Country Roads of Italy, a Women-Only Tour
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Experience Overview
Journey across the Italian peninsula on this 16-day women-only tour that stretches from the sapphire waters of the Bay of Naples to the calming canals of Venice. On this small group tour, visit a winery run by the matriarchs of the family who are leading the way in making incredible wine and olive oil. Sail to the rock isle of Capri, where you can climb nearly 2,000 feet for unrivaled views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and kick back at a cocktail-making masterclass. In Perugia, learn the art of loom-weaving from a women-owned and-run weaving association and in Florence witness traditional leatherwork and gold craftsmanship. Conclude in Venice, cruising the canals to Burano, an idyllic, colorful island in the Venetian Lagoon where you’ll toast to a fantastic trip over a delightful dinner of local specialties.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 15 Breakfast (B)
Authentic Dining
- Rome: Savor dinner at a uniquely Roman restaurant, offering a perfect exploration of Lazio's typical flavors.
- 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 Caseificio San Bernardino, meet a passionate local who lives and breathes Italian gastronomy and quality cheese. Step inside to witness the craft behind Parmigiano-Reggiano as it’s made and carefully matured, learning how time, temperature and skilled hands shape its nutty aroma and crystalline texture.
- 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.
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.
- Castel Gandolfo: Explore the artistic treasure of the Villa Barberini Gardens and marvel at the intricately designed mosaic flower beds and fountains.
- 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.
- Anacapri NA, Italy: Perched atop the cliffs, look out across the Bay of Naples to the mighty Mount Vesuvius.
- 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.
- 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 this characterful Tuscan town, 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: 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.
- Venice: Travel by boat along the Giudecca Canal as your Travel Director gives an orientation to Venice. Pass 13th to 18th-century palazzi, the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Square, an iconic introduction to the city from the water.
- 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.
Insight Experiences
- Rome: Follow in the footsteps of gladiators for a deeper insight into life in ancient Rome when you enter the Colosseum.
Women-Only
- Florence: In Sorrento, enjoy an engaging masterclass where you’ll watch expert techniques and learn the secrets behind perfectly balanced drinks. As the sun sets, casting a warm glow over Mount Vesuvius and the shimmering Bay of Naples, relax into the atmosphere and savor one of Sorrento’s most unforgettable views.
- Torgiano: Visit an Umbrian winery where two sisters create outstanding wines. Founded by Giorgio Lungarotti, pioneer of modern Italian oenology, this winery supports quality production and sustainability. Today, the family legacy is carried on through the passion and skill of sisters Chiara and Teresa, their mother Maria Grazia and Teresa’s sons.
- Rapolano Terme: Take time to relax in this refined setting and enjoy a soothing experience rooted in a long tradition of restoration and wellbeing. Renowned since the late 19th century, Salsomaggiore Terme is one of Italy’s most distinguished health and wellness destinations. Housed within a historic Art Nouveau palace, the spa is devoted to the salty thermal waters that have made the town famous.
Make Travel Matter
- Perugia: Meet Marta, founder of weaving association that is owned and run by women. Learn how Marta offers employment opportunities for local women and, alongside her weavers, preserves the ancient craft of loom-weaving in an artisan workshop.In addition to safeguarding the unique patterns, the workshop contributes to the protection of Umbria’s cultural heritage. Most notably, the workshop actively empowers women and girls through its education and training programs, advancing Global Goal 5: Gender Equality and 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities.
Insight Choice
- Siena: Visit the Basilica of St. Domenico with your Local Expert and discover its connection with St. Catherine of Siena.
- Siena: Enjoy a tasting of Panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert containing fruits and nuts.
Choice Highlights
- Siena: Visit the Basilica of St. Domenico with your Local Expert and discover its connection with St. Catherine of Siena.
- Siena: Enjoy a tasting of Panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert containing fruits and nuts.
Trip Details
Product Code: 20867
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Women Only, Budget
Tour Operator:
Insight Vacations (CA)
Supplier Code: 423.1665A
Starts: Rome, Italy
Finishes: Venice, Italy
Duration: 16 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $10150 ($634 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and baroque churches. Transfers depart from Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport for your hotel. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director and getting to know your fellow travelers over a delicious Welcome Dinner with wine 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 Square in the Vatican City, then cross the Tiber River for a visit to the iconic Colosseum.
Accommodation: Room 007 Select, Rome
Meals: Breakfast
Venture to Castel Gandolfo to explore the Villa Barberini Gardens, once part of the papal estate. Travel by electric vehicle along its pathways, passing intricately arranged flower beds and elegant fountains. Continue south to Naples where you’ll board a ferry across the Bay of Naples to the enchanting island of Capri. From the port you’ll head to Anacapri, a picturesque point set high above the island’s dramatic coastline for a cocktail-making masterclass. Alongside your fellow travelers you’ll discover how to craft the perfect drink and raise a glass together in this stunning setting.
Accommodation: San Michele, Anacapri
Meals: Breakfast
Today is for exploring the fabled island of Capri, a jewel of the Bay of Naples rising dramatically from the Mediterranean’s shimmering blue waters. For more than 2,000 years, Capri has drawn visitors to its shores, from Roman emperors such as Tiberius Caesar to celebrated figures captivated by its natural beauty and cosmopolitan charm. Stroll through its narrow alleyways and lively piazzas with a Local Expert. As you explore, take in panoramic views over the water and the distinctive atmosphere that has made it one of Italy’s most enduringly alluring destinations. You may also choose to join an Optional Experience cruising along the Amalfi coast to Positano, with time ashore, before returning to your hotel.
Accommodation: San Michele, Anacapri
Meals: Breakfast
Journey to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii to 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'. Cap off the day dining at a local restaurant with a glass of Orvieto Classico wine - a magical culinary experience.
Accommodation: Fonte Cesia, Todi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Admire the undulating splendor of the Umbrian hills, where the glossy green vineyards gleam in the warm rays of the sun. Settle in and enjoy a day at leisure amidst this breathtaking landscape.
Accommodation: Fonte Cesia, Todi
Meals: Breakfast
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 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. Travel through the Umbrian hills to a family-owned winery led by the women of the family. Explore the story of how they have cultivated their craft and built an award-winning winery, before delighting in the fruits of their labor with a tasting of their exceptional wines.
Accommodation: Sangallo Palace, Perugia
Meals: Breakfast
In Perugia, explore more of this gem of a town. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit a women-run 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, Perugia
Meals: Breakfast
Embark on your journey, passing Lake Trasimeno to Renaissance Florence. Join a Local Expert to see the marble-clad cathedral, bell tower and the Gates of Paradise on the baptistery. Afterwards, discover Florence’s rich artisan heritage during a demonstration of traditional leatherwork and gold craftsmanship before enjoying time at leisure to explore Piazza della Signoria—an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at the fountains and sculptures along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio.
Accommodation: Cappuccina Country Resort & Spa, San Gimignano
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: Cappuccina Country Resort & Spa, San Gimignano
Meals: Breakfast
Travel to Lucca to view the churches, squares and palaces, perfectly preserved within encircling medieval ramparts. Pause a while and taste 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.
Accommodation: Villa La Principessa, Lucca
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Villa La Principessa, Lucca
Meals: Breakfast
Journey to the elegant university town of Parma, celebrated for its culinary heritage—most notably its world-famous ham and cheese. Enjoy a tasting of this prized cheese, paired with a glass of local wine. Later, unwind in the soothing waters of a natural thermal spa, set within a 19th-century palace. These restorative springs have delighted visitors since the days of the European Grand Tour. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing evening at leisure in Parma.
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. Afterwards, continue through the Soave vineyards past Padua to Venice, Queen of the Adriatic.
Accommodation: Carlton on the Grand Canal, Venice
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a visit to a Venetian glassblowing workshop where you can see how beautiful, handcrafted glass is made by expert artisans, preserving centuries-old traditions. Visit St. Mark’s Square, where the city’s former wealth and power is evident in the riches of St. Mark’s Basilica, and admire the Doge's Palace with its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. 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. Cruise the islands of the Venetian Lagoon to arrive at Burano, famous for its candy-colored houses. Conclude your women-only tour over a delightful dinner of local specialties.
Accommodation: Carlton on the Grand Canal, 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
Max - Traveled, July 2024
Great tour meant lots of friends. Our tour guide was amazing, Funny, very knowledgeable and nice. Our bus driver was great, have no complaints what so ever. The ages we're all the way from kids to 8 to elder.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/31/2024
Eric - Traveled, May 2024
An amazing tour, especially our tour director Lisa G.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/07/2024
Marie - Traveled, May 2024
Wonderful Tour. Locations were beautiful.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/29/2024
