Treasures of Italy

Treasures of Italy
PRICE NOW INCLUDES
Upgrades in Rome
and Venice
This tour certainly ticks a lot of boxes! Historic cities, idyllic fishing villages, islands, lakes, canals, a wealth of art
and heritage buildings, not to mention the fabulous food, all complemented by a backdrop of breathtaking scenery.
Pass the colourful Swiss Guards when enjoying your included VIP entrance into the Vatican Museums, Rome
1 & 2 – Papal & Imperial Rome.Welcome to Rome, former religious, political
D Day
and commercial heart of a vast empire. You are met on arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino
Leonardo da Vinci Airport. At 09:30, 12:30 & 15:30 your transfer departs for your
hotel. Later, enjoy an orientation drive before joining your Tour Director for a
Welcome Reception and the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over
a pleasant evening of dinner and wine. g
In the morning, you are joined by a resident expert who guides you
through the priceless art collection of the Vatican Museums
culminating beneath Michelangelo’s famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Your VIP
visit includes fast-track entry and a behind the scenes look at the Bramante
Staircase, a part of the Vatican closed to the general public. a More of
Michelangelo’s genius is on display next door in St Peter’s Basilica. Now cross the
Tiber to over look the Roman Forum and visit the Colosseum, scene of bloody
contests, wild beasts and Gladiators. a Rome is now yours to discover at your own
pace. Maybe head for the Piazza Navona with its pavement cafes, 17th century
fountains and architecture? (WD/BB) Hotel: Romanico Palace, Rome.
Day 3 & 4 – Ancient Pompeii & Capri, the Isle of Dreams. Journey to the ill-fated
town of Pompeii, frozen in time when it was engulfed by an eruption of Vesuvius in AD
79. Walk with a local expert through the cobbled streets to learn about
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Roman life in the first century. a Then continue to the Bay of Naples and board
your hydrofoil to the Isle of Capri. In brilliant sunshine, enjoy a scenic drive
by open top taxi past orange and lemon groves to your hotel, then appreciate the
glorious vistas over the rugged coastline and sparkling sea. For your dining pleasure
tonight, you are invited to choose from a selection of local restaurants. g
Wake up refreshed on this delightful island. Visit Capri town, with its whitewashed
houses, winding alleyways and small cafés. During your guided tour, you also embark
on a scenic chairlift ride to the summit of Monte Solaro for a spectacular
panorama over the island. a The afternoon is yours to devote to Capri’s fashionable
boutiques, craft shops and artisans studios. As the glow of twilight descends and the
day trippers have gone home, the island is yours to saunter along scenic paths, gather
with the locals in the piazzetta or relax with a glass of wine at an al-fresco restaurant.
(BB,DA/BB) Hotel: La Residenza, Capri.
Day 5 & 6 – Florence, Birthplace of the Renaissance. Take the hydrofoil across the
bay to Naples and follow the ‘Motorway of the Sun’ north, past Rome through the
Province of Umbria. Continue through idyllic Tuscan landscapes to Florence, centre of
art and culture, and heart of the Italian Renaissance.
After breakfast, join a local expert for a tour of the Academy Gallery to
see Michelangelo’s beautiful statue of David. a Continue to Giotto’s
Rome, Isle of Capri, Florence, Santa Magherita Ligure, Italian Lakes & Venice - 11 Days Premium touring from $350 per day
Signature Experiences a, Dining g & Hotels s
ITALIAN LAKES
(Day 8)
Lake Iseo
SANTA MARGHERITA
LIGURE
k
Slovenia
Verona
Italy
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VENICE
See page 188
River Po (Day 9, 10 and 11)
(Day 7)
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France
Portofino
Ligurian
Sea
FLORENCE
k
(Day 5 and 6)
Cinque Terre
Tuscany
Chianti
Corsica
Umbria
k
KEY
ROME
(Day 1 and 2)
Frascati
s
A
k UNESCO HERITAGE SITE
2 CENTRAL HOTELS + NTS
2 SCENIC HOTELS + NTS
JOIN/LEAVE OPTIONS
See page 189
Adriatic
Sea
n
tai
Day 8 – The Elegant Italian Lakes. This morning, head
north to the beautiful Italian Lake District, a favourite
retreat of the rich and famous where Alpine scenery
combines with luxuriant subtropical vegetation. Relax
and enjoy an afternoon at leisure at this popular resort
and beautiful lake or perhaps take a cruise out to the
lovely Borromean Islands? (BB)
Hotel: Grand Hotel Dino, Italian Lakes.
Switzerland
un
Day 7 – The Cinque Terre, Portofino & Santa
Margherita Ligure. 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 most
beautiful landscapes! Appreciate the views as you
approach one of the picturesque fishing
villages by boat. a Spend some time exploring the
old medieval quarter or the popular sandy beach
before continuing along to the elegant seaside
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. Weather
permitting, return along the rugged Ligurian
coast by boat to the resort of Santa Margherita. a
(BB,D) Hotel: Regina Elena, Santa Margherita.
Austria
Gentle JOURNEY PACE Lively
Mo
belltower next to the cathedral and see the ‘Gates of
Paradise’ before visiting the Piazza della Signoria, an
open air museum and still the political heart of Florence.
Stroll on to Piazza Santa Croce, famous for its cathedral
and luxury shops. The joys of Florence are varied so the
afternoon is free for your own personal exploration.
(BB,D/BB)
Hotel: NH Firenze, Florence.
I
e
nin
en
Ap
aRome: Gain VIP entrance into the Vatican Museums and
be among the select few to admire the famous Bramante
Staircase. Admire the Popes’ treasure-trove and confront
the genius of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel.
aRome: See the former epicentre of ancient Rome and
visit the Colosseum.
aPompeii: Walk with a local expert through the cobbled
streets of this ill-fated town.
aIsle of Capri: Join the Jet-set! Cruise to this famous isle
and ride up to town by open top taxi. Ride to the top of
Mt Solaro by scenic chairlift for panoramic views.
aFlorence: Stand in awe beside Michelangelo’s
monumental Statue of David in the Academy Gallery.
aCinque Terre: Take a short boat cruise to visit two of the
villages of this UNESCO world heritage site.
aPortofino: Get a taste of the ‘sweet life’ in this elegant
fishing village and cruise to Santa Margherita.
aLake Iseo: Visit a local winery passed down through the
generations and taste their latest vintages.
aVenice: Visit an artisan showroom and workshop to see
master craftsmen honouring age old Venetian crafts.
gIsle of Capri: For your Dine-Around experience you're
offered a selection of local restaurants for you to choose
from, each with its own distinctive ambience and cuisine.
gVenice: Your Gala Venetian evening begins with a
gondola serenade through the canals before a
Celebration Dinner at the heart of historic Venice.
-The prestigious La Residenza is a classic Capri hotel
looking out towards the sea, just steps away from the
main shopping streets and the famous Piazzetta.
-The luxury Boscolo Venezia is housed in a former palace,
combining contemporary comfort with multi-coloured
marble, fine Venetian stucco and chandeliers.
REGIONAL
JOURNEY
Campania
k
Pompeii
EUROPE
Sardinia
ISLE OF CAPRI
(Day 3 and 4)
Tyrrhenian
Sea
Day 9 & 10 – Fair Verona, Venice & the Magic of La
Serenissima. Follow the southern fringes of the European
Alps to the vineyards, close to the shores of Lake Iseo.
Wine making traditions run deep here and you get to
taste the delicious vintages produced at a
family owned estate. a Continue to Verona, setting
for one of history’s saddest love stories. Walk with your
Tour Director to Juliet’s balcony in the inner courtyard
of the Capulet home and see the well preserved Roman
Arena, still used for open-air opera performances. Now
on to the unique city of Venice - a complete step back in
time to the 16th century. Tonight take your first stroll by
the canalside, and listen to the romantic songs of the
gondoliers as they drift beneath the bridges.
During your two night stay, cruise to a traditional
arts centre on the island of Giudecca to admire the
skill of glassblowers and gondola builders.
a Visit St Mark’s Square where the city’s former
wealth and power is evidenced by the riches of St
Mark’s Basilica. Admire also the Doges' Palace and its
Sicily
adjoining Bridge of Sighs. You have a free afternoon to
lose yourself in the hidden parts of the city. As evening
descends, take your seats in a traditional
gondola for a serenade through the ‘watery
streets’. Relax and enjoy the atmosphere, music and
songs as you drift along the romantic canals before
dining ‘alla Veneziana’. There can be no better place to
celebrate your tour finalé than with good food,
good wine and good company in this magical setting. g
(BB/BB,CD) Hotel: Boscolo Dei Dogi, Venice.
11 – Depart Venice. Alas you must bid farewell to
B Day
this enchanting city today. Your departure transfer
arrives at Venice Airport at 08:00. (BB)
Your Signature Experiences and Dining are worth approximately US$613
Starts
Twin
Starts
Twin
Mon 07 Apr - $3999 Mon 12 May - $4099
Mon 14 Apr - $3999 ^ Mon 19 May - $4099
Mon 21 Apr - $3999 Mon 26 May - $4099
Mon 28 Apr - $3999 Mon 02 Jun - $4099
Mon 05 May - $4099 Mon 09 Jun - $4099
Starts
Mon 16 Jun
Mon 23 Jun
Mon 30 Jun
Mon 07 Jul
Mon 14 Jul
Twin
- $4099
- $4035
- $4035
- $3899
- $3899
Starts
Mon 21 Jul
Mon 28 Jul
Mon 04 Aug
Mon 11 Aug
Mon 18 Aug
Twin
- $3850
- $3850
- $3850
- $3850
- $3850
Tour Code: E980A
Starts
Mon 25 Aug
Mon 01 Sep
Mon 08 Sep
Mon 15 Sep
Mon 22 Sep
Twin
- $3925
- $4135
- $4135
- $4135
- $4135
Starts
Mon 29 Sep
Mon 06 Oct
Mon 13 Oct
Mon 20 Oct
Mon 27 Oct
Twin
- $4135
- $3999
- $3999
- $3999
- $3925
Notes: Twin prices are per person. Due to popular demand we have created extra departures which run from Venice to Rome. All prices are in US$
Rooming Options: Single Supplement from $830 p.p. ~ Triple Reduction Save $200 p.p.
Reductions Save up to: Young Traveller $400 ~ 2nd Trip $103 p.p. ~ Frequent Traveller $207 p.p.
Extra Nights P.P.: R
ome: Romanico Palace Twin $206 Single $327 Triple $174
Venice: Boscolo Dei Dogi Twin $294 Single $503 Triple $252 Seasonal adjustments and/or black out dates apply.
One way car/mini bus transfers outside scheduled times: Rome $50 p.p., Venice (by water taxi) $140 p.p.
USA - tripadvisor.com
Early Payment Discount | Pay by Feb 12th & save up to $414 p.p. | Pay by Apr 30th & save up to $310 p.p.
Visit our website to see if your departure qualifies for this great offer as discount is limited and subject to change.
For guest tour reviews, to book or for more information, visit insightvacations.com or speak to your local travel agent
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