Italian Elegance - Classic Group
Italian Elegance - Classic Group
Tour Overview
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. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To The Eternal City Of Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: room 007 Select, Rome.
Accommodation Name: Hotel Romanico Palace
Meals Included: Dinner with Wine
Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and baroque churches. Transfers depart from Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport for your hotel at 09:30, 12:30 and 15:30. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director at 17:30, and get to know your fellow travellers over a delicious Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
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Day 2: Rome With Vatican Dinner
Location: Rome, Vatican
Accommodation: room 007 Select, Rome.
Accommodation Name: Hotel Romanico Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
In the morning enjoy the very best of the city’s highlights. Together with your Local Expert, visit the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, see the Circus Maximus and take a walk around the exterior of the mighty Colosseum. In the afternoon, enjoy fast-tracked priority entry into the Vatican Museums with a Local Expert. Admire the Papal art collection and enter the stunning Sistine Chapel to marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpiece on its ceiling. Then you will be treated to the privilege of an exclusive Highlight Dinner inside the Vatican's Ethnological Museum.
Day 3: Renaissance Florence
Location: Rome, Florence, Tuscany
Accommodation: Villasanpaolo, San Gimignano.
Accommodation Name: Villasanpaolo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Take the autostrada north to Renaissance Florence. Explore Florence with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo's David. Alternatively, wander through the market stalls on a shopping tour, enjoying all the Italian treats and finery on offer. From there, see the cathedral, campanile and the baptistery, adorned with the Gates of Paradise. Walk on to Piazza della Signoria with its open-air gallery of Renaissance sculpture. There is time to shop for Florentine leather or gold before continuing to your elegant hotel in Tuscany.
Day 4: The Flavours Of San Gimignano Relaxed Start
Location: San Gimignano
Accommodation: Villasanpaolo, San Gimignano.
Accommodation Name: Villasanpaolo
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 5: The Chianti Hills To Pisa, Lucca And Santa Margherita
Location: San Gimignano, Pisa, Lucca, Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure
Accommodation: Best Western Regina Elena Santa Margherita Ligure.
Accommodation Name: Best Western Regina Elena
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, with Wine
Drive through the patchwork of vines, olives and cypresses that typify the Chianti hills, before arriving in Pisa to 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. Journey onwards to the delightful town of Lucca. Taste the lavish loaves of buccellato, Lucca's sweet raisin anise bread. Continue along the coast to the pretty seaside resort of Santa Margherita Ligure.
Day 6: The Cinque Terre And Portofino
Location: Santa Margherita Ligure, Cinque Terre, Santa Margherita Ligure
Accommodation: Best Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure.
Accommodation Name: Best Western Regina Elena
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
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. Next, cruise along the rugged Ligurian coast to the elegant seaside village of Portofino, the epitome of la dolce vita (should weather permit). Enjoy leisure time to admire the coloured houses, browse the boutiques or simply stay a while in the cafe bars on the piazzetta, watching the yachts moored in the harbour.
Day 7: Lake Maggiore Relaxed Start
Location: Santa Margherita Ligure, Lake Maggiore
Accommodation Name: Hotel Simplon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head north to the beautiful Italian Lake District, a favourite 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.
Day 8: Cortina D’Ampezzo
Location: Lake Maggiore, Cortina d'Ampezzo
Accommodation Name: Hotel de la Poste
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Travel through the stunning northern Italian countryside to one of the world’s most breathtaking wine regions. Protected by the Alps to the north, and caressed by the warm breezes from the Adriatic, the vineyards of Conegliano produce Italy’s most famous sparkling wine.Stop at Carmina where great care is taken to ensure these hand-picked grapes produce the world's finest prosecco. See how production differs from its more famous French counterpart, champagne. Be tempted with a taste of the crisp and aromatic flavours prosecco is renowned for.Continue through the Dolomites to the mountain resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Day 9: Experience The Dolomites Relaxed Start
Location: Cortina d'Ampezzo
Accommodation Name: Hotel de la Poste
Meals Included: Breakfast
The whole day is free for you to explore the colourful 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?
Day 10: Venice, Queen Of The Adriatic Relaxed Start
Location: Cortina d'Ampezzo, Venice
Accommodation: Splendid Venice - Starhotels Collezione.
Accommodation Name: Splendid Venice - Starhotels Collezione
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 specialities and wine?
Day 11: Venice At Leisure Relaxed Start
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Splendid Venice - Starhotels Collezione.
Accommodation Name: Splendid Venice - Starhotels Collezione
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a traditional arts centre, 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, stroll past the famous Opera House to La Fenice restaurant for a magical Celebration Dinner. Indulge in traditional Venetian dishes that are enriched with inspiration from seasonal produce.
Day 12: Arrivederci Venice
Location: Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo Airport at 08:00 and 09:30.
What's Included
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Travel Director
Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
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Luxury Transportation
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
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Enhanced Hygiene Protocols
Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.
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Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
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High Well-Being Standards
We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards.
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VIP Experiences
Vatican: Experience an exclusive VIP Highlight Dinner at the Vatican in the Ethnological Museum.
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Local Specialties
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
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Complimentary Wi-Fi
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Luggage Handling
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
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Authentic Dining
Dining Summary: 6 Dinner with Wine (DW), 11 Breakfast (B), and 1 Lunch with Wine (LW)
What's Not Included
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Airfare
International airfare to and from the start and end point of the tour is not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Some Meals
Not all meals are covered in the tour.
Please refer to the tour itinerary for details on which meals are included. -
Optional Excursions
Costs for optional excursions available during the tour are not included and can be purchased during your trip.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, mini-bar, room service, and other personal items are not included.
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Visa Fees
Any visa fees required for travel are not included in the tour price.
Check out our Q&As
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What countries does the tour visit?
The tour visits Italy.
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What are the highlights of the tour?
Highlights of the tour include luxury coach travel with enhanced hygiene protocols, VIP dining experiences, visits to iconic locations such as the Vatican, Venice, and Tuscany, tasting local delicacies and wines, and enjoying unique experiences like a gondola ride in Venice and a visit to a traditional steam bakery in Lucca. ...more ...less
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What is included in the tour?
The tour includes services of a Travel Director, personal radio headsets for guided tours, baggage handling, hotel and restaurant tips, complimentary Wi-Fi on coach and hotels, Insight Flourishes which are local specialties, and transfers as per the itinerary.
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How many meals are included?
The tour includes 11 Breakfasts (B), 6 Dinners with Wine (DW), and 1 Lunch with Wine (LW).
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What is the starting location of the tour?
The tour starts in Rome.
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What is the ending location of the tour?
The tour ends in Venice.
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Are there any boat/cruise excursions included?
Yes, the tour includes boat/cruise excursions such as a cruise from Santa Margherita to Portofino and a gondola ride in Venice.
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What are the dietary options available?
The tour does not specify dietary options, but it mentions experiences like tasting local delicacies and wines, which suggests that food preferences may be accommodated at various dining experiences.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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Italian Elegance - Classic Group
12 Days Starting in Rome and ending in Venice
Visiting: Rome, Vatican, Florence, Tuscany, San Gimignano, Pisa, Lucca, Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, Cinque Terre, Lake Maggiore, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Venice ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
E923ZN19
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
20 - 40
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians