| Countries Visited:
Italy |
Tour Type: Gold
Tour Duration: 11 Days (10 Nights)
From: Rome to Venice
Tour Code: G200
Operator: Insight Vacations |
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Tour Description
As with all Insight Vacation's Gold itineraries, the tours have been planned where possible, with two-night stays and later starts in the morning. In order to experience some of Italy's most secluded gems, you'll embark on a variety of ferries, hydrofoil, trains, gondolas and boats in addition to the usual armchair coach comfort. Your superb, traditional hotels are all excellently located, retaining the classic elegance and grace of their respective settings, but with a contemporary feel and friendly service. What's Included
Your Delicious Dining Experiences
- Get to know your Tour Director and fellow guests over a Welcome Reception including a light meal (WR)
- 1 two-course lunch at a historic winery in the Chianti Hills (HL).
- 1 lunch of local specialites in one of the charming villages of the Cinque Terre (HL).
- Join a highlight Celebration dinner with wine at Venice´s Ai Do Forni restaurant (CD).
- 10 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 3 three course dinners with choice (D)
Your Inclusive Gold Services
- Escorted by your `Personal Concierge´, an Insight professional Tour Director; and accompanied by expert local guides where appropriate.
- First class seats aboard the high-speed Eurostar Italia train from Naples to Florence.
- Enjoy the unique comfort of Insight´s luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with extended leg room and on-board restroom
- Insight Traveller Welcome pack
- Airport arrival transfers at scheduled times on Day 1 Airport departure transfers by private boat on Day 11.
Highlights
- Rome: Welcome drink reception; view the priceless art collection of the Vatican Museums and ceiling of the Sistine Chapel on a privately guided tour; overlook the Forum and visit the ancient Colosseum; visit the vast St. Peter´s Basilica and see Michelangelo´s `Pieta´.
- Pompeii: Join a local guide for a private tour of the Roman town, buried by an eruption of Vesuvius in AD79.
- Isle of Capri: Walk to Augustus´ Gardens for views of the Faraglioni Rocks; Descend from Capri Town by funicular; Visit the most famous of Capri´s marine caves - the Blue Grotto.
- Florence: Marvel at Michelangelo´s original statue of David in the Academy of Fine Arts; see the Cathedral, Giotto´s belltower, `Gates of Paradise´, and open-air gallery of Signoria Square.
- Tuscany: Enjoy wine tasting in the Chianti Hills.
- Pisa: See the famous leaning tower and Cathedral
- Cinque Terre: Travel by train and boat to enjoy time in one of the five charming fishing villages that comprise the Cinque Terre.
- Venice: Drift through the canals by gondola accompanied by musicians: see St. Mark´s Basilica and the Bridge of Sighs.
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Day
1 |
Rome
Welcome to Italy! You are met on arrival at Rome´s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport. At 09:30, 12:30 & 15:30 your transfer departs for your 5-star luxury hotel set in the heart of Rome on the Via del Corso nor far from the Pantheon and Spanish Steps. Tonight, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception with drink and a light meal, followed by time to relax. Stay: Grand Hotel Plaza (RW)
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Day
2 |
Imperial Rome
Join your guide in the Vatican City where you are escorted through the superb Vatican Museums, culminating beneath Michelangelo´s famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. More of Michelangelo´s genius is on display next door in St Peter´s Basilica. Now cross the Tiber to visit the Colosseum, scene of great excitement in Imperial times. Ascend the broad flight of steps to Michelangelo´s spectacular Piazza del Campidoglio from where you overlook the Roman Forum. The afternoon is set aside for you to enjoy Rome as you please. (BB)
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Day
3 |
Rome - Pompeii - Capri
Journey past the brooding hilltop monastery of Cassino to the Bay of Naples. Here lies the ill-fated town of Pompeii, frozen in time when it was engulfed by an eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. Walk with a local guide through the cobbled streets to learn about Roman life in the first century. Then continue to Naples to board your hydrofoil to the sun-drenched island of Capri. Arrive at Marina Grande and transfer to your exquisite hotel situated in Anacapri, the most exclusive part of the island, and offers spectacular views across the sparkling waters. Stay: Capri Palace (BB/D)
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Day
4 |
The Isle Of Dreams
Meet your guide to visit Capri town, with its cosmopolitan Piazzetta, filled with small cafés. Descend by funicular to the harbour and weather permitting, visit the amazing Blue Grotto, its walls made blue by sunlight filtering through the azure water. Then the remainder of the day is yours to devote to Capri´s white washed houses, orange and lemon trees, fashionable shops and restaurants. You could indulge at the hotel´s Beauty Farm, a favourite of Gwyneth Paltrow and other celebrities. As the orange-rose glow of twilight descends and the day trippers have returned back to the mainland, the island is all yours to saunter along scenic paths, gather with the locals in the piazzetta or dine in the superb restaurants. (BB)
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Day
5 |
Capri - Florence
Take the hydrofoil across the bay to Naples and transfer to your high-speed train bound for Renaissance Florence. Relax in first class comfort while the countryside slips by. On arrival you are met by a local guide for a visit to the Academy Gallery housing Michelangelo´s Statue of David. Walk on to see the marble Cathedral, Giotto´s belltower and `Gates of Paradise´ before visiting the Piazza della Signoria, an open air gallery of sculpture. Stay: Brunelleschi (BB/D)
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Day
6 |
Florence At Leisure
The joys of Florence are varied so today is entirely free for your own personal exploration. Head down to the Ponte Vecchio, haggle for leather goods at the market around San Lorenzo or relax amid the terraces of the Boboli Gardens. By night, make the most of warm summer evenings by following the locals to the buzzing covered markets for rustic Florentine dishes. Alternatively, dine alfresco with crisp table-top linen and crystal glassware. (BB)
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Day
7 |
Florence - Chianti - Pisa - Viareggio
Sleep in, relax over breakfast and read the paper. Mid-morning board your coach for a drive through the patchwork of vines, olives and cypresses that typify the Chianti hills. In one of the small bucolic towns, typical of the area, stop for a taste of local Chianti wine followed by a two-course highlight lunch in a historic Tuscan cellar. Now head for the coast, pausing on the way at the amazing Leaning Tower of Pisa. Take time to explore the Square of Miracles before moving on to Viareggio. (BB/HL/D) Stay: Grand Principe Di Piemonte
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Day
8 |
The Cinque Terre
Head for the UNESCO World Heritage listed Cinque Terre. To fully appreciate this rugged coastline, you first board a train and then sail by boat to one of the picturesque fishing villages, sheltered by hills covered with vines and olive groves. Spend time exploring the old medieval quarter or the popular sandy beach. The regional cuisine is exemplary, so reservations have been made at a local restaurant for lunch. Return along the famous Italian Riviera to your prestigious hotel on Viareggio´s seafront. (BB/HL)
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Day
9 |
Viareggio - Venice
Cross the fertile Po Valley to romantic Venice, where you are immediately plunged back to the 16C. Your exclusive 5-star luxury hotel, is set on its own private Island in the heart of the Lagoon. Savour the light summer breeze or admire the panorama over St. Mark´s Basin and the Lido. Stay: San Clemente Palace (BB)
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Day
10 |
The Magic Of La Serenissima
Venice was once one of the greatest trading centres of the world. The city´s wealth and power is evidenced by the riches of St Mark´s Basilica. Admire also the Doge´s Palace and its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. No visit to Venice would be complete without a gondola serenade through the romantic canals. The afternoon is entirely yours to lose yourself in the hidden parts of the city. As evening falls, you are invited to join us for a celebratory meal favoured with, good food, wine and a happy, relaxed atmosphere. (BB/HD)
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Day
11 |
Depart Venice
Your tour draws to a close today. Savour the enchanting view of Venice one more time as you cross the lagoon by private transfer boat to arrive directly at Venice Airport at 08:00. (BB)
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Tour Prices
Tour prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability. |
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*
2012 Season Sale! Save up to $310 per couple. Exclusive to Global Journeys. Deposit this month only to qualify!
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
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| START DATE |
END DATE |
BROCHURE
(Twin Share) |
BROCHURE
(Single) |
OUR
SAVINGS |
OUR
PRICE |
| 21 May 2012 |
31 May 2012 |
AU $5,175 |
AU $6,685 |
Save $155 |
AU $5,020 |
| 28 May 2012 |
07 Jun 2012 |
AU $5,175 |
AU $6,685 |
Save $155 |
AU $5,020 |
| 04 Jun 2012 |
14 Jun 2012 |
AU $5,175 |
AU $6,685 |
Save $155 |
AU $5,020 |
| 11 Jun 2012 |
21 Jun 2012 |
AU $5,175 |
AU $6,685 |
Save $155 |
AU $5,020 |
| 18 Jun 2012 |
28 Jun 2012 |
AU $5,199 |
AU $6,709 |
Save $155 |
AU $5,044 |
| 25 Jun 2012 |
05 Jul 2012 |
AU $5,199 |
AU $6,819 |
Save $155 |
AU $5,044 |
| 02 Jul 2012 |
12 Jul 2012 |
AU $5,199 |
AU $6,819 |
Save $155 |
AU $5,044 |
| 09 Jul 2012 |
19 Jul 2012 |
AU $5,199 |
AU $6,819 |
Save $155 |
AU $5,044 |
| 16 Jul 2012 |
26 Jul 2012 |
AU $5,135 |
AU $6,710 |
Save $155 |
AU $4,980 |
| 23 Jul 2012 |
02 Aug 2012 |
AU $5,135 |
AU $6,710 |
Save $155 |
AU $4,980 |
| 30 Jul 2012 |
09 Aug 2012 |
AU $5,135 |
AU $6,710 |
Save $155 |
AU $4,980 |
| 06 Aug 2012 |
16 Aug 2012 |
AU $5,135 |
AU $6,710 |
Save $155 |
AU $4,980 |
| 13 Aug 2012 |
23 Aug 2012 |
AU $5,135 |
AU $6,710 |
Save $155 |
AU $4,980 |
| 20 Aug 2012 |
30 Aug 2012 |
AU $5,135 |
AU $6,710 |
Save $155 |
AU $4,980 |
| 27 Aug 2012 |
06 Sep 2012 |
AU $5,135 |
AU $6,710 |
Save $155 |
AU $4,980 |
| 03 Sep 2012 |
13 Sep 2012 |
AU $5,135 |
AU $6,710 |
Save $155 |
AU $4,980 |
| 10 Sep 2012 |
20 Sep 2012 |
AU $5,135 |
AU $6,710 |
Save $155 |
AU $4,980 |
| 17 Sep 2012 |
27 Sep 2012 |
AU $5,135 |
AU $6,710 |
Save $155 |
AU $4,980 |
| 24 Sep 2012 |
04 Oct 2012 |
AU $5,135 |
AU $6,710 |
Save $155 |
AU $4,980 |
| 01 Oct 2012 |
11 Oct 2012 |
AU $5,099 |
AU $6,609 |
Save $155 |
AU $4,944 |
| 08 Oct 2012 |
18 Oct 2012 |
AU $5,065 |
AU $6,575 |
Save $150 |
AU $4,915 |
| 15 Oct 2012 |
25 Oct 2012 |
AU $5,065 |
AU $6,575 |
Save $150 |
AU $4,915 |
| 22 Oct 2012 |
01 Nov 2012 |
AU $5,065 |
AU $6,575 |
Save $150 |
AU $4,915 |
Note: The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart. We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials. |
Tour Discounts & Options:
Tour options, extras, upgrades and discounts! |
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Click on the descriptions below for more detail. We will apply all valid discounts automatically to your quote to provide you with the best possible price. Terms & Conditions apply to the discounts below.
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Flights:
Book your tour and flights together to SAVE! |
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The prices on our site are land only prices. If you would like to include flights with your quote, then we have some amazing specials for you to take advantage of!
Flight specials only apply for clients booking this tour from Global Journeys. Terms & Conditions apply and full details will be provided in your quote.
   
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General Information
The information below relates to this itinerary only. |
Tour Operator: Insight Vacations
Insight Vacations, Europe's premier escorted tour operator, provides premium escorted motorcoach vacations throughout Britain, Ireland, Europe, Scandinavia the Eastern Mediterranean and North America. 'The Art of Touring in Style' lies at the very heart of Insight philosophy. Our carefully chosen unique features and impeccable service standards enable us to deliver exceptional quality, unequalled value, unforgettable memories and personal freedom at levels currently unrivalled elsewhere in the industry.
Tour Type: Gold
With Insight Gold deluxe escorted tours, you'll appreciate luxury hotels, dine in authentic restaurants and enjoy leisurely days with premium included sightseeing. These itineraries are an entirely new perspective on classical journeys. Insight Gold has more leisurely itineraries than other deluxe tours. We feature relaxed stays in the best locations in the most sought-after towns, cities and scenic areas. In each destination you will enjoy plenty of free time for personal exploration and individual activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Insight is completely unique. Simply, we are the only tour operator to give you more legroom on every tour at no extra cost: you'll consistently stay in quality hotels in desirable locations; you'll enjoy more included sightseeing; and because you'll travel in smaller groups (max 40 people), you'll receive better personal service from your experienced Tour Director and Tour Driver.
Documents will normally be mailed 21 days prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
Insight Vacations plays host to over 100,000 guests every year and has offices in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore and the UK . The company has also appointed specialist agents in Argentina, Brazil, Mauritius, India, Ireland, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Korea, Taiwan and China. It is therefore quite typical to find many different nationalities on any one tour.
With only 40 guests on our premium tours instead of the standard 53, Insight clients enjoy a more personalised service. In a smaller group, you'll be closer to your local guide for a more in-depth experience, you'll spend less time waiting to get into sights and it will be faster checking into hotels with your luggage arriving quicker to your room. Insight groups are smaller, more intimate and more friendly.
Yet another exclusive feature of an Insight premium tour is the incredible space and comfort you'll enjoy when travelling. Our luxury coaches have been specially reconfigured with fewer seats, you'll relax in style whilst enjoying up to twice as much legroom than on a standard touring coach.
Insight hotels are consistently first class standard and higher or in a style appropriate to the destination. They have been selected because they are good private or small collection hotels or from well-known chains such as Marriott, Renaissance and Hilton. Insight also chooses hotels based on their location. We know you'll prefer to stay centrally, convenient to the main historic, shopping or entertainment districts; or scenically in areas of natural beauty.
Time & time again, our guests tell us that it was their Tour Director who really made their trip. Our Tour Directors are amongst the finest in the business and will help steer you through the labyrinth of Europe 's cultures, languages and diversities and bring its magic to life before your eyes.
At Insight, planning the perfect tour is our speciality. Not only to we include the 'must see' sights, we carefully balance our itineraries to give you plenty of free time to relax and immerse yourself in the location.
The prices listed cover all hotel accommodations, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motorcoach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Insight Tour Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on tour by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.
On an Insight Vacation, some gratuities are included in the price of your trip: baggage handling, meal service for all meals listed in the tour itinerary, and hotel service charge. Room service, however, is not included in the tour price. Tips are customarily given to your Tour Director, Driver and Local Guides at your discretion. The recommended amounts are: Tour Directors EUR4 per day, Drivers EUR2.50 per day and Local Guides EUR1 per day. The option to prepay these tips prior to departure is possible. Please ask your consultant to include this in your quote.
These are activities that we do not automatically include but are offered at the start of your tour designed to enhance your travel experience. Your Tour Director will have a list of available options and the appropriate costs. They are carefully programmed to coincide with the best highlights available at the time of your visit. It could be a seafood lunch in Venice, a concert in Vienna or a Grand Canyon Helicopter ride. A detailed list and costs can be found in your tour documentation.
If you wish to share with another tour member you can advise Global Journeys at the time of booking. Insight believes that traveling solo doesn't have to cost you more. We will try to match you with someone of the same sex in order to avoid having to pay the single supplement. If we are not able to provide a suitable roommate, we will provide a single room at no extra cost. Several tours do not provide this option (generally tours containing a cruise component) and so the Single Supplement applies.
There is a no smoking policy motorcoach touring policy. However, we do make plenty of convenience stops giving you the opportunity to smoke, use local restroom facilities, take a scenic snapshot or just relax and enjoy of cup of coffee.
We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on Insight including FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel; as well as information on their 'Touring Styles', and a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their tours. Read more> (NB: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).
Airport Transfer Information
Airport Transfers in Europe
All Insight passengers receive complimentary arrival and
departure transfers by shuttle bus on the arrival and departure day of their
tour at specified times.
Any passengers whose flight times do not coincide with the shuttle bus transfer timings may choose to book and purchase a transfer. Additionally, passengers arriving before or leaving after the scheduled holiday may also book and buy a transfer through Insight providing they also purchase the additional pre and post holiday hotel night(s) from Insight & Global Journeys.
European Private Transfers
If your flight times or arrival/departure days do not coincide with our shuttle transfers, you may choose to purchase a private shared transfer. Providing you also purchase the additional pre and post-tour hotel night(s) from Insight we can do this for you. Flight timings must be provided to Global Journeys no less than 21 days before the flight departure. Please enquire for pricing.
Terms & Conditions:
Yep, all the boring small print! We still recommend you read it all though, as no one likes surprises. Click here to read them now - they will open in a new window, or print them off to read over later with a cup of coffee!
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