Meals

8 Dinner with Wine (DW) 16 Breakfast (B) Rome: Savour dinner at a uniquely Roman restaurant, offering a perfect exploration of Lazio’s typical flavours. Florence: Enjoy a traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina steak dinner paired with delicious local wine, a specialty not to be missed. Alberobello: Learn about local life while savouring a freshly prepared Farm-to-Table meal featuring recipes and flavours typical of the region. Palermo: Experience local customs as you delve into tantalising flavours and rustic dishes served with local wine.

Transport

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. 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.

Others

Choose between two carefully selected activities 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. 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. Rome: Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit. This 9th-century basilica’s simple facade guards the world’s best-preserved Byzantine mosaics. The history of the church springs to life as you admire the interior’s treasured collection, including Bernini’s first sculpture and the renowned mosaics, illuminated for your visit. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is a rare and unforgettable insight into Rome and its religious history. 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. Rome: Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a passionate local. See Circus Maximus and the Ancient Forum, and stand beside the Colosseum, which bears witness to the limitless courage of the gladiators. Pisa: Your Local Expert will show you the baptistery bristling with marble spines, and the colonnaded bell tower lurching behind the 11th-century cathedral - the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles. Cinque Terre: Led by your Local Expert, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site with dedicated time to explore one of the charming fishing villages. Portofino: Visit this elegant fishing village and admire the coloured houses and yachts moored in the harbour. Lake Maggiore: Experience the charming traditional social ritual of la passeggiata in the Italian Lake District. All across Italy, in cities, towns and villages people leave their houses to gently walk streets, from babies in strollers to the most senior citizens. Savour a gelato or glass of wine along the way and observe, as new romances, new babies and new shoes are all put on display. Note the ever-stylish Italians love to dress up for the occasion so feel free add a touch of flair to your outfit! Venice: Delight in the magic of this charming city as you glide along the canals by gondola. Florence: Join a Local Expert to view the Multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square. See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods. Pompeii: Walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the first century. Capri: Cruise by jetfoil to this famous isle through beautiful blue Mediterranean waters. Capri: Explore Capri town with your Local Expert and see the whitewashed houses, winding alleyways, small cafes, fashionable boutiques and artisans studios. Matera: With your Local Expert explore this town that Mel Gibson chose as the setting for his film ’The Passion of the Christ.’ Alberobello: Led by your Local Expert, explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the Trulli of Alberobello. Circular structures with conical roofs that are domed within, built from local limestone and stacked without using mortar Alberobello: Led by a Local Expert, explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the Trulli of Alberobello. Circular structures with conical roofs that are domed within, built from local limestone and stacked without using mortar. Messina: Cross the Straights of Messina to Sicily by ferry. Taormina: Visit the ancient Greek Amphitheatre with your Local Expert. Set on a cliff, open to the sky, take your seats and enjoy the view through the crumbling arches to Mount Etna. Taormina: Visit Taormina with a Local Expert and enjoy free time to stroll along Corso Umberto to Piazza IX Aprile. Palermo: Discover the Sicilian capital with your Local Expert. See Pretoria Square and the 16th century fountain. View the composite architectural styles of the Palermo Cathedral and visit the Palatine Chapel. Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Accommodation

16 nights accommodation included

Guide

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. From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination. 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.

Hygieneprotocol

All guests travelling with Insight Vacations through December 31, 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which may include a booster shot to keep the vaccination status current and valid, depending on the travel destination. Children not eligible for vaccination and/or booster at the time of travel must provide a verifiable and negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 hours prior to the start of the tour (taking time zones into consideration) for all tours departing until December 31, 2022. While highly recommended, COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are no longer required for guests traveling with us from January 1, 2023 onward. It is your client’s responsibly to comply with specific vaccine and/or booster requirements imposed by airlines and/or authorities in the destinations visited, as well as requirements for accessing restaurants and venues, which may be more restrictive than the above. No refunds will be given if they are unable to undertake some or all of their vacation due to failure to comply with these requirements.

Not included:

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Insurance

Travel insurance is not included

Flights

International flights are not included

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Day 1 Day 1: Welcome To The Eternal City Of Rome
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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. Settle in before joining your Travel Director for a private visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, welcomed by the Rector of the basilica. End the day getting to know your fellow travellers over Roman specialties during dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2 Day 2: Vatican City And Rome With A Local
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Vatican City And Rome With A Local

Rome is about art, antiquity, piazzas and palaces. Join a Local Expert for an in-depth experience bringing millennia of history to life. Journey from the Vatican City across the Tiber river to ancient Rome. See the incredible Circus Maximus. Admire the beautifully preserved Arch of Constantine and discover the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum on a guided visit. As you stroll with your Local Expert, imagine the gladiatorial battles and roaring spectators around the arena. Later, perhaps continue your exploration of Rome to see the Pantheon and the stunning piazzas and fountains of Rome.
Day 3 Day 3: Pisa And Santa Margherita Ligure
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Pisa And Santa Margherita Ligure

Enjoy a delightful drive to Pisa through rolling countryside dotted with cypress trees, passing vineyards and olive groves. With a Local Expert, view the incredible Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles 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. Your journey continues to the pretty seaside resort of Santa Margherita Ligure.
Day 4 Day 4: The Charms Of The Cinque Terre
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: The Charms Of The Cinque Terre

Head to the famous Cinque Terre, which translates to Five Lands. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located on a gorgeously wild yet hospitable part of the coastline. With a Local Expert, approach one of the fishing villages by boat (weather permitting). In Monterosso, spend some time exploring the medieval quarter or the popular sandy beach before continuing to the village of Portofino, famed for its colourful houses. Browse the boutiques and stay a while in the cafe bars on the piazzetta, watching the yachts moored in the harbour. Then cruise along the rugged Ligurian coast to your hotel in the resort of Santa Margherita.
Day 5 Day 5: Lake Maggiore Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Lake Maggiore Relaxed Start

Head north to beautiful Lake Maggiore in the Italian Lakes District and the town of Baveno, noted for its narrow cobbled streets and charming square. On arrival, settle into your hotel and take in the magical scenery. In the afternoon, why not join an Optional Experience cruise to Isola Bella to explore the palace and admire the stunning and immaculate Italian style gardens.
Day 6 Day 6: On To Venice Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: On To Venice Relaxed Start

Your travels continue past the Soave vineyards, the City of Padua and on to the canals of Venice. In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner with your travelling companions.
Day 7 Day 7: Venice And The Magic Of La Serenissima Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Venice And The Magic Of La Serenissima Relaxed Start

Cruise by private boat on a journey of discovery past churches and palaces reflecting the rich architectural history of Venice from the 13th to the 18th centuries. Marvel at the intricate facades and learn about the stories behind these historical buildings. Arrive close to St Mark’s Square and stroll along the waterfront, passing the iconic Bridge of Sighs and the majestic Doge’s Palace. It was from here that the infamous Casanova made his daring escape. Turn the corner into St Mark’s Square and be captivated by the grandeur of the basilica. Afterwards, board a traditional gondola for a serenade along the romantic canals. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to the island of Murano. Witness the artistry of expert glassblowers as they create beautiful handcrafted glass pieces, preserving centuries-old techniques and traditions.
Day 8 Day 8: A Scenic Journey To Florence
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: A Scenic Journey To Florence

Bid farewell to Venice and begin your journey to Renaissance Florence. 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, 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. Enjoy a traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina steak dinner paired with delicious local wine, a specialty not to be missed.
Day 9 Day 9: Florence, Birthplace Of The Renaissance Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Florence, Birthplace Of The Renaissance Relaxed Start

Start the day with a traditional Florentine leather-work demonstration, then there is plenty of time to shop with the rest of the day at your leisure. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to explore the hilltop town of San Gimignano?
Day 10 Day 10: Ill-Fated Pompeii And On To Sorrento
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Ill-Fated Pompeii And On To Sorrento

Journey south through the volcanic hills of Frascati to Pompeii, which was buried in A.D. 79 by Mount Vesuvius’ catastrophic eruption. Walk with a Local Expert through the preserved cobbled streets for a glimpse into the daily life of civilisation during the Roman Empire. Follow the clifftop road to the resort town of Sorrento, overlooking the Bay of Naples.
Day 11 Day 11: Capri, The Isle Of Dreams
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Capri, The Isle Of Dreams

Meet your Local Expert and cross the Bay of Naples to reach the beautiful Isle of Capri, a rock rising sheer from the Mediterranean! For 2,000 years, Capri has beckoned visitors from Tiberius Caesar to Gracie Fields. Arriving at the Marina Grande by boat, ascend to Capri town. Explore the narrow alleyways and descend to the port by funicular railway for the return to Sorrento. Later, perhaps explore the Amalfi Coast?
Day 12 Day 12: Sassi Di Matera And Alberobello
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Sassi Di Matera And Alberobello

After breakfast, discover two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. First, visit Matera for an in-depth guided exploration of the extraordinary Sassi, ancient troglodyte dwellings and churches dug out of the rock. These are the most extensive example of their kind in the Mediterranean and were inhabited by about 20,000 people up until the 1950s. Matera was also used as the setting for the film ’The Passion of the Christ’. Continue to Alberobello, the second UNESCO World Heritage Site, and your home for the next two nights.
Day 13 Day 13: The Trulli Of Alberobello Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: The Trulli Of Alberobello Relaxed Start

Admire another of Italy’s record number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites with a Local Expert. The trulli of Alberobello are circular structures with conical roofs that are domed within. They are built from local limestone and stacked without using mortar. In the evening, delight at the freshly prepared Farm to Table dinner. Enjoy a typical meal and learn about life in the region through the local food.
Day 14 Day 14: Sicily And The Taormina Riviera
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Sicily And The Taormina Riviera

The local roads will take you south, following the shores of the Gulf of Taranto to the mountainous Calabria region. Travel along the Purple Coast to the very ’toe’ of Italy and board your ferry bound for Sicily. According to ancient legend, it was here at the Straits of Messina where the twin whirlpools of Scylla and Charybdis carried unwary seafarers away to their doom! After disembarking, continue to the Taormina Riviera.
Day 15 Day 15: Taormina And The Dawn Coast Of Europe Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Taormina And The Dawn Coast Of Europe Relaxed Start

Spend the day at leisure to enjoy at your own pace. Perhaps join an optional experience to Mt. Etna?
Day 16 Day 16: Palermo, Capital Of Sicily
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Palermo, Capital Of Sicily

Head to the Sicilian capital of Palermo. On arrival, your Local Expert will show you the highlights of the capital. Palermo Cathedral has been altered over the years and a venture inside will help you to appreciate the composite architectural styles. Next, head to the amazing Palatine Chapel in the Palace of the Normans. With the outside completely covered in glittering ancient mosaics, it provides an insight to what’s within. Join your travelling companions and Travel Director at a local restaurant for an unforgettable dinner of delicious local cuisine and wine.
Day 17 Day 17: Depart Palermo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Depart Palermo

Your journey draws to an end. Departure transfers arrive at Palermo Falcone–Borsellino Airport.

+14

17 days tour

Grand Italy & Sicily (Small Groups, 17 Days)

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip Grand Italy & Sicily (Small Groups, 17 Days)

Day 1: Welcome To The Eternal City Of Rome

Day 2: Vatican City And Rome With A Local

Day 3: Pisa And Santa Margherita Ligure

Day 4: The Charms Of The Cinque Terre

Day 5: Lake Maggiore Relaxed Start

Day 6: On To Venice Relaxed Start

Day 7: Venice And The Magic Of La Serenissima Relaxed Start

Day 8: A Scenic Journey To Florence

Day 9: Florence, Birthplace Of The Renaissance Relaxed Start

Day 10: Ill-Fated Pompeii And On To Sorrento

Day 11: Capri, The Isle Of Dreams

Day 12: Sassi Di Matera And Alberobello

Day 13: The Trulli Of Alberobello Relaxed Start

Day 14: Sicily And The Taormina Riviera

Day 15: Taormina And The Dawn Coast Of Europe Relaxed Start

Day 16: Palermo, Capital Of Sicily

Day 17: Depart Palermo

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