Overview
Itinerary
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 neighbourhood as you indulge in dinner with wine at a local restaurant. (DW) Stay: Golden Tulip Rome Piram
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. Visit the Sistine Chapel, where Popes are elected, to admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling and see St. Peter's Basilica.
Cross the Tiber river to enjoy ancient Rome. See the incredible Circus Maximus and the beautifully preserved Arch of Constantine, and imagine the bustling ancient pavement of ancient Rome. 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 Trevi Fountain and enjoy free time around Piazza Navona. (B)
Journey to the ill-fated town of Pompeii, frozen in time when it was engulfed by an eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Walk with a Local Expert through cobbled streets to learn about Roman life in the first century before enjoying a refreshing lemon granita. Then continue to your hotel on the spectacular Sorrento Peninsular. The afternoon is yours to explore as you wish, or perhaps join an optional experience to the artist's paradise of Positano. (B) Stay: Isabella, Sorrento
Enjoy a morning in the town of Sorrento before heading off to the port to board your jetfoil to the Isle of Capri. Appreciate the glorious vistas over the rugged coastline and sparkling sea. Visit Capri town, with its whitewashed houses, winding alleyways and small cafes. A Local Expert will escort you to the lush Gardens of Augustus for views of the Faraglioni rocks. As the glow of twilight descends and the day-trippers have returned to their mainland hotels, the island is yours to saunter along scenic paths, gather with the locals in the piazzetta or relax with a glass of wine at an alfresco restaurant. (B) Stay: Regina Cristina, Capri
Descend to the port and take the jetfoil across the bay to Naples. Follow the Autostrada del Sole north passing Rome and continuing through the region of Umbria. Journey through idyllic Tuscan landscapes to Florence, centre of art and culture, and the heart of the Italian Renaissance.
Explore Florence with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo's David. After, continue on foot to admire the Multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti's 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 Piazza Santa Croce to enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local caffè, where you will be in the perfect spot to admire the basilica, indulge in people-watching the elegant Florentines and pamper yourself shopping for luxury goods like gold and leather. (B/DW) Stay: NH Firenze, Florence
See how the local leatherwork is created with a demonstration of the craft and learn about the artistry of the goldsmiths who are famous in the city of Florence. In your free time wander Florence on your own, shop or opt to explore the medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano on an Optional Experience.
In the evening, why not sample fine Florentine cuisine of tasty starters and typical Tuscan dishes accompanied by Chianti. (B)
The famous Italian Riviera and the Cinque Terre are a highlight of your journey as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy's most beautiful landscapes. With a Local Expert, appreciate the views as you approach one of the picturesque fishing villages by boat. Spend some time exploring the old medieval quarter or the popular sandy beach.
Our journey continues to the elegant seaside village of Portofino, epitome of la dolce vita. Admire the colourful houses, browse the boutiques or stay a while in the cafe bars on the piazzetta, watching the yachts moored in the harbour. (B/DW) Stay: Best Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure
In the morning, journey north to the beautiful Italian Lake District, a favourite retreat of the rich and famous where alpine scenery combines with lush subtropical vegetation. Relax and enjoy an afternoon at leisure at this popular resort and beautiful lake or perhaps take a cruise out to the lovely Borromean Islands? For your dining pleasure, you are invited to choose from a hand-picked selection of local restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening. (B/DW) Stay: Simplon, Baveno
Follow the southern fringes of the Alps to the Franciacorta wine region near Lake Iseo. Over 100 vineyards produce the famous sparkling wine of the region and winemaking traditions run deep. Taste the delicious vintages produced with a master vintner at a family-owned estate. Continue to the unique city of Venice and step back in time to centuries past. (B) Stay: Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice
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. Take your seat on a gondola and be serenaded through the myriad of beautiful canals, passing water-lapped doorways and Rococo palaces.
The rest of the afternoon is yours to discover Venice at leisure. 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. Cruise the Venetian lagoon to Burano and sit down to a sumptuous dinner with wine, sampling the local specialities. (B/DW)
Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo airport. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Rome: Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a passionate local. See Circus Maximus and the Ancient Forum, where Ancient Roman political life and law courts mingled with open-air markets and shops.
- Pompeii: Walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the first century.
- Capri: Explore Capri town with your Local Expert and see the whitewashed houses, winding alleyways, small cafes, fashionable boutiques and artisans studios.
- Capri: Discover the luxuriant Gardens of Augustus with a Local Expert and admire views of the Faraglioni rocks.
- Florence: See the historic neighbourhood of the Santa Croce Basilica and witness local craftspersons at work during a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
- Florence: Enjoy a stroll through Renaissance Florence and admire the medieval buildings that gave birth to this new style of architecture.
- Cinque Terre: Led by your Local Expert, visit this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site, tucked away on the mountainous Italian Riviera coastline. Explore one of the five charming fishing villages for some memorable pictures.
- Portofino: Visit this elegant fishing village and admire the coloured houses and yachts moored in the harbour.
- Venice: With your Travel Director cruise to St. Mark's Square and see the Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark's Basilica.
- Venice: Delight in the magic of this charming city as you glide along the canals by gondola.
- Rome: Enjoy an exclusive visit to the oldest pharmacy in Europe, Rome's Antica Spezieria di Santa Maria della Scala, also known as the ‘Pharmacy of the Popes.' Discover this hidden gem during a private audience with a friar of the Carmelite order, who reveals the historic curiosities of this 16th-century pharmacy.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Florence: Take a stroll with your Travel Director to Piazza Santa Croce and immerse yourself in the essence of la dolce vita of Florence while you enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local cafe.
- 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.
- 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 master craftsmen 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.
- 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.
- Italian Lakes: For your Dine-Around Evening, you are offered a selection of hand-picked local restaurants to choose from, each with its own distinctive ambience and cuisine.
- Lake Iseo: Learn about this historic winery, passed down through the generations, and taste its latest vintages.
- Burano: Cruise to the charming fisherman's island of Burano to enjoy a delicious dinner with wine and new-found friends.
- Dining Summary: 5 Dinners with Wine (DW), 10 Breakfasts (B)
- 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.
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Brochure
Insight Vacations Europe, Britain & the World (2025-26)
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Insight Vacations. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Insight Vacations. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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