre. With a Local Expert, appreciate the views as you approach one of the picturesque fishing villages by boat. For lunch, enjoy a delicious Sea-to-Table dining experience. Enjoy leisure time to admire the colored houses, browse the boutiques or simply stay a while in the cafe bars on the piazzetta, watching the yachts moored in the harbor. Accommodations: Best Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure. |
Day 7 | Lake Maggiore | Lake Maggiore Relaxed Start: Head north to the beautiful Italian Lake District, a favorite retreat of the rich and famous where Alpine scenery combines with lush vegetation. Relax and enjoy an afternoon at leisure at this popular resort and beautiful lake. Accommodations: Hotel Simplon, Baveno. |
Day 8 | Cortina d'Ampezzo | Cortina d'Ampezzo: Travel through the stunning northern Italian countryside to one of the world's most breath-taking wine regions. Protected by the Alps to the north, and caressed by the warm breezes from the Adriatic, the vineyards around Conegliano Veneto produce Italy's most prized sparkling wine. Great care is taken to ensure these hand-picked grapes produce the world's finest prosecco and you see how production differs from its more famous French counterpart, champagne. Be tempted with a taste of the crisp and aromatic flavors and learn how to make the perfect bellini. Continue through the Dolomites, to the mountain resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo. Accommodations: Hotel de la Poste, Cortina d'Ampezzo. |
Day 9 | Cortina d'Ampezzo | Experience the Dolomites Relaxed Start: The whole day is free for you to explore the colorful peaks and sheer valleys of the Dolomites, one of the most impressive mountain ranges in the Alps. During summer, once the snow and ice have melted away, a breathtaking landscape is revealed. There are a number of walking tracks through pristine Alpine wilderness for the adventurous to explore, or for a more relaxed pace, perhaps take a thrilling Optional Experience to the summit of one of the peaks for breathtaking panoramic views? Accommodations: Hotel de la Poste, Cortina d'Ampezzo. |
Day 10 | Venice | Venice, Queen of the Adriatic Relaxed Start: Descend through the mountains to the romantic city of Venice. A private boat glides you past canals lined with ornate palaces to St Mark's Square. See the basilica, the Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, before checking into your luxurious hotel. With the afternoon at leisure, why not cruise the Venetian Lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialties and wine? Accommodations: Splendid Venice - Starhotels Collezione. |
Day 11 | Venice | Venice at Leisure Relaxed Start: Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience during a visit to a traditional arts center, where you can see how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills. Then there is free time to enjoy the magical atmosphere of this incredible city at your own pace. Mingle with the locals at the open air markets near the Rialto Bridge and explore the back lanes and squares where Venetians go about their day. Later, on your romantic gondola serenade, glide along the atmospheric canals exploring the intimate and hidden parts of this unique city while musicians set the mood with traditional songs. This evening, indulge in traditional Venetian dishes that are enriched with inspiration from seasonal produce during a magical Celebration Dinner. Accommodations: Splendid Venice - Starhotels Collezione. |
Day 12 | Venice | Arrivederci Venice: Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo Airport. Accommodations: |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- Twin prices are per person.
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class