Best of Italy - Classic Group, Summer
Best of Italy - Classic Group, Summer
Best of Italy - Classic Group, Summer
11 Days Starting and ending in Rome
Visiting: Rome, Vatican City, Florence, Venice, Pisa, Assisi, Umbria, Sorrento, Capri, Pompei, Mount Vesuvius
Tour operator:
Tour code:
E922ZN20
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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.
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. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director and getting to know your fellow travelers over a delicious Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Vatican City And Rome With A Local
Location: Vatican City, Rome
Accommodation: Hotel Romanico Palace, Rome.
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 Fast Track 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 Panthenon, 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.
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore Florence with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo’s David. After, continue on foot to admire the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. Continue into the 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. Alternatively, take a stroll with your Travel Director to Piazza Santa Croce to enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local caffè, where you will be in the perfect spot to admire the basilica, indulge in people-watching the elegant Florentines and pamper yourself shopping for luxury goods like gold and leather. In the afternoon, perhaps visit medieval San Gimignano?
Day 5: Pisa To Venice, The Queen Of The Adriatic
Location: Florence, Venice, Pisa
Accommodation: NH Venezia Santa Lucia, Venice.
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Stroll past historic churches and 13th century palaces to St. Mark's Square. The first sight is the gilded façade of St. Mark's Basilica. You'll see the Doge's Palace next to the Basilica, turn the corner to see the prison and 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 center. See how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills.
Day 7: Assisi
Location: Assisi, Umbria, Venice
Accommodation: Hotel Giotto Assisi.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Journey to the peaceful town of Assisi, dotted with medieval churches, colorful 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: Sorrento, Assisi
Accommodation: Hotel Isabella, Sorrento.
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, Sorrento, Capri
Accommodation: Hotel Isabella, Sorrento.
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 colorful Amalfi Coast?
Day 10: Pompeii, Frozen In Time And On To Rome
Location: Rome, Sorrento, Pompei, Mount Vesuvius
Accommodation: NH Roma Centro, Rome., Kolbe Hotel Rome.
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 civilization. Visit the Forum and peer into shops and patrician villas, decorated with colorful 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 savor the unique flavors 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.
Check out our Q&As
-
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.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
-
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.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
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.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Thursday - Sunday
Apr 10, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025Thursday - Sunday
May 01, 2025 - May 11, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
May 03, 2025 - May 13, 2025Thursday - Sunday
May 15, 2025 - May 25, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
May 17, 2025 - May 27, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
May 24, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025Thursday - Sunday
May 29, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
May 31, 2025 - Jun 10, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Jun 12, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Jun 19, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jun 21, 2025 - Jul 01, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 08, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Jul 03, 2025 - Jul 13, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Jul 17, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Jul 24, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 05, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Aug 07, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 19, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Aug 14, 2025 - Aug 24, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Aug 23, 2025 - Sep 02, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Aug 28, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 09, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Sep 18, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Sep 25, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
Trusted Agent
Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.
We look after you every step of the way.