ItaliansplendorsTour Pace - This is a perfectly paced tourwith two-night stays in Rome, Sorrento, Venice <strong>and</strong>Florence. All traveling days are of a reasonablelength with interesting stops en route forrefreshments, sightseeing or photos.Hotels - Enjoy a range of hotels from the chicCosmopolitan in Florence to the 15C Continentalon the Gr<strong>and</strong> Canal. From the terraces of the Gr<strong>and</strong>Hotel Assisi you can enjoy a wonderful views overthe Umbrian countryside.Fellow Passengers - This popularitinerary suits those looking for a well-paced,comprehensive tour of mainl<strong>and</strong> Italy. It focuses onhistory, art, <strong>and</strong> architecture from Roman timesthrough to the golden age of the 15 & 16C.Highlights - See history embodied in thestreets of Pompeii <strong>and</strong> the antiquities of Rome.Experience the artistic heritage of Florence, theunique waterscape of Venice <strong>and</strong> the naturalbeauty of the Italian Lakes, Assisi <strong>and</strong> Capri.ffSee the famous Leaning Tower of PisaDAY 1 – DEPART CANADA. Overnight flight to Rome.DAY 2 – ARRIVE ROME. Welcome to the ‘Eternal City’ of Rome - once hub of the vast RomanEmpire. Complimentary transfers to your <strong>Insight</strong> tour hotel depart Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo daVinci Airport at 09.30, 12.30 & 15.30 hours. Later, join your fellow guests <strong>and</strong> Tour Director for aWelcome Drink. Hotel: Ateneo Garden Palace.DAY 3 – ROME SIGHTSEEING. Meet your guide in the Vatican State, the richestcommunity in the world, <strong>and</strong> visit the superb Vatican Museums. Browse through the vast artcollection before emerging into the Sistine Chapel, immortalised by Michelangelo's painted ceiling.Your tour continues inside St Peter’s Basilica, designed by some of history's greatest architects -Bramante, Bernini <strong>and</strong> Michelangelo. Another highlight takes you inside the massive Colosseum, sceneof great excitement in imperial times. Then look out over the ruins of the Forum - once the religious,political <strong>and</strong> commercial heart of the Roman Empire. (BB)ffff20-21DAY 4 – ROME – SORRENTO. Travel southwards towards Pompeii, the incredibly preservedRoman city, destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius (still one of Europe's few active volcanos) in 79A.D. After a walk with a local guide through cobbled streets to explore some of the shops, villas <strong>and</strong>temples, continue along the Bay of Naples to the lively cliff-top resort of Sorrento. Why not dine atone of Sorrento’s top restaurants tonight? Hotel: Michelangelo. (BB)DAY 5 – SORRENTO SIGHTSEEING. Visit Sorrento’s Piazza Tasso <strong>and</strong> watch the artof ‘intarsio’ wood inlaying. Cruise to the isl<strong>and</strong> of Capri <strong>and</strong> ascend to Capri town by funicular railway.There is time to explore before returning to Sorrento. (BB,D)DAY 6 – SORRENTO – ASSISI. You pass beneath the hilltop monastery of Monte Cassinotoday, before climbing into the foothills of the Appenine Mountains. Stop first at the massive Basilicaof Santa Maria degli Angeli, built around the tiny chapel of the monastery founded by St Francishimself. Now ascend to the charming hill-town of Assisi, a perfectly preserved medieval communityof cobbled streets <strong>and</strong> houses of warm pink stone. Visit the impressive basilica, housing the saint'stomb <strong>and</strong> decorated with frescoes by Giotto. Hotel: Gr<strong>and</strong> Hotel Assisi. (BB,D)DAY 7 – ASSISI – VENICE. A delightful mountain drive takes you through the heart of theAppenines to the Adriatic coast <strong>and</strong> on to Ravenna, the 'City of Mosaics' <strong>and</strong> meeting point ofRoman, Christian <strong>and</strong> Byzantine cultures. At one time a Roman naval base <strong>and</strong> the site of Dante'stomb, your guide reveals some of Ravenna’s great artistic treasures <strong>and</strong> famous buildings. Continuethrough the marshes of the Venetian lagoon <strong>and</strong> across the causeway to the unique city of Venice.Your hotel is located directly on the Gr<strong>and</strong> Canal. Hotel: Continental. (BB,D)DAY 8 – VENICE SIGHTSEEING. Venice - a living treasure! What better way to see it thanfrom a private launch? Cruise past Palladian churches <strong>and</strong> 13th century palaces to St Mark’s Square.See the Doges’ Palace, connected to the prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. It was from here thatCasanova made his daring escape! Now turn the corner, <strong>and</strong> the gilded regalia of St Mark’s Basilicacomes into view. Finally, watch one of the few remaining masters blow molten glass into a uniquecreation at a Venetian glass-blowing factory. (BB)DAY 9 – VENICE – COMO. This morning travel to Verona, setting for one of history's saddestlove stories. Here view the maze of elegant squares, the Roman Arena, where Opera is still performed,<strong>and</strong> glimpse the Capulet House with its famous balcony. Cross the fertile northern plains <strong>and</strong> pass bythe outskirts of Milan, the commercial capital, before heading north to the Italian Lake District <strong>and</strong>the stunning beauty of Lake Como, your destination for tonight. Hotel: Gr<strong>and</strong> Hotel Di Como. (BB,D)DAY 10 – COMO – FLORENCE. Head towards the Mediterranean <strong>and</strong> stop at Pisa tosee the famous Leaning Tower in the 'Field of Miracles', <strong>and</strong> also the 11th century Cathedral <strong>and</strong>Baptistry. Continue to your hotel in the heart of Florence, treasure house of the Renaissance.Hotel: Cosmopolitan. (BB,D)DAY 11 – FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING. Join a local guide for a walking tour <strong>and</strong> highlightvisit to the Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo’s monumental figure of David. Continue to themulti-coloured marble Cathedral to see Giotto’s belltower <strong>and</strong> ‘Gates of Paradise’ before visiting thePiazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence. Finally watch a demonstration ofleatherwork in the area around Santa Croce Basilica. Then, there’s free time to shop for Florence’sfinest or continue sightseeing. The rest of the day is at leisure. (BB)DAY 12 – FLORENCE – ROME. Travel through the Chianti vineyards <strong>and</strong> olive groves toSiena, Renaissance rival of Florence. Walk through the narrow cobbled streets, lined with palaces <strong>and</strong>mansions to reach the vast Campo Square, where the Palio horse race takes place. See the Town Hall,Della Quercia's ‘Fountain of Joy’, <strong>and</strong> climb up to the hilltop Cathedral before returning to Rome.Drive to a local restaurant tonight for a highlight farewell dinner including pasta, vino <strong>and</strong>entertainment. Hotel: Villa Pamphili. (BB,HD)DAY 13 – RETURN TO CANADA. Sadly, your tour comes to an end after breakfast today.Transfers from the hotel arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07.00 & 09.30 hours. (BB)
13 Days ~ Italyf Florence Academy GallerySee Michelangelo's famous statue of 'David'f Ravenna - the City of MosaicsA guided tour of some of Ravenna’s most famous buildingsEnjoy views of FlorenceCOMO(Day 9)VeronaVENICE(Day 7 <strong>and</strong> 8)MilanPo RiverPisaFLORENCE(Day 10 <strong>and</strong> 11)SienaItalyRavennaASSISI(Day 6)Apennine MountainsROME(Day 2, 3, 12 <strong>and</strong> 13)CassinoCapriPompeiiSORRENTO(Day 4 <strong>and</strong> 5)f Vatican Museums & the Sistine ChapelWith a local guide, admire the Popes’ treasure in theVatican Museums & visit the Sistine Chapelf PompeiiA guided tour of this ill-fated townf Isl<strong>and</strong> of CapriCruise to the ‘isl<strong>and</strong> of dreams’ for a funicular ride up to Capri TownKeyCENTRAL HOTELS & NIGHTSSCENIC HOTELS & NIGHTSLOCALLY GUIDED TOURfPREMIUM HIGHLIGHTSHIGHLIGHT DINNERSf Ancient RomeSee where gladiators fought inthe Colosseum <strong>and</strong> look outover the Roman ForumRoman Highlight DinnerEnjoy a lively evening at a local restaurantincluding dinner, vino <strong>and</strong> entertainmentEnjoy our f Premium Highlightsplus these extra tour featuresExcursions & SightsGuided visit of St Peter’s Basilica - mother church of the Catholic faithVisit Sorrento’s Piazza Tasso <strong>and</strong> watch the art of ‘intarsio’ wood inlayingVisit the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli <strong>and</strong> the medieval hill-town of AssisiVisit the impressive Basilica of St Francis <strong>and</strong> see the frescoes by GiottoEnjoy a delightful mountain drive through the AppeninesCruise through the canals of Venice by private launchSee the Doges’ Palace, Bridge of Sighs, Campanile <strong>and</strong> St Mark’s BasilicaVenetian glass-blowing demonstrationSee Juliet's balcony <strong>and</strong> the 1st century Roman Arena in VeronaSee the Leaning Tower of PisaSee the Cathedral, belltower <strong>and</strong> ‘Gates of Paradise’ on the Baptistery in FlorenceVisit the statue lined Piazza della Signoria, political stage of FlorenceWatch a demonstration of leatherwork in the Santa Croce districtVisit Siena’s Campo Square <strong>and</strong> see the Town Hall, ‘Fountain of Joy’ <strong>and</strong> CathedralGuided City ToursIndepth sightseeing tours, with audio headsets where appropriate, in Rome, Pompeii, Assisi,Ravenna & Florence. Orientation tours in Sorrento, Venice, Verona <strong>and</strong> Siena<strong>Insight</strong>'s First Class ServicesEscorted by a professional Tour DirectorLuxury 40 seat touring coach with extra legroom & onboard toiletFirst Class hotels with all service charges, taxes <strong>and</strong> porterage<strong>Insight</strong> Traveler document wallet, map book journal <strong>and</strong> information packComplimentary transfers on Day 2 & Day 13 between the airport <strong>and</strong> your tour hotelQuality DiningHighlight Dinner of Italian cuisine in Rome (HD)11 buffet breakfasts (BB), 5 three course table d’hôte dinners, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)Starts - Ends L<strong>and</strong> Air+L<strong>and</strong>Canada Canada Only from †Nov 04-Nov 16 $2475 $3150Nov 11-Nov 23 $2475 $3150Nov 18-Nov 30 $2475 $3150Nov 25-Dec 07 $2475 $3150Dec 02-Dec 14 $2475 $3150Dec 09-Dec 21 $2475 $3150Dec 16-Dec 28 $2499 $335013 days from C$188 per daySupplementsSingle Room Dec 30. Jan 06.Feb 10 & 17. Mar 31. Apr 07 & 14. $595All other departures $485Pre & post tour accommodation in Rome:Per person per night Twin Single TripleAteneo Garden Palace^02 Nov 08-30 Dec 08 $122 $172 $115Villa Pamphili07 Nov 08-17 Apr 09 $115 $165 $106^This hotel has supplements during peakseasons. Please consult your Travel Agent.Dec 23-Jan 04 $2499 $3350Dec 30-Jan 11 $2675 $33502009Jan 06-Jan 18 $2550 $3220Jan 13-Jan 25 $2450 $3120Jan 20-Feb 01 $2450 $3120Jan 27-Feb 08 $2450 $3120Feb 03-Feb 15 $2450 $3120Feb 10-Feb 22 $2650 $3320Feb 17-Mar 01 $2650 $3320Feb 24-Mar 08 $2460 $3130Mar 03-Mar 15 $2475 $3150Mar 10-Mar 22 $2475 $3150Mar 17-Mar 29 $2475 $3150Mar 24-Apr 05 $2525 $3199Mar 31-Apr 12 $2799 $3475Apr 07-Apr 19 $2875 $3550Apr 14-Apr 26 $2935 $3599Reductions (See page 4)Share a Triple Room SAVE $80 p.p.Young Travelers 5-17 yrs SAVE up to $294Early Payment SAVE up to $147 p.p.Frequent TravelerSAVE 5% p.p.Extra Tour Discount SAVE up to $147 p.p.†All L<strong>and</strong> & Air PricesIncludes economy class transatlantic roundtrip air travel from Toronto. For supplementsfrom other Canadian gateways, see page 5.NotesREF: W203. Prices are C$ per person sharing a twin room. Tours depart Tuesdays & return on Sundays.f Included Premium Highlights are worth approx. C$366Exchange news, views <strong>and</strong> valuable travel information with other <strong>Insight</strong> travelers on our ‘Bulletin Board’ at www.insightvacations.com
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