Picture Perfect Italy - 2022

18 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
97%
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Group Tour
From the gondola-filled canals and Venetian masks of Venice to the pastel-hued vineyards and rolling hills of Tuscany, this three-week tour across Italy showcases life through the lens of a Local Expert. Journey along the Italian Riviera to the ancient city of Pompeii—preserved in time after the Mount Vesuvius eruption of AD79. Walk the ancient, cobbled stree...

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Wheelchair Accessible
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Venice: Discover Venice with a Local Expert. The construction of this fascinating city started in the 5th century, after the fall of the Roman Empire. Also known as “The City of Canals”, Venice is one of Italy’s most picturesque and intriguing destinations, with a beautiful surprise around every corner.
    • Como: Enjoy a kaleidoscope of colour in every season in the gardens of Villa Carlotta, perfect for pictures. An intriguing, elegant museum features masterpieces from Canova, Hayez and Thorvaldsen amongst other artists.
    • 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.
    • Florence: The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most important Italian museums houses a priceless collection paintings and sculptures, with a particular focus on the Italian Renaissance period. Walk amongst works from great artists including Michelangelo, Botticelli and Raphael.
    • Orvieto: Explore this large 14th century roman catholic cathedral, and discover an architectural jewel with amazing mosaics and an intricate, unforgettable façade.
    • Capri: Known as a wonderland for the eccentric, rich and famous, the Isle of Capri also offers fabulous hiking, incredibly scenery and many historic sites to explore. Enjoy rugged landscapes, sublime sea views, and shopping!
    • Rome: Discover the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum as you stroll around the exterior of this amazing structure.
    • San Gimignano: Visit an estate in the heart of Tuscany to taste the finest produce of wine and olive oil. Enjoy a cooking lesson, where you prepare Tuscan meal, from antipasto to dessert. Afterwards, you get to eat what you have prepared for lunch, along with a glass of the famous wine, Salute!
    • Dining Summary: 7 Dinner with Wine (DW), 17 Breakfast (B), and 1 Lunch with Wine (LW)

What's this trip about?

    From the gondola-filled canals and Venetian masks of Venice to the pastel-hued vineyards and rolling hills of Tuscany, this three-week tour across Italy showcases life through the lens of a Local Expert. Journey along the Italian Riviera to the ancient city of Pompeii—preserved in time after the Mount Vesuvius eruption of AD79. Walk the ancient, cobbled streets before exploring the nearby paradise of Positano, an exclusive artist’s paradise on the Amalfi coast. In the lush surrounds of the Italian Lake District, take to the waters on the Isola Bella Cruise, setting sail for Lake Maggiore’s beautiful Borromean Islands. In Florence, pause to enjoy a wine and olive oil tasting, followed by a Tuscan cooking lesson, all set against a backdrop of vineyards and olive groves.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal transport included (including local flights)
Start CityItaly
End CityRome

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Venice

Welcome to Venice. On arrival complimentary airport transfers are provided to your hotel, at 09.30, 12.30 and 15.30, and the rest of the day is yours at leisure. Later, meet your Travel Director and fellow travel companions for a delicious Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 2: Venice and the Magic of La Serenissima

Discover this fabled city with a Local Expert. Standing in the iconic Piazza San Marco, admire the grand Basilica and Doge’s Palace. See the Grand Canal and learn about the history and culture of “La Serenissima”. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Perhaps experience a romantic gondola ride or get a bird’s eye view of Venice from one of the bell towers.

Day 3: Cortina d’Ampezzo and the Dolomites

Journey through the distinctive Dolomite Mountains, where rugged peaks take the form of towers, belfries or domes and visit the chic ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Day 4: A relaxing day at leisure

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps ascend to the summit of one of the nearby peaks by cable car?

Day 5: From the Mountains to Milan and Magical Lake Maggiore

Head for magnificent Milan to see the impressive cathedral, the Duomo di Milano, its façade resplendent with pinnacles and spires. Then travel on to the enchanting Italian Lake District, where you will spend three nights by the water in beautiful Baveno.

Day 6: The Borromean Islands Relaxed Start

Take to the waters of Lake Maggiore for a delightful cruise to the beautiful Borromean Islands. Visit Isola Bella renowned for its incredible palace and stunning Botanical Gardens.

Day 7: Lake Como and Lakeside Lugano

Discover Bellagio – the pearl of Lake Como! Enjoy glorious water views and explore the narrow cobblestone alleyways, filled with luxurious boutiques. Visit the romantic gardens of Villa Carlotta. Built at the end of the 17th century, this botanic haven is famous for i...

Day 8: Portofino and Rapallo on the Italian Riviera

Leave the Italian Lake District and travel down the sunny, color-splashed Ligurian coast, better known as the Italian Riviera! Here, visit the exclusive fishing village of Portofino, the epitome of La Dolce Vita. Admire the gaily colored houses, browse the trendy bout...

Day 9: Cinque Terre

Explore the quaint fishing villages that hug the cliff-face with a Local Expert. This idyllic spot is perfect for taking photographs and making memories. Enjoy some free time to soak up the atmosphere before returning to your hotel.

Day 10: Tuscany Relaxed Start

Enjoy a relaxed start this morning with time to further explore Rapallo. In the afternoon continue to San Gimignano, and to your charming hotel, nestled in the wine growing region.

Day 11: Tastes of Tuscany Excursion

Get your cameras ready for a scenic drive through the beautiful rolling countryside of Tuscany, past olive groves, old farmhouses, medieval towns, and rows of vineyards. Visit an estate in the heart of Tuscany to taste the finest wine and olive oil, before your cookin...

Day 12: Florence Excursion

Join a Local Expert in Florence and enjoy an animated commentary as you the walk from the burial place of Michelangelo at the Basilica of Santa Croce, to the Uffizi Gallery. Later, admire Signoria Square adorned with statues and fountains, and visit the Pitti Palace. Here you can take a moment to relax on the exquisite Boboli Garden terrace.

Day 13: Hilltop Orvieto Relaxed Start

Drive to picturesque Orvieto, perched a cliff overlooking endless vineyards. Savor the distinctly medieval ambiance during your walking tour with a Local Expert, and admire the richly decorated façade of the cathedral in Piazza del Duomo. This evening, take in the flavors of the region over a delicious dinner with a glass of Orvieto Classico wine.

Day 14: Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast

Drive south to the ancient city of Pompeii, preserved by the eruptions of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets to explore the shops, villas, and temples. Continue to the artist's paradise of Positano on the breathtaking Amalf...

Day 15: Excursion to the Isle of Capri

Admire magnificent scenery at every turn as you travel along the Amalfi Coast to board your ferry to Capri – the “Isle of Dreams”. Arriving at the Marina Grande, take the funicular railway down to Capri Town. Browse the elegant shops before taking the spectacular Corn...

Day 16: The Gardens of Villa d’Este and Rome

Drive to the UNESCO listed gardens of Cardinal d’Este. In the 16th century, the cardinal diverted the River Aniene to feed hundreds of fountains for his fantasy garden which still function perfectly today! The day concludes with an arrival into The Eternal City of Rome.

Day 17: Rome with a local

Today, join a Local Expert and discover the full glory of ancient Rome. See the incredible Circus Maximus, get up close and personal with the beautifully preserved Arch of Constantine and walk on the ancient pavement. Learn about the history, the construction and the ...

Day 18: Arrivederci Roma

Bid farewell to the glories of Italy. Departure transfers arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 and 09:30.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,275
Price per day$349
Last Updated: 4/22/2024

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Insight Vacations Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,565
Great
2,937
Average
936
Disappointing
259
Terrible
217
J

Judy

Nov 2022

Written on

Picture Perfect Italy

This is a lovely trip. Optional dinners expensive and most just ok. A couple of hotels were beautiful, one in particular was disgraceful. The rest so-so. Definit...

A

Andrew Williamson

Oct 2022

Written on

Picture Perfect Italy

Well planned trip which covered a great deal of Italy and the places we wished to visit.

G

George and Lilian Payne

Oct 2022

Written on

Picture Perfect Italy

To visit the many places of interest involved many hours in the bus...

R

Raymond Green

Oct 2022

Written on

Picture Perfect Italy

Great guide and driver food was wonderful

W

William Sirocky

Oct 2022

Written on

Picture Perfect Italy

With the exception of Milan all destinations were amazing and informative. Traveling from Venice to the Dolomites and onward provided and excellent overview of Italy...

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Tour Operator

Insight Vacations

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As the global leader in premium tours, Insight Vacations delivers all the sights and insights of destinations up close and personal. Each tour is crafted in true comfort and style with premium 5 and 4 star hotels, small groups and customized coaches with extra leg room. The brand’s category leading dining options including the unique dine-around and dine-at-home experiences means that guests enjoy a culinary journey through the places they visit. An extensive Vegetarian option across all tour series further compliments the elevated dining offering. With a Make Travel Matter Experience®, that creates a positive impact for both the visitor and visited, plus also supports the United Nations sustainable Development Goals, included on each and every trip, Insight Vacations leads the way in immersive responsible travel.

Insight Vacations is part of the family-owned and run The Travel Corporation (TTC), driven by service for over one hundred years.

Why we love this operator
They really care about everyone's individual needs on each tour and they have an incredible attention to detail.
What they’re known for
Premium worldwide tours for curious travelers who want to get closer to the destination in comfort and style.

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Additional Information
Trip ID
insightvacations-CF0180GL02

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