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 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. Admire the beautifully preserved Arch of Constantine, and walk 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? (B)
Explore Florence with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo's David. Alternatively, wander through the market stalls on a guided shopping tour, enjoying all the Italian treats and finery on offer. Continue on foot to the multi-coloured 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 and Hercules and Cacus along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. In the afternoon, perhaps visit medieval San Gimignano? (B)
Journey to the coastal town of Pisa and see the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles, as well as the baptistery and colonnaded bell tower behind the cathedral. Relax and enjoy the scenery as you cross the spectacular Apennine Mountains, through the Emilia-Romagna region - one of Europe's most intensely farmed and fertile plains.
Continue through the marshes of the Venetian Lagoon before crossing the causeway into the floating city of Venice. As evening falls, day-trippers desert the city to return to the mainland. Appreciate the peace and tranquility of Venice from your centrally located hotel. This evening, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. (B/DW) Stay: Splendid Venice - Starhotels Collezione.
Cross the Bay of Naples to reach the beautiful Isle of Capri, a rock rising sheer from the Mediterranean! For 2,000 years, Capri has beckoned visitors from Tiberius to Gracie Fields. Arriving at the Marina Grande by boat, ascend to Capri town by one of the island's iconic open-top taxis. A Local Expert joins you for an exploration of the narrow alleyways. Descend to the port by funicular railway and return to Sorrento, where you are at leisure for the rest of the day. Perhaps head to Positano for an exploration of the colourful Amalfi Coast? (B)
Continue to Pompeii, the opulent Roman town which was preserved by layers of ash from the disastrous eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. A walk with your Local Expert through the cobbled streets and extensive excavations reveals the daily life of ancient Roman civilisation. Visit the Forum and peer into shops and patrician villas, decorated with colourful wall paintings.
Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Vesuvius National Park and visit Casa Barone. This small family run farm on the slopes of the volcano is one of the world's only producers of Piennolo tomatoes, an endangered fruit that only thrives in the fertile volcanic soil. Each harvest is sustainably farmed and cared for by the extended Barone family, who all work here. Be sure to savour the unique flavours of this rare tomato during a truly unique Farm-to-Table lunch.
Your journey continues to Rome. In the evening, enjoy an elegant four-course Celebration Dinner with local wine at a Roman restaurant. As you dine, enjoy a private performance of popular songs and arias from some of Italy's best-loved operas. (B/LW/DW) Stay: Hotel Romanico Palace, Rome.
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 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. Admire the beautifully preserved Arch of Constantine, and walk 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? (B)
Explore Florence with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo's David. Alternatively, wander through the market stalls on a guided shopping tour, enjoying all the Italian treats and finery on offer. Continue on foot to the multi-coloured 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 and Hercules and Cacus along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. In the afternoon, perhaps visit medieval San Gimignano? (B)
Journey to the coastal town of Pisa and see the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles, as well as the baptistery and colonnaded bell tower behind the cathedral. Relax and enjoy the scenery as you cross the spectacular Apennine Mountains, through the Emilia-Romagna region - one of Europe's most intensely farmed and fertile plains.
Continue through the marshes of the Venetian Lagoon before crossing the causeway into the floating city of Venice. As evening falls, day-trippers desert the city to return to the mainland. Appreciate the peace and tranquility of Venice from your centrally located hotel. This evening, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. (B/DW) Stay: Splendid Venice - Starhotels Collezione.
Cross the Bay of Naples to reach the beautiful Isle of Capri, a rock rising sheer from the Mediterranean! For 2,000 years, Capri has beckoned visitors from Tiberius to Gracie Fields. Arriving at the Marina Grande by boat, ascend to Capri town by one of the island's iconic open-top taxis. A Local Expert joins you for an exploration of the narrow alleyways. Descend to the port by funicular railway and return to Sorrento, where you are at leisure for the rest of the day. Perhaps head to Positano for an exploration of the colourful Amalfi Coast? (B)
Continue to Pompeii, the opulent Roman town which was preserved by layers of ash from the disastrous eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. A walk with your Local Expert through the cobbled streets and extensive excavations reveals the daily life of ancient Roman civilisation. Visit the Forum and peer into shops and patrician villas, decorated with colourful wall paintings.
Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Vesuvius National Park and visit Casa Barone. This small family run farm on the slopes of the volcano is one of the world's only producers of Piennolo tomatoes, an endangered fruit that only thrives in the fertile volcanic soil. Each harvest is sustainably farmed and cared for by the extended Barone family, who all work here. Be sure to savour the unique flavours of this rare tomato during a truly unique Farm-to-Table lunch.
Your journey continues to Rome. In the evening, enjoy an elegant four-course Celebration Dinner with local wine at a Roman restaurant. As you dine, enjoy a private performance of popular songs and arias from some of Italy's best-loved operas. (B/LW/DW) Stay: Hotel Romanico Palace, Rome.
12 Days Rome Venice
Operated By: Insight Vacations
11 Days Rome Rome
Operated By: Insight Vacations
12 Days Berlin Munich
Operated By: Insight Vacations