Italian Escapade - Classic Group
Italian Escapade - Classic Group
Italian Escapade - Classic Group
13 Days Starting and ending in Rome, Italy
Visiting: Rome, Siena, Florence, Pisa, Lake Maggiore, Venice, Assisi, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii
Tour operator:
Tour code:
E937N26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Italian Escapade - Classic Group" tour and immerse yourself in the rich history, culture, and culinary delights of Italy and Vatican City. Begin your journey in Rome, exploring iconic landmarks like the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum. Wander through the medieval streets of Siena and marvel at the Renaissance masterpieces in Florence. Experience the charm of Pisa, the tranquility of Lake Maggiore, and the romantic allure of Venice. Discover the spiritual heritage of Assisi, the coastal beauty of Sorrento, and the enchanting Isle of Capri. Conclude your adventure with a visit to the ancient ruins of Pompeii before returning to Rome, where your Italian odyssey ends with a memorable celebration dinner. Enjoy luxurious accommodations, guided tours, and delectable meals, all while soaking in the essence of la dolce vita.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To The Eternal City Of Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu GHR, Rome
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and baroque churches. Settle in before joining your Travel Director for a visit to Trastevere, Rome's bohemian quarter. Enjoy a private visit to Farmacia of Santa Maria della Scala, the oldest pharmacy in Europe. Gain historic insights from a Carmelite friar as you admire the Farmacia and explore the adjoining 16th-century church. Take in the vibrant atmosphere of this charming neighborhood as you indulge in dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Vatican City And Rome With A Local
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu GHR, Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your 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. Visit the Sistine Chapel, where Popes are elected, to admire Michelangelo’s famous ceiling. Cross the Tiber River to enjoy ancient Rome and 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.
Day 3: Siena And Medieval Florence
Location: Siena
Accommodation Name: Michelangelo Florence
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel north to medieval Siena and stroll through the winding stone-paved streets to the vast Piazza del Campo, where the Palio horse race takes place amid great festivities. See the Fountain of Joy and then walk up to the hilltop cathedral, striped with marble. Continue through the cypress-clad hills and vineyards of Tuscany to Florence. Enjoy a traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina steak dinner paired with delicious local wine, a specialty not to be missed.
Day 4: Florence, Birthplace Of The Renaissance
Location: Florence
Accommodation Name: Michelangelo Florence
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore Florence with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo’s David. After, admire the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. Continue to 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, Hercules and Cacus along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Alternatively, take a stroll with your Travel Director to Piazza Santa Croce to enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local café, where you will be in the perfect spot to admire the basilica and indulge in people-watching the elegant Florentines.
Day 5: Pisa And The Italian Lakes
Location: Pisa
Accommodation Name: Simplon, Baveno
Meals Included: Breakfast
Stop in Pisa to see the incredible Leaning Tower from which Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity, as well as the splendid cathedral and baptistery, decorated with mosaics and designs in solid marble. Your journey continues, past the marble quarries at Carrara, used since the time of Ancient Rome, through the dramatic Apennine Mountains to the fertile valley of the River Po. Continue to your lakeside resort on beautiful Lake Maggiore. As night time draws in, why not work up an appetite before dinner with a traditional evening stroll, or passeggiata as they say in Italy?
Day 6: The Italian Lake District Relaxed Start
Location: Lake Maggiore
Accommodation Name: Simplon, Baveno
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is set aside for you to relax and enjoy all the fantastic sights of this beautiful lakeland area. For your Dine-Around evening, choose from a selection of hand-picked restaurants for your dining pleasure.
Day 7: To Venice With Wine Along The Way Relaxed Start
Location: Venice
Accommodation Name: BW Premier Collection CHC Continental, Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Follow the southern fringes of the European Alps to the vineyards of the Franciacorta wine region near the shores of Lake Iseo. Here, winemaking traditions run deep. Taste the delicious vintages produced by a master vintner at a family-owned estate. Continue to the unique city of Venice.
Day 8: The Magic Of La Serenissima
Location: Venice
Accommodation Name: BW Premier Collection CHC Continental, Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
A private boat ferries you to St. Mark’s Square. See the basilica, Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a traditional workshop, where you can see how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding creative skills. Enjoy being serenaded on a gondola ride, gliding through the city's canals in romantic awe. Spend the afternoon as you wish. As night falls, why not savor the magic of St. Mark’s square with its orchestras and al-fresco cafes?
Day 9: Hilltop Assisi
Location: Assisi
Accommodation Name: Giotto Assisi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Skirt the Venetian Lagoon and cross two of Italy’s most important rivers, the Adige and Po. The scenery will then change dramatically as you drive through the wild Apennines. Your destination is the stone-built, hilltop town of Assisi, home of St. Francis. See the Church of St. Mary of the Angels before continuing up Mount Subasio. Then, with our Local Expert, visit the beautiful Basilica of St. Francis.
Day 10: Sorrento On The Coast
Location: Sorrento
Accommodation Name: Isabella, Sorrento
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey along the clifftop road to the picturesque resort of Sorrento, perched upon the southern cliffs of the Bay of Naples and looking out to Mount Vesuvius. With the evening at leisure, why not try some of the local specialties during a regional dining experience?
Day 11: Capri, The Isle Of Dreams
Location: Capri
Accommodation Name: Isabella, Sorrento
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, cruise to Capri, known as the Isle of Dreams. With your Local Expert, explore the narrow alleyways of Capri town, browse in exclusive boutiques and wonder at the views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Descend to the port by funicular railway and return to Sorrento for some relaxation time. Perhaps join an optional visit to Positano and the Amalfi Coast?
Day 12: On To Ill-Fated Pompeii And Rome
Location: Pompeii
Accommodation Name: Bettoja Massimo D'Azeglio, Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey north to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, eerily preserved by the eruptions of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Your Local Expert walks you through cobbled streets to explore some of the shops, villas and temples. Witness the colorful frescoes that were hidden for centuries. Continue beneath the striking hilltop monastery of Monte Cassino and back to Rome where your journey reaches its zenith in the evening. In the heart of The Eternal City, you are treated to a quintessential Italian experience. Fine food, wine, music and a private performance of enchanting operetta for your dinner.
Day 13: Arrivederci Roma
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bid farewell to the glories of Italy, savoring the memories of its enchanting cities, historic landmarks and stunning landscapes. Italy's unique allure will linger in your heart long after you leave.
What's Included
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Meals
7 dinners with wine and 12 breakfasts are included.
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Activities
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Florence.
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Guided Tours
Personal radio headsets are provided for guided tours.
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Tips and Taxes
Hotel and restaurant tips, taxes, and porterage charges at hotels are included.
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Baggage Handling
Baggage handling is included, with bags delivered to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
Occasional local specialties representing the destination are included.
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Wi-Fi
Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available) is included.
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Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.
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Luxury Coach
Travel in Insight’s luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
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Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for use throughout the day.
What's Not Included
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Additional Transfers
Transfers outside the scheduled times or for additional nights' accommodation are not included and may be purchased separately.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as a visit to Positano and the Amalfi Coast are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach featuring double the standard legroom and onboard washroom, ensuring a comfortable journey throughout Italy.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Radisson Blu GHR in Rome, Michelangelo Florence, Simplon in Baveno, BW Premier Collection CHC Continental in Venice, Giotto Assisi, and Isabella in Sorrento, with luxurious amenities and prime locations.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experience is included in the tour of Rome?
In Rome, you will enjoy a private visit to the Farmacia of Santa Maria della Scala, the oldest pharmacy in Europe, where a Carmelite friar will provide historic insights.
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What special activity is planned in Venice?
In Venice, you will be serenaded on a gondola ride through the city's canals and visit a traditional glassblowing workshop to see how handcrafted glass is made.
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What can I expect during the visit to Florence?
In Florence, you have the option to visit the Accademia Museum to see Michelangelo’s David or take a stroll to Piazza Santa Croce with your Travel Director to enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local café.
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What is included in the visit to the Vatican City?
The visit to Vatican City includes an in-depth tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, where you can admire Michelangelo’s famous ceiling.
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What will we see in Pompeii?
In Pompeii, a Local Expert will guide you through the cobbled streets to explore shops, villas, and temples, and you will see colorful frescoes that were hidden for centuries.
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What dining experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several special dining experiences such as a traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina steak dinner in Florence, a Dine-Around evening in Lake Maggiore, and a Celebration Dinner in Rome with fine food, wine, music, and a private operetta performance.
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What activities are planned for the visit to Capri?
In Capri, you will cruise to the island, explore Capri town with a Local Expert, and enjoy the views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. You will also descend to the port by funicular railway.
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What is the significance of the passeggiata in Lake Maggiore?
The passeggiata is a traditional social ritual in Italy where people take a leisurely evening stroll. In Lake Maggiore, you can join this tradition, savoring a gelato or glass of wine while observing the stylish Italians.
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What will we see in Assisi?
In Assisi, you will visit the Church of St. Mary of the Angels and the Basilica of St. Francis with a Local Expert, exploring the beautifully preserved medieval town.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions