Overview
Itinerary
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 and 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? This pertains to the optional ‘Piazzas & Fountains of Rome. (B)
Traveling into the heart of Italy, we take in the flavors of the Umbria region. Enjoy a magical culinary experience, learn about local ingredients and Italian food culture as we join a local chef for a fascinating cooking demonstration, followed by lunch and a glass of wine.
Journey to beautiful Perugia to join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit an artisanal workshop and meet Marta, a recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Learn how Marta and her weavers are preserving the ancient craft of loom-weaving. Continue through the idyllic landscapes into Tuscany and on to Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance (B/LW)
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most important Italian museums houses a priceless collection paintings and sculptures, with a particular focus on the Italian Renaissance period. Walk amongst works from great artists including Michelangelo, Botticelli and Raphael. Walk on to the multi-colored 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. Wander the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods of gold and leather. (B)
During your two days in Milan. Explore Italy's renowned fashion capital with your Local Expert. See the magnificent facade of Milan Cathedral, visit the La Scala Theatre and see the glass-vaulted shopping arcade of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, lined with luxury boutiques.
Visit the spectacular Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie with your Local Expert, famously known as the site of Leonardo da Vinci's fresco “The Last Supper”, preserved inside its refectory. *Discover more of Milan during your free time or perhaps take an excursion to the Lake District? (*Tickets to The Last Supper entirely subject to availability.) (B)
Head north towards the Italian Lake District via Lake Lugano. Continue into the heart of the Swiss Alps, passing through the Saint Gotthard Tunnel, one of the longest road tunnels in the world, before traveling alongside towering mountains and past rushing torrents, to scenic Lake Lucerne.
Embark on a scenic journey by funicular railway and open-top cable car to the summit of the stunning Mount Stanserhorn. Breathe in the pristine mountain air and, on a clear day, witness views as far as Alsace and the Black Forest in Germany. Explore Mount Stanserhorn with Insight Choice. Choose to walk along beautiful scenic pathways for a chance to see marmots and other native animals. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger, to learn about local wildlife and flora. (B/DW)
Traveling into the Burgundy wine region of France, we stop in the walled town of Beaune. Join your Travel Director for a walk through the cobbled streets and impressive medieval ramparts. Renowned for its wine production and architectural marvels, including stunning tiled roof of the Hospices de Beaune, the town boast a long and fascinating history from the pre-Roman era through to the Renaissance.
Next continue to the French capital, Paris, where this evening we will enjoy a delicious typical French style dinner, at a local restaurant in the heart of the city. (B/DW)
Join your Travel Director for an orientation of Paris, see the Eiffel Tower, the façades of the Louvre, the obelisk in the center of the Place de la Concorde and enjoy a drive along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. We visit Paris's first digital art Museum, Ateiler des Lumières. With state-of-the-art visuals and audio, artists works become an immersive and panoramic show.
Then there is time free to explore Paris at your leisure. This afternoon we visit the renowned Louvre Museum, offering a totally different perspective. Formerly a royal palace, the Louvre has embraced the history of France for eight centuries and features works admired across the globe, including the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the Venus de Milo. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Milan: Explore Italy's renowned fashion capital with your Local Expert. See the magnificent facade of Milan Cathedral, La Scala Theatre and the glass-vaulted shopping arcade of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, lined with luxury boutiques.
- Milan: A renaissance masterpiece and one of the world's most iconic paintings, Leonardo da Vinci's fresco of “The Last Supper” is housed in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Painted in 1495-98, the colossal artwork remains a fascinating spectacle, surrounded by mysteries and legends.
- Amsterdam: Explore the Rijksmuseum, the Dutch national museum and largest art museum in the Netherlands, with a local art historian. Witness famous works by Van Gogh, Vermeer, and Rembrandt.
- Amsterdam: Home to the world's largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and drawings, the Van Gogh Museum showcases the famous artist's masterpieces in a magnificent permanent exhibition. Follow Van Gogh's development as an artist and discover his ideas and ambitions through the many paintings, drawings and letters, and enjoy works from his contemporaries.
- Ghent: Frequently listed as one of the top cities to visit in Europe, Ghent offers a quirky cultural cocktail of modern urban life, and fascinating medieval architecture. Stroll along the Lys River to the historic city centre and discover one of Europe's finest panoramas of water, spires and centuries-old grand houses.
- Paris: The Orsay Museum is renowned the world over for its rich collection of art. It houses the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist work from such acclaimed artists as Monet, Degas, Renoir, Cezanne and Van Gogh.
- Paris: Paris's first all-digital Art Museum, Ateiler des Lumieres opened in its doors in 2018. See works and artistic visions of great masters reimagined in large-scale, full color digital installations, along with contemporary art and exhibitions, creating links between eras and adding dynamism to artistic practices. The multi-sensory digital exhibits create a deep and immersive experience that engages all the senses.
- Paris: The biggest and best-known museum in the world, The Louvre was once palace to the kings of France. You'll follow your Local Specialist through the sumptuous maze of galleries to view masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci's 'Mona Lisa' and Winged Victory, one of the most celebrated sculptures in the world.
- Paris: With a Local Expert, explore the iconic sights and streets of Paris. See famous landmarks including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower and the facades of the Louvre. Stroll the banks of the River Seine and admire romantic bridges, and enjoy a drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe.
- Lucca: Your orientation with your Travel Director will show you the churches, squares and palaces within the medieval ramparts.
- Florence: The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most important Italian museums houses a priceless collection paintings and sculptures, with a particular focus on the Italian Renaissance period. Walk amongst works from great artists including Michelangelo, Botticelli and Raphael.
- Rome: Experience Rome through the eyes of a local, as a passionate Roman guides you through vibrant backstreets, showing you how modern life takes place around ancient treasures.
- Rome: The world-renowned Galleria Borghese's exquisite collection of paintings, sculptures and antiques was begun by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, (the nephew of Pope Paul V) between 1576 and 1633. The Cardinal was the first sponsor of Bernini, and an avid collector of Caravaggio's works and the museum features extensive exhibitions from both artists, along with works by Tiziano, Raphael, Reubens and Botticelli.
- Vatican: Gain priority access into the Vatican Museums and admire the famous Bramante Staircase. Witness the genius of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel and view the splendid dome of St. Peter's Basilica.
- Stanserhorn: Embark on a spectacular journey to the summit of Mount Stanserhorn and appreciate unrivalled views of snow-capped peaks. Meet a Swiss ranger and learn about the local wildlife and flora over a conservation talk. Learn about the conservation of the local ecosystem and local fauna from a Swiss ranger. Hear about what it takes to preserve the wildlife throughout the year and in all weather. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life On Land. Alternatively, walk along beautiful scenic pathways for a chance to see native animals like marmots.
- Perugia: Meet Marta, a recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Learn how she offers employment opportunities for local women and alongside her weavers, preserves the ancient craft of loom-weaving in an artisan workshop. The workshop is owned by women and actively empowers women and girls through its education and training programs. Marta, and her students help to safeguard the unique patterns while contributing to the protection of Umbria's cultural heritage. Laboratorio Guidetta Brozzetti advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality and UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities.
- Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- 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.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- Paris: Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at a local restaurant in the heart of Paris for a delightful dinner, served with wine.
- Lucca: Visit a traditional steam bakery and sample Buccellato, the sweet raisin bread typical of the region.
- Lucca: Indulge in a wine tasting and olive oil tasting with light lunch. Featuring a selection of local wines matched with fresh bread, extra virgin olive oil, pecorino cheese, bruschetta and cold cuts.
- Umbria: Learn how to make a tasty local dish at a cooking demonstration in Umbria. Discover the ingredients, flavors and methods used in traditional recipes, and add new culinary skills to your repertoire.
- Rome: Enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travellers at a uniquely Roman local restaurant.
- Rome: Enjoy a Highlight Dinner of delicious Italian cuisine and wine, accompanied by the rich tremolo of some of Italy's best loved songs.
- Dining Summary: 13 Breakfasts (B), 6 Dinners with Wine (DW), and 1 Lunch with Wine (LW)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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.
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.
