Compare The Best of Italy by Discover Your Italy vs Treasures of Italy - Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 13 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 7,069 | $ 4,995 |
| Price Per Day | $ 544 | $ 416 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
Breakfast + 1 Dinner and 3 Lunches |
N/A |
| Description |
This luxury tour of Italy starts in Venice and ends in Naples. First-class tickets on the high-speed train are included (between Venice, Florence, Rome and Naples), as well as private van transfers (with an English-speaking driver) to and from the airport and train stations. Accommodations for the 12 nights feature 4/5-star hotels and historical mansions with full buffet breakfasts (2 nights in Venice, 4 in Florence, 3 in Rome and 3 on the Amalfi coast). Also included are entrance fees for sites visited during private tours with English-speaking guides, with preferential skip-the-line access (optional). Additionally, the tour includes multiple excursions, a boat trip, winery visits and traditional lunches, plus a chef-led cooking class. |
Experience Italy on an 11-day guided tour. Explore the Eternal City with a Local Expert, who will whisk you to the Vatican Museums for a tour of the Pope’s art collection and a behind-the-scenes look at the Bramante Staircase, a spiral architectural masterpiece. Later, see the infamous Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine. Cruise to Capri, where you’ll take an open-top taxi to the top of the island for unparalleled views of the rugged coastline and sparkling sea — then walk the Caesar Augustus Gardens and see the Faraglioni rocks with a Local Expert. In Venice, walk through St. Mark’s Square and see its basilica of the same name; later, allow yourself to be serenaded as a gondolier glides you through the city’s canals. Sail to the candy-colored island of Burano, where you can toast to a fantastic trip at a celebration dinner featuring wine and fresh-caught specialties. |
Days 1–2: Soak Up the Beauty of Venice
Start your luxury vacation in Italy with an exclusive welcome dinner in Venice. See the history come alive on a guided tour of the town’s famed landmarks. Take in the expansive square of St. Mark’s, then enter St. Mark’s Basilica to admire the Byzantine-style mosaics that cover most of the cupola and vaults, coloring its interiors golden. Reminisce the power and glory of the Venetian Republic inside the lavish Doge’s Palace. Get off the tourist path by wandering the maze of narrow alleys, called calle, and look out for the traces of everyday living. Mingle among vaporettos and gondolas while exploring the Grand Canal on a boat tour.
Days 3–6: Take in the Majestic Marvels of Tuscany
Discover Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to many of the world’s greatest monuments and artworks. Take in its splendor on a private tour, complete with a visit to see Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery. Out in the countryside, explore the medieval gem of Siena and the splendid wine country of Chianti. Gaze at the rolling hills strewn with vineyards and olive groves en route to a famous local winery to relish a wine tasting and a light lunch. Explore Italy’s finest sacred heritage in Pisa, where the medieval Cathedral, Baptistery and the iconic Leaning Tower flank the expansive green square called the Field of Miracles. Round off the day with a stroll along Lucca’s Renaissance walls.
Days 7-9: Savor La Dolce Vita in Rome
Get to know the Eternal City on a private guided tour, showcasing its illustrious attractions as well as some off-the-beaten-path spots. Imagine the bustling life of ancient Rome as you wander its iconic public areas: the Colosseum, its greatest public stage; the Roman Forum, the heart of public affairs; and the Imperial Fora, a succession of public squares. Explore the incredible wealth of the world’s smallest city-state, the Vatican City. Admire Michelangelo’s Pieta in St. Peter’s Basilica, take in his stunning frescoes and Bernini’s dome in the Sistine Chapel and explore the Vatican Museums. Roam Rome’s open-air markets and get an insider scoop on la dolce vita during a private chef-led cooking class near Piazza di Spagna.
Days 10–13: Enjoy Easy Seaside Living on the Amalfi Coast
Stroll through Pompeii, a bustling Roman town where life came to an abrupt halt with the 79AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Muse at this open-air museum and admire the remarkably preserved Roman frescoes. Savor wines made of grapes grown in volcanic soil and enjoy lunch on the slopes of Vesuvius. Daydream as your drive along the scenic Amalfi coast to visit its main draws: Sorrento, Italy’s famous resort town; pastel-hued Amalfi with its resplendent Cathedral; and Positano, the town of pink and fuchsia houses and bougainvillea bushes. Round it off with the dazzling panoramas of the Gulf from Ravello. Take a boat to Capri, an island of astounding beauty that has inspired intellectuals, writers and artists. Peek into the Blue Cave, march up a series of switchbacks at Via Krupp and count the forts along the Fortini trail before shopping and relaxing in Marina Grande, the main port.
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.
Hotel Romanico Palace, Rome.
Dinner with Wine
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 Trevi Fountain and enjoy free time around Piazza Navona?
Hotel Romanico Palace, Rome.
Breakfast
Day 3: Ancient Pompeii and the Isle of Capri
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 the Bay of Naples and board your jetfoil to the Isle of Capri. In brilliant sunshine, enjoy a scenic drive by open-top taxi past orange and lemon groves to your hotel, then appreciate the glorious vistas over the rugged coastline and sparkling sea.
Gatto Bianco Hotel & Spa, Capri.
Breakfast
Day 4: The Isle of Dreams
Wake up refreshed on this delightful island. Visit Capri town, with its whitewashed houses, winding alleyways and small cafes. A Local Expert escorts you to the lush Gardens of Augustus for views of the Faraglioni rocks. The afternoon is yours to devote to Capri’s fashionable boutiques, craft shops and artisans studios. Alternatively, perhaps join an Optional Experience to the Positano? A hydrofoil delivers you to mainland Italy to reach the artist's paradise of Positano. Witness the dramatic beauty of the Amalfi Coast's gravity-defying, vertical towns, and spectacular coastline before disembarking. After time to explore the pearl of the Amalfi Coast with all its colours, wonderful aromas and small beach, you are then returned to the Isle of Capri by another boat transfer. 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 al-fresco restaurant.
Gatto Bianco Hotel & Spa, Capri.
Breakfast
Day 5: The Autostrada del Sole to Florence
Descend to the port by private open-top taxis and take the jetfoil across the bay to Naples. Follow the Autostrada del Sole north passing Rome and continuing through the Province of Umbria. Journey through idyllic Tuscan landscapes to Florence, centre of art and culture, and the heart of the Italian Renaissance.
NH Firenze, Florence.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 6: 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 shopping tour, enjoying all the Italian treats and finery on offer. Continue to the multi-coloured marble cathedral to admire Giotto's bell tower and Gates of Paradise. Visit Piazza della Signoria and explore the area around Santa Croce Basilica. After a demonstration of leatherwork, there's free time to shop or explore Florence on your own. In the evening, why not sample the fine Florentine cuisine of tasty starters and typical Tuscan dishes accompanied by Chianti wine?
NH Firenze, Florence.
Breakfast
Day 7: Cinque Terre and Portofino to Santa Margherita
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.
Best Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 8: Lake Maggiore
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.
Hotel Simplon, Baveno
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 9: To Venice With Wine Along the Way
Follow the southern fringes of the European Alps to the vineyards by the shores of Lake Iseo.Here, 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 the 16th century.
Hilton Molino Stucky Venice.
Breakfast
Day 10: Venice and the Magic of La Serenissima
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 arts centre, 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 Celebration Dinner with wine, sampling the local specialities.
Hilton Molino Stucky Venice.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 11: Arrivederci Venice
Alas, you must bid farewell to this enchanting city. Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo Airport at 08:00 and 09:30.
Breakfast
