Country Roads of Italy
A 17-Day Insight Tours tour starting from $3,975
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| Starting Price: | $3,975 |  |
| Tour Length: | 17 Days | |
| Countries Visited: | Italy | |
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Cities Visited: This tour is well paced with an exceptional three-night stay in Sorrento at the start of the tour and two-night stays in all other cities except Orvieto. The majority of the driving days are not too long, with convenient stops at places of interest. |
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Included Premium Highlights
- Join a local guide for a walking tour through the cobbled streets of Pompeii
- Cruise to the island of Capri and ascend to Capri town by funicular railway
- In Ravenna, witness some of the finest mosaics in Europe
- Drift through the romantic canals of Venice by traditional gondola
- Visit Florence's Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo's original 'Statue of David'
- Visit the superb Vatican Museums and admire Michelangelo's ceiling in the Sistine Chapel
- Explore the wonders of ancient Rome as you visit the Colosseum and overlook the Forum
Included Personal Insights
- As night falls, join us in the Italian social ritual of 'La Passeggiata'
- Enjoy a short tutorial about the world famous Chianti wines of Tuscany
Included Additional Excursions & Sights
- Visit the hill-top Abbey of Monte Cassino, scene of bitter fighting during WWII
- Visit Cassino's peaceful Commonwealth War Cemetery
- Enjoy a beautiful drive along the famed Amalfi coast to Positano
- See the Pope's residence in Castel Gandolfo and visit the wine town of Frascati
- Visit Orvieto's majestic Piazza del Duomo to admire the famous facade of the Cathedral
- See the Priors' Palace, Great Fountain and Collegio del Cambio in Perugia
- Assisi excursion including St Francis Basilica, St Mary of the Angels and St Clare's church
- Venice cruise to see St Mark's Basilica, Doges' Palace and Bridge of Sighs
- See Giambologna's Neptune Fountain, Piazza Nettuno and the old town in Bologna
- Visit the 'Gates of Paradise', Michelangelo's tomb and Signoria Square in Florence
- See the towers of San Gimignano
- Visit Siena's Campo Square, fountain and Cathedral
- Excursion to hilltop Montepulciano with its beautiful Old Town
- Visit Tarquinia's Archeological Museum and ancient Etruscan tombs
- Tour St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City to see Michelangelo's 'Pieta'
- Sorrento 'Intarsio', Florentine leather-work and Venice glass blowing demonstrations
Included First Class Services
- Escorted by a professional Tour Director
- Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard restroom
- Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
- Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Airport Shuttle arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 2 and Day 17
Included Quality Dining
- Highlight Dinner of local cuisine with entertainment in Rome (HD)
- 15 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 5 three-course table d'hote Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
Day 1 - DEPART USA
Board your overnight flight.
Day 2 - ROME AT LEISURE
Welcome to Rome! 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. Then there is time to relax and begin to enjoy La Dolce Vita (the sweet life). Later, join your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Sheraton Roma
Day 3 - ROME - SORRENTO
Travel south to visit the formidable Abbey of Monte Cassino, carefully rebuilt after the epic battle of 1944, and still dominating the surrounding countryside from its mountain top setting. Stop at the nearby Commonwealth War Cemetery before continuing on to Pompeii, the ill-fated Roman resort buried by an eruption of Vesuvius in AD79. A walking tour with a local guide through the cobbled streets reveals the daily life of ancient Roman civilisation. Afterwards, a scenic cliff-top drive leads you to Sorrento. Sunday evenings are popular for the traditional ritual of passeggiata, a pre-dinner promenade, to 'see and be seen'.
Hotel: Grand Hotel La Pace (BB,D)
Day 4 - AMALFI COASTAL DRIVE
There are plenty of photo opportunities as you travel along Italy's finest coastline, the Amalfi Coast. Stop for a bird's-eye view of the terraced houses of Positano before boarding minibuses to explore the heart of the town. There's time to be tempted by the boutiques before returning to your hotel. Consider dining at one of Sorrento's top restaurants. (BB)
Day 5 - ISLE OF CAPRI EXCURSION
For 2,000 years, Capri has beckoned visitors from Tiberius Caesar to Gracie Fields. Arriving at the Marina Grande by boat, ascend to Capri Town by funicular railway. There is time to browse in the elegant shops and enjoy the fabulous views. You can also join an optional excursion to Anacapri before returning to Sorrento. (BB)
Day 6 - SORRENTO - ORVIETO
Travel north to the celebrated wine town of Frascati and continue to Castel Gandolfo to see the Pope's summer residence. Then to the hilltop town of Orvieto where an orientation tour shows you the Cathedral with its richly decorated facade.
Hotel: Aquila Bianca (BB)
Day 7 - ORVIETO - ASSISI - PERUGIA
After crossing the River Tiber, arrive at St Mary of the Angels Basilica, erected where St Francis died, before continuing on to hill-top Assisi to visit the Basilica. Stroll down the Via San Francesco to St Clare's church, then see the Cathedral with its baptismal font where St Francis was christened. Take time to explore or shop before continuing on to the lovely city of Perugia for two nights.
Hotel: Sangallo Palace (BB,D)
Day 8 - PERUGIA SIGHTSEEING
Your sightseeing begins on foot in the main street of Perugia's Old Town. See the Collegio del Cambio, the splendid Priors' Palace, the Cathedral and the finely sculptured Great Fountain. Later there is time at leisure in this beautiful, historic town. (BB)
Day 9 - PERUGIA - RAVENNA - VENICE
Travel through the Apennine Mountains to the city of Ravenna, the meeting point of Roman, Christian and Byzantine cultures. Visit the church of St Apollinaris in Classe which houses some of the finest mosaics in Europe. Follow the coast road around the Lagoon to reach Venice, 'Queen of the Adriatic', where your hotel is located on the fashionable Lido.
Hotel: Le Boulevard (BB,D)
Day 10 - VENICE AT LEISURE
Cruise by private launch to St Mark's basin. Alight to see Lord Byron's Bridge of Sighs connecting the Doges' Palace to the Prisons. Stroll around to St Mark's Square to admire the Byzantine Basilica, before watching a glass-blowing demonstration. Enjoy a Highlight gondola ride through the canals. The rest of the day is at leisure in this remarkable city. (BB)
Day 11 - VENICE - Bologna - FLORENCE
Cross the fertile plains of Emilia Romagna to stop in Bologna - gastronomic capital of Italy. Here your guided tour includes Giambologna's Neptune Fountain and the Old Town.Time to savour the local specialties in the many trattorias and ristoranti before continuing to Florence.
Hotel: Grand Hotel Cavour (BB,D)
Day 12 - FLORENCE sightseeing
With a local guide, admire some of Michelangelo's works in the Academy Gallery, including his original statue of David and the half-completed Four Slaves. Continue to see the marble clad Cathedral, bell tower and the Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery before walking to Signoria Square. Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce, to see Michelangelo's tomb and finish with a Florentine leatherwork demonstration. (BB)
Day 13 - FLORENCE - SAN GIMIGNANO - SIENA - CHIANCIANO TERME
A delightful drive leads to San Gimignano. Admire the Salucci Towers, Chigi Towers and Cathedral before continuing to Siena. Stroll through the cobbled streets with a local guide to the vast Campo Square where the Palio horse race is held. See the 'Fonte Gaia', then continue to the zebra striped cathedral. Follow the Tuscan country roads to the spa town of Chianciano Terme.
Hotel: Grande Albergo Fortuna (BB)
Day 14 - MONTEPULCIANO EXCURSION
Embark on an excursion to beautiful Montepulciano, one of Tuscany's highest hill towns, its fortifications offering broad views over Umbria and Southern Tuscany. En route, there is an informative tutorial about the famous Chianti wines that make this region so famous. After some free time return to your hotel. (BB,D)
Day 15 - CHIANCIANO TERME - TARQUINIA -ROME
Visit Tarquinia's Archeological Museum and view the Etruscan tombs on the return journey to Rome. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Hotel: Cicerone (BB)
Day 16 - ROME SIGHTSEEING
With your local guide, visit the Vatican Museums. Admire the vast collection of art gathered by Popes over the ages, before entering the Sistine Chapel, where the Popes are elected. Next door, tour St Peter's Basilica, seeing Michelangelo's masterpiece, the Pieta. On the opposite side of the Tiber explore ancient Rome as you visit the Colosseum and see the Forum. There is time in the afternoon to relax or explore. Tonight, enjoy a last night celebration Highlight Dinner with your new-found friends. (BB,HD)
Day 17 - RETURN TO USA
Arrivederci Roma! Sadly, your tour comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 & 09:30. (BB)
Don't miss our current specials: | ||||
Touring Date |
Land Only |
Land + Air |
Single (Land Only) |
Single (Land + Air) |
8/27/2010 - 9/12/2010 |
$4,150 |
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9/3/2010 - 9/19/2010 |
$4,199 |
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9/10/2010 - 9/26/2010 |
$4,199 |
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9/17/2010 - 10/3/2010 |
$4,199 |
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9/24/2010 - 10/10/2010 |
$4,199 |
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10/1/2010 - 10/17/2010 |
$4,199 |
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10/8/2010 - 10/24/2010 |
$4,199 |
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10/15/2010 - 10/31/2010 |
$4,199 |
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10/22/2010 - 11/7/2010 |
$3,975 |
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Airfare Disclaimer Documents |
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Included Premium Highlights
- Join a local guide for a walking tour through the cobbled streets of Pompeii
- Cruise to the island of Capri and ascend to Capri town by funicular railway
- In Ravenna, witness some of the finest mosaics in Europe
- Drift through the romantic canals of Venice by traditional gondola
- Visit Florence's Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo's original 'Statue of David'
- Visit the superb Vatican Museums and admire Michelangelo's ceiling in the Sistine Chapel
- Explore the wonders of ancient Rome as you visit the Colosseum and overlook the Forum
Included Personal Insights
- As night falls, join us in the Italian social ritual of 'La Passeggiata'
- Enjoy a short tutorial about the world famous Chianti wines of Tuscany
Included Additional Excursions & Sights
- Visit the hill-top Abbey of Monte Cassino, scene of bitter fighting during WWII
- Visit Cassino's peaceful Commonwealth War Cemetery
- Enjoy a beautiful drive along the famed Amalfi coast to Positano
- See the Pope's residence in Castel Gandolfo and visit the wine town of Frascati
- Visit Orvieto's majestic Piazza del Duomo to admire the famous facade of the Cathedral
- See the Priors' Palace, Great Fountain and Collegio del Cambio in Perugia
- Assisi excursion including St Francis Basilica, St Mary of the Angels and St Clare's church
- Venice cruise to see St Mark's Basilica, Doges' Palace and Bridge of Sighs
- See Giambologna's Neptune Fountain, Piazza Nettuno and the old town in Bologna
- Visit the 'Gates of Paradise', Michelangelo's tomb and Signoria Square in Florence
- See the towers of San Gimignano
- Visit Siena's Campo Square, fountain and Cathedral
- Excursion to hilltop Montepulciano with its beautiful Old Town
- Visit Tarquinia's Archeological Museum and ancient Etruscan tombs
- Tour St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City to see Michelangelo's 'Pieta'
- Sorrento 'Intarsio', Florentine leather-work and Venice glass blowing demonstrations
Included First Class Services
- Escorted by a professional Tour Director
- Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard restroom
- Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
- Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Airport Shuttle arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 2 and Day 17
Included Quality Dining
- Highlight Dinner of local cuisine with entertainment in Rome (HD)
- 15 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 5 three-course table d'hote Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
Save 7.5% on Europe Winter Travel
November to April is the perfect time to visit Europe. The climate is often surprisingly mild, and the cities belong to their inhabitants and just a few discerning visitors. There is no better, more complete way to enjoy this experience than on an Insight Vacations escorted tour. Best of all prices are substantially lower than in peak summer season!
Save 7.5% on any 2010/11 Winter Europe packaged tour if you book and pay in full by August 13th.
Click to view all Insight Winter Vacations
TERMS: Booking and full payment for land portion must be made by August 13th, 2010. Offer is valid for new bookings made betweenJune 21st, 2010 and August 13th, 2010. Valid for land portion only. Travel must depart between November 1st, 2010 and April 3rd, 2011. Offer NOT valid on Select Choices departures or on Israel, Jordan, Greece, Turkey and Egypt. Offer applies to new bookings only. Normal name change policy applies. Offer is applicable to groups – with availability and collection of travelers’ names at time of booking. Promotion is NOT combinable with Early Payment brochure discount or any current air promotions. Promotion is combinable with all other brochure discounts. Once payment is received, cancellation penalties apply. Offer may be withdrawn at any time and subject to availability. Other restrictions apply. Please call for details. CST No. 20687545-20.
Great Savings and Discounts
FRIENDS & FAMILY DISCOUNTS
SAVE 5% FOR 5 - 8 PASSENGERS
Why not share your Insight tour experience with your friends and family – and save money! If 5-8 passengers book together we offer a discount of 5%. Further savings are available for groups of 9 or more passengers! This discount cannot be combined with Frequent Traveler, Young Traveler or Triple Room Discounts. To qualify, the names of all passengers traveling must be advised to Insight at the time of booking. Does not apply to Oberammergau Passion Play Option, additional accommodation, airfares or fl ight supplements, Select London Week, Select London & Paris, Select London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, and tours with Mediterranean or River cruises.
YOUNG TRAVELER SAVINGS
5 - 17 YEAR OLDS SAVE UP TO 10%
Insight offers you the opportunity of sharing your happy holiday memories with your children or grandchildren. This discount applies only to tours featuring the “Young Traveler Discount” in the price panel. Check the itinerary pages now to see how much you can SAVE! Young Travelers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date and accompanied by an adult (limit of one Young Traveler Discount per room). Children under 5 years old are not accepted on any escorted tour.
This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount”.
SINGLE TRAVELER SAVING
INSIGHT’S ROOM MATE MATCHING
For people traveling alone on an Insight coach tour, we’ll match you with someone of the same gender, so you don’t have to pay the single room supplement. If we fail to match you, we’ll provide a single room at no extra cost†. There is a no-smoking policy in all shared rooms. Does not apply to additional accommodation, Riad upgrade option, airfares or flight supplements, Select London Week, Select London & Paris, Select London, Paris & Rome, Irish Elegance, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours and tours with Mediterranean or River cruises. †Single rooms are not available for the Oberammergau Passion Play Option.
TRIPLE ROOM DISCOUNT
When three people travel together room, each of the three enjoys a discount off the tour price. See the Triple Room Reductions on the itinerary of your choice. This discount only applies to tours featuring the “Triple
Room Discount” in the price panel. Note the third bed on occasions, will be a foldaway. This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount”. Triple rooms are not available for the Oberammergau Passion
Play Option
FREQUENT TRAVELER SAVING
In recognition of our loyal customers, Insight now extends to all traveled guests automatic membership into our Club Bon Voyage, as well as a 5% Discount off the Land portion of their next Insight trip. You will need to travel within the next two years. So act NOW and take full advantage of this great offer. Enrolment forms and discount vouchers are available
from your Tour Director. Insight’s Club Bon Voyage and 5% Discount is not available retroactively. Only one voucher is available per person, per tour, per year and only one voucher can be redeemed against each further
tour booking. This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount” and “Extra Tour Discount.” Does not apply to Oberammergau Passion Play Option, additional accommodations, Select London Week, Select London & Paris and Select London, Paris & Rome.
EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT
ON EARLY BOOKINGS
Insight’s most popular tours fi ll very quickly. Don’t be disappointed, book early! You’ll be assured of the tours you want, and the earlier you pay, the more you SAVE! Here’s how...
Pay in full 12 months prior to your tour departure
date and SAVE UP TO 10%
Pay in full 10 months prior to your tour departure
date and SAVE UP TO 7.5%
Pay in full 6 months prior to your tour departure
date and SAVE UP TO 5%
Tours must be paid in full for this discount to apply. This discount only applies to tours that feature the “Early Payment Discount” in the price panel.
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