Day 1 - Depart USA
Board your overnight flight (not included).

Day 2 to Day 3 - Papal and Imperial Rome
Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with Classical antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and baroque churches. On arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport, transfers leave for the tour hotel at 09:30, 12:30 & 15:30. Tonight meet your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception, drinks and a light informal meal. The following 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. Insight has arranged special VIP entrance to avoid the crowds, together with behind the scenes access to the Bramante Staircase - a marvel of Renaissance architecture normally off-limits to the general public. Now move on to 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’. 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. (Welcome Reception / Buffet Breakfast)

Day 4 - In Search of St. Francis
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)

Day 5 - Venice and the Magic of La Serenissima
A pleasant drive leads to the romantic city of Venice, and what better way to see it than from a private launch? Cruise past Palladian churches and 13C palaces to St. Mark’s Square. See the Doges’ Palace, connected to the prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. It was from here that Casanova made his daring escape. Now admire the mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica and watch one of the few remaining masters blow molten glass into a unique creation at a Venetian glass showroom. No visit to Venice would be complete without a gondola serenade through the 'watery streets'. Relax and enjoy the atmosphere, music and songs as you drift along the romantic canals. (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 6 to Day 7 - Pisa and Florence, Birthplace of the Renaissance
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 before continuing to Florence. During your stay join a local expert for a walking tour of the historic city centre. A highlight is the visit to the Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo’s monumental figure of David. Continue to the multi-coloured marble Cathedral to see Giotto’s bell tower and ‘Gates of Paradise’ before visiting the Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence. The area around Santa Croce Basilica is famous for the quality of its luxury goods; see a demonstration of leather work in the very place this craft first established itself. During your stay, you’ll sample some of the robust red wines of Tuscany and learn about their origin. There’s also 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 / Dinner / Buffet Breakfast)

Day 8 to Day 9 - Sorrento and Capri, the Isle of Dreams
Take the smooth motorway south, through the rich volcanic hills of Frascati. Pause at the Commonwealth War Cemetery, overlooked by the austere monastery of Montecassino. Now follow the scenic cliff top road to the picturesque resort of Sorrento. Maybe stroll to the Piazza Tasso where the bars and cafés turn up the volume and spring to life in the evenings. Next morning, 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 tour to visit Axel Munthe’s Villa San Michele? Descend to the port by funicular railway and return to Sorrento for some relaxation time. Later, why not immerse yourself in the Italian culture and work up an appetite on a traditional evening stroll - it’s a time to ‘see and be seen’. Afterwards, you are offered a selection of local restaurants for your dining pleasure. (Buffet Breakfast / Buffet Breakfast / Dine Around)

Day 10 - Pompeii - A Town Frozen in Time
Only a short drive from the hotel lies Pompeii, the opulent Roman town which was preserved by layers of ash from the disastrous eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79. A walking tour with a local expert through the cobbled streets and extensive excavations reveals the daily life of ancient Roman civilisation. Afterwards, the smooth motorway leads back to the ‘Eternal City’ of Rome. Tonight, join your fellow passengers for an unforgettable Celebration Dinner of delicious Italian cuisine, wine, music and spine-tingling operetta - a true Italian experience. (Buffet Breakfast / Celebration Dinner)

Roman antiquities, pious Assisi, Venetian canals, Renaissance Florence and Capri sunshine are fused with a touch of ‘la dolce vita’ for the perfect tour of Italy.

• A Welcome Reception with drinks and a light meal (WR)
• 9 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 1 Dine-Around (DA), 1 Celebration Dinner (CD) and 2 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
• Departures on tour for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, enjoy a festive celebration dinner
• Escorted by a professional Tour Director
• Headsets for all guided visits and walking tours
• Enjoy the unique comfort of Insight’s Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with extended leg room and on-board restroom
• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Airport transfers at scheduled times on Day 2 and Day 11 (Should your flights not coincide with these transfers, please make your own way to/from the airport or purchase a transfer)

• Rome: Enjoy a private guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica.
• Assisi: See the Church of St. Mary of the Angels.
• Venice: Cruise to St. Mark’s Square by private launch. See St. Mark’s Basilica, bell tower, clock tower, Doges’ Palace and Bridge of Sighs. Witness hand made Venetian glass-blowing.
• Pisa: See the Cathedral, Baptistery and ‘Leaning Tower’.
• Florence: During your guided walking tour, see the Cathedral, belltower, ‘Gates of Paradise’ on the Baptistery and visit Signoria Square. Witness a leather-work demonstration.
• Cassino: Visit the peaceful Commonwealth War Cemetery
• Sorrento: Join in the Italian social ritual of ‘La Passeggiata’. Demonstration of ‘Intarsio’ inlay woodworking.

Rome: La Griffe
Assisi: Giotto
Venice: Sant Elena/Carlton on the Grand Canal
Florence: NH Firenze/Athenaeum
Sorrento: La Favorita
Rome: Sheraton

Extra nights per person in Rome:
Genova: in twin room $201; in single room $316; in triple room $193
Hotel Anglo Americano: in twin room $193; in single room $297; in triple room $174
Kolbe: in twin room $199; in single room $$278; in triple room $182
La Griffe: in twin room $197; in single room $318; in triple room $184
Mediterraneo: in twin room $191; in single room $287; in triple room $168
NH Giustiniano: in twin room $195; in single room $279; in triple room $187
NH Vittorio Veneto: in twin room $195; in single room $279; in triple room $187
Regina Hotel Baglioni Rome: in twin room $317; in single room $567; in triple room $287
Romanico Palace: in twin room $189; in single room $301; in triple room: $160
Sheraton Roma: in twin room $159; in single room $228; in triple room $$145
Veneto Palace: in twin room $189; in single room $301; in triple room $160

• Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.

For Insight Vacations terms and conditions, please click here.

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines.