Best of Italy (201213)
An 11-Day Insight Tours tour starting from $3,299
(5 out of 5, Based on 5 ratings) | Write a review
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| Starting Price: | $3,299 |  |
| Tour Length: | 11 Days | |
| Countries Visited: | Italy | |
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Cities Visited: Roman antiquities, pious Assisi, Venetian canals, Renaissance Florence and Capri sunshine are fused with a touch of 'la dolce vita' for the perfect tour of Italy. Tour Pace: This tour has a well balanced pace with two-night stays in three of the five centres – Rome, Florence and Sorrento – and overnight stays in Assisi and Venice. The driving days are short and comfortable, interspersed with sightseeing. The high-speed train from Florence to Naples turns what is normally a full day on the coach in to a more leisurely affair. Hotels: Hotels include the modern La Griffe, situated on one of Rome’s most famous shopping streets, and the Sheraton selected for its easy access to the airport. Traditional styles prevail in the other centres. Stay in the medieval heart of Assisi at the Giotto and close to the Grand Canal in Venice. |
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A Welcome Reception with light meal (WR)Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant from our selection in Sorrento (DA)Celebration Dinner of local cuisine with entertainment in Rome (CD)9 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 2 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, 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 restroomSleek, high-speed Eurostar Italia train from Florence to NaplesInsight 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)
Board your overnight flight (not included).
Day 2: ROME AT LEISURE
Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with Classical antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and baroque churches. On arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport, your airport shuttle service leaves for the tour hotel at 09:30, 12:30 & 15:30. Tonight meet your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception and light informal meal.(Welcome Reception)
Day 3: ROME SIGHTSEEING
Enjoy an in-depth sightseeing tour with a local guide who will take you inside the Vatican Museums to gaze upon the treasures of the Popes. Enjoy clear commentary via your audio headset as you admire Michelangelo’s famous ceiling inside the Sistine Chapel. Now enter St Peter’s Basilica to wonder at another of his works, the emotive ‘Pieta’. Then cross the Tiber to visit the Colosseum, scene of many gladiatorial contests. After seeing the Roman Forum, the rest of the day is yours to sightsee or shop.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 4: ROME - ASSISI
Leave Rome and follow the valley of the River Tiber to the hills of Umbria, which form part of the Apennines. Your destination is peaceful Assisi, one of Italy’s most beautiful mountain towns, home of St. Francis. First in the valley see the famous Church of St. Mary of the Angels, then continue up Mount Subasio to the upper town. Step inside the huge Basilica, built in the 13th Century after St. Francis’ death, where the frescoes by Giotto heralded a new era in Italian art.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 5: ASSISI - VENICE
A pleasant drive leads to the romantic city of Venice, and what better way to see it than from a private launch? Cruise past Palladian churches and 13C 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 admire the mosaics of St Mark’s Basilica and watch one of the few remaining masters blow molten glass into a unique creation at a Venetian glass showroom. Relax and enjoy the atmosphere, music and songs as you drift along the romantic Venetian canals by gondola.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 6: VENICE - FLORENCE
Back on the mainland, cross the plain of the Po River and traverse the Apennines to reach the peaceful landscapes of Tuscany. Follow the river to the coastal town of Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower. Time also to admire the marble cathedral and Baptistery before continuing to Florence.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 7: FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING
Join a local guide for a walking tour of the historic city centre. A highlight is the visit to the Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo’s monumental figure of David. Continue to the multi-coloured marble Cathedral to see Giotto’s bell tower and ‘Gates of Paradise’ before visiting the Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence. The area around Santa Croce Basilica is famous for the quality of its luxury goods; see a demonstration of leather work in the very place this craft first established itself. Then, there’s free time to shop for Florence’s finest or continue sightseeing. This evening don’t miss the chance to sample the fine Florentine cuisine - tasty starters, rich pastas, accompanied by Chianti wine.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 8: FLORENCE - SORRENTO
After breakfast this morning board your sleek, high-speed Eurostar Italia train bound for Naples. Relax in air-conditioned comfort as the countryside slips past your window. In only three hours you arrive in to Naples where your transfer coach awaits to take you along the scenic cliff top road to the picturesque resort of Sorrento.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 9: ISLE OF CAPRI EXCURSION
Investigate the art of ‘intarsio’ or marquetry wood inlaying before cruising to Capri - the isle of dreams. Under the Mediterranean sun, take an open top taxi up to Capri Town, where you can explore the narrow alleyways, browse in exclusive boutiques and enjoy the views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Perhaps join an optional tour to visit Axel Munthe’s Villa San Michele? Descend to the port by funicular railway and return to Sorrento for some relaxation time. Later, why not immerse yourself in the Italian culture and work up an appetite on a traditional evening stroll (passeggiata) - it’s a time to ‘see and be seen’. Afterwards, you are offered a selection of local restaurants for your dining pleasure.(Buffet Breakfast / Dine Around)
Day 10: SORRENTO - POMPEII - ROME
Only a short drive from the hotel lies Pompeii, the opulent Roman town which was preserved by layers of ash from the disastrous eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79. A walking tour with a local guide through the cobbled streets and extensive excavations reveals the daily life of ancient Roman civilisation. Afterwards, the smooth motorway leads back to the ‘Eternal City’ of Rome. Tonight, join your fellow passengers for a last night Celebration Dinner of local cuisine, complete with wine and entertainment.(Buffet Breakfast / Celebration Dinner)
Day 11: RETURN TO USA
Arrivederci Roma! Sadly, your tour comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 & 09:30.(Buffet Breakfast)
Touring Date |
Land Only |
Land + Air |
Single (Land Only) |
Single (Land + Air) |
5/23/2012 - 6/2/2012 |
$3,499 |
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5/25/2012 - 6/4/2012 |
$3,499 |
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6/6/2012 - 6/16/2012 |
$3,499 |
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6/8/2012 - 6/18/2012 |
$3,499 |
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6/13/2012 - 6/23/2012 |
$3,499 |
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6/15/2012 - 6/25/2012 |
$3,499 |
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6/22/2012 - 7/2/2012 |
$3,499 |
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6/27/2012 - 7/7/2012 |
$3,385 |
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6/29/2012 - 7/9/2012 |
$3,385 |
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7/4/2012 - 7/14/2012 |
$3,385 |
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7/6/2012 - 7/16/2012 |
$3,385 |
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7/13/2012 - 7/23/2012 |
$3,385 |
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7/20/2012 - 7/30/2012 |
$3,385 |
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7/25/2012 - 8/4/2012 |
$3,385 |
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8/1/2012 - 8/11/2012 |
$3,385 |
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8/3/2012 - 8/13/2012 |
$3,299 |
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8/8/2012 - 8/18/2012 |
$3,299 |
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8/10/2012 - 8/20/2012 |
$3,299 |
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8/15/2012 - 8/25/2012 |
$3,299 |
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8/17/2012 - 8/27/2012 |
$3,299 |
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8/22/2012 - 9/1/2012 |
$3,299 |
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8/24/2012 - 9/3/2012 |
$3,399 |
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8/29/2012 - 9/8/2012 |
$3,399 |
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8/31/2012 - 9/10/2012 |
$3,535 |
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9/5/2012 - 9/15/2012 |
$3,535 |
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9/7/2012 - 9/17/2012 |
$3,535 |
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9/12/2012 - 9/22/2012 |
$3,535 |
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9/14/2012 - 9/24/2012 |
$3,535 |
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9/19/2012 - 9/29/2012 |
$3,535 |
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9/21/2012 - 10/1/2012 |
$3,535 |
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9/26/2012 - 10/6/2012 |
$3,535 |
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9/28/2012 - 10/8/2012 |
$3,535 |
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10/3/2012 - 10/13/2012 |
$3,499 |
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10/5/2012 - 10/15/2012 |
$3,499 |
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10/10/2012 - 10/20/2012 |
$3,499 |
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10/12/2012 - 10/22/2012 |
$3,499 |
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10/17/2012 - 10/27/2012 |
$3,499 |
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10/19/2012 - 10/29/2012 |
$3,499 |
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10/24/2012 - 11/3/2012 |
$3,475 |
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10/26/2012 - 11/5/2012 |
$3,465 |
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| Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator. | ||||
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Airfare Disclaimer Documents |
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Rome: Tour the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica. Visit the Colosseum and see the Forum.Assisi: See the Saint Mary Basilica then walk through the cobbled streets to visit the Basilica of St Francis.Venice: Cruise, with commentary, to St Mark’s Square. See the Bridge of Sighs, Doges’ Palace and St Mark’s Basilica. Drift through the canals on a traditional gondola serenade. Demonstration of traditional glass-blowing.Pisa: See the Cathedral, Baptistery and ‘Leaning Tower.Florence: Admire Michelangelo’s original ‘Statue of David’ in the Academy Gallery. See the Cathedral, bell tower, ‘Gates of Paradise’ and visit Signoria Square. Demonstration of traditional Florentine leather-work.Sorrento: Cruise to Capri, the Island of Dreams, ride into Capri town by open top taxi (weather permitting) and return by funicular railway. Join in the Italian social ritual of ‘La Passeggiata’. Demonstration of ‘Intarsio’ inlay woodworking.Pompeii: Tour the excavations of this buried Roman resort.Scenic Drives: Apennine Mountains, Sorrento clifftops.
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 |
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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
Ratings & Reviews:
This tour's average rating:
(4.6 out of 5, Based on 5 ratings) Write a review.
The most recent reviews for this tour:
Pat rated this tour a 4 on 11/20/2011 5:53:32 AM and says:
"Our family of four toured Italy with Insights during July. 2011. This was our first escorted tour. Firstly, the coach was very comfortable and the driver was skilled and professional. The hotels were of a high standard and the tour guide was energetic, cheerful, informative. We are vegetarian and she made sure that we get proper dinners not just salads. The local guides in various cities were also fantastic. Only problem I felt was the 'Optional Tours', they were expensive and overpriced. A majority of them should have been included in the price of the tour especially the night tour of Venice. I know that we were not obligated to take them, but would have like to have seen more included up front."
Zarya rated this tour a 4 on 8/24/2011 7:33:36 PM and says:
" Loved tour. If I could change one thing, it would be to spend more time in Venice, but we wanted to see as much as possible in under 12 days and we accomplished just that. We did get a gondola ride included so I can scratch that off my bucket list. My favorite area was Sorrento. Wow that area was beautiful. Thanks Insight and Atlas.
Hannah rated this tour a 5 on 8/19/2011 11:24:49 AM and says:
"This was my first escorted tour. The bus was very spacious and comfortable. Hotels were also very nice. Tour guide was very energetic and informative. We have special dietary needs and she was wonderful in accommadating us. My only comment would be that the optional tours are expensive. It would be nice for more to be included even if the price was a bit higher up front to have less expenses while on your trip. But that being said the optionals were wonderful and you do get your monies worth."
AnnieB rated this tour a 5 on 1/18/2011 10:46:53 AM and says:
"I took this tour in October 2008. It was my first tour, and I was not disappointed. My favorite optional excursion was to the town of Spello, a medieval hilltop town with only one road wide enough for cars to drive on. Amalfi Coast and Sorrento were amazing."
Elsa rated this tour a 5 on 10/4/2009 1:41:06 AM and says:
"Boyfriend and I both have limited holiday and would want to see everything in Italy and thus we picked the Best of Italy tour. Andie, our tour director was very helpful and it made the trip to be a trip of a lifetime. She was very helpful in every aspect and she made the tour very lively! The tour itself no doubt was very busy with visits and excursions - yes it was tiring but this is what a tour is about! There are so much to see in so little time and Insight had planned the tour in such a way that you can have a feel of those in the 10 days. Don't expect to have a easy pace in this tour, this is the tour to be on the go all the time and see things and to experience the Italiano lifestyle!!!"
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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.
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