Best of Italy 2016
11-day Insight Tour
Day 1 - Your journey begins
Day 2 - Welcome to the Eternal City of
Rome
Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with
classical antiquities, medieval buildings,
Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches.
Transfers depart from Rome's Fiumicino
Leonardo da Vinci Airport for the tour hotel at
09:30, 12:30 & 15:30. This evening, join your
Tour Director for a Welcome Reception and
uniquely Roman Welcome Dinner –
overlooking the illuminated Colosseum!
(Welcome Reception and Dinner)
Day 3 - Papal & Imperial Rome
Today 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 special VIP entrance to avoid the crowds, together with behindthe-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase - a marvel of Renaissance architecture normally off-limits to the general
public. Now into the Sistine Chapel, where the Popes are elected. Enjoy clear commentary via your audio headset as you
admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling. Next door in St. Peter's Basilica, wonder at another of his works, the emotive
‘Pieta', and stand beneath the dome completed after his death. Then cross the Tiber to visit the Colosseum, scene of
many gladiatorial contests. After seeing the Roman Forum, the rest of the day is yours to shop in the boutiques or relax at
a sidewalk café. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 4 - Into the Hills of Umbria to Assisi
Leave Rome and follow the valley of the River Tiber to the hills of Umbria, which form part of the Apennines. Your
destination is peaceful Assisi, one of Italy's most beautiful mountain towns. First, in the valley, see the famous 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. Step inside the huge Basilica of St. Francis, built in the 13th century, where the frescoes by Giotto heralded a new
era in Italian art. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Best of Italy 2016, cont.
11-day Insight Tour
Day 5 - Across the Apennines to Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic
A delightful mountain drive takes you through the heart of the Apennines. Continue through the marshes of the Venetian
Lagoon and across the causeway to the unique city of Venice. Your hotel is housed in a former monastery in the
Cannaregio neighbourhood. This area remains largely undiscovered by the city's day-trippers - its bars, restaurants and
shops are great places to taste local life. Later, board a traditional gondola for a serenade through the myriad of beautiful
canals. Relax and enjoy the atmosphere, music and songs as you drift along romantic canals. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 6 - Venice & the Magic of La Serenissima
Your private launch awaits this morning, ready to cruise past Palladian churches and 13th century palaces to St. Mark's
Square. First sight is the pink marble of the Doges' Palace, connected to the prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. It was from
here that Casanova made his daring escape. Now turn the corner and the gilded regalia of St. Mark's Basilica comes into
view. A visit to an arts centre on Giudecca Island has also been arranged, for you to admire the age-old skill of
glassblowers and gondola builders. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 7 - Head for Pisa, the Wines of Tuscany and Florence
Back on the mainland, cross the plain of the Po River and traverse the Apennines to reach the peaceful landscapes of
Tuscany. Follow the river to the coastal town of Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower. Time also to admire the marble
cathedral and baptistery. On arrival in Florence, enjoy a delicious exploration of Tuscany's red wines, their robust flavours
and absorbing history. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 8 - Florence, Birthplace of the Renaissance
Join a local expert art historian for a walking tour of the historic city centre. A highlight is the visit to the Academy Gallery
to study Michelangelo's monumental Statue of David. Continue to the multi-coloured marble cathedral to admire Giotto's
bell tower and ‘Gates of Paradise'. Visit the Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and the area around
Santa Croce Basilica - famous for the quality of its luxury goods. After a demonstration of leather-work, there's free time to
shop or continue sightseeing. This evening, don't miss the chance to sample the fine Florentine cuisine - tasty starters,
rich pastas, accompanied by Chianti wine. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 9 - On to ill-fated Pompeii and Sorrento
An early start today as you travel southwards, passing Cassino, scene of a fierce battle in World War II. Skirting Naples,
you soon reach Pompeii, the opulent Roman town which was preserved by layers of ash from the disastrous eruption of
Mount Vesuvius in AD79. A walk with a local expert through the cobbled streets and extensive excavations reveals the
daily life of ancient Roman civilisation. Visit the Forum and peer into ancient shops and patrician villas, decorated with
colourful wall paintings. Now follow the spectacular clifftop road to the picturesque resort of Sorrento. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 10 - Sorrento & Capri, the Isle of Dreams
Investigate the art of ‘intarsio' or marquetry wood inlaying before cruising to Capri - the Isle of Dreams. Under the
Mediterranean sun, take an open top taxi up to Capri Town, where you can explore the narrow alleyways, browse in
exclusive boutiques and enjoy the views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Perhaps join an optional visit to Axel Munthe's Villa San
Michele? Descend to the port by funicular railway and return to Sorrento for some relaxation time. Maybe stroll to the
Piazza Tasso, where the lively cafés and bars are a constant buzz of activity and conversation. Sorrento harbour has the
atmosphere of a forgotten world. Tonight, join your fellow guests at one of the restaurants that rise along the curve of the
bay for an unforgettable Celebration Dinner of delicious Italian cuisine, wine and music. (Buffet Breakfast / Celebration
Dinner)
Day 11 - Arrivederci Naples or Rome
Departure transfers arrive at Naples Airport at 06:00 & 08:00. Or, extend your stay in Rome. (Buffet Breakfast)