Insight > Italian Intermezzo

Italian Intermezzo
9 Days starting from $2,125

Countries Visited:
Italy

 

Length: 9 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: Europe and Britain Premium 2008
Operator: Insight
Tour Code: E971
   
 
About This Tour


This is an evenly paced tour with two-night stays in Rome, Montecatini and Venice, allowing plenty of time for sightseeing and people-watching from the comfort of sidewalk cafes.

 
  • 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 9

Quality Dining

  • Highlight Dinner of local cuisine with entertainment in Rome (HD)
  • 7 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 2 three-course table d’hôte Dinners,or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

9 Days ~ Italy

Tour Pace
This is an evenly paced tour with two-night stays in Rome, Montecatini and Venice, allowing plenty of time for sightseeing and people-watching from the comfort of sidewalk cafés. The driving days are of a reasonable length with frequent stops for rest and photo opportunities.

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

DAY 2 – SAT – ROME AT LEISURE
Welcome to Italy! On arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport, there are complimentary transfers to your tour hotel. Then this beautiful and historic city is yours to discover at leisure: stroll down the Via Veneto or perhaps spend some time wandering through the vast parklands of the Villa Borghese. Tonight, join your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Sheraton.

DAY 3 – SUN – ROME – TUSCANY
Drive northwards, following the valley of the Tiber, to Perugia, which in medieval times housed one of the great Italian schools of painting. Visit the Piazza 4 Novembre, one of the grandest squares in Italy, to see the Great Fountain, Gothic Cathedral and splendid Priors’ Palace before seeing the nearby Collegio del Cambio. Take a delightful drive through the Tuscan olive groves to Florence and explore the riches of the Renaissance. With a local guide, visit the Academy Museum to see Michelangelo’s original ‘Statue of David’. See the marble clad Cathedral and Baptistery too, where Ghiberti’s ‘Gates of Paradise’ have been recreated in all their glory. Next stop is Signoria Square, political heart of the city and still an open air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Finally, visit the church of Santa Croce to see the tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo. Afterwards, make your way to your hotel in Montecatini.
Hotel: Grand Hotel Nizza & Suisse. (BB,D)

DAY 4 – MON – FLORENCE EXCURSION
Drive back to Florence to enjoy a demonstration of traditional Florentine leatherwork. The rest of the day is yours to shop, explore or continue sightseeing at your own pace. Consider taking an optional excursion to the leaning tower of Pisa before sampling some fine Florentine cuisine and Chianti wine. (BB)

DAY 5 – TUE – TUSCANY – VENICE
Cross the Apennine Mountains, passing Bologna and the flood plains of the River Po for a scenic drive along the famous Brenta Riviera. See the magnificent classical villas that were once the summer residences of the Venetian nobility. The route takes you along the canal through Strà, Dolo and Mira to magical Venice, where the city seems to float on the lagoon. Stay on the Lido, one of the most fashionable resorts on the Adriatic.
Hotel: Le Boulevard. (BB,D)

DAY 6 – WED – VENICE SIGHTSEEING
Appreciate the splendor of Venice as you cruise by the Biennale Park and Palladio’s San Giorgio Maggiore to St Mark’s Square. Your Tour Director will explain the glorious history of ‘La Serenissima’, once one of the greatest trading centres of the world which imported goods from the Orient – this wealth and power is echoed by the riches of St Mark’s Basilica. See the Doges’ Palace and its adjoining Bridge of Sighs, then visit one of the glass showrooms for a demonstration of traditional craftsmanship, unchanged for centuries. Relax and enjoy the atmosphere as you cruise along the Venetian canals by gondola. There is time to explore or browse through the shops on the Rialto Bridge in the afternoon. Don’t miss the chance to try the delicious seafood, freshly caught in the lagoon. (BB)

DAY 7 – THU – VENICE – ROME
Take the spectacular highway over the wild Apennines, continuing southwards to reach the valley of the River Tiber, its course leading back to Rome. In the evening, why not dine to your favorite Italian songs from some of the best voices in Italy? 
Hotel: Cicerone. (BB)

DAY 8 – FRI – ROME SIGHTSEEING
A local guide introduces the grandeur of the city: drive to the independent Vatican State, the richest community in the world. Visit the superb Vatican Museums, treasure house of the Catholic faith with vast collections of ancient and Renaissance art gathered by Popes over the ages. Continue into the Sistine Chapel, a glorious masterpiece of Michelangelo’s fresco skills. Tour St Peter’s Basilica to see another of Michelangelo’s early works, the Pieta, as well as the splendid dome completed after his death. Hear tales of the glory of ancient Rome as you cross the River Tiber to visit the Colosseum and see the Forum. The afternoon is free to enjoy Rome at your own pace. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a last night celebration Highlight Dinner of pasta, wine and music. (BB,HD)

DAY 9 – SAT – RETURN TO USA
Bid farewell to the glories of Italy as you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (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)
9/12/2008 - 9/20/2008
$2,199
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9/19/2008 - 9/27/2008
$2,199
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9/26/2008 - 10/4/2008
$2,199
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10/10/2008 - 10/18/2008
$2,199
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4/17/2009 - 4/25/2009
$2,550
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4/24/2009 - 5/2/2009
$2,550
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5/1/2009 - 5/9/2009
$2,575
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5/8/2009 - 5/16/2009
$2,575
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5/15/2009 - 5/23/2009
$2,575
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5/22/2009 - 5/30/2009
$2,575
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5/29/2009 - 6/6/2009
$2,575
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6/5/2009 - 6/13/2009
$2,575
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6/12/2009 - 6/20/2009
$2,575
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6/19/2009 - 6/27/2009
$2,575
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6/26/2009 - 7/4/2009
$2,575
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7/3/2009 - 7/11/2009
$2,575
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7/10/2009 - 7/18/2009
$2,490
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7/17/2009 - 7/25/2009
$2,490
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7/24/2009 - 8/1/2009
$2,490
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7/31/2009 - 8/8/2009
$2,490
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8/7/2009 - 8/15/2009
$2,490
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8/14/2009 - 8/22/2009
$2,490
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8/21/2009 - 8/29/2009
$2,490
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8/28/2009 - 9/5/2009
$2,575
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9/4/2009 - 9/12/2009
$2,575
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9/11/2009 - 9/19/2009
$2,575
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9/18/2009 - 9/26/2009
$2,575
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9/25/2009 - 10/3/2009
$2,575
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10/2/2009 - 10/10/2009
$2,575
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10/9/2009 - 10/17/2009
$2,575
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10/16/2009 - 10/24/2009
$2,575
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10/23/2009 - 10/31/2009
$2,575
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Hotels
Both Roman hotels are modern with all comforts - the Cicerone being located near the Vatican. Montecatini’s Grand Hotel Nizza & Suisse is in traditional Tuscan spa-town style, while the Boulevard hotel on Venice Lido echoes traditional Venetian architecture from the 15th century.

Fellow Passengers
This tour attracts the first-time visitor to Italy but is also suitable for the returning traveler who wants to revisit three of the major Italian cities. It also appeals to passengers with limited vacation time and those with a passion for art, architecture and a love of Italian food and wine.

Highlights
Highlights are many: the Renaissance treasures of Florence (in particular Michelangelo’s original statue of David); the unique waterscape of the Venetian Lagoon; the awe-inspiring beauty of St Peter’s Basilica and the extraordinary ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

Enjoy our Premium Highlights plus these extra tour features

Excursions & Sights

  • Visit Piazza 4 Novembre in Perugia to see the Great Fountain, Cathedral & Priors’ Palace
  • See the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo inside Santa Croce Church in Florence
  • See the ‘Gates of Paradise’ on the Baptistery and Cathedral in Florence
  • Scenic drive along the Brenta Riviera to see the Venetian summer palaces
  • Cruise to St Mark’s Square by private launch past San Giorgio Maggiore
  • See St Mark’s Basilica, the Doges’ Palace and Bridge of Sighs in Venice
  • Tour St Peter’s Basilica, mother church of the Catholic faith
  • Florence leatherwork & Venetian glass-blowing demonstrations
  • Scenic drives - Tuscany, Apennines

Guided City Tours

  • In-depth sightseeing tours with audio headsets where appropriate in Rome & Florence Orientation tours in Perugia & Venice

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 9

Quality Dining

  • Highlight Dinner of local cuisine with entertainment in Rome (HD)
  • 7 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 2 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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