An Art Lover's Taste of Europe

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)