Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily
A 14-Day Insight Tours tour starting from $3,099
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| Starting Price: | $3,099 |  |
| Tour Length: | 14 Days | |
| Countries Visited: | Italy | |
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Cities Visited: An evenly paced tour with two-night stays in Alberobello, Palermo and the Bay of Naples plus a relaxing three night stay in Giardini Naxos. |
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Included Premium Highlights
- Explore the unique Trulli buildings of Alberobello - a UNESCO World Heritage listed site
- Visit the unique Sassi di Matera, ancient dwellings hewn from solid rock and the town of Castellaneta, situated on the Great Ravine and birthplace of Rudolph Valentino
- Enjoy an excursion to the charming fishing town of Cefalu and visit the catherdral
- Glimpse a moment of every day Roman life, as you tour the excavations of Pompeii
- Cruise to the island of Capri and ascend to Capri town by funicular railway
- Discover the wonders of ancient Rome as you overlook the Forum and visit the Colosseum
Included Personal Insights
- As night falls, locals dress for the evening and enjoy 'the art of strolling the streets' Join us in the Italian social ritual of 'La Passeggiata'
- Hear the life story of Rudolph Valentino brought to life by a visit to Castellaneta
Included Additional Excursions & Sights
- A guided visit of Taormina's Greek theater
- See the sub-tropical terraced gardens and stroll to Piazza 9 Aprile for panoramic views
- Guided tour of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento to see the Temple of Concord
- See the beautifully decorated Cathedral of Monreale
- See the Cathedral and visit the Palatine Chapel in Palermo
- 'Intarsio' inlay woodworking demonstration in Sorrento
- Tour St Peter's Basilica, mother church of the Catholic faith
- Scenic drives - Apennines, Calabria mountains, Sorrento cliff top road
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
- Overnight ferry from Palermo to Naples
- Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Airport Shuttle arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 2 and Day 14
Included Quality Dining
- Highlight Dinner of local cuisine with entertainment in Rome (HD)
- 12 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 6 three-course table d'hote Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
Day 1 - DEPART USA
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. Settle in, relax or start exploring your hotel's facilites. Early arrivals can spend some time wandering through the vast parklands of the Villa Borghese or just relax at a cafe in the Piazza Navona. Later, join your Tour Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Grand Hotel Beverly Hills
Day 3 - ROME - ALBEROBELLO
Head south past by the brooding hilltop monastery of Cassino to Caserta, and take the scenic route across the Apennines to the Adriatic coast. Your destination is the small town of Alberobello, in the heart of the unique Trulli region. Sunday evenings are popular for the traditional ritual of passeggiata, a pre-dinner promenade, to 'see and be seen'. After working up an appetite, why not dine out? The region of Puglia is a food and wine lovers' paradise.
Hotel: Astoria (BB)
Day 4 - ALBEROBELLO - MATERA & CASTELLANETA EXCURSION
Take time to explore Alberobello, with its strange white Trulli buildings spread out over the hillside. Trulli are circular structures with conical roofs and domed within, built with local limestone and stacked without using mortar. This afternoon continue along the small local roads to Matera to see the extraordinary 'Sassi', or cave-dwellings, that were once home to more than 15,000 people. Walk along the time worn stone streets to the simple white houses and churches dug out of the rock. Return via Castellaneta, situated on the "Gravina Grande" (Great Ravine) and birthplace of Rudolph Valentino; hear about the the "Latin Lover's" life and make a photo stop at his statue. (BB,D)
Day 5 - ALBEROBELLO - GIARDINI NAXOS
Follow the shores of the Gulf of Taranto to the gorgeous mountainous region of Calabria - favourite holiday destination for the Italians. Continue around the Purple Coast, which takes its name from the colour of its rocky mountain slopes. At the very toe of Italy make the short ferry crossing over to Sicily. Spend three relaxing nights in the beautiful seaside resort of Giardini Naxos.
Hotel: Sant' Alphio Garden (BB,D)
Day 6 - TOARMINA EXCURSION
Visit Taormina, founded in 400BC, and beautifully located overlooking the sea and the peak of Mount Etna. Visit the Greek Theatre (3rd century BC) and the glorious sub-tropical terraced gardens before strolling along elegant Corso Umberto to Piazza 9 Aprile for splendid panoramic views across the bay to the Ionian Sea. The rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy at your own pace. (BB,D)
Day 7 - GIARDINI NAXOS AT LEISURE
A full day to enjoy the beaches, bustling fishing port or visit the Archeological Museum. Don't miss the chance of an optional drive through Sicilian vineyards to Mt Etna, Europe's largest volcano to see the Silvestre Crater and walk through the lava domes! (BB)
Day 8 - GIARDINI NAXOS - agrigento - PALERMO
Drive throough the diverse Sicilian countryside to Agrigento's 'Valley of the Temples'. Explore the finest Greek sanctuary in Sicily with your local guide. Especially impressive is the massive Temple of Concord and the clifftop Temple of Juno which overlooks the sea. In the afternoon, continue to the historic capital of Sicily, Palermo.
Hotel: Best Western Ai Cavalieri. (BB,D)
Day 9 - PALERMO
Sightseeing with a local guide includes Quattro Canti Square, the Cathedral and the mosaics in the Palatine Chapel of the Palace of the Normans. Also visit Monreale with its finely decorated cathedral. In the afternoon there is free time to explore or shop in Palermo or to take one of the local excursions offered by your Tour Director. (BB)
Day 10 - PALERMO - OVERNIGHT FERRY
Drive eastwards along the coast to the charming fishing town of Cefalu. Visit the cathedral, erected to fulfil a vow made by the Norman King Roger II and spend some time at leisure. Later, return to Palermo, taking time to relax before boarding the overnight ferry to Naples in the early evening. (BB)
Day 11 - FERRY - Pompeii - BAY OF NAPLES
Arrive in Naples in time for breakfast and an orientation tour of the city. Afterwards, continue to Pompeii, buried in 79 AD by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Walk with a local guide through the cobbled streets to the Forum and inspect some of the shops and villas before continuing to your hotel.
Hotel: Grand Hotel Le Medusa (BB,D)
Day 12 - CAPRI EXCURSION
Take the cliff-top road to Sorrento to witness a demonstration of inlaid 'intarsio' woodwork before continuing across the Bay of Naples to the delightful Isle of Capri. Take a funicular train up to Capri Town to spend some time wandering the narrow alleyways and exploring the exclusive boutiques before returning to your hotel. (BB,D)
Day 13 - BAY OF NAPLES - ROME
Travel north to return to Rome. On arrival, visit the famous Colosseum where gladiators once fought, and see the Forum - former religious, political and commercial heart of the Roman Empire. Continue to the Vatican City to tour St Peter's Basilica, mother church of the Catholic faith, housing works of art by Michelangelo and Bernini. Tonight join your fellow passengers for a last night celebration dinner at a local restaurant.
Hotel: Sheraton Roma (BB,HD)
Day 14 - 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 - 9/9/2010 |
$3,225 |
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9/3/2010 - 9/16/2010 |
$3,225 |
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9/10/2010 - 9/23/2010 |
$3,225 |
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9/17/2010 - 9/30/2010 |
$3,225 |
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9/24/2010 - 10/7/2010 |
$3,225 |
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10/1/2010 - 10/14/2010 |
$3,099 |
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Airfare Disclaimer Documents |
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Included Premium Highlights
- Explore the unique Trulli buildings of Alberobello - a UNESCO World Heritage listed site
- Visit the unique Sassi di Matera, ancient dwellings hewn from solid rock and the town of Castellaneta, situated on the Great Ravine and birthplace of Rudolph Valentino
- Enjoy an excursion to the charming fishing town of Cefalu and visit the catherdral
- Glimpse a moment of every day Roman life, as you tour the excavations of Pompeii
- Cruise to the island of Capri and ascend to Capri town by funicular railway
- Discover the wonders of ancient Rome as you overlook the Forum and visit the Colosseum
Included Personal Insights
- As night falls, locals dress for the evening and enjoy 'the art of strolling the streets' Join us in the Italian social ritual of 'La Passeggiata'
- Hear the life story of Rudolph Valentino brought to life by a visit to Castellaneta
Included Additional Excursions & Sights
- A guided visit of Taormina's Greek theater
- See the sub-tropical terraced gardens and stroll to Piazza 9 Aprile for panoramic views
- Guided tour of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento to see the Temple of Concord
- See the beautifully decorated Cathedral of Monreale
- See the Cathedral and visit the Palatine Chapel in Palermo
- 'Intarsio' inlay woodworking demonstration in Sorrento
- Tour St Peter's Basilica, mother church of the Catholic faith
- Scenic drives - Apennines, Calabria mountains, Sorrento cliff top road
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
- Overnight ferry from Palermo to Naples
- Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Airport Shuttle arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 2 and Day 14
Included Quality Dining
- Highlight Dinner of local cuisine with entertainment in Rome (HD)
- 12 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 6 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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