Best of Italy – 10 days land only

{tab Description}

- Return airport/hotel transfers
- 2 nights accommodation at the Hotel Romanico Palace in Rome
- 1 night accommodation at the Giotto Hotel in Assisi
- 2 nights accommodation at the Splendid Hotel in Venice
- 2 nights accommodation at the AC Hotel Firenze in Florence
- 2 night accommodation at the Michelangelo Hotel in Sorrento
- Breakfast daily
- Selected dinners
- Touring by luxury coach
- Services of a Tour Director
- Highlights: Rome, Assisi, Venice, Pisa, Florence, Pompeii & Isle of Capri

{tab Day 1}

Rome the 'Eternal City'
 
Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classical antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces & Baroque churches. Transfers depart from Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport for the tour hotel at 09:30, 12:30 & 15:30. This evening, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception & uniquely Roman Welcome Dinner.

{tab Day 2}

Papal & Imperial Rome
 
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. 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 into the Sistine Chapel, where the Popes are elected, to admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling. Next door in St. Peter's Basilica, wonder at another of his works, the emotive ‘Pietà', & stand beneath the dome completed after his death. Then cross the Tiber to visit the Colosseum, scene of many gladiatorial contests. After seeing the Ancient Forum, the rest of the day is yours to shop in the boutiques or relax at a sidewalk café.

{tab Day 3}

Into the Hills of Umbria to Assisi
 
Leave Rome & 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.

{tab Day 4}

Across the Apennines to Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic
 
A delightful mountain drive takes you through the heart of the Apennines. Continue through the marshes of the Venetian Lagoon & across the causeway to the unique city of Venice. Your hotel is ideally located between the Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal & St. Mark's Square.

{tab Day 5}

Venice & the Magic of ‘La Serenissima’
 
Your private launch awaits you in the morning, ready to cruise past Palladian churches & 13th century palaces to St. Mark's Square. The first sight is 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. Turn the corner, & the gilded regalia of St. Mark's Basilica comes into view. A visit to an arts centre on Giudecca Island will enable you to admire the age-old skill of the glassblowers & gondola builders.

{tab Day 6}

Head for Pisa, the Wines of Tuscany & Florence
 
Back on the mainland, cross the plain of the Po River & 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. There will also be time to admire the marble cathedral & baptistery. On arrival in Florence, enjoy a delicious exploration of Tuscany's red wines, their robust flavours & absorbing history.

{tab Day 7}

Florence, Birthplace of the Renaissance.
 
Join a Local Expert art historian for a walking tour of the historic city centre. A highlight is the visit to the Academy Gallery to study Michelangelo's monumental Statue of David. Continue to the multi-coloured marble cathedral to admire Giotto's bell tower & ‘Gates of Paradise'. Visit the Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence & the area around Santa Croce Basilica - famous for the quality of its luxury goods. After a demonstration of leather-work, there's free time to shop or continue sightseeing. In the evening, don't miss the chance to sample the fine Florentine cuisine - tasty starters, rich pastas, accompanied by Chianti wine.

{tab Day 8}

On to ill-fated Pompeii & Sorrento
 
The day starts early as you travel southwards, passing Cassino, scene of a fierce battle in World War II.  Skirting Naples, you soon reach Pompeii, the opulent Roman town which was preserved by layers of ash from the disastrous eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79. A walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets & extensive excavations reveals the daily life of ancient Roman civilisation. Visit the Forum & peer into ancient shops & patrician villas, decorated with colourful wall paintings. Next, follow the spectacular clifftop road to the picturesque resort of Sorrento. At night, join your fellow guests for an unforgettable Celebration Dinner of delicious Italian cuisine & wine.

{tab Day 9}

Sorrento & Capri, the Isle of Dreams.
 
Investigate the art of ‘intarsio' or marquetry wood inlaying before cruising to Capri - the Isle of Dreams. Under the Mediterranean sun, take a funicular ride up to Capri Town, where you can explore the narrow alleyways, browse in exclusive boutiques & enjoy the views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Perhaps join an optional cruise around the Island of Capri? Descend to the port by open-top taxi & return to Sorrento for some relaxation time. Maybe stroll to the Piazza Tasso, where the lively cafés & bars are a constant buzz of activity & conversation. Sorrento harbour has the atmosphere of a forgotten world.

{tab Day 10}

Arrivederci Naples or Rome
 
Departure transfers arrive at Naples Airport at 06:00 & 08:00. A transfer arrives at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at approximately 11:30 & continues to the Rome hotel, arriving at approximately 13:00 for those extending their stay.

 {/tabs}