Itinerary

Road to Rome
E INCLUD
IC
2013
ES
PR
See the stunning architecture in Rome (Day 11)
HOTELS
UP
G R A DES
Proverbially, all roads lead to Rome, but this one includes grand views from the Eiffel Tower
and Mount Pilatus, the atmospheric canals of Venice and the art of Renaissance Florence.
Bonus Day – Relax in London before your Tour.
Why not add a special priced London Bonus Day and stay at the Victoria
Park Plaza Hotel the night before your tour departs. You’ll meet your
Tour Director and be relaxed and ready for departure on Day 1.
Day 1 & 2 – Paris, the ‘City of Lights’. f a
Leave London for Dover and wave goodbye to the white cliffs on
board your ferry to Calais. Visit the imposing Canadian War
Memorial at Vimy Ridge, before continuing on to the French
capital, arriving late afternoon. This evening, enjoy a Welcome
Reception, drinks and a light meal. Afterwards, maybe get your
first taste of the ‘City of Lights’ with an optional illuminations
tour? After a restful night’s sleep, sightseeing with a local expert
takes you by the Île de la Cité to see Notre Dame Cathedral with
its famous tale of Quasimodo. Then around the imposing façades
of the Louvre and Garnier’s splendid Opera House. See the obelisk
in the centre of the Place de la Concorde and drive along the grand
Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Ascend to the viewing
platforms of the Eiffel Tower for spectacular views of the city. The
rest of the day is at leisure. (WR/BB) Hotel: Le Méridien Etoile.
Day 3 & 4 – Lucerne’s Lions & Dragons. g a
After an early breakfast, follow the autoroute across France’s great
agricultural lands and on through the Burgundy wine region. After
passing the Jura Mountains, cross into Switzerland at Basel before
ending the day in lovely Lucerne. Tonight, enjoy a selection of
ambience and local cuisine offered on your Dine-Around evening.
In the morning join your Tour Director to see the covered Chapel
Bridge and stirring Lion Monument. Then embark on an exhilarating
ride by cog-wheel train to the summit of Mount Pilatus. Admire the
panorama of snow-capped peaks, before descending by cable-car
over mountain crags and pine forests back to terra firma. There is
time set aside to shop for fine watches and delicious chocolate in
Lucerne. (BB,DA/BB) Hotel: Astoria.
film, The Sound of Music. On arrival, photograph the city skyline
from the Mirabell Gardens, then cross the river with your local
expert to see Mozart’s birthplace. Take a stroll through the Old
Town’s narrow lanes to the domed cathedral and Residenz
Fountain. (BB) Hotel: Castellani Park Hotel.
Day 6 & 7 – Venice & the Magic of La Serenissima. a
A morning at leisure and a chance to explore further this beautiful
Austrian gem. Then a scenic drive through the Tauern Mountains
brings you down to the Carinthian Lake District and across the
Italian border to Venice. Wake up refreshed and ready to embrace
this most romantic city. Your hotel is only steps away from St Marks
Square, dominated by its magnificent Basilica and overlooked by
the great Clock Tower where bronze Moors beat out the hours on a
huge bell. Also in the square stands the immense Campanile and
Doges’ Palace which is connected to the prisons by the Bridge of
Sighs. While here, visit an arts centre to watch one of the few
remaining craftsmen hand-blow Venetian glass. A visit to Venice
would be incomplete without a gondola serenade. Glide along the
atmospheric canals exploring the intimate and hidden parts of this
unique city while musicians set the mood with traditional songs. The
afternoon is at leisure. (BB,D/BB) Hotel: Cavalletto E Doge Orseolo.
Day 8 & 9 – Exploring Renaissance Florence. a
Bid farewell to Venice and follow the highway past the university
city of Bologna, into the wild Apennines and on to the peaceful
Day 5 – Innsbruck & Salzburg, City of Mozart.
Drive past Liechtenstein into Austria. Continue through Arlberg to
arrive in mountain-ringed, Innsbruck. See the Golden Roof and
Imperial Palace in the old town before following the Inn Valley,
past the Wild Kaiser mountain range to Salzburg, setting for the
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landscapes of Tuscany. On arrival in Florence, begin with a visit to
the Academy Museum to see Michelangelo’s original ‘Statue of
David’. Afterwards, walk with your guide to the marble clad
Cathedral and Baptistery, where Ghiberti’s ‘Gates of Paradise’
have been recreated in all their glory. Next stop is Signoria Square,
political heart of the city and still an open air gallery of
Renaissance masterpieces. The next day is completely at leisure in
this remarkable city, treasure-house of the Italian Renaissance. At
night, why not make the most of warm summer evening and
venture into the Tuscan countryside to taste the fine rustic dishes
with some local Chianti wine. (BB,D/BB) Hotel: Londra.
Day 10 & 11 – Orvieto, Papal & Imperial Rome.
a aW
En route south, hear an informative tutorial about the great
Chianti wines that make this region so famous. Stop in the
Umbrian hilltop town of Orvieto; its Cathedral is one of Italy’s
most celebrated buildings. Once in Rome, perhaps start the
evening with a ‘passeggiata’ (traditional evening stroll). In the
morning join a local expert for an in-depth visit to the Vatican
Museums, full of priceless art collected over the ages by the Popes.
In order to avoid the crowds, Insight has arranged a special VIP
entrance together with behind the scenes access to the Bramante
Staircase - a marvel of Renaissance architecture, normally off-limits
to the general public. Now to the Sistine Chapel. Enjoy clear
commentary via your audio headset as you admire Michelangelo’s
famous ceiling. Next door in St Peter’s Basilica, view another
masterpiece by Michelangelo, the Pieta, as well as the splendid
dome, completed after his death. Cross the Tiber to hear tales of
the glory of ancient Rome! Visit the Colosseum and overlook the
Forum, once the bustling centre of commerce, law and religion.
Later, there is time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing at your
leisure. Tonight your tour reaches its zenith with an elegant
four-course dinner with unlimited local wine at a favourite Roman
restaurant. As you dine, you are serenaded with popular songs and
arias from best-loved operas. (BB/BB,CD) Hotel: Romanico Palace.
Day 12 – Arrivederci Roma. See Innsbruck’s Golden Roof in the Old Town. (Day 5)
The tour ends after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Rome’s
Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 & 09:30. (BB)
12 Days ~ England ~ France ~ Switzerland ~ Austria ~ Italy
Premium Discovery Tour
Key
England
LONDON
Dover
Germany
Belgium
English Calais
Channel
Czech
Republic
Vimy Ridge
d
Black
Forest
PARIS
(Day 1 and 2)
dg
d
Pilatus offering spectacular panoramic views.
aEnjoy a Gondola Serenade through the canals of Venice.
aDavid seems to be everywhere in Florence. His replicas
Slovakia
Austria
Innsbruck
(Day 3 and 4)
Burgundy
panoramic views over the city of Paris.
aEmbark on a cog-wheel rail journey to the summit of
(Day 5)
Basel LUCERNE
France
aSkip the queue to ascend the iconic Eiffel Tower for
EUROPE
SALZBURG
fda
Premium Experiences & Dining
WELCOME RECEPTION
f
g DINE-AROUND EVENING
W HIGHLIGHT EVENING
a PREMIUM EXPERIENCES
sightseeing or
dguided
orientation tour
A JOIN/LEAVE OPTIONS
2 CENTRAL HOTELS + NIGHTS
Netherlands
Carnic Alps
Mt Pilatus Switzerland
Italian
Lake District
Croatia
Slovenia
da
Lake
Garda
Italy
Hungary
High Tauern
Tyrol
a
Bosnia and
Herzegovina
VENICE
(Day 6 and 7)
Bologna
FLORENCE Adriatic
Tuscany
d
additional INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS
Sea
Vimy Ridge: An introduction to the tragic events of WWI at
the Canadian War memorial.
Orvieto
Corsica
Paris: See Notre Dame Cathedral, Place de la Concorde,
Opera House, Champs Elysées and Arc de Triomphe.
daaW
Spain
Lucerne: See Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument & Jesuit Church.
ROME
Innsbruck: See the Golden Roof and Imperial Palace.
(Day 10, 11 and 12)
Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo Hotel, Venice
Salzburg: Walk through the Mirabell Gardens with a guide,
see Mozart’s Birthplace and the Cathedral.
Tyrrhenian
Sea
Sardinia
dot the city. But why go all that way and not see the real
deal? Michelangelo’s original, huge 13ft marble
masterpiece in the Accademia is simply amazing.
aEnjoy VIP fast-track entry into the Vatican Museums and
privileged access to the Bramante staircase. Then a small
door opens into the glorious Sistine Chapel and you’re
confronted with the genius of Michelangelo.
aHear tales of gladiators and the glory of ancient Rome as
you visit the mighty Colosseum and overlook the Forum
gYou are offered a selection of Lucerne’s restaurants to
choose from on your Dine-Around evening.
WDine with the tenors in a lighthearted evening of food
and fun! Enjoy a four-course menu complete with wine, to
the rich tremolo of some of Italy’s best loved songs.
Worth approximately US$576
da
(Day 8 and 9)
Ligurian
Sea
H
Venice: Cruise, with commentary, to St Mark’s Square. See
the Doges’ Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St Mark’s Basilica.
Enjoy a Venetian glass-blowing demonstration.
Florence: See the Cathedral, ‘Gates of Paradise’ on the
Baptistery and Signoria Square.
Sicily
Tuscany: Enjoy a short tutorial about Chianti wines.
Orvieto: Visit the pleasant Umbrian hilltop town.
Rome: Visit St Peters Basilica in the Vatican City.
Scenic Drives: Burgundy, Arlberg, Inn Valley, Tauern
Mountains
TOUR PACE - COMFORTABLE/ACTIVE
Stay in lovely Lucerne (Day 3)
This classic tour is well paced with two-night stays in Paris,
Lucerne, Venice, Florence and Rome. The travelling days are
planned for your comfort with frequent rest stops.
Shop for souvenirs in Venice (Day 7)
Your Perfectly Planned Vacation Starts Here
Tour Code: E924
From only $313 per day
1. Select your tour departure date
Starts
Ends
London/Paris: Rome:
Twin
Share
p.p.
Single
Supp.
Option
Starts
Ends
London/Paris: Rome:
Twin
Share
p.p.
Single
Supp.
Option
Starts
Ends
London/Paris: Rome:
Twin
Share
p.p.
Single
Supp.
Option
Tue 09 Apr
Tue 16 Apr
Tue 23 Apr
Tue 30 Apr
Tue 07 May
Tue 14 May
Tue 21 May
Tue 28 May
Tue 04 Jun
$3835
$3835
$3835
$3835
$3835
$3835
$3835
$3835
$3835
$1035
$1035
$1035
$1035
$1035
$1035
$1035
$1035
$1035
Tue 11 Jun
Tue 18 Jun
Tue 25 Jun
Tue 02 Jul
Tue 09 Jul
Tue 16 Jul
Tue 23 Jul
Tue 30 Jul
Tue 06 Aug
$3835
$3835
$3825
$3799
$3750
$3750
$3750
$3750
$3750
$1035
$1035
$1015
$1000
$925
$925
$925
$925
$925
Tue 13 Aug
Tue 20 Aug
Tue 27 Aug
Tue 03 Sep
Tue 10 Sep
Tue 17 Sep
Tue 24 Sep
Tue 01 Oct
Tue 08 Oct
$3750
$3750
$3850
$3850
$3850
$3850
$3850
$3835
$3835
$925
$925
$1035
$1035
$1035
$1035
$1035
$1035
$1035
- Sat 20 Apr
- Sat 27 Apr
- Sat 04 May
- Sat 11 May
- Sat 18 May
- Sat 25 May
- Sat 01 Jun
- Sat 08 Jun
- Sat 15 Jun
- Sat 22 Jun
- Sat 29 Jun
- Sat 06 Jul
- Sat 13 Jul
- Sat 20 Jul
- Sat 27 Jul
- Sat 03 Aug
- Sat 10 Aug
- Sat 17 Aug
- Sat 24 Aug
- Sat 31 Aug
- Sat 07 Sep
- Sat 14 Sep
- Sat 21 Sep
- Sat 28 Sep
- Sat 05 Oct
- Sat 12 Oct
- Sat 19 Oct
PREMIUM Hotels & Locations
Your hotels are mostly modern, such as the Londra in
Florence. While in Venice your hotel is traditional, only meters
away from St. Mark’s Square, having accommodated such
luminaries as Richard Strauss and Winston Churchill.
INCLUDED QUALITY DINING
A Welcome Reception with light meal (WR)
11 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 1 Dine-Around (DA), 1 Celebration
Dinner (CD) and 2 three-course table d’hôte Dinners or Buffets,
plus tea or coffee (D)
INCLUDED FIRST CLASS SERVICES
Escorted by a professional Tour Director
Notes: All prices are in US dollar.
Headsets for all guided visits and walking tours
2. Add any extra nights, additional tours and other options
Enjoy the unique comfort of Insight’s Luxury air-conditioned
40 seat coach with extended leg room and on-board restroom
Insight’s Bonus Day Option: One night pre-tour Twn $137 p.p. Sgl $239 Tpl $134. For details plus airport transfers, extra nights &
London sightseeing, see page 22 and 23. j Why not combine this tour with Mediterranean Legends page 162-163.
Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
London Airport transfer service available, see pages 22 & 194
3. Book early for the very best discounts and savings - Full details pages 24-25
Triple room reduction $35 ~ Young Traveller $385 ~ 2nd Tour save up to $193 p.p. ~ Frequent Traveller save up to $193 p.p.
Early Payment | Pay by Dec 27th & save up to $385 p.p | Pay by Feb 28th & save up to $289 p.p. | Pay by Apr 30th & save up to $193 p.p.
Visit www.insightvacations.com to see if your departure qualifies for this great offer as discount is limited
and subject to change. Also visit our website for Fast Track registration and customer tour reviews.
USA - tripadvisor.com
Airport transfers at scheduled times on Day 12
(Should your flights not coincide with these departure transfers, please make
your own way to Rome airport or see page 194 to purchase a transfer)
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