Best of Italy - Classic Group, Summer
Best of Italy - Classic Group, Summer
11 Days Starting and ending in Rome
Visiting: Rome, Vatican, Florence, Pisa, Venice, Umbria, Assisi, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius
Tour operator:
Tour code:
E922ZN19
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
20 - 40
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$4995
$3985 (USD)
Barrhead discount: -$1010
-20%
NB: Prices correct on 18-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
Explore the best of Italy on this 11-day guided tour. In Rome, enjoy a VIP Vatican tour that includes access to the Bramante Staircase — a spiralling Renaissance masterpiece normally off-limits to visitors. As your travels continue along the Bay of Naples, stop on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius for lunch at a local farm still growing traditional produce unique to the region. In Florence, learn the secrets of leather making from a local leatherworker. Fall in love with Venice as you see churches and palaces from a private boat, and cruise its canals on a romantic gondola ride. Sail to Capri, where craggy mountains cascade into the Tyrrhenian Sea; a Local Expert will help you navigate its narrow alleys. But before you say arrivederci to Italy, enjoy one last experience: a private opera during a four-course meal that features local wine.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To The Eternal City Of Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Hotel Romanico Palace, Rome.
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mediterraneo
Meals Included: Dinner with Wine
Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and baroque churches. Transfers depart from Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport for your hotel at 09:30, 12:30 and 15:30. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director at 17:30, and get to know your fellow travellers over a delicious Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Vatican City And Rome With A Local
Location: Rome, Vatican, Rome
Accommodation: Hotel Romanico Palace, Rome.
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mediterraneo
Meals Included: Breakfast
The day is devoted to The Eternal City. Join a Local Expert for an in-depth visit to the Vatican Museums, full of priceless art treasures collected by the Popes. Insight has arranged special priority entry and behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase, a marvel of Renaissance architecture, normally off-limits to visitors. Visit the Sistine Chapel, where Popes are elected, to admire Michelangelo’s famous ceiling. Continue to St. Peter’s Basilica, to wonder at another of his works, the emotive ‘Pietà ,’ and stand beneath the dome completed after his death. Cross the Tiber river to enjoy ancient Rome. See the incredible Circus Maximus. Admire the beautifully preserved Arch of Constantine, walking on the ancient pavement. Discover the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum as you stroll around the exterior of this amazing structure. Later, perhaps continue your exploration of Rome to see the Pantheon, the stunning Piazzas and fountains of Rome.
Day 3: The Chianti Hills To Florence
Location: Rome, Florence
Accommodation: Hotel Adler Cavalieri, Florence., NH Firenze, Florence.
Accommodation Name: NH Firenze or Hotel Albani Firenze
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Drive to the Chianti Hills and the city of Florence. On arrival, you will be privy to the secrets of traditional Florentine leatherwork and see a gold demonstration. This evening, indulge in a delicious meal at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Florence, Birthplace Of The Renaissance
Location: Florence
Accommodation: NH Firenze, Florence., Hotel Adler Cavalieri, Florence.
Accommodation Name: NH Firenze or Hotel Albani Firenze
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore Florence with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo's David. Alternatively, wander through the market stalls on a guided shopping tour, enjoying all the Italian treats and finery on offer. Continue on foot to the multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. Visit Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune and Hercules and Cacus along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. In the afternoon, perhaps visit medieval San Gimignano?
Day 5: Pisa To Venice, The Queen Of The Adriatic
Location: Florence, Pisa, Venice
Accommodation: NH Venezia Santa Lucia, Venice.
Accommodation Name: NH Venezia Santa Lucia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Journey to the coastal town of Pisa and see the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles, as well as the baptistery and colonnaded bell tower behind the cathedral. Relax and enjoy the scenery as you cross the spectacular Apennine Mountains, through the Emilia-Romagna region - one of Europe's most intensely farmed and fertile plains. Continue through the marshes of the Venetian Lagoon before crossing the causeway into the floating city of Venice. As evening falls, day-trippers desert the city to return to the mainland. Appreciate the peace and tranquility of Venice from your centrally located hotel.This evening, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 6: Venice And The Magic Of La Serenissima Relaxed Start
Location: Venice
Accommodation: NH Venezia Santa Lucia, Venice.
Accommodation Name: NH Venezia Santa Lucia
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your private boat takes you past historic churches and 13th century palaces to St. Mark's Square. The first sight is the gilded facade of St. Mark's Basilica. Turn the corner, and view the pink marble of the Doge's Palace, connected to the prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. It was from here that Casanova made his daring escape. Afterwards, board a traditional gondola for a serenade along the romantic canals. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a traditional arts centre. See how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills.
Day 7: Assisi
Location: Venice, Umbria, Assisi
Accommodation: Hotel Giotto Assisi.
Accommodation Name: Hotel Giotto Assisi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Journey to the peaceful town of Assisi, dotted with medieval churches, colourful frescoes and shady courtyards.In the valley, see the Church of St. Mary of the Angels, much venerated as the place of St. Francis' death, then continue up Mount Subasio to the upper town. With your Local Expert, step inside the huge Basilica of St. Francis, built in the 13th century. The frescoes painted by Giotto here heralded a new era in Italian art.Arrive at your hotel, located in the heart of the medieval Old Town. Enjoy the tranquility of the historic old town during free time.
Day 8: Sorrento On The Coast
Location: Assisi, Sorrento
Accommodation Name: Hotel Isabella
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel south passing Cassino, the scene of a fierce battle during World War II. Follow the spectacular clifftop road to the picturesque resort of Sorrento, overlooking the Bay of Naples to Mount Vesuvius. After checking in to your hotel, spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 9: Capri, The Isle Of Dreams
Location: Sorrento, Capri, Sorrento
Accommodation Name: Hotel Isabella
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cross the Bay of Naples to reach the beautiful Isle of Capri, a rock rising sheer from the Mediterranean! For 2,000 years, Capri has beckoned visitors from Tiberius to Gracie Fields. Arriving at the Marina Grande by boat, ascend to Capri town by one of the island's iconic open-top taxis. A Local Expert joins you for an exploration of the narrow alleyways. Browse in deluxe boutiques and wonder at the views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Descend to the port by funicular railway and return to Sorrento, where you are at leisure for the rest of the day. Perhaps head to Positano for an exploration of the colourful Amalfi Coast?
Day 10: Pompeii, Frozen In Time And On To Rome
Location: Sorrento, Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, Rome
Accommodation: NH Roma Centro, Rome., Kolbe Hotel Rome.
Accommodation Name: Kolbe Hotel Rome or NH Roma Centro
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine, Dinner with Wine
Continue to Pompeii, the opulent Roman town which was preserved by layers of ash from the disastrous eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. A walk with your Local Expert through the cobbled streets and extensive excavations reveals the daily life of ancient Roman civilisation. Visit the Forum and peer into shops and patrician villas, decorated with colourful wall paintings. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Vesuvius National Park and visit Casa Barone. This small family run farm on the slopes of the volcano is one of the world’s only producers of Piennolo tomatoes, an endangered fruit that only thrives in the fertile volcanic soil. Each harvest is sustainably farmed and cared for by the extended Barone family, who all work here. Be sure to savour the unique flavours of this rare tomato during a truly unique Farm-to-Table lunch. Your journey continues to Rome. In the evening, enjoy an elegant four-course Celebration Dinner with local wine at a Roman restaurant. As you dine, enjoy a private performance of popular songs and arias from some of Italy's best-loved operas.
Day 11: Arrivederci Roma
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bid farewell to the glories of Italy. Departure transfers arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 and 09:30.
What's Included
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Travel Director
Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
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Baggage Handling
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
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Complimentary Wi-Fi
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Insight Flourish
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
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Airport Transfers
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
What's Not Included
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Airfare
International and domestic airfare not included.
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Meals
Some meals not included, providing the flexibility to explore local cuisine on your own.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences and excursions are available for purchase during your trip.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, mini-bar, room service, and other incidental expenses are not included.
Mode of Transport
Cruise by private boat past historic churches and 13th-century palaces to arrive close to St Mark's Square. Stroll along the waterfront past the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge's Palace. It was from here Casanova made his daring escape. Turn the corner into St Mark's Square and admire the basilica. Afterwards, board a traditional gondola for a serenade along the romantic canals. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to the island of Murano. See how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills.
Accommodation
Stay in hotels like the NH Venezia Santa Lucia in Venice and the Hotel Giotto Assisi in Assisi. Your hotel will be dependent on your departure date.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided?
Accommodation on this tour includes hotels like the NH Venezia Santa Lucia in Venice and the Hotel Giotto Assisi in Assisi, with the specific hotel dependent on the departure date.
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Are there any UNESCO World Heritage sites included in this tour?
The tour description does not explicitly mention visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites, but given the locations visited such as Rome, Vatican, Florence, Venice, and Pompeii, it is likely that UNESCO World Heritage sites are included in the itinerary.
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What countries does this tour visit?
This tour visits Italy.
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What are the highlights of this tour?
The highlights of this tour include the option to choose between two carefully selected activities, a guided shopping tour in Florence, luxurious coach travel with enhanced hygiene protocols, priority access to the Vatican Museums, a Welcome Dinner in Rome, a Celebration Dinner of Italian cuisine, guided tours of Rome, Florence, Pisa, Venice, Assisi, Capri, and Pompeii, a visit to Vesuvius National Park, and a Farm-to-Table lunch at Casa Barone.
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What type of transportation is used on this tour?
Transportation on this tour includes a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom, private boat past historic churches and 13th-century palaces, and a traditional gondola for a serenade along the romantic canals of Venice.
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How many meals are included?
The tour includes 5 Dinners with Wine, 10 Breakfasts, and 1 Lunch with Wine.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
Dates & Availability
Thursday - Sunday
May 30, 2024 - Jun 09, 2024Saturday - Tuesday
Jun 08, 2024 - Jun 18, 2024Thursday - Sunday
Jun 13, 2024 - Jun 23, 2024Saturday - Tuesday
Jun 15, 2024 - Jun 25, 2024Thursday - Sunday
Jun 20, 2024 - Jun 30, 2024Thursday - Sunday
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Aug 24, 2024 - Sep 03, 2024Saturday - Tuesday
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Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Oct 02, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Oct 16, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Oct 23, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
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Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
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We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
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