INCLUDED FEATURES...

HOTELS

The Grand Hotel Dino has been recently restored and overlooks Lake Maggiore, whereas the Massimo D’Azeglio lies in the heart of the Eternal city of Rome. The Residence Palazzo Ricasoli echoes the Renaissance past of Florence.

FELLOW PASSENGERS

By offering three nights in each destination, this tour appeals not only to those who enjoy the benefits of coach touring, but also the more independent traveller. It is great for people who want to take it easy or those who want a more in depth look at Italy’s major cities.

HIGHLIGHTS

Each centre is a highlight. The Italian Lake District sees Alpine scenery combine with luxuriant subtropical vegetation; the canals of Venice are magical and romantic; while Florence and Rome overflow with ancient buildings and monuments.

Enjoy our Premium Highlights Plus These Extra Tour Features

EXCURSIONS & SIGHTS

• Visit the lakeside resorts of Como on Lake Como & Lugano in Switzerland
• See Milan’s Gothic Cathedral, Sforza Castle and La Scala Opera House
• See Juliet’s Balcony and the ancient Roman arena in Verona
• Cruise to St. Mark’s Square in Venice by private launch
• See St Mark’s Basilica, Doges’ Palace and the Bridge of Sighs in Venice
• See the Duomo, Gates of Paradise and visit Signoria Square in Florence
• Visit the Basilica of St. .Francis in Assisi with its amazing frescos by Giotto
• Visit Rome’s Spanish Steps & tour St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City
• Florence leatherwork & Venetian glass-blowing demonstrations

SCENIC DRIVES

• Italian Lake District, Tuscany, Apennines

GUIDED CITY TOURS

• In depth sightseeing tours in Rome & Florence
• Orientation tours of Milan, Lugano, Verona & Venice

INSIGHT'S FIRST CLASS SERVICES

• Escorted by a professional Tour Director
• Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
• First-class hotels with all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Travel bag, document wallet, map book journal and information pack

QUALITY DINING

Highlight Dinner of local cuisine with entertainment in Rome; 12 Buffet Breakfasts and 4 three-course table d'hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee

Day 1: DEPART USA. Over night flight to Milan.

Day 2: ARRIVE MILAN. Welcome to Italy. On arrival at Malpensa airport there are complimentary transfers departing for your hotel in the Italian Lake District. Settle into the tour hotel overlooking Lake Maggiore and relax. Before dinner, enjoy a Welcome Drink with your Tour Director. (D)

Hotel: Dino

Day 3: MILAN EXCURSION. Visit Milan, a city dominated by the magnificent Cathedral, its marble facade bristling with 135 pinnacles and over 2000 statues. See the massive Sforza Castle and world famous La Scala Theatre before using your free time to explore or shop. Return to your beautiful lake-side resort for an evening of leisure. (BB)

Day 4: LAKE COMO EXCURSION. Today’s highlight is enchanting Lake Como, considered the jewel of the Italian Lakes for its superb mountain setting. Stop in the resort of Como, dominated by its marble cathedral set in the narrow streets of the Old Town. After some time to explore, return to the hotel to relax and enjoy your beautiful surroundings. Why not take a cruise out to beautiful Borromean Islands? (BB)

Day 5: ITALIAN LAKES - VENICE. Briefly enter Switzerland to visit mountain ringed Lugano, and take time to stroll the lake’s shores and shop for watches and chocolate. Continue to the elegant city of Verona. See the ancient Roman arena, venue for the opera each summer, and visit the courtyard of the Capulet home to see Juliet’s balcony. Then it’s on to romantic Venice, a glorious city of quaint bridges, ornate palaces, and gondolas. (BB,D)

Hotel: Sant'Elena/Hungaria Palace

Day 6: VENICE SIGHTSEEING. Cruise to St. Mark’s Square by private launch to see the ornate Basilica. Admire the Doges’ Palace and its adjoining Bridge of Sighs, and later visit a glass showroom for a demonstration of traditional craftsmanship, unchanged for centuries. Relax and enjoy the atmosphere as you cruise along the Venetian canals by gondola. (BB)

Day 7: VENICE AT LEISURE.
A day is set aside to drink in the unique atmosphere of this wonderful city. Explore the treasures of the Academy Museum, browse through the shops on the Rialto Bridge or sit a while at a canal side cafe with a glass of local wine. (BB)

Day 8: VENICE - FLORENCE. Follow the smooth highway across the valley of the river Po and into the wild Apennines to the Renaissance city of Florence. Sightseeing with a local guide shows you Michelangelo's statue of 'David' in the Academy Gallery. Continue to see the Duomo, 'Gates of Paradise' and Signoria Square, political stage of the Florentines. (BB,D)

Hotel: Palazzo Ricasoli/Croce di Malta

Day 9: FLORENCE AT LEISURE. A whole day is reserved to enjoy Florence. Take an optional excursion to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa or visit San Gimignano to admire the picturesque Salucci Towers. (BB)

Day 10: FLORENCE - ROME. Why not dedicate today to shopping for leather and gold products, visit one of the many museums or simply relax at an outdoor café with a glass of vino? (BB)

Day 11: FLORENCE - ROME. Travel through the vineyards of the Chianti region en route to Assisi. There is the chance to visit the tomb of St. Francis and the frescoes of Giotto in the great basilica before continuing along the Tiber valley towards the 'Eternal City', Rome. (BB)

Hotel: Massimo D'Azeglio

Day 12: ROME AT LEISURE. Today there is the option to take a full day excursion to visit the excavations at Pompeii or spend the day exploring Rome at your own pace. Spend time in the designer stores of the Via Condotti, visit the well preserved Pantheon or sip a cappuccino in the Piazza Navona, the ‘Living Room of Rome’. (BB)

Day 13: ROME SIGHTSEEING. Sightseeing with a local guide begins with a visit to the Vatican Museums to see Michelangelo's ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Visit St Peter's Basilica, built around the tomb of St. Peter, and designed by some of history's greatest architects, Bramante, Bernini and Michelangelo. Crossing the Tiber, explore ancient Rome as you visit the Colosseum and see the Roman Forum. Spend the afternoon at leisure: shop, relax or continue sightseeing. As night falls, stroll to the Boat Fountain at the foot of the elegant Spanish Steps before enjoying a typically Roman dinner in a local restaurant. (BB,HD)

Day 14: ROME SIGHTSEEING. The tour ends with transfers from the hotel to Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport. (BB)