Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with an 11-day Best of Italy tour with Insight Vacations, a meticulously crafted journey that promises to immerse you in the rich tapestry of Italy’s cultural, historical, and culinary wonders.
In Rome, enjoy a VIP Vatican tour that includes access to the Bramante Staircase — a spiralling Renaissance masterpiece normally off-limits to visitors.
As your travels continue along the Bay of Naples, stop on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius for lunch at a local farm still growing traditional produce unique to the region.
In Florence, learn the secrets of leather making from a local leatherworker.
Fall in love with Venice as you see churches and palaces from a private boat, and cruise its canals on a romantic gondola ride.
Sail to Capri, where craggy mountains cascade into the Tyrrhenian Sea; a Local Expert will help you navigate its narrow alleys. Before you say arrivederci to Italy, enjoy one last experience: a private opera during a four-course meal that features local wine.
Past Guests can save an additional 5% with our Global Tour Rewards.
Insight Vacations Best Of Italy Tour
Included Items
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- 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.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- 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, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Map
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Itinerary - Days 1-5 +
DAY 1 – WELCOME TO THE ETERNAL CITY ROME
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 travelers over a delicious Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Stay: Hotel Romanico Palace
Included Meals: Dinner with Wine
DAY 2 – VATICAN CITY AND ROME
The day is devoted to The Eternal City. Join a Local Expert for an in-depth visit to the Vatican Museums, full of priceless art treasures collected by the Popes. Insight has arranged special priority entry and behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase, a marvel of Renaissance architecture, normally off-limits to visitors. Visit the Sistine Chapel, where Popes are elected, to admire Michelangelo’s famous ceiling. Continue to St. Peter’s Basilica, to wonder at another of his works, the emotive ‘Pietà,’ and stand beneath the dome completed after his death. Cross the Tiber river to enjoy ancient Rome. See the incredible Circus Maximus. Admire the beautifully preserved Arch of Constantine, walking on the ancient pavement. Discover the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum as you stroll around the exterior of this amazing structure. Later, perhaps continue your exploration of Rome to see the Pantheon, the stunning Piazzas and fountains of Rome.
Stay: Hotel Romanico Palace
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3 – THE CHIANTI HILL TO FLORENCE
Drive to the Chianti Hills and the city of Florence. On arrival, you will be privy to the secrets of traditional Florentine leatherwork and see a gold demonstration. This evening, indulge in a delicious meal at a local restaurant.
Stay: Hotel Adler Cavalieri or NH Firenze
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Explore Florence with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo’s David. Alternatively, wander through the market stalls on a guided shopping tour, enjoying all the Italian treats and finery on offer.
Continue on foot to the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. Visit 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.
In the afternoon, perhaps visit medieval San Gimignano?
Stay: Hotel Adler Cavalieri or NH Firenze
DAY 5 – PISA TO VENICE
Itinerary - Days 6 - 11 +
Your private boat takes you past historic churches and 13th century palaces to St. Mark’s Square. The first sight is the gilded facade of St. Mark’s Basilica. Turn the corner, and view the pink marble of the Doge’s Palace, connected to the prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. It was from here that Casanova made his daring escape. Afterwards, board a traditional gondola for a serenade along the romantic canals. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a traditional arts center. See how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills.
Journey to the peaceful town of Assisi, dotted with medieval churches, colorful frescoes and shady courtyards. In the valley, see the Church of St. Mary of the Angels, much venerated as the place of St. Francis’ death, then continue up Mount Subasio to the upper town. With your Local Expert, step inside the huge Basilica of St. Francis, built in the 13th century. The frescoes painted by Giotto here heralded a new era in Italian art. Arrive at your hotel, located in the heart of the medieval Old Town. Enjoy the tranquility of the historic old town during free time.
Stay: Hotel Giotto Assisi
Travel south passing Cassino, the scene of a fierce battle during World War II. Follow the spectacular clifftop road to the picturesque resort of Sorrento, overlooking the Bay of Naples to Mount Vesuvius. After checking in to your hotel, spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Stay: Hotel Isabella
Included Meals: Breakfast
Cross the Bay of Naples to reach the beautiful Isle of Capri, a rock rising sheer from the Mediterranean! For 2,000 years, Capri has beckoned visitors from Tiberius to Gracie Fields. Arriving at the Marina Grande by boat, ascend to Capri town by one of the island’s iconic open-top taxis. A Local Expert joins you for an exploration of the narrow alleyways. Browse in deluxe boutiques and wonder at the views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Descend to the port by funicular railway and return to Sorrento, where you are at leisure for the rest of the day. Perhaps head to Positano for an exploration of the colourful Amalfi Coast?
Continue to Pompeii, the opulent Roman town which was preserved by layers of ash from the disastrous eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. A walk with your Local Expert through the cobbled streets and extensive excavations reveals the daily life of ancient Roman civilization. Visit the Forum and peer into shops and patrician villas, decorated with colorful wall paintings.
Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Vesuvius National Park and visit Casa Barone. This small family run farm on the slopes of the volcano is one of the world’s only producers of Piennolo tomatoes, an endangered fruit that only thrives in the fertile volcanic soil. Each harvest is sustainably farmed and cared for by the extended Barone family, who all work here.
Be sure to savor the unique flavors of this rare tomato during a truly unique Farm-to-Table lunch. Your journey continues to Rome. In the evening, enjoy an elegant four-course Celebration Dinner with local wine at a Roman restaurant. As you dine, enjoy a private performance of popular songs and arias from some of Italy’s best-loved operas.
Stay: NH Roma Centro or Hotel Romanico Palace
DAY 11 – ROME
Bid farewell to the glories of Italy. Departure transfers arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 and 09:30.
Included Meals, Breakfast
Booking Terms & Conditions
Advertised price based on 27 February 2025 departure. Pricing per person is correct as of 13 November 2024 and includes the offer discount*, subject to availability at the time of booking. Offers may be withdrawn or prices updated by the supplier at any time, so please enquire with our expert consultants for the latest pricing, terms and conditions. Single supplement may also apply. *Seasonal Sale – Save up to 10% on select tours.
