Italian Elegance - Small Group
Italian Elegance - Small Group
$6175
Italian Elegance - Small Group
12 Days Starting in Rome, Italy and ending in Venice, Italy
Visiting: Rome, Florence, San Gimignano, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Lake Maggiore, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Dolomites, Venice
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SE923ZM20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Italian Elegance - Small Group" tour, a luxurious journey through Italy's most iconic destinations. Begin in Rome, where you'll explore ancient treasures and marvel at the Vatican's masterpieces. In Florence, choose between admiring Michelangelo's 'David' or indulging in local treats at Piazza Santa Croce. Discover the medieval charm of San Gimignano and the architectural wonders of Pisa. Cruise to the elegant Portofino and explore the picturesque Cinque Terre. Relax by Lake Maggiore and savor the sparkling wines of Veneto. Experience the breathtaking Dolomites and conclude your adventure in the romantic city of Venice, where you'll witness traditional glassblowing and enjoy a gondola serenade. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, stunning landscapes, and authentic Italian dining experiences, ensuring an unforgettable journey through Italy's rich heritage and vibrant lifestyle.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To The Eternal City Of Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Room 007 Select, Rome.
Accommodation Name: Golden Tulip Rome Piram
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director and getting to know your fellow travellers over a delicious dinner with wine.
Day 2: Rome Sightseeing And The Vatican
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Room 007 Select, Rome.
Accommodation Name: Golden Tulip Rome Piram
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy the very best of the city’s highlights including entering the Vatican City and fast-tracked entry into the Vatican Museums with a Local Expert. Admire the Papal art collection before entering the Sistine Chapel to marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpiece. Afterwards, visit St. Peter’s Basilica. Later, cross the Tiber river to enjoy ancient Rome with your Local Expert. See the incredible Circus Maximus famous for its chariot races, and the iconic Colosseum.
Day 3: Renaissance Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Villasanpaolo, San Gimignano.
Accommodation Name: Villasanpaolo, San Gimignano
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 café, where you will be in the perfect spot to admire the basilica and indulge in people-watching the elegant Florentines. Marvel at the artistry during a demonstration of leather work and admire how the goldsmiths create their designs both famous luxury goods found in Florence.
Day 4: The Flavours Of San Gimignano Relaxed Start
Location: San Gimignano
Accommodation: Villasanpaolo, San Gimignano.
Accommodation Name: Villasanpaolo, San Gimignano
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend time exploring the maze of alleyways and admire scenic views across the valley. Ascend serpentine alleyways to the artisan gelato parlour of world champion gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli, for a taste of his finest frozen treats.
Day 5: The Chianti Hills To Pisa, Portofino And Santa Margherita
Location: Pisa
Accommodation: Best Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure.
Accommodation Name: Best Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Drive through the patchwork of vines, olives and cypresses that typify the Chianti hills before continuing to Pisa and see the incredible Leaning Tower, 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. Next, journey to the sea and cruise along the rugged Ligurian coast to the elegant seaside village of Portofino, the epitome of la dolce vita (should weather permit). Continue along the coast to the pretty seaside resort of Santa Margherita Ligure.
Day 6: The Cinque Terre And Portofino
Location: Cinque Terre
Accommodation: Best Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure.
Accommodation Name: Best Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Head to the port of La Spezia for a highlight of your travels and one of Italy's most beautiful landscapes, the Cinque Terre. With a Local Expert, appreciate the views as you approach one of the picturesque fishing villages by boat. For lunch, enjoy a delicious Sea-to-Table dining experience. Enjoy leisure time to admire the coloured houses, browse the boutiques or simply stay a while in the café bars on the piazzetta, watching the yachts moored in the harbour.
Day 7: Lake Maggiore Relaxed Start
Location: Lake Maggiore
Accommodation: Hotel Simplon, Baveno.
Accommodation Name: Simplon, Baveno
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head north to the beautiful Italian Lake District, a favourite retreat of the rich and famous where Alpine scenery combines with lush vegetation. Relax and enjoy an afternoon at leisure at this popular resort and beautiful lake.
Day 8: Cortina D’Ampezzo
Location: Cortina d'Ampezzo
Accommodation: Hotel de la Poste, Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Accommodation Name: Hotel de la Poste, Cortina d'Ampezzo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel through the stunning northern Italian countryside to one of the world’s most breath-taking wine regions. The vineyards around Conegliano Veneto produce Italy’s most prized sparkling wine. Be tempted with a taste of the crisp and aromatic flavour of prosecco. Continue through the Dolomites, to the mountain resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Day 9: Experience The Dolomites Relaxed Start
Location: Dolomites
Accommodation: Hotel de la Poste, Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Accommodation Name: Hotel de la Poste, Cortina d'Ampezzo
Meals Included: Breakfast
The whole day is free for you to explore the colourful peaks and sheer valleys of the Dolomites, one of the most impressive mountain ranges in the Alps. During summer, once the snow and ice have melted away, a breathtaking landscape is revealed. There are a number of walking tracks through pristine Alpine wilderness for the adventurous to explore, or for a more relaxed pace, perhaps take a thrilling optional experience to the summit of one of the peaks for breathtaking panoramic views?
Day 10: Venice, Queen Of The Adriatic Relaxed Start
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Splendid Venice - Starhotels Collezione.
Accommodation Name: Splendid Venice - Starhotels Collezione
Meals Included: Breakfast
Descend through the mountains to the romantic city of Venice.  A private boat glides you past canals lined with ornate palaces to St Mark’s Square. See the basilica, the Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, before checking into your luxurious hotel.  With the afternoon at leisure, why not cruise the Venetian Lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialities and wine?
Day 11: Venice At Leisure Relaxed Start
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Splendid Venice - Starhotels Collezione.
Accommodation Name: Splendid Venice - Starhotels Collezione
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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. Then there is free time to enjoy the magical atmosphere of this incredible city at your own pace. Mingle with the locals at the open air markets near the Rialto Bridge and explore the back lanes and squares where Venetians go about their day. Later, on your romantic gondola serenade, glide along the atmospheric canals exploring the intimate and hidden parts of this unique city while musicians set the mood with traditional songs. This evening, indulge in traditional Venetian dishes that are enriched with inspiration from seasonal produce during a magical dinner.
Day 12: Arrivederci Venice
Location: Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo airport.
What's Included
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Choice Highlights
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Florence, including standing beside Michelangelo's monumental statue, 'David', in the Accademia Gallery, or taking a stroll with your Travel Director to Piazza Santa Croce.
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Top Rated Highlights
Discover ancient treasures of Rome, enjoy a stroll through Renaissance Florence, visit the medieval Manhattan of Italy in San Gimignano, and see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
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Make Travel Matter
Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing in Venice, supporting the survival of this traditional craft and contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
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Authentic Dining
Enjoy a taste of world champion gelato in San Gimignano, a prosecco tasting in Veneto, and a true Venetian dining experience.
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Dining Summary
The tour includes 5 dinners, 11 breakfasts, and 1 lunch.
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Additional Included Highlights
Personal radio headsets, hotel and restaurant tips, taxes and porterage charges, luggage handling, Insight Flourish, complimentary Wi-Fi, and scheduled airport transfers are included.
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Insight Experiences
Visit the Vatican Museums, witness Michelangelo's genius in the Sistine Chapel, and see St. Peter's Basilica.
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Well-being
Travel in comfort with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned coach with double the standard legroom, onboard washroom, and physical distancing measures. Hand sanitizer is available on board.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as a thrilling experience to the summit of one of the Dolomite peaks for panoramic views are not included.
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Flights
Flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 11 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Additional Included Highlights
- 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.
Insight Experiences
- Vatican: Visit the Vatican Museums, witness the genius of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel and see St. Peter's Basilica.
Well-being
- 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.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach featuring double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Enjoy a private boat ride in Venice and a cruise along the Ligurian coast, ensuring a comfortable and scenic journey throughout Italy.
Accommodation
Experience luxury and comfort at the Golden Tulip Rome Piram, Villasanpaolo in San Gimignano, Best Western Regina Elena in Santa Margherita Ligure, Hotel Simplon in Baveno, Hotel de la Poste in Cortina d'Ampezzo, and Splendid Venice - Starhotels Collezione in Venice, offering exquisite amenities and prime locations.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experience does the tour offer in Venice?
In Venice, the tour offers a unique experience of witnessing the ancient skill of glassblowing, practiced by a few master artisans. Visitors can watch these craftsmen create delicate works of art using traditional practices, supporting the survival of this craft.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Vatican?
During the visit to the Vatican, you will enjoy fast-tracked entry into the Vatican Museums with a Local Expert, admire the Papal art collection, and marvel at Michelangelo's masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel. The tour also includes a visit to St. Peter's Basilica.
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What is the highlight of the visit to Florence?
In Florence, you have the choice to visit the Accademia Museum to see Michelangelo's David or take a stroll to Piazza Santa Croce with your Travel Director to enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local café.
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What dining experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of dining experiences such as a taste of world champion gelato in San Gimignano, a visit to a local winery in Veneto for prosecco tasting, and a traditional Venetian dining experience in Venice.
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What activities are available in the Dolomites?
In the Dolomites, you have a free day to explore the colorful peaks and valleys. You can choose to hike through the Alpine wilderness or take an optional experience to the summit of one of the peaks for panoramic views.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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