Italian Elegance Tour with 30 Reviews by Insight Vacations

12 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

48 peopleMaximum group size

5 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Rome, Italy

Ends

Venice, Italy

Highlights

Rome: Discover ancient treasures of Rome. See Circus Maximus and the Ancient Forum, where Ancient Roman political life and law courts mingled with open-air markets and shops.

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: During your orientation with your Travel Director, you’ll stroll along Baveno’s cobbled lanes and see its 16th-century square, framed by lakeside calm.

Cortina d'Ampezzo: Enjoy the stunning scenery of the Cortina, a small town framed by magnificent alps as your Travel Director conducts an orientation.

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.

Baveno: During your orientation with your Travel Director, you’ll stroll along Baveno’s cobbled lanes and see its 16th-century square, framed by lakeside calm.

Cortina d'Ampezzo: Enjoy the stunning scenery of the Cortina, a small town framed by magnificent alps as your Travel Director conducts an orientation.

Itinerary

Experience the food and fun of Italy on this 12-day guided tour. In Rome, see the Colosseum where gladiators fought to the death, then visit the Vatican Museums with a Local Expert. Travel from Florence to the heart of Tuscany, stopping in scenic San Gimignano for a taste of gelato with a world-champion gelato maker; later, arrive at your hotel for a sampling of the region’s most robust red wines. Prop up the Leaning Tower of Pisa for a photo and see the UNESCO World Heritage Site Cinque Terre with a Local Expert, who will join you for a sea-to-table feast in the medieval town of Monterosso. Allow yourself to be serenaded as you float along the canals of Venice in a traditional gondola, and watch a renowned craftsman blow Venetian glass into a masterful work of art.

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 travellers over a delicious dinner with wine.

Meals:Dinner

Location Visited:Rome

Accommodation:Bettoja Mediterraneo, Rome

day 2 - Rome Sightseeing and the Vatican

Enjoy the very best of the citys highlights including entering the Vatican City and fast-tracked entry into the Vatican Museums with a Local Expert. Admire the Papal art collection before entering the Sistine Chapel to marvel at Michelangelos masterpiece. Afterwards, visit St. Peters Basilica. Later, cross the Tiber River to enjoy ancient Rome. See the incredible Circus Maximus famous for its chariot races, and the iconic Colosseum.

Meals:Breakfast

Location Visited:Rome, Vatican City, Rome

Accommodation:Bettoja Mediterraneo, Rome

day 3 - Renaissance Florence

Explore Florence with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelos David. After, continue on foot to admire the multicoloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghibertis 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.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

Location Visited:Rome, Florence, Tuscany

Accommodation:Villasanpaolo, San Gimignano

day 4 - The flavours of San Gimignano Relaxed Start

Spend time exploring the maze of alleyways and admire scenic views across the valley. Ascend serpentine alleyways to the artisan gelato parlour of world champion gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli, for a taste of his finest frozen treats.

Meals:Breakfast

Location Visited:San Gimignano

Accommodation:Villasanpaolo, San Gimignano

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.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

Location Visited:San Gimignano, Pisa, Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure

Accommodation:Best Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure

day 6 - The Cinque Terre

Head to Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Italys 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 regions historic fishing communities and enjoy a Sea-to-Table lunch, prepared with the days local catch. Afterwards, explore at your own pacewander cobbled lanes, browse artisan boutiques or unwind at a cafe overlooking the village square.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Location Visited:Santa Margherita Ligure, Cinque Terre, Santa Margherita Ligure

Accommodation:Best Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure

day 7 - Lake Maggiore Relaxed Start

Head north to the beautiful Italian Lake District, a favourite 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.

Meals:Breakfast

Location Visited:Santa Margherita Ligure, Lake Maggiore

Accommodation:Grand Hotel Dino, Baveno

day 8 - Cortina dAmpezzo

Travel through the stunning northern Italian countryside to one of the worlds most breath-taking wine regions. The vineyards around Conegliano Veneto produce Italys most prized sparkling wine. Be tempted with a taste of the crisp and aromatic flavour of prosecco. Continue through the Dolomites, to the mountain resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

Location Visited:Lake Maggiore, Cortina d'Ampezzo

Accommodation:Hotel de la Poste, Cortina d'Ampezzo

day 9 - Experience the Dolomites Relaxed Start

The whole day is free for you to explore the colourful 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?

Meals:Breakfast

Location Visited:Cortina d'Ampezzo

Accommodation:Hotel de la Poste, Cortina d'Ampezzo

day 10 - Venice, Queen of the Adriatic Relaxed Start

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. With the afternoon at leisure, why not cruise the Venetian Lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialities and wine?

Meals:Breakfast

Location Visited:Cortina d'Ampezzo, Venice

Accommodation:Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal, Venice., Splendid Venice - Starhotels Collezione

day 11 - Venice at Leisure Relaxed Start

Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience during a visit to a traditional arts centre, where you can see how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills. Then there is free time to 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. Later, 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. This evening, indulge in traditional Venetian dishes that are enriched with inspiration from seasonal produce during a magical dinner.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

Location Visited:Venice

Accommodation:Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal, Venice., Splendid Venice - Starhotels Collezione

day 12 - Arrivederci Venice

Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo airport.

Meals:Breakfast

Location Visited:Venice

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What's Included

Accommodation

Bettoja Mediterraneo, Rome HotelVillasanpaolo, San Gimignano HotelBest Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure HotelGrand Hotel Dino, BavenoHotel de la Poste, Cortina d'AmpezzoHotel Carlton on the Grand Canal, Venice., Splendid Venice Starhotels CollezioneHotel 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.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.

Meals

Dinner (x5)Breakfast (x11)LunchMonterosso al Mare: Savour a freshly prepared Sea-to-Table lunch of locally sourced produce.

Transport

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.

Guide

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 flavours locals grow up with and return to time and again.From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.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.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 flavours locals grow up with and return to time and again.

Others

Choose between two carefully selected activitiesFlorence: 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.Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.San Gimignano: Ascend serpentine alleyways to the artisan gelato parlour of world champion gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli for a taste of his finest frozen treats.Venice: Enjoy a true Venetian dining experience.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.Vatican City: Visit the Vatican Museums, witness the genius of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel and see St. Peter's Basilica.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.Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

What's Excluded

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Anonymous

Sistema di prenotazione semplice e intuibile. In caso di necessità le istruzioni presenti sul sito sono risultate utili e chiare. Nessun problema riscontrato

4 days ago

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Highlights

Itinerary