SHORTLIST

Italian Elegance - Classic Group - 17 Apr 2026 to 02 Oct 2026

Experience the food and fun of Italy on this 12-day guided tour. In Rome, see the Colosseum where gladiators fought to the death, then visit the Vatican Museums with a Local Expert. Travel from Florence to the heart of Tuscany, stopping in scenic San Gimignano for a taste of gelato with a world-champion gelato maker; later, arrive at your hotel for a sampling of the region’s most robust red wines. Prop up the Leaning Tower of Pisa for a photo and see the UNESCO World Heritage Site Cinque Terre with a Local Expert, who will join you for a sea-to-table feast in the medieval town of Monterosso. Allow yourself to be serenaded as you float along the canals of Venice in a traditional gondola, and watch a renowned craftsman blow Venetian glass into a masterful work of art.

Tour details

Tour Provider	Insight Vacations
Price From	$7,326
Number of Days	12
Start Location	Rome, Italy
End Location	Venice, Italy
Age Range	Avg. 50+
Group Size	30 to 40
Tour Style	Luxury
Tour Themes	Virtuoso
Physical Rating	Easy to Moderate

Itinerary Open all

Welcome to the Eternal City of Rome

Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director and getting to know your fellow travellers over a delicious dinner with wine.

Rome Sightseeing and the Vatican

Enjoy the very best of the city’s highlights including entering the Vatican City and fast-tracked entry into the Vatican Museums with a Local Expert. Admire the Papal art collection before entering the Sistine Chapel to marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpiece. Afterwards, visit St. Peter’s Basilica. Later, cross the Tiber River to enjoy ancient Rome. See the incredible Circus Maximus famous for its chariot races, and the iconic Colosseum.

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 multicoloured 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 and Hercules and Cacus along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Alternatively, take a stroll with your Travel Director to enjoy a typical Italian treat in a local cafe.

The flavours of San Gimignano Relaxed Start

Spend time exploring the maze of alleyways and admire scenic views across the valley. Ascend serpentine alleyways to the artisan gelato parlour of world champion gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli, for a taste of his finest frozen treats.

The Chianti Hills to Pisa, Portofino and Santa Margherita

Drive through the patchwork of vines, olives and cypresses that typify the Chianti hills before continuing to Pisa and see the incredible Leaning Tower, 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. Next, journey to the sea and cruise along the rugged Ligurian coast to the elegant seaside village of Portofino, the epitome of la dolce vita (should weather permit). Finish your journey in the charming seaside resort of Santa Margherita Ligure, a true gem on the coast.

The Cinque Terre

Head to Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Italy’s most stunning landscapes. Cruise along the Cinque Terre coastline (weather permitting) with your Local Expert, passing rugged cliffs and pastel-hued villages perched above the Ligurian Sea. Arrive by boat at one of the region’s historic fishing communities and enjoy a Sea-to-Table lunch, prepared with the day’s local catch. Afterwards, explore at your own pace—wander cobbled lanes, browse artisan boutiques or unwind at a cafe overlooking the village square.

Lake Maggiore Relaxed Start

Head north to the beautiful Italian Lake District, a favourite retreat of the rich and famous where Alpine scenery combines with lush vegetation. Relax and enjoy an afternoon at leisure at this popular resort and beautiful lake.

Cortina d’Ampezzo

Travel through the stunning northern Italian countryside to one of the world��s most breath-taking wine regions. The vineyards around Conegliano Veneto produce Italy’s most prized sparkling wine. Be tempted with a taste of the crisp and aromatic flavour of prosecco. Continue through the Dolomites, to the mountain resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Experience the Dolomites Relaxed Start

The whole day is free for you to explore the colourful peaks and sheer valleys of the Dolomites, one of the most impressive mountain ranges in the Alps. During summer, once the snow and ice have melted away, a breathtaking landscape is revealed. There are a number of walking tracks through pristine Alpine wilderness for the adventurous to explore, or for a more relaxed pace, perhaps take a thrilling optional experience to the summit of one of the peaks for breathtaking panoramic views?

Venice, Queen of the Adriatic Relaxed Start

Descend through the mountains to the romantic city of Venice. A private boat glides you past canals lined with ornate palaces to St. Mark's Square. See the basilica, the Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, before checking into your luxurious hotel. With the afternoon at leisure, why not cruise the Venetian Lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialities and wine?

Venice at Leisure Relaxed Start

Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a traditional arts centre, where you can see how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills. Then there is free time to enjoy the magical atmosphere of this incredible city at your own pace. Mingle with the locals at the open air markets near the Rialto Bridge and explore the back lanes and squares where Venetians go about their day. Later, on your romantic gondola serenade, glide along the atmospheric canals exploring the intimate and hidden parts of this unique city while musicians set the mood with traditional songs. This evening, indulge in traditional Venetian dishes that are enriched with inspiration from seasonal produce during a magical dinner.

Arrivederci Venice

Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo airport.

Inclusions

5 Dinner (D)
11 Breakfast (B)
1 Lunch (L)

Departure dates

All pp pricing is based on twin share occupancy. Single supplements will apply

Start	End	Availability	Price NZD
01 May 2026	12 May 2026	Available	$7,876
08 May 2026	19 May 2026	Available	$7,876
15 May 2026	26 May 2026	Available	$7,876
22 May 2026	02 Jun 2026	Available	$7,876
05 Jun 2026	16 Jun 2026	Available	$7,502
26 Jun 2026	07 Jul 2026	Available	$7,326
07 Aug 2026	18 Aug 2026	Available	$8,375
21 Aug 2026	01 Sep 2026	Available	$7,326
04 Sep 2026	15 Sep 2026	Available	$7,876
11 Sep 2026	22 Sep 2026	Available	$7,414
18 Sep 2026	29 Sep 2026	Available	$8,030
25 Sep 2026	06 Oct 2026	Available	$8,030
02 Oct 2026	13 Oct 2026	Available	$7,964