Picture Perfect Italy

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Fully Guided Group
Sold Out
 Trip Length
18 Days
 Trip Starts
Venice
 Trip Finishes
Rome
18 Day Picture Perfect Italy Itinerary (Insight Vacations)
Countries Explored: Italy, Switzerland
Trip Style
Special Interest
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Max. Group Size
40
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
CF0097

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Insight Vacations 18 Day Picture Perfect Italy. From the gondola-filled canals and Venetian masks of Venice to the pastel-hued vineyards and rolling hills of Tuscany, this 3-week tour across Italy showcases life through the lens of a Local Expert. Journey along the Italian Riviera to the ancient city of Pompeii—preserved in time after the Mount Vesuvius eruption of AD79. Walk the ancient, cobbled streets before exploring the nearby paradise of Positano, an exclusive artists paradise on the Amalfi coast. In the lush surrounds of the Italian Lake District,...read more take to the waters on the Isola Bella Cruise, setting sail for Lake Maggiore’s beautiful Borromean Islands. Before a stop in Florence, pause to enjoy a wine and olive oil tasting, followed by a Tuscan cooking lesson—all set against a backdrop of vineyards and olive groves.

Itinerary

Transfers from Venice Marco Polo Airport depart at 09.30, 12.30, 15.30 to your hotel. Later, join your Travel Director for a welcome drink and a relaxed evening of dinner and wine at a local restaurant. (DW) Stay: Splendid Venice - Starhotels Collezione / NH Collection Venezia Grand Hotel Palazzo dei Dogi, Venice.

A Local Expert introduces you to this fabled city. Standing in the iconic Piazza San Marco, admire the grand Basilica and Doge’s Palace. See the Grand Canal and learn about the history and culture of “La Serenissima”. The rest of the day is free for independent exploration. Perhaps experience a romantic gondola ride or get a bird’s eye view of Venice from one of the bell towers. (B)

Journey through the distinctive Dolomite Mountains, where rugged peaks take the form of towers, belfries or domes and visit the chic ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo. (B/DW) Stay: Parc Hotel Victoria, Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps ascend to the summit of one of the nearby peaks by cable car? (B)

Head for magnificent Milan to see the impressive cathedral, its façade resplendent with pinnacles and spires. Onward onto the enchanting Italian Lake District for three nights by the water in beautiful Baveno. (B/DW) Stay: Hotel Simplon, Baveno

Take to the waters of Lake Maggiore for a delightful cruise to the beautiful Borromean Islands. Visit Isola Bella renowned for its incredible palace and stunning Botanical Gardens. (B)

Discover Bellagio – the pearl of Lake Como! Enjoy glorious water views and explore the narrow cobblestone alleyways, filled with luxurious boutiques. Visit the romantic gardens of Villa Carlotta. Built at the end of the 17th century, the botanic haven is famous for its art and a photographer’s dream come true! Next, embark on a scenic drive along the shores of the lake, past splendid villas set in the sub-tropical gardens with the Swiss Alps providing the backdrop. Cross into Switzerland to explore the fashionable resort of Lugano. (B)

Leave the Italian Lake District and travel down the sunny, colour-splashed Ligurian coast, better known as the Italian Riviera! Here, visit the exclusive fishing village of Portofino, the epitome of La Dolce Vita. Admire the gaily coloured houses, browse the trendy boutiques, stay a while in the cafes on the piazetta and watch yachts bob in the harbour. A short cruise (weather permitting) along the Ligurian coast brings you to your coach and onto your hotel. Fans of seafood are in for a treat at this evening's dinner. (B/DW) Stay: Grand Hotel Bristol Resort & Spa, Rapallo.

Explore the fishing villages that hug the cliff-face with your Local Expert, making great memories and even better photographs in this idyllic spot. Enjoy some free time to soak up the atmosphere before returning to your hotel. (B/DW)

Enjoy a relaxed start this morning before continuing to your charming hotel, nestled in the wine growing region. (B) Stay: Hotel Relais La Cappuccina, San Gimignano.

Get your cameras ready for a drive through the beautiful rolling countryside of Tuscany, past olive groves, old farmhouses, medieval towns, and rows of vineyards. Visit an estate in the heart of Tuscany to taste the finest produce of wine and olive oil, before your cooking demonstration. Enjoy the Tuscan lunch you prepared from antipasto to dessert, along with a glass of the famous wine, Salute! (B/LW)

Join your Local Expert In Florence and enjoy an animated commentary on the walk from the burial place of Michelangelo at the Basilica of Santa Croce, to the Uffizi Gallery. Later, admire Signoria Square adorned with statues and fountains, before free time for lunch and a visit to the Pitti Palace. Enjoy a moment and relax here, on the exquisite Boboli Garden terrace. (B)

Drive to Orvieto, located on a rock pedestal overlooking a vineyard covered plain. Savour the distinctly medieval ambiance during your walking tour with a Local Expert. Admire the richly decorated façade of the cathedral in Piazza del Duomo. Take in the flavours of the region and enjoy dinner with a glass of Orvieto Classico wine. (B/DW) Stay: Aquila Bianca Hotel, Orvieto.

Drive south to the ancient city of Pompeii, preserved by the eruptions of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets to explore the shops, villas, and temples. Continue to the artist's paradise of Positano on the breathtaking Amalfi coast - its Moorish flair and colourful houses make it one of the most photographed places in Italy. As evening descends, make the most of this beautiful setting with an imaginative dinner at a local restaurant. (B/DW) Stay: Hotel Royal Positano.

There is magnificent scenery at every turn as you travel along the Amalfi Coast to board your ferry to Capri – the Isle of Dreams. Arriving at the Marina Grande, ascend to Capri Town by funicular railway. Enjoy time to browse in the elegant shops before taking the spectacular Corniche road to Anacapri, with its magnificent views over the Mediterranean. There is free time to explore before returning to the mainland. (B)

Drive to the UNESCO listed gardens of Cardinal d’Este. In the 16th century, the cardinal diverted the River Aniene to feed hundreds of fountains for his fantasy garden which still function perfectly today! The day concludes with an arrival into The Eternal City of Rome. (B) Stay: Veneto Palace Hotel, Rome.

Join a Local Expert to discover the glory of ancient Rome. See the incredible Circus Maximus. Comeup close and personal with the beautifully preserved Arch of Constantine, walking on the ancient pavement. Learn about 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? At the Celebration Dinner this evening, enjoy the regional flavours of Rome paired with local wines. (B/DW)

Bid farewell to the glories of Italy. Departure transfers arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 and 09:30. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Venice: A Local Expert introduces you to this fabled city.
  • Como: Visit Villa Carlotta in Lake Como
  • Cinque Terre: Led by your Local Expert, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, travelling by train and boat and dedicated time to explore one of the five charming fishing villages.
  • Florence: Visit the Uffizi Gallery, one of the oldest and most famous art museums in Europe. Admire works by Michelangelo, Botticelli and Raphael amongst other masterpieces.
  • Orvieto: Admire the richly decorated façade of the cathedral in Piazza del Duomo.
  • Capri: Cruise to the Isle of Capri.
  • Rome: See the mighty Colosseum and Roman Forum as well as other medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches, scattered through the city.
  • Isola Bella: Visit Isola Bella renowned for its incredible palace and stunning Botanical Gardens.

  • Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

  • San Gimignano: Enjoy a cooking lesson in Tuscany.
  • Dining Summary: 17 Breakfast (B), 8 Dinner with Wine (DW), and 1 Lunch with Wine (LW)

  • Our Well-Being Directors take a proactive approach to your welfare ensuring all well-being regulations are met (available on tours with 20 or more guests).
  • Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with onboard washroom. Alternate vehicles without onboard washroom or 40 seats may be used on occasion. 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. ​
  • Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
  • We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Play Youtube Video

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Insight Vacations. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Insight Vacations. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

Similar Tours

17 Day Grand Italy & Sicily (Small Group) (Insight Vacations)

17 Days Rome Palermo

Operated By: Insight Vacations

From 9,825
Save 1,850
17 Day Grand Italy & Sicily (Insight Vacations)

17 Days Rome Palermo

Operated By: Insight Vacations

From 8,541
Save 1,629
19 Day Romantic European (Insight Vacations)

19 Days Amsterdam London

Operated By: Insight Vacations

From 11,640
Save 1,494
22 Day French Heritage (Small Group) (Insight Vacations)

22 Days Paris Paris

Operated By: Insight Vacations

From 19,080
Save 391