Country Roads of Italy
Experience Overview
Journey across the Italian peninsula in this 16-day guided tour that stretches from the sapphire waters of the Amalfi Coast to the calming canals of Venice. Step in the footsteps of Romans from ancient times and the present day buzzing city before reaching Sorrento. Sail to the rock isle of Capri, where you can climb nearly 2,000 feet for unrivaled views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. In Perugia, learn the art of loom-weaving from a Local Expert. And in Venice, cruise along the canals and to Burano, an idyllic, colorful island in the Venetian Lagoon where you’ll toast to a fantastic trip and indulge in local specialties.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 15 Breakfast (B)
Choice Highlights
- Siena: Visit the Basilica of St. Domenico with your Local Expert.
- Siena: Enjoy a tasting of Panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert containing fruits and nuts.
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.
Authentic Dining
- Rome: Savor dinner at a uniquely Roman restaurant, offering a perfect exploration of Lazio's typical flavors.
- Radda in Chianti: Discover what gives a quality Chianti wine its signature cherry, plum, and earthy profile. Learn about the aging process of Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva and Gran Selezione and the Riserva, DOC and DOCG labelling.
- San Gimignano: Ascend serpentine alleyways to the artisan gelato parlor of world champion gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli for a taste of his finest frozen treats.
- Parma: 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.
- Modena: Visit a producer of authentic balsamic vinegar.
- Burano: Cruise to the charming fisherman's island of Burano to enjoy a delicious dinner with wine and new-found friends.
Insight Choice
- Siena: Visit the Basilica of St. Domenico with your Local Expert.
- Siena: Enjoy a tasting of Panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert containing fruits and nuts.
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.
Make Travel Matter
- Perugia: 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.
- 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 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. This workshop directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Top Rated Highlights
- Rome: Discover ancient treasures of Rome. See Circus Maximus and the Ancient Forum, where Ancient Roman political life and law courts mingled with open-air markets and shops.
- Castel Gandolfo: Explore the artistic treasure of the Villa Barberini Gardens and marvel at the intricately designed mosaic flower beds and fountains.
- Sorrento: Perched upon the cliffs, lookout to see the mighty Mount Vesuvius across the Bay of Naples.
- 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.
- Assisi: Join your Local Expert to walk through the charming, cobbled streets. Take in sweeping views of the valley below and explore the main square, home to the ancient Roman Temple of Minerva.
- Assisi: Discover why the Basilica of Saint Francis is considered one of the crowning achievements of medieval Europe.
- Perugia: 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.
- Florence: 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 Santa Croce Basilica, the final resting place of great Florentines like Michelangelo.
- Florence: See the historic neighborhood of the Santa Croce Basilica and witness local craftspersons at work during a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
- San Gimignano: Visit the Tuscan town of San Gimignano, often called the 'Medieval Manhattan' of Italy.
- Lucca: Explore the city of Lucca. Admire the churches, piazzas and palaces within the medieval ramparts.
- Cinque Terre: Led by your Local Expert, visit this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site, tucked away on the mountainous Italian Riviera coastline. Explore two of the five charming fishing villages for some memorable pictures.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Trip Details
Product Code: 19596
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+, Luxury
Tour Operator:
Insight Vacations (CA)
Supplier Code: 35.93A
Starts: Rome, Italy
Finishes: Venice, Italy
Duration: 16 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $6,657 ($416 /day)
Itinerary
2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a center of celebration between December 24, 2024, and December 31, 2025. 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.
Accommodation: Room 007 Select, Rome
Meals: Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Room 007 Select, Rome
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Majestic Palace Hotel, Sorrento
Meals: 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.
Accommodation: Majestic Palace Hotel, Sorrento
Meals: Breakfast
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!
Accommodation: Fonte Cesia, Todi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Fonte Cesia, Todi
Meals: Breakfast
In Assisi, see St. Clare’s Church and the Roman Temple of Minerva. 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.
Accommodation: Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia
Meals: 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.
Accommodation: Sangallo Palace Hotel, Perugia
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Relais Certosa, Florence, Borgo di Cortefreda
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, explore Siena with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the medieval Basilica of St. Domenico 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.
Accommodation: Relais Certosa, Florence, Borgo di Cortefreda
Meals: Breakfast
Travel to Lucca to view the churches, squares and palaces, perfectly preserved within encircling medieval ramparts. Enjoy a sampling of a local specialty – freshly baked Tuscan bread. Later, you could take the opportunity to explore Pisa.
Accommodation: Villa La Principessa, Lucca
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Get ready to explore the Cinque Terre, or Five Villages, which for years were accessible only on 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). You’ll have plenty of time to explore the medieval quarter and the popular sandy beach before returning to your hotel in Lucca.
Accommodation: Villa La Principessa, Lucca
Meals: 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.
Accommodation: Starhotels Du Parc, Parma
Meals: 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.
Accommodation: Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Insight Vacations (CA)
Part of The Travel Company (TTC) family of brands, Insight Vacations began operations in 1978 and is based in Cypress, CA. Journeys are featured to destinations, such as the U.S. and Canada, Europe, Latin America, North Africa, Asia, the UK and Ireland. The company offers are a variety of tours under the classifications of Regional Journeys, Country Roads, Discovery Journeys, Easy Pace trips, and Special Interest tours. Insight is the ideal name for the tour operator, as the journeys provided by Insight Vacations allow travelers to gain further insight into whatever destination they wish to explore. For example, Discovery Journeys are the ideal choice for first-time visitors to Europe. Itineraries include Dine-at-Home or Farm-to-Table experiences so travelers can learn more about how locals live and dine. Regional Journeys allow trip-goers to see a specific location in Europe that they have always wanted to see – Poland, Switzerland, Italy, etc. The carefully planned trips enable customers to immerse themselves in one specific region or country and to become acquainted with its culture, traditions, and people. For anyone seeking travel off the beaten track, Insight Vacations offers Country Roads – trips that lead travelers off the well-tread tourist trail to explore hidden gems where visitors can savor the local produce with Farm-to-Table dining. Some trips are offered under the Easy Pace travel style – the ideal trip choice for trip-goers who wish to slow their pace during their vacation. During these tours, vacationers stay at least 3 nights at each destination, giving them some additional time to explore a place and enjoy it. Regardless of the travel style, many of the vacations offered by Insight Vacations begin with Relaxed Starts – giving travelers time to sleep in a little, spend more time at breakfast, or explore an area on their own. The tour company prides itself on providing business class tours that features luxury coaches with 40 seats. While most coach touring operators provide vehicles with 53 seats, Insight Vacations has re-configured its motor coaches to hold up to 40 guests. This gives passengers extra leg room while traveling and offers them more space and privacy.
In Business Since 1978
Reviews
Denise - Traveled, April 2025
Exceptional service from both the company and the tour director. I have recommended Insight to many friends who have taken up my recommendation. This is a wonderful tour, places visited are varied but all very interesting. The scenery is spectacular, every corner you turn is a 'wow' moment. Of course a great tour director can make a tour and I certainly had that in and driver very special. Can highly recommend this tour and Insight Vacations with whom I have done 13 tours.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/05/2025
Phyllis - Traveled, April 2025
Top notch service. Always felt safe on the roads with Santino at the wheel. was a wonderful guide, very knowledgeable, great sense of humour and really cared about her flock of travellers. This tour was a wonderful experience. A nice size at 28 happy people, luxurious coach, amazing driver & guide extraordinaire. Accommodations were very good & often pleasantly out of the ordinary. The optional activities are worth the extra expense. Highly recommend this tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/06/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, April 2025
Includes a number of top attractions.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/03/2025
Ellen - Traveled, May 2024
Well organized. Like the length of travel as well as the variety of towns .our tour director is great!big shout out to him!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/16/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024
I was amazed by the scale of the Romans empire and the churches,paintings and sculptures and artists. Our tour guide had vast knowledge of the country and humoured use all in to staying together and letting us know what the day ahead would bring. The hotels and porters and food were all great. I was sick for a few days so organised a doctors to visit and had medicine delivered to my door. As a solo travelor it was these actions that made me feel safe and helped me to recover. We had an amazing tour guide who, was able to speak to us about everything Italian from it famous Churches and historical fact that shaped Italy. The hotels were great to amazing and the transfer of my suits case a blessing. We walked lots saw amazing gardens and the beautiful of Vienna, Rome. We also stayed in country places and ate amazing food, I’d like to go back one day.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2024
Dominic - Traveled, October 2024
Inside handles everything for you you just have to get up. They take care of everything great organization great Tours. From our tour, Director to our bus driver to all the accommodations the food everything was very excellent great job. I recommend this tour to anybody every city we went to was excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024
Tour Director was Outstanding!!! and so was our bus driver ndividual attention, group safety; perfect. A bit of history, culture, local treats gave meaning and memories to the places we visited. Funny how Lucca bread, or Gelato, or chocolates can make a Memory so meaningful. Saw so many things I would not have seen from day excursions on a Cruise. Skip Parma; stay in Florence and see statue of DAVID instead. Thoroughly enjoyed the tours of Parmesan Cheese, Vinegar, and the LOOM in Perugia. and especially the Trattoria dinner out of Sorrento. Excellent. Enjoyed going to Capri early to miss the crowds.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2024
Kay - Traveled, April 2025
Arranging flights were very difficult until I asked for a supervisor. Adding extra days to the beginning and end of the trip was a challenge. This was the second trip I took with Insight as a single person, and I'd do it again, knowing upfront making the arrangements could be arduous. The trip was great. Fast paced, but very inclusive! Our guide was very capable for any situation that arose, and with 28 people and 16 days life happens! took good card of us, and we had a wonderful view of country life and the highlights of Italy. (The photo below is a dinner we were privileged to have with an Italian food expert and restaurant owner.)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/07/2025
Donna - Traveled, April 2025
I had not been on a group tour before and was pleasantly surprised how easy it was. Our tour director, kept us up do date, on track, and was a wealth of knowledge! What a fabulous adventure! My tour group was amazing as well as our tour director. I did feel Parma wasn't necessary. I would have preferred to stay a night in Florence. Three hours did not do it justice! I will be doing another Insight tour in the future!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/09/2025
Carol - Traveled, April 2025
Over the top!! Can’t think of anything. We could of made a couple more stops Carrara marble factory spent less free time Shopping I would like to text Need the list of passengers with there email address that we fiiief out. Thank you Send more time in Pompeii Another hour. Guide to fast But good.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/06/2025
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