the vineyards of italy

COUNTRY ROADS
One
O
TW
departure
EPARTURES
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only
& THE VINEYARDS OF ITALY
15 Days Departing 22 Sep 2013
www.insightvacations.com
Take the funicular up to hill top Orvieto (Day 3)
Country Roads & the Vineyards of Italy
Combine your love of travel with your passion for wine! Italy’s cultural cities of Rome, Florence, Venice are perfectly complemented
by rustic villas in the wine-growing areas. And with expert wine advisors and someone to drive, it makes perfect sense!
Day 1 & 2 – Rome, the Eternal City. faa
Welcome to Rome! 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. Then there is time to relax and begin
to enjoy La Dolce Vita (the sweet life). Later, join your Tour
Director for a Welcome Reception with drinks and a light
meal. After a restful night’s sleep meet your local expert for a
visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Next door,
tour St Peter’s Basilica, seeing Michelangelo’s Pieta. Now
relive the glory of ancient Rome as you cross the River Tiber to
visit the mighty Colosseum. Finally, look out over the site of
the Roman Forum, once the bustling centre of commerce, law
and religion. There is time in the afternoon to relax or explore
or perhaps ask about an optional excursion to the
wine-producing hill-towns of the Castelli Romani region?
(WR/BB) Hotel: Romanico Palace/Eurostars St John.
Day 3 & 4 – Orvieto, Torgiano & Assisi.a
Continue to Orvieto, which looks down from its cliff-edged
balcony over a vineyard covered plain. A funicular railway takes
you up to Piazza Cahen - a spectacular way of getting into
town. Savour the distinctly medieval ambiance during your
orientation tour and admire the richly decorated façade of the
Cathedral in Piazza del Duomo. Next follow the valley of the
River Tiber to Torgiano, nestled among the olive groves and
vine covered hills of the Umbrian countryside. Within the
medieval walls of the town, your hotel is located in a 17th
century building, reminiscent of an aristocratic country house.
In the morning, drive to Assisi, a stone-built town sprawling
over the steep hillside. Enjoy a guided visit to the tomb of St
Francis and witness the beautiful frescoes of Giotto in the great
basilica. There is also time to stroll down the Via San Francesco
to St Clare’s church, then see the Cathedral with its baptismal
font where St Francis was christened. Return to Torgiano this
eveving. (BB,D/BB) Hotel: Le Tre Vaselle.
Day 5, 6, 7 & 8 – Sienna, Florence & the
Vineyards of Tuscany. aaa
This morning visit the wine and olive oil museums in Torgiano.
Founded by wine-producers Giorgio Lungarotti, learn about
Umbria’s centuries-old agricultural traditions and the history and
importance of wine and olive oil in Italian culture. Then continue
past Lake Trasimeno, largest lake in the Italian peninsula and
site of a great battle in ancient times against Hannibal and his
war elephants. Stop in Siena to walk through narrow cobbled
streets to the Campo Square, where the biannual Palio horse
race takes place. See the superb 14th century Town Hall with
its slim Mangia Tower, then climb up to the hilltop cathedral.
This building is a veritable treasury of the Renaissance,
representing the work of over 40 artists - its walls decorated
with stripes of black and white marble. Now through the
cypress clad hills and vineyards of Tuscany to your elegant
Tuscan Villa - your home for the next 4 nights. The following
day is devoted to Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. With
your local guide visit the Medici Chapels, opulently decorated in
marble, gold and jewels, a fitting celebration of one of Italy’s
most famous and powerful families. On your walking tour you
will also see the marble clad Cathedral, bell tower and Gates
of Paradise on the Baptistery. Then to Signoria Square, an
open-air gallery of sculpture and fountains. Enjoy time to shop
before returning to your villa for the night. In the morning,
drive to Montalcino to taste the Brunello wines. This is Tuscany’s
premier wine zone where producers include Altesino, Barbi,
Banfi, Col D’Orcia and Antinori. Your Tour Director will organise
visits to two estates plus a great lunch out of local specialties.
During the day taste the wines, learn about the region and the
culture of Tuscany. You’ll hear about the Italian wine
classification system and a detailed step by step explanation
about the viticulture and wine making process. Your last day in
Tuscany is totally free to soak up the atmosphere. Take in the
tranquil surroundings, explore nearby Monteriggioni, or
perhaps take an optional excursion to San Gimignano,
Tuscany’s most famous hilltop town considered the medieval
Manhattan of Italy? (BB,D/BB/BB,L/BB) Hotel: Piccolo
Castello/Borgo San Luigi.
Day 9 & 10 – The Cinque Terre, Benevello & the
wines of Piedmont. aa
Relax on a gondola serenade in Venice (Day 14)
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!
After your visit to some of the picturesque fishing villages
continue along the coast before heading inland to Benevello
in the heart of Piemonte. Your hotel is a beautifully set amid
the rolling hills of wine and hazelnuts. After breakfast enjoy a
delightful excursion to taste the wines of La Morra and Barolo.
Located due south of Alba and the River Tanaro, Barolo is
Piedmont’s most famous wine DOCG, renowned for
producing Italy’s finest red wines from 100% Nebbiolo grapes.
(BB,D/BB) Hotel: Villa D’Amelia.
15 Days ~ Italy
Austria
Key
f WELCOME RECEPTION &
CELEBRATION DINNER
EXPERIENCES
a PREMIUM
Switzerland
d gUIDED SIghTSEEINg OR
Slovenia
ORIENTATION TOUR
A JOIN/LEAVE OPTIONS
2 CENTRAL hOTELS + NIghTS
2 SCENIC hOTELS + NIghTS
Lake
Garda
La Morra
Verona
Sirmione
River Po
a
af
Venice
da
PARMA
BENEVELLO
Croatia
River Po
aa
Modena
Barolo
da
VILLA
CONDULMER
d
Italy
Cinque Terre
Adriatic
Sea
da
Florence
Ligurian
Sea
d
TUSCANY
Siena
da
Montalcino
Assisi
d
Orvieto
a
TORGIANO
Corsica
daaf
ROME
EUROPE
Sardinia
Tyrrhenian
Sea
Day 11 & 12 – Parma & Modena. aaa
On through the vine laden countryside where the Moscato
Bianco grape produces Italy’s famous sparkling Asti wines.
Continue along the fertile valley of the River Po to the town
of Parma, synonymous with hams and cheeses. Follow the
whole process of making Parmigiano-Reggiano at a one of the
local producers - the smell in the cheese cave is unforgettable!
After a restful night at your luxurious and elegant 5-star
hotel, drive to nearby Modena – the home of balsamic
vinegar. Visit a top producer of authentic traditional artisan
balsamic vinegar and take a master class to understand what
makes this vinegar as expensive as top-rate wines. Before
returning to your hotel visit the Galleria Ferrari: the ultimate
Ferrari Museum, for an insight into the iconic car brand that
embodies the nation itself - fashionable, feisty and a touch
flashy! (BB,D/BB) Hotel: Grand Hotel de la Ville.
Day 13 & 14 – Verona, Villa Condulmer & Venice.
af
Head north to Lake Garda, largest of Italy’s lakes and set
amid luxuriant sub-tropical vegetation. Travel through fertile
vineyards and expanses of agriculture fields, stopping to
admire the imposing silhouette of Scaliger Castle at
Sirmione. Soon you reach the elegant city of Verona,
legendary home of Romeo and Juliet. Sightseeing here shows
you the ancient Roman Arena, still in use today for the
annual Verona Festival, and you visit the courtyard of the
Capulet home to see Juliet’s balcony - can you recite
Shakespeare’s immortal words? Now on through the Soave
vineyards and past Padua to your elegant 5-star country
estate where you are greeted by the sweet smell of roses, a
peaceful ambience and an opulent reception hall. In the
morning, the anticipation builds as you cross the causeway
into Venice! Appreciate her splendour as you cruise by
Palladio’s San Giorgio Maggiore to St. Mark’s Square. Your
Tour Director will explain the glorious history of ‘La
Serenissima’, once one of the greatest trading centres of the
world – its wealth and power is echoed by the riches of St.
Mark’s Basilica. See the Doges’ Palace and its adjoining
Bridge of Sighs, then visit one of the glass showrooms for a
demonstration of traditional craftsmanship, unchanged for
centuries. Relax and enjoy the atmosphere, music and songs
as you drift along the romantic Venetian canals by gondola.
There is time to explore or browse through the shops on the
Rialto Bridge in the afternoon. This evening, end your tour in
style with a Celebration Dinner at a historic Venetian
restaurant. (BB/BB,CD) Hotel: Villa Condulmer.
Day 15 – Homeward Bound.
Sadly you must bid farewell to Bella Italia and your new
found friends. Your departure transfer arrives Venice Airport
at 08:00.
Your perfectly planned
vacation starts here
1. Select your tour departure date
Starts
Ends
Rome:
Venice:
Sun 12 May - Sat 26 May
Sun 22 Sep - Sat 06 Oct Sun 22 Sep - Sat 06 Oct
Twin
Share
p.p.
$4,706
$4,706
$4,706
Single
Supp.
Option
$1,180
$1,180
$1,180
Triple room Discount: $284
Child Discount: $471
2. Add any extra nights & other options
Extra Nights in Rome or Veneto: These are available on
request. Please ask your Travel Agent.
Book Your Air Early to get the best land & air deal possible!
3. Contact your Local Travel Agent.
All prices are in Australian Dollars. Insight’s Savings and
Discounts do not apply to this itinerary. Please refer to www.
insightvacations.com or Insight’s Europe & Britain brochure
for full terms and conditions.
Premium Experiences & Dining
a Witness the priceless art collection of the Popes in the Vatican Museums and gaze
upon Michelangelo’s ceiling in the Sistine Chapel on a privately guided tour.
a The glories of ancient Rome come to life as you overlook the Forum and visit the
ancient Colosseum.
a On your tour of the huge Basilica of St Francis see the frescoes by Giotto, generally
considered the man who triggered the Italian Renaissance.
a Learn about Umbria’s centuries-old agricultural traditions in the Wine and Olive Oil
museums as well as the history and importance of wine and olive oil in Italian culture.
a Visit the Medici Chapels in Florence, opulently decorated in marble, gold and jewels, a
fitting celebration of one of Italy’s most famous and powerful families.
a A day excursion with a local expert to Montalcino where you visit two local producers,
taste the wines, learn about the wine making process and enjoy a fabulous lunch..
a Travel by train and boat to enjoy time in one of the five charming fishing villages that
comprise the Cinque Terre.
a Enjoy a delightful excursion to taste Piedmont’s most famous wines of La Morra and
Barolo.
a Witness the cheese making and aging process of the famous Parmigiano-Reggiano at
an authentic farm dairy.
a Visit a top producer of authentic traditional artisan balsamic vinegar and learn what
makes this vinegar as expensive as top-rate wines.
a A Mecca for car enthusiasts - visit Galleria Ferrari, the official museum dedicated to the
famed Italian marque.
a Drift through the atmospheric canals of Venice by traditional gondola accompanied by
f
some of Italy’s best loved music.
A Celebration Dinner with wine at a Venetian restaurant incorporating classic cooking
with the freshest produce.
ADDITIONAL INCLUDED hIghLIghTS
Rome: Tour St Peter’s Basilica, seeing Michelangelo’s Pieta.
Orvieto: Ride the funicular up to the old town. See the Cathedral with its famous facade.
Assisi: Stroll down the Via San Francesco to St Clare’s church.
Siena: Walk through narrow cobbled streets to the Campo Square. See the superb Town Hall
with its slim Mangia Tower, the Fountain of joy and climb up to the hilltop cathedral.
Florence: See the Cathedral, belltower, the ‘Gates of Paradise’ on the Baptistery. Walk on to
Signoria Square, political heart of Florence and filled with Renaissance sculpture.
Parma: Enjoy an orientation tour.
Sirmione: Drive along the peninsula to stop in the shadow of the Scaliger’s Castle.
Verona: See the ancient Roman Arena and visit the courtyard of the Capulet home to see
Juliet’s balcony.
Scenic Drives: Umbria, Tuscany, Chianti, Italian Riviera, Borolo.
TOUR PACE - COMFORTABLE
PREMIUM hOTELS & LOCATIONS
Rome: Centrally located in the Veneto area the Romanico Palace boasts a spectacular roof
garden affording incredible views.
Torgiano: Le Tre Vaselle is unashamedly romantic, a retreat for lovers of good food, wine and
Umbria!
Terms & Conditions
PASSENGER CONDITIONS:
Tips & Taxes & Porterage: Insight hotels
include all service charges, taxes and
porterage. All tips are included for services
on tour provided by dining-room waiters,
chambermaids and porters at hotels.
What’s Not Included: Airfares, airport
taxes and charges imposed by third parties,
passports and applicable visa fees, laundry,
phone calls, items of a personal nature,
beverages, meals and sightseeing not
detailed on the itinerary, tips and gratuities
to the Tour Director, coaches drivers and
local city guides, excess baggage,optional
excursions and travel insurance. Please
note that travel insurance is highly
recommended. Please see your Travel
Agent for further details.
• A deposit of AUD$200 per person is
required within 7 days of booking.
Final Payment: Required to your travel
agent no later than 70 days prior to
departure.
Price: The advertised price is in Australian
dollars. No surcharges in regards to cost
or currency fluctuations will be made once
deposit is received. This guarantee excludes
fuel surcharges and does not apply to any
taxes, charges or levies imposed by any
government or its agencies. No discounts
are applicable with this tour.
Discounts: Frequent Traveller & 2nd tour
Discount apply only. No other discounts
are available on this tour. Refer our 2013
Europe & Britain brochure for conditions
of these.
Cancellation Fees:
The following scale of charges apply when
cancellation is notified: No of days prior to
tour commencement.
Cancellation fee a % of total tour price
• More than 70 days loss of deposit
• Between 69 & 22 days 25%
• Between 21 & 8 days 30%
• Between 7- 1 days 50%
• Day of Departure 100 %of fare
Amendments: A fee of $50 may apply to
any change made to your booking once
confirmed.
Refunds: No refund is available if
cancellations occur after the tour has
commenced or in respect of any tours,
accommodation, meals or any other
services not utilised.
Itinerary Changes & Tour Cancellation:
Insight Vacations reserves the right to vary
itineraries should circumstances dictate,
as well as cancel or reschedule any tour
departure in accordance with operating
requirements, or circumstances beyond
its control. The advertised tours require
minimum numbers to depart. Should these
not be met Insight Vacations reserves the
right to alter or cancel arrangements.
Hotels: The hotels listed in the itinerary are
confirmed, although subject to change for
reasons beyond our control.
Rooming Arrangements: Please note that
single accommodation is usually limited.
Occupying a single room either by choice
or circumstance is subject to the applicable
supplement.
Tour Membership: Any person aged 8
years or more is eligible, though if under
18 years of age must be accompanied by
an adult. The Tour Director may, at his
or her discretion, require any person to
withdraw from any tour if he or she deems
the person’s acts or conduct offensive or a
nuisance to other passengers, and we shall
have no further liability.
Porterage: For one suitcase on tour is
included in the tour price and at arrival
or departure from each tour hotel. Due
to limited coach capacity this single bag
should have a weight not exceeding 30kg
(66lbs) and dimensions not exceeding
77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm
(12.5in). Charges will be levied in the
event these limits are exceeded and our
promise to transport you as indicated may
be invalidated. Note: Airlines may restrict
check-in baggage to 20kgs per person.
Documentation: Approximately 2
weeks prior to departure from Australia,
documentation will be received by your
travel agent including a tour itinerary,
a full Hotel list, an Optional Excursion
list,baggage labels & ticket wallet.
Holidays & Changes: During local or
national holidays abroad, certain facilities
such as museums, sightseeing tours
and shopping may be limited. In such
instances, and whenever possible, slight
itinerary adjustments are made by Insight
Vacations to minimise inconvenience
to our passengers. If, however you feel
your enjoyment might be diminished
by such minor limitations please check
with the respective national tourist office
before selecting a specific departure.
Similarly, holidays, closing days and other
circumstances may necessitate a change
of the day of the week for scheduled
highlight dinners, sightseeing or other
activities. Due to the unreliability of
domestic air scheduling, religious festivals,
and other unforseen circumstances, the
itineraries, hotels or order of sightseeing
may change at short notice.
• Pre or post tour accommodation is
subject to availability.
Booking Terms and Conditions: These
conditions incorporate the basis upon
which bookings are accepted by your
Travel Agent and Insight Vacations. By
making a booking you are agreeing to
these terms & conditions. Insight is not
responsible for the costs of any other
travel arrangements affected due to our
cancellations or re-scheduling of any
tour departure. For further information
about Insight Vacations please refer to
Insight’s brochure. These conditions must
be carefully studied prior to making the
commitment of paying the deposit as they
must be referred to. Additional terms and
conditions may be applicable to group.
Tuscany: Borgo San Luigi is situated at the gateway to Siena, under the still-intact walls of
Monteriggione in the heart of historical Tuscany. Rooms are furnished typical rustic Tuscan style.
Benevello: Villa D’Amelia is a completely restored farmhouse offering a large garden with pool
overlooking the surrounding Piedmont countryside.
Veneto: The elegant historic villa built in 1743 by the Family Condulmer, accommodated many
celebrities over the years including Giuseppe Verdi and President Reagan during the G7 in 1987.
BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES
INCLUDED QUALITY DININg
Contact your local Travel Agent
14 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 1 Welcome Reception with Drinks and Dinner (WR), 1 Lunch in
Tuscany (L), 1 Celebration Dinner at a Venetian Restaurant (CD), 4 three course table d’hôte
Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
INCLUDED FIRST CLASS SERVICES
Escorted by a professional Tour Director
Headsets for all visits and walking tours
Enjoy the unique comfort of Insight’s Luxury air-conditioned
40 seat coach with extended leg room and on-board restroom
Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
Airport transfers at scheduled times on Day 1 and Day 15
www.insightvacations.com
12295IVSL
Parma: The only 5-star hotel in Parma, the Grand Hotel de La Ville is luxuriously designed.