10-Nights Best of Italy - Small Group from $6,725

Insight Vacations

OFFER ID 1700812

Best Of Italy - Small Group
Experience the very best of Italy with your Small Group - from ancient ruins to Renaissance masterpieces and sun-soaked coastlines. You’ll enjoy fast-tracked entry to the Vatican, walk through time in Pompeii, and savor a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience of a farm-to-table lunch on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius. In Florence, admire Michelangelo’s David with a Local Expert or enjoy a relaxed Italian treat. Sail to the glamorous Isle of Capri, cruise Venice’s canals by gondola and even witness artisan glassblowers preserve centuries of tradition. Your tour ends with an evening of local food and wine as the warm tremolo of Italy’s best-loved songs fill the air.

Dining Summary

5 Dinner (D)
10 Breakfast (B)
1 Lunch (L)

Authentic Dining

Rome: Savor dinner at a uniquely Roman restaurant, offering a perfect exploration of Lazio's typical flavors.
Florence: Savor authentic Tuscan delights as you relax over a leisurely dinner paired with local wine in the heart of the city.
Rome: Enjoy a dinner of delicious Italian cuisine and wine, accompanied by the rich tremolo of some of Italy’s best-loved songs.

Insight Experiences

Vatican City: Visit the Vatican Museums, witness the genius of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel and see St. Peter's Basilica.

Top Rated Highlights

Rome: Explore Rome’s storied past as you see the sweeping Circus Maximus, once the largest stadium in ancient Rome and host to thrilling chariot races. Admire the Arch of Constantine, a triumphal monument built to celebrate Emperor Constantine’s victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge and gaze up at the Palatine Hill, the most central of Rome’s seven hills and the site where, according to legend, Romulus founded the city.
Florence: Enjoy a stroll through Renaissance Florence and admire the medieval buildings that gave birth to this new style of architecture.
Pisa: During your orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery bristling with marble spines, and the colonnaded bell tower lurching behind the 11th-century cathedral - the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Venice: Join your Travel Director for an introduction to Venice, exploring its canals, lively squares, and historic landmarks. Discover the city’s unique charm as you navigate its maze of streets and take in iconic sights like St Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge.
Venice: Glide through Venice’s canals on an iconic gondola ride, passing beneath historic bridges and past elegant palaces. Soak up the city’s romantic atmosphere as your gondolier navigates the tranquil waterways, offering a unique perspective of this timeless floating city.
Assisi: See St. Mary of the Angels Church and join your Local Expert to walk through the cobbled streets and beautifully preserved medieval laneways of this quaint town.
Assisi: With a Local Expert, find out why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered one of the crowning achievements of Europe.
Capri: Cruise by jetfoil to this famous isle through beautiful blue Mediterranean waters.
Capri: Explore Capri town with your Local Expert and see the whitewashed houses, winding alleyways, small cafes, fashionable boutiques and artisans studios.
Pompeii: Walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the first century.

Insight Choice

Florence: Join your Travel Director on a short walk to a local spot loved by residents. Sample a classic Italian treat and hear how it became a staple of the area. It’s a chance to experience the flavors locals grow up with and return to time and again.
Florence: Stand beside Michelangelo's monumental statue, 'David', in the Accademia Gallery, and admire the exquisite technique and absorbing history behind the world's most famous sculpture.

Make Travel Matter

Venice: 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 artisans 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. This workshop directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Vesuvius National Park: Visit Casa Barone, a small family-run farm on the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius and one of the world’s only producers of Piennolo tomatoes. Learn about their commitment to sustainability and taste the flavors of this special tomato during your Farm-to-Table lunch. Casa Barone cultivates the endangered endemic food species of Piennolo tomato as well as other traditional elements of the classic Vesuvian Countryside, using cultivation methods with low environmental impact. Through their production the farm prevents the local biodiversity from disappearing. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.

Choice Highlights

Choose between two carefully selected activities
Florence: Join your Travel Director on a short walk to a local spot loved by residents. Sample a classic Italian treat and hear how it became a staple of the area. It’s a chance to experience the flavors locals grow up with and return to time and again.
Florence: Stand beside Michelangelo's monumental statue, 'David', in the Accademia Gallery, and admire the exquisite technique and absorbing history behind the world's most famous sculpture.

10 nights from $6,725 per person

Itinerary

Insight Vacations: Best of Italy - Small Group

Day 1 - Welcome to the Eternal City of Rome
Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. get to know your Travel Director and small group over dinner of Roman specialties during dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodations: Golden Tulip Rome Piram
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - Vatican City and Rome with a Local
Step into the Eternal City with a Local Expert who will guide you through the Vatican museums, moving through galleries filled with centuries of craft. You’ll visit the Sistine Chapel, where Popes are elected, to admire Michelangelo’s famous ceiling, and see the beautiful exterior of St. Peter's Basilica. Next, cross the Tiber River and continue through Rome’s archaeological heart where you'll hear about the legends of the Circus Maximus and Arch of Constantine, then visit the Colosseum with your Local Specialist. The afternoon and evening remain open to wander Rome’s bustling squares and quiet corners at your own pace.
Accommodations: Golden Tulip Rome Piram
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - The Chianti Hills to Florence
Travel north through the Tuscan countryside, where the lush Chianti Hills rise gently on either side of the road. You’ll pass by vineyards, stone farmhouses and rows of cypress trees before arriving in Florence, the Renaissance city. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers at a local restaurant for a dinner full of Florentine flavors as the city’s warm light fades.
Accommodations: Starhotels Tuscany, Columbus Urban Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 - Florence, Birthplace of the Renaissance
Explore Florence with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo’s David. After, continue on foot to admire the multicoloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. Continue into the Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune and Hercules and Cacus along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Alternatively, take a stroll with your Travel Director to enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local cafe.
Accommodations: Starhotels Tuscany, Columbus Urban Resort
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Pisa to Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic
Journey to the coastal town of Pisa and see the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles, as well as the baptistery behind the cathedral. Relax and enjoy the scenery as you cross the spectacular Apennine Mountains, passing through the Emilia-Romagna region, one of Europe's most intensely farmed and fertile plains. Continue through the marshes of the Venetian Lagoon before crossing the causeway into the enchanting floating city of Venice. As evening falls, day-trippers leave the city to return to the mainland, allowing you to appreciate the peace and tranquility of Venice from your centrally located hotel. Tonight, indulge in a delicious dinner, savoring the unique flavors of Venetian cuisine.
Accommodations: NH Venezia Santa Lucia, Venice, Avani Rio Novo Venice
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 - Venice and the Magic of La Serenissima
Glide through Venice by private boat, passing centuries-old churches and palaces that showcase the city’s rich architectural legacy. Arrive near St. Mark’s Square and admire the exterior splendor of St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs — once the path of Casanova’s daring escape from Venice’s most secure prison. Then, enjoy a romantic gondola ride through the canals. Later, you’ll take part in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as master glassblowers demonstrate their age-old craft, preserving Venetian tradition with every piece they create.
Accommodations: NH Venezia Santa Lucia, Venice, Avani Rio Novo Venice
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Venice to Assisi
Today, you’ll leave the lagoon behind and travel through the Veneto and into the green folds of Umbria. The road rises toward the peaceful town of Assisi, nestled on the slopes of Mount Subasio and renowned for its medieval churches, vibrant frescoes and sun-dappled courtyards. In the valley, see the Church of St. Mary of the Angels, revered as the place of St. Francis’ passing. Then meet your Local Expert at the upper town and step inside the monumental Basilica of St. Francis - a 13th-century marvel whose frescoes by Giotto marked a turning point in European art. Afterwards, enjoy free time to stroll along Via San Francesco, lined with quaint stone buildings offering artisan foods, devotional keepsakes and locally crafted wares.
Accommodations: Giotto, Assisi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 - Sorrento on the coast
Travel south, passing Cassino, the site of a fierce and pivotal battle during World War II. Continue your journey along the spectacular clifftop road, offering breathtaking views, to reach the resort of the Sorrento coast. This charming area overlooks the Bay of Naples and provides stunning vistas of Mount Vesuvius. After checking in to your hotel, spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the beautiful surroundings or spending time relaxing and connecting with your group.
Accommodations: Isabella, Sorrento
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - Capri, the Isle of Dreams
Cross the Bay of Naples to the stunning Isle of Capri, a dramatic rock rising from the Mediterranean. For over 2,000 years, Capri has drawn visitors from Emperor Tiberius to Gracie Fields. Arrive by boat at Marina Grande, then ascend to Capri town, where a Local Expert will guide you through its charming alleyways. Browse elegant boutiques and take in sweeping views over the Tyrrhenian Sea before descending by funicular railway and returning to Sorrento. The rest of the day is yours — perhaps explore the pastel-hued beauty of Positano along the Amalfi Coast.
Accommodations: Isabella, Sorrento
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - Pompeii and Rome
Continue to Pompeii, the once-opulent Roman town frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Walk with a Local Expert through its ancient streets to see villas, shops and the Forum, bringing Roman daily life vividly to light. In Vesuvius National Park, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Casa Barone, a family-run farm cultivating rare Piennolo tomatoes in rich volcanic soil. Next, you’ll enjoy a flavor-packed farm-to-table lunch before continuing to Rome. This evening, dine with wine in a Roman restaurant as you're treated to a private performance of beloved Italian opera classics.
Accommodations: NH Roma Centro, Rome
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 - Arrivederci Roma
Bid farewell to the glories of Italy, savoring the memories of its enchanting cities, historic landmarks and stunning landscapes. Italy's unique allure will linger in your heart long after you leave.
Meals: Breakfast

Featured Destinations

Sorrento

Sorrento is a town of extraordinary beauty and is known as a popular gateway to Italy's most spectacular stretch of coastline - the Amalfi Drive lined with fishing villages and famous resorts. The seaside resort of Amalfi sits with weathered houses scrambling up steep cliffs. Visitors marvel at its location and its magnificent cathedral. The religious sanctuary of Cloister of St. Francis is worth a visit. The tiny, exclusive resort of Positano has its famous world-class hotel, San Pietro. Excavations of the ruined city of Pompeii, which was destroyed in 79 A.D. during the disastrous eruption of Mount Vesuvius, give visitors a vivid impression of life in a very wealthy ancient city and the tragic end of its population. The Isle of Capri ranks as one of the most beautiful islands and has captured visitors for centuries with excellent climate, spectacular landscape and fantastic sea caverns. Capri has lavish villas, elegant hotels, chic boutiques and quaint restaurants. Museo Correale contains a death mask of poet Torquato Tasso and some special editions of his works, pictures, furniture and porcelain.

Excursions

Sorrento: The Ancient City of Pompeii - 6 Hours

Sorrento: The Iconic Amalfi Coast - 6 Hours

Sorrento: Capri Exploration by Private Motorboat – 8 hours

Capri

Assisi

Venice

With a great historic past and incomparable art treasures, Venice is renowned as one of the world’s great cities. Its 118 islands are separated by more than 150 canals and spanned by 400 bridges. During Venice's artistic golden age many magnificent structures were erected to create world-famous masterpieces. One of the best sightseeing routes is along Grand Canal, with many palaces lining the famous waterway. St. Mark’s Square offers access to some of Venice’s most famed attractions - St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. From Piazza San Marco, a maze of narrow streets are lined with shops, cafés and restaurants. A popular pastime is sitting at an outdoor café facing the square while people-watching and letting the whole marvelous scenario unfold. Venice’s Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands comprise an area famous as home of Venice’s glass-blowing industry and known for their charm, skilled lace-making and medieval monuments. Relax on a gondola ride, see art treasures in museums, churches and palaces, and have a sumptuous meal - all in this incomparable city.

Excursions

Venice: Splendours of Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours

Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours

Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 7 hours

Venice - St. Marks, Grand Canal and Murano - 6 hours

Venice in a Day - 8 hours

Meet your private English-speaking assistant and private boat at the pier side of Venice port.
The tour will start with an hour cruise by private boat along the Grand Canal to see its beauty as it was intended to be seen by boat. Continue visiting the island of Murano: you will enter into a real working studio and see how the glass is blown and shaped with the original tools which have been used throughout history.

Next, you will come back to Venice and enjoy a ride by gondola: the symbol of Venice. Both if you are honeymooner or young people or well travelled tourist, you will be captured by the elegance and charm of this experience.

After lunch your private English speaking guide will meet you and take you on a walking tour, explaining the historical background of Venice, its origin and development. Visiting St. Mark's square with the Golden Basilica and the Doge's palace, you will come in touch with the most admired and well known artistic jewels, especially from a monumental & architectural point of view. The past splendours of the Serenissima will appear through palaces, churches, bell towers, well curbs, elegant renaissance and baroque facades.

Also worth a detailed visit is the lively area of Rialto's market, connecting the famous bridge to St. Mark's square through the well known Mercerie street: the remnants of Venice's magnificence will fascinate you.
We will ensure your timely return transfer to the Venice Port

Highlights:

Grand Canal, Murano island, Golden Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Bell Tower, main and -off the truck- highlights

Tour Duration: 8 hours

Tour can Operate: Morning

Wheelchair Accessible: No

Physical Activity Level: Low

Inclusions:
·         3 hours Luxury private boat at disposal for the entire day
·         English-speaking assistant at disposal for the entire day
·         4 hour private English-speaking guide
·         No Line entrance fees for Basilica and Doge’s Palace

Exclusions:
·         All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
·         Gratuities

Venice: Lagoon Islands - 7 hours

The story of Murano and Burano

The Canal Grande cruise followed by a walking tour of Venice

Florence

Rome

Sprawled across seven legendary hills, romantic and beautiful Rome was one
of the great centers of the ancient world. Although its beginning is shrouded
in legend and its development is full of intrigue and struggle, Rome has always
been and remains the Eternal City.

Rome enjoyed its greatest splendor during the 1st and 2nd centuries when art
flourished, monumental works of architecture were erected, and the mighty Roman
legions swept outward, conquering all of Italy. These victorious armies then
swept across the Mediterranean and beyond to conquer most of the known world.
With Rome's establishment as capital of the western world, a new ascent to glory
began.

Today's Rome, with its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious
parks, tree-lined boulevards, fountains, outdoor cafes and elegant shops, is
one of the world’s most attractive and exciting cities. Among the most famous
monuments is the Colosseum. As you walk its cool, dark passageways, imagine
the voices that once filled the arena as 50,000 spectators watched combats between
muscled gladiators and ferocious animals.

Stop to see the remains of the Forum, once the city's political and commercial
center. In later times, Rome's squares were enhanced with such imposing structures
as the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and grandiose fountains like the Fontana di
Trevi. Join the millions who stand in awe of Christendom’s most magnificent
church and admire the timeless masterpieces of Michelangelo's frescoes in the
Sistine Chapel.

Rome jars the senses and captures the soul. Grasp all you can during the short,
precious time you have available in the Eternal City. With so much to see and
do, a day or two will only allow you a sampling of the city's marvelous treasures.

Caution: As in many big cities and tourist destinations purse snatching
and pickpocketing is common. Valuable jewelry and excess cash are best left
in a safety deposit box in your hotel.

Shopping For most visitors shopping for beautiful Italian leather articles,
designer shoes, fashions for men and women, linens, knitwear, silk scarves and
ties is a favorite pastime. Except for tourist-oriented shops, the majority
of stores are closed on Sundays. Some of the department stores, such as Rinascente,
open in the late afternoon on Sundays.

Cuisine Rome's choice of restaurants is mindboggling as is the variety
of cuisine. Whether your meal is at a top-rated restaurant or a rustic trattoria,
you can be sure that you will enjoy your food, especially when accompanied by
wines from the hill towns surrounding Rome.

Other Sights Rome's attractions are endless, and depending on how much
time you have at your disposal a careful selection has to be made about what
to see. Be aware of horrendous traffic conditions and major construction work
all around the city in preparation of Jubilee 2000, the Holy Year. Some of the
sights not to be missed:

Piazza Venezia - This busy square is easily recognized by its imposing Vittorio
Emanuele II Monument. The white marble structure was inaugurated in 1911 as
a symbol of Italy’s unification.

The Forum - Once the civic heart of ancient Rome, today the remains include
a series of ruins, marble fragments, isolated columns and some worn arches.

Colosseum - No visit to Rome is complete without a stop at this awe-inspiring
theater, which is among the world’s most celebrated buildings. Here ancient
Rome flocked to see gladiatorial contests and numerous other spectacles.

Trevi Fountain - Take a stroll to Rome's famous fountain. A spectacular fantasy
of mythical sea creatures and cascades of splashing water, the fountain is one
of the city's foremost attractions. Legend has it that visitors must toss a
coin into the fountain to ensure their return to Rome.

St. Peter's Square - Part of Vatican City, this square created by Bernini
is considered one of the loveliest squares in the world. Twin Doric colonnades
topped with statues of various saints and martyrs flank either side of the square.
In the center stands an 84-foot obelisk, brought from Egypt in 37 A.D.

St. Peter's Basilica - At the head of the square stands Christendom's most
magnificent church, which was begun in 1452 on the site where St. Peter was
buried. Throughout the following 200 years, such Renaissance masters as Bramante,
Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini worked on its design and created an unparalleled
masterpiece. Of special note are Michelangelo's Pieta and the bronze canopy
over the high altar by Bernini. The immense dome was designed by Michelangelo.

Vatican Museum - To see this museum's immense collection would take days.
As you enter, there are special posters that plot a choice of four color-coded
itineraries. They are repeated throughout the museum and are easy to follow.
It is a good idea to pickup a leaflet at the main entrance and concentrate on
exhibits of major interest. Of course, the Sistine Chapel is a must. Most likely
you may have to wait in line to enter.

Excursions

Rome Highlights and Vatican: 9 hours

Meet your private English-speaking driver at the pier side of Civitavecchia port.
Rome is a mix of architecture styles, of antiques and new, of sacred and profane. In this full day tour you can enjoy a sample of this capital city. With your guide reach the Vatican city where you can visit the Museums, admiring its priceless collection of art and architecture: highlights include Raphael's Transfiguration, The Raphael Rooms, the Sculpture Garden featuring the famous Laokoon. Finally, the restored Sistine Chapel, famous all over the world for the breathtaking Michelangelo’s ceiling and the Last Judgment. From here you walk to St. Peter's Basilica to marvel at Michelangelo's Dome, his statue Pietà, Bernini's magnificent Baldacchino and the Tombs of the Popes. The tour will continue with a look at the ancient part of the Eternal city and its symbol: the Coliseum, where, jumping the lines, you will be able to enter in the magnificent Flavian Amphitheatre and admire where the gladiatorial duels, wild beast fights were arranged for the entertainment of Roman people.
The second part of the day will be dedicated to the visit of the city center, starting from Navona Square, the most important of Baroque Rome, where today it is possible to admire the monumental Fountain of the Rivers by Bernini. Continue your tour visiting the Pantheon, the jewel of Roman architecture, then Trevi Fountain, the most famous and beautiful fountain in Rome. End the tour at the Spanish Steps, built entirely in travertine in the 18th century.
We will ensure your timely return transfer to the Civitavecchia Port

Access to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica is allowed only to properly attired visitors.

Highlights:

Vatican Museums, Ancient Rome, main highlights

Tour Duration: 8 hours

Tour can Operate: Morning

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Physical Activity Level: low

Inclusions:
·         Luxury Mercedes minivan at disposal for the entire day
·         English-speaking driver at disposal for the entire day
·         6 hour private English-speaking guide
·         No Line entrance fees for the Vatican Museums and Colosseum

Exclusions:
·         All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
·         Gratuities

Tivoli: Villas in the Countryside - 8 Hours

Ostia Antica - 6 Hours

Roman Castles - 8 Hours

Lake Bracciano and the Monster Park - 8 Hours

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

04/15/2027 - 04/25/2027

from $6,925 per person

04/29/2027 - 05/09/2027

from $7,050 per person

05/13/2027 - 05/23/2027

from $7,050 per person

05/27/2027 - 06/06/2027

from $6,950 per person

06/10/2027 - 06/20/2027

from $6,950 per person

06/24/2027 - 07/04/2027

from $6,925 per person

07/08/2027 - 07/18/2027

from $6,875 per person

07/22/2027 - 08/01/2027

from $6,875 per person

08/05/2027 - 08/15/2027

from $6,825 per person

08/19/2027 - 08/29/2027

from $6,825 per person

09/02/2027 - 09/12/2027

from $6,995 per person

09/16/2027 - 09/26/2027

from $6,995 per person

09/30/2027 - 10/10/2027

from $6,995 per person

10/14/2027 - 10/24/2027

from $6,975 per person

10/28/2027 - 11/07/2027

from $6,725 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $6,725 per person

Length

10 Nights

Air City

Call for airfares from your city.

Vacation Rating

Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.

Remarks

Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discounts. Trip prices and discounts are subject to change. Airfare is additional. Tour prices, dates and itineraries are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Other restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1700812

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Allara Travel

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