Treasures of Italy - Small Group
Treasures of Italy - Small Group
$6295
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Treasures of Italy - Small Group" tour, a captivating journey through Italy and Vatican City, where history, art, and culture converge. Begin in Rome, exploring ancient wonders with a local expert, and marvel at the Vatican's treasures. Discover the preserved streets of Pompeii and the enchanting Isle of Capri. In Florence, choose between admiring Michelangelo's David or indulging in local treats at Piazza Santa Croce. Experience the picturesque beauty of Cinque Terre and the elegance of Portofino. Delight in the serene landscapes of Lake Maggiore and savor the flavors of Franciacorta wine. Conclude in Venice, where a gondola ride and a glassblowing workshop await. With authentic dining experiences and expert guidance, this tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Italy's most iconic destinations. ...more ...less
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Florence: Take a stroll with your Travel Director to Piazza Santa Croce and immerse yourself in the essence of la dolce vita of Florence while you enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local cafe.
- 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.
Top Rated Highlights
- Rome: Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a passionate local. See Circus Maximus and the Ancient Forum, where Ancient Roman political life and law courts mingled with open-air markets and shops.
- Pompeii: Walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the first century.
- Capri: Explore Capri town with your Local Expert and see the whitewashed houses, winding alleyways, small cafes, fashionable boutiques and artisans studios.
- Capri: Discover the luxuriant Gardens of Augustus with a Local Expert and admire views of the Faraglioni rocks.
- Florence: See the historic neighborhood of the Santa Croce Basilica and witness local craftspersons at work during a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
- Florence: Enjoy a stroll through Renaissance Florence and admire the medieval buildings that gave birth to this new style of architecture.
- Cinque Terre: Led by your Local Expert, visit this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site, tucked away on the mountainous Italian Riviera coastline. Explore one of the five charming fishing villages for some memorable pictures.
- Portofino: Visit this elegant fishing village and admire the colored houses and yachts moored in the harbor.
- Venice: With your Travel Director cruise to St. Mark's Square and see the Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark's Basilica.
- Venice: Glide through Venice’s canals on an iconic gondola ride, passing beneath historic bridges and past elegant palaces. Soak up the city’s romantic atmosphere as your gondolier navigates the tranquil waterways, offering a unique perspective of this timeless floating city.
Make Travel Matter
Venice: Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing, now practised by precious few masters. Watch artisans create delicate works of art using rare traditional practices. The workshop's master craftsmen teach visitors about the traditional craft of glassblowing and its history which dates back to the 15th century. Every visit helps to support the workshop and the survival of this traditional craft. This workshop directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Authentic Dining
Italian Lakes: For your Dine-Around Evening, you are offered a selection of hand-picked local restaurants to choose from, each with its own distinctive ambience and cuisine.
Lake Iseo: Learn about this historic winery, passed down through the generations, and taste its latest vintages.
Burano: Cruise to the charming fisherman's island of Burano to enjoy a delicious dinner with wine and new-found friends.
Insight Choice
Florence: Take a stroll with your Travel Director to Piazza Santa Croce and immerse yourself in the essence of la dolce vita of Florence while you enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local cafe.
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.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to the Eternal City of Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Hotel Romanico Palace, Rome.
Accommodation Name: Golden Tulip Rome Piram
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 as you indulge in dinner with wine at a local restaurant. ...more ...less
Day 2: Vatican City and Rome with a Local
Location: Vatican City, Rome
Accommodation: Hotel Romanico Palace, Rome.
Accommodation Name: Golden Tulip Rome Piram
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. Visit the Sistine Chapel, where Popes are elected, to admire Michelangelo’s famous ceiling and see St. Peter’s Basilica. Cross the Tiber river to enjoy ancient Rome. See the incredible Circus Maximus and the beautifully preserved Arch of Constantine, and imagine the bustling ancient sidewalk of ancient Rome. Discover the history and legends of the iconic Colosseum as you view the exterior of this amazing structure. Later, perhaps continue your exploration of Rome to see the Pantheon, toss a coin in Trevi Fountain and enjoy free time around Piazza Navona.
Day 3: Ancient Pompeii and on to Sorrento
Location: Pompeii, Sorrento
Accommodation: Hotel Isabella, Sorrento.
Accommodation Name: Isabella, Sorrento
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey to the ill-fated town of Pompeii, frozen in time when it was engulfed by an eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Walk with a Local Expert through cobbled streets to learn about Roman life in the first century before enjoying a refreshing lemon granita. Then continue to your hotel on the spectacular Sorrento Peninsular. The afternoon is yours to explore as you wish, or perhaps join an optional experience to the artist's paradise of Positano.
Day 4: The Isle of Dreams
Location: Sorrento, Capri
Accommodation: Hotel Regina Cristina, Capri.
Accommodation Name: Regina Cristina, Capri
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a morning in the town of Sorrento before heading off to the port to board your jetfoil to the Isle of Capri. Appreciate the glorious vistas over the rugged coastline and sparkling sea. Visit Capri town, with its whitewashed houses, winding alleyways and small cafes. A Local Expert will escort you to the lush Gardens of Augustus for views of the Faraglioni rocks. As the glow of twilight descends and the day-trippers have returned to their mainland hotels, the island is yours to saunter along scenic paths, gather with the locals in the piazzetta or relax with a glass of wine at an alfresco restaurant.
Day 5: The Autostrada del Sole to Florence
Location: Naples, Rome, Florence
Accommodation: NH Firenze, Florence.
Accommodation Name: NH Firenze, Florence
Meals Included: Breakfast
Descend to the port and take the jetfoil across the bay to Naples. Follow the Autostrada del Sole north passing Rome and continuing through the region of Umbria. Journey through idyllic Tuscan landscapes to Florence, center of art and culture, and the heart of the Italian Renaissance. 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.
Day 6: Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance
Location: Florence, San Gimignano
Accommodation: NH Firenze, Florence.
Accommodation Name: NH Firenze, Florence
Meals Included: Breakfast
See how the local leatherwork is created with a demonstration of the craft and learn about the artistry of the goldsmiths who are famous in the city of Florence. In your free time wander Florence on your own, shop or opt to explore the medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano on an Optional Experience. In the evening, why not sample fine Florentine cuisine of tasty starters and typical Tuscan dishes accompanied by Chianti.
Day 7: Cinque Terre and Portofino to Santa Margherita
Location: Cinque Terre, Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure
Accommodation: Best Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure.
Accommodation Name: Best Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure
Meals Included: Breakfast
The famous Italian Riviera and the Cinque Terre are a highlight of your journey as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy’s most beautiful landscapes. With a Local Expert, appreciate the views as you approach one of the picturesque fishing villages by boat. Spend some time exploring the old medieval quarter or the popular sandy beach. Our journey continues to the elegant seaside village of Portofino, epitome of la dolce vita. Admire the colorful houses, browse the boutiques or stay a while in the cafe bars on the piazzetta, watching the yachts moored in the harbor.
Day 8: Lake Maggiore
Location: Lake Maggiore
Accommodation: Hotel Simplon, Baveno.
Accommodation Name: Simplon, Baveno
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, journey north to the beautiful Italian Lake District, a favorite retreat of the rich and famous where alpine scenery combines with lush subtropical vegetation. Relax and enjoy an afternoon at leisure at this popular resort and beautiful lake or perhaps take a cruise out to the lovely Borromean Islands? For your dining pleasure, you are invited to choose from a hand-picked selection of local restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening.
Day 9: To Venice With Wine Along the Way
Location: Franciacorta, Venice
Accommodation: Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice
Accommodation Name: Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Follow the southern fringes of the Alps to the Franciacorta wine region near Lake Iseo. Over 100 vineyards produce the famous sparkling wine of the region and winemaking traditions run deep. Taste the delicious vintages produced with a master vintner at a family-owned estate. Continue to the unique city of Venice and step back in time to centuries past.
Day 10: Venice and the Magic of La Serenissima
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice
Accommodation Name: Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. Take your seat on a gondola and be serenaded through the myriad of beautiful canals, passing water-lapped doorways and Rococo palaces. The rest of the afternoon is yours to discover Venice at leisure. 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. Cruise the Venetian lagoon to Burano and sit down to a sumptuous dinner with wine, sampling the local specialties.
Day 11: Arrivederci Venice
Location: Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo airport.
What's Included
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Choice Highlights
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Florence, including a stroll to Piazza Santa Croce or standing beside Michelangelo's statue 'David' in the Accademia Gallery.
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Top Rated Highlights
Discover ancient treasures of Rome, walk through Pompeii with a Local Expert, explore Capri town, and visit the Gardens of Augustus.
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Make Travel Matter
Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing in Venice, supporting the survival of this traditional craft.
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Insight Experiences
Enjoy an exclusive visit to the oldest pharmacy in Europe, Rome’s Antica Spezieria di Santa Maria della Scala.
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Well-being
Travel in comfort with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
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Additional Included Highlights
Personal radio headsets, hotel and restaurant tips, taxes, porterage charges, and complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi are included.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International flights to and from the start and end points of the tour are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Some Meals
Not all meals are covered as part of the tour.
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Optional Experiences
Any optional experiences or excursions that are not listed as inclusions.
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Personal Expenses
Items of a personal nature, including souvenirs, laundry, and beverages, are not included.
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Tips and Gratuities
Tips and gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
Dining Summary
- 1 Dinner (D)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
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
- Vatican City: Visit the Vatican Museums, witness the genius of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel and see St. Peter's Basilica.
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 style with a luxurious, air-conditioned 40-seat coach featuring double the standard legroom and onboard washroom, ensuring comfort throughout your journey across Italy.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and elegance with stays at the Golden Tulip Rome Piram, Isabella in Sorrento, Regina Cristina in Capri, NH Firenze in Florence, Best Western Regina Elena in Santa Margherita Ligure, Simplon in Baveno, and Hilton Molino Stucky in Venice.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experience does the tour offer in Venice?
In Venice, the tour offers a unique experience of visiting a traditional glassblowing workshop where you can see expert glassblowers create beautiful handcrafted glass, helping to preserve this traditional skill.
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What can I expect during the visit to Pompeii?
During the visit to Pompeii, you will walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets of this ancient town, learning about Roman life in the first century before enjoying a refreshing lemon granita.
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What activities are available in Florence during the tour?
In Florence, you can choose to visit the Accademia Museum to see Michelangelo’s David or take a stroll with your Travel Director to Piazza Santa Croce to enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local café.
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How does the tour support sustainable practices?
The tour supports sustainable practices by visiting a traditional glassblowing workshop in Venice, which helps to preserve the ancient skill of glassblowing and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
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What is included in the 'Make Travel Matter' experience?
The 'Make Travel Matter' experience includes a visit to a traditional glassblowing workshop in Venice, where you can learn about the history and techniques of glassblowing from master craftsmen.
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What dining options are available during the tour?
During the tour, you will have a Dine-Around Evening at the Italian Lakes with a selection of hand-picked local restaurants, and a dinner with wine on the island of Burano.
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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
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Book 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
Treasures of Italy - Small Group
11 Days Starting in Rome, Italy and ending in Venice, Italy
Visiting: Rome, Vatican City, Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri, Naples, Florence, San Gimignano, Cinque Terre, Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, Lake Maggiore, Franciacorta, Venice ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SE980ZN20
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 24
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
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