Insight > Italian Elegance

Italian Elegance
13 Days starting from $3,365

Countries Visited:
Italy

 

Length: 13 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: Italy and Sicily
Operator: Insight
Tour Code: E923
   
 
About This Tour


A well paced tour to allow for an in-depth look at northern Italy. With the exception of La Spezia, there are two-night stays in each city providing plenty of time on the second day for a relaxed sightseeing tour or free time to spend as you wish.

 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing Highlights
  • 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 13

Quality Dining

  • Dine-Around evening at your choice of selected restaurants in Rome (DA)
  • 11 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 5 three-course table d’hôte Dinners,or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

13 Days ~ Italy ~ Switzerland

Tour Pace
A well paced tour to allow for an in-depth look at northern Italy. With the exception of La Spezia, there are two-night stays in each city providing plenty of time on the second day for a relaxed sightseeing tour or free time to spend as you wish.

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

DAY 2 – FRI – ROME
Welcome to Rome! You are met upon arrival at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Airport and transferred to your hotel in the 'Eternal City'. Spend the rest of the day at leisure before joining your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Massimo D’Azeglio.

DAY 3 – SAT – ROME SIGHTSEEING
Get to know Rome with a guided tour of the priceless art collection of the Vatican Museums, followed by a visit to the celebrated Sistine Chapel. Then visit St Peter's Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world. Cross the Tiber to enter the Colosseum and see the Roman Forum. The afternoon is free for shopping, relaxing or more sightseeing. As evening falls, your Tour Director offers you an evening of fine dining from a selection of restaurants. (BB,DA)

DAY 4 – SUN – ROME – LA SPEZIA
Take the autostrada northwards through Tuscany, home of the famous Chianti wines, to medieval Siena, where you can explore narrow cobbled streets lined with palaces and patrician mansions, and the famous Campo Square. Twice a year, the Palio horse race takes place here to the accompaniment of great festivities. Continue to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower in the 'Meadow of Miracles', and the 11th century Cathedral and Baptistery. Follow the Mediterranean coast past the marble quarries of Carrara to your hotel in La Spezia on the eastern end of the Italian Riviera.
Hotel: Jolly. (BB,D)

DAY 5 – MON – LA SPEZIA – FLORENCE
Explore the Cinque Terre, or ‘five villages’, which were for years only accessible by donkey. Luckily, today you can take the train! A local expert will guide you around two of the villages, which both retain their charm and reputation for producing one of Italy’s most sought after and exclusive wines. Later, head to Florence, city of treasures and cradle of the Renaissance, for your two night stay.
Hotel: Villa Gabriele D’Annunzio. (BB,D)

DAY 6 – TUE – FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING
With a local guide you will see Michelangelo’s original statue of David on your visit to the Academy Gallery. Once outside, continue to the lofty Cathedral - its adjoining Baptistery is adorned with the ‘Gates of Paradise’, while Giotto’s 14th century Campanile is said to be the most beautiful bell-tower in the world. Walk on to Signoria Square with its open-air gallery of Renaissance sculpture. Afterwards, visit the craftsmen’s area to see the famous Florentine leather and gold-work, or discover more art treasures housed in the many museums and galleries. As night falls, why not consider joining a Tuscan dinner party? (BB)

DAY 7 – WED – FLORENCE – VENICE
Descend the Apennine Mountains to reach Ravenna, the ‘City of Mosaics’. At one time Ravenna was the capital of the Western Roman Empire and a local guide will show you some of the area’s great artistic treasures and famous buildings. Continue around the Lagoon to reach Venice, 'Queen of the Adriatic'. A private launch ferries you past canals lined with ornate palaces to your hotel, close to St Marks Square and overlooking a romantic waterfront where gondolas moor for the night.
Hotel: Cavaletto E Doge Orseolo. (BB,D)

DAY 8 – THU – VENICE SIGHTSEEING
Wake up to the sounds of Venice! Literally around the corner is St Marks Square, dominated by its magnificent Basilica and overlooked by the great Clock Tower where bronze Moors beat out the hours on a huge bell. Nearby is the Campanile and Doges’ Palace which is connected to the prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. See a demonstration of Venetian glass-blowing before enjoying a highlight ride by traditional gondola along the picturesque canals. This afternoon is free to enjoy the magical atmosphere of this unique city at your own pace. Stroll back to your hotel tonight, past the al-fresco cafés, with the sound of music drifting in the background...unforgettable! (BB)

DAY 9 – FRI – VENICE – CORTINA D'AMPEZZO
Bid farewell to this enchanting city and take the scenic route along the Brenta Canal, lined with classical villas by Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio. See more of his work in the town of Vicenza, nicknamed ‘Venice on terra firma’. Walk down the main street, Corso Andrea Palladio, and visit the Piazza dei Signori before continuing to Bassano del Grappa, which gives its name to the brandy distilled here. Perhaps try a glass on the covered wooden bridge designed by Palladio that spans the Brenta River. Continue through the colorful peaks and sheer valleys of the Dolomites, to your overnight stay in the mountain resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Hotel: Ancora. (BB,D)

DAY 10 – SAT – DOLOMITES AT LEISURE
Enjoy the fresh mountain air and blue skies as you relax in Cortina. Why not ascend to the summit of one of the nearby peaks by cable car for magnificent Dolomite panoramas? (BB)

DAY 11 – SUN – CORTINA D’AMPEZZO – ITALIAN LAKES
Take the beautiful route to the ‘Lago di Misurina’, the prettiest lake of the Dolomites. Then it’s on via Dobbiaco, past fields, forests, farms and mountain pastures to join the autostrada heading south. Follow the Adige River to Verona, legendary home of Romeo and Juliet, and see the well-preserved Roman Arena and Juliet’s Balcony. Later, continue to Lake Maggiore in the beautiful Italian Lake District.
Hotel: Dino. (BB,D)

DAY 12 – MON – ITALIAN LAKES SIGHTSEEING
Time to relax and enjoy the scenery this morning, or why not take an optional cruise to the Borromean Islands to visit the exotic gardens? Later, a beautiful drive takes you along the shores of the lake past splendid villas set in sub-tropical gardens. Cross into Switzerland and stop awhile in fashionable Lugano, beautifully located on the shores of its lake amid spectacular mountains. Time here to stroll in the gardens and browse in the exclusive shops, before returning to tour hotel. (BB)

DAY 13 – TUE – RETURN TO USA
Sadly, your tour comes to an end after breakfast. There are complimentary transfers to Malpensa 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)
4/24/2008 - 5/6/2008
$3,475
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5/1/2008 - 5/13/2008
$3,475
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5/8/2008 - 5/20/2008
$3,475
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5/15/2008 - 5/27/2008
$3,475
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5/22/2008 - 6/3/2008
$3,475
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6/5/2008 - 6/17/2008
$3,499
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6/19/2008 - 7/1/2008
$3,499
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7/10/2008 - 7/22/2008
$3,450
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8/7/2008 - 8/19/2008
$3,365
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8/14/2008 - 8/26/2008
$3,365
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8/28/2008 - 9/9/2008
$3,450
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9/4/2008 - 9/16/2008
$3,435
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9/11/2008 - 9/23/2008
$3,499
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9/18/2008 - 9/30/2008
$3,499
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9/25/2008 - 10/7/2008
$3,475
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10/2/2008 - 10/14/2008
$3,475
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10/9/2008 - 10/21/2008
$3,475
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10/16/2008 - 10/28/2008
$3,475
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Hotels
The Jolly Hotel in La Spezia is modern but you also stay in more traditional hotels like the Cavaletto E Doge Orseolo in Venice, only steps away from St Marks Square. Cortina’s Hotel Ancora is built in the characteristic Ampezzano style with wooden balconies and carved interior details.

Fellow Passengers
Popular with those who want a more intimate itinerary. Appreciated by lovers of architecture (Palladian), history (Roman, Byzantine & Renaissance), art (Vatican Museums, Academy Gallery, Ravenna) and the great outdoors (Cinque Terre, Dolomites and the Lake District.)

Highlights
Even today, the Cinque Terre remains an isolated region of Italy. Your visit to two of the fishing villages is the highlight of this tour, closely followed by the yellow and pink hues of the Dolomites. Not to mention the wonderful cities of Rome, Florence & Venice.

Enjoy our Premium Highlights plus these extra tour features

Excursions & Sights

  • Tour St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City
  • See Siena’s striped cathedral, Fountain of Joy & vast Campo Square
  • See the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the equally impressive cathedral & baptistery
  • See Florence’s Duomo, ‘Gates of Paradise’ & Signoria Square
  • Venice cruise to St Mark’s Square to see the Basilica, Bridge of Sighs & Doges’ Palace
  • See the villas of the Brenta Canal
  • Walk down Corso Andrea Palladio in Vicenza and visit the Piazza dei Signori
  • Visit Bassano del Grappa, famous for it’s local brandy
  • See Juliet’s Balcony and the ancient Roman Arena in Verona
  • Visit the Swiss lakeside resort of Lugano
  • Demonstration of Venetian glass-blowing
  • Demonstration of traditional leatherwork in Florence
  • Scenic drives – Apennine Hills, Dolomites, Italian Lake District

Guided City Tours

  • In-depth sightseeing tours with audio headsets where appropriate in Rome, Cinque Terre and Florence
  • Orientation tours in Siena, Venice, Vicenza, Cortina, Verona and Lugano

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 13

Quality Dining

  • Dine-Around evening at your choice of selected restaurants in Rome (DA)
  • 11 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 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).


   
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