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Eliana Antonx7167
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Robyn Murrayx7215
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- Day 1 Welcome to the Eternal City of Rome Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classical antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. Settle in before joining your Travel Director and get to know your fellow travelers over Roman specialties during dinner at a local restaurant. Locations Visited: Rome IT.
- Day 2 Vatican City and Rome with a Local Rome is a city of art, antiquity, piazzas and palaces. Join your Local Expert for an in-depth exploration that brings its layered history to life. Begin at the Vatican Museums, where you’ll see an extraordinary collection of priceless artworks curated by the Popes. Marvel at Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel and admire the iconic dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. Then cross the Tiber into ancient Rome to visit the Circus Maximus and the Arch of Constantine. Enjoy a guided visit of the Colosseum and uncover the legends, construction and daily life of this monumental arena. Later, you may choose to continue your exploration, from the grandeur of the Pantheon to the fountains and piazzas that define Rome’s vibrant street life. Please note: On some departures, access to St. Peter’s Basilica may be restricted due to the Papal Audience. You’ll still have time to take in the atmosphere of St. Peter’s Square during your visit to Vatican City. Locations Visited: Rome IT, Vatican City VA, Rome IT.
- Day 3 Pisa and Santa Margherita Ligure Enjoy a delightful drive to Pisa through rolling countryside dotted with cypress trees, passing vineyards and olive groves. With a Local Expert, view the incredible Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles 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. Your journey continues to the pretty seaside resort of Santa Margherita Ligure. Locations Visited: Rome IT, Pisa IT, Santa Margherita Ligure IT.
- Day 4 The Charms of the Cinque Terre Head to the famous Cinque Terre, which translates to Five Lands. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located on a gorgeously wild yet hospitable part of the coastline. With a Local Expert, approach one of the fishing villages by boat (weather permitting). In Monterosso, spend some time exploring the medieval quarter or the popular sandy beach before continuing to the village of Portofino, famed for its colorful houses. Browse the boutiques and stay a while in the cafe bars on the piazzetta, watching the yachts moored in the harbor. Then cruise along the rugged Ligurian coast to your hotel in the resort of Santa Margherita. Locations Visited: Santa Margherita Ligure IT, Cinque Terre IT, Portofino IT, Santa Margherita Ligure IT.
- Day 5 Lake Maggiore Head north to beautiful Lake Maggiore in the Italian Lakes District and the town of Baveno, noted for its narrow cobbled streets and charming square. On arrival, settle into your hotel and take in the magical scenery. In the afternoon, why not join an Optional Experience cruise to Isola Bella to explore the palace and admire the stunning and immaculate Italian style gardens. Locations Visited: Santa Margherita Ligure IT, Baveno IT, Lake Maggiore IT.
- Day 6 On to Venice Your Italy and Sicily tour continues past the Soave vineyards, the city of Padua and on to the canals of Venice. In the evening, enjoy dinner with your traveling companions. Locations Visited: Lake Maggiore IT, Venice IT.
- Day 7 Venice and the Magic of La Serenissima Cruise by private boat on a journey of discovery past churches and palaces reflecting the rich architectural history of Venice from the 13th to the 18th centuries. Marvel at the intricate facades and learn about the stories behind these historical buildings. Arrive close to St Mark's Square and stroll along the waterfront, passing the iconic Bridge of Sighs and the majestic Doge's Palace. It was from here that the infamous Casanova made his daring escape. Turn the corner into St Mark's Square and be captivated by the grandeur of the basilica. Afterwards, board a traditional gondola for a serenade along the romantic canals. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and witness the artistry of expert glassblowers as they create beautiful, handcrafted glass pieces, preserving centuries-old techniques and traditions. Locations Visited: Venice IT.
- Day 8 A Scenic Journey to Florence Bid farewell to Venice as you travel south to Renaissance Florence. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore the city at your own pace. Later, perhaps join an Optional Experience to the hilltop town of San Gimignano, known for its medieval towers and timeless charm. End the day with a traditional bistecca alla Fiorentina dinner, perfectly paired with local wine—a regional specialty not to be missed. Locations Visited: Venice IT, Florence IT.
- Day 9 Florence, Birthplace of the Renaissance Today, discover the artisan traditions of Florence with a leatherwork and gold demonstration—crafts deeply rooted in the city’s heritage. Later, you’ll explore the city with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Gallery to admire Michelangelo’s David, followed by a guided walk past the city’s marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in stunning detail. Alternatively, join your Travel Director for a relaxed stroll and enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local cafe. Continue into the Piazza della Signoria, the city’s political heart and open-air gallery of Renaissance sculpture, and pause to view statues of Neptune, Hercules and Cacus standing proudly before the Palazzo Vecchio. This evening, consider an Optional Experience featuring a traditional Tuscan dinner paired with regional wines—including a glass of Chianti from the nearby vineyards. Locations Visited: Florence IT.
- Day 10 Ill-Fated Pompeii and on to Sorrento Journey south through the volcanic hills of Frascati to Pompeii, which was buried in A.D. 79 by Mount Vesuvius' catastrophic eruption. Walk with a Local Expert through the preserved cobbled streets for a glimpse into the daily life of civilization during the Roman Empire. Follow the clifftop road to the resort town of Sorrento, overlooking the Bay of Naples. Locations Visited: Florence IT, Pompeii IT, Sorrento IT.
- Day 11 Capri, the Isle of Dreams Meet your Local Expert and 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 Caesar to Gracie Fields. Arriving at the Marina Grande by boat, ascend to Capri town. Explore the narrow alleyways and descend to the port by funicular railway for the return to Sorrento. Later, perhaps explore the Amalfi Coast? Locations Visited: Sorrento IT, Capri IT, Sorrento IT.
- Day 12 Sassi di Matera and Alberobello After breakfast, discover two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. First, visit Matera for an in-depth guided exploration of the extraordinary Sassi, ancient troglodyte dwellings and churches dug out of the rock. These are the most extensive example of their kind in the Mediterranean and were inhabited by about 20,000 people up until the 1950s. Matera was also used as the setting for the film 'The Passion of the Christ'. Continue to Alberobello, the second UNESCO World Heritage Site, and your home for the next two nights. Locations Visited: Sorrento IT, Sassi di Matera IT, Matera IT, Alberobello IT.
- Day 13 The Trulli of Alberobello Admire another of Italy's record number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites with a Local Expert. The trulli of Alberobello are circular structures with conical roofs that are domed within. They are built from local limestone and stacked without using mortar. In the evening, delight at the freshly prepared Farm-to-Table dinner. Savor a traditional meal and discover regional life through its local cuisine. Locations Visited: Alberobello IT.
- Day 14 Alberobello to Sicily The local roads will take you south, following the shores of the Gulf of Taranto to the mountainous Calabria region. Travel along the Purple Coast to the very 'toe' of Italy and board your ferry bound for Sicily. According to ancient legend, it was here at the Straits of Messina where the twin whirlpools of Scylla and Charybdis carried unwary seafarers away to their doom. After disembarking, continue to Taormina. Join a Local Expert for a visit to the Greek Theater, graced with the most spectacular of backdrops. Locations Visited: Alberobello IT, Villa San Giovanni IT, Taormina IT, Marina di Forza d'Agrò IT.
- Day 15 The Dawn Coast of Europe to Palermo Relax this morning on the stunning Dawn Coast of Europe or choose to join an optional experience to majestic Mt. Etna, Europe's highest active volcano, where you’ll journey through dramatic volcanic landscapes and enjoy spectacular panoramic views. Later, travel through Sicily’s beautiful countryside as you make your way to the vibrant capital city of Palermo, rich in history, culture and architectural splendor. Locations Visited: Marina di Forza d'Agrò IT, Palermo IT.
- Day 16 Palermo, Capital of Sicily Explore Palermo with your Local Expert, who shows you the capital’s key sights. Venture inside Palermo Cathedral to appreciate its Arab-Norman, Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical influences before continuing to the Palatine Chapel in the Palace of the Normans, where golden mosaics reveal Sicily’s layered Byzantine, Arab and Norman heritage. Spend the afternoon at leisure, or choose an Optional Experience visiting Teatro Massimo, Italy’s largest opera house, and a historic street market where vendors’ traditional abbanniati calls animate daily trade. This evening, join your traveling companions and Travel Director at a local restaurant for regional Sicilian cuisine and wine. Locations Visited: Palermo IT.
- Day 17 Depart Palermo Your grand tour of Italy draws to an end. Departure transfers arrive at Palermo Falcone–Borsellino Airport. Locations Visited: Palermo IT.
Name: Grand Italy & Sicily - Classic Group
Brand: Insight
Quality: Superior First Class
Tour Type: Escorted
Start City: Rome
End City: Palermo
Location Summary: Rome, IT
Vatican City, VA
Pisa, IT
Santa Margherita Ligure, IT
Cinque Terre, IT
Portofino, IT
Baveno, IT
Lake Maggiore, IT
Venice, IT
Florence, IT
Pompeii, IT
Sorrento, IT
Capri, IT
Sassi di Matera, IT
Matera, IT
Alberobello, IT
Villa San Giovanni, IT
Taormina, IT
Marina di Forza d'Agrò, IT
Palermo, IT
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Highlights
- Dining Summary - 8 Dinner (D). 16 Breakfast (B).
- Well-being - 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 distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.. Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day..
- 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.. 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..
- Authentic Dining - Rome: Savor dinner at a uniquely Roman restaurant, offering a perfect exploration of Lazio's typical flavors.. Florence: Enjoy a traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina steak dinner paired with delicious local wine, a specialty not to be missed.. Alberobello: Savor a freshly prepared Farm-to-Table meal featuring recipes and flavors typical of the region.. Palermo: Experience local customs as you delve into tantalizing flavors and rustic dishes served with local wine..
- Insight Experiences - Vatican City: Visit the Vatican Museums, witness the genius of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel and see St. Peter's Basilica..
- Top Rated Highlights - Rome: Explore Rome’s storied past as you see the sweeping Circus Maximus, once the largest stadium in ancient Rome and host to thrilling chariot races. Admire the Arch of Constantine, a triumphal monument built to celebrate Emperor Constantine’s victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge and gaze up at the Palatine Hill, the most central of Rome’s seven hills and the site where, according to legend, Romulus founded the city.. Pisa: Your Local Expert will show you the baptistery bristling with marble spines, and the colonnaded bell tower lurching behind the 11th-century cathedral - the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles.. Cinque Terre: Led by your Local Expert, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site with dedicated time to explore one of the charming fishing villages.. Portofino: Visit this elegant fishing village and admire the colored houses and yachts moored in the harbor. . Lake Maggiore: Experience the charming traditional social ritual of la passeggiata in the Italian Lake District. All across Italy, in cities, towns and villages people leave their houses to gently walk streets, from babies in strollers to the most senior citizens. Savor a gelato or glass of wine along the way and observe, as new romances, new babies and new shoes are all put on display. Note the ever-stylish Italians love to dress up for the occasion so feel free add a touch of flair to your outfit!. Venice: Travel by boat along the Giudecca Canal as your Travel Director gives an orientation to Venice. Pass 13th to 18th-century palazzi, the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Square, an iconic introduction to the city from the water.. Venice: Glide through Venice’s canals on an iconic gondola ride, passing beneath historic bridges and past elegant palaces. Soak up the city’s romantic atmosphere as your gondolier navigates the tranquil waterways, offering a unique perspective of this timeless floating city.. Florence: Join a Local Expert to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square. . Florence: See the historic neighborhood of the Santa Croce Basilica and witness local craftspersons at work during a gold and leatherwork demonstration.. Pompeii: Walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the first century.. Capri: Cruise by jetfoil to this famous isle through beautiful blue Mediterranean waters.. Capri: Explore Capri town with your Local Expert and see the whitewashed houses, winding alleyways, small cafes, fashionable boutiques and artisans studios.. Matera: With your Local Expert explore this town that Mel Gibson chose as the setting for his film 'The Passion of the Christ.'. Alberobello: Led by a Local Expert, explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the Trulli of Alberobello. Circular structures with conical roofs that are domed within, built from local limestone and stacked without using mortar.. Messina: Cross the Straights of Messina to Sicily by ferry.. Taormina: Visit Taormina’s ancient amphitheater with your Local Expert. Carved from honey-colored stone and set high on the cliff, the theater frames wide views of the Ionian Sea and the distant rise of Mount Etna through its weathered arches.. Taormina: Wander through Taormina’s limestone streets and lively boutiques with a Local Expert. Then enjoy free time along Corso Umberto and take in the broad outlook from Piazza IX Aprile, where the town opens towards sea and sky..
- Make Travel Matter - 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 artisans teach visitors about the traditional craft of glassblowing and its history which dates back to the 15th century. Every visit helps to support the workshop and the survival of this traditional craft. This workshop directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities..
- Insight Choice - 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.. Florence: Join your Travel Director on a short walk to a local spot loved by residents. Sample a classic Italian treat and hear how it became a staple of the area. It’s a chance to experience the flavors locals grow up with and return to time and again..
- Choice Highlights - Choose between two carefully selected activities. 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.. Florence: Join your Travel Director on a short walk to a local spot loved by residents. Sample a classic Italian treat and hear how it became a staple of the area. It’s a chance to experience the flavors locals grow up with and return to time and again..
