Picture Perfect Italy

Picture Perfect Italy
SCENIC SETTINGS & ITALIAN GARDENS
18 FABULOUS DAYS
Departing 2016:
May 23, Jun 21,
Sep 20 & 27
LIMITED
SEATS
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www.insightvacations.com
PICTURE PERFECT ITALY
Italy is a photographer’s paradise. Celebrate Italian culture and style on this leisurely paced journey from jagged pastel-hued
peaks to rolling Tuscan hills. Along the way discover hill-top towns, star-studded resorts, elegant villas and lavish gardens.
Visit the gardens of Villa Carlotta
1 – Welcome to Venice. On arrival at Venice
D Day
airport you are transferred by water taxi to
your canal-front hotel, located between St.
Mark’s Square and Rialto Bridge. Later, join
your Tour Director for Welcome Drinks and a
relaxed evening of dinner and wine at a local
restaurant. (WD) Hotel: Star Hotel Splendid.
Day 2 – Venice & the Magic of La Serenissima. A
Day 5 – Down to the Italian Lake District. Travel
Local Expert introduces you to this fabled city.
Standing in the iconic Piazza San Marco,
admire the grand basilica and Doges’ Palace.
See the Grand Canal and learn about the
history and culture of ‘La Serenissima’. The rest
of the day is free for independent exploration.
Perhaps experience a romantic gondola ride or
get a bird’s eye view of Venice from one of the
bell towers. In the evening, enjoy a mouthwatering dinner at one of Venice’s prized local
restaurants. (BB,HD)
down from the mountains and head for Milan
to see the magnificent cathedral, its impressive
façade dripping with pinnacles and spires.
Now on to the enchanting Italian Lake District
for three nights in the lakeside resort of
Baveno. (BB,D) Hotel: Dino.
Day 3 – Cortina d’Ampezzo & the Dolomites.
Travel through the distinctive formations of the
Dolomites, where rugged peaks take the form
of towers belfries or domes. Spend two
wonderful nights in the chic ski resort of Cortina
d’Ampezzo. (BB) Hotel: Ancora.
Day 4 – The Colourful Peaks of the Dolomites.
Walk to the Cathedral in Florence.
There is an opportunity today to join the coach
for a scenic drive to the pretty pine circled Lake
Pianozes. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Perhaps ascend to the summit of one of the
nearby peaks by cable car? (BB)
Day 6 – Lake Maggiore & the Borromean
Islands.Take to the waters of Lake Maggiore
for a delightful cruise to the beautiful
Borromean Islands. Visit Isola Bella renowned
for its incredible palace and stunning Botanical
Gardens. Next, embark on a scenic drive along
the shores of the lake, past splendid villas set
in sub-tropical gardens with the Swiss Alps
providing the backdrop. Cross into Switzerland
to explore fashionable lakeside Lugano. (BB)
Day 7 – Lake Como Excursion. Spend the morning
in Bellagio – the pearl of Lake Como! Enjoy
glorious water views and explore the narrow
cobblestone alleyways, filled with luxurious
boutiques. In the afternoon, visit the romantic
gardens of Villa Carlotta. Built at the end of the
17th century, this botanic haven is famous for its
art and a photographer’s dream come true! (BB)
DAY 8 – Rapallo on the Italian Riviera. Leave the
Day 12 – Florence Excursion. Today is dedicated
Italian Lake District and travel down to Rapallo
on the sunny, colour-splashed Ligurian coast!
Your hotel is one of the most prestigious
properties on the Eastern Riviera - overlooking
the Portofino Promontory and housed in an
elegant Art Nouveau style residence that dates
from 1908. (BB) Hotel: Grand Hotel Bristol. s
to Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. Join
your Local Expert inside the Academy Gallery
and enjoy crystal clear commentary via your
audio headsets as you study the muscular
forms of Michelangelo’s ‘Statue of David’.
Walk on to the Duomo, Giotto’s Belltower and
‘Gates of Paradise’ before reaching Signoria
Square, adorned with statues and fountains.
Your walking tour concludes at the Basilica of
Santa Croce, where Michelangelo lies buried.
After free time for lunch, visit the Pitti Palace
and relax amid the formal terraces of the
Boboli Gardens. (BB)
Day 9 – Portofino Excursion. Travel to the
exclusive fishing village of Portofino, epitome
of La Dolce Vita. Join a sightseeing cruise
which includes a visit to a little village while
you bask in Mediterranean sun. Afterwards
admire the gaily-coloured houses, browse the
fashionable boutiques, stay a while in the cafe
bars on the piazzetta and watch the yachts
bob in the harbour. Back in Rapallo, fans of
Italian seafood are in for a treat at this evening’s
Highlight Dinner. (BB,HD)
Day 10 – Cinque Terre, Tuscany & Chianti. Get
ready to explore the ‘Cinque Terre’, or ‘five
villages’, which were for years only accessible
by donkey. Explore a couple of the fishing
villages hugging the cliff-face, where there are
amazing opportunities to capture great
photographs. Soak up the atmosphere before
continuing to your charming hotel in the heart
of the Tuscan countryside. (BB,D) Hotel:
Compagnie Des Hotels.
Day 11 – Tastes of Tuscany Excursion. Get your
cameras ready for a drive through the beautiful
rolling countryside of Tuscany, past olive
groves, old farmhouses, medieval towns and
rows of vineyards. Visit the celebrated estate
of Rocca di Castagnoli in the heart of historic
Chianti. Visit the winery to taste the finest
produce of wine and olive oil. Then enjoy a
cooking lesson, where you prepare two
different types of pasta, a meat dish and
dessert. Afterwards, you get to eat what you
have prepared for lunch, along with a glass of
the famous vino, Salute! (BB,HL)
France
into the heart of Umbria to visit Villa Lante,
Italy’s finest example of late-Renaissance
design, featuring cascades, fountains and
dripping grottoes. Continue to hilltop Orvieto,
overlooking a sea of beautiful vineyards.
Sightseeing shows you the Gothic cathedral,
housing Luca Signorelli’s beautiful frescoes.
(BB) Hotel: Aquila Bianca.
Day 14 – Positano & the Amalfi Coast. Continue
Museums to gaze upon the priceless Papal art
south to the breathtaking Amalfi coast for two
spectacular nights. Stay in the exclusive artists
paradise of Positano - its Moorish flair and
colourful houses make it one of the most
photographed places in Italy. As evening
descends, make most of this beautiful setting
with an imaginative dinner at a local restaurant.
(BB,HD) Hotel: Royal Domina.
Day 15 – Excursion to the Isle of Capri. There is
magnificent scenery at every turn as you travel
along the Amalfi Coast to board your ferry to
Capri - the Isle of Dreams. Arriving at the
Marina Grande, ascend to Capri Town by
funicular railway. There is time to browse in
the elegant shops before taking the spectacular
Corniche road to Anacapri, with its magnificent
views over the Mediterranean. There is free
time to explore and enjoy an included light
lunch a before returning to Positano. (BB,L)
RAPALLO
Cinque
Portofino Terre
‘eternal city’ of Rome. (BB) Hotel: Imperiale.
DAY 17 – Rome & the Gardens of Villa d’Este. A
Local Expert takes you through the Vatican
collection and Michelangelo’s famous ceiling
in the Sistine Chapel. Now explore St Peter’s
Basilica, mother church of the Catholic faith.
Cross the Tiber to see the Roman Forum and
the Colosseum before heading out to the
UNESCO listed gardens of the Villa d’Este. In
the 16th century, Cardinal d’Este diverted the
river Aniene to feed hundreds of fountains in
his fantasy garden and they still function
today! Celebrate tonight, with dinner and
wine at a local restaurant, followed by a
glittering illuminations tour including the Trevi
Fountain. (BB,CD)
BDay 18 – Arrivederci Roma. Your memorable
tour comes to an end today. Transfers arrive at
Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at
07:00 & 09:30. (BB)
Bosnia
Florence
Adriatic
Sea
Villa Lante
Tivoli
ROME
Pompeii
Capri
Sardinia
the shops, villas and temples. Continue to the
Croatia
River Po
Ligurian TUSCANY
Sea
ORVIETO
Corsica
guide through the cobbled streets to explore
Austria
VENICE
Italy
Mount Vesuvius in AD79. Walk with a local
Slovenia
Dolomites
Lugano
Lake Como
Milan
Day 16 – Pompeii & Rome. Drive to the ancient
city of Pompeii, preserved by the eruptions of
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO
Switzerland
ITALIAN LAKES
Day 13 – Villa Lante & Hilltop Orvieto. Drive
Visit the Cinque Terre
Tyrrhenian
Sea
POSITANO
Soak up the unique atmosphere of Venice
Experience Italy like never before from just NZ$372 per day
Starts 2016
23 May
–
21 Jun
–
20 Sep
–
27 Sep
–
Picture perfect Portofino
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES
Italian Lake District: Cruise to the island of Isola Bella, renowned
for its opulent palace and stunning gardens.
Portofino: Cruise along the coast to this exclusive resort town.
Lake Como: Visit the romantic gardens at the Villa Carlotta.
Cinque Terre: Explore two of the charming fishing villages .
Tuscany: Learn the art of Italian cookery.
Tuscany: Drive through the rolling countryside to a medieval village
in the heart of Chianti. Visit a winery, taste the wine and olive oil.
Florence: Visit the Statue of David in the Accademia Museum.
Florence: Visit the Pitti Palace, full of art treasures, and enjoy views
over Florence from the Boboli Gardens.
Villa Lante: Visit the garden’s cascades, fountains and grottoes.
Isle of Capri: Ride up to town by funicular. Take the Corniche road
to Anacapri, enjoy the sea views and a light lunch.
Pompeii: Walk with a local expert through the cobbled streets.
Rome: Visit the Vatican Museums and gaze upon Michelangelo’s
ceiling in the Sistine Chapel on a privately guided tour.
Rome: Visit the UNESCO listed gardens of the Villa d’Este.
SIGNATURE DINING
Venice: Get to know each other over a pleasant evening of dinner
and wine at a Venetian restaurant. (WD)
Venice: Dinner with wine at one of Venice’s prized restaurants. (HD)
Rapallo: The Ligurian coast is renowned for its seafood so you are
treated to a feast of local specialties. (HD)
Tuscany: Enjoy the results of your Italian Cookery Class for lunch. (HL)
Amalfi: Dine at a charming restaurant on the Amalfi Coast. (HD)
Rome: Wine & dine at a local restaurant, plus illuminations tour. (CD)
17 full breakfasts (BB), 1 lunch (L), 2 three-course Evening Meals
with choice, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
SIGNATURE HOTELS
Ends 2016
09 Jun
08 Jul
07 Oct
14 Oct
PASSENGER CONDITIONS:
Tips & Taxes & Porterage: Insight hotels include
all service charges, taxes and porterage. All tips are
included for services on tour provided by diningroom 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 NZD $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 New Zealand
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 2015 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 & 30 days 38.5%
Between 29 & 08 days 55%
Between 07 days to 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.
Twin Share Single Sup.
$6699 p.p.
$6699 p.p.
$6699 p.p.
$6699 p.p.
$1417
$1417
$1417
$1417
Tour Membership: Any person aged 5 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 New Zealand, 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 unforeseen circumstances,
the itineraries, hotels or order of sightseeing may
change at short notice.
• Pre or post tour accommodation is subject to
availability. If not available, an alternative may
be offered.
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 bookings and will be advised.
s Grand Hotel Bristol: Set on a hill overlooking the Gulf of
Tigullio, this Liberty Style hotel combines timeless elegance with
contemporary luxury and service.
ADDITIONAL 5 STAR SERVICES
BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES
Please contact your local Travel Agent
17 nights in First Class Hotel Accommodation as indicated
Escorted by professional Tour Director
Luxury air-conditioned 40 seater coach with extended leg room,
on-board washroom, and panoramic windows
Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
Airport arrival and departure transfers on Day 1 and Day 18
To book contact your Travel Agent or call 0800 568 769.