Insight > Italian Splendours

Italian Splendours
13 Days starting from $2,460

Countries Visited:
Italy

 

Length: 13 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: 2007-08 European Fall, Winter and Spring
Operator: Insight
Tour Code: W203
   
 
About This Tour


See history embodied in the streets of Pompeii and the antiquities of Rome. Experience the artistic heritage of Florence, the unique waterscape of Venice and the natural beauty of the Italian Lakes, Assisi and Capri.

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

Insight's First Class Services

  • Escorted by a professional Tour Director
  • Luxury 40 seat touring coach with extra legroom & onboard toilet
  • First Class hotels with all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
  • Complimentary transfers on Day 2 & Day 13 between the airport and your tour hotel

Quality Dining

  • Highlight Dinner of Italian cuisine in Rome (HD)
  • 11 buffet breakfasts (BB), 5 three course table d’hôte dinners, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

13 Days ~ Italy

Tour Pace - This is a perfectly paced tour with two-night stays in Rome, Sorrento, Venice and Florence. All traveling days are of a reasonable length with interesting stops en route for refreshments, sightseeing or photos.

Fellow Passengers - This popular itinerary suits those looking for a well-paced, comprehensive tour of mainland Italy. It focuses on history, art, and architecture from Roman times through to the golden age of the 15 & 16C.

DAY 1 – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Rome.

DAY 2 – ARRIVE ROME
Welcome to the ‘Eternal City’ of Rome - once hub of the vast Roman Empire. Complimentary transfers to your Insight tour hotel depart Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 09.30, 12.30 & 15.30 hours. Later, join your fellow guests and Tour Director for a Welcome Drink. Hotel: Ateneo Garden Palace.

DAY 3 – ROME SIGHTSEEING
Meet your guide in the Vatican State, the richest community in the world, and visit the superb Vatican Museums. Browse through the vast art collection before emerging into the Sistine Chapel, immortalised by Michelangelo's painted ceiling. Your tour continues inside St Peter’s Basilica, designed by some of history's greatest architects - Bramante, Bernini and Michelangelo. Another highlight takes you inside the massive Colosseum, scene of great excitement in imperial times. Then look out over the ruins of the Forum - once the religious, political and commercial heart of the Roman Empire. (BB)

DAY 4 – ROME – SORRENTO
Travel southwards towards Pompeii, the incredibly preserved Roman city, destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius (still one of Europe's few active volcanos) in 79 A.D. After a walk with a local guide through cobbled streets to explore some of the shops, villas and temples, continue along the Bay of Naples to the lively cliff-top resort of Sorrento. Why not dine at one of Sorrento’s top restaurants tonight? Hotel: Michelangelo. (BB)

DAY 5 – SORRENTO SIGHTSEEING
Visit Sorrento’s Piazza Tasso and watch the art of ‘intarsio’ wood inlaying. Cruise to the island of Capri and ascend to Capri town by funicular railway. There is time to explore before returning to Sorrento. (BB,D)

DAY 6 – SORRENTO – ASSISI
You pass beneath the hilltop monastery of Monte Cassino today, before climbing into the foothills of the Appenine Mountains. Stop first at the massive Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, built around the tiny chapel of the monastery founded by St Francis himself. Now ascend to the charming hill-town of Assisi, a perfectly preserved medieval community of cobbled streets and houses of warm pink stone. Visit the impressive basilica, housing the saint's tomb and decorated with frescoes by Giotto. Hotel: Grand Hotel Assisi. (BB,D)

DAY 7 – ASSISI – VENICE
A delightful mountain drive takes you through the heart of the Appenines to the Adriatic coast and on to Ravenna, the 'City of Mosaics' and meeting point of Roman, Christian and Byzantine cultures. At one time a Roman naval base and the site of Dante's tomb, your guide reveals some of Ravenna’s great artistic treasures and famous buildings. Continue through the marshes of the Venetian lagoon and across the causeway to the unique city of Venice. Your hotel is located directly on the Grand Canal. Hotel: Continental. (BB,D)

DAY 8 – VENICE SIGHTSEEING
Venice - a living treasure! What better way to see it than from a private launch? Cruise past Palladian churches and 13th century palaces to St Mark’s Square. See the Doges’ Palace, connected to the prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. It was from here that Casanova made his daring escape! Now turn the corner, and the gilded regalia of St Mark’s Basilica comes into view. Finally, watch one of the few remaining masters blow molten glass into a unique creation at a Venetian glass-blowing factory. (BB)

DAY 9 – VENICE – COMO
This morning travel to Verona, setting for one of history's saddest love stories. Here view the maze of elegant squares, the Roman Arena, where Opera is still performed, and glimpse the Capulet House with its famous balcony. Cross the fertile northern plains and pass by the outskirts of Milan, the commercial capital, before heading north to the Italian Lake District and the stunning beauty of Lake Como, your destination for tonight. Hotel: Grand Hotel Di Como. (BB,D)

DAY 10 – COMO – FLORENCE
Head towards the Mediterranean and stop at Pisa tosee the famous Leaning Tower in the 'Field of Miracles', and also the 11th century Cathedral and Baptistry. Continue to your hotel in the heart of Florence, treasure house of the Renaissance. Hotel: Cosmopolitan. (BB,D)

DAY 11 – FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING
Join a local guide for a walking tour and highlight visit to the Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo’s monumental figure of David. Continue to the multi-coloured marble Cathedral to see Giotto’s belltower and ‘Gates of Paradise’ before visiting the Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence. Finally watch a demonstration of leatherwork in the area around Santa Croce Basilica. Then, there’s free time to shop for Florence’s finest or continue sightseeing. The rest of the day is at leisure. (BB)

DAY 12 – FLORENCE – ROME
Travel through the Chianti vineyards and olive groves to Siena, Renaissance rival of Florence. Walk through the narrow cobbled streets, lined with palaces and mansions to reach 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. Drive to a local restaurant tonight for a highlight farewell dinner including pasta, vino and entertainment. Hotel: Villa Pamphili. (BB,HD)

DAY 13 – RETURN USA
Sadly, our tour comes to an end after breakfast today. Transfers from the hotel arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07.00 & 09.30 hours. (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)
11/4/2008 - 11/16/2008
$2,475
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
11/11/2008 - 11/23/2008
$2,475
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
11/18/2008 - 11/30/2008
$2,475
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
11/25/2008 - 12/7/2008
$2,475
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
12/2/2008 - 12/14/2008
$2,475
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
12/9/2008 - 12/21/2008
$2,475
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
12/16/2008 - 12/28/2008
$2,499
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
12/23/2008 - 1/4/2009
$2,499
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
12/30/2008 - 1/11/2009
$2,675
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
1/6/2009 - 1/18/2009
$2,550
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
1/13/2009 - 1/25/2009
$2,460
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
1/20/2009 - 2/1/2009
$2,460
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
1/27/2009 - 2/8/2009
$2,460
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
2/3/2009 - 2/15/2009
$2,460
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
2/10/2009 - 2/22/2009
$2,675
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
2/17/2009 - 3/1/2009
$2,675
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
2/24/2009 - 3/8/2009
$2,475
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
3/3/2009 - 3/15/2009
$2,499
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
3/10/2009 - 3/22/2009
$2,499
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
3/17/2009 - 3/29/2009
$2,499
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
3/24/2009 - 4/5/2009
$2,550
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
3/31/2009 - 4/12/2009
$2,825
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
4/7/2009 - 4/19/2009
$2,899
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
4/14/2009 - 4/26/2009
$2,950
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
         

Hotels - Enjoy a range of hotels from the chic Cosmopolitan in Florence to the 15C Continental on the Grand Canal. From the terraces of the Grand Hotel Assisi you can enjoy a wonderful views over the Umbrian countryside.

Highlights - See history embodied in the streets of Pompeii and the antiquities of Rome. Experience the artistic heritage of Florence, the unique waterscape of Venice and the natural beauty of the Italian Lakes, Assisi and Capri.

Enjoy our Premium Highlights plus these extra tour features

Excursions & Sights

  • Guided visit of St Peter’s Basilica - mother church of the Catholic faith
  • Visit Sorrento’s Piazza Tasso and watch the art of ‘intarsio’ wood inlaying
  • Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli and the medieval hill-town of Assisi
  • Visit the impressive Basilica of St Francis and see the frescoes by Giotto
  • Enjoy a delightful mountain drive through the Appenines
  • Cruise through the canals of Venice by private launch
  • See the Doges’ Palace, Bridge of Sighs, Campanile and St Mark’s Basilica
  • Venetian glass-blowing demonstration
  • See Juliet's balcony and the 1st century Roman Arena in Verona
  • See the Leaning Tower of Pisa
  • See the Cathedral, belltower and ‘Gates of Paradise’ on the Baptistery in Florence
  • Visit the statue lined Piazza della Signoria, political stage of Florence
  • Watch a demonstration of leatherwork in the Santa Croce district
  • Visit Siena’s Campo Square and see the Town Hall, ‘Fountain of Joy’ and Cathedral

Guided City Tours

  • Indepth sightseeing tours, with audio headsets where appropriate, in Rome, Pompeii, Assisi, Ravenna & Florence.
  • Orientation tours in Sorrento, Venice, Verona and Siena

Insight's First Class Services

  • Escorted by a professional Tour Director
  • Luxury 40 seat touring coach with extra legroom & onboard toilet
  • First Class hotels with all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
  • Complimentary transfers on Day 2 & Day 13 between the airport and your tour hotel

Quality Dining

  • Highlight Dinner of Italian cuisine in Rome (HD)
  • 11 buffet breakfasts (BB), 5 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).


   
Send This Tour to a Friend:
   
Your Name: Required.
Your E-Mail Address: Required.Invalid format.
   
Your Friend's Name: Required.
Your Friend's E-Mail Address: Required.Invalid format.
   
Comments:  
Required.