INCLUDED QUALITY DINING
A Welcome Reception with light meal (WR)Enjoy a two-course Highlight Lunch in Cortona (HL)Join a Celebration Dinner of local cuisine, complete with wine in a Venetian restaurant (CD)9 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 1 three-course table d’hôte Dinner plus tea or coffee (D)

INCLUDED FIRST CLASS SERVICES
Escorted by a professional Tour DirectorHeadsets for all guided visits and walking toursEnjoy the unique comfort of Insight’s Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with extended leg room and on-board restroomInsight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterageInsight Traveller Welcome packAirport arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 2 and Day 11 (Should your flights not coincide with these transfers, please make your own way to/from the airport)

Day 1: DEPART USA
Board your overnight flight (not included).

Day 2: ROME AT LEISURE
Welcome to Rome - one of the world’s most historic cities, filled with classical antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and baroque churches! Transfers to the tour hotel depart Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 09:30, 12:30 & 15:30. Then this historic city is yours to discover - stroll down the Via Veneto for a taste of ‘la dolce vita’. Tonight, join your Tour Director for a Welcome reception with drink and a light meal, followed by time to relax and explore.(Welcome Reception)

Day 3: ROME SIGHTSEEING
A local guide introduces the grandeur of the city! Start off in the independent Vatican State, the richest community in the world. Marvel at the art treasures of the Vatican Museum before gazing upon Michelangelo’s famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Then visit the awe-inspiring St Peter’s Basilica, regarded as one of the holiest Catholic sites. Now relive the glory of ancient Rome as you cross the River Tiber to visit the mighty Colosseum, and imagine yourself back in the days of the gladiators. Finally, look out over the site of the Roman Forum, for centuries the centre of Roman public life. The afternoon is entirely at leisure for you to enjoy Rome at your own pace.(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 4: ROME AT LEISURE
Today is set aside for you to enjoy more of the marvels of this ancient city. Suggestions include the Catacombs, the Pantheon, the fantastic fountains in the Tivoli Gardens, or the peaceful Castelli Romani hills. Or perhaps you may like to spend some time in the boutiques of the Via del Corso, the Via Nazionale or the elegant designer stores in the neighbourhood of the Spanish Steps? In the early evening why not sip a cappuccino at a sidewalk cafe in the Piazza Navona (the ‘Living Room of Rome’) and watch life go by!(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 5: ROME – CORTONA – FLORENCE
After a leisurely start this morning, follow the valley of the Tiber River northwards. Ascend to the beautiful hilltop town of Cortona, made famous in the movies ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ and ‘Life is Beautiful’. Time to explore the narrow streets of this ancient town before enjoying a two course lunch with wine in a local restaurant. Continue into the rolling countryside of Tuscany to Florence, the jewel of the Renaissance. From the sumptuous terrace of Piazzale Michelangelo there is a wonderful panorama of the city skyline dominated by Brunelleschi’s domed cathedral.(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch / Dinner)

Day 6: FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING
This morning join your local guide to meet Michelangelo’s original ‘David’ in the Academy Museum. Then walk on to the multi-coloured marble Cathedral, belltower and Baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti’s “Gates of Paradise”. You also visit the open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces in Signoria Square, the political heart of the city. Round off your walking tour at the tomb of Michelangelo in Santa Croce. Then the afternoon is entirely free to explore at your own pace. At night, why not make the most of warm summer evenings by following the locals to the buzzing covered markets for rustic Florentine dishes. Alternatively, dine alfresco with crisp table-top linen and crystal glassware. Either way, don’t forget to try the local Chianti wine!(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 7: FLORENCE AT LEISURE
Today is at leisure in this remarkable city. Everything is easily reached on foot. Traverse the medieval streets to the Ponte Vecchio, haggle for a leather goods at the market around San Lorenzo or relax amid the terraces of the Boboli Gardens. Perhaps venture even further afield, into the beautiful Tuscan countryside, the epitome of picture postcard Italy? The choice is yours, but be sure not to miss the magnificent museums and galleries – how often do you get the chance to see some of most famous works of art in the world?(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 8: FLORENCE – VERONA – VENICE
Passing the city of Bologna, today’s highlight stop is the elegant city of Verona, legendary home of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers. Walk with your Tour Director past the Roman Arena where Opera is still performed, to the famous balcony in the courtyard of the Capulet home. After free time to savour the local dishes and wines, take the autostrada east to Venice, ‘Queen of the Adriatic’! Your luxurious hotel gazes out over the Giudecca Canal and an unforgettable city skyline.(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 9: VENICE SIGHTSEEING
Welcome aboard your private launch. Sit back and enjoy your introduction to this unique city of ornate palaces, bridges and gondolas. Disembark near the Bridge of Sighs before turning the corner to stand in awe at the marble arcades of Piazza San Marco. St Mark’s Basilica, with its dazzling domes, occupies the corner next to the clock tower. Next door stands the pink and white marbled Doges’ Palace. Complete your experience with a magical gondola serenade along the atmospheric canals. In the afternoon there is time to explore the museums, galleries and churches or browse through the shops on the Rialto Bridge. Others may prefer to simply lose themselves in the back lanes and ‘campi’, small squares, where tourists seldom tread and the Venetians go about their daily lives.(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 10: VENICE AT LEISURE
A day to drink in the unique atmosphere of this wonderful city! Maybe visit some of the 90 churches which house masterpieces of Venetian art or explore the treasures of the Academy Museum? Sit a while at a canal side cafe to sip the local wine, or sample delicious lagoon fresh fish. Perhaps cruise out to some of the other islands in the lagoon to experience the age-old lifestyle of Venetian fishermen and lace-makers? As evening descends, you are invited to a finalé Celebration Dinner favoured with good food, good wine and good company.(Buffet Breakfast / Celebration Dinner)

Day 11: RETURN TO USA
Bid farewell to this enchanting city today. Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Airport at 08:00.(Buffet Breakfast)

Don't miss our current specials: SAVE Up To $600 Per Couple On Select 2012 Insight USA Tours 2012 USA SALE - SAVINGS OF UP TO $600   Save up to $300 per person on select 2012 Insight Vacations USA itineraries   Tour Name Tour Duration Departing Was Now Saving Promo Code American Parks Trail 10 May 13, 27 $2525 $2325 $200 12USSALE1 Best of California 9 Jul 20 $2595 $2395 $200 12USSALE2 Best of Eastern Canada & USA 16 May 27 $4175 $3875 $300 12USSALE3 Capitals of Eastern Canada 7 Jul 8 $1799 $1599 $200 12USSALE4 Coastal New England and Canada’s Maritimes 13 Jun 29, Jul 13 $3525 $3225 $300 12USSALE5 Enchanting Canyonlands 7 May 19, Jun 16 & 30, Jul 21 & 28 $1975 $1775 $200 12USSALE6 Grand Canadian Rockies 13 May 28 $6275 $5975 $300 12USSALE7 Great Western American Adventure 15 Jul 20 $4350 $4050 $300 12USSALE8 Hawaiian Dreams 10 Jun 16 $3750 $3450 $300 12USSALE9 Hawaiian Dreams with Kauai 12 Jun 16 $4595 $4295 $300 12USSALE10 Maritimes Landscapes 8 Jul 2, 16 $2375 $2175 $200 12USSALE11 Southwest Discovery 11 May 11, Jun 15 $2535 $2335 $200 12USSALE12       Terms and Conditions: Price is in American dollars and is per person, land only, based on double occupancy. For new bookings only made after March 31, 2012 on departures listed above for 2012 travel. Subject to availability. Excludes Early Payment Discount and any other promotional offer. Please note if the booking is made within 45 days from the departure date full Payment will be due at the time of booking. No bookings may be made after June 26th, 2012. Other conditions apply. SAVE Up To $700 On 2012 Insight Europe Tours SAVE UP TO $700 ON 2012 INSIGHT EUROPE TOURS   AIR-INCLUSIVE DEPARTURE: Save up to $700 per couple on Insight Gold, and $500 per couple on Premium Europe tours. LAND-ONLY DEPARTURE: Save up to $500 per couple on Insight Gold, and $300 per couple on Premium Europe tours. BOOKING WINDOW: March 31st - June 28th, 2012 TRAVEL WINDOW: April 15th - October 25th, 2012       Terms and Conditions: Booking and full payment for entire vacation package must be made by June 28, 2012. Offer is valid for new bookings made from March 31, 2012 through June 28, 2012. Travel must begin between April 15, 2012 and October 25, 2012. Offers valid on any airline. Offers not valid to Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, Jordan, Israel, Select Choices, or any tours with train and tours with cruise. Save $700 ($350pp) offer valid only on air-inclusive Insight Gold Europe tours; Save $500 ($250pp) air offer valid only on air-inclusive Premium Europe tours. Normal name change policy applies. Fuel surcharges, taxes and fees are included in quoted rate. Once payment is received, air tickets are non-refundable. Save $500 ($250pp) land offer valid on land-only Insight Gold departures; Save $300 ($150pp) land offer valid on land-only Premium Europe departures only. Offers are combinable with brochure discounts found in our 2012 Premium Europe & Britain brochures except Early Payment Discounts. Offers are not combinable with Hot Deals or each other. Offers may be withdrawn at any time and are subject to availability. Valid for new Scheduled Group bookings subject to promo payment conditions are met. Please call for details. CST No. 20687545-20 SAVE $300 Per Couple On Insight Winter Tours Save $300 on autumn, winter and spring vacations!   BOOKING WINDOW: April 16, 2012 - July 12, 2012 TRAVEL WINDOW: November 1, 2012 - March 31, 2013           Terms and Conditions: $300 per couple savings ($150 per person) valid when booking and deposit (plus applicable insurance) for vacation package is made by July 12, 2012. Offer valid for new bookings made on Winter Europe brochure vacations from April 16, 2012 through July 12, 2012. Travel must begin between November 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013. Offer not valid to Greece, Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Israel, Select Choices, and tours with cruise inclusions. Promotion is combinable with brochure discounts found in Insight Vacations’ 2012/13 Winter Europe brochure except Early Payment Discounts. Offer may be withdrawn at any time and subject to availability. Valid for new Scheduled Group bookings subject to promo payment conditions being met. Offer ends July 12, 2012. Please call for details. CST No. 20687545-20
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
5/26/2012 - 6/5/2012	$3,250
6/9/2012 - 6/19/2012	$3,250
6/23/2012 - 7/3/2012	$3,250
7/7/2012 - 7/17/2012	$3,165
7/14/2012 - 7/24/2012	$3,050
7/21/2012 - 7/31/2012	$3,050
8/4/2012 - 8/14/2012	$3,050
8/11/2012 - 8/21/2012	$3,050
8/25/2012 - 9/4/2012	$3,050
9/1/2012 - 9/11/2012	$3,299
9/8/2012 - 9/18/2012	$3,299
9/15/2012 - 9/25/2012	$3,299
9/22/2012 - 10/2/2012	$3,299
9/29/2012 - 10/9/2012	$3,299
10/6/2012 - 10/16/2012	$3,250
10/13/2012 - 10/23/2012	$3,250
10/20/2012 - 10/30/2012	$3,250
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
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.

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS
Rome: Enjoy a private guided tour of the Vatican Museums, St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Ancient Rome comes alive as you visit the Colosseum and overlook the Forum.Cortona: Explore the narrow streets of the ancient town.Florence: View the city skyline from the sumptuous terrace of Piazzale Michelangelo. Visit the Academy Gallery with a guide to admire the original “Statue of David”. See the Cathedral, ‘Gates of Paradise’ on the Baptistery and Signoria Square. Visit Santa Croce Church housing the tomb of Michelangelo. Traditional Florence leather-work demonstration.Verona: Walk with your Tour Director past the Roman Arena to the famous balcony in the courtyard of the Capulet home.Venice: Drift through the canals on a traditional gondola serenade. Cruise to St Mark’s Square by private launch. See St Mark’s Basilica, belltower, the ornate Doges’ Palace and the adjoining Bridge of Sighs.Venetian glass-blowing demonstration.

SAVE Up To $600 Per Couple On Select 2012 Insight USA Tours

SAVE Up To $700 On 2012 Insight Europe Tours

SAVE $300 Per Couple On Insight Winter Tours

Ratings & Reviews:

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(5 out of 5, Based on 1 ratings) Write a review.

 

The most recent reviews for this tour:

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Thanks for voting !

J Abatemarco rated this tour a 5 on 12/28/2011 11:14:37 AM and says:

"My experience in Italy was well worth ever penny it cost me. From the travel agency: Atlas Travel and our agent Cheryl Kennedy, she was so patient with me and answered every question that concerned me. I would definitely use Cheryl again as our travel agent and I can speak for my son Michael and my daughter Jill as well who traveled with me to Italy. Our tour director: Francis Touscheck’s knowledge of the history of Italy was amazing. Every detail of every city and village that we traveled to was even more interesting because of Francis’ expertise. Not only was he a great tour guide, but also a very nice, friendly man. He was very funny at times and serious when he had to be. He went out of his way to take us to places that were not on the tour. If we had time, he would have our driver take us to other sites and let us get out of the bus to have a “Kodak moment.” He did that in every city that we were in. The unexpected was always a nice surprise. When we were on our own, Francis always took the time to help and guide us in the right direction, so we wouldn’t get lost; although, he often did say we should get lost and take in as many sites as we could on our own. He left all of us his mobile phone number so we could find him at any time. As we departed Roma at 6:30am, Francis bought breakfast for me and my son and daughter and two other people from our tour as we sadly headed home. Those were the little perks that Francis did for us. Thank you sooooooo much Francis. As I remember our trip to Italy, I will remember you, Francis made it so much more than I could have ever expected. I¹m ready to go back, because I left my heart in Italy. “Grazie Pino, our bus driver was much more than a bus driver, He was such a caring and helpful man. He always helped us out of the bus; God knows I needed some help now and then. Pino was able to maneuver his bus in the smallest spaces and often-times we gave him applause…Pino, you were the “greatest,” your expertise in driving through the countryside through rain and fog never made me nervous. I trusted you 100%. “Grazie” I will never forget either of you, hopefully, one day, we will meet again. "

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