Compare Italy's Best by Great Value Vacations vs Best of Italy - Classic Group, Winter Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
4 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 14 days | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 3,419 | $ 3,495 |
| Price Per Day | $ 244 | $ 318 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Travel Themes | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | No |
| Activities | N/A |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
This is an escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation.
GOOD NEWS - The local tour operator will no longer require a COVID-19 vaccination for travelers as of March 1, 2023. For travelers departing before March 1, the tour operator requires that travelers aged 12 and older provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination in the form of written documentation (paper or electronic copy), in English, for all vacations. Proof of vaccination must be completed at least 14 days prior to the tour start date. *Exceptions apply to children who do not qualify for vaccination. Take in magnificent architecture, feast your eyes on spectacular landscapes, indulge in sumptuous cuisine, travel back in time as you explore ancient ruins, and discover brilliant art. It's safe to say that the culture-packed country of Italy is a world of its own. This once-in-a-lifetime 13-night escorted vacation allows you to visit all of Italy's highlights the easy way. With a knowledgeable guide by your side, you won't need to worry about transportation, directions, or language barrier. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the views! Your tour begins in the Eternal City of Rome, where you'll enjoy sightseeing through St. Peter's Square, the Colosseum, and other iconic landmarks. Get ready for color and charm as you head to Cinque Terre and Genoa! Next, journey to Tuscany, where you'll find terraced vineyards, olive groves, and rural villages. Immerse yourself in Renaissance art in Florence and visit St. Francis' Basilica in Assisi, a medieval town in the Umbrian hills. More pristine scenery awaits at Lake Maggiore, located on the edge of the Swiss Alps. From there, you'll take an excursion to Lugano, a lakeside town in Switzerland! Witness breathtaking views of the crystal-clear blue sea near the caves of Capri and relax in the charming town of Sorrento. Feel history come alive in Pompeii, then take a boat ride through Venice! |
Explore the best of Italy on this 11-day guided tour. In Rome, skip the lines for a VIP Vatican tour that includes access to the Bramante Staircase — a spiraling Renaissance masterpiece normally off-limits to visitors. As your travels continue along the Bay of Naples, stop on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius for lunch at a local farm still growing traditional produce unique to the region. In Florence, learn the secrets of leather making from a local leatherworker. Fall in love with Venice as you see churches and palaces from a private boat, and cruise its canals on a romantic gondola ride. Sail to Capri, where craggy mountains cascade into the Tyrrhenian Sea; a Local Expert will help you navigate its narrow alleys. But before you say arrivederci to Italy, enjoy one last experience: a private opera during a four-course meal that features local wine. |
Day 1 Welcome to Rome!
Upon arrival in Rome, check into your first hotel! Settle in, then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Feel free to explore the ancient capital on your own, and treat yourself to your first gelato cone! This evening, you'll meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.
Day 2 Rome
Recharge with a delicious breakfast, then explore the "Eternal City!" Steeped in history, the vibrant city of Rome is alive with beauty and culture. Today, enjoy sightseeing with a local guide, starting at St. Peter's and moving on to the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and other iconic highlights.
Day 3 Rome - Pisa - Montecatini
Picture this: vistas of rolling hills, winding roads lined with cypress trees, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and rural villages. Yep, you guessed it - today, you're headed for Tuscany. Enjoy a stop in Pisa, where you'll take a mini-train ride to see the Square of Miracles, and the famous Leaning Tower, of course! This evening, you'll arrive in Montecatini. Settle in and rest up for another exciting day tomorrow!
Day 4 Montecatini - Florence - Montecatini
Fuel up with a scrumptious breakfast, then get ready to immerse yourself in Renaissance beauty. Today, you'll enjoy an included excursion to Florence, where your local guide will show you all the city highlights on a walking tour. Feast your eyes on postcard-worthy sites, like Piazza Santa Croce, Piazza Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and more. To top it all, see Piazza del Duomo and its breathtaking cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, as well as the magnificent East Doors, known as the "Gates of Paradise." Tonight, you'll enjoy a delicious dinner and a good night's rest back in Montecatini.
Day 5 Montecatini - La Spezia - Cinque Terre - Genoa
Wave goodbye to Montecatini and say hello to La Spezia, a charming seaside city known as the gateway to Cinque Terre. From there, hop on a train and discover the spectacular candy-colored villages of Cinque Terre! Weave through the five romantic fishing villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Riomaggiore, and Manarola. From Levanto, you'll venture to the stunning city of Genoa, where you'll rest up after a fun-filled day.
Day 6 Genoa - Milan - Lake Maggiore
Enjoy a lovely breakfast, then embark on an introductory tour through the colorful city of Genoa. A maze of squares and alleys, this beautiful city grew around a port and boasts the largest medieval historical center in Europe. Some highlights include the remains of the city 17th-century fortifications! After an exciting morning, you'll travel north into the plains of Lombardy. Then, enjoy a stop in Milan to marvel at its magnificent Gothic Duomo. Yes, you will have time for pictures! Finish off your day in Baveno on Lake Maggiore, where you will spend the night.
Day 7 Lake Maggiore - Lugano, Switzerland - Lake Maggiore
Today is all about natural beauty. Spend the morning leisurely getting to know Lake Maggiore, one of Italy's largest lakes, located on the very edge of Alpine Switzerland. Speaking of Switzerland... enjoy an included excursion to Lugano! Make sure your camera's charged - today's filled with photo-worthy landscapes.
Day 8 Lake Maggiore - Verona - Venice Area
Rise and shine! Wake up near glistening Lake Maggiore and enjoy a delicious breakfast. Then, travel across the Po River plain for a stop in the romantic city of Verona! Step into Elizabethan times as you visit Juliet's balcony from Shakespeare's famous Romeo and Juliet, then enjoy some time at leisure marveling at the Roman Arena. Continue on to the Venice area and settle into your next accommodation!
Day 9 Venice
Venice is more like a romantic film set than a real-life city. Today, you'll have time to explore the crisscrossing canals, gondolas, arched bridges, palaces, and piazzas that make Venice so special. Your included orientation starts with a boat ride to St. Mark's Square and is followed by a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers fashion their delicate objects, much like they did centuries ago. While in Venice, why not treat yourself to a once-in-a-lifetime gondola ride? Let a local singer serenade you as you glide through picturesque canals.
Day 10 Venice - Ravenna - Assisi area
Enjoy a scenic drive southward, across the Po Delta, to Ravenna. a beautiful city known for its treasure of Byzantine mosaics, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. After an interesting visit to Ravenna, you'll continue to Assisi, a town that's changed very little since the Middle Ages. Listen to history come alive, as your local guide brings you to Assisi's most fascinating points. See the Basilica of St. Francis with its famous frescoes by Giotto!
Day 11 Assisi - Pompeii - Sorrento Area
Today, you'll travel to Pompeii, where time stopped for this aristocratic town with the devastating eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. During your included guided visit, you'll see the remains of luxurious villas, temples, theater, and forum. After an eye-opening visit to Pompeii, you'll carry on to Sorrento, nestled on a plateau above bright blue Bay of Naples. Wander the winding streets lined with shops and restaurants, then sit with a glass of wine and take in the easy-going lifestyle of this charming resort area.
Day 12 Sorrento Area - Capri - Sorrento Area
Get ready for a fun-filled day of outstanding beauty! Today, you'll enjoy a day trip to the legendary island of Capri, surrounded by a rocky coastline where the crashing blue sea has formed awe-inspiring caves. The town on Capri bursts to life with winding streets, pretty piazzettas, fashionable boutiques, and traditional restaurants. Enjoy some time to explore on your own before heading back to Sorrento!
Day 13 Sorrento Area - Rome
You'll have today to take the area in at leisure. Be sure to get your extra souvenir shopping, food sampling, and sightseeing in before your trip comes to an end!
Day 14 Depart Italy
Squeeze all your souvenirs into your luggage and say ciao to Italy. Enjoy a convenient transfer to the airport, then board your plane. Spend your flight home replaying warm memories and dreaming about your next adventure!
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. Transfers depart from Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport for your hotel at 09:30, 12:30 and 15:30. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director at 17:30, and get to know your fellow travellers over a delicious Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Vatican City and Rome with a Local
The 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. Insight has arranged special priority entry to avoid the lines and gain behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase, a marvel of Renaissance architecture, normally off-limits to visitors. Visit the Sistine Chapel, where the Popes are elected, to admire Michelangelo’s famous ceiling. Continue to St. Peter’s Basilica, to wonder at another of his works, the emotive ‘Pietà,’ and stand beneath the dome completed after his death. Cross the Tiber river to enjoy ancient Rome. See the incredible Circus Maximus. Come up close and personal with 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, toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain and enjoy free time around Piazza Navona?
Day 3: The Chianti Hills to Florence
Drive to the Chianti Hills and the city of Florence. On arrival, you will be privy to the secrets of traditional Florentine leatherwork and see a gold demonstration. This evening, indulge in a delicious meal at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Florence, Birthplace of the Renaissance
Explore Florence with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo's David. Alternatively, wander through the market stalls on a guided shopping tour, enjoying all the Italian treats and finery on offer. Walk on to the multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. Visit 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 as well as Hercules and Cacus, along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. In the afternoon, perhaps visit medieval San Gimignano?
Day 5: Pisa to Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic
Journey to the coastal town of Pisa and see the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles, as well as the baptistery and colonnaded bell tower behind the cathedral. Relax and enjoy the scenery as you cross the spectacular Apennine Mountains, through the Emilia-Romagna region - one of Europe's most intensely farmed and fertile plains. Continue through the marshes of the Venetian Lagoon before crossing the causeway into the floating city of Venice. As evening falls, day-trippers desert the city to return to the mainland. Appreciate the peace and tranquility of Venice from your centrally located hotel.This evening, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 6: Venice and the Magic of La Serenissima Relaxed Start
Stroll past historic churches and 13th century palaces to St. Mark's Square. The first sight is the glided regalia of St. Mark's Basilica. Turn the corner, and view the pink marble of the Doge's Palace, connected to the prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. It was from here that Casanova made his daring escape. Afterwards, board a traditional gondola for a serenade along the romantic canals. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a traditional arts centre. See how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills.
Day 7: Assisi
Journey to the peaceful town of Assisi, dotted with medieval churches, colourful frescoes and shady courtyards.In the valley, see the Church of St. Mary of the Angels, much venerated as the place of St. Francis' death, then continue up Mount Subasio to the upper town. With your Local Expert, step inside the huge Basilica of St. Francis, built in the 13th century. The frescoes painted by Giotto here heralded a new era in Italian art.Arrive at your hotel, located in the heart of the medieval Old Town. Enjoy the tranquility of the historic old town during free time.
Day 8: Sorrento on the coast
Travel south passing Cassino, the scene of a fierce battle during World War II. Follow the spectacular clifftop road to the picturesque resort of Sorrento, overlooking the Bay of Naples to Mount Vesuvius. After checking in to your hotel, spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 9: Capri, the Isle of Dreams
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Day 10: Pompeii, frozen in time and on to Rome
Continue to Pompeii, the opulent Roman town which was preserved by layers of ash from the disastrous eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. A walk with your Local Expert through the cobbled streets and extensive excavations reveals the daily life of ancient Roman civilisation. Visit the Forum and peer into shops and patrician villas, decorated with colourful wall paintings. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Vesuvius National Park and visit Casa Barone. This small family run farm on the slopes of the volcano is one of the world’s only producers of Piennolo tomatoes, an endangered fruit that only thrives in the fertile volcanic soil. Each harvest is sustainably farmed and cared for by the extended Barone family, who all work here. Be sure to savour the unique flavours of this rare tomato during a truly unique Farm-to-Table lunch. Your journey continues to Rome. In the evening, enjoy an elegant four-course Celebration Dinner with local wine at a Roman restaurant. As you dine, enjoy a private performance of popular songs and arias from some of Italy's best-loved operas.
Day 11: Arrivederci Roma
Bid farewell to the glories of Italy. Departure transfers arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 and 09:30.
