Insight Tour - Country Roads of Italy
Country Roads of Italy |
From $3875 US
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| Rome, Sorrento, Isle of Capri, Orvieto, Perugia, Assisi, Venice, Florence | ||
16 Days Rome to Rome |
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INCLUDED FEATURES... HOTELS This tour has a selection of both modern and traditional hotels. Both the Sheratons in Rome & Florence are excellent examples of modern Italian design, whereas the Aquila Bianca is a beautifully restored traditional hotel in the heart of historic Orvieto, one of the stunning hilltop towns of Umbria. FELLOW PASSENGERS This tour appeals to all lovers of Italy who wish to really delve deeply into the historic and artistic heritage of this fascinating country. It would also be perfect for the art history student coming to Italy for the first time, with the chance to witness the landscape which inspired the great masters of the Renaissance. HIGHLIGHTS The classic highlights of Rome, Venice & Florence are all included but the less well known highlights of the smaller towns are also to be found on this tour – like actually staying overnight in the hilltop town of Orvieto and spending hours exploring the medieval jewels of Assisi and Perugia. EXCURSIONS & SIGHTS
GUIDED CITY TOURS In depth sightseeing tours in Pompeii, Tarquinia, Perugia, Assisi, Florence, Siena & Rome Orientation tours in Sorrento, Orvieto, Venice, San Gimignano & Montepulciano INSIGHT'S FIRST CLASS SERVICES
QUALITY DINING Highlight Dinner of local cuisine with entertainment in Rome Meals included as indicated in the Itinerary, plus tea or coffee
Terms & Conditions
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DAY 1: DEPART USA. (FRI.) Overnight flight to Rome. DAY 2: ROME AT LEISURE. (SAT.) Hotel: Sheraton DAY 3: ROME - SORRENTO. (SUN.) Visit the formidable Abbey of Monte Cassino which dominates the surrounding countryside from its mountain top. Stop at the nearby Commonwealth War Cemetery before continuing on to Pompeii. Here a local guide will walk you through the streets of this Roman resort buried by an eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. A cliff-top drive leads to Sorrento. (BB,D) Hotel: La Pace DAY 4: AMALFI COASTAL DRIVE. (MON.) There are plenty of photo opportunities as you travel along Italy's finest coastline, the Amalfi Coast. Stop for a bird's-eye view of the terraced houses of Positano before boarding minibuses to explore the heart of the town. There's time to be tempted by the boutiques before heading back to Sorrento. (BB) DAY 5: ISLE OF CAPRI EXCURSION. (TUE.) 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 by funicular railway. There is time to browse in the elegant shops and enjoy the fabulous views. You can also join an optional excursion to Anacapri before returning to Sorrento. (BB) DAY 6: SORRENTO - ORVIETO. (WED.) Travel north to the celebrated wine town of Frascati and continue to Castel Gandolfo to see the Pope's summer residence. Then to the hilltop town of Orvieto where an orientation tour shows you the Cathedral with its richly decorated façade. (BB) Hotel: Aquila Bianca DAY 7: ORVIETO - ASSISI - PERUGIA. (THU.) After crossing the River Tiber, arrive at St Mary of the Angels Basilica, erected where St Francis died, before continuing on to hill-top Assisi to visit the Basilica. Stroll down the Via San Francesco to St Clare's church, then see the Cathedral with its baptismal font where St Francis was christened. Take time to explore or shop before continuing on to the lovely city of Perugia for two nights. (BB,D) Hotel: San Gallo Palace DAY 8: PERUGIA SIGHTSEEING. (FRI.) This morning a walking tour introduces you to the Exchange Building, Priors' Palace, Great Fountain and Cathedral. Later there is time at leisure in this beautiful, historic town. (BB) DAY 9: PERUGIA - VENICE. (SAT.) A delightful mountain drive takes you through the heart of the Apennines to the independent Republic of San Marino, couched within medieval ramparts at the top of a dramatic cliff. Explore the old town, and perhaps shop at duty-free prices, before continuing to the renowned Venice Lido. (BB,D) Hotel: Mabapa DAY 10: VENICE AT LEISURE. (SUN.) Cruise by private launch to St Mark's basin to see the Bridge of Sighs connected to the Doges' Palace. Stroll to St Mark's Square to admire the Byzantine Basilica, before watching a glass-blowing demonstration. Enjoy a Highlight gondola ride through the canals. The rest of the day is at leisure in this remarkable city. (BB) DAY 11: VENICE - FLORENCE. (MON.) Journey to Florence, cradle of the Renaissance. On a walking tour, see the marble clad Cathedral, belltower and the Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery before continuing to Signoria Square. Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce to see Michelangelo's tomb and finish with a Florentine leatherwork demonstration. (BB,D) Hotel: Sheraton DAY 12: FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING. (TUE.) With a local guide, admire some of Michelangelo's work in the Academy Gallery, including his original statue of David and the half-completed Four Slaves. Afterwards, relax, shop or continue sightseeing. (BB) DAY 13: FLORENCE - CHIANCIANO TERME. (WED.) A delightful drive leads to San Gimignano. Admire the Salucci Towers, Chigi Towers and Cathedral before continuing to Siena. Stroll through the cobbled streets with a local guide to the Campo Square to see the 'Fonte Gaia', then continue to the zebra-striped cathedral. Follow the Tuscan country roads to the spa town of Chianciano Terme. (BB) Hotel: Grand DAY 14: MONTEPULCIANO EXCURSION. (THU.) Visit beautiful Montepulciano, one of Tuscany's highest hill towns, its fortifications offering broad views over Umbria and Southern Tuscany. (BB,D) DAY 15: CHIANCIANO TERME - ROME. (FRI.) Visit Tarquinia's Archeological Museum and view the Etruscan tombs on the return journey to Rome. The rest of the day is at leisure. (BB) Hotel: Cicerone DAY 16: ROME SIGHTSEEING. (SAT.) With your guide, visit the vast collection of art in the Vatican Museums and the exquisite Sistine Chapel. Next door, tour St Peter's Basilica, seeing Michelangelo's masterpiece, the 'Pieta'. On the opposite side of the Tiber explore ancient Rome as you visit the Colosseum and see the Forum. There is time in the afternoon to relax or explore. As night falls, visit the Piazza di Spagna dominated by the majestic Spanish Steps before a Highlight Dinner with wine. (BB,HD) DAY 17: RETURN TO USA. (SUN.) The tour ends with transfers to Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport. (BB)
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