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 $800 Per Couple On Insight's Hawaiian Dreams   Save $800 Per Couple On Insight Vacations April 14th Hawaiian Dreams Departure   AIR-INCLUSIVE DEPARTURE: save $800 per couple when flying Delta LAND-ONLY DEPARTURE: save 10% per person   BOOKING WINDOW: JANUARY 24TH, 2012 - MARCH 16TH, 2012 TRAVEL WINDOW: APRIL 14TH DEPARTURE ONLY         Terms and Conditions: Booking and full payment for entire vacation package must be made by February 28th, 2012 – Any bookings made after February 28th will require full payment at time of booking to qualify for savings. Offer is not applicable to groups. Promotion is combinable with brochure discounts found in our 2012 Europe & Britain brochures, EXCEPT for Early Payment Discounts. *$800 offer is valid for new air-inclusive bookings on 4/14/12 departure of Insight Vacations’ Hawaiian Dreams departure made between January 24th through March 16th, 2012. Offer valid ONLY on Delta Airlines. Normal name change policy applies. Once payment is received, air tickets are non-refundable. **10% Land-Only offer valid on land-only bookings on 4/14/12 departure of Hawaiian Dreams. Offer may be withdrawn at any time and subject to availability. Other restrictions apply. Please call for details. Save Up to $1,200 Per Couple on Insight Europe Tours We have been waiting for airfares to Europe to come down, and here it is!  Insight Vacations is offering up to $1,200 off per couple. Insight Gold Tours  Save $1,200 per couple Flights with British Airways, Iberia or American Airlines. Code: AP12GAIR600 *Travel is for peak season, should season travel receives $1,000 off per couple.                    Premium Europe Insight Tours                          Save $1,000 per couple Flights with British Airways, Iberia or American Airlines Code AP12AIR500 *Travel is for peak season, should season travel receives $1,000 off per couple. If for some reason these airlines do not fly out of your gateway or are sold out for your dates of travel, don't worry, you can still take advantage of $500 off ($250 pp) on air-inclusive Insight tours to Europe with any airline.  Promo code:  AP12AIR250 Travel window:  April 2nd through October 25, 2012.   Peak Season is May 22nd through August 23rd Should season is April 2nd - May 21st and August 24th - October 25th Terms and Conditions: Booking and full payment for entire vacation package must be made by March 30, 2012. Offer is valid for new bookings made from February 3, 2012 through March 30, 2012. Travel must begin between April 2, 2012 and October 25, 2012. Offer varies based on certain carriers and product. Offer not valid to Russia, Scandinavia, Iceland, Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, Jordan, Israel, Select Choices, or cruise-only tours. Save $1000 per couple off valid from May 22, 2012 through Aug 23, 2012 and not valid to the UK, $800 per couple offer valid for departures April 2, 2012 to May 21, 2012 & Aug 24, 2012 to Oct 25, 2012 and not valid to the UK, $1200 per couple off valid on Insight Gold tours from May 22, 2012 through Aug 23, 2012 and not valid to the UK, $1000 per couple offer valid on Insight Gold tours for departures April 2, 2012 to May 21, 2012 & Aug 24, 2012 to Oct 25, 2012 and not valid to the UK , $500 per couple offer valid for all departures April 2, 2012 through Oct 25, 2012 and for all airlines to all destinations in Europe including the UK. Normal name change policy applies. Fuel surcharges, taxes and fees are included in quoted rate. Offer is applicable to scheduled Group bookings, but not Custom Groups. Promotion is combinable with brochure discounts found in our 2012 Europe & Britain brochures except Early Payment Discounts. Once payment is received, air tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable. Offer may be withdrawn at any time and subject to availability. Other restrictions apply. Offer ends March 30, 2012. Please call for details.
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
4/21/2012 - 5/1/2012	$3,250
5/12/2012 - 5/22/2012	$3,250
5/19/2012 - 5/29/2012	$3,250
5/26/2012 - 6/5/2012	$3,250
6/2/2012 - 6/12/2012	$3,250
6/9/2012 - 6/19/2012	$3,250
6/16/2012 - 6/26/2012	$3,250
6/23/2012 - 7/3/2012	$3,250
6/30/2012 - 7/10/2012	$3,165
7/7/2012 - 7/17/2012	$3,165
7/14/2012 - 7/24/2012	$3,050
7/21/2012 - 7/31/2012	$3,050
7/28/2012 - 8/7/2012	$3,050
8/4/2012 - 8/14/2012	$3,050
8/11/2012 - 8/21/2012	$3,050
8/18/2012 - 8/28/2012	$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 $800 Per Couple On Insight's Hawaiian Dreams

Save Up to $1,200 Per Couple on Insight Europe 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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