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Best of Italy
An 11-Day Insight Tours tour starting from $2,485
(5 out of 5, Based on 1 ratings) | Write a review
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| Starting Price: | $2,485 |  |
| Tour Length: | 11 Days | |
| Countries Visited: | Italy | |
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Cities Visited: This tour has a well balanced pace with two-night stays in three of the five centres: Rome, Tuscany and Sorrento and overnight stays in Assisi and Venice. The driving days are of a comfortable length with several stops en route. |
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Included Premium Highlights
- Visit the superb Vatican Museums and admire Michelangelo's ceiling in the Sistine Chapel
- Explore the wonders of ancient Rome as you visit the Colosseum and overlook the Forum
- Drift through the romantic canals of Venice by traditional gondola
- Visit Florence's Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo's original 'Statue of David'
- Cruise to Capri, the Island of Dreams, and ascend to Capri town by funicular railway
- Glimpse a moment of every day Roman life, as you tour the excavations of Pompeii
Included Personal Insights
- As night falls, locals dress for the evening and enjoy 'the art of strolling the streets. Join us in the Italian social ritual of 'La Passeggiata'
- Enjoy a short tutorial about the world famous Chianti wines of Tuscany
Included Additional Excursions & Sights
- Tour St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City
- Visit the Basilicas of St Francis and St Mary of the Angels in Assisi
- Cruise, with commentary, to St Mark's Square in Venice
- See the Bridge of Sighs, Doges' Palace and St Mark's Basilica
- Scenic Brenta Canal drive past the summer mansions of the Venetian nobility
- See the Cathedral, Baptistery and famous 'Leaning Tower of Pisa'
- See Florence's Cathedral, belltower, 'Gates of Paradise' and visit Signoria Square
- Visit the Commonwealth Cemetery at Cassino
- Demonstration of traditional Florentine leather-work,
- Demonstration of 'Intarsio' marquetry inlay woodworking in Sorrento
- Demonstration of traditional glass-blowing in Venice
- Scenic Apennine Mountains drive
- Cliff-top drive from Sorrento to Naples overlooking the Bay of Naples
Included First Class Services
- Escorted by a professional Tour Director
- Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard restroom
- Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
- Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Airport Shuttle arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 2 and Day 11
Included Quality Dining
- Highlight Dinner of local cuisine with entertainment in Rome (HD)
- 9 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 4 three-course table d'hote Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
Day 1 - DEPART USA
Overnight flight.
Day 2 - ROME AT LEISURE
Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with Classical antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and baroque churches. On arrival at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport, your airport shuttle service leaves for the tour hotel at 09:30, 12:30 & 15:30.
After checking in, enjoy your hotel's wonderful facilities and beautiful grounds. As night falls, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza Rome-St Peter's
Day 3 - ROME SIGHTSEEING
Enjoy an in-depth sightseeing tour with a local guide who will take you inside the Vatican Museums to gaze upon the treasures of the Popes. Enjoy clear commentary via your audio headset as you admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling inside the Sistine Chapel. Now enter St Peter's Basilica to wonder at another of his works, the emotive 'Pieta'. Then cross the Tiber to visit the Colosseum, scene of many gladiatorial contests. After seeing the Roman Forum, the rest of the day is yours to sightsee or shop. (BB)
Day 4 - ROME - ASSISI
Leave Rome and follow the valley of the River Tiber to the hills of Umbria, which form part of the Apennines. Your destination is the peaceful hill-top town of Assisi, the home of St Francis. Visit the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels, built on the site of the original Porziuncule Chapel foundations, then continue up Mount Subasio to the town. Step inside the huge Basilica, built in the 13th century after St. Francis' death, where the frescoes by Giotto heralded a new era in Italian art.
Hotel: Hotel Subasio (BB,D)
Day 5 - ASSISI - VENICE
A pleasant drive leads to the romantic city of Venice, and what better way to see it than from a private launch? Cruise past Palladian churches and 13th century palaces to St Mark's Square. See the Doges' Palace, connected to the prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. It was from here that Casanova made his daring escape. Now admire the mosaics of the Basilica and watch one of the few remaining masters blow molten glass into a unique creation at a Venetian glass-blowing factory. Relax and enjoy the atmosphere as you cruise along the Venetian canals by gondola.
Hotel: Boscolo Bellini. (BB, D)
Day 6 - VENICE - TUSCANY
Bid farewell to magical Venice, and drive along the scenic Brenta Canal with its magnificent Palladian villas, once the summer residences of Venetian nobility. Cross the plain of the Po River and traverse the Apennines, the hilly backbone of Italy, to reach the Arno valley. En route, hear an informative tutorial about the famous Chianti wines that make this region so famous. Then follow the river westwards to the coastal town of Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower, where elaborate steps have been taken to prevent this landmark from falling over. Time also to admire the marble cathedral and Baptistery before continuing to the Tuscan spa resort of Montecatini for a two-night stay.Why not immerse yourself in the Italian culture and work up an appetite on a traditional evening stroll (passeggiata) - it's a time to 'see and be seen'.
Hotel: Grand Hotel Tamerici & Principe. (BB,D)
Day 7 - FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING
Drive to the Tuscan capital, Florence, and join a local guide for a walking tour and highlight visit to the Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo's monumental figure of David. Continue to the multi-coloured marble Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiore to see Giotto's belltower and 'Gates of Paradise' before visiting the Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence. The area around Santa Croce Basilica is famous for the quality of its luxury goods; see a demonstration of leatherwork in the very place this craft first established itself. Then, there's free time to shop for Florence's finest or continue sightseeing. (BB)
Day 8 - TUSCANY - SORRENTO
Take the smooth motorway south through the rich volcanic hills of Frascati to Cassino and visit the Commonwealth Cemetery, overlooked by the austere monastery of Montecassino - headquarters of the Benedictine order. Take the clifftop road to your hotel in the picturesque resort of Sorrento.
Hotel: Grand Hotel La Pace (BB)
Day 9 - ISLE OF CAPRI EXCURSION
Spend the morning being shown the art of 'intarsio' or marquetry wood inlaying before cruising to the sun-drenched island of dreams, Capri - a rock rising from the Mediterranean. Take the funicular train up to the main village (Capri Town), then spend time exploring the narrow alleyways, browse in the exclusive boutiques and enjoy the fabulous views over the Mediterranean Sea. Perhaps join an optional tour to Anacapri to visit Villa San Michele before returning to your hotel for some relaxation time. (BB D)
Day 10 - SORRENTO - POMPEII - ROME
Only a short drive from the hotel lies Pompeii, the opulent Roman town which was preserved by layers of ash from the disastrous eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79. A walking tour with a local guide through the cobbled streets and extensive excavations reveals the daily life of ancient Roman civilisation. Afterwards, the smooth motorway leads back to the 'Eternal City' of Rome. Tonight, join your fellow passengers for a last night celebration Highlight Dinner of local cuisine, complete with wine and entertainment.
Hotel: Sheraton Roma (BB,HD)
Day 11 - RETURN TO USA
Arrivederci Roma! Sadly, your tour comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 & 09:30. (BB)
Don't miss our current specials: | ||||
Touring Date |
Land Only |
Land + Air |
Single (Land Only) |
Single (Land + Air) |
7/30/2010 - 8/9/2010 |
$2,775 |
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8/4/2010 - 8/14/2010 |
$2,775 |
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8/6/2010 - 8/16/2010 |
$2,775 |
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8/11/2010 - 8/21/2010 |
$2,775 |
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8/20/2010 - 8/30/2010 |
$2,775 |
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8/25/2010 - 9/4/2010 |
$2,799 |
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8/27/2010 - 9/6/2010 |
$2,799 |
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9/1/2010 - 9/11/2010 |
$2,850 |
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9/3/2010 - 9/13/2010 |
$2,850 |
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9/8/2010 - 9/18/2010 |
$2,850 |
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9/10/2010 - 9/20/2010 |
$2,850 |
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9/15/2010 - 9/25/2010 |
$2,850 |
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9/17/2010 - 9/27/2010 |
$2,850 |
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9/22/2010 - 10/2/2010 |
$2,850 |
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9/24/2010 - 10/4/2010 |
$2,850 |
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9/29/2010 - 10/9/2010 |
$2,850 |
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10/1/2010 - 10/11/2010 |
$2,850 |
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10/8/2010 - 10/18/2010 |
$2,850 |
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10/15/2010 - 10/25/2010 |
$2,850 |
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10/22/2010 - 11/1/2010 |
$2,850 |
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10/29/2010 - 11/8/2010 |
$2,699 |
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11/5/2010 - 11/15/2010 |
$2,525 |
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11/26/2010 - 12/6/2010 |
$2,485 |
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12/10/2010 - 12/20/2010 |
$2,485 |
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12/17/2010 - 12/27/2010 |
$2,485 |
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2/11/2011 - 2/21/2011 |
$2,485 |
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3/11/2011 - 3/21/2011 |
$2,485 |
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3/18/2011 - 3/28/2011 |
$2,525 |
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Airfare Disclaimer Documents |
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Included Premium Highlights
- Visit the superb Vatican Museums and admire Michelangelo's ceiling in the Sistine Chapel
- Explore the wonders of ancient Rome as you visit the Colosseum and overlook the Forum
- Drift through the romantic canals of Venice by traditional gondola
- Visit Florence's Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo's original 'Statue of David'
- Cruise to Capri, the Island of Dreams, and ascend to Capri town by funicular railway
- Glimpse a moment of every day Roman life, as you tour the excavations of Pompeii
Included Personal Insights
- As night falls, locals dress for the evening and enjoy 'the art of strolling the streets. Join us in the Italian social ritual of 'La Passeggiata'
- Enjoy a short tutorial about the world famous Chianti wines of Tuscany
Included Additional Excursions & Sights
- Tour St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City
- Visit the Basilicas of St Francis and St Mary of the Angels in Assisi
- Cruise, with commentary, to St Mark's Square in Venice
- See the Bridge of Sighs, Doges' Palace and St Mark's Basilica
- Scenic Brenta Canal drive past the summer mansions of the Venetian nobility
- See the Cathedral, Baptistery and famous 'Leaning Tower of Pisa'
- See Florence's Cathedral, belltower, 'Gates of Paradise' and visit Signoria Square
- Visit the Commonwealth Cemetery at Cassino
- Demonstration of traditional Florentine leather-work,
- Demonstration of 'Intarsio' marquetry inlay woodworking in Sorrento
- Demonstration of traditional glass-blowing in Venice
- Scenic Apennine Mountains drive
- Cliff-top drive from Sorrento to Naples overlooking the Bay of Naples
Included First Class Services
- Escorted by a professional Tour Director
- Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard restroom
- Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
- Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Airport Shuttle arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 2 and Day 11
Included Quality Dining
- Highlight Dinner of local cuisine with entertainment in Rome (HD)
- 9 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 4 three-course table d'hote Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
Save 7.5% on Europe Winter Travel
November to April is the perfect time to visit Europe. The climate is often surprisingly mild, and the cities belong to their inhabitants and just a few discerning visitors. There is no better, more complete way to enjoy this experience than on an Insight Vacations escorted tour. Best of all prices are substantially lower than in peak summer season!
Save 7.5% on any 2010/11 Winter Europe packaged tour if you book and pay in full by August 13th.
Click to view all Insight Winter Vacations
TERMS: Booking and full payment for land portion must be made by August 13th, 2010. Offer is valid for new bookings made betweenJune 21st, 2010 and August 13th, 2010. Valid for land portion only. Travel must depart between November 1st, 2010 and April 3rd, 2011. Offer NOT valid on Select Choices departures or on Israel, Jordan, Greece, Turkey and Egypt. Offer applies to new bookings only. Normal name change policy applies. Offer is applicable to groups – with availability and collection of travelers’ names at time of booking. Promotion is NOT combinable with Early Payment brochure discount or any current air promotions. Promotion is combinable with all other brochure discounts. Once payment is received, cancellation penalties apply. Offer may be withdrawn at any time and subject to availability. Other restrictions apply. Please call for details. CST No. 20687545-20.
Great Savings and Discounts
FRIENDS & FAMILY DISCOUNTS
SAVE 5% FOR 5 - 8 PASSENGERS
Why not share your Insight tour experience with your friends and family – and save money! If 5-8 passengers book together we offer a discount of 5%. Further savings are available for groups of 9 or more passengers! This discount cannot be combined with Frequent Traveler, Young Traveler or Triple Room Discounts. To qualify, the names of all passengers traveling must be advised to Insight at the time of booking. Does not apply to Oberammergau Passion Play Option, additional accommodation, airfares or fl ight supplements, Select London Week, Select London & Paris, Select London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, and tours with Mediterranean or River cruises.
YOUNG TRAVELER SAVINGS
5 - 17 YEAR OLDS SAVE UP TO 10%
Insight offers you the opportunity of sharing your happy holiday memories with your children or grandchildren. This discount applies only to tours featuring the “Young Traveler Discount” in the price panel. Check the itinerary pages now to see how much you can SAVE! Young Travelers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date and accompanied by an adult (limit of one Young Traveler Discount per room). Children under 5 years old are not accepted on any escorted tour.
This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount”.
SINGLE TRAVELER SAVING
INSIGHT’S ROOM MATE MATCHING
For people traveling alone on an Insight coach tour, we’ll match you with someone of the same gender, so you don’t have to pay the single room supplement. If we fail to match you, we’ll provide a single room at no extra cost†. There is a no-smoking policy in all shared rooms. Does not apply to additional accommodation, Riad upgrade option, airfares or flight supplements, Select London Week, Select London & Paris, Select London, Paris & Rome, Irish Elegance, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours and tours with Mediterranean or River cruises. †Single rooms are not available for the Oberammergau Passion Play Option.
TRIPLE ROOM DISCOUNT
When three people travel together room, each of the three enjoys a discount off the tour price. See the Triple Room Reductions on the itinerary of your choice. This discount only applies to tours featuring the “Triple
Room Discount” in the price panel. Note the third bed on occasions, will be a foldaway. This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount”. Triple rooms are not available for the Oberammergau Passion
Play Option
FREQUENT TRAVELER SAVING
In recognition of our loyal customers, Insight now extends to all traveled guests automatic membership into our Club Bon Voyage, as well as a 5% Discount off the Land portion of their next Insight trip. You will need to travel within the next two years. So act NOW and take full advantage of this great offer. Enrolment forms and discount vouchers are available
from your Tour Director. Insight’s Club Bon Voyage and 5% Discount is not available retroactively. Only one voucher is available per person, per tour, per year and only one voucher can be redeemed against each further
tour booking. This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount” and “Extra Tour Discount.” Does not apply to Oberammergau Passion Play Option, additional accommodations, Select London Week, Select London & Paris and Select London, Paris & Rome.
EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT
ON EARLY BOOKINGS
Insight’s most popular tours fi ll very quickly. Don’t be disappointed, book early! You’ll be assured of the tours you want, and the earlier you pay, the more you SAVE! Here’s how...
Pay in full 12 months prior to your tour departure
date and SAVE UP TO 10%
Pay in full 10 months prior to your tour departure
date and SAVE UP TO 7.5%
Pay in full 6 months prior to your tour departure
date and SAVE UP TO 5%
Tours must be paid in full for this discount to apply. This discount only applies to tours that feature the “Early Payment Discount” in the price panel.
Ratings & Reviews:
This tour's average rating:
(5 out of 5, Based on 1 ratings) Write a review.
The most recent reviews for this tour:
Elsa rated this tour a 5 on 10/4/2009 1:41:06 AM and says:
"Boyfriend and I both have limited holiday and would want to see everything in Italy and thus we picked the Best of Italy tour. Andie, our tour director was very helpful and it made the trip to be a trip of a lifetime. She was very helpful in every aspect and she made the tour very lively! The tour itseld not doubt was very busy with visits and excursions - yes it was tiring but this is what a tour is about! There are so much to see in so little time and Insight had planned the tour in such a way that you can have a feel of those in the 10 days. Don't expect to have a easy pace in this tour, this is the tour to be on the go all the time and see things and to experience the Italiano lifestyle!!! "
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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.