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10-Nights Best of Italy - Small Group, Winter

Best Of Italy - Small Group, Winter
Explore the best of Italy on this 11-day guided tour. In Rome, enjoy a VIP Vatican tour that includes access to the Bramante Staircase - a spiraling Renaissance masterpiece normally off-limits to visitors. As your travels continue along the Bay of Naples, stop on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius for lunch at a local farm still growing traditional produce unique to the region. In Florence, learn the secrets of leather making from a local leatherworker. Fall in love with Venice as you see churches and palaces from a private boat, and cruise its canals on a romantic gondola ride. Sail to Capri, where craggy mountains cascade into the Tyrrhenian Sea; a Local Expert will help you navigate its narrow alleys. But before you say arrivederci to Italy, enjoy one last experience: a private opera during a four-course meal that features local wine.


Dining Summary

• 5 Dinner with Wine (DW)
• 10 Breakfast (B)
• 1 Lunch with Wine (LW)

• Choose between two carefully selected activities
• Florence: Take a stroll with your Travel Director to Piazza Santa Croce and immerse yourself in the essence of la dolce vita of Florence while you enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local café.
• Florence: Stand beside Michelangelo's monumental statue, 'David', in the Accademia Gallery, and admire the exquisite technique and absorbing history behind the world's most famous sculpture.

• : Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
• : Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
• : We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
• : From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
• : Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
• : If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

• Rome: Enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers at a uniquely Roman local restaurant.
• Rome: Enjoy a Celebration Dinner of delicious Italian cuisine and wine, accompanied by the rich tremolo of some of Italy's best loved songs.

• Vatican: Gain Fast Track access into the Vatican Museums and admire the famous B

  10 nights from $4575 per person

  Supplier: Insight Vacations

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  Click Here for Full Itinerary

  Featured Destinations

  Rome

  Sprawled across seven legendary hills, romantic and beautiful Rome was one
  of the great centers of the ancient world. Although its beginning is shrouded
  in legend and its development is full of intrigue and struggle, Rome has always
  been and remains the Eternal City.

  
  

  Rome enjoyed its greatest splendor during the 1st and 2nd centuries when art
  flourished, monumental works of architecture were erected, and the mighty Roman
  legions swept outward, conquering all of Italy. These victorious armies then
  swept across the Mediterranean and beyond to conquer most of the known world.
  With Rome's establishment as capital of the western world, a new ascent to glory
  began.

  
  

  Today's Rome, with its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious
  parks, tree-lined boulevards, fountains, outdoor cafes and elegant shops, is
  one of the world’s most attractive and exciting cities. Among the most famous
  monuments is the Colosseum. As you walk its cool, dark passageways, imagine
  the voices that once filled the arena as 50,000 spectators watched combats between
  muscled gladiators and ferocious animals.

  
  

  Stop to see the remains of the Forum, once the city's political and commercial
  center. In later times, Rome's squares were enhanced with such imposing structures
  as the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and grandiose fountains like the Fontana di
  Trevi. Join the millions who stand in awe of Christendom’s most magnificent
  church and admire the timeless masterpieces of Michelangelo's frescoes in the
  Sistine Chapel.

  
  

  Rome jars the senses and captures the soul. Grasp all you can during the short,
  precious time you have available in the Eternal City. With so much to see and
  do, a day or two will only allow you a sampling of the city's marvelous treasures.

  
  

  Caution: As in many big cities and tourist destinations purse snatching
  and pickpocketing is common. Valuable jewelry and excess cash are best left
  in a safety deposit box in your hotel.

  
  

  Shopping For most visitors shopping for beautiful Italian leather articles,
  designer shoes, fashions for men and women, linens, knitwear, silk scarves and
  ties is a favorite pastime. Except for tourist-oriented shops, the majority
  of stores are closed on Sundays. Some of the department stores, such as Rinascente,
  open in the late afternoon on Sundays.

  
  

  Cuisine Rome's choice of restaurants is mindboggling as is the variety
  of cuisine. Whether your meal is at a top-rated restaurant or a rustic trattoria,
  you can be sure that you will enjoy your food, especially when accompanied by
  wines from the hill towns surrounding Rome.

  
  

  Other Sights Rome's attractions are endless, and depending on how much
  time you have at your disposal a careful selection has to be made about what
  to see. Be aware of horrendous traffic conditions and major construction work
  all around the city in preparation of Jubilee 2000, the Holy Year. Some of the
  sights not to be missed:

  
  

  Piazza Venezia - This busy square is easily recognized by its imposing Vittorio
  Emanuele II Monument. The white marble structure was inaugurated in 1911 as
  a symbol of Italy’s unification.

  
  

  The Forum - Once the civic heart of ancient Rome, today the remains include
  a series of ruins, marble fragments, isolated columns and some worn arches.

  
  

  Colosseum - No visit to Rome is complete without a stop at this awe-inspiring
  theater, which is among the world’s most celebrated buildings. Here ancient
  Rome flocked to see gladiatorial contests and numerous other spectacles.

  
  

  Trevi Fountain - Take a stroll to Rome's famous fountain. A spectacular fantasy
  of mythical sea creatures and cascades of splashing water, the fountain is one
  of the city's foremost attractions. Legend has it that visitors must toss a
  coin into the fountain to ensure their return to Rome.

  
  

  St. Peter's Square - Part of Vatican City, this square created by Bernini
  is considered one of the loveliest squares in the world. Twin Doric colonnades
  topped with statues of various saints and martyrs flank either side of the square.
  In the center stands an 84-foot obelisk, brought from Egypt in 37 A.D.

  
  

  St. Peter's Basilica - At the head of the square stands Christendom's most
  magnificent church, which was begun in 1452 on the site where St. Peter was
  buried. Throughout the following 200 years, such Renaissance masters as Bramante,
  Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini worked on its design and created an unparalleled
  masterpiece. Of special note are Michelangelo's Pieta and the bronze canopy
  over the high altar by Bernini. The immense dome was designed by Michelangelo.

  
  

  Vatican Museum - To see this museum's immense collection would take days.
  As you enter, there are special posters that plot a choice of four color-coded
  itineraries. They are repeated throughout the museum and are easy to follow.
  It is a good idea to pickup a leaflet at the main entrance and concentrate on
  exhibits of major interest. Of course, the Sistine Chapel is a must. Most likely
  you may have to wait in line to enter.

  
  

  Sorrento

  Sorrento is a town of extraordinary beauty and is known as a popular gateway to Italy's most spectacular stretch of coastline - the Amalfi Drive lined with fishing villages and famous resorts. The seaside resort of Amalfi sits with weathered houses scrambling up steep cliffs. Visitors marvel at its location and its magnificent cathedral. The religious sanctuary of Cloister of St. Francis is worth a visit. The tiny, exclusive resort of Positano has its famous world-class hotel, San Pietro. Excavations of the ruined city of Pompeii, which was destroyed in 79 A.D. during the disastrous eruption of Mount Vesuvius, give visitors a vivid impression of life in a very wealthy ancient city and the tragic end of its population. The Isle of Capri ranks as one of the most beautiful islands and has captured visitors for centuries with excellent climate, spectacular landscape and fantastic sea caverns. Capri has lavish villas, elegant hotels, chic boutiques and quaint restaurants. Museo Correale contains a death mask of poet Torquato Tasso and some special editions of his works, pictures, furniture and porcelain.

  Venice

  With a great historic past and incomparable art treasures, Venice is renowned as one of the world’s great cities. Its 118 islands are separated by more than 150 canals and spanned by 400 bridges. During Venice's artistic golden age many magnificent structures were erected to create world-famous masterpieces. One of the best sightseeing routes is along Grand Canal, with many palaces lining the famous waterway. St. Mark’s Square offers access to some of Venice’s most famed attractions - St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. From Piazza San Marco, a maze of narrow streets are lined with shops, cafés and restaurants. A popular pastime is sitting at an outdoor café facing the square while people-watching and letting the whole marvelous scenario unfold. Venice’s Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands comprise an area famous as home of Venice’s glass-blowing industry and known for their charm, skilled lace-making and medieval monuments. Relax on a gondola ride, see art treasures in museums, churches and palaces, and have a sumptuous meal - all in this incomparable city.

  Florence

  The creative explosion of the Italian Renaissance happened right here, leaving petite Florence more art treasures than most national capitals. View the masterworks of local heroes like Michelangelo and Botticelli, visit countless unforgettable basilicas, then climb up into Brunelleschi's soaring dome to watch the sun set among cypress-clad Tuscan hillsides.

  Capri

  Known as the "Island of Love" since the days of the Roman Empire, Capri offers stunning views, dozens of international cafes, fine Mediterranean restaurants and sophisticated resort shopping. Enjoy a boat trip around the coast to witness the hypnotic beauty of the Blue Grotto.
  

  Assisi

  
  

  Assisi is a well-preserved medieval town that's, after the Vatican, Italy's
  second most-popular religious-pilgrimage destination. Located high on a hilltop,
  it has an air of mystical serenity in keeping with its history. Assisi was the
  home of St. Francis (the founder of the Franciscan order of friars), and the
  churches and crypt that bear his name draw a steady stream of pilgrims and sightseers
  every year. Although the town was rocked by an earthquake in 1997, much of the
  damage has been repaired. One of the most severely damaged buildings, however,
  was the treasured Basilica of San Francesco, known for its vivid frescoes by
  Giotto that depict the life of the saint. The upper basilica has recently reopened
  and, though restoration continues, many of the beloved frescoes can be admired
  again. The lower basilica and St. Francis' tomb are also open to the public.
  

  
  

  Other places of interest include the Church of Santa Chiara, a medieval fortress
  (La Rocca Maggiore), the Piazza del Comune (the old town center) and St. Peter's
  church. Or just stroll the narrow, picturesque streets and listen to the musicians
  practicing nearby (though they may be drowned out by construction noises --
  many buildings are still under renovation).

  
  

  You may want to visit during one of Assisi's numerous celebrations: the Feast
  of Calendimaggio, a five-day coming-of-spring festival with medieval costumes,
  dances and songs (around the first week of May); a month of folklore and musical
  events in August; or the Feast of St. Francis (4 October), which celebrates
  the saint's transition from this life into the next. During this two-day festival,
  the entire town is illuminated by oil lamps. If you are going to Assisi at one
  of these times, reserve accommodations well ahead of time -- the city will be
  filled with pilgrims.

  
  

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  Prices Start at:

  $4575

  Number of Nights:

  10

  Air City:

  Call for airfares from your city.

  Vacation Rating:

  Deluxe

  Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.

  Remarks:

  Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability and change without notice. Prices reflect land only accommodations, airfare is additional. Blackout dates/seasonal supplements may apply. Itinerary and map subject to change. Tour prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Prices displayed reflect available discounted rates such Early Payment Discount or Red Hot Deal (discounts are not combinable). Discounts may be withdrawn at anytime, book early to confirm space.
  Offer ID:

  1470276

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