Italy
Best of Italy
Normandy, Brittany & The Loire Valley Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Bayeux
- Arrive in Bayeux and transfer to your hotel.
- Enjoy a Welcome Dinner featuring delicious Farm-to-Table cuisine prepared with locally-sourced ingredients.
Day 2: Bayeux and Normandy Beaches
- Explore Bayeux and visit the famous Bayeux Tapestry, depicting the story of the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
- Join an emotive journey tracing the story of the D-Day landings at the Normandy Beaches.
- Visit the American Military Cemetery at St-Laurent-sur-Mer, the D-Day Museum, and the bunkers at Pointe du Hoc with a Local Expert.
Day 3: Mont-Saint-Michel and Saint-Malo
- Travel to Mont-Saint-Michel and savour your first sight of the fortified island.
- Cross the causeway for a guided tour of the abbey with your Local Expert.
- Continue to Saint-Malo and explore the walled city with your Local Expert, culminating at the cathedral.
Day 4: Chateau d'Usse and Loire Valley
- Visit the fairytale Chateau d'Usse, said to be the inspiration for Charles Perrault's tale 'Sleeping Beauty.'
- Travel to the Loire Valley and enjoy a fun and informative wine tasting in Saumur, discussing grape varieties and local terroir.
- Check into your chateau hotel and indulge in an elegant Celebration Dinner featuring fresh, seasonal produce and wine.
Day 5: Villandry and Chartres
- Visit Villandry Castle and explore its magnificent formal gardens beside the Cher River.
- Journey to Chartres and marvel at the stained-glass windows of Chartres Cathedral, considered the finest medieval glass in France.
Day 6: Paris and Bastille Day
- Travel to Paris and join in the Bastille Day celebrations commemorating the French Revolution.
- Enjoy the remarkable display of fireworks lighting up the summer sky.
- Optional activities in Paris available for exploration.
Day 7: Departure from Paris
- Transfer to the airport for your departure flight, or extend your stay in Paris with optional activities.
Included Insight Services:
- Expert Travel Director to guide you throughout the journey.
- Luxury, air-conditioned coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
- Personal radio headsets for freedom during visits to highlights.
- Baggage handling and hotel tips included.
- Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi.
- Insight Flourishes showcasing local specialties.
- Transfers available at scheduled times for arrival and departure flights.
- Optional transfers available for purchase or self-arranged.
Country Roads of Puglia & The Neapolitan Riviera
Country Roads of Puglia & The Neapolitan Riviera Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Rome
- Arrive in Rome and transfer to your hotel.
- Welcome dinner featuring delicious Italian cuisine and wine, accompanied by traditional Italian music.
Day 2: Alberobello
- Travel to Alberobello and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trulli, small whitewashed stone houses.
- Embrace the town as its natives do and enjoy a freshly-prepared meal typical of the region with a local family.
- Learn about the history of Apulian wine and taste the amazing flavors.
Day 3: Matera
- Visit the famous Sassi or cave dwellings in Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Explore the cobbled streets with your Local Expert and learn about the history of this unique town.
Day 4: Pompeii and Sorrento
- Walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets of Pompeii and learn about its ill-fated history.
- Continue to Sorrento and check into your hotel.
Day 5: Isle of Capri
- Cruise to the Isle of Capri and meet your Local Expert.
- Wander the beautiful Caesar Augustus Gardens and descend to the port by open-top taxi, enjoying the style of the jet-set.
Day 6: Positano and Amalfi Coast
- Drive along the scenic Amalfi Coast and visit the seaside town of Positano.
- Admire the pastel rainbow of colorful houses cascading down the hillside to the water.
Day 7: Return to Rome
- Return to Rome and enjoy free time to explore the city.
- Optional activities available in Rome for further exploration.
Day 8: Departure from Rome
- Transfer to the airport for your departure flight or extend your stay in Rome with optional activities.
Included Insight Services:
- Expert Travel Director to guide you throughout the journey.
- Luxury, air-conditioned coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
- Personal radio headsets for freedom during visits to highlights.
- Baggage handling and hotel tips included.
- Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi.
- Insight Flourishes showcasing local specialties.
- Transfers available at scheduled times for arrival and departure flights.
- Optional transfers available for purchase or self-arranged.
Easy Pace Italy
Easy Pace Italy Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Rome
- Arrive in Rome and transfer to the Veneto Palace Hotel, located near iconic landmarks such as Piazza di Spagna, the Trevi Fountain, and Villa Borghese.
- Welcome dinner at a local restaurant to kickstart your Italian culinary journey.
Day 2: Rome Sightseeing
- Explore Vatican City with a visit to St. Peter's Basilica and marvel at Michelangelo's Pieta.
- Continue to Rome's historical sites including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
- Enjoy an evening at leisure to discover Rome's vibrant atmosphere and charming streets.
Day 3: Assisi and Florence
- Travel to Assisi and visit the Basilica of St. Francis with a Local Expert.
- Continue to Florence and check into your hotel, the Hilton Molino Stucky.
- Evening at leisure to explore the enchanting city of Florence.
Day 4: Florence Exploration
- Visit the Accademia Museum with a local art historian to admire Michelangelo's original masterpiece, David.
- Explore Florence's iconic landmarks including the Cathedral, baptistery, and Signoria Square.
- Enjoy a scenic view of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo.
Day 5: Pisa and Tuscan Dinner
- Journey to Pisa and visit the Square of Miracles with its famous Leaning Tower, baptistery, and cathedral.
- Experience a tasting of olive oil and wines at Il Poggio in Tuscany, followed by a fabulous dinner of Tuscan specialties.
Day 6: Verona and Venice
- Travel to Verona and stroll past the Roman Arena to the famous balcony in the courtyard of a Renaissance villa.
- Continue to Venice and check into the Hilton Molino Stucky hotel.
- Cruise to St. Mark's Square by private launch and admire Venice's iconic landmarks.
Day 7: Venice Exploration
- Visit an artisan showroom and workshop to see master craftsmen honoring age-old Venetian crafts.
- Enjoy free time to explore Venice at your own pace, perhaps indulging in a gondola ride or wandering through the charming streets.
- Unforgettable Celebration Dinner of delicious Italian cuisine in the heart of historic Venice.
Day 8: Departure from Venice
- Transfer to Venice Airport for your departure flight or extend your stay to explore more of this enchanting city.
Included Insight Services:
- Expert Insight Tour Director to guide you throughout the journey.
- Luxury, air-conditioned touring coach with extended Business Class legroom.
- Personal radio headsets for freedom during visits to highlights.
- Baggage handling and hotel tips included.
- Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi.
- Insight Flourishes showcasing local specialties.
- Complimentary transfers from Rome Fiumicino Airport and to Venice Airport at scheduled times.
Easy Pace Italy
Easy Pace Italy Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Rome
- Arrive in Rome and transfer to your hotel.
- Welcome dinner at a local restaurant to kick off your Italian adventure.
Day 2: Vatican City and Rome Exploration
- Enjoy VIP entrance into the Vatican Museums and marvel at the Sistine Chapel.
- Explore Rome's iconic landmarks including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
- Optional evening stroll through Rome's charming streets.
Day 3: Assisi and Florence
- Visit Assisi and explore the Basilica of St. Francis with a Local Expert.
- Continue to Florence and check into your hotel.
- Evening at leisure to discover Florence's Renaissance atmosphere.
Day 4: Florence Sightseeing
- Visit the Accademia Museum with a local art historian to admire Michelangelo's David.
- Explore Florence's highlights including the Cathedral, baptistery, and Signoria Square.
- Optional visit to Piazzale Michelangelo for panoramic views of Florence.
Day 5: Pisa and Tuscan Dinner
- Journey to Pisa and visit the Square of Miracles with its Leaning Tower, baptistery, and cathedral.
- Visit II Poggio in Tuscany to learn about organic farming and enjoy a Tuscan dinner with stunning views.
Day 6: Venice Arrival
- Travel to Venice and check into your hotel.
- Visit an artisan showroom and workshop to see Venetian crafts.
- Evening at leisure to explore Venice's romantic atmosphere.
Day 7: Venice Exploration
- Enjoy a gondola serenade through Venice's canals.
- Explore Venice's highlights including St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, and Rialto Bridge.
- Optional visit to the islands of Murano and Burano.
Day 8: Departure from Venice
- Transfer to Venice Airport for your departure flight.
Included Insight Services:
- Expert Travel Director to guide you throughout the journey.
- Luxury, air-conditioned coach with double the standard legroom.
- Personal radio headsets for commentary during visits.
- Baggage handling and hotel tips included.
- Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi.
- Insight Flourishes showcasing local specialties.
- Scheduled transfers on arrival and departure days.
Italian Intermezzo
Italian Intermezzo Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Milan
- Arrive in Milan and transfer to your hotel, the 5-star Melia Milano.
- Welcome dinner to kick off your Italian adventure.
Day 2: Milan to Venice
- Explore Milan's highlights, including the magnificent Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
- Journey to Venice and check into the Carlton on the Grand Canal, a family-run hotel.
- Evening gondola serenade through Venice's atmospheric canals.
Day 3: Venice Sightseeing
- Private cruise to St. Mark's Square and visit St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs.
- Witness a Venetian glass-blowing demonstration.
- Enjoy an evening at leisure to explore Venice's charming streets.
Day 4: Venice to Florence
- Travel to Florence and check into the Athenaeum Personal, a modern 4-star hotel.
- Guided walking tour of Florence's highlights, including the cathedral, baptistery, and Signoria Square.
- Leather-work demonstration to learn about Florentine craftsmanship.
Day 5: Florence Sightseeing
- Visit the Accademia Museum with a Renaissance art expert to admire Michelangelo's David.
- Explore Florence's cultural treasures and enjoy the autumn colors of Tuscany's fields.
- Optional visit to the Uffizi Gallery to see masterpieces of Italian Renaissance art.
Day 6: Florence to Rome
- Journey to Rome and check into the elegant Veneto Palace Hotel in the historic center.
- Guided exploration of Rome's highlights, including St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Bramante Staircase.
- Celebration dinner of Roman cuisine accompanied by wine and operetta entertainment.
Day 7: Rome Exploration
- Discover more of Rome's iconic landmarks, such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
- Optional excursion to the Vatican Museums and Vatican Gardens.
- Farewell dinner to conclude your Italian adventure.
Day 8: Departure from Rome
- Transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport for your departure flight.
Included Insight Services:
- Expert Tour Director to guide you throughout the journey.
- Luxury, air-conditioned coach with extended Business Class legroom.
- Personal radio headsets for commentary during visits.
- Baggage handling and hotel tips included.
- Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi.
- Insight Flourishes showcasing local specialties.
- Complimentary transfers from Milan Malpensa Airport and to Rome Fiumicino Airport on arrival and departure days.
Sicily In Depth with Malta
Sicily In Depth with Malta Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Catania, Sicily
- Arrive in Catania and transfer to your hotel.
- Evening at leisure to explore Catania's charming streets and enjoy Mediterranean hospitality.
Day 2: Catania Exploration
- Guided exploration of Catania with your Local Expert, including the Duomo, Piazza, and Palazzo Senatorio.
- Optional visit to the vibrant fish market to experience local culture and cuisine.
Day 3: Syracuse Excursion
- Day trip to Syracuse to explore its ancient Greek and Roman heritage.
- Visit the Paradise Quarry gardens, the Ear of Dionysius, and the Greek theatre.
- Return to Catania in the evening for leisure time.
Day 4: Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples
- Journey to Agrigento to visit the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Explore the remains of the Greek colony Akragas with your Local Expert.
- Visit the Temples of Juno, Concorde, and Hercules, among others.
Day 5: Monreale and Palermo
- Visit Monreale to explore its magnificent cathedral adorned with 12th-century mosaics.
- Continue to Palermo, the Sicilian capital, with your Local Expert.
- Explore Palermo's landmarks, including Teatro Massimo, Quattro Canti Square, and Palermo Cathedral.
Day 6: Palermo Exploration
- Further exploration of Palermo with your Local Expert, including the Palatine Chapel and the composite architectural styles of the cathedral.
- Optional visit to the vibrant Ballarò Market to sample Sicilian street food.
Day 7: Taormina Riviera
- Journey to Taormina Riviera, a picturesque coastal town.
- Explore Taormina with your Local Expert, including the Greek Theatre and Palazzo Corvaja.
- Optional visit to the stunning Isola Bella, a small island nature reserve.
Day 8: Trapani Excursion
- Day trip to Trapani to visit a local farm and sample Sicilian olive oil and wine.
- Enjoy a rustic Highlight Lunch featuring local specialties.
- Return to Taormina Riviera for leisure time.
Day 9: Free Day in Taormina Riviera
- Enjoy a free day to relax on the beautiful beaches of Taormina Riviera or explore the town at your own pace.
- Optional excursion to Mount Etna, Europe's highest and most active volcano.
Day 10: Departure from Catania
- Transfer to Catania Airport for your departure flight.
- End of the tour.
Included Insight Services:
- Expert Travel Director to guide you throughout the journey.
- Luxury, air-conditioned coach with double the standard legroom.
- Personal radio headsets for commentary during visits.
- Baggage handling and hotel tips included.
- Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi.
- Insight Flourishes showcasing local specialties.
- Complimentary transfers at scheduled times on arrival and departure days.
Treasures of Italy
Treasures of Italy Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Venice
- Arrive in Venice and transfer to your hotel.
- Evening at leisure to explore the charming streets and canals of Venice.
Day 2: Venice Exploration
- Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing with Insight's unique experience.
- Explore the backstreets of Venice with a passionate local to understand modern life alongside ancient treasures.
Day 3: Vatican City and Rome
- Gain VIP access to the Vatican Museums, including the famous Bramante Staircase and the Sistine Chapel.
- Transfer to Rome and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Day 4: Rome Sightseeing
- Walk with a Local Expert through the ancient streets of Rome, exploring local life and ancient treasures.
- Visit the ruins of Pompeii with a guided tour, gaining insight into the ill-fated town's history.
Day 5: Florence Excursion
- Journey to Florence and visit the Accademia Museum to gain insight into Michelangelo's masterpiece, David.
- Explore Florence's landmarks, including the cathedral, bell tower, and Gates of Paradise.
Day 6: Isle of Capri
- Transfer to the Isle of Capri and spend two nights exploring the island's luxuriant Caesar Augustus Gardens and iconic sights.
- Cruise to the island by hydrofoil and relax in an open-top taxi.
Day 7: Isle of Capri Discovery
- Further exploration of the Isle of Capri, including a visit to the charming fisherman's island of Baveno for a Celebration Dinner.
Day 8: Cinque Terre and Portofino
- Travel to the UNESCO World Heritage protected fishing villages of Cinque Terre.
- Explore the villages by train and witness dramatic coastal scenery.
- Delight in the elegance of Portofino and cruise to Santa Margherita.
Day 9: Italian Lakes
- Visit a local winery on Lake Iseo and taste their latest vintages with a master vintner.
- Enjoy a Dine-Around Evening at hand-picked local restaurants.
Day 10: Departure from Venice
- Transfer to Venice Airport for your departure flight.
- End of the tour.
Included Insight Services:
- Expert Travel Director to guide you throughout the journey.
- Luxury, air-conditioned coach with double the standard legroom.
- Personal radio headsets for commentary during visits.
- Baggage handling and hotel tips included.
- Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi.
- Insight Flourishes showcasing local specialties.
- Complimentary transfers at scheduled times on arrival and departure days.