Country Roads of Italy
16 Day Italy Tour to Venice, Lucca & Perugia | Operated by InsightVacations
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16 Days
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2 Countries
Italy, Vatican City -
19 Cities
Rome, Vatican, Castel Gandolfo, Sorrento, Capri, Positano, Pompeii, Todi, Assisi, Perugia, Florence, Monteriggioni, Siena, San Gimignano, Lucca, Cinque Terre, Parma, Modena, Venice -
19 Meals
4 Dinner with Wines, 15 Breakfasts -
Pace: Leisurely
3 or more nights in 1 destination. Requires 1-2 miles of walking per day to participate in top sites primarily flat surfaces and with some stairs.
Trip Itinerary
Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and baroque churches. Settle in before joining your Travel Director for a private visit for Insight Vacations guests to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, welcomed by the Rector of the basilica. Gaze in awe at the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics, illuminated for this evening's experience, and see the first sculpture by Bernini. End the day getting to know your fellow travelers over Roman specialties during a Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Today 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. Visit the Sistine Chapel, where the Popes are elected, to admire Michelangelo’s famous ceiling. Continue to St. Peter’s Basilica, to wonder at another of his works, the emotive ‘Pietà,’ and stand beneath the dome completed after his death. Cross the Tiber river to enjoy views of ancient Rome. See the incredible Circus Maximus and the legendary Colosseum. There’s free time to do as the Romans do, or perhaps join a walking tour and toss a coin into the spectacular Trevi Fountain, see the Pantheon, the best preserved monument from the Roman period, and enjoy free time in Piazza Navona.
Venture to Castel Gandolfo to explore the artistic treasure of the Villa Barberini Gardens. Ride an electric train along the pathways to marvel at the intricately designed mosaic flower beds and fountains. After our visit to the former papal gardens our journey continues south, drinking in the views of the Bay of Naples, to the resort town of Sorrento.
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. Explore the narrow alleyways, browse in exclusive boutiques and wonder at the views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Descend to the port by funicular railway and return to Sorrento, where you are at leisure for the rest of the day.
Travel along Italy’s finest coastline, the Amalfi Coast. Stop for a bird’s-eye view of the terraced houses of Positano before venturing in to the heart of the town. There’s time to be tempted by the boutiques before returning to Sorrento to enjoy stunning views down to the clear waters of the Bay of Naples. Maybe relax over coffee and contemplate your options. You could stroll down to the harbor, visit the Church of St. Francis, take a swim from the foot of the cliffs or just relax and enjoy the warm, southern sunshine.
Journey to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii and explore this extraordinary site with your Local Expert. Travel into the heart of Italy to enjoy free time in Todi, located on a hilltop pedestal overlooking a vineyard-covered plain. Savor the distinctly medieval ambiance during your orientation and admire the Piazza del Popolo where locals take their evening 'passeggiata'. Take in the flavors of the region and enjoy a Highlight Dinner at a local restaurant with a glass of Orvieto Classico wine - a magical culinary experience!
Cross the River Tiber to see the church of St. Mary of the Angels. Under the dome is a small medieval chapel and the spot where St. Francis died. In Assisi see St. Clare’s Church and the cathedral. Continue to walk down the Via San Francesco and visit the huge Basilica of St. Francis with a Local Expert. Journey to beautiful Perugia - the jewel of Umbria. Your guided walking exploration begins in the main street of Perugia's Old Town. See the Collegio del Cambio, the splendid Priors' Palace, the Cathedral and the finely sculptured Great Fountain in the magnificent main square. In the evening there is the option to discover the edible treasures of a traditional Umbrian kitchen, accompanied with wines of the region.
Time to explore more about this gem of a town. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit an artisanal workshop and meet Marta, a recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Learn how Marta and her weavers are preserving the ancient craft of loom-weaving. With the rest of your day at leisure, perhaps visit Cortona, one of the oldest hill towns in Tuscany. On this Optional Experience, journey to a recently unearthed Etruscan Temple before a guided exploration through the town's historic center with views of Lake Trasimeno and the Val di Chiana.
Journey past Lake Trasimeno to Renaissance Florence. On arrival you will 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, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at the fountains and sculptures along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Wander the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods of gold and leather. Journey through the rolling, cypress-clad hills and vineyards of Tuscany and enjoy a delicious exploration of Tuscany's red wines, discovering their robust flavors and absorbing history before arriving at your elegant hotel.
This morning explore Siena with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the medieval Cathedral or alternatively, sample panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert. Continue to the hilltop town of San Gimignano. Enjoy a tasting with award-winning, master gelato maker, Sergio Dondoli whose great inventions include innovative and mouth-watering flavor combinations.
Travel to Lucca to view the churches, squares and palaces, perfectly preserved within encircling medieval ramparts. Pause a while and taste the lavish loaves of buccellato, Lucca's sweet raisin anise bread, said to be a favorite of the ancient Roman army. Later, you could take the opportunity to explore Pisa.
Get ready to explore the Cinque Terre, or five villages, which for years were only accessible by foot. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of Italy's most beautiful landscapes. Join a Local Expert in one of the picturesque fishing villages, before cruising along the rugged coastline (weather permitting). There is plenty of time to explore the old medieval quarter and popular sandy beach before returning to your hotel in Lucca.
Journey to the beautiful university town of Parma, world-famous for its local ham and cheese. Meet one of the locals, Paolo. Learn about the process of making Parmigiano-Reggiano as Signor Paolo shares with you his passions for Italian food, especially excellent quality Parmesan cheese. Taste samples of the famous Parmigiano-Reggiano, accompanied by a glass of wine.
Visit one of Modena's top producers of authentic, traditional, artisan balsamic vinegar and take a master class to understand what makes this vinegar as expensive as top-rated wines. Continue on through the Soave vineyards past Padua to Venice, Queen of the Adriatic. To the tune of accompanying musicians, you will be serenaded through the atmospheric canals as you glide by gondola past water-lapped doorways and rococo palaces.
Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a traditional arts center, where you can see how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills. Visit St. Mark’s Square where the city’s former wealth and power is evidenced by the riches of St. Mark’s Basilica and admire the Doge's Palace with its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. In the evening, cruise the islands of the Venetian Lagoon to arrive at Burano, famous for its candy colored houses. Sit down to a sumptuous Celebration Dinner with wine, sampling the local specialties.
Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo Airport.
Price Includes
Dining Summary- - 4 Dinner with Wines (DW)
- - 15 Breakfasts (B)
- Enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers at a uniquely Roman local restaurant.
- Learn what to look for in a quality vino rosso, and what foods to pair it with when ordering Florentine cuisine.
- Enjoy a tasting of Panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert containing fruits and nuts.
- Ascend serpentine alleyways to the artisan gelato parlour of world champion gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli for a taste of his finest frozen treats.
- Visit a traditional steam bakery and sample Buccellato, the sweet raisin bread typical of the region.
- At Ciaolatte Parmesan you will meet, Signor Paolo, a local passionate about Italian food and quality cheese. Witness the cheese-making and ageing process of Parmigiano-Reggiano.
- Visit a producer of authentic balsamic vinegar to learn about its production, history and distinctive taste.
- Cruise to the charming fisherman's island of Burano to enjoy a delicious Celebration Dinner with wine and new-found friends.
- Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit. This 9th-century basilica’s simple facade guards the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics. The history of the church springs to life as you admire the interior’s treasured collection, including Bernini's first sculpture and the renowned mosaics, illuminated for your visit. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is a rare and unforgettable insight into Rome and its religious history.
- Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a passionate local. See Circus Maximus and the Ancient Forum, and stand beside the Colosseum, which bears witness to the limitless courage of the gladiators.
- Explore the artistic treasure of the Villa Barberini Gardens and marvel at the intricately designed mosaic flower beds and fountains.
- Perched upon the cliffs, lookout to see the mighty Mount Vesuvius across the Bay of Naples.
- Experience the social ritual of la passeggiata.
- Cruise by jetfoil to this famous isle through beautiful blue Mediterranean waters to meet your Local Expert.
- Explore Capri town with your Local Expert and see the whitewashed houses, winding alleyways, small cafes, fashionable boutiques and artisans studios.
- Drive along the Amalfi Coast to visit this seaside town. See the pastel rainbow of colorful houses precariously stacked upon one another as if cascading from the hilltop to the water.
- Walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century.
- See St. Mary of the Angels Church and join your Local Expert to walk through the cobbled streets to St. Clare's Church and see the cathedral.
- Discover why the Basilica of Saint Francis is considered one of the crowning achievements of medieval Europe.
- Led by your Local Expert, your orientation will explore the Old Town and show you Priors' Palace, Collegio del Cambio, the cathedral, the Great Fountain and main square.
- Join a Local Expert to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square. See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods.
- See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods and witness a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
- Visit Siena's medieval black and white striped cathedral with your Local Expert.
- Visit the medieval Manhattan of Italy!
- Your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist will show you the churches, squares and palaces within the medieval ramparts.
- 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.
- Delight in the magic of this charming city as you are serenaded, traveling through the atmospheric canals by gondola.
- With your Travel Director cruise to St. Mark's Square and see the Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark's Basilica.
- Meet Marta, a recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Learn how she offers employment opportunities for local women and, alongside her weavers, preserves the ancient craft of loom-weaving in an artisan workshop.The workshop is owned by women and actively empowers women and girls through its education and training programs. Marta, and her students help to safeguard the unique patterns while contributing to the protection of Umbria’s cultural heritage. Laboratorio Guidetta Brozzetti advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality and UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities.
- Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing, now practised by precious few masters. Watch artisans create delicate works of art using rare traditional practices. The workshop's master craftsmen teach visitors about the traditional craft of glassblowing and its history which dates back to the 15th century. Every visit helps to support the workshop and the survival of this traditional craft. The workshop advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Optional Experiences
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Piazzas & Fountains (Available on Day 2)With our Local Expert, let's take a "passeggiata" (stroll) to enjoy the backstreets and secrets of pedestrian Rome. Be amazed at sights such as the fascinating Pantheon and the beauty of 17th-Century fountains and beautiful piazzas. Come and enjoy the Rome of the Romans.
Adult Price: €44 Roman Dinner Party (Available on Day 2)Enjoy an evening of delicious Roman cuisine with drinks and a great Italian ambiance.
Adult Price: €71 Sorrento Evening (Available on Day 3)A chance to enjoy a delicious dinner of local specialties. We arrive at one of the area's unique local restaurants for an incredible dining experience featuring some of the famous dishes of this region!
Adult Price: €74 Island Tour of Capri (Available on Day 4)Experience the spectacular cliffs and famous turquoise waters of Capri during a relaxing cruise to the most beautiful part of the island, the southern side. View the beautiful grottoes and unique coastline before ascending to Capri town. This optional experience is weather dependent and may be replaced by a minibus tour of the Island with a visit to Anacapri and the Villa San Michele.
Adult Price: €52 Delights Of The Bay Of Naples (Available on Day 4)Among the lemon and olive groves of Sorrento is a small farm owned by the third generation of the Marciano family. Meet Rosa and Maria and see how fresh mozzarella is made by hand. Walk through lemon groves, past the old olive mill before indulging your taste buds in a delicious meal of Italian specialties all fresh from the farm. Finish with a taste of the famous Limoncello.
Adult Price: €56 Discovering Naples (Available on Day 5)Join us on a fascinating visit to the city of Naples and feel like you've entered a Sophia Loren movie! With our Local Expert we'll visit some of the most famous and unique streets and areas of Naples, to truly discover and enjoy this incredible city. You'll savor some of the genuine street food for which Naples is famous and be amazed by some of the city's incredible artistic treasures! It's a unique opportunity to see, taste and discover this vibrant city!
Adult Price: €63 Ravello – Crown Jewel of the Amalfi Coast (Available on Day 5)Ravello, perched high above Italy’s spectacular Amalfi Coast, is home to some of the most breathtaking cliffside gardens in the world. A haven for celebrities for centuries, join us to discover the stunning streets and squares of this charming village, and enjoy a delicious Italian gelato along the way.
Adult Price: €53 Umbrian Dinner Experience (Available on Day 7)Umbria is not only a region which is culturally rich and full of beautiful vistas, it is also a region rich in its gastronomic offerings. A journey to explore the edible treasures of the traditional Umbrian kitchen and the superb wines of this region too, all served to you in a beautiful rustic restaurant!
Adult Price: €73 Cortona Under The Tuscan Sun (Available on Day 8)Visit beautiful Cortona, one of the oldest hill towns in Tuscany and setting for Francis Mayes “Under the Tuscan Sun”. A scenic panoramic drive with our Local Expert takes us to a recently-unearthed Etruscan Temple and also to see Ms Mayes’ actual creative hideaway, 'Casa Bramasole'. Then we'll enjoy a walk through the historic center to soak up the history and enjoy stupendous views of Lake Trasimeno and the Val di Chiana.
Adult Price: €37 Local Tuscan Dinner (Available on Day 10)The secret to dining well in Tuscany is knowing where to go, picking the small towns and restaurants where locals dine. Exploiting our countryside location, this evening we'll dine locally, keeping away from the big-city crowds. We'll enjoy classic Tuscan specialties, the favorites of the Sienese province, utilising the fresh territorial produce that makes this region so well known.
Adult Price: €70 Pisa and The Arno Valley (Available on Day 11)Visit the historical city of Pisa and with our Local Expert enjoy a guided visit of Piazza dei Miracoli, one of Italy’s most impressive squares. Visit the Cathedral to discover its treasures, see the largest baptistery in Italy and of course, admire the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. You'll also have plenty of free time to shop and explore on your own.
Adult Price: €53 A Taste of Tuscany (Available on Day 12)A delightful and rustic experience, designed to bring you in touch with the enchanting Tuscan countryside, food and wine. Settle in for an authentic Tuscan feast in a traditional setting.
Adult Price: €67 Magical Venice (Available on Day 14)Venice can be Europe's most romantic city in the evening, offering dramatic landscapes with buildings that dazzle as the sun sets and the lights go on. Sit back and take it all in as private water taxis take you to the center of it all, Piazza San Marco, where we have seats reserved outside a famous Venetian cafe, in front of a live orchestra and in view of those illuminated St Mark's sights. Our private water taxis will also take us the length of the Grand Canal, under the Rialto Bridge, seeing Venice at its most magical.
Adult Price: €61 Hidden Venice (Available on Day 15)To only experience Venice's big set pieces is to miss out on a hidden world full of surprises! Join a Local Expert for a fascinating walk through some of the lesser known quarters of Venice. The back lanes and ‘campi’, small squares, where tourists seldom tread are full of history and great places to sample local life.
Adult Price: €37