INSIGHT VACATIONS Road to Rome - Premium Highlights

INCLUDED FIRST CLASS SERVICES

• Escorted by a professional Tour Director
• Headsets for all guided visits and walking tours
• Enjoy the unique comfort of Insight’s Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with extended leg room and on-board restroom
• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Insight Traveller Welcome pack
• London Airport transfer service available
• Airport departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 12
• (Should your flights not coincide with these departure transfers, please make your own way to Rome airport)

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS

• Vimy Ridge: An introduction to the tragic events of WWI at the Canadian War memorial.
• Paris: See the Mona Lisa in the Louvre MuseumSee Notre Dame Cathedral, the Place de la Concorde & Opera House. Drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Ascend the Eiffel Tower for views over the city.
• Lucerne: See Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument & Jesuit Church.Enjoy an exhilarating ride by cog-wheel train and cable-car to the summit of Mount Pilatus.
• Innsbruck: See the Golden Roof and Imperial Palace.
• Salzburg: Walk through the Mirabell Gardens with a guide, see Mozart’s Birthplace and the Cathedral.
• Venice: Cruise, with commentary, to St Mark’s Square. See the Doges’ Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St Mark’s BasilicaEnjoy a gondola serenade along the atmospheric canalsVenetian glass-blowing demonstration.
• Florence: Visit the Academy Gallery to admire the original “Statue of David”. See the Cathedral, ‘Gates of Paradise’ on the Baptistery and Signoria Square.
• Tuscany: Enjoy a short tutorial about Chianti wines.
• Orvieto: Visit the pleasant Umbrian hilltop town.
• Rome: Visit the Vatican Museums and St Peters Basilica in the Vatican City. Ancient Rome comes alive as you overlook the Forum and visit the Colosseum.
• Scenic Drives: Arlberg, Inn Valley, Tauern Mountains

INCLUDED QUALITY DINING

• A Welcome Reception with light meal (WR)
• Choose from a selection of restaurants in Venice on your Dine-Around evening (DA)
• Enjoy an end-of-tour Celebration Dinner with wine and entertainment at a lively local restaurant in Rome (CD)
• 11 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 2 three-course table d’hôte Dinners or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
 

INSIGHT VACATIONS Road to Rome ITINERARY

Tour Pace

This classic tour is well paced with two night stays in Paris, Lucerne, Venice, Montecatini and Rome. The only one night stop is in the musical city of Salzburg. The travelling days are well planned for your comfort with frequent rest stops.

Day 1 - LONDON – PARIS

After a warm greeting from your Tour Director, leave London for Dover and wave goodbye to the white cliffs on board your ferry to Calais. Visit the imposing Canadian War Memorial at Vimy Ridge, surrounded by land still scarred from the Great War. Continue to the French capital, arriving late afternoon. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception with drink and a light meal, followed by time to relax and explore.

Hotel: Le Méridien Etoile

Meals: Welcome Reception

Day 2 - PARIS SIGHTSEEING

Sightseeing today takes you past Notre Dame Cathedral to visit one of the world’s best known art collections. Your guide leads you through the galleries of the Louvre to see the Venus de Milo, Winged Victory, Mona Lisa and many more priceless works amassed over the ages by the Kings of France. Rejoin your coach and continue past Garnier’s splendid Opera House. See the obelisk in the centre of the Place de la Concorde and drive along the grand Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Ascend to the viewing platforms of the Eiffel Tower for spectacular views of the city. Then you are at leisure. Tonight, perhaps visit one of the world-famous cabaret shows for an evening of excitement and glamour?

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 3 - PARIS – LUCERNE

After an early breakfast, follow the autoroute across France’s great agricultural lands and on through the Burgundy wine region. After passing the Jura Mountains, cross into Switzerland at Basel before ending the day in lovely Lucerne.

Hotel: Astoria

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Dinner

Day 4 - LUCERNE SIGHTSEEING

Your Tour Director shows you the covered Chapel Bridge and stirring Lion Monument. Then embark on an exhilarating ride by cog-wheel train to the summit of Mount Pilatus. Admire the panorama of snow-capped peaks, before descending by cable-car over mountain crags and pine forests back to terra firma. There is time set aside to shop for fine watches and delicious chocolate in Lucerne.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 5 - LUCERNE – INNSBRUCK – SALZBURG

Drive past Liechtenstein into Austria. Continue through Arlberg to arrive in mountain-ringed, Innsbruck. See the Golden Roof and Imperial Palace in the old town before following the Inn Valley, past the Wild Kaiser mountain range to Salzburg, setting for the film, The Sound of Music. On arrival, photograph the city skyline from the Mirabell Gardens, then cross the river with your local guide to see Mozart’s birthplace. Take a stroll through the Old Town’s narrow lanes to the domed cathedral and Residenz Fountain.

Hotel: Castellani Park Hotel

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 6 - SALZBURG – VENICE

A morning at leisure and a chance to explore further this beautiful Austrian gem before enjoying a scenic drive through the Tauern Mountains down to the Carinthian Lake District and across the border into Italy. Your destination is romantic Venice. Tonight, enjoy a selection of ambience and local cuisine offered on your Dine-Around evening.

Hotel: Cavalletto E Doge Orseolo

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Dine Around

Day 7 - VENICE SIGHTSEEING

Your hotel is only steps away from St Marks Square, dominated by its magnificent Basilica and overlooked by the great Clock Tower where bronze Moors beat out the hours on a huge bell. Also in the square stands the immense Campanile and Doges’ Palace which is connected to the prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. Watch one of the few remaining craftsmen hand-blow Venetian glass before your gondola serenade. Glide along the atmospheric canals exploring the intimate and hidden parts of this unique city while musicians set the mood with traditional songs. The afternoon is at leisure.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 8 - VENICE – FLORENCE

Bid farewell to Venice and follow the highway past the university city of Bologna, into the wild Apennines and on to the peaceful landscapes of Tuscany. On arrival in Florence, begin with a visit to the Academy Museum to see Michelangelo’s original ‘Statue of David’. Afterwards, walk with your guide to the marble clad Cathedral and Baptistery, where Ghiberti’s ‘Gates of Paradise’ have been recreated in all their glory. Next stop is Signoria Square, political heart of the city and still an open air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces.

Hotel: Londra

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Dinner

Day 9 - FLORENCE AT LEISURE

A whole day to explore this glorious city, treasure-house of the Italian Renaissance. Perhaps spend some time in the magnificent museums, stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, or relax amid the formal terraces of the Boboli Gardens. It’s up to you.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 10 - FLORENCE – ROME

En route south, hear an informative tutorial about the great Chianti wines that make this region so famous. Stop in the Umbrian hilltop town of Orvieto; its Cathedral is one of Italy’s most celebrated buildings. Once in Rome, perhaps start the evening with a ‘passeggiata’ (traditional evening stroll). Rome comes alive at night; enjoy cosmopolitan squares like the Piazza Navona with its beautiful fountains, or the Via Veneto – scene of La Dolce Vita.

Hotel: Crowne Plaza St Peters

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 11 - ROME SIGHTSEEING

A local guide introduces you to the grandeur of the city today. Begin with a visit to the Vatican Museums. Wonder at the collection of ancient and Renaissance art gathered by Popes over the ages, then enter the Sistine Chapel, where the Popes are elected. This is where your audio headset comes into its own, providing clear, expert commentary from your local guide. Gaze up now and truly appreciate the significance of Michelangelo’s famous painted ceiling. Next door in St Peter’s Basilica, see Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Pieta, as well as the splendid dome, completed after his death. Cross the Tiber to hear tales of the glory of ancient Rome! Visit the Colosseum and overlook the Forum, once the bustling centre of commerce, law and religion. Later, there is time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing at your leisure. Tonight, join your Tour Director for a Celebration Dinner of local cuisine, wine and entertainment.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Celebration Dinner

Day 12 - ROME

The tour ends after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 & 09:30.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast
 

Your Insight tour already includes a host of bonus highlights and comprehensive sightseeing. However, there is an exciting array of optional excursions which will turn an already amazing experience into the trip of a lifetime! These are entirely optional and can be booked through your Tour Director/Local Representative at the commencement of your tour. All prices are quoted in local currency. Payment can be made in cash or by Visa, Mastercard or American Express. To help your pre-tour budgeting we suggest you allow approximately EURO 45 per person per day for optional excursions.

PAR27 - DINNER, SEINE CRUISE & ILLUMINATIONS TOUR
An excellent dinner in a traditional Parisian Bistro is followed by a cruise along the River Seine to view famous sights from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame cathedral. The evening ends with a tour of the spectacular illuminations of Paris. EURO 78

PAR02 - SEINE CRUISE & ILLUMINATIONS
After our leisurely Seine Cruise we take a magical tour of the 'city of light'. EURO 32

PAR24 - MOULIN ROUGE
Dinner and cabaret at the world famous Moulin Rouge – the original Parisian cabaret – immortalized by the recent award winning film! EURO 145
NOUVELLE EVE - Dinner with wine included at one of the most prestigious cabarets in town. An evening of exciting acts, stunning tableaux and wonderful entertainment. EURO 125

LCR01A - LAKE LUCERNE HAPPY HOUR CRUISE
Widely considered to be the loveliest of the mountain lakes, much of the shoreline of Lake Lucerne can only be fully appreciated from the water. Admire the spectacular homes of the fortunate few, privileged to live on its scenic shores, as we cruise gently by. Two drinks will be served during the trip. EURO 38

LCR14 - CARRIAGES & COUNTRYSIDE
A chance to meet the Swiss, as local farmers take us on a delightful countryside tour in horse-drawn carriages. Enjoy stunning scenery as we trot around a typical rural community, en route to a local farm where local drinks and snacks will be served. EURO 45

LCR07 - SWISS ALPINE SHOW WITH LUNCH
Enjoy a typical Swiss lunch including cheese fondue and two drinks whilst being entertained by a lively show featuring song, dance, Alpenhorn blowing and traditional Swiss flag throwing. EURO 61

VCE06 - MAGICAL VENICE
This evening we board our private boats for a cruise down the famous "Grand Canal", past illuminated palazzi and twinkling chandeliers, to the romantic St Mark's Square. We have reservations in a famous café where we sit under the stars listening to the orchestra play some of Italy's best loved music (One drink is included). EURO 45

VCE09 - HIDDEN VENICE
An historical walk, with a local guide, through some of the lesser known quarters of Venice. Discover some of the secrets of other quarters of the Venetian labyrinth. Your experience will be enhanced by the use of individual headsets. EURO 26

VCE02 - BURANO EXCURSION & LUNCH
Explore the Venetian lagoon on our cruise around the islands including the colourful island of Burano - a photographer's paradise and famous for its lace. Then enjoy a superb lunch sampling the local specialities. An excursion not to be missed! Lunch may be replaced with a dinner. EURO 65

FLO17 - SAN GIMIGNANO & PISA EXCURSION
A delightful excursion to Tuscany's most famous hilltop town. San Gimignano is considered the medieval Manhattan of Italy due to its towers which dominate the skyline. There is time to enjoy the atmosphere of this unchanged ancient jewel which has remained intact since the 14th century, and today is a UNESCO World Heritage town. Continue on to Pisa, where we view the Square of Miracles and see the world famous Leaning Tower, with our local guide. EURO 63

FLO03 - DINNER IN THE TUSCAN HILLS
One not to miss - a fabulous Tuscan gastronomic experience awaits you. We drive to a specially chosen restaurant for an evening to remember with beautiful food and wine. Viva Italia! EURO 57

FLO14 - DINNER AT LA CERTOSA
We enjoy a Tuscan dinner with wine in a private room overlooking the imposing Certosa monastery. The menu features local specialities and music is provided by local artists. At the end of the meal we can taste the famous liqueurs produced by the monks. (This tour is sometimes offered with an interior visit to the monastery). EURO 66

ROM04A - ROMAN DINNER PARTY
Enjoy an evening of delicious Roman cuisine with drinks, music and a great Italian ambience. EURO 57

ROM16 - PIAZZA & FOUNTAINS
This walking tour takes you to the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona with its pavement cafes, 17th century fountains and architecture. Perhaps have your portrait painted by one of the street artists! This tour is conducted by a local guide and you will utilise personal headsets. EURO 32

ROM01 - CLASSICAL ROME
Our classical tour spans Rome's fascinating history from ancient Rome to the early Christians and the glory of the Papal Residence. First a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, immortalized by Michelangelo's painted ceiling. Then we visit the Catacombs where the Ancient Christians were buried in underground cemeteries. (On some tours the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls will be visited as an alternative to the Catacombs). EURO 62

SZG06 - EAGLE'S NEST & THE BAVARIAN ALPS
Drive deep into the National Park past farmhouses and picturesque villages to the ruins of Obersalzburg. From here, transfer to special motor coaches adapted to the scenic mountain climb to Hilter's notorious "Eagles Nest". There are splendid views through the arches up to the 'Hohen Goll' and across the snow capped peaks. EURO 47

SZG07 - BERCHTESGADEN AND HOHENRINGSTRASSE EXCURSION
Should optional SZG06 not be available, SZG07 below will be offered as an alternative. A scenic drive in the Bavarian Alps to Berchtesgaden within sight of Hitler's Bavarian redoubt. Then via the Hohenringstrasse, we ascend 1500 m (5000 ft) along one of Europe's most spectacular and scenic roads. EURO 34