Country Roads of Italy Various dates Call 604-659-4176 or 1-877-659-4176 Between the major cities, you'll find little-known gems like Orvieto, Assisi and Perugia, Tuscan hill towns, some gastronomic icons, a formidable abbey and Italy's finest stretch of coastline. Tour Pace - Comfortable
Day 1 Your journey begins Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included). Day 2 Welcome to the Eternal City of Rome Welcome to Rome - not only the modern capital of Italy, but also a spectacular encyclopedia of living history! You are met on arrival at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport. At 09:30, 12:30 & 15:30, transfers depart for your hotel. Later, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception and the opportunity to mingle over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine. Hotel: Mediterraneo Hotel, Rome Welcome Reception and Dinner Day 3 Papal & Imperial Rome In the morning, you are joined by a resident expert who guides you through the art collection of the Vatican Museums, culminating beneath Michelangelo's famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Your VIP visit includes fast-track entry and the Bramante Staircase, a part of the Vatican closed to the general public. More of Michelangelo's genius is on display next door in St. Peter's Basilica. Now cross the Tiber to look out over the Roman Forum and visit the Colosseum with a local expert, scene of bloody contests, wild beasts and Gladiators. Rome is now yours to discover at your own pace. Hotel: Mediterraneo Hotel, Rome Buffet Breakfast Day 4 Leave for ill-fated Pompeii and on to Sorrento This morning, head to Pompeii for a guided visit, with a local expert through the cobbled streets. A scenic clifftop drive leads you to the pretty resort of Sorrento. Hotel: Grand Hotel Vesuvio, Sorrento Buffet Breakfast Day 5 Exploring Capri, the Isle of Dreams 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 open top taxi. Explore the narrow alleyways, browse in the exclusive boutiques bordering the Piazza Umberto 1 and enjoy the sea views before returning to Sorrento. Hotel: Grand Hotel Vesuvio, Sorrento Buffet Breakfast Day 6 The Picturesque Amalfi Coast Travel along Italy's finest coastline, the Amalfi Coast. Stop for a bird's-eye view of the terraced houses of Positano before boarding minibuses to the heart of the town. There's time to be tempted by the boutiques before returning to your hotel. Why not join the locals with a pre-dinner promenade (passeggiata) tonight. Hotel: Grand Hotel Vesuvio, SorrentoBuffet Breakfast
Day 7 To the Umbrian Hill Town of Orvieto Travel into the heart of Italy to enjoy free time in Orvieto, located on a rock pedestal overlooking a vineyard covered plain. Savor the distinctly medieval ambiance during your orientation and admire the richly decorated façade of the Cathedral in Piazza del Duomo. This evening, take in the flavors of the region, learn about the ingredients and Italian food culture. Join Chef Lorenzo for a fascinating live cooking demonstration, followed by dinner and a glass of the Orvieto Classico wine - a magical culinary experience! Hotel: Aquila Bianca, Orvieto Buffet Breakfast Day 8 Journey through Umbria to Assisi and on to Perugia Cross the River Tiber to arrive at St Mary of the Angels Church. Under the dome is a small medieval chapel and the spot where St. Francis died. Continue on to hilltop Assisi to visit the huge Basilica. Stroll down the Via San Francesco to St. Clare's church, then see the Cathedral with its baptismal font where St. Francis was christened. Move on to stay in beautiful Perugia - the jewel of Umbria! Hotel: Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia Buffet Breakfast Day 9 Perugia, the Jewel of Umbria Your morning sightseeing begins on foot 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. Later, there is time at leisure in this beautiful, historic town. Hotel: Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia Buffet Breakfast Day 10 Through Tranquil Tuscany to Siena and Radda in Chianti Drive past Lake Trasimeno, site of the battle in ancient times against Hannibal and his war elephants. In Siena, walk with a local expert through narrow cobbled streets to the Piazza del Campo, where the bi-annual Palio horse race takes place. See the superb 14th century Town Hall with its slim Mangia Tower, then climb up to the hilltop cathedral. This building is a veritable treasury of the Renaissance, representing the work of over 40 artists - its walls decorated with stripes of black and white marble. Now through the cypress clad hills and vineyards of Tuscany to your elegant hotel. Hotel: Compagnie Des Hotels Radda, Chianti Buffet Breakfast, Dinner Day 11 The Towers of San Gimignano Visit the hilltop town of San Gimignano. In the 12th century, this was an independent merchant town, its families divided in virtual civil war between Guelphs and Ghibellines: each family built its own fortress tower and many still remain today. Enjoy a tasting with award winning, master ice cream maker, Sergio Dondoli, whose great inventions include very innovative and mouthwatering flavor combinations. After time to explore, return to the tranquil surroundings of your hotel where you are at leisure. Perhaps take an optional experience through the Italian countryside to the medieval spa town of Bagno Vignoni and Pienza? Hotel: Compagnie Des Hotels Radda, Chianti Buffet Breakfast
Day 12 Chianti Wine then on to Florence and Lucca This morning, journey to renaissance Florence, on arrival walk with a local expert to see the marble clad Cathedral, bell tower and Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery. After seeing Signoria Square, an open-air gallery of sculpture and fountains, enjoy a delicious exploration of Tuscany's red wines, their robust flavors and absorbing history. After free time, continue on to Lucca, join a local expert to view it's 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. Hotel: Villa La Principessa, Lucca Buffet Breakfast, Dinner Day 13 Exploring the Cinque Terre Get ready to explore the Cinque Terre', or five villages', which were for years only accessible by donkey. At this UNESCO world heritage site, join a local expert in one of the picturesque fishing villages, before cruising along the rugged coast. Enjoy plenty of time to explore the old medieval quarter and popular sandy beach before returning to your hotel in Lucca Hotel: Villa La Principessa, Lucca Buffet Breakfast Day 14 To Modena and on to Parma Descend to the town of Modena the home of balsamic vinegar. Visit a top producer of authentic traditional artisan balsamic vinegar and take a master class to understand what makes this vinegar as expensive as top-rate wines. Move on to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, for an insight into the iconic car brand that embodies the nation itself - fashionable, feisty and a touch flashy! Now on to Parma, your home for the night.hotel: Starhotels Du Parc, Parma Buffet Breakfast Day 15 Onwards to Lake Garda, Verona and Venice Parma is synonymous with its local cheese. This morning, follow the whole process of making Parmigiano-Reggiano at one of the local producers - the smell in the cheese cave is unforgettable! Continue via Lake Garda, and soon you reach the elegant city of Verona, legendary home of Romeo and Juliet. See the ancient Roman Arena and stand beneath Juliet's balcony in a Renaissance courtyard - can you recite Shakespeare's immortal words? Now on through the Soave vineyards, past Padua to Venice, Queen of the Adriatic. As evening descends, enjoy a perfect tour finalé - dinner alla Veneziana', with good food, wine and company in the most magical settings. Hotel: Molino Stucky Hilton, Venice Buffet Breakfast, Celebration Dinner Day 16 Venice and the Magic of 'La Serenissima' Wake up ready to embrace this romantic city. Witness the skill of glassblowers, mask makers and gondola builders on a visit to a traditional arts center. Then only minutes away by private launch is St Mark's Square where the city's former wealth and power is evidenced by the riches of St Mark's Basilica. Admire also the Doges' Palace and its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. Later, to the tune of accompanying musicians, you are serenaded through the atmospheric canals by gondola, past water-lapped doorways and rococo palaces. The rest of the afternoon is free. Hotel: Molino Stucky Hilton, Venice Buffet Breakfast
Day 17 Farewell Venezia & Bella Italia Your departure transfer arrives Venice Airport at 08:00 or 09:30. SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES AND DINING Rome: Gain VIP entrance into the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Be among the select few to admire the Bramante Staircase, a dizzying spiral of carved stone. Rome: With a local expert, visit the mighty Colosseum and look out over the Forum. Pompeii: Walk with a local guide through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century. Isle of Capri: Cruise to this famous isle, and in unique style, ride up to town by open top taxi. Positano: Drive along the Amalfi Coast to visit this colorful town. Assisi: Find out why the Basilica of Francis is considered one of the crowning achievements of medieval Europe. San Gimignano: Enjoy a tasting with award winning, master gelato maker Sergio Dondoli. Florence: Learn what to look for in a local vino rosso and what foods to pair them with - useful information when ordering Florentine cuisine.< Lucca: At a traditional steam bakery, meet the artisans and sample their unique bread. Cinque Terre: Travel by train and boat to enjoy time in one of the five charming fishing villages. Modena: Visit a producer of authentic balsamic vinegar to learn about its production, history and distinctive taste. Maranello: A Mecca for car enthusiasts - visit the Museo Ferrari, dedicated to the famed Italian marque. Parma: Witness the cheese making and aging process of Parmigiano-Reggiano at an authentic dairy farm. Venice: Visit an artisan showroom and workshop to see master craftsmen honouring ageold Venetian crafts. Venice: To the tune of accompanying musicians, you are serenaded through the atmospheric canals by gondola, past water-lapped doorways and Rococo palaces. ADDITIONAL INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS Rome: Enjoy a private guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica. Sorrento: Join in the Italian social ritual of La Passeggiata'. And witness the Intarsio' demonstration. Orvieto: Visit Piazza del Duomo to admire the Cathedral. Assisi: Walk through the cobbled streets to St. Clare's church. Visit St. Mary of the Angels. Perugia: See the Priors' Palace and Collegio del Cambio. Siena: Visit the Campo Square, fountain and Cathedral. San Gimignano: Visit the medieval Manhattan of Italy! Radda in Chianti: Visit the walled wine village.
Florence: See the Cathedral, bell tower, Gates of Paradise' and Signoria Square. Witness a leather-work demonstration. Verona: See the ancient Roman Arena and visit the courtyard of the Capulet home to see Juliet's balcony. Venice: Cruise to St. Mark's Square by private launch. See St. Mark's Basilica, bell tower, clock tower, Doges' Palace and Bridge of Sighs. Witness handmade Venetian glass-blowing. SIGNATURE DINING Orvieto: At a restaurant in the medieval heart of Orvieto, explore the art of Italian cooking with Chef Lorenzo and master the art of making fresh pasta by hand. This is followed by dinner and a glass of Orvieto Classico wine. Venice: Enjoy a Venetian Celebration Dinner with wine in a traditional restaurant. Welcome Reception (WD), 15 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 1 Highlight Dinner (HD), 2 threecourse table d'hôte Dinners, plus tea or coffee (D) and 1 Celebration Dinner (CD). INCLUDED FIRST CLASS SERVICES An expert Insight Tour Director - at the pinnacles of their careers, will smooth your way throughout your journey. They are your travelling concierges', expert guides, consummate organizers and friends in a foreign land. Insight motor coach - Enjoy the unique comfort of Insight's luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with extended leg room and on-board restroom. It's business class comfort. Personal radio headsets - gives you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any of your local expert's fascinating insights and commentaries. Baggage handling everywhere - with seamless and prompt delivery to your door at every hotel. Hotel and restaurant tips included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. Plus we include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels. Complimentary WiFi - the majority of Insight hotels have free WiFi access in lobby or bedroom areas. You will also find that WiFi is generally available on most touring coaches. Insight Flourishes - from time to time, your Tour Director will enchant you with local tidbits, each representing authentic food or beverages unique to the destination. Included airport transfers at scheduled times on arrival and departure days. Call 604-659-4176 or 1-877-659-4176 Travel Masters White Rock Ladies on the Go 101 1647 140 St., White Rock, BC V4A 54H1 Email: whiterock@travelmasters.ca www.ladiesonthego.ca