Country Roads of Italy - Small Group

Country Roads of Italy - Small Group

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16 Days From

$7450

$7230

Country Roads of Italy - Small Group

16 Days Starting in Rome, Italy and ending in Venice, Italy

Visiting: Rome, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, Todi, Perugia, Florence, Siena, Lucca, Cinque Terre, Parma, Venice

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

SE722ZN20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

From: $7450 $7230 Barrhead discount: -$220

NB: Prices correct on 03-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Italy with the "Country Roads of Italy - Small Group" tour. This immersive experience takes you from the ancient wonders of Rome to the enchanting canals of Venice, exploring Italy's rich cultural tapestry along the way. Discover the historic treasures of Pompeii, the breathtaking beauty of the Isle of Capri, and the medieval charm of Assisi. Savor authentic Italian cuisine, from Roman specialties to Tuscan wines, and witness traditional crafts like glassblowing in Venice and loom weaving in Perugia. With expert local guides, you'll explore iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, St. Mark's Basilica, and the Cinque Terre. Enjoy intimate group sizes, ensuring a personalized and enriching adventure through Italy's most picturesque landscapes and vibrant cities.

Highlights

  • Siena: Visit the Basilica of St. Catherine and enjoy a tasting of Panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert.

  • Rome: Discover ancient treasures with a local expert, including Circus Maximus and the Ancient Forum.

  • Sorrento: Enjoy views of Mount Vesuvius across the Bay of Naples.

  • Capri: Cruise by jetfoil to the isle and explore Capri town with its whitewashed houses and boutiques.

  • Assisi: Visit St. Mary of the Angels Church and the Basilica of Saint Francis.

  • Florence: View the multi-colored marble cathedral and visit Signoria Square.

  • Cinque Terre: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Italian Riviera.

  • Venice: Experience a gondola ride and visit St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome To The Eternal City Of Rome

Location: Rome

Accommodation: Room 007 Select, Rome.

Accommodation Name: Room 007 Select, Rome

Meals Included: Dinner

2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a center of celebration. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City. Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and baroque churches. Settle in before joining your Travel Director for a private visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, welcomed by the Rector of the basilica. End the day getting to know your fellow travelers over Roman specialties during dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Rome With A Local

Location: Rome

Accommodation: Room 007 Select, Rome.

Accommodation Name: Room 007 Select, Rome

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is devoted to The Eternal City. Join a Local Expert to discover the modern-day city and how people lived in Ancient Rome. See St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City. Then cross the Tiber river to see the Circus Maximus and learn about the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum on a guided visit. Imagine the roar of the spectators as you enter the arena and stroll around picturing the gladiators and their adoring fans.

Day 3: Sorrento

Location: Sorrento

Accommodation: Majestic Palace Hotel, Sorrento.

Accommodation Name: Majestic Palace Hotel, Sorrento

Meals Included: Breakfast

Venture south leaving the region of Lazio for Campania. Drink in the views of the Bay of Naples and the distinctive outline of Mount Vesuvius as you reach the resort town of Sorrento.

Day 4: Capri, The Isle Of Dreams

Location: Capri

Accommodation: Majestic Palace Hotel, Sorrento.

Accommodation Name: Majestic Palace Hotel, Sorrento

Meals Included: Breakfast

Meet your Local Expert and 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 Caesar to Gracie Fields. Arriving at the Marina Grande by boat, ascend to Capri town. Explore the narrow alleyways, browse in exclusive 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.

Day 5: Pompeii And Todi

Location: Pompeii

Accommodation: Majestic Palace Hotel, Sorrento.

Accommodation Name: Fonte Cesia, Todi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Journey to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii and explore this extraordinary site with your Local Expert. Travel into the heart of Italy to enjoy free time in Todi, located on a hilltop pedestal overlooking a vineyard-covered plain. Savor the distinctly medieval ambiance during your orientation and admire the Piazza del Popolo where locals take their evening 'passeggiata'. Take in the flavors of the region and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with a glass of Orvieto Classico wine - a magical culinary experience!

Day 6: Todi

Location: Todi

Accommodation: Hotel Fonte Cesia

Accommodation Name: Fonte Cesia, Todi

Meals Included: Breakfast

Immerse yourself in the enchanting medieval town of Todi, where you can wander through picturesque streets, marvel at historic architecture, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding Umbrian countryside.

Day 7: Assisi And On To Perugia Relaxed Start

Location: Perugia

Accommodation: Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia.

Accommodation Name: Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia

Meals Included: Breakfast

In Assisi, see St. Clare’s Church and the cathedral. Continue to walk down the Via San Francesco and visit the huge Basilica of St. Francis with a Local Expert. Journey to beautiful Perugia, the jewel of Umbria. Your guided walking exploration begins in the main street of Perugia's Old Town. See the Collegio del Cambio, the splendid Priors' Palace, the Cathedral and the finely sculptured Great Fountain in the magnificent main square. In the evening there is the option to discover the edible treasures of a traditional Umbrian kitchen, accompanied with wines of the region.

Day 8: Perugia, The Jewel Of Umbria Relaxed Start

Location: Perugia

Accommodation: Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia.

Accommodation Name: Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia

Meals Included: Breakfast

Time to explore more about this gem of a town. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit an artisanal workshop and meet Marta, a recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Learn how Marta and her weavers are preserving the ancient craft of loom-weaving. With the rest of your day at leisure, perhaps visit Cortona, one of the oldest hill towns in Tuscany. On this Optional Experience, journey to a recently unearthed Etruscan Temple before a guided exploration through the town's historic center with views of Lake Trasimeno and the Val di Chiana.

Day 9: Florence And Monteriggioni

Location: Florence

Accommodation: CDH Hotel Radda, Tuscany.

Accommodation Name: Relais Certosa, Florence, Borgo di Cortefreda

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Journey past Lake Trasimeno to Renaissance Florence. On arrival you will walk with a Local Expert to see the marble-clad cathedral, bell tower and Gates of Paradise on the baptistery. Enjoy time at leisure to explore Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at the fountains and sculptures along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Wander the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods of gold and leather. Journey through the rolling, cypress-clad hills and vineyards of Tuscany and enjoy a delicious exploration of Tuscany's red wines, discovering their robust flavors and absorbing history before arriving at your elegant hotel.

Day 10: Siena And San Gimignano Relaxed Start

Location: Siena

Accommodation: CDH Hotel Radda, Tuscany.

Accommodation Name: Relais Certosa, Florence, Borgo di Cortefreda

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, explore Siena with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the medieval Basilica of St. Catherine or alternatively, sample panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert. Continue to the hilltop town of San Gimignano strikingly visible from every angle, its towers dominate the skyline and give it the nickname the Medieval Manhattan of Tuscany. Enjoy tasting the award-winning frozen delights of master gelato maker, Sergio Dondoli, whose great inventions include innovative and mouth-watering flavor combinations. Journey through the rolling, cypress-clad hills and vineyards of Tuscany as you return to your hotel.

Day 11: On To Lucca Relaxed Start

Location: Lucca

Accommodation: Hotel Villa La Principessa, Lucca.

Accommodation Name: Villa La Principessa, Lucca

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel to Lucca to view the churches, squares and palaces, perfectly preserved within encircling medieval ramparts. Pause a while and taste the lavish loaves of buccellato, Lucca's sweet raisin anise bread, said to be a favorite of the ancient Roman army. Later, you could take the opportunity to explore Pisa.

Day 12: Exploring The Cinque Terre

Location: Cinque Terre

Accommodation: Hotel Villa La Principessa, Lucca.

Accommodation Name: Villa La Principessa, Lucca

Meals Included: Breakfast

Get ready to explore the Cinque Terre, or five villages, which for years were only accessible by foot. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of Italy's most beautiful landscapes. Join a Local Expert in one of the picturesque fishing villages, before cruising along the rugged coastline (weather permitting). There is plenty of time to explore the old medieval quarter and popular sandy beach before returning to your hotel in Lucca.

Day 13: On To Parma

Location: Parma

Accommodation: Starhotels Du Parc, Parma.

Accommodation Name: Starhotels Du Parc, Parma

Meals Included: Breakfast

Journey to the beautiful university town of Parma, world-famous for its local ham and cheese. Meet one of the locals, Paolo. Learn about the process of making Parmigiano-Reggiano as Signor Paolo shares with you his passions for Italian food, especially excellent quality Parmesan cheese. Taste samples of the famous Parmigiano-Reggiano, accompanied by a glass of wine.

Day 14: Modena And On To Venice

Location: Venice

Accommodation: Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice

Accommodation Name: Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice

Meals Included: Breakfast

Visit one of Modena's top producers of authentic, traditional, artisan balsamic vinegar and take a master class to understand what makes this vinegar as expensive as top-rated wines. Continue on through the Soave vineyards past Padua to Venice, Queen of the Adriatic. To the tune of accompanying musicians, you will be serenaded through the atmospheric canals as you glide by gondola past water-lapped doorways and rococo palaces.

Day 15: The Magic Of La Serenissima

Location: Venice

Accommodation: Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice

Accommodation Name: Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a traditional glassblowing workshop, where you can see how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills. Visit St. Mark’s Square where the city’s former wealth and power is evidenced by the riches of St. Mark’s Basilica and admire the Doge's Palace with its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. In the evening, cruise the islands of the Venetian Lagoon to arrive at Burano, famous for its candy colored houses. Sit down to a sumptuous dinner with wine, sampling the local specialties.

Day 16: Arrivederci Venice

Location: Venice

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo airport.

What's Included

  • Choice Highlights

    Visit the Basilica of St. Catherine in Siena and enjoy a tasting of Panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert.

  • Top Rated Highlights

    Discover ancient treasures of Rome, explore Capri town, and visit the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi.

  • Make Travel Matter

    Meet Marta in Perugia and learn about the ancient craft of loom weaving, and witness glassblowing in Venice.

  • Authentic Dining

    Savor dinner in Rome, enjoy wine tasting in Radda in Chianti, and sample Buccellato in Lucca.

  • Dining Summary

    Includes 5 dinners and 15 breakfasts.

  • Additional Included Highlights

    Personal radio headsets, hotel and restaurant tips, taxes, porterage charges, and complimentary Wi-Fi are included.

  • Insight Experiences

    Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes in Rome during an after-hours visit.

  • Well-being

    Travel in a luxurious, air-conditioned coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.

What's Not Included

  • Flights

    Flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.

  • Optional Experiences

    Optional experiences such as visiting Cortona are not included in the tour price.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

Dining Summary

  • 5 Dinner (D)
  • 15 Breakfast (B)

Additional Included Highlights

  • 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.
  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • 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.

Insight Experiences

  • Rome: Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit. This 9th-century basilica’s simple facade guards the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics. The history of the church springs to life as you admire the interior’s treasured collection, including Bernini's first sculpture and the renowned mosaics, illuminated for your visit. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is a rare and unforgettable insight into Rome and its religious history.

Well-being

  • Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom, ensuring a relaxing journey through Italy's stunning landscapes.

Accommodation

Experience a variety of accommodations throughout Italy, including the Room 007 Select in Rome, Majestic Palace Hotel in Sorrento, Fonte Cesia in Todi, Sangallo Palace Hotel in Perugia, Relais Certosa in Florence, Villa La Principessa in Lucca, Starhotels Du Parc in Parma, and Hilton Molino Stucky in Venice.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes in Rome during an after-hours visit, where you can admire the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics. In Perugia, you will visit an artisanal workshop to learn about the ancient craft of loom-weaving from Marta, a recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant. In Venice, you will witness the traditional craft of glassblowing at a workshop, supporting the preservation of this ancient skill.

  • What are some of the culinary experiences offered on this tour?

    The tour offers a variety of authentic dining experiences, including savoring Roman specialties in Rome, learning about and tasting quality vino rosso in Radda in Chianti, sampling Buccellato in Lucca, and enjoying gelato from a world champion gelato maestro in San Gimignano. In Parma, you will meet Signor Paolo to learn about and taste Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and in Modena, you will visit a producer of authentic balsamic vinegar.

  • How does the tour support sustainable and cultural preservation efforts?

    The tour supports sustainable and cultural preservation through visits to places like the artisanal workshop in Perugia, which empowers women and preserves the ancient craft of loom-weaving. In Venice, the tour supports a traditional glassblowing workshop, helping to maintain this historic craft. These experiences align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for gender equality and sustainable communities.

  • What are some of the highlights of the tour in terms of historical and cultural sites?

    The tour includes visits to several historical and cultural sites such as the Basilica of St. Catherine in Siena, the ancient ruins of Pompeii, the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, and the medieval town of San Gimignano. In Rome, you will explore the Colosseum and the Vatican City, and in Venice, you will visit St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace.

  • What kind of local expertise is provided during the tour?

    Throughout the tour, Local Experts guide you through various destinations, providing insights into the history and culture of each location. For example, in Rome, a Local Expert will guide you through the ancient city, and in Capri, you will explore the town with a Local Expert. In Assisi and Perugia, Local Experts will lead you through the historical sites and provide detailed commentary.

  • 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  

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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

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Jacqueline Thornberry  

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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.

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Kathryn Ronca  

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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.

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Patrick Ong  

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12-Jan-2023

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

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1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Saturday

Apr 18, 2025 - May 03, 2025
$7495 $7275

Barrhead discount: -$220

Friday - Saturday

May 23, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025
$7725 $7505

Barrhead discount: -$220

Friday - Saturday

Aug 15, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025
$7450 $7230

Barrhead discount: -$220

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.

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