Best of Italy (Winter, Small Groups)

11 days
From $486/day
$5,350
From: 
$4,424
4.6/5 Excellent
8 reviews  
Trip last updated: 12/1/2024
Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule
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Overview

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.
    • 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.
    • Pisa: During your orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery bristling with marble spines, and the colonnaded bell tower lurching behind the 11th-century cathedral - the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
    • 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: Delight in the magic of this charming city as you glide along the canals by gondola.
    • Assisi: See St. Mary of the Angels Church and join your Local Expert to walk through the cobbled streets and beautifully preserved medieval laneways of this quaint town.
    • Assisi: With a Local Expert, find out why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered one of the crowning achievements of Europe.
    • Capri: Cruise by jetfoil to this famous isle through beautiful blue Mediterranean waters.
    • Capri: Explore Capri town with your Local Expert and see the whitewashed houses, winding alleyways, small cafes, fashionable boutiques and artisans studios.
    • Pompeii: Walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the first century.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • Vesuvius National Park: Visit Casa Barone, a small family-run farm on the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius and one of the world’s only producers of Piennolo tomatoes. Learn about their commitment to sustainability and taste the flavors of this special tomato during your Farm-to-Table lunch. Casa Barone cultivates the endangered endemic food species of Piennolo tomato as well as other traditional elements of the classic Vesuvian Countryside, using cultivation methods with low environmental impact. Through their production the farm prevents the local biodiversity from disappearing.This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
    • Rome: Savor dinner at a uniquely Roman restaurant, offering a perfect exploration of Lazio's typical flavors.
    • Florence: Experience local Florentine flavors while relaxing over dinner with wine.
    • Rome: Enjoy a Celebration Dinner of delicious Italian cuisine and wine, accompanied by the rich tremolo of some of Italy's best loved songs.
    • Optional - Choose between two carefully selected activities
    • Optional - 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.
    • Optional - 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.

What's this trip about?

    Explore the best of Italy on this 11-day guided tour. In Rome, marvel at the treasures around every corner and learn about its three thousand years of history. As your travels continue along the Bay of Naples, stop on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius for lunch at a local farm still growing traditional produce unique to the region. In Florence, learn the secrets of leather making from a local leatherworker. Fall in love with Venice as you see churches and palaces from a private boat, and cruise its canals on a romantic gondola ride. Sail to Capri, where craggy mountains cascade into the Tyrrhenian Sea; a Local Expert will help you navigate its narrow alleys. Before you say arrivederci to Italy, enjoy one last experience: a private opera during a four-course meal that features local wine.
Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range65+, 50 - 64, 36 - 49, 18 - 35, 12 - 17, 6 - 11
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityRome
End CityRome

Travel Themes

Activities

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Welcome to the Eternal City of Rome

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....

Day 2: Vatican City and Rome with a Local

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. Continue to St...

Day 3: The Chianti Hills to Florence

Drive to the picturesque Chianti Hills and the historic city of Florence. Upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to discover the secrets of traditional Florentine leatherwork, gaining insight into the techniques that have been passed down through generations. Get...

Day 4: Florence, Birthplace of the 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 thei...

Day 5: Pisa to Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic

Journey to the coastal town of Pisa and see the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles, as well as the baptistery and colonnaded bell tower behind the cathedral. Relax and enjoy the scenery as you cross the spectacular Apennine Mountains, passing through the E...

Day 6: Venice and the Magic of La Serenissima Relaxed Start

Cruise by private boat on a journey of discovery past churches and palaces reflecting the rich architectural history of Venice from the 13th to the 18th centuries. Marvel at the intricate façades and learn about the stories behind these historical buildings. Arrive cl...

Day 7: Assisi

Journey to the peaceful town of Assisi, dotted with medieval churches, colorful frescoes and shady courtyards. In the valley, see the 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....

Day 8: Sorrento on the coast

Travel south, passing Cassino, the site of a fierce and pivotal battle during World War II. Continue your journey along the spectacular clifftop road, offering breathtaking views, to reach the resort of the Sorrento coast. This charming area overlooks the Bay of Naple...

Day 9: Capri, the Isle of Dreams

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 Emperor Tiberius to Gracie Fields. Arriving at the Marina Grande by boat, ascend to Capri town. A Local Expert j...

Day 10: Pompeii, frozen in time and on to Rome

Continue to Pompeii, the opulent Roman town that was preserved by layers of ash from the disastrous eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. A walk with your Local Expert through the cobbled streets and extensive excavations reveals the daily life of ancient Roman civil...

Day 11: Arrivederci Roma

Bid farewell to the glories of Italy, savoring the memories of its enchanting cities, historic landmarks and stunning landscapes. Italy's unique allure will linger in your heart long after you leave.

Breakfast

Dates & Availability

Price from
$5,350
Price per day
$486

Best of Italy (Winter, Small Groups) Reviews & Ratings

5/5  Excellent
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T

Trusted Customer

Oct 2024

Best of Italy Small Group

Very inclusive of all attractions. Liked the fact that...

T

Trusted Customer

Oct 2024

Best of Italy Small Group

Be prepared for a lot of walking and a lot of stairs. The hotel and restaurant choices were great! We were able to see so much in the short time we were there. Our...

T

Trusted Customer

Oct 2024

Best of Italy Small Group

We were always busy. There was so much to see and do. The guides were very knowledgeable.

D

David Kolesar

Oct 2024

Best of Italy Small Group

Trip was fabulous. The trip covered all of the highlights of Italy in one trip. Our tour director, Fabio De Mizio, was phenomenal. He took care of the guest and was ...

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Tour Operator

Insight Vacations

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Associations

United States Tour Operators Association

Details

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Mediterraneo, Rome
  • NH Firenze, Florence, Albani Firenze, Florence
  • Splendid Venice - Starhotels Collezione
  • Giotto Assisi
  • Hotel Regina, Sorrento
  • Romanico Palace, Rome

Group size:

Standard Group - 25 + people

Maximum number of people in group:

40

Trip Excludes:

    Meals included:

    • 1 Dinner (D)
    • 10 Breakfast (B)
    • 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
    • 1 Lunch with Wine (LW)

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