Insight > Grand Tour of Italy and Sicily

Grand Tour of Italy and Sicily
16 Days starting from $3,875

Countries Visited:
Italy, Sicily

 

Length: 16 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: Europe and Britain Premium 2008
Operator: Insight
Tour Code: E921
   
 
About This Tour


An evenly paced tour with two-night stays in five of the seven cities, with overnights in Assisi and Agrigento. The majority of the driving days are of reasonable length and with frequent stops, often with great photo opportunities.

 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing
  • SPECIALS

Insight's First Class Services

  • Escorted by a professional Tour Director
  • Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
  • Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
  • Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 16

Quality Dining

  • Highlight Dinner of local cuisine with entertainment in Rome (HD)
  • 14 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 7 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

16 Days ~ Italy ~ Sicily

Tour Pace
An evenly paced tour with two-night stays in five of the seven cities, with overnights in Assisi and Agrigento. The majority of the driving days are of reasonable length and with frequent stops, often with great photo opportunities.

DAY 1 – FRI – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Rome.

DAY 2 – SAT – ROME AT LEISURE
On arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport there are complimentary transfers to your tour hotel. Relax on the Via Veneto or stroll the Piazza Navona before joining your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Cicerone.

DAY 3 – SUN – ROME SIGHTSEEING
Tour St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City, seeing the Popes’ Altar by Bernini and Michelangelo’s Pieta. Now visit the Colosseum, scene of great entertainment in Imperial times and overlook the Roman Forum. Time at leisure this afternoon. (BB)

DAY 4 – MON – ROME – OVERNIGHT FERRY
Meet your local guide for a sightseeing tour of the priceless art in the Vatican Museums before admiring Michelangelo’s amazing ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Drive through vine-covered hills to visit the peaceful Commonwealth War Cemetery at Cassino. Stop at Pompeii, where a local expert will guide you around the excavations of the city, buried by an eruption in 79AD. Drive through the city of Naples before boarding an overnight ferry to Sicily. (BB)

DAY 5 – TUE – PALERMO – AGRIGENTO
Arrive in the early morning in Palermo where a guided tour will show you the cathedral, the Arab-Norman Palatine Chapel and the magnificent Monreale. Then it’s off to the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento, considered the finest Greek sanctuary in Sicily. See the impressive Temple of Concord and Temple of Juno, overlooking the sea.
Hotel: Jolly della Valle. (BB,D)

DAY 6 – WED – AGRIGENTO – GIARDINI NAXOS
Travel into the heart of Sicily to visit the Roman Villa of Casale, noted for the mosaics which cover almost the entire floor. Descend to the east coast and follow the coastline of the Cyclops Riviera to Giardini Naxos.
Hotel: Sant Alphio. (BB,D)

DAY 7 – THU – TAORMINA EXCURSION
Tour the hillside town of Taormina. Founded in 400 BC, Taormina is beautifully located, facing the snowy peak of Mount Etna. Visit the Greek Theatre before free time to explore the sub-tropical terraced gardens, or stroll along elegant Corso Umberto to Piazza 9 Aprile for panoramic views across the bay. Return to Giardini Naxos where the rest of the day is at leisure. (BB,D)

DAY 8 – FRI – GIARDINI NAXOS – SORRENTO
Drive to Messina to board the ferry back to the Italian mainland. Continuing north past Salerno, take the cliff-top road to Sorrento.
Hotel: Parco del Sole. (BB)

DAY 9 – SAT – ISLE OF CAPRI EXCURSION
See the art of ‘intarsio’, or marquetry wood inlaying, before cruising to the island of Capri. A funicular train takes you up to Capri town to spend time browsing the shops and admiring the Mediterranean views. Perhaps visit Anacapri before returning to Sorrento. (BB,D)

DAY 10 – SUN – SORRENTO – ASSISI
Drive north into Umbria and continue to the walled town of Assisi, spread across the slopes of Monte Subasio. Stroll through the narrow streets and visit the Basilica of St Francis with its famous frescoes by Giotto before spending the afternoon at leisure. The energetic can climb up to the castle for fine views over the valley.
Hotel: Windsor Savoia. (BB,D)

DAY 11 – MON – ASSISI – VENICE
Visit the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels, built to commemorate the site where St Francis died. Then a beautiful drive brings us through the wild Apennine Mountains to the Adriatic coastal plain. Drive along the scenic Brenta Canal with its magnificent Palladian villas, once the summer residences of Venetian nobility, to the romantic city of Venice, where your hotel overlooks the Grand Canal.
Hotel: Continental. (BB,D)

DAY 12 – TUE – VENICE SIGHTSEEING
Relax and enjoy the scenery as you travel by private launch to St Mark’s Square. See the Bridge of Sighs, connecting the Doges’ Palace to the prisons. See the ornate St Mark’s Basilica, followed by a demonstration of Venetian glass blowing. To truly appreciate this unique city, step aboard your gondola to glide along the peaceful canals. Now you are at leisure. Why not cruise to Burano Island for a delicious seafood meal? (BB)

DAY 13 – WED – VENICE – FLORENCE
Cross the fertile valley of the river Po before heading into the Apennines to the Tuscan capital, Florence. A guided tour takes you to the original ‘Statue of David’ inside the Academy Gallery. Walk to the Cathedral to see Giotto’s Belltower and the ‘Gates of Paradise’ before continuing to Signoria Square, adorned with statues and fountains, before visiting the basilica of Santa Croce, where Michelangelo lies buried. Finally, watch a leatherwork demonstration before enjoying some time at leisure.
Hotel: Sheraton. (BB,D)

DAY 14 – THU – FLORENCE AT LEISURE
A whole day is set aside to explore this glorious city, the treasure house of the Italian Renaissance. Take an excursion to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa or indulge in a delicious local meal with rich Chianti wine. (BB)

DAY 15 – FRI – FLORENCE – ROME
Travel through the Chianti vineyards and olive groves to Siena, Renaissance rival of Florence. Walk through the narrow cobbled streets to the vast Campo Square, where the Palio horse race takes place. See the Town Hall, Della Quercia's ‘Fountain of Joy’, and climb up to the hilltop Cathedral before returning to Rome for a last night celebration Highlight Dinner with pasta and music.
Hotel: Marriott Park. (BB,HD)

DAY 16 – SAT – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends with transfers to Rome Airport. (BB)


To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
8/29/2008 - 9/13/2008
$3,899
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9/5/2008 - 9/20/2008
$3,950
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9/12/2008 - 9/27/2008
$3,950
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9/19/2008 - 10/4/2008
$3,950
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9/26/2008 - 10/11/2008
$3,950
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10/3/2008 - 10/18/2008
$3,950
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10/10/2008 - 10/25/2008
$3,950
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4/24/2009 - 5/9/2009
$4,650
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5/1/2009 - 5/16/2009
$4,650
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5/8/2009 - 5/23/2009
$4,650
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5/15/2009 - 5/30/2009
$4,650
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5/22/2009 - 6/6/2009
$4,650
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5/29/2009 - 6/13/2009
$4,650
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6/5/2009 - 6/20/2009
$4,650
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6/12/2009 - 6/27/2009
$4,650
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6/19/2009 - 7/4/2009
$4,550
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6/26/2009 - 7/11/2009
$4,550
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7/3/2009 - 7/18/2009
$4,550
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7/10/2009 - 7/25/2009
$4,550
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7/17/2009 - 8/1/2009
$4,499
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7/24/2009 - 8/8/2009
$4,499
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7/31/2009 - 8/15/2009
$4,590
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8/7/2009 - 8/22/2009
$4,590
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8/14/2009 - 8/29/2009
$4,590
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8/21/2009 - 9/5/2009
$4,675
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8/28/2009 - 9/12/2009
$4,590
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9/4/2009 - 9/19/2009
$4,650
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9/11/2009 - 9/26/2009
$4,650
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9/18/2009 - 10/3/2009
$4,650
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9/25/2009 - 10/10/2009
$4,650
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10/2/2009 - 10/17/2009
$4,650
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10/9/2009 - 10/24/2009
$4,650
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10/16/2009 - 10/31/2009
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Hotels
The hotels on this tour range from the modern Sheraton in Florence, to the far more traditional Continental overlooking Venice’s Grand Canal. Enjoy stunning views from the hilltop Windsor Savoia in Assisi, and gentle seaside breezes from the Sant Alphio Garden, Giardini Naxos.

Fellow Passengers
This tour appeals particularly to the traveler who has perhaps visited Italy briefly on a European panoramic tour and now wishes to look at the country in more depth. It also suits the art history specialist who wishes to visit the country for the first time.

Highlights
Top of the list is the extraordinary beauty and heritage of Sicily, followed by another beautiful island, Capri. Meanwhile, the contrasts between the gentle town of Assisi and the waterscape of Venice are stark, while the masterpieces of Michelangelo are stunning.

Enjoy our Premium Highlights plus these extra tour features

Excursions & Sights

  • Tour St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City seeing the Popes’ Altar by Bernini
  • Visit the peaceful Commonwealth War Cemetery at Cassino
  • Visit the Cathedral and Palatine Chapel in Palermo
  • Visit Monreale with its highly decorated Cathedral
  • Guided tour of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento to see the Temple of Concord
  • Guided visit to the Roman Villa of Casale, noted for its famous mosaics
  • Guided visit to the Greek Theatre & views of Mt Etna in Taormina
  • Visit the Basilica St Mary of the Angels & the Basilica of St Francis in Assisi
  • Scenic Brenta Canal drive past the summer mansions of the Venetian nobility
  • Cruise by private launch to St Mark’s Square in Venice
  • See the Doges’ Palace, Bridge of Sighs & St Marks Basilica in Venice
  • Visit the Church of Santa Croce in Florence to see the tomb of Michelangelo
  • See the Duomo, ‘Gates of Paradise’ & Signoria Square in Florence
  • See the ‘Fountain of Joy’ in Siena’s Campo Square and the striped Cathedral
  • Visit Rome’s Piazza di Spagna dominated by the majestic Spanish Steps
  • Demonstrations of traditional Venetian glass-blowing, ‘Intarsio’ inlay woodwork in Sorrento and traditional Florentine leatherwork
  • Scenic drives through the Apennines, Cyclops Riviera & Sorrento cliff top drive

Guided City Tour

  • In-depth sightseeing tours with audio headsets where appropriate in Rome, Pompeii, Palermo, Agrigento, Assisi & Florence
  • Orientation tours in Taormina, Sorrento, Venice & Siena

Insight's First Class Services

  • Escorted by a professional Tour Director
  • Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
  • Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
  • Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 16

Quality Dining

  • Highlight Dinner of local cuisine with entertainment in Rome (HD)
  • 14 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 7 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

CURRENT SPECIALS:

Great Savings and Discounts

EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNTS

SAVE UP TO 10%: Insight sells its tours in many countries worldwide so the most popular tours fill very quickly. Don’t be disappointed, book early! You’ll be assured of the tours you want, andthe earlier you pay, the more you SAVE!

Here’s how...

Pay 4 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 2.5%

Pay 7 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 5%

Pay 10 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 7.5%

Pay 12 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 10%

Tours must be paid in full for this discount to apply. Discounts apply to the land-only portion of your tour. Tour prices may change in future brochures. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.

FAMILY SAVINGS

YOUNG TRAVELLERS SAVE 10% AGED 5-17 YEARS :Travel broadens the mind and enhances those special relationships. Insight offers you the opportunity of

sharing your happy holiday memories with your children or grandchildren. This discount applies to the Land Only portion of your tour. Young Travellers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date, and MUST be accompanied by an adult (limit of one Young Traveller Discount per room). On all escorted tours, children under 5 years old are NOT accepted. The Young Traveller must be the specified age at the time of travel to be eligible for this discount. This discount cannot be combined with our Groups Discount. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension,

and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.

GROUP DISCOUNTS

5 OR MORE – SAVE 5%: If a group of 5 to 8 people travel together a discount of 5% per person applies to the Land Only portion of your tour. So it pays to get together with your family and friends!

SAVE $$$ FOR 9 OR MORE : If you have a group of 9 or more people travelling together on the same scheduled tour, then you automatically qualify for big savings! Your savings will be determined by the number of people travelling so ask call for details. You may also reserve a tour departure exclusively for your group! Some restrictions apply. Please contact our Groups Department 1-866-475-7023.

These discounts cannot be combined with Frequent Traveller, Family Savings or Triple Room Discounts. To qualify, names of all passengers travelling must be advised to Insight at the time of booking. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension,

and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.  

SINGLE TRAVELLER SAVING

SAVE UP TO $2850 PER PERSON with Insight’s Room Mate Matching service Insight believes travelling solo should not cost you more! That’s why for people travelling alone on an Insight coach tour, we'll match you with someone of the same gender, so you don't have to pay the single room supplement. If we fail to match you, we'll provide a single room at no extra cost. Please note there is a no-smoking policy in all shared rooms. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises. 3. Does not apply to Irish Elegance.

TRIPLE ROOM DISCOUNTS: When three people travel together and share one room,

each of the three enjoys a discount off the tour price. See the Triple Room Reductions on the itinerary of your choice. This discount only applies to tours featuring the “Share a Triple Room” reduction on the itinerary pages. Note the third bed will, on occasions, be a foldaway.

FREQUENT TRAVELLER SAVING

SAVE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TOUR: Most first-time travellers go on vacation with Insight again and again. In recognition of our loyal customers, Insight now extends to all clients automatic membership into our Premier Plus Club, as well as a 5% Discount off the Land portion of their next Insight trip. Insight’s Premier Plus Club & 5% Discount is not available retroactively. Only one voucher is available per person, per tour, per year and only one voucher can be redeemed against each further tour

booking. This discount cannot be combined with our Groups Discount.  Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise.

EXTRA TOUR DISCOUNTS

SAVE $$$ON YOUR 2ND TOUR: Book two Insight vacations, each 7 days or longer and you will receive a reduction of 5%off the cheaper of the two tours. Both tours must be booked at the same time. This discount is per person.

COMPLIMENTARY TRANSFERS: Save up to $135 per couple on LONDON taxi fares

FREE LONDON RETURN : Passengers taking the 'Land only' option on our Discovery

tours may return to London by Insight motorcoach at NO EXTRA CHARGE, instead of departing from Paris. Offer applies to the final day of the following Discovery tours:  E920, E910, E933, E914, E912, E913, E916 & G916. Accommodations will be

required, as arrival in London is late afternoon/early evening.

SMALL GROUPS ADVANTAGE : Many tour operators fill their tours with up to 53 passengers. This means more congestion and less leg room on the coach as seats are configured more closely. At Insight we have a

maximum of only 40 guests per tour.

INSIGHT'S GUARANTEES

PRICE GUARANTEE: With Insight, you don’t need to worry about currency fluctuations. Once we receive your full deposit, your land tour price is guaranteed and protected against any increases. (Excludes pre-registration for tours in future brochures and any imposed fuel surcharges or Government Taxes.

TOUR GUARANTEE FOR LAND TRAVEL: To assist you when booking our airline offers and taking our great early payment savings, Insight has designated a large number of tours which we guarantee will operate on the scheduled date, unless circumstances occur beyond our control. Look for Tour Guarantee (TG symbol) on the itinerary of your choice indicating applicable dates. All other featured departures are planned to operate however, for operational reasons, may be subject to re- scheduling with at least 50 days notice (between May 1st & September 30th).


   
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