INCLUDED QUALITY DINING
A Welcome Reception with light meal (WR)Enjoy a glass of wine with your highlight lunch in one of the beautiful fishing villages of the Cinque Terre (HL)Choose from a selection of restaurants in the Italian Lakes on your Dine-Around evening (DA)Toast the culmination of your tour at a Celebration Dinner of local cuisine in the magical surroundings of Venice (CD)11 full breakfasts (BB) and 4 three-course table d’hote 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 restroomInsight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterageInsight Traveller Welcome packAirport arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 2 and Day 13 (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
Welcome to Rome, one of the world’s great cities, where ancient monuments happily coexist with some 300 churches, fine palaces, bustling piazzas, green parks and a vast urban sprawl. On arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport, your airport transfers leave for the tour hotel at 09:30, 12:30 & 15:30. The rest of the day is at leisure. Later join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception and light meal.(Welcome Reception)

Day 3: ROME SIGHTSEEING
Enjoy a tour of the priceless art of the Vatican Museums, followed by a visit to the celebrated Sistine Chapel. Using your audio headset, a local guide explains the significance of Michelangelo’s famous painted ceiling. 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.(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 4: ROME - FLORENCE - TUSCANY
Take the autostrada north to Renaissance Florence. Accompany your local guide inside the Academy Gallery to admire Michelangelo’s original statue of David. Back outside, admire the Cathedral, campanile and the Baptistery, adorned with the ‘Gates of Paradise’. Walk on to Signoria Square with its open-air gallery of Renaissance sculpture. Later, there is the chance to shop for Florentine leather or gold. Continue to your elegant Tuscan villa near the walled town of Monteriggione. Having spent two days in the metropolis of Rome, your villa is a welcome retreat.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 5: SIENA AND TUSCANY EXCURSION
Visit medieval Siena. The narrow cobbled streets, lined with palaces and patrician mansions, lead to Campo Square, scene of the Palio horse race. Now enjoy a drive through the beautiful rolling countryside of Tuscany, past farmhouses, medieval towns, olive groves and the Chianti vineyards. Stop at a local winery for a short tutorial on Italian wines and a taste of some of the region’s most famous products. This afternoon, relax by the pool and take in the tranquil surroundings, or perhaps take an excursion to see more of fantastic Tuscany.(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 6: TUSCANY - SANTA MARGHERITA
Head for the famous Italian Riviera and a highlight of your tour, the Cinque Terre. A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Italy’s best kept secrets, this wild but hospitable coastline, at one time could only be reached by boat or train! Visit two of the picturesque fishing villages and enjoy a Highlight Lunch typical of the region. Continue along the coast to the resort of Santa Margherita Ligure.(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch / Dinner)

Day 7: SANTA MARGHERITA - ITALIAN LAKES
Enjoy a short cruise (weather permitting) along the Ligurian coast to the exclusive and elegant village of Portofino, epitome of La Dolce Vita. Admire the gaily-coloured houses, browse the boutiques, stay a while in the café bars on the piazzetta and watch the yachts moored in the harbour. Later, head north to beautiful Lake Maggiore in the Italian Lake District. As night time draws in, why not work up an appetite before dinner with a traditional ritual stroll (la passeggiata).(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 8: ITALIAN LAKES AT LEISURE
A full day to relax and enjoy this popular resort and beautiful lake, which has long been a favourite retreat of the famous. Perhaps take a cruise out to the lovely Borromean Islands - to the Isola Bella where Carlo Borromeo (Cardinal, Pope and later Saint) built his charming Palace? Tonight, your Tour Director offers you a selection of restaurants to choose from for your dining pleasure.(Buffet Breakfast / Dine Around)

Day 9: ITALIAN LAKES – CORTINA D’AMPEZZO
Drive to the town of Verona, legendary home of Romeo and Juliet. Enjoy free time to admire the well preserved Roman Arena and Juliet’s Balcony. Continue through the colourful peaks and sheer valleys of the Dolomites, some of the most beautiful scenery that Europe has to offer, to your overnight stay in the mountain resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 10: DOLOMITES AT LEISURE
Your hotel is located right across from the church tower in the pedestrian mall which incorporates most of downtown Cortina. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and blue skies as you relax in this fashionable capital of the Dolomites. Why not ascend to the summit of one of the nearby peaks by cable car for magnificent Dolomite panoramas?(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 11: CORTINA D’AMPEZZO – VENICE
Descend through the mountains to the romantic city of Venice. A private launch ferries you past canals lined with ornate palaces to St. Mark’s Square. See the Basilica, the Doges’ Palace and Bridge of Sighs. Watch a demonstration of Venetian glass-blowing before gliding along the picturesque canals on a traditional gondola serenade. Your intimate, luxurious hotel is only steps away from St Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge.(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 12: VENICE AT LEISURE
Today is entirely free is to enjoy the magical atmosphere of this incredible city at your own pace. Mingle with the locals at the open air markets near the Rialto Bridge, explore the back lanes and squares or cruise across the lagoon to the colourful island of Burano. Stroll back to your hotel tonight, past the al-fresco cafés... unforgettable! This evening, end your Italian Elegance in style with a Celebration Dinner at a Venetian restaurant.(Buffet Breakfast / Celebration Dinner)

Day 13: RETURN TO USA
Sadly you must bid farewell to Bella Italia and your new found friends. Your departure transfer arrives 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)
5/24/2012 - 6/5/2012	$3,999
5/31/2012 - 6/12/2012	$3,999
6/7/2012 - 6/19/2012	$3,999
6/14/2012 - 6/26/2012	$3,850
6/21/2012 - 7/3/2012	$3,850
6/28/2012 - 7/10/2012	$3,975
6/30/2012 - 7/12/2012	$3,975
7/12/2012 - 7/24/2012	$3,975
7/26/2012 - 8/7/2012	$3,975
8/9/2012 - 8/21/2012	$3,975
8/16/2012 - 8/28/2012	$3,975
8/23/2012 - 9/4/2012	$3,975
8/30/2012 - 9/11/2012	$3,999
9/1/2012 - 9/13/2012	$4,050
9/6/2012 - 9/18/2012	$4,050
9/8/2012 - 9/20/2012	$4,050
9/13/2012 - 9/25/2012	$4,050
9/15/2012 - 9/27/2012	$4,050
9/20/2012 - 10/2/2012	$4,050
9/22/2012 - 10/4/2012	$4,050
9/27/2012 - 10/9/2012	$4,050
9/29/2012 - 10/11/2012	$4,050
10/4/2012 - 10/16/2012	$3,999
10/11/2012 - 10/23/2012	$3,999
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: Tour the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica. Visit the Colosseum and see the Forum.Florence: Admire Michelangelo’s original ‘Statue of David’ in the Academy Gallery. See the Cathedral, bell tower, ‘Gates of Paradise’ and visit the open air gallery of Signoria Square. Demonstration of traditional Florentine leather-work.Siena: See the vast Campo Square, site of the famous ‘Palio’ horse race.Tuscany: Enjoy a Chianti wine tasting.Cinque Terre: Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site.Portofino: Cruise the Ligurian coast to this beautiful port (weather permitting).Italian Lakes: Join us in the social ritual of ‘La Passeggiata’.Verona: See the Roman Arena and Juliet’s balcony.Venice: Drift through the canals on a traditional gondola serenade. Cruise, with commentary, to St Mark’s Square. See the Bridge of Sighs, Doges’ Palace and St Mark’s Basilica.Venetian glass-blowing demonstration.Scenic Drives: Tuscan Hills, Apennines, Dolomites, Italian Lake District.

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Ratings & Reviews:

This tour's average rating:

Thanks for voting !

(4 out of 5, Based on 2 ratings) Write a review.

 

The most recent reviews for this tour:

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Thanks for voting !

TravelFan rated this tour a 4 on 11/17/2011 5:32:31 AM and says:

"I travelled on this tour this past summer with 5 other friends - We all loved it. I think we had a much different experience than a previous writer - The hotels were all different, but each was so unique and a view to Italian life, and especially the Villa was a true gem - you wouldnt expect such accommodations from a tour and it was beautiful - We all visited eachother's rooms everywhere we went and each was great - one exception was Hotel continental in Venice, where some rooms were great and some were not. I have traveled by tour before and perhaps know not to take every optional tour- We looked these over on the website before we went and sort of decided and then on the bus, we made our final decisions. I do recommend the Night in Rome dining under the Coloseum, I was surprised at how nice and atmospheric this was (I was the only one in group that didnt want to do this and so glad I did!). As for the Cortina hotel - This place was stunningly lovely.. hand carved and painted wood in the rooms, balconies- the best food ever, and I have to say, among the best service on the whole trip. Loved hiking down the Cinque Terre. It was rainy while we were there and staff gathered up umbrellas for us when we wanted to go out and walk around. As for Florence, I had been there before, and per the itinerary, I didnt expect to spend alot of time there. Our travel agent pointed this out, too, and we were fine with it. Anyway, just another view for you- we have incredible memories from this trip."

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Thanks for voting !

Natalie K rated this tour a 4 on 11/14/2011 1:20:45 AM and says:

"

We completed the Italian Elegance tour on October 4. There is significant walking, much of it strenuous and hilly. This is not indicated in the brochures and should be. Be careful about signing up for too many of the extra tours. You will be encouraged to do it all as who knows when you will be back.....but then you'll be exhausted by mid tour.
Also be advised that hotel quality is quite inconsistent as are the rooms within the hotels. The Tuscany property, while the grounds are lovely, is definitely a character experience. Many people in our group were quite dissatisfied with their rooms at several of the hotels. Ours overall were just average, but for what we paid we expected better rooms and better food.
The tour guide and driver were outstanding. Good itinerary, but be advised time in Florence is brief..4 hours at best. I would skip the local guide and leather demo and tour on my own...meet the group to see David.
In the Dolomites, the hotel in Cortina is wonderfully charming....but the restaurant staff is rude. They turned out the lights on us at 10 am when breakfast ended.
Optional evening excursion to St Mark's Square in Venice is not to be missed....ditto Burano excursion.
Rome Crowne Plaza Hotel is not convenient but the hotel's shuttle is good.....just get good directions where to find it for the return trip.
Tour is a good exposure to Rome and points north = a sampler if you will.

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