Grand Italy & Sicily - Classic Group
Grand Italy & Sicily - Classic Group
Grand Italy & Sicily - Classic Group
17 Days Starting in Rome and ending in Palermo
Visiting: Rome, Vatican, Pisa, Santa Margherita Ligure, Cinque Terre, Portofino, Baveno, Lake Maggiore, Venice, Florence, Pompei, Sorrento, Capri, Sassi di Matera, Matera, Alberobello, Villa San Giovanni, Taormina, Palermo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
E921ZN19
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
20 - 40
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$7250
$5440 (USD)
Operator discount: -$1810
-25%
NB: Prices correct on 16-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
Art, food, and scenery combine in this 17-day guided tour through Italy. Revel in Renaissance artwork housed in the Vatican Museums and gaze at Michelangelo’s famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. See Rome’s iconic Colosseum as a Local Expert shares its history. In coastal Cinque Terre, stop in two fishing villages and cruise the rugged Ligurian coast, admiring the colorful homes perched on the cliffs. See statues of Neptune, Hercules and Cacus, and feast on a steak dinner and local wine in Florence. In Sorrento, meet a Local Expert for a cruise to Capri, where you can take an open-top taxi to the top of the island for an unapparelled view of the Mediterranean Sea. In the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello, meet a restauranteur who will share his farm-to-table philosophy and serve you freshly made orecchiette pasta.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To The Eternal City Of Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Hotel St. Martin, Rome.
Accommodation Name: Hotel St. Martin
Meals Included: Dinner with Wine
Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and baroque churches. Transfers depart from Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport for your hotel at 09:30, 12:30 and 15:30.Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director at 17:30. Get to know your fellow travellers over a delicious Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Vatican City And Rome With A Local
Location: Rome, Vatican
Accommodation: Hotel St. Martin, Rome.
Accommodation Name: Hotel St. Martin
Meals Included: Breakfast
A Local Expert leads you through the priceless art collection of the Vatican Museums, culminating beneath Michelangelo’s famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Your priority visit includes fast-tracked entry to the museums and a behind-the-scenes look at the Bramante Staircase. Later, continue to St. Peter’s Basilica. Cross the Tiber river to enjoy ancient Rome. See the incredible Circus Maximus. Come up close and personal with the beautifully preserved Arch of Constantine, walking on the ancient pavement. Discover the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum as you stroll around the exterior of this amazing structure.
Day 3: Pisa And Santa Margherita Ligure
Location: Rome, Pisa, Santa Margherita Ligure
Accommodation: Best Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure.
Accommodation Name: Best Western Regina Elena
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Enjoy a delightful drive to Pisa through rolling countryside dotted with cypress trees, passing vineyards and olive groves.With a Local Expert, view the incredible Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles from which Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity. See the splendid cathedral and baptistery, decorated with mosaics and designs in solid marble.Your journey continues to the pretty seaside resort of Santa Margherita Ligure.
Day 4: The Charms Of The Cinque Terre
Location: Santa Margherita Ligure, Cinque Terre, Portofino
Accommodation: Best Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure.
Accommodation Name: Best Western Regina Elena
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head to the famous Cinque Terre, which translates to Five Lands. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located on a gorgeously wild yet hospitable part of the coastline. With a Local Expert we approach one of the fishing villages by boat before spending some time exploring the medieval quarter or the popular sandy beach in Monterosso. Later, discover the resort town of Portofino, famed for its colourful houses. Browse the boutiques and stay a while in the cafe bars on the piazzetta, watching the yachts moored in the harbour. Should weather permit, return with a cruise along the rugged Ligurian coast to your hotel in the resort of Santa Margherita.
Day 5: Lake Maggiore Relaxed Start
Location: Santa Margherita Ligure, Baveno, Lake Maggiore
Accommodation: Hotel Simplon, Baveno.
Accommodation Name: Hotel Simplon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head north to beautiful Lake Maggiore in the Italian Lakes District and the town of Baveno, noted for its narrow cobbled streets and charming 16th century square. On arrival, settle into your hotel and take in the magical scenery. In the afternoon, why not join an optional cruise to Isola Bella to explore the palace and admire the stunning and immaculate Italian style gardens.
Day 6: Onto Venice Relaxed Start
Location: Lake Maggiore, Venice
Accommodation: NH Venezia Rio Novo.
Accommodation Name: Hotel Amadeus
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Your travels continue pass the Soave vineyards, passing Padua and on to the canals of Venice. In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7: Venice And The Magic Of La Serenissima Relaxed Start
Location: Venice
Accommodation: NH Venezia Rio Novo.
Accommodation Name: Hotel Amadeus
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your private boat takes you past historic churches and 13th century palaces to St. Mark's Square. The first sight is the gilded facade of St. Mark's Basilica. Turn the corner, and view the pink marble of the Doge's Palace, connected to the prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. It was from here that Casanova made his daring escape. Afterwards, board a traditional gondola for a serenade along the romantic canals. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a traditional arts centre. See how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills.
Day 8: A Scenic Journey To Florence
Location: Venice, Florence
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli.
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Bid farewell to Venice and begin your journey to Renaissance Florence. Explore Florence with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Museum to see Michelangelo's David. Alternatively, wander through the market stalls on a guided shopping tour. Walk to the Cathedral and see Giotto’s bell tower and the Gates of Paradise on the baptistery. Wander through the open-air gallery of Piazza della Signoria, gazing at statues such as Neptune, Hercules and Cacus, along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Your exploration will finish in front of the basilica where Michelangelo lies buried in Piazza Santa Croce.Enjoy a traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina steak dinner paired with delicious local wine, a specialty not to be missed.
Day 9: Florence, Birthplace Of The Renaissance Relaxed Start
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli.
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day with a traditional Florentine leather-work demonstration, then there is plenty of time to shop with the rest of the day at your leisure. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to explore the hilltop town of San Gimignano?
Day 10: Ill-Fated Pompeii And On To Sorrento
Location: Florence, Pompei, Sorrento
Accommodation: Hotel Isabella, Sorrento.
Accommodation Name: Hotel Isabella
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey south through the volcanic hills of Frascati to Pompeii, which was buried in A.D. 79 by Mount Vesuvius' catastrophic eruption. Walk with a Local Expert through the preserved cobbled streets for a glimpse into the daily life of civilisation during the Roman Empire. Follow the clifftop road to the resort town of Sorrento, overlooking the Bay of Naples.
Day 11: Capri, The Isle Of Dreams
Location: Sorrento, Capri
Accommodation: Hotel Isabella, Sorrento.
Accommodation Name: Hotel Isabella
Meals Included: Breakfast
Meet your Local Expert and 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 Tiberius Caesar to Gracie Fields. Arriving at the Marina Grande by boat, ascend to Capri town by one of the island's iconic open-top taxis. Explore the narrow alleyways and descend to the port by funicular railway for the return to Sorrento. Later perhaps explore Positano on the Amalfi Coast.
Day 12: Sassi Di Matera And Alberobello
Location: Sorrento, Sassi di Matera, Matera, Alberobello
Accommodation: Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, Alberobello.
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
After breakfast, discover two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. First, visit Matera for an in-depth guided exploration of the extraordinary Sassi, ancient troglodyte dwellings and churches dug out of the rock. These are the most extensive example of their kind in the Mediterranean and were inhabited by about 20,000 people up until 1950. Matera was also used as the setting for the film 'The Passion of the Christ'. Continue to Alberobello, the second UNESCO World Heritage Site and your home for the next two nights.
Day 13: The Trulli Of Alberobello Relaxed Start
Location: Alberobello
Accommodation: Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, Alberobello.
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Admire another of Italy's record number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites with a Local Expert. The Trulli of Alberobello are circular structures with conical roofs that are domed within. They are built from local limestone and stacked without using mortar. In the evening you are welcomed into the home of a local for a freshly prepared meal, typical of the region. Dine with the family and learn more about their life.
Day 14: Sicily And The Taormina Riviera
Location: Alberobello, Villa San Giovanni, Taormina
Accommodation: RG Naxos Hotel, Taormina.
Accommodation Name: Hellenia Yachting Hotel & SPA
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
The local roads will take you south, following the shores of the Gulf of Taranto to the mountainous Calabria region. Travel along the Purple Coast to the very 'toe' of Italy and board your ferry bound for Sicily. According to ancient legend, it was here at the Straits of Messina where the twin whirlpools of Scylla and Charybdis carried unwary seafarers away to their doom! After disembarking, continue to the Taormina Riviera.
Day 15: Taormina And The Dawn Coast Of Europe Relaxed Start
Location: Taormina
Accommodation: RG Naxos Hotel, Taormina.
Accommodation Name: Hellenia Yachting Hotel & SPA
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join a Local Expert for a visit to the Greek Theatre, graced with the most spectacular of backdrops. Stroll on to the Palazzo Corvaja, Taormina’s grandest building. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to Mt. Etna?
Day 16: Palermo, Capital Of Sicily
Location: Taormina, Palermo
Accommodation: NH Palermo.
Accommodation Name: NH Palermo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Head to the Sicilian capital of Palermo. On arrival, your Local Expert will show you the highlights of the capital. Palermo Cathedral has been altered over the years and a venture inside will help you to appreciate the composite architectural styles. Next, head to the amazing Palatine Chapel in the Palace of the Normans. With the outside completely covered in glittering 12th century mosaics, it provides an insight to what's within.Join your travelling companions and Travel Director at a local restaurant for an unforgettable Celebration Dinner of delicious local cuisine and wine.
Day 17: Depart Palermo
Location: Palermo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your journey draws to an end. Departure transfers arrive at Palermo Falcone–Borsellino Airport at 06:00 and 08:00.
What's Included
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Travel Director
Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organizer, and friend overseas.
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Luxury Transportation
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and maintained to very high standards.
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Enhanced Hygiene Protocols
Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors, and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
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Authentic Dining
Dining Summary: 8 Dinner with Wine (DW), and 16 Breakfast (B). Enjoy meals that are a mix of local specialties and fine dining experiences.
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Handpicked Hotels
Stay in comfort at handpicked hotels, chosen to ensure your comfort and access to the journey's destinations.
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Local Experts
Engage with Local Experts who will provide in-depth knowledge and insights during visits to famous highlights and hidden gems.
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Unique Experiences
From a guided visit to the ancient ruins of Pompeii to a traditional meal in the home of a local, enjoy experiences that are designed to immerse you in the local culture.
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Airport Transfers
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. For guests booking additional nights accommodation, transfers can also be arranged.
What's Not Included
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Airfare to and from the tour
Flights before and after the tour are not included in the tour price.
You need to arrange your flights separately. -
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers to ensure that they are covered in case of unforeseen events.
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Optional Experiences
Some experiences and excursions outside of the scheduled itinerary may incur an additional cost.
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Personal Expenses
Expenses of a personal nature like souvenirs, laundry, and drinks not included in the meals are not covered.
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Meals not mentioned
Any meals not listed in the inclusions, as well as certain alcoholic beverages, are not included and will need to be paid for separately.
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Visa Fees
Any required visas or related fees are not included and are the responsibility of the traveler.
Mode of Transport
Journey south through the volcanic hills of Frascati to Pompeii, which was buried in A.D. 79 by Mount Vesuvius' catastrophic eruption. Walk with a Local Expert through the preserved cobbled streets for a glimpse into the daily life of civilization during the Roman Empire. Follow the clifftop road to the resort town of Sorrento, overlooking the Bay of Naples.
Accommodation
Stay at the Hotel St. Martin in Rome, the Best Western Regina Elena in Santa Margherita Ligure, the Hotel Simplon in Lake Maggiore, the Hotel Amadeus in Venice, the Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli in Florence, the Hotel Isabella in Sorrento, the Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri in Alberobello, and the Hellenia Yachting Hotel & SPA in Taormina.
Check out our Q&As
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What are the highlights of the Grand Italy & Sicily tour?
The highlights of the Grand Italy & Sicily tour include a choice between two carefully selected activities, a guided shopping tour in Florence, luxurious coach travel with enhanced hygiene protocols, priority access to the Vatican Museums, a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, exploring ancient Rome and the Colosseum, a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cinque Terre, experiencing the traditional social ritual of la passeggiata in Lake Maggiore, visiting the elegant fishing village of Portofino, a gondola ride in Venice, exploring Florence with a Local Expert, walking through the cobbled streets of Pompeii, visiting the Isle of Capri, exploring the Trulli of Alberobello, crossing the Straits of Messina to Sicily, and discovering the Sicilian capital of Palermo.
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What unique experiences are offered on the Grand Italy & Sicily tour?
Unique experiences on the Grand Italy & Sicily tour include a Welcome Dinner in Rome, a traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina steak dinner in Florence, dining with a local family in Alberobello, a Celebration Dinner in Palermo, priority access to the Vatican Museums, a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, a gondola ride in Venice, exploring the Trulli of Alberobello, and crossing the Straits of Messina to Sicily.
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What are the accommodation options on the Grand Italy & Sicily tour?
Accommodation options on the Grand Italy & Sicily tour include the Hotel St. Martin in Rome, the Best Western Regina Elena in Santa Margherita Ligure, the Hotel Simplon in Lake Maggiore, the Hotel Amadeus in Venice, the Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli in Florence, the Hotel Isabella in Sorrento, the Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri in Alberobello, and the Hellenia Yachting Hotel & SPA in Taormina.
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What meals are included in the Grand Italy & Sicily tour?
The Grand Italy & Sicily tour includes 8 Dinners with Wine (DW) and 16 Breakfasts (B).
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What type of transportation is used on the Grand Italy & Sicily tour?
The Grand Italy & Sicily tour uses a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. The coach is customized for luxury and is sanitized before the start of the tour with physical distancing measures implemented.
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Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites visited on the Grand Italy & Sicily tour?
Yes, the Grand Italy & Sicily tour visits several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Cinque Terre, the Trulli of Alberobello, and the ancient town of Pompeii.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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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.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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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.
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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.
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Terms and Conditions
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