Country Roads of Italy
16 Days Starting in Rome, Italy and ending in Venice, Italy
Visiting: Rome, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, Todi, Assisi, Perugia, Florence, Monteriggioni, Siena, San Gimignano, Lucca, Pisa, Cinque Terre, Parma, Modena, Venice
Tour operator:
Tour code:
E722ZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Country Roads of Italy" tour, a captivating journey through Italy's most enchanting regions. Begin in Rome, where ancient history meets vibrant modern life, and explore iconic sites like the Colosseum and St. Peter's Basilica. Travel south to the picturesque town of Sorrento and the stunning Isle of Capri. Discover the ancient ruins of Pompeii and the medieval charm of Todi. In Tuscany, savor the flavors of Chianti and explore the artistic treasures of Florence. Wander through the medieval streets of Siena and San Gimignano, and enjoy the coastal beauty of the Cinque Terre. Conclude your adventure in Venice, with its romantic canals and exquisite glassblowing traditions. Throughout the journey, indulge in authentic Italian cuisine and experience the warmth of local hospitality, all while traveling in comfort aboard a luxurious coach. This tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Italy's cultural and culinary delights.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To The Eternal City Of Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Room 007 Select, Rome.
Accommodation Name: Room 007 Select, Rome
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Rome. Settle in before joining your Travel Director for a private visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, welcomed by the Rector of the basilica. Gaze in awe at the Byzantine mosaics, illuminated for this evening's experience, and see the first sculpture by Bernini. End the day getting to know your fellow travellers during dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Rome With A Local
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Room 007 Select, Rome.
Accommodation Name: Room 007 Select, Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is devoted to The Eternal City. Join a Local Expert to discover the modern-day city and how people lived in Ancient Rome. See St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City. Then cross the Tiber river to see the Circus Maximus and learn about the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum on a guided visit. Imagine the roar of the spectators as you enter the arena and stroll around picturing the gladiators and their adoring fans.
Day 3: Sorrento
Location: Sorrento
Accommodation: Majestic Palace Hotel, Sorrento.
Accommodation Name: Majestic Palace Hotel, Sorrento
Meals Included: Breakfast
Venture south leaving the region of Lazio for Campania. Continue to the resort town of Sorrento.
Day 4: Capri, The Isle Of Dreams
Location: Capri, Sorrento
Accommodation: Majestic Palace Hotel, Sorrento.
Accommodation Name: Majestic Palace Hotel, Sorrento
Meals Included: Breakfast
With your Local Expert, cruise to the Isle of Capri and ascend to Capri town. Explore the narrow alleyways, admire the views and Mediterranean atmosphere before descending to the port by funicular railway for the return to Sorrento.
Day 5: Pompeii And Todi
Location: Pompeii, Todi
Accommodation: Majestic Palace Hotel, Sorrento.
Accommodation Name: Fonte Cesia, Todi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii and explore with your Local Expert. Journey through Umbria to Todi and savour the medieval ambiance during your orientation. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with a glass of Orvieto Classico wine.
Day 6: Todi
Location: Todi
Accommodation: Hotel Fonte Cesia
Accommodation Name: Fonte Cesia, Todi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Immerse yourself in the enchanting medieval town of Todi, where you can wander through picturesque streets, marvel at historic architecture, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding Umbrian countryside.
Day 7: Assisi And On To Perugia Relaxed Start
Location: Assisi, Perugia
Accommodation: Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia.
Accommodation Name: Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia
Meals Included: Breakfast
On arrival in Assisi, see the church of St. Mary of the Angels and visit the huge Basilica of St. Francis. A Local Expert walks with you down the Via San Francesco. Continue to Perugia for a guided exploration through the Old Town.
Day 8: Perugia, The Jewel Of Umbria Relaxed Start
Location: Perugia
Accommodation: Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia.
Accommodation Name: Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit an artisanal workshop and meet Marta, a recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant.
Day 9: Florence And Monteriggioni
Location: Florence, Monteriggioni
Accommodation: CDH Hotel Radda, Tuscany.
Accommodation Name: Relais Certosa, Florence, Borgo di Cortefreda
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey past Lake Trasimeno to Renaissance Florence. Walk with a Local Expert to see the marble-clad cathedral, bell tower and Gates of Paradise on the baptistery. Enjoy time at leisure to explore Piazza della Signoria, an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Wander the area around Santa Croce Basilica. Journey through the vineyards of Tuscany and enjoy a delicious wine tasting before arriving at your elegant hotel.
Day 10: Siena And San Gimignano Relaxed Start
Location: Siena, San Gimignano
Accommodation: CDH Hotel Radda, Tuscany.
Accommodation Name: Relais Certosa, Florence, Borgo di Cortefreda
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning explore Siena with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the medieval Basilica of St. Catherine or alternatively, sample panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert. Continue to the hilltop town of San Gimignano. Enjoy a gelato from Sergio Dondoli's award-winning creations.
Day 11: On To Lucca Relaxed Start
Location: Lucca, Pisa
Accommodation: Hotel Villa La Principessa, Lucca.
Accommodation Name: Villa La Principessa, Lucca
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to Lucca, a city perfectly preserved within encircling medieval ramparts. Taste the lavish loaves of buccellato, Lucca's sweet raisin anise bread. Later, perhaps explore Pisa?
Day 12: Exploring The Cinque Terre
Location: Cinque Terre
Accommodation: Hotel Villa La Principessa, Lucca.
Accommodation Name: Villa La Principessa, Lucca
Meals Included: Breakfast
Get ready to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cinque Terre. Join a Local Expert before cruising along the coastline (weather permitting).
Day 13: On To Parma
Location: Parma
Accommodation: Starhotels Du Parc, Parma.
Accommodation Name: Starhotels Du Parc, Parma
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey to Parma, where you'll meet Paolo and learn about the process of making Parmigiano-Reggiano. Taste samples of the famous cheese, accompanied by a glass of wine.
Day 14: Modena And On To Venice
Location: Modena, Venice
Accommodation: Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice
Accommodation Name: Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit a local producer of the famed Modena balsamic and enjoy a tasting. Continue to Venice where you will be serenaded as you glide by gondola, past water-lapped doorways and rococo palaces.
Day 15: The Magic Of La Serenissima
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice
Accommodation Name: Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a traditional glassblowing workshop. Visit St. Mark’s Square to admire St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge's Palace and the adjoining Bridge of Sighs. Cruise the Venetian Lagoon to Burano and sit down to a sumptuous dinner with wine.
Day 16: Arrivederci Venice
Location: Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo airport.
What's Included
-
Choice Highlights
Visit the Basilica of St. Catherine in Siena and enjoy a tasting of Panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert.
-
Top Rated Highlights
Discover ancient treasures of Rome, explore Capri town, and visit the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi.
-
Make Travel Matter
Meet Marta in Perugia and learn about the ancient craft of loom weaving, and witness glassblowing in Venice.
-
Authentic Dining
Savor dinner at a Roman restaurant, sample Buccellato in Lucca, and enjoy gelato in San Gimignano.
-
Additional Included Highlights
Personal radio headsets, hotel and restaurant tips, taxes, porterage charges, and complimentary Wi-Fi are included.
-
Insight Experiences
Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes in Rome.
-
Well-being
Travel in a luxurious, air-conditioned coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
-
Transport
Travel in comfort aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom, ensuring a relaxing journey through Italy's stunning landscapes.
What's Not Included
Transfers Outside Scheduled TimesTransfers are available at scheduled times for flights as per the itinerary start and end dates. If your flights are outside these times, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 15 Breakfast (B)
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Insight Experiences
- Rome: Enjoy exclusive access to the pre-Romanesque Basilica of Saint Praxedes for a once-in-a-lifetime experience during an after-hours visit.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom, ensuring a relaxing journey through Italy's stunning landscapes.
Accommodation
Experience a variety of accommodations throughout Italy, including the Room 007 Select in Rome, Majestic Palace Hotel in Sorrento, Fonte Cesia in Todi, Sangallo Palace Hotel in Perugia, Relais Certosa in Florence, Villa La Principessa in Lucca, Starhotels Du Parc in Parma, and Hilton Molino Stucky in Venice.
Summary
- Visit a glassblowing workshop in Venice.
- Travel by hydrofoil to the Isle of Capri and ride in an open-top taxi • Explore Cinque Terre by boat • Glide along the Venice canals in a gondola.
- Visit Papal Gardens and Castel Gandolfo • Positano • Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi • San Gimignano.
- Welcome Dinner in Rome • Highlight Dinner in Todi • Celebration Dinner on Burano island in Venice. Taste Chianti wine in Radda • Gelato in San Gimignano • Buccellato in Lucca • Balsamic vinegar in Modena • Parmigiano Reggiano in Parma.
Check out our Q&As
-
What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes in Rome, a visit to a traditional glassblowing workshop in Venice, and a cruise along the coastline of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cinque Terre.
-
What kind of dining experiences can I expect on this tour?
You will enjoy a variety of dining experiences including a welcome dinner in Rome, a highlight dinner in Todi, and a celebration dinner on Burano island in Venice. You will also have the opportunity to taste Chianti wine in Radda, gelato in San Gimignano, Buccellato in Lucca, balsamic vinegar in Modena, and Parmigiano Reggiano in Parma.
-
How does the tour support sustainable tourism?
The tour includes MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences such as meeting Marta, an Umbrian weaver in Perugia, and visiting a traditional glassblowing workshop in Venice. These activities support United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to gender equality and sustainable cities and communities.
-
What are some of the highlights of the tour in terms of sightseeing?
Highlights include visiting the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, exploring the medieval town of San Gimignano, and gliding along the canals of Venice by gondola. You will also visit the ancient Roman city of Pompeii and the Isle of Capri.
-
What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
Travel is provided aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom, ensuring a relaxing journey through Italy's stunning landscapes.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Friday - Saturday
Apr 11, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025Friday - Saturday
Apr 25, 2025 - May 10, 2025Friday - Saturday
May 02, 2025 - May 17, 2025Friday - Saturday
May 09, 2025 - May 24, 2025Friday - Saturday
May 16, 2025 - May 31, 2025Friday - Saturday
Jun 06, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025Friday - Saturday
Jul 25, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025Friday - Saturday
Aug 22, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025Friday - Saturday
Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025Friday - Saturday
Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025Friday - Saturday
Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025Friday - Saturday
Sep 19, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025Friday - Saturday
Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025Friday - Saturday
Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions
Enquire for Extra Savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.