Compare Independent Venice: Power and Beauty by Road Scholar vs Best of Italy - Classic Group, Winter Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 9 days | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 2,099 | $ 3,495 |
| Price Per Day | $ 233 | $ 318 |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | No |
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| Description | Discover the timeless beauty, architectural grandeur, world-class cuisine and unparalleled cultural legacy of one of Europe’s most dynamic cities — 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
In Transit
In Flight
Day
2
Arrival and Orientation
Venice D Hotel Bonvecchiati
Activity note: Check-in available from 2:00 PM.
Afternoon: 3:45 PM Meet in the conference room for an introduction to the program and orientation to Venice. Your Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. Indicated times are approximate. Program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. You will receive the Venice Card for entrance to some of the major museums and churches for the duration of your stay. You will also receive a public transportation pass (for the vaporetto/waterbus and boats to the islands). For your self-guided excursions, you will receive a booklet with detailed suggested itineraries for exploring Venice on your own. Then take a short orientation walk led by Cristina Gregorin.
Dinner: Welcome Dinner at the hotel. Please note that water is included in the program cost at all meals.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
3
Introduction to Venetian History
Venice B Hotel Bonvecchiati
Breakfast: Hotel dining room. On this program, breakfasts will offer a typical European style breakfast buffet with breads, cheeses, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea and water.
Morning: Lecture: "Introduction to the History of Venice." The republic enjoyed remarkable political stability for more than a millennium, resisting both external forces and internal turbulence. With this background, one can understand its attraction to artists and architects - La Serenissima has been shaped by them for centuries. Emphasis on the golden era of the town.
Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.
Afternoon: Self-guided excursion. For self-guided excursions, you will receive a booklet with very detailed descriptions of 12 different walks, some of which take you off of the beaten path. Optional: Join your Group Leader on a walk to the Rialto area with the fish and vegetable market. In the late afternoon, meet your Road Scholar group for a drink and chat.
Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
4
Lecture: The Historical Era of Titian, Vivaldi Concert
Venice B Hotel Bonvecchiati
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Lecture: "The Historical Era of Titian." For Venetian painting, the 16th century was the most successful. Titian, Veronese and Jacopo Tintoretto dominated the Venetian art scene, winning most of the public and religious commissions. They created a new style of painting with striking luminous colors.
Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.
Afternoon: Self-guided excursion. Optional: Join your Group Leader on a walk to the San Polo district with the Frari Church to see Titian's famous painting.
Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.
Evening: Attend a Vivaldi Concert by Interpreti Veneziani. Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) gave over 500 concerts to his hometown, performing for violin, viola d'amore, cello, mandolin, flute, oboe, bassoon, trumpet, cornet and string orchestra. Enjoy this concert performed by the chamber music ensemble Interpreti Veneziani, played on prestigious original instruments.
Day
5
Glass and Mosaics, Night Visit of St. Mark's
Venice B Hotel Bonvecchiati
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Lecture: "Glassmaking and Mosaics." The art of making glass has never been quite as entrenched in a place as on the Murano islands, which are famous for blowing techniques and design. Murano glass first made its appearance in the 8th century, and despite various ups and downs, has managed to not only endure but also flourish in our modern times.
Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.
Afternoon: Self-guided excursion. Optional: Join your Group Leader on a walk to the old Venetian Jewish ghetto area.
Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.
Evening: Enjoy a special expert-led night visit of St. Mark's Cathedral, the mosaic-clad emblem of Venice's Byzantine origins. Visit the crypt under sea level. Special lights create a magic atmosphere and bring alive the unique mosaics which were first executed in 1071 by artists from Constantinople. The Basilica opens just for the Road Scholar group.
Day
6
Venetian Lagoon
Venice B Hotel Bonvecchiati
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Take a full day to discover the Venetian Lagoon on your own. The Group Leader will assist you in planning your time according to your interests. You can visit Murano, the island of glass-working with its museum of glass making; Burano, the island of lace makers and fishermen; or Torcello, with its great basilica in Venetian-Byzantine style, which is famous for its marvelous mosaics.
Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.
Afternoon: Continue your exploration of the Venetian Lagoon.
Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.
Evening: Meet for a drink with your Road Scholar group in the hotel lobby.
Day
7
Velvet Manufacturer Bevilacqua
Venice B Hotel Bonvecchiati
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Lecture: "The Fascinating World of Venetian Handcraft." Cristina Gregorin, author of the book "Venice Master Artisans," introduces us to the intriguing world of small "botteghe" and its tools and centuries-old machines. Then, visit the velvet manufacturer Bevilacqua. The company's fabrics are still hand-produced on original 18th and 19th-century looms and all the phases of manufacture are manual. The company's famous historical archives hold more than 3,500 pattern designs, all of which are Bevilacqua originals.
Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.
Afternoon: Self-guided excursion.
Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
8
Architecture of Andrea Palladio
Venice B,D Hotel Bonvecchiati
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Lecture: "Introduction to the Architecture of Andrea Palladio." The Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio shaped the world that surrounds us today. Some of his most influential villas and churches survive in the Veneto region around Venice and in the city itself. Palladio's designs are based on three principals: dramatic exterior motifs, economical materials and internal harmony and balance.
Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.
Afternoon: Enjoy a final free afternoon of exploring the Venetian districts on your own.
Dinner: Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.
Evening: At leisure.
Day
9
Departures
In Flight B
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Depart for the airport. This concludes our program. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures.
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.
