16-Nights Grand Italy & Sicily - Classic Group from $6,116

Insight Vacations

OFFER ID 1517310

Grand Italy & Sicily - Classic Group
Art, food, and scenery combine in this 17-day guided tour through Italy. Revel in Renaissance artwork housed in the Vatican Museums and gaze at Michelangelo’s famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. See Rome’s iconic Colosseum as a Local Expert shares its history. In coastal Cinque Terre, stop in a fishing village and cruise the rugged Ligurian coast, admiring the colorful homes perched on the cliffs. See statues of Neptune, Hercules and Cacus, and feast on a steak dinner and local wine in Florence. In Sorrento, meet a Local Expert for a cruise to Capri, where you ascend to Capri town for an unapparelled view of the Mediterranean Sea. In the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello, meet a restaurateur who will share his farm-to-table philosophy and serve you freshly made orecchiette pasta.


Dining Summary

  • 1 Dinner (D)
  • 16 Breakfast (B)
  • 7 Dinner with Wine (DW)
Choice Highlights
  • Choose between two carefully selected activities
  • Florence: Stand beside Michelangelo's monumental statue, 'David', in the Accademia Gallery, and admire the exquisite technique and absorbing history behind the world's most famous sculpture.
  • Florence: Take a stroll with your Travel Director to Piazza Santa Croce and immerse yourself in the essence of la dolce vita of Florence while you enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local cafe.
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.
  • Florence: Enjoy a traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina steak dinner paired with delicious local wine, a specialty not to be missed.
  • Alberobello: Learn about local life while savoring a freshly prepared Farm-to-Table meal featuring recipes and flavors typical of the region.
  • Palermo: Experience local customs as you delve into tantalising flavors and rustic dishes served with local wine.
Insight Choice
  • Florence: Stand beside Michelangelo's monumental statue, 'David', in the Accademia Gallery, and admire the exquisite technique and absorbing history behind the world's most famous sculpture.
  • Florence: Take a stroll with your Travel Director to Piazza Santa Croce and immerse yourself in the essence of la dolce vita of Florence while you enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local cafe.
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
  • 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 with a passionate local. See Circus Maximus and the Ancient Forum, where Ancient Roman political life and law courts mingled with open-air markets and shops.
  • Pisa: Your Local Expert will show you the baptistery bristling with marble spines, and the colonnaded bell tower lurching behind the 11th-century cathedral - the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles.
  • Cinque Terre: Led by your Local Expert, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site with dedicated time to explore one of the charming fishing villages.
  • Portofino: Visit this elegant fishing village and admire the colored houses and yachts moored in the harbor.
  • Lake Maggiore: Experience the charming traditional social ritual of la passeggiata in the Italian Lake District. All across Italy, in cities, towns and villages people leave their houses to gently walk streets, from babies in strollers to the most senior citizens. Savor a gelato or glass of wine along the way and observe, as new romances, new babies and new shoes are all put on display. Note the ever-stylish Italians love to dress up for the occasion so feel free add a touch of flair to your outfit!
  • Venice: With your Travel Director cruise to St. Mark's Square and see the Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark's Basilica.
  • Venice:


16 nights from $6,116 per person

Special Promotion: The Big Tour Sale | Guests Save Up To $2,000 Per Couple on Select 2025 Departures

Valid for new bookings deposited December 9, 2024 – February 20, 2025 for select 2025 travel

*Promotion may not be combinable with any other offers, promotions, or discounts, and is subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply. 
 

Itinerary

Insight Vacations: Grand Italy & Sicily - Classic Group

Day 1 - Welcome to the Eternal City of Rome
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.
Accommodations: Hotel St. Martin, Rome
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - Vatican City and Rome with a Local
Rome is about art, antiquity, piazzas and palaces. Join a Local Expert for an in-depth experience bringing millennia of history to life. Journey from the Vatican City across the Tiber river to ancient Rome. See the incredible Circus Maximus. Admire the beautifully preserved Arch of Constantine and discover the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum on a guided visit. As you stroll with your Local Expert, imagine the gladiatorial battles and roaring spectators around the arena. Later, perhaps continue your exploration of Rome to see the Pantheon and the stunning piazzas and fountains of Rome.
Accommodations: Hotel St. Martin, Rome
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Pisa and Santa Margherita Ligure
Enjoy a delightful drive to Pisa through rolling countryside dotted with cypress trees, passing vineyards and olive groves. With a Local Expert, view the incredible Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles from which Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity. See the splendid cathedral and baptistery, decorated with mosaics and designs in solid marble. Your journey continues to the pretty seaside resort of Santa Margherita Ligure.
Accommodations: Best Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 4 - The Charms of the Cinque Terre
Head to the famous Cinque Terre, which translates to Five Lands. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located on a gorgeously wild yet hospitable part of the coastline. With a Local Expert, approach one of the fishing villages by boat (weather permitting). In Monterosso, spend some time exploring the medieval quarter or the popular sandy beach before continuing to the village of Portofino, famed for its colorful houses. Browse the boutiques and stay a while in the cafe bars on the piazzetta, watching the yachts moored in the harbor. Then cruise along the rugged Ligurian coast to your hotel in the resort of Santa Margherita.
Accommodations: Best Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Lake Maggiore Relaxed Start
Head north to beautiful Lake Maggiore in the Italian Lakes District and the town of Baveno, noted for its narrow cobbled streets and charming square. On arrival, settle into your hotel and take in the magical scenery. In the afternoon, why not join an Optional Experience cruise to Isola Bella to explore the palace and admire the stunning and immaculate Italian style gardens.
Accommodations: Simplon, Baveno
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - On to Venice Relaxed Start
Your travels continue past the Soave vineyards, the City of Padua and on to the canals of Venice. In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner with your traveling companions.
Accommodations: Indigo - Sant'Elena, Venice
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 7 - Venice and the Magic of La Serenissima Relaxed Start
Cruise by private boat on a journey of discovery past churches and palaces reflecting the rich architectural history of Venice from the 13th to the 18th centuries. Marvel at the intricate façades and learn about the stories behind these historical buildings. Arrive close to St Mark's Square and stroll along the waterfront, passing the iconic Bridge of Sighs and the majestic Doge's Palace. It was from here that the infamous Casanova made his daring escape. Turn the corner into St Mark's Square and be captivated by the grandeur of the basilica. Afterwards, board a traditional gondola for a serenade along the romantic canals. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and witness the artistry of expert glassblowers as they create beautiful, handcrafted glass pieces, preserving centuries-old techniques and traditions.
Accommodations: Indigo - Sant'Elena, Venice
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - A Scenic Journey to Florence
Bid farewell to Venice and begin your journey to Renaissance Florence. Explore Florence with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo’s David. After, continue on foot to admire the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. Continue into the Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune, Hercules and Cacus along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Alternatively, take a stroll with your Travel Director to Piazza Santa Croce to enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local caffè, where you will be in the perfect spot to admire the basilica, indulge in people-watching the elegant Florentines and pamper yourself shopping for luxury goods like gold and leather. Enjoy a traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina steak dinner paired with delicious local wine, a specialty not to be missed.
Accommodations: Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 9 - Florence, Birthplace of the Renaissance Relaxed Start
Start the day with a traditional Florentine leather-work demonstration, then there is plenty of time to shop with the rest of the day at your leisure. Perhaps join an optional experience to explore the hilltop town of San Gimignano?
Accommodations: Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - Ill-fated Pompeii and on to Sorrento
Journey south through the volcanic hills of Frascati to Pompeii, which was buried in A.D. 79 by Mount Vesuvius' catastrophic eruption. Walk with a Local Expert through the preserved cobbled streets for a glimpse into the daily life of civilization during the Roman Empire. Follow the clifftop road to the resort town of Sorrento, overlooking the Bay of Naples.
Accommodations: Isabella, Sorrento
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 - Capri, the Isle of Dreams
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 and descend to the port by funicular railway for the return to Sorrento. Later, perhaps explore the Amalfi Coast?
Accommodations: Isabella, Sorrento
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 - Sassi di Matera and Alberobello
After breakfast, discover two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. First, visit Matera for an in-depth guided exploration of the extraordinary Sassi, ancient troglodyte dwellings and churches dug out of the rock. These are the most extensive example of their kind in the Mediterranean and were inhabited by about 20,000 people up until the 1950s. Matera was also used as the setting for the film 'The Passion of the Christ'. Continue to Alberobello, the second UNESCO World Heritage Site, and your home for the next two nights.
Accommodations: Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, Alberobello
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 13 - The Trulli of Alberobello Relaxed Start
Admire another of Italy's record number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites with a Local Expert. The trulli of Alberobello are circular structures with conical roofs that are domed within. They are built from local limestone and stacked without using mortar. In the evening, delight at the freshly prepared Farm to Table dinner. Enjoy a typical meal and learn about life in the region through the local food.
Accommodations: Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri, Alberobello
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 14 - Sicily and the Taormina Riviera
The local roads will take you south, following the shores of the Gulf of Taranto to the mountainous Calabria region. Travel along the Purple Coast to the very 'toe' of Italy and board your ferry bound for Sicily. According to ancient legend, it was here at the Straits of Messina where the twin whirlpools of Scylla and Charybdis carried unwary seafarers away to their doom! After disembarking, continue to the Taormina Riviera.
Accommodations: Hellenia Yachting Hotel & SPA
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 15 - Taormina and the Dawn Coast of Europe Relaxed Start
Spend the day at leisure to enjoy at your own pace. Perhaps join an optional experience to Mt. Etna?
Accommodations: Hellenia Yachting Hotel & SPA
Meals: Breakfast

Day 16 - Palermo, Capital of Sicily
Head to the Sicilian capital of Palermo. On arrival, your Local Expert will show you the highlights of the capital. Palermo Cathedral has been altered over the years and a venture inside will help you to appreciate the composite architectural styles. Next, head to the amazing Palatine Chapel in the Palace of the Normans. With the outside completely covered in glittering ancient mosaics, it provides an insight to what's within. Join your traveling companions and Travel Director at a local restaurant for an unforgettable dinner of delicious local cuisine and wine.
Accommodations: Astoria Palace, Palermo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 17 - Depart Palermo
Your journey draws to an end. Departure transfers arrive at Palermo Falcone–Borsellino Airport.
Meals: Breakfast

Featured Destinations
Palermo
Baveno
Taormina
Alberobello
Sorrento
Florence
Venice
Santa Margherita
Rome

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges
04/04/2025 - 04/20/2025
from $6,925 per person *
04/25/2025 - 05/11/2025
from $7,375 per person *
05/02/2025 - 05/18/2025
from $7,500 per person *
05/09/2025 - 05/25/2025
from $7,875 per person *
05/23/2025 - 06/08/2025
from $7,675 per person *
05/30/2025 - 06/15/2025
from $7,475 per person *
06/13/2025 - 06/29/2025
from $7,500 per person *
06/20/2025 - 07/06/2025
from $6,566 per person *
07/04/2025 - 07/20/2025
from $6,116 per person
07/11/2025 - 07/27/2025
from $6,116 per person
07/18/2025 - 08/03/2025
from $6,116 per person
08/01/2025 - 08/17/2025
from $6,116 per person
08/15/2025 - 08/31/2025
from $7,195 per person *
08/22/2025 - 09/07/2025
from $6,566 per person
08/29/2025 - 09/14/2025
from $7,395 per person *
09/05/2025 - 09/21/2025
from $7,750 per person *
09/12/2025 - 09/28/2025
from $7,750 per person *
09/19/2025 - 10/05/2025
from $7,795 per person *
09/26/2025 - 10/12/2025
from $7,795 per person *
10/03/2025 - 10/19/2025
from $7,895 per person *


* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Prices Start At
from $6,116 per person
Length
16 Nights
Air City
Call for airfares from your city.
Vacation Rating
Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
Remarks
Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discounts. Trip prices and discounts are subject to change. Airfare is additional. Tour prices, dates and itineraries are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Other restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID
1517310

Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.

Willamette Tours & Cruises

(541) 207-3743
(888) 818-0963