Best of Italy - Small Group

Best of Italy - Small Group

17 Views
11 Days From

$5938

Best of Italy - Small Group

11 Days Starting and ending in Rome

Visiting: Rome, Vatican, Florence, Pisa, Venice, Umbria, Assisi, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, Vatican City

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

SE922ZN20

Trip Styles:

Small Group

From: $5938

NB: Prices correct on 18-Jun-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 spiraling 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

  • 5 Dinner with Wine (DW)

  • 10 Breakfast (B)

  • 1 Lunch with Wine (LW)

  • Choose between two carefully selected activities

  • Florence: Take a stroll with your Travel Director to Piazza Santa Croce to enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local café.

  • Florence: Stand beside Michelangelo's monumental statue, 'David', in the Accademia Gallery, and admire the exquisite technique and absorbing history behind the world's most famous sculpture.

  • : Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.

  • : 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.

  • : We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.

  • : From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

Show all

Itinerary

Expand All

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: Rome, Vatican

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, Pisa, Venice

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: Venice, Umbria, Assisi

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: Assisi, Sorrento

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, Capri, Sorrento

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: Sorrento, Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, Rome

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

Peggy Lindenborn  

Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily

02-Nov-2021

Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily is a delightful trip and our travel guides and driver, Enzo, Chris and Greg were amazing and made the trip very memorable. We saw so many places and had great experiences along the way! Thanks to them for such a wonderful vacation.!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best of Spain & Portugal

11-Jan-2023

Great itinerary, good pace, tour director was friendly and very knowledgeable and organised. Bus was very spacious and driver was great. Yes would recommend insight to friends and families

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Jacqueline Thornberry  

Scenic Iceland and the Northern Lights

31-Oct-2021

The number is our group was small which meant we got to know each other. Our tour guide, Laura Spiers, was excellent as was our driver. The food was good, and of course everything we saw in Iceland was beautiful and educational.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Kathryn Ronca  

Enchanting Canyonlands

08-Nov-2021

The trip was fantastic. Everything was well planned and exceeded my expectations. All insight personal were courteous helpful and professional Ann Manual and Kevin were a topnotch team There was attention to every detail and at all times felt safe and always a personal touch to the trip. The motor coach was clean and roomy and there was multiple wipe downs during the day All hotels were top notch and all staff at the hotels and restaurants were helpful and courteous I would recommend this trip as it gave you a fantastic view of the natural wonders of the the West.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Patrick Ong  

Italian Intermezzo

12-Jan-2023

This trip is absolutely amazing! Worth every Penny! Our Tour guide did not Disappoint.

Feefo Trusted Reviews

1 Select your preferred date

Instant Booking Available

Thursday - Sunday

Apr 03, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025
$5938
Instant Booking Available

Thursday - Sunday

Apr 24, 2025 - May 04, 2025
$5938
Instant Booking Available

Thursday - Sunday

May 08, 2025 - May 18, 2025
$6844
Instant Booking Available

Thursday - Sunday

May 22, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025
$6813
Instant Booking Available

Thursday - Sunday

Jun 26, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025
$6906
Instant Booking Available

Thursday - Sunday

Jul 10, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025
$6906
Instant Booking Available

Thursday - Sunday

Jul 31, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025
$6531
Instant Booking Available

Thursday - Sunday

Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025
$7219
Instant Booking Available

Thursday - Sunday

Oct 09, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025
$6744

Book 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.

Why book with Barrhead?

protected icon

Fully Protected

All our holidays are fully financially protected.


Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.

search icon

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.

award icon

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.

atal icon

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.


Similar Tours