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- Day 1 Welcome to the Eternal City of Rome Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director and getting to know your fellow travelers over a delicious dinner with wine. Locations Visited: Rome IT.
- Day 2 Rome Sightseeing and the Vatican Enjoy a curated introduction to Rome’s iconic landmarks, starting with fast-tracked entry into Vatican City. With your Local Expert, explore the vast Papal art collection housed in the Vatican Museums, then enter the Sistine Chapel to take in Michelangelo’s masterpiece. Continue to St. Peter’s Basilica, a triumph of Renaissance architecture. Later, cross the Tiber River into ancient Rome to see the Circus Maximus, once home to dramatic chariot races, and see the mighty Colosseum, the enduring symbol of Imperial power.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 Renaissance Florence Explore Florence with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo’s David. After, continue on foot to admire the multicoloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. Continue into the 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. Alternatively, take a stroll with your Travel Director to enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local cafe. Locations Visited: Rome IT, Florence IT, Tuscany IT.
- Day 4 The flavors of San Gimignano Spend time exploring the maze of alleyways and admire scenic views across the valley. Ascend serpentine alleyways to the artisan gelato parlor of world champion gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli, for a taste of his finest frozen treats. Locations Visited: San Gimignano IT.
- Day 5 The Chianti Hills to Pisa, Portofino and Santa Margherita Drive through the patchwork of vines, olives and cypresses that typify the Chianti hills before continuing to Pisa and 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. Next, journey to the sea and cruise along the rugged Ligurian coast to the elegant seaside village of Portofino, the epitome of la dolce vita (should weather permit). Finish your journey in the charming seaside resort of Santa Margherita Ligure, a true gem on the coast. Locations Visited: San Gimignano IT, Pisa IT, Portofino IT, Santa Margherita Ligure IT.
- Day 6 The Cinque Terre Head to Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Italy’s most stunning landscapes. Cruise along the Cinque Terre coastline (weather permitting) with your Local Expert, passing rugged cliffs and pastel-hued villages perched above the Ligurian Sea. Arrive by boat at one of the region’s historic fishing communities and enjoy a Sea-to-Table lunch, prepared with the day’s local catch. Afterwards, explore at your own pace—wander cobbled lanes, browse artisan boutiques or unwind at a cafe overlooking the village square. Locations Visited: Santa Margherita Ligure IT, Cinque Terre IT, Santa Margherita Ligure IT.
- Day 7 Lake Maggiore Head north to the beautiful Italian Lake District, a favorite 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. Locations Visited: Santa Margherita Ligure IT, Lake Maggiore IT.
- Day 8 Cortina d’Ampezzo Travel through the stunning northern Italian countryside to one of the world’s most breath-taking wine regions. The vineyards around Conegliano Veneto produce Italy’s most prized sparkling wine. Be tempted with a taste of the crisp and aromatic flavor of prosecco. Continue through the Dolomites, to the mountain resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo. Locations Visited: Lake Maggiore IT, Cortina d'Ampezzo IT.
- Day 9 Experience the Dolomites The whole day is free for you to explore the colorful 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? Locations Visited: Cortina d'Ampezzo IT.
- Day 10 Venice, Queen of the Adriatic 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. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a traditional arts center, where you can see how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills. With the rest of the afternoon at leisure, why not cruise the Venetian Lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialties and wine? Locations Visited: Cortina d'Ampezzo IT, Venice IT.
- Day 11 Venice at Leisure This morning, 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. Later, 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. This evening, indulge in traditional Venetian dishes that are enriched with inspiration from seasonal produce during a magical dinner. Locations Visited: Venice IT.
- Day 12 Arrivederci Venice Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo airport. Locations Visited: Venice IT.
Name: Italian Elegance - Classic Group
Brand: Insight
Quality: Superior First Class
Tour Type: Escorted
Start City: Rome
End City: Venice
Location Summary: Rome, IT
Vatican City, VA
Florence, IT
Tuscany, IT
San Gimignano, IT
Pisa, IT
Portofino, IT
Santa Margherita Ligure, IT
Cinque Terre, IT
Lake Maggiore, IT
Cortina d'Ampezzo, IT
Venice, IT
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Highlights
- Dining Summary - 5 Dinner (D). 11 Breakfast (B). 1 Lunch (L).
- 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..
- 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.. Florence: Enjoy a stroll through Renaissance Florence and admire the medieval buildings that gave birth to this new style of architecture.. San Gimignano: Visit the Tuscan town of San Gimignano, often called the 'Medieval Manhattan' of Italy.. Pisa: During your orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery bristling with marble spines, and the colonnaded bell tower lurching behind the 11th-century cathedral - the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.. Portofino: Cruise from Santa Margherita and get a taste of the sweet life in this elegant resort.. Cinque Terre: Led by your Local Expert, visit this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site, tucked away on the mountainous Italian Riviera coastline. Explore two of the five charming fishing villages for some memorable pictures.. Baveno: Stroll along Baveno’s cobbled lanes and see its 16th-century square, framed by lakeside calm.. Cortina d'Ampezzo: Enjoy the stunning scenery of Cortina, a small town framed by the magnificent Alps.. 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..
- 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..
- Authentic Dining - San Gimignano: Ascend serpentine alleyways to the artisan gelato parlor of world champion gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli for a taste of his finest frozen treats.. Monterosso al Mare: Savor a freshly prepared Sea-to-Table lunch of locally sourced produce.. Conegliano: Visit a local winery to taste regional prosecco and meet the vignerons who guide its production. Learn how this distinctive style has developed its own identity alongside France’s well-known counterpart and enjoy the shared experience of discovering a craft rooted in the Veneto. . Venice: Enjoy a true Venetian dining experience..
- 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..
- 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..



