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Grand Tour of Italy and Sicily
A 16-Day Insight Tours tour starting from $4,075
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| Starting Price: | $4,075 |  |
| Tour Length: | 16 Days | |
| Countries Visited: | Italy | |
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Cities Visited: An evenly paced tour with two-night stays in five of the seven cities, with overnights in Assisi and Agrigento. The majority of the driving days are of reasonable length and with frequent stops, often with great photo opportunities. |
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Included Premium Highlights
- Explore the wonders of ancient Rome as you visit the Colosseum and overlook the Forum
- Visit the superb Vatican Museums and admire Michelangelo's ceiling in the Sistine Chapel
- Join a local expert for a walking tour of the ill-fated town of Pompeii
- Visit the Roman Villa of Casale containing the finest collection of Roman mosaics in the world
- Cruise to the island of Capri and ascend to Capri town by funicular railway
- Drift through the romantic canals of Venice by traditional gondola
- Visit Florence's Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo's original 'Statue of David'
Included Personal Insights
- Join us in the pleasant Italian social ritual of 'La Passeggiata'
- Enjoy a short tutorial about the world famous Chianti wines of Tuscany
Included Additional Excursions & Sights
- Tour St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City seeing the Popes' Altar by Bernini
- Visit the peaceful Commonwealth War Cemetery at Cassino
- Visit the Cathedral and Palatine Chapel in Palermo
- Visit Monreale with its highly decorated Cathedral
- Guided tour of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento to see the Temple of Concord
- Guided visit to the Greek Theater and views of Mt Etna in Taormina
- Visit the Basilica St Mary of the Angels and the Basilica of St Francis in Assisi
- See the Neptune Fountain and the Old Town in Bologna
- Cruise by private launch to St Mark's Square in Venice
- See the Doges' Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark's Basilica in Venice
- Visit the Church of Santa Croce in Florence to see the tomb of Michelangelo
- See the Duomo, 'Gates of Paradise' and Signoria Square in Florence
- See the 'Fountain of Joy' in Siena's Campo Square and the striped Cathedral
- Demonstrations of traditional Venetian glass-blowing, 'Intarsio' inlay woodwork in Sorrento and traditional Florentine leatherwork
- Scenic drives through the Apennines, Cyclops Riviera and Sorrento cliff top drive
Included First Class Services
- Escorted by a professional Tour Director
- Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard restroom
- Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
- Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Airport Shuttle arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 2 and Day 16
Included Quality Dining
- Highlight Dinner of local cuisine with entertainment in Rome (HD)
- 14 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 7 three-course table d'hote Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
Day 1 - DEPART USA
Overnight flight.
Day 2 - ROME AT LEISURE
On arrival at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport, your airport shuttle service leaves for the tour hotel at 09:30, 12:30 & 15:30. Perhaps take a stroll in the Piazza Navona before joining your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: NH Giustiniano.
Day 3 - ROME SIGHTSEEING
Tour St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, seeing the Popes' Altar by Bernini and Michelangelo's Pieta. Now visit the Colosseum, scene of great entertainment in Imperial times and overlook the Roman Forum. Time at leisure this afternoon. (BB)
Day 4 - ROME - OVERNIGHT FERRY
Meet your local guide for a sightseeing tour of the priceless art in the Vatican Museums before admiring Michelangelo's amazing ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Drive through vine-covered hills to visit the peaceful Commonwealth War Cemetery at Cassino. Stop at Pompeii, where a local expert will guide you around the excavations of the city, buried by an eruption in 79AD. Drive through the city of Naples before boarding an overnight ferry to Sicily. (BB)
Day 5 - PALERMO - AGRIGENTO
Disembark in Palermo early this morning. Join a local guide who will show you the cathedral, the Arab-Norman Palatine Chapel and the magnificent Monreale. Then it's off to the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento, considered the finest Greek sanctuary in Sicily. Especially impressive are the massive Temple of Concord and clifftop Temple of Juno, overlooking the sea.
Hotel: Della Valle. (BB,D)
Day 6 - AGRIGENTO - GIARDINI NAXOS
Travel into the heart of Sicily to visit the Roman Villa of Casale, noted for the mosaics which cover almost the entire floor. Descend to the east coast and follow the coastline of the Cyclops Riviera to Giardini Naxos.
Hotel: Sant' Alphio Garden (BB,D)
Day 7 - TAORMINA EXCURSION
Tour the hillside town of Taormina. Founded in 400 BC, Taormina is beautifully located overlooking the sea and facing the snowy peak of Mount Etna. Visit the Greek Theatre with a guide before free time to explore the sub-tropical terraced gardens, or stroll along elegant Corso Umberto to Piazza 9 Aprile for panoramic views across the bay. Return to Giardini Naxos where the rest of the day is at leisure. (BB,D)
Day 8 - GIARDINI NAXOS - SORRENTO
Head for Messina to board your ferry back to the Italian mainland. Drive along the very edge of the mountainous Calabria region, so often compared to Switzerland. Continue north past Salerno, to take the cliff-top road to Sorrento.
Hotel: Grand Hotel La Pace (BB)
Day 9 - ISLE OF CAPRI EXCURSION
See the local art of 'intarsio', (marquetry wood inlaying), before cruising to the beautiful Isle of Capri, a rock rising sheer from the Mediterranean. A funicular train takes you up to Capri town to spend time browsing the shops and admiring the sea views. Perhaps visit Anacapri before returning to Sorrento. (BB,D)
Day 10 - SORRENTO - ASSISI
Drive north into Umbria and ascend the Apennine Mountains to delightful Assisi, a stone-built town sprawling over the steep hillside of Monte Subasio. Stroll through the narrow streets and visit the Basilica of St Francis with its famous frescoes by Giotto. Afterwards, the energetic might like to climb up to the castle for fine views over the valley. Tonight, before dinner, work up an appetite as you join the locals for a traditional leisurely promenade (passaggiata).
Hotel: Subasio (BB,D)
Day 11 - ASSISI - BOLOGNA - VENICE
Visit the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels, built to commemorate the site where St Francis died. Then a beautiful drive brings us through the wild Apennine Mountains to the city of Bologna, gastronomic capital of Italy. See Giambologna's Neptune Fountain in Piazza Nettuno and the Old Town. Time to savour the local specialties in the many trattorias and ristoranti before continuing to the unique city of Venice. Tonight take your first stroll by the canalside.
Hotel: Sant'Elena. (BB,D)
Day 12 - VENICE SIGHTSEEING
Relax and enjoy the scenery as you travel by private launch to St Mark's Square. See the Bridge of Sighs, connecting the Doges' Palace to the prisons. See the ornate St Mark's Basilica, followed by a demonstration of Venetian glass blowing. To truly appreciate this unique city, step aboard your gondola to glide along the peaceful canals. Now you are at leisure. Why not cruise to Burano Island for a delicious seafood meal? (BB)
Day 13 - VENICE - FLORENCE
Cross the fertile valley of the river Po before heading into the Apennines to the Tuscan capital, Florence. En route, hear an informative tutorial about the famous Chianti wines that make this region so famous. On arrival, a guided tour takes you to see the original 'Statue of David' inside the Academy Gallery. Back outside, walk to the Cathedral to see Giotto's Belltower and the 'Gates of Paradise' before continuing to Signoria Square, adorned with statues and fountains. Your walking tour finishes at the Basilica of Santa Croce, where Michelangelo lies buried. Finally, watch a leatherwork demonstration before enjoying some time at leisure.
Hotel: NH Florence (BB, D)
Day 14 - FLORENCE AT LEISURE
A whole day is set aside to explore this glorious city, the treasure house of the Italian Renaissance. Take an excursion to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa or indulge in a delicious local meal with rich Chianti wine. (BB)
Day 15 - FLORENCE - ROME
Travel through the Chianti vineyards and olive groves to Siena, Renaissance rival of Florence. Walk through the narrow cobbled streets to the vast Campo Square, where the Palio horse race takes place. See the Town Hall, Della Quercia's 'Fountain of Joy', and climb up to the hilltop Cathedral before returning to Rome for a last night celebration Highlight Dinner with pasta and music.
Hotel: Sheraton Roma (BB,HD)
Day 16 - ROME
Arrivederci Roma! Sadly, your tour comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 & 09:30. (BB)
Don't miss our current specials: | ||||
Touring Date |
Land Only |
Land + Air |
Single (Land Only) |
Single (Land + Air) |
7/30/2010 - 8/14/2010 |
$4,075 |
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8/6/2010 - 8/21/2010 |
$4,075 |
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9/3/2010 - 9/18/2010 |
$4,199 |
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9/10/2010 - 9/25/2010 |
$4,199 |
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9/17/2010 - 10/2/2010 |
$4,199 |
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9/24/2010 - 10/9/2010 |
$4,199 |
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10/1/2010 - 10/16/2010 |
$4,199 |
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10/8/2010 - 10/23/2010 |
$4,199 |
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10/15/2010 - 10/30/2010 |
$4,199 |
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Airfare Disclaimer Documents |
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Included Premium Highlights
- Explore the wonders of ancient Rome as you visit the Colosseum and overlook the Forum
- Visit the superb Vatican Museums and admire Michelangelo's ceiling in the Sistine Chapel
- Join a local expert for a walking tour of the ill-fated town of Pompeii
- Visit the Roman Villa of Casale containing the finest collection of Roman mosaics in the world
- Cruise to the island of Capri and ascend to Capri town by funicular railway
- Drift through the romantic canals of Venice by traditional gondola
- Visit Florence's Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo's original 'Statue of David'
Included Personal Insights
- Join us in the pleasant Italian social ritual of 'La Passeggiata'
- Enjoy a short tutorial about the world famous Chianti wines of Tuscany
Included Additional Excursions & Sights
- Tour St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City seeing the Popes' Altar by Bernini
- Visit the peaceful Commonwealth War Cemetery at Cassino
- Visit the Cathedral and Palatine Chapel in Palermo
- Visit Monreale with its highly decorated Cathedral
- Guided tour of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento to see the Temple of Concord
- Guided visit to the Greek Theater and views of Mt Etna in Taormina
- Visit the Basilica St Mary of the Angels and the Basilica of St Francis in Assisi
- See the Neptune Fountain and the Old Town in Bologna
- Cruise by private launch to St Mark's Square in Venice
- See the Doges' Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark's Basilica in Venice
- Visit the Church of Santa Croce in Florence to see the tomb of Michelangelo
- See the Duomo, 'Gates of Paradise' and Signoria Square in Florence
- See the 'Fountain of Joy' in Siena's Campo Square and the striped Cathedral
- Demonstrations of traditional Venetian glass-blowing, 'Intarsio' inlay woodwork in Sorrento and traditional Florentine leatherwork
- Scenic drives through the Apennines, Cyclops Riviera and Sorrento cliff top drive
Included First Class Services
- Escorted by a professional Tour Director
- Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard restroom
- Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
- Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Airport Shuttle arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 2 and Day 16
Included Quality Dining
- Highlight Dinner of local cuisine with entertainment in Rome (HD)
- 14 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 7 three-course table d'hote Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
Save 7.5% on Europe Winter Travel
November to April is the perfect time to visit Europe. The climate is often surprisingly mild, and the cities belong to their inhabitants and just a few discerning visitors. There is no better, more complete way to enjoy this experience than on an Insight Vacations escorted tour. Best of all prices are substantially lower than in peak summer season!
Save 7.5% on any 2010/11 Winter Europe packaged tour if you book and pay in full by August 13th.
Click to view all Insight Winter Vacations
TERMS: Booking and full payment for land portion must be made by August 13th, 2010. Offer is valid for new bookings made betweenJune 21st, 2010 and August 13th, 2010. Valid for land portion only. Travel must depart between November 1st, 2010 and April 3rd, 2011. Offer NOT valid on Select Choices departures or on Israel, Jordan, Greece, Turkey and Egypt. Offer applies to new bookings only. Normal name change policy applies. Offer is applicable to groups – with availability and collection of travelers’ names at time of booking. Promotion is NOT combinable with Early Payment brochure discount or any current air promotions. Promotion is combinable with all other brochure discounts. Once payment is received, cancellation penalties apply. Offer may be withdrawn at any time and subject to availability. Other restrictions apply. Please call for details. CST No. 20687545-20.
Great Savings and Discounts
FRIENDS & FAMILY DISCOUNTS
SAVE 5% FOR 5 - 8 PASSENGERS
Why not share your Insight tour experience with your friends and family – and save money! If 5-8 passengers book together we offer a discount of 5%. Further savings are available for groups of 9 or more passengers! This discount cannot be combined with Frequent Traveler, Young Traveler or Triple Room Discounts. To qualify, the names of all passengers traveling must be advised to Insight at the time of booking. Does not apply to Oberammergau Passion Play Option, additional accommodation, airfares or fl ight supplements, Select London Week, Select London & Paris, Select London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, and tours with Mediterranean or River cruises.
YOUNG TRAVELER SAVINGS
5 - 17 YEAR OLDS SAVE UP TO 10%
Insight offers you the opportunity of sharing your happy holiday memories with your children or grandchildren. This discount applies only to tours featuring the “Young Traveler Discount” in the price panel. Check the itinerary pages now to see how much you can SAVE! Young Travelers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date and accompanied by an adult (limit of one Young Traveler Discount per room). Children under 5 years old are not accepted on any escorted tour.
This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount”.
SINGLE TRAVELER SAVING
INSIGHT’S ROOM MATE MATCHING
For people traveling alone on an Insight coach tour, we’ll match you with someone of the same gender, so you don’t have to pay the single room supplement. If we fail to match you, we’ll provide a single room at no extra cost†. There is a no-smoking policy in all shared rooms. Does not apply to additional accommodation, Riad upgrade option, airfares or flight supplements, Select London Week, Select London & Paris, Select London, Paris & Rome, Irish Elegance, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours and tours with Mediterranean or River cruises. †Single rooms are not available for the Oberammergau Passion Play Option.
TRIPLE ROOM DISCOUNT
When three people travel together room, each of the three enjoys a discount off the tour price. See the Triple Room Reductions on the itinerary of your choice. This discount only applies to tours featuring the “Triple
Room Discount” in the price panel. Note the third bed on occasions, will be a foldaway. This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount”. Triple rooms are not available for the Oberammergau Passion
Play Option
FREQUENT TRAVELER SAVING
In recognition of our loyal customers, Insight now extends to all traveled guests automatic membership into our Club Bon Voyage, as well as a 5% Discount off the Land portion of their next Insight trip. You will need to travel within the next two years. So act NOW and take full advantage of this great offer. Enrolment forms and discount vouchers are available
from your Tour Director. Insight’s Club Bon Voyage and 5% Discount is not available retroactively. Only one voucher is available per person, per tour, per year and only one voucher can be redeemed against each further
tour booking. This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount” and “Extra Tour Discount.” Does not apply to Oberammergau Passion Play Option, additional accommodations, Select London Week, Select London & Paris and Select London, Paris & Rome.
EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT
ON EARLY BOOKINGS
Insight’s most popular tours fi ll very quickly. Don’t be disappointed, book early! You’ll be assured of the tours you want, and the earlier you pay, the more you SAVE! Here’s how...
Pay in full 12 months prior to your tour departure
date and SAVE UP TO 10%
Pay in full 10 months prior to your tour departure
date and SAVE UP TO 7.5%
Pay in full 6 months prior to your tour departure
date and SAVE UP TO 5%
Tours must be paid in full for this discount to apply. This discount only applies to tours that feature the “Early Payment Discount” in the price panel.
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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.