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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 Rome with a Local Today is devoted to The Eternal City. Join a Local Expert to discover the modern-day city and how people lived in Ancient Rome. See St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City. Then cross the Tiber river to see the Circus Maximus and learn about the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum on a guided visit. Imagine the roar of the spectators as you enter the arena and stroll around picturing the gladiators and their adoring fans. Locations Visited: Rome IT, Vatican City VA, Rome IT.
- Day 3 Castel Gandolfo Venture to Castel Gandolfo to explore the artistic treasures of the Villa Barberini Gardens. Ride an electric train along winding pathways and marvel at the intricately designed mosaic flower beds and fountains. After visiting the former papal gardens, continue south—drinking in sweeping views of the Bay of Naples—where the sparkling turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea meet dramatic cliffs and fishing villages that shimmer along the coastline. Locations Visited: Rome IT, Castel Gandolfo IT, Bay of Naples IT.
- Day 4 Capri, the Isle of Dreams Discover the enchanting Isle of Capri, a jewel of the Bay of Naples rising dramatically from the Mediterranean’s shimmering blue waters. For more than 2,000 years, the island has drawn visitors to its shores, from Roman emperors such as Tiberius Caesar to celebrated figures captivated by its natural beauty and cosmopolitan charm. Stroll through Capri’s narrow alleyways and lively piazzas with a Local Expert. Browse stylish boutiques and artisan shops or settle into a cafe and watch island life unfold. As you explore, take in panoramic views over the Tyrrhenian Sea and the distinctive atmosphere that has made Capri one of Italy’s most enduringly alluring destinations. Locations Visited: Capri IT.
- Day 5 Pompeii and Todi Journey to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii and explore this extraordinary site with your Local Expert. Travel into the heart of Italy to enjoy free time in Todi, located on a hilltop pedestal overlooking a vineyard-covered plain. Savor the distinctly medieval ambiance during your orientation and admire the Piazza del Popolo where locals take their evening 'passeggiata'. Take in the flavors of the region and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with a glass of Orvieto Classico wine - a magical culinary experience! Locations Visited: Bay of Naples IT, Pompeii IT, Todi IT.
- Day 6 Todi Relaxed Start Immerse yourself in the enchanting medieval town of Todi, where you can wander through picturesque streets, marvel at historic architecture, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding Umbrian countryside. Locations Visited: Todi IT.
- Day 7 Assisi and on to Perugia In Assisi, see St. Clare’s Church and the Roman Temple of Minerva. Continue to walk down the Via San Francesco and visit the huge Basilica of St. Francis with a Local Expert. Journey to beautiful Perugia, the jewel of Umbria. Your guided walking exploration begins 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 in the magnificent main square. Locations Visited: Todi IT, Assisi IT, Perugia IT.
- Day 8 Perugia, the Jewel of Umbria Relaxed Start Time to explore more about this gem of a town. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit an artisanal workshop and meet Marta, a recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Learn how Marta and her weavers are preserving the ancient craft of loom-weaving. With the rest of your day at leisure, perhaps visit Cortona, one of the oldest hill towns in Tuscany. On this Optional Experience, journey to a recently unearthed Etruscan Temple before a guided exploration through the town's historic center with views of Lake Trasimeno and the Val di Chiana. In the evening there is the option to discover the edible treasures of a traditional Umbrian kitchen, accompanied with wines of the region. Locations Visited: Perugia IT.
- Day 9 Renaissance Florence and Tuscany Journey past Lake Trasimeno to Renaissance Florence. On arrival, walk with a Local Expert to see the marble-clad cathedral, bell tower and the Gates of Paradise on the baptistery. Afterwards, witness the intricate craftsmanship behind Florence’s famed leatherwork and gold during an artisan demonstration before enjoying time at leisure to explore Piazza della Signoria - still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at the fountains and sculptures along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Then journey through the rolling, cypress-clad hills and vineyards of Tuscany, where you’ll enjoy a delicious exploration of Tuscany's red wines, discovering their robust flavors and absorbing history before arriving at your elegant hotel. Locations Visited: Perugia IT, Florence IT, Tuscany IT.
- Day 10 Siena and San Gimignano Relaxed Start This morning, explore Siena with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the medieval Basilica of St. Domenico or alternatively, sample panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert. Continue to the hilltop town of San Gimignano strikingly visible from every angle, its towers dominate the skyline and give it the nickname the Medieval Manhattan of Tuscany. Enjoy tasting the award-winning frozen delights of master gelato maker, Sergio Dondoli, whose great inventions include innovative and mouth-watering flavor combinations. Journey through the rolling, cypress-clad hills and vineyards of Tuscany as you return to your hotel. Locations Visited: Tuscany IT, Siena IT, San Gimignano IT.
- Day 11 On to Lucca Relaxed Start Travel to Lucca to view the churches, squares and palaces, perfectly preserved within encircling medieval ramparts. Enjoy a sampling of a local specialty – freshly baked Tuscan bread. Later, you could take the opportunity to explore Pisa. Locations Visited: San Gimignano IT, Lucca IT.
- Day 12 Exploring the Cinque Terre Get ready to explore the Cinque Terre, or Five Villages, which for years were accessible only on foot. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of Italy’s most beautiful landscapes. Join a Local Expert in one of the picturesque fishing villages before cruising along the rugged coastline (weather permitting). You’ll have plenty of time to explore the medieval quarter and the popular sandy beach before returning to your hotel in Lucca. Locations Visited: Lucca IT, Cinque Terre IT, Lucca IT.
- Day 13 On to Parma Journey to the beautiful university town of Parma, world-famous for its local ham and cheese. Meet one of the locals, Paolo. Learn about the process of making Parmigiano-Reggiano as Signor Paolo shares with you his passions for Italian food, especially excellent quality Parmesan cheese. Taste samples of the famous Parmigiano-Reggiano, accompanied by a glass of wine. Locations Visited: Lucca IT, Parma IT.
- Day 14 Modena and on to Venice Visit one of Modena's top producers of authentic, traditional, artisan balsamic vinegar and take a master class to understand what makes this vinegar as expensive as top-rated wines. Continue on through the Soave vineyards past Padua to Venice, Queen of the Adriatic. To the tune of accompanying musicians, you will be serenaded through the atmospheric canals as you glide by gondola past water-lapped doorways and Rococo palaces. Locations Visited: Parma IT, Modena IT, Venice IT.
- Day 15 The Magic of La Serenissima Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a traditional glassblowing workshop, where you can see how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills. Visit St. Mark’s Square where the city’s former wealth and power is evidenced by the riches of St. Mark’s Basilica and admire the Doge's Palace with its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. In the evening, cruise the islands of the Venetian Lagoon to arrive at Burano, famous for its candy colored houses. Sit down to a sumptuous dinner with wine, sampling the local specialties. Locations Visited: Venice IT.
- Day 16 Arrivederci Venice Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo airport. Locations Visited: Venice IT.
Name: Country Roads of Italy - Small Group
Brand: Insight
Quality: Superior First Class
Tour Type: Escorted
Start City: Rome
End City: Venice
Location Summary: Rome, IT
Vatican City, VA
Castel Gandolfo, IT
Bay of Naples, IT
Capri, IT
Pompeii, IT
Todi, IT
Assisi, IT
Perugia, IT
Florence, IT
Tuscany, IT
Siena, IT
San Gimignano, IT
Lucca, IT
Cinque Terre, IT
Parma, IT
Modena, IT
Venice, IT
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Highlights
- Dining Summary - 5 Dinner (D). 15 Breakfast (B).
- Choice Highlights - Siena: Visit the Basilica of St. Domenico with your Local Expert and discover its connection with St. Catherine of Siena.. Siena: Enjoy a tasting of Panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert containing fruits and nuts..
- 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.. Radda in Chianti: Discover what gives a quality Chianti wine its signature cherry, plum, and earthy profile. Learn about the aging process of Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva and Gran Selezione and the Riserva, DOC and DOCG labelling.. 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.. Parma: At Caseificio San Bernardino, meet a passionate local who lives and breathes Italian gastronomy and quality cheese. Step inside to witness the craft behind Parmigiano-Reggiano as it’s made and carefully matured, learning how time, temperature and skilled hands shape its nutty aroma and crystalline texture.. Modena: Visit a producer of authentic balsamic vinegar.. Burano: Cruise to the charming fisherman's island of Burano to enjoy a delicious dinner with wine and new-found friends..
- Insight Choice - Siena: Visit the Basilica of St. Domenico with your Local Expert and discover its connection with St. Catherine of Siena.. Siena: Enjoy a tasting of Panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert containing fruits and nuts..
- Insight Experiences - Rome: Follow in the footsteps of gladiators for a deeper insight into life in ancient Rome when you enter the Colosseum..
- Make Travel Matter - Perugia: Meet Marta, a recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Learn how she offers employment opportunities for local women and, alongside her weavers, preserves the ancient craft of loom weaving in an artisan workshop. The workshop is owned by women and actively empowers women and girls through its education and training programs. Marta, and her students help to safeguard the unique patterns while contributing to the protection of Umbria’s cultural heritage. Laboratorio Giuditta Brozzetti advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality and UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities.. 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..
- 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.. Castel Gandolfo: Explore the artistic treasure of the Villa Barberini Gardens and marvel at the intricately designed mosaic flower beds and fountains.. Sorrento: Perched upon the cliffs, lookout to see the mighty Mount Vesuvius across the Bay of Naples.. 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.. Pompeii: Walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the first century.. Assisi: Join your Local Expert to walk through the charming, cobbled streets. Take in sweeping views of the valley below and explore the main square, home to the ancient Roman Temple of Minerva.. Assisi: Discover why the Basilica of Saint Francis is considered one of the crowning achievements of medieval Europe.. Perugia: Led by your Local Expert, your orientation will explore the Old Town and show you Priors' Palace, Collegio del Cambio, the cathedral, the Great Fountain and main square.. 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.. San Gimignano: Visit the Tuscan town of San Gimignano, often called the 'Medieval Manhattan' of Italy.. Lucca: Explore the city of Lucca. Admire the churches, piazzas and palaces within the medieval ramparts.. 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.. 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.. 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..
- 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..
