15-Nights Country Roads of Italy - Small Group

15 nights from: $7,450

Country Roads Of Italy - Small Group
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 outside Rome to Vatican City. Before reaching Sorrento, stop at Castel Gandolfo to ride an electric train past its papal gardens, marvelling at the mosaic flower beds. Sail to the rock isle of Capri, where you can climb nearly 2,000 feet by an open-top taxi 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.


Dining Summary

• 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
• 15 Breakfast (B)

• Siena: Visit Siena's medieval black and white striped cathedral with your Local Expert.
• Siena: Enjoy a tasting of Panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert containing fruits and nuts.

• : 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.

• Rome: Enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers at a uniquely Roman local restaurant.
• Radda in Chianti: Learn what to look for in a quality vino rosso, and what foods to pair it with when ordering Florentine cuisine.
• Lucca: Visit a traditional steam bakery and sample Buccellato, the sweet raisin bread typical of the region.
• Siena: Enjoy a tasting of Panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert containing fruits and nuts.
• San Gimignano: Ascend serpentine alleyways to the artisan gelato parlour 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 to learn about its production, history and distinctive taste.
• Burano: Cruise to the charming fisherman's island of Burano to enjoy a delicious Celebration Dinner with wine and new-found friends.

• 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.

• 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.  The workshop advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

• Rome: Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a passionate local. See Circus Maximus and the Ancient Forum, and stand beside the Colosseum, which bears witness to the limitless courage of the gladiators.
• 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.
• Sorrento: Experience the social ritual of la passeggiata.
• Capri: Cruise by jetfoil to this famous isle through beautiful blue Mediterranean waters to meet your Local Expert.
• Capri: Explore Capri town with your Local Expert and see the whitewashed houses, winding alleyways, small cafes, fashionable boutiques and artisans studios.
• Positano: Drive along the Amalfi Coast to visit this seaside town. See the pastel rainbow of colorful houses precariously stacked upon o
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When thinking of Parma, the first thing that comes to mind is its famous food: prosciutto di Parma; and Parmigiano reggiano cheese in particular. Home to Barillo pasta, the town is renown for its culinary delights overall. Visit Parma's various cheese factories to get a first-hand look at how Parmigiano is made and sampling, as well. The town is a feast for all senses; opera, art and history buffs will find countless ways to indulge their interests. Festival Verdi celebrates Giuseppe Verdi's musical legacy every October, and at the Piazza Duomo, one can view the medieval baptistry done by Benedetto Antelami, where rosso di Verona (pink marble) shifts tones depending on the time of day and degree of sunlight. Frescoes by Corregio and Antelami decorate the interior of the Duomo. For a broader exploration of European art masters, visit the Galleria Nazionale in the Palazzo della Pilotta, noting artworks by Pamigianino, da Vinci, Van Dyck, Tiepolo and more. Relax from site-seeing at the many picturesque cafes for siesta, or treat yourself to shopping at the many boutiques throughout town.

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