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Home
Italian Escapade
This is a perfectly paced tour with two-night stays in Rome, Florence, the Italian lakes, Venice and Sorrento, and one-night in Assisi. All travelling days are of a reasonable length with interesting stops for refreshments and photo opportunities.
| Summary |
Highlights |
Itinerary |
Prices & Dates |
Savings & Discounts |
Optionals |
Conditions |
Included Premium Highlights
- Visit the superb Vatican Museums and admire Michelangelo's ceiling in the Sistine Chapel
- Explore the wonders of ancient Rome as you visit the Colosseum and overlook the Forum
- Visit Florence's Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo's original 'Statue of David'
- Drift through the romantic canals of Venice by traditional gondola
- See some of Europe's finest mosaics in Ravenna, former capital of the Roman Empire
- Cruise to the island of Capri and ascend to Capri town by funicular railway
- Glimpse a moment of every day Roman life, as you tour the excavations of Pompeii
Included Personal Insights
- As night falls, locals dress for the evening and enjoy 'the art of strolling the streets'
- Join us in the Italian social ritual of 'La Passeggiata'
- Enjoy a short tutorial about the world famous Chianti wines of Tuscany
Included Additional Excursions & Sights
- Tour St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City
- See Siena's striped cathedral, Fountain of Joy and vast Campo Square
- See Florence's Duomo, 'Gates of Paradise' and Signoria Square
- Visit the tomb of Michelangelo in the Church of Santa Croce, Florence
- See the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the equally impressive cathedral and baptistery
- See La Scala Opera House and Gothic cathedral in Milan
- Visit the Swiss lakeside resort of Lugano
- See Juliet's Balcony and the ancient Roman Arena in Verona
- Venice cruise to St Mark's Square to see the Basilica, Bridge of Sighs and Doges' Palace
- Guided visit to Assisi's Basilica of St Francis and see the Church of St Mary of the Angels
- Visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery at Cassino
- Demonstration of Venetian glass-blowing
- Demonstration of traditional leatherwork in Florence
- Demonstration of 'Intarsio' inlay woodwork in Sorrento
- Scenic drives - Apennine Hills, Italian Lake District, cliff top drive to Sorrento
Included First Class Services
- Escorted by a professional Tour Director
- Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
- Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
- Insight Traveller document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Airport Shuttle arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 1 and Day 13
Included Quality Dining
- Highlight Dinner of local cuisine with entertainment in Rome (HD)
- 12 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 6 three-course table d'hote Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
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Day 1 - ROME AT LEISURE
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Welcome to Rome, once the hub of a vast empire that spread from Britain to the Persian gulf and from Africa to Germany. On arrival at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport, your airport shuttle service leaves for the tour hotel at 09:30, 12:30 & 15:30. Relax or spend the rest of the day exploring this wonderful city. As evening falls, join your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Cicerone
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Day 2 - ROME SIGHTSEEING
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With a local guide, visit the Vatican Museums, the treasure house of the Catholic faith with vast collections of ancient and Renaissance art. Continue to the Sistine Chapel, a masterpiece of Michelangelo's fresco skills. Then enter St Peter's Basilica to see Bernini's 'Popes' Altar' above the spot where St Peter is reputed to have been crucified. Afterwards, cross the River Tiber to ancient classical Rome and visit the world's largest Roman arena, the Colosseum, the scene of many gladiatorial contests, and overlook the Forum, the centre of ancient public life. The afternoon sees time set aside for sightseeing at your own pace. As night falls, why not enjoy a night out with splendid Italian food and wine. (BB)
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Day 3 - ROME - SIENA - FLORENCE
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Travel north to the picturesque medieval town of Siena and stroll through the winding stone paved streets to the vast Campo Square, where the Palio horse race takes place amid great festivities. See the 'Fountain of Joy' and then walk up to the amazing hilltop cathedral, striped with black and white marble. After some free time, continue through the cypress clad hills and vineyards of Tuscany to Florence, jewel of the Renaissance. En route, hear an informative tutorial about the famous Chianti wines that make this region so famous.
Hotel: NH Firenze (BB,D)
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Day 4 - FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING
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A guided tour takes you inside the Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo's original statue of David, then continue to the Cathedral to see Giotto's belltower and the 'Gates of Paradise' adorning the Baptistery. Visit the political stage of Florence, Signoria Square, filled with works of art, and finally see the tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo in Santa Croce Basilica. After watching a leatherwork demonstration, you have spare time to shop or continue sightseeing. (BB)
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Day 5 - FLORENCE - PISA - MILAN - ITALIAN LAKES
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Travel west towards the Mediterranean and stop at Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower in the 'Field of Miracles', and the 11th century Cathedral and Baptistry. Continue north to Milan to admire the Gothic Cathedral and famous La Scala Opera House. After some time here, head to the beautiful Italian Lake District for a two-night stay at a lakeside holiday resort on Lake Maggiore.
Hotel: Hotel Simplon (BB,D)
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Day 6 - ITALIAN LAKES AT LEISURE
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The day is set aside to relax and enjoy all the fantastic sights this beautiful lakeland area has to offer. Perhaps take a cruise over to Isola Bella, one of the picturesque Borromean Islands? As night time draws in, why not work up an appetite before dinner with a traditional evening stroll (passeggiata) - it's a time to 'see and be seen'. (BB,D)
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Day 7 - ITALIAN LAKES - LUGANO - VERONA - VENICE
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Briefly enter Switzerland to visit the mountain ringed resort of Lugano. Take time to stroll by the lake's shores and shop for watches or fine chocolate. Continue to Verona to see Juliet's balcony and the ancient Roman Arena. Then it's off to romantic Venice, 'Queen of the Adriatic'.
Hotel: Boscolo Bellini (BB,D)
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Day 8 - VENICE SIGHTSEEING
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What better way to see Venice than from our private launch, cruising past palazzos and churches to St Mark's Square? See the Basilica, the Doges' Palace and Bridge of Sighs. Watch a demonstration of glass-blowing before enjoying a highlight ride by traditional gondola along the picturesque canals. Spend time at leisure exploring at your own pace. As night falls, why not savour the magic of St. Mark's square with its orchestras and al-fresco cafes. (BB)
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Day 9 - VENICE - RAVENNA - ASSISI
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Skirt the Venetian Lagoon and cross two of Italy's most important rivers, the Adige and Po, before approaching the city of Ravenna. Stop to visit the Church of St Apollinaris in Classe with its dazzling mosaics. Then the scenery changes dramatically as you drive through the wild Apennines. Your destination is the stone built hill-town of Assisi, home of St Francis. See the Church of St Mary of the Angels and enjoy a guided visit inside the Basilica of St Francis.
Hotel: Grand Hotel Assisi (BB,D)
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Day 10 - ASSISI - SORRENTO
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Drive southwards, joining the Highway of the Sun, past the vineyards of Frascati and Castelli Romani to the Commonwealth Cemetery in the shadow of the hilltop monastery of Cassino. Continue along the clifftops to the picturesque holiday resort of Sorrento, which bustles with life until late each night.
Hotel: Grand Hotel La Pace/Hotel Corallo Sorrento (BB)
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Day 11 - ISLE OF CAPRI EXCURSION
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Visit Sorrento's Piazza Tasso and watch the art of 'intarsio' wood inlaying. Now cross the Bay of Naples to the magical island of Capri. Ascend to Capri Town where there is time to browse among the shops and boutiques before returning to Sorrento. (BB,D)
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Day 12 - SORRENTO - ROME
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Drive to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, eerily preserved by the eruptions of Mount Vesuvius in AD79. Walk with a local guide through cobbled streets to explore some of the shops, villas and temples. Return to Rome where you enjoy a last night celebration Highlight Dinner including pasta, wine and music.
Hotel: Sheraton Roma (BB,HD)
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Day 13 - ROME
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Arrivederci Roma! Sadly, your tour comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 & 09:30. (BB)
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Additional Visa Requirements
This tour briefly enters Switzerland for which some
passengers may requre a visa.
2010
Great Savings and Discounts
FRIENDS & FAMILY DISCOUNTS
SAVE 5% FOR 5-8 PASSENGERS
Why not share your Insight tour experience with your friends and family - and save money! If 5-8 passengers book together we offer a discount of 5%. Further savings are available for 9 or more passengers!
This discount cannot be combined with Frequent Traveller, Young Traveller or Triple Room Discounts. To qualify, the names of all passengers travelling must be advised to Insight at the time of booking. Does not apply to Oberammergau Passion Play Option, additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Select London Week, Select London & Paris, Select London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, and tours with Mediterranean or River cruises.
SINGLE TRAVELLER SAVING
INSIGHT'S ROOM MATE MATCHING
For people travelling alone on an Insight coach tour, we'll match you with someone of the same gender, so you don't have to pay the single room supplement. If we fail to match you, we'll provide a single room at no extra cost†.
There is a no-smoking policy in all shared rooms. Does not apply to additional accommodation, Riad upgrade option, airfares or flight supplements, Select London Week, Select London & Paris, Select London, Paris & Rome, Irish Elegance, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours and tours with Mediterranean or River cruises. †Single rooms are not available for the Oberammergau Passion Play Option.
SEE HOW IT ALL ADDS UP
Insight's tours are already great value but if you want to cut the cost of your European vacation look at all
the extra ways we can help you save money! This simple calculation shows the typically dramatic reductions in tour price that are possible when you combine one or more tours with the savings on offer on this page!
| European Heritage |
$10550 |
| Britain & Ireland Explorer |
$3025 |
| 4 extra nights in London |
$676 |
Total vacation price |
$14251 |
| Less Extra Tour Discount |
$151 |
| Less 5% Past Guest Frequent Traveller Saving |
$528 |
| Less 12mths Early Payment Discount |
$1345 |
Net vacation price after savings |
$12227 |
| Total savings per person |
$2024 |
| Total savings per couple |
$4048 |
Note: Additional savings apply for families, groups, and single travellers. Conditions as detailed in the savings boxes on this page.
YOUNG TRAVELLER SAVINGS
5-17 YEAR-OLDS SAVE UP TO 10%
Insight offers you the opportunity of sharing your happy holiday memories with your children or grandchildren.
This discount applies only to tours featuring the "Young Traveller Discount" in the price panel. Check the itinerary pages now to see how much you can SAVE!
Young Travellers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date and accompanied by an adult (limit of one Young Traveller Discount per room). Children under 5 years old are not accepted on any escorted tour. This discount cannot be combined with our "Friends & Family Discount".
EXTRA TOUR DISCOUNTS
SAVE 5% ON YOUR 2ND TOUR
Book two Insight vacations, and you will receive a reduction of 5% off the cheaper of the two tours. Take three tours and save on two! Ask your Travel Agent for suggestions!
Tours must be booked at the same time to qualify. Does not apply to Oberammergau Passion Play Option, additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, the Gems of Britain, Select London Week, Select London & Paris, Select London, Paris & Rome, all Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours and tours with Mediterranean or River cruises.
EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT
SAVE UP TO 10% ON EARLY BOOKINGS
Insight's most popular tours fill very quickly. Don't be disappointed, book early! You'll be assured of the tours you want, and the earlier you pay, the more you SAVE! Here's how...
PAY IN FULL 12 MONTHS PRIOR TO YOUR TOUR
departure date and SAVE up to 10%
PAY IN FULL 10 MONTHS PRIOR TO YOUR TOUR
departure date and SAVE up to 7.5%
PAY IN FULL 6 MONTHS PRIOR TO YOUR TOUR
departure date and SAVE up to 5%
FREQUENT TRAVELLER SAVING
SAVE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TOUR
In recognition of our loyal customers, Insight now extends to all travelled guests automatic membership into our Club Bon Voyage, as well as a 5% Discount off the Land portion of their next Insight trip. You will need to travel within the next two years. So act NOW and take full advantage of this great offer.
Enrolment forms and discount vouchers are available from your Tour Director. Insight's Club Bon Voyage and 5% Discount is not available retroactively. Only one voucher is available per person, per tour, per year and only one voucher can be redeemed against each further tour booking. This discount cannot be combined with our "Friends & Family Discount" and "Extra Tour Discount." Does not apply to Oberammergau Passion Play Option, additional accommodation, Select London Week, Select London & Paris and Select London, Paris & Rome.
TRIPLE ROOM DISCOUNT
When three people travel together and share one room, each of the three enjoys a discount off the tour price. See the Triple Room Reductions on the itinerary of your choice.
This discount only applies to tours featuring the "Triple Room Discount" in the price panel. Check the itinerary pages now to see how much you SAVE. Note the third bed on occasions, will be a foldaway. This discount cannot be combined with our "Friends & Family Discount". Triple rooms are not available for the Oberammergau Passion Play Option.
NO CURRENCY SURCHARGES
Currencies continually fluctuate, but with Insight, once you have paid your deposit in FULL, your LAND price is guaranteed and any subsequent LAND cost increases are at OUR expense.
NB. This guarantee excludes government taxes, any imposed fuel surcharges, any airlines surcharges that are part of the LAND packages, cruise company surcharges, and international airline fuel surcharges or fare increases (affecting all international airlines). Surcharges within these exceptions are outside our control and may be applied, regardless of payment status, fully paid or not, at any time during the booking process (or may occasionally be required to be paid while on tour).
Definite Departures
At Insight, we are aware you need to plan your travel arrangements early to take advantage of our early payment discounts, utilise frequent flyer or benefit from airline early booking offers. To assist you when booking ahead, we have designated a great many tours as Definite Departures (DEF); these are guaranteed to operate and we will regularly update our website at www.insightvacations.com with the latest listings for each itinerary.
N.B. Don't worry if the departure of your choice is not yet designated as 'DEF' - we adjust our capacity each year to ensure that the vast majority of tours operate as scheduled and tours will never be rescheduled within 50 days of their departure dates between 01 May & 15 Oct (subject to change if market or other circumstances occur beyond our control).
Insight Offers You Peace of Mind
GOLD SEAL PROTECTION PLAN
COVERAGE FOR CANCELLATION & RETURN FLIGHT SECURITY
Most tour operators are interested in their clients only after they reach their destination. With Insight, however, you get a great deal even before you leave home!
PRE-PAID CANCELLATION OPTION A$89 PP: By paying A$89 per person Cancellation Option Fee with your deposit, the full amount of your deposit and/or payment to Insight will be refunded should you cancel your tour for any reason prior to departure from Australia. This cancellation option covers the Land arrangements made by Insight Vacations only. It is not applicable to Egypt, Israel, Turkey, River Cruises, Greek Cruises, the Oberammergau portion of any tour, airline deals and rail components.
ON YOUR TOUR: Should you, or your travel companion, leave at any time during the tour for personal sickness reasons or be required to return to Australia due to injury, sickness or death, you and your companion will be refunded A$40 per person per day for the unused portion of the tour. (Please note that in some cases hotels require a one night cancellation fee). A Doctor's certificate is required.
The Cancellation Option Fee is not refundable for any reason.
RETURN FLIGHT SECURITY: If you or a member of your direct family in Australia should fall sick* while you are on your Insight Tour, we will take care of the additional cost of tickets for your earlier or later return home in the same class of air travel on the first available flight, provided you hold round-trip tickets on Insight's recommended airline(s) booked through Insight from Australia.
*Medical certificates as proof of all illness claims must be supplied.
Please note that optional excursions featured below are based on the 2009 tour season and are listed for guidance and budget purposes only and are subject to change without notice.
OPTIONAL SIGHTSEEING & EXCURSIONS
With Insight, you will enjoy many of Europe's famous highlights as included features
of your tour - at no extra cost. However, there is an exciting array of additional
excursions which are made available to help turn an already outstanding experience into
the trip of a lifetime. These are entirely optional and are offered to you at
competitive prices. They are all bookable through your Tour Director at the
commencement of your tour as many of them are planned to coincide with the best
highlights available at the time of your visit.
The following list is general as it would be impossible to operate all excursions on
any one tour. The actual tours to be offered will be advised to you by your Tour
Director.
All prices are quoted in Euros, which have been rounded for convenience. Payment can
be made in cash or by the following credit cards: Visa, Mastercard or American Express.
All credit card transactions will be charged in Euros. For payments in other currencies
your Tour Director will advise the relevant exchange rates at the commencement of your
tour.
HOW TO BUDGET FOR OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS:
This list is for guidance only. The final list of optional excursions to be offered
during your tour will be given to you by your Tour Director.To allow you to participate
in a selection of these additional evenings of dinner /entertainment and special
interest sightseeing excursions, please budget for an approximate cost of € 45 per
person per day.
ROME
ROM16 INTRODUCTION TO ROME
This walking tour takes you to the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona with its
pavement cafes, 17th century fountains andarchitecture. Perhaps have your portrait
painted by one of the street artists! € 31 Occasionally this tour may be operated
with an included pizza dinner. € 43
ROM05 ROMAN DINNER PARTY
Enjoy a splendid evening of Italian food and wine with entertainment. € 59
ROM18 ILLUMINATIONS DRIVE & PIZZA DINNER
Tonight we have a pizza dinner in a typical Roman restaurant before enjoying an
illuminations drive which shows us Piazza Venezia, the Forum, the Colosseum and the
Campidoglio. € 46
ROM19 ROME OF THE ANCIENT CHRISTIANS
We visit the Catacombs, which are early Christian underground cemetries carved out
of soft Tufa Stone. Then to St. Peter in Chains to view the magnificent 'Moses'
sculpture by Michelangelo. € 34
FLORENCE
FL03 DINNER IN TUSCAN HILLS
In the hills surrounding Tuscany they produce the most famous of Italian wines,
Chianti. We drive into these hills for an evening of Tuscan feasting and musical
entertainment accompanied, of course by plentiful Chianti wine! € 57
FL09 SAN GIMIGNANO 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's time to enjoy the atmosphere of this unchanged ancient jewel perfectly
intact since the 14th century, which is a UNESCO Heritage town. € 31
ITALIAN LAKES
ITL01 BORROMEAN ISLANDS OF LAKE MAGGIORE
The premier attraction of Lake Maggiore is the Borromean Islands. Our lake cruise
takes us to Isola Bella, the largest and most famous island, renowned for its
incredible palace and stunning Botanical Gardens. A guided tour of this privately owned
palace with free time to admire the gardens, is a must. € 34
SORRENTO
SRR03 SORRENTO EVENING
A chance to enjoy a delicious dinner of local specialities. Minibuses provide our
transportation to the picturesque old harbour to dine in one of Sorrento's top
restaurants. € 56
SRR07 ANACAPRI, WHITE CRUISE & AUGUSTUS GARDENS
First we cruise around the island visiting the White grotto (weather permitting).
Then by minibus, we take the spectacular Corniche road to Anacapri, with its stunning
views. Here we have free time to stroll amongst the elegant shops before enjoying a
light lunch. Our tour ends in Capri town at the beautiful Augustus Gardens with the
picture postcard views of the Faraglioni rocks and Marina Piccola. € 52 This
excursion may be operated without lunch at € 39
SRR08 AMALFI COAST DRIVE & POSITANO VISIT
First we drive along the famous Amalfi Coast with its clear blue waters and
picturesque resorts. We stop to transfer to minibuses in order to visit the exclusive
artists paradise of Positano, magnificently positioned on the Mediterranean coast.
€ 36
SRR12 DELIGHTS OF THE BAY OF NAPLES
We see where mozzarella is made! Tucked away amongst the lemon and olive groves, a
chance to taste the home produce in a fabulous traditional setting. € 27
This tour may be offered with Lunch at a price of . € 53
ITALIAN LAKES
ITL03 MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE WITH FONDUE LUNCH
We embark on an exciting excursion, which takes us by cable car to the summit of
Mottarone for breathtaking views of the Swiss peaks and five Alpine lakes. At the top
of the mountain we enjoy a Fondue lunch and local wines. € 49
VENICE
VCE 02 BURANO EXCURSION & LUNCH
Explore the Venetian lagoon on our cruise around the islands including the colourful
island of Burano a photographers paradise and famous for its lace. Then enjoy a superb
lunch sampling the local specialities. € 65
VCE06 MAGICAL VENICE
This evening we board our private boats for a tour down the famous 'Grand Canal',
past illuminated palazzi and twinkling chandeliers, to the romantic St Mark's Square.
We have reservations in a famous cafŽ where we sit under the stars
listening to the orchestras play some of Italy's best loved music (One drink is
included). € 45
VCE08 VENICE OF THE DOGES
Our private guided tour shows us first the glistening interior of the Basilica of
San Marco with its extraordinary gold mosaics. Then to the Doge's Palace, symbol of
Venetian power, with its State rooms and spectacular paintings. Then through to the
Bridge of Sighs for a visit to the prison from which Casanova escaped! € 34
2009 v2
Booking Conditions & Other Important Information
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE
Inter-city Travel: By private motorcoach, trains and ferries (see itineraries).
Touring: By air-conditioned luxury motorcoaches with on-board washroom and reclining seats for maximum comfort.
- Insight's premium touring coaches are configured with 40 or 41 seats for just 40 guests. However, due to EC regulations on drivers hours, replacement coaches may be required to be used once per touring week on certain selective itineraries. When this occurs the replacement coach may have in excess of 40 seats. Also, transfer coaches, sightseeing vehicles, or, in the event of a mechanical breakdown, relief coaches may feature 49 or 53 seats.
- In the Eastern Mediterranean, Iceland and Morocco smaller motorcoaches without toilet facilities may be used.
- If, due to circumstances beyond our control, coaches are used on tours otherwise than advertised, a refund of $10 per person will be made.
Air Transportation: Internal air flights are included in the land price only when indicated in the 'Included Features' panel on specific itineraries.
- Reservations for our Egyptian airline are given well in advance, however actual flight timings cannot be confirmed prior to departure. Internal flights in Egypt may involve very early or very late departures and arrivals.
Hotel Accommodation: Prices per person are based on two persons sharing a twin-bedded room with private bath or shower.
- When booking triple rooms please note that the third bed may be a 'roll-away'. Availability of triple rooms is limited.
- Please note that single rooms in Europe will generally be smaller than twin-bedded rooms.
- Please note European hotel standards & services provided may vary from those in other parts of the world and are often in the local style.
- Members of Hotel Frequent Traveller programmes are not entitled to earn points with any of the hotels featured on an Insight Vacations tour.
- Any special room request will be made on a REQUEST basis only. Insight cannot guarantee special room request although every effort will be made to request from respective hotels.
Cruises: Per person prices are based on two persons sharing a cabin with two berths, private shower and toilet. A limited number of single cabins are available on request at extra cost.
- Single Traveller Savings do not apply to tours featuring cruises.
- Triples are not available on Nile cruises or European river cruises.
Tour Director: Escorted tours are conducted in English only by a professional multi-lingual Tour Director.
- In Egypt, Jordan and Greece only tours of 10 people or more will be escorted by an Insight Tour Director.
- Hosted service is provided in London on Select London Week, Select London & Paris and Select London, Paris & Rome.
Meals: Continental or buffet breakfasts in the local style are included as indicated on all tours except in provincial Britain and Scandinavia, where full national style breakfasts are served. Dinners and lunches are included as detailed in itineraries. All meals are included on cruises.
- Any special meal requirements will be made on a REQUEST basis only. Insight can not GUARANTEE special meal requests nor will it assume any responsibility or liability if clients' special meal requests are not fulfiled.
Sightseeing: Excursions and entrance fees to places of interest as detailed on each itinerary with an English-speaking guide where necessary. Headphones will be provided as advertised on the itinerary pages. No refund will be made if they cannot be provided for operational reasons.
Premium Highlights: Featured sightseeing is integral to our tours, therefore no refund will be given (or value attached) if not used or operated for any reason.
London Airport Transfers: Can be purchased through Insight providing the following conditions have been met:
- Your Travel Agent provides detailed flight information to Insight no less than 21 days prior to departure.
- You must stay at a London Hotel booked by Insight on the night of your arrival and the night prior to your departure date.
- In the event of flight delays outside of Insight's control, the transfer will be deemed to be cancelled.
- All transfers are based on group shuttle. No refund is therefore available for missed transfers.
- In the event of unforeseen events Insight will not be responsible for delayed or cancelled transfers.
- For passengers flying into London's Gatwick Airport, Insight recommends the Gatwick Express see website at www.gatwickexpress.com.
Continental Europe Airport Transfers: Passengers will only be entitled to transfers to and from European Gateway Airports providing the following conditions have been met:
- Coach transfers only operate at the scheduled times and days specified for each tour. Passengers arriving or departing outside these times may purchase a transfer through Insight or make their own way to/from the tour hotel.
- For those who choose to make their own flight arrangements, flight details must be provided to Insight by the Travel Agent not less than 21 days before the flight departure.
- Your flights should be timed to allow you to clear customs in good time for the scheduled transfers - ask your travel agent for advice.
- As these are group transfers, in the unlikely event of a missed transfer through flight delays outside Insight's control, passengers will need to make their own alternative transfer arrangements at their own expense.
- Passengers who have booked pre or post tour accommodation with Insight, will NOT be entitled to be transferred to or from the airport and transfers will be at the clients expense. These can also be purchased through Insight.
Airport transfers in Cairo, Athens, Istanbul, Amman and Tel Aviv: transfers operate at all times, between the airport and the tour hotel on the first and last day of the tour and also in conjunction with pre and post tour accommodation booked through Insight. The following conditions apply:
- For those who choose to make their own flight arrangements, flight details must be provided to Insight by the Travel Agent not less than 21 days before the flight departure for entitlement to the transfers.
- You must be staying at the Insight tour hotel, booked by Insight, on the night of your arrival and the night before the date of your departure flight.
- Only one arrival and one departure transfer per person is included.
- As these are group transfers, in the unlikely event of a missed transfer through flight delays outside Insight's control, passengers will need to make their own alternative transfer arrangements at their own expense.
- Transfers cannot be routed to other pick-up points or destinations other than those booked.
- Transfers are non-transferable to other people.
Baggage Allowance & Porterage: Porterage for one suitcase on tour is included and at arrival or departure from each tour hotel. Due to limited coach capacity this single bag should have a weight not exceeding 30kg (66lbs) and dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in). Charges will be levied in the event these limits are exceeded and our promise to transport you as indicated may be invalidated.
- Note: Airlines may restrict check-in baggage to 20kgs per person.
Tips & Taxes: All tips are included for services on tour provided by dining room waiters, chambermaids and to the crew on Nile and Aegean cruises. Where porterage is specified as being included, tips are included for the porters.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE
Airfares to and from Europe, airport taxes and charges imposed by third parties, visa and passport fees, insurance, laundry, phone calls, beverages, meals not detailed in the itinerary, tips to Tour Directors, motorcoach drivers and local city guides, items of a personal nature, excess baggage, optional excursions.
Note that in Egypt, service charges of up to 33% will be levied on all additional services, meals, beverages etc not included in the tour price. This service charge will be applied on your hotel bill at time of checkout.
PAYMENTS
Non-refundable Deposit: $200 per person, per tour. For pre or post tour options including European river cruises, a further $250 per person is required.
Final Payment: 45 days prior to departure from Australia or 90 days prior to departure from Australia for pre/post options including European river cruises.
- Your land reservation will be confirmed on receipt of a non refundable deposit of $200 per person, per tour which is required within 7 days of booking, (except on tours where space is limited and your deposit may be required sooner. You will be advised at time of booking.) Your reservation will automatically be cancelled if the deposit is not received within the specified period.
- Payment in full is required at time of booking for reservations made less than 45 days before departure from Australia (90 days for pre/post options including European river cruises).
- Insight reserves the right to cancel the reservation and apply cancellation charges should payments not be received within the above specified periods.
- Your agent shall, on the receipt of any monies, hold such monies for each and every person named in the booking until the booking is confirmed at which times those monies shall be remitted promptly by your agent to us. All such monies received by us will be deposited as required by law. We will be entitled to keep for each account any interest earned on such monies. It is a condition of our confirmation of your booking and acceptance of your deposit in respect of your tour, that all monies paid by you to us through your agent, whether by way of deposit or otherwise in respect of your tour, may be disbursed by us as and when we see fit or in respect of the services to be provided or fees payable under the tour programme, and the payment of a deposit or otherwise for your tour shall be deemed to be a direction to disburse such monies as aforesaid.
- Travel documents and instructions for joining your tour will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure from Australia (provided full payment has been received).
CANCELLATIONS, REFUNDS & BOOKING CHANGES
- Notice of cancellation must be made in writing either directly to Insight or through your Travel Agent.
- A fee of $30 per person will be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed unless the change increases the value of the booking. A change of tour date or tour itinerary within 45 days of tour departure (90 days for pre/post tour options including European river cruises) will be treated as a cancellation, and normal cancellation fees will apply except when the change is to an earlier tour departure of equivalent or greater value in which case a $30 per person amendment fee will be charged.
- There are no refunds for any unused services including unused London airport transfers.
The following scale of charges will apply when cancellation is notified.
| No.
of days prior to tour commencement |
Cancellation fee as % of total price |
| Over 45 days |
$200 p.p. per tour |
| 45-22 days |
27.5% |
| 21-8 days |
33% |
| 7-1 days |
55% |
| Day of departure |
100% |
The following scale of charges will apply when cancellation is notified for pre or post tour options including European river cruises:
| No. of days prior to date of stay |
Cancellation fee as % of total price |
| 90 days or more |
$200 p.p. per tour |
| 89-60 days |
38.5% |
| 59-30 days |
55% |
| Less than 30 days |
100% |
The following scale of charges apply when cancellation is notified for additional accommodation
| No. of days prior to date of stay |
Cancellation fee as % of hotel price |
| Over 45 days |
$35 per person. |
| 45-22 days |
27.5% |
| 21-15 days |
33% |
| 14 days or less |
100% |
Illness or Absenteeism: In case you have to withdraw from a tour after it has begun for reasons such as illness, be sure to obtain a medical certificate in support of any insurance claim. We regret that we are not able to make refunds for absences from a tour, including but not limited to missed meals or sightseeing. If a promotional airfare is broken or extended for any reason, an additional fare may be payable.
General Information & Conditions
Tour Prices: Are based on costs, charges, tariffs, rates, prices, taxes, levies and exchange rates as at 8th September 2009. Should any of these costs change a surcharge may be made on the price of your vacation. If the total tour price increases by more than 10%, passengers will have the right to cancel within 7 days of notification of the surcharge without penalty. No surcharges in respect of cost or currency fluctuations will be made once payment for the deposit of your land tour is received. This guarantee does not apply to pre-registered bookings, or departures where prices are still subject to confirmation.This guarantee also excludes fuel surcharges and does not apply to any taxes, charges or levies imposed by any government or its agencies. In exchange for these guarantees no refund will be made if costs are reduced. Prices include the Goods and Services Tax where applicable. All prices are in Australian dollars, unless otherwise specified.
Pre-registered Bookings - As the published price for subsequent years may vary depending on a number of factors including, but not limited to, international exchange rates, possible changes to the itinerary or different product content, the final price may need to be adjusted.
Tour Membership:
- Children under 5 years of age are ineligible. Children under 8 years of age are ineligible on options including European river cruises.
- Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Insight's tours providing they are accompanied by a person capable of providing all assistance required, and do not require special assistance from Insight personnel. Insight reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone it is felt cannot cope with the requirements of coach tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Insight cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Insight group of companies responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any services to you. Please note that wheelchair access on Nile Cruise boats is limited, please check with your travel agent for details.
Itinerary Variations: Insight constantly strives to improve tour itineraries and features. If such improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary, we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. At peak periods, duplicate departures may operate, sometimes in reverse, in which case hotels will probably vary from those listed in this brochure. Trade fairs (e.g. IBC congress in Amsterdam) and other events (e.g. Venice film festival on Lido) occasionally cause changes from scheduled hotels. In these and in other cases substitute hotels may be used and will be of a similar standard and location whenever possible.
- Holidays & Changes: During local or national holidays abroad, certain facilities such as museums, sightseeing tours and shopping may be limited. In such instances, and whenever possible, slight itinerary adjustments are made by Insight Vacations to minimise inconvenience to our passengers. If, however you feel your enjoyment might be diminished by such minor limitations please check with the respective national tourist office before selecting a specific departure. Similarly, holidays, closing days and other circumstances may necessitate a change of the day of the week for scheduled highlight dinners, sightseeing or other activities.
- Pre or post tour accommodation is subject to availability. If not available, an alternative may be offered, however, additional transfers to or from the tour hotel are not included.
- On locally-hosted tours, sightseeing and other services may occasionally be provided by third parties in which case transportation and itineraries may vary.
- Note that hotel information is provided as a guide; Information on facilities has been provided by the hotels concerned. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, facilities may change without notice.
- Cruises will be operated by the cruise ships as indicated on the tour pages, however, due to maintenance and other circumstances beyond our control, alternative cruise boats of equal standard may be used.
- Due to religious festivals or other reasons it will occasionally be necessary to rearrange some itineraries and hotels. Ports of call on Mediterranean cruises may sometimes be curtailed if weather conditions do not permit docking.
Tour Cancellation: Insight reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control. Between 01 May and 15 October Insight will give at least 50 days notice of any tour cancellation or re-scheduling. At other times, at least 30 days notice will be given. Should this occur, we will offer you an alternative arrangement. If there is a difference in cost this will be for your account. If you do not accept this alternative arrangement within 7 days we may treat this contract as at an end. We will refund all monies & will be under no further liability.
Insight is not responsible for the costs of any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations or re-scheduling of any tour departure.
RESPONSIBILITY
All British Isle and Continental Europe tours are operated by Insight Vacations Limited, The Picquet House, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 1AF, Channel Islands.
Insight Vacations Limited referred to as the operator, undertakes the following duties:
- The Operator shall be responsible to the passenger for supplying the services and accommodations described in this brochure, except where such services cannot be supplied or the itinerary used is changed due to delays or other causes of whatever kind of nature beyond the control of the Operator. In such circumstances, the Operator will do their best to supply comparable services, accommodation and itineraries and there shall be no refund in this connection.
- This brochure represents the entire agreement between the passenger and the Operator.
- In the absence of their own negligence, neither the Operator nor their agents or co-operating organisations shall be responsible for any cancellations, delays, diversions or substitution of equipment or any act or omission whatsoever by air carriers, transportation companies, hotels or any other persons providing any of the services and accommodations to passengers including any results thereof, such as changes in services or accommodations necessitated by same. Nor shall they be liable for any loss or damage to baggage or property, or for injury, illness or death, or for any damages or claims whatsoever arising from loss, negligence or delay from the act, error, omission, default or negligence of any person not its direct employee or under their exclusive control, including any act, error, omission, default or negligence of any country, government or governmental authority, officer or employee. All baggage and personal effects are at all times and in all circumstances at the risk of the tour participant. Baggage insurance is recommended. The carriers, accommodation and other suppliers providing services are independent contractors and are not agents, employees, servants or joint venturers of the Operator or their affiliates. All certificates and other travel documents for services issued by the Operator are subject to the terms and conditions specified by the carriers and suppliers and to the laws of the countries in which the services are supplied. Carriage by sea is subject to the Carrier's Conditions of Carriage which are expressly incorporated into this contract, copies of which are available upon request. The Operator is not responsible for any criminal conduct by third parties.
- Where the passenger occupies a motorcoach seat fitted with a safety belt, neither the Operator nor their agents or co-operating organisations will be liable for any injury, illness or death or for any damages or claims whatsoever arising from any accident or incident, if the safety belt is not being worn, or the passenger is not seated when the coach is moving, at the time of such accident or incident.
- Transportation companies, airlines etc. are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board planes, transportation or conveyances. We rely on international convention which may apply to the services provided by us, our suppliers or agents with respect to any claim of any nature brought by you against us as a result of the provision of those services. International conventions which apply may include: Warsaw Convention 1929, (as amended by Hague Protocol and Montreal Protocol) in relation to air travel, or Montreal Convention; the Berne Convention for rail travel; Athens Convention 1974 for carriage by sea; the Geneva Convention for carriage by road and the Paris Convention 1962 for Hotels. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of these conventions on limiting our liability in relation to any claim for death, injury, loss, damage and delay to passengers and luggage. Enrollment in and payment for a tour shall constitute agreement and acceptance by the passenger of the terms and conditions set forth in this brochure which cannot be varied except in writing by an officer of the Company.
- Insight Vacations Pty Ltd, is only responsible for the services of reservations and ticketing, it does not accept any responsibility or liability for any of the acts, omissions, or defaults, whether negligent or otherwise, of its principal Insight Vacations Limited or any of the companies of the Insight group of companies. All matters arising in relation to the services provided by Insight Vacations Pty Ltd., but not in respect of other things, are subject to the Laws of the
State of NSW.
- Every effort is made to ensure brochure accuracy at the time of going to press; however Insight cannot be held responsible for printing or typographical errors, or errors arising from unforeseen circumstances.
All bookings made with any provider of any transport, facilities, meals, other goods or, of any services, are subject to terms and conditions imposed by them in relation to matters not covered particularly and expressly by our agreement with the above mentioned Operator in the Insight group of companies.
DATA PROTECTIO STATEMENT
In order to process your tour booking, Insight Vacations will need to use personal information for you and other passengers included in your booking. This personal information may include each passenger's name, address, phone number, email address, passport number, credit/debit card number and sensitive information such as health, medical, dietary, mobility, religious or other special requirements. This personal information may be passed on to other suppliers of your travel arrangements in addition to public authorities such as customs and immigration, security and credit checking organisations, and otherwise as required by law. Similarly, we may also need to provide personal information to contractors who provide services to or for us e.g. sending mail, processing payments, providing marketing assistance. This may involve sending personal information including sensitive information to other countries that may not afford the same level of protection of personal information.
We may also use the personal information you provide us to review and improve the tours and services that we offer, and to contact you by post, email and/or telephone about other tours and services offered by Insight Vacations and its affiliated travel brands. If you don't want to receive this information, or if you want a copy of the personal information we hold about you, write to us at 35 Grafton Street; Bondi Junction NSW 2022. Insight Vacations may charge a fee for supplying you with this information as permitted by law.
GENERAL CONDITIONS RELATING TO ALL AIRLINE OFFERS
- Offers are limited and subject to availability. Early booking advised.
- A non-refundable deposit of $100 per person is due within 7 Days of booking.
- Full payment is required for the airfares as well as tours at least 45 days before departure from Australia. If the booking is made less than 45 days before departure, the whole cost must be paid when booking. Please ensure your Travel Agent forwards all payments to us prior to this date as flight reservations will be automatically cancelled if payments are delayed. At certain peak times airlines may require payment prior to these deadlines.
- After ticketing a $35 per person amendment fee will be charged for all changes, in addition to any airline fees. All airfare cancellations will incur the applicable airline cancellation fee. No refund will be made once travel has commenced.
- Insight's Savings & Discounts do not apply to airfares.
- If the published airfares should increase before you have paid for your package in full, it may be possible to secure the lower price, provided you pay for all your land and air arrangements prior to a cut off date announced by the airline. Once you have paid in full, your airfare will not increase.
- Booking Classes: Airfares are subject to availability and confirmation in specific booking classes as specified by the Airline.
- Full details and conditions may be obtained from your Travel Agent.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Tour Documents: Tour Documents: Your tour documents, travel literature, wallet and comprehensive pre-departure documentation will be sent to you prior to departure. Please read this information carefully as it contains essential information and helpful advice to make your vacation as enjoyable as possible.
Passports & Visas: All passengers require a valid passport valid for 6 months after their trip return date and may require visas. Some countries require multiple visas. It is the passengers' responsibility to ensure he/she travels with the appropriate documents. Your Travel Agent will advise you of the necessary documents required.
Travel insurance: Insight recommends that all passengers purchase comprehensive Travel Insurance. Certain European countries have a requirement for foreign visitors to have medical insurance on entry. Insight cannot be held responsible for denied entry should a passenger be unable to provide details to the authorities of such insurance.
Walking Tours: Many of Insight Vacations' tours feature walking tours and comfortable walking shoes are recommended for all passengers.
Plan Your Budget: You are advised to do this well in advance and be sure to allocate funds for special events whilst on tour, such as theatre, celebration meals, shopping and side trips, and 'Optional Excursions'.
Optional Excursions: Insight carefully plans each itinerary to include the important sightseeing highlights and excursions. Understanding that each of our guests has different interests and priorities, it is neither possible nor desirable to include every possible excursion in the tour itinerary. To enhance your experience, we offer a range of optional visits, activities and local meals available throughout your tour. Our Optional Excursion List is designed to cater for all tastes and is included with your documentation for use as an aid in budgeting. Payment can be made in cash and with credit cards.
Complaints Procedure: Should you have a complaint in respect of your holiday, you should inform your Insight Tour Director or Representative during the course of your holiday. If the matter cannot be resolved after the representative's best endeavours to do so during the holiday, your complaint should be made in writing to Insight Vacations as soon as possible after the holiday.
Smoking Policy: There is a no smoking policy whilst travelling. However, we make plenty of convenience stops, allowing you ample opportunity to smoke if you wish, use local restroom facilities or just relax and enjoy a cup of coffee.
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