Riches Abound with Insight Vacations' New "Treasures of Italy" Tour

October 2011

Rye, NY: Italy seems to be on almost everyone’s wish list, and Insight Vacation’s 12 day Treasures of Italy highlights the best that Italy has to offer. Historic cities, idyllic fishing villages, islands, lakes, canals, a wealth of art and heritage buildings, not to mention the delicious dining, all complemented by a backdrop of breathtaking scenery. This moderately paced vacation is expertly planned with just the right combination of touring, sightseeing and leisure time.

This escorted journey begins with two nights in Rome where guests will visit the Vatican City, see the priceless art collection of the Vatican Museums, and marvel at Michelangelo’s famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Also included, is a visit to St Peter’s Basilica, the Colosseum and the Forum. From Rome, journey to the ill-fated town of Pompeii, where a local guide will walk guests through the cobbled streets to learn about Roman life in the first century. Continue on to the Bay of Naples and board a hydrofoil to the island of Capri. During a guided tour, embark on a scenic chairlift ride to the summit of Monte Solaro and enjoy a spectacular panorama over the island and across the Bay of Naples.

Join a local guide in Florence for a tour of the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s beautiful statue of David. Continue to Giotto’s bell tower next to the Cathedral and see the ‘Gates of Paradise’ before visiting the Piazza della Signoria, an open air museum and still the political heart of Florence. On the second day in Florence, head for the famous Italian Riviera and a highlight of the tour, the Cinque Terre. Spend some time exploring the old medieval quarter or the popular sandy beach before continuing along the coast to the port of Genoa, birthplace of Christopher Columbus.

From Genoa, visit the elegant seaside village of Portofino, epitome of La Dolce Vita. Later, head north to beautiful Lake Maggiore in the Italian Lake District. Then follow the southern fringes of the European Alps to Verona, and admire Juliet’s balcony in the inner courtyard of the Capulet home.

While in Verona, an authentic two course Highlight Lunch, typical of the region, has been arranged, including a glass of wine. Afterwards continue to the Venice Lido, the ‘Golden Island’. Cruise by private launch to St Mark’s Square where guests can admire St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. And of course, no visit to Venice would be complete without a gondola serenade through the “watery streets”.

Insight Vacations’ twelve-day Treasures of Italy is priced from $4085 per person land only, based on double occupancy.

Insight Vacations has accumulated an international following by providing outstanding service and quality tour packages to the savvy traveler who seeks better accommodations, choices in dining, and smaller group sizes all while staying in the most desirable locations. For over 30 years, Insight Vacations has been the leader in premium escorted tours and cruises to Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, Mexico, Canada and the United States.

For more information, contact Insight Vacations at (714) 937-4990. For reservations, agents can contact Insight Vacations at (800) 582-8380. Insight pays a min of 10% commission on land.