Country Roads of Italy - Small Group
Country Roads of Italy - Small Group
Country Roads of Italy - Small Group
16 Days Starting in Rome, Italy and ending in Venice, Italy
Visiting: Rome, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, Todi, Perugia, Florence, Siena, Lucca, Cinque Terre, Parma, Venice
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SE722ZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Italy with the "Country Roads of Italy - Small Group" tour. This immersive experience takes you from the ancient wonders of Rome to the enchanting canals of Venice, exploring Italy's rich cultural tapestry along the way. Discover the historic treasures of Pompeii, the breathtaking beauty of the Isle of Capri, and the medieval charm of Assisi. Savor authentic Italian cuisine, from Roman specialties to Tuscan wines, and witness traditional crafts like glassblowing in Venice and loom weaving in Perugia. With expert local guides, you'll explore iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, St. Mark's Basilica, and the Cinque Terre. Enjoy intimate group sizes, ensuring a personalized and enriching adventure through Italy's most picturesque landscapes and vibrant cities.
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
2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a center of celebration. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City. 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 to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, welcomed by the Rector of the basilica. End the day getting to know your fellow travelers over Roman specialties 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. Drink in the views of the Bay of Naples and the distinctive outline of Mount Vesuvius as you reach the resort town of Sorrento.
Day 4: Capri, The Isle Of Dreams
Location: Capri
Accommodation: Majestic Palace Hotel, Sorrento.
Accommodation Name: Majestic Palace Hotel, Sorrento
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. 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.
Day 5: Pompeii And Todi
Location: Pompeii
Accommodation: Majestic Palace Hotel, Sorrento.
Accommodation Name: Fonte Cesia, Todi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 dinner at a local restaurant with a glass of Orvieto Classico wine - a magical culinary experience!
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: Perugia
Accommodation: Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia.
Accommodation Name: Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
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
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.
Day 9: Florence And Monteriggioni
Location: Florence
Accommodation: CDH Hotel Radda, Tuscany.
Accommodation Name: Relais Certosa, Florence, Borgo di Cortefreda
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 10: Siena And San Gimignano Relaxed Start
Location: Siena
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 strikingly visible from every angle, its towers dominate the skyline and give it the nickname the Medieval Manhattan of Tuscany. Enjoy tasting the award-winning frozen delights of master gelato maker, Sergio Dondoli, whose great inventions include innovative and mouth-watering flavor combinations. Journey through the rolling, cypress-clad hills and vineyards of Tuscany as you return to your hotel.
Day 11: On To Lucca Relaxed Start
Location: Lucca
Accommodation: Hotel Villa La Principessa, Lucca.
Accommodation Name: Villa La Principessa, Lucca
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
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 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.
Day 13: On To Parma
Location: Parma
Accommodation: Starhotels Du Parc, Parma.
Accommodation Name: Starhotels Du Parc, Parma
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 14: Modena And On To Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice
Accommodation Name: Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
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, 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 dinner with wine, sampling the local specialties.
Day 16: Arrivederci Venice
Location: Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo airport.
What's Included
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Choice Highlights
Visit the Basilica of St. Catherine in Siena and enjoy a tasting of Panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert.
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Top Rated Highlights
Discover ancient treasures of Rome, explore Capri town, and visit the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi.
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Make Travel Matter
Meet Marta in Perugia and learn about the ancient craft of loom weaving, and witness glassblowing in Venice.
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Authentic Dining
Savor dinner in Rome, enjoy wine tasting in Radda in Chianti, and sample Buccellato in Lucca.
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Dining Summary
Includes 5 dinners and 15 breakfasts.
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Additional Included Highlights
Personal radio headsets, hotel and restaurant tips, taxes, porterage charges, and complimentary Wi-Fi are included.
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Insight Experiences
Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes in Rome during an after-hours visit.
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Well-being
Travel in a luxurious, air-conditioned coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as visiting Cortona are not included in the tour price.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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 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.
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.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes in Rome during an after-hours visit, where you can admire the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics. In Perugia, you will visit an artisanal workshop to learn about the ancient craft of loom-weaving from Marta, a recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant. In Venice, you will witness the traditional craft of glassblowing at a workshop, supporting the preservation of this ancient skill.
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What are some of the culinary experiences offered on this tour?
The tour offers a variety of authentic dining experiences, including savoring Roman specialties in Rome, learning about and tasting quality vino rosso in Radda in Chianti, sampling Buccellato in Lucca, and enjoying gelato from a world champion gelato maestro in San Gimignano. In Parma, you will meet Signor Paolo to learn about and taste Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and in Modena, you will visit a producer of authentic balsamic vinegar.
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How does the tour support sustainable and cultural preservation efforts?
The tour supports sustainable and cultural preservation through visits to places like the artisanal workshop in Perugia, which empowers women and preserves the ancient craft of loom-weaving. In Venice, the tour supports a traditional glassblowing workshop, helping to maintain this historic craft. These experiences align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for gender equality and sustainable communities.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour in terms of historical and cultural sites?
The tour includes visits to several historical and cultural sites such as the Basilica of St. Catherine in Siena, the ancient ruins of Pompeii, the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, and the medieval town of San Gimignano. In Rome, you will explore the Colosseum and the Vatican City, and in Venice, you will visit St. Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace.
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What kind of local expertise is provided during the tour?
Throughout the tour, Local Experts guide you through various destinations, providing insights into the history and culture of each location. For example, in Rome, a Local Expert will guide you through the ancient city, and in Capri, you will explore the town with a Local Expert. In Assisi and Perugia, Local Experts will lead you through the historical sites and provide detailed commentary.
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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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Book with Confidence
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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