Country Roads of Italy

Food and fun abound in this 9-day guided tour through Italy. Puglia is a paradise for wine lovers. Here, you will indulge in the region’s most robust reds with an expert vintner before you are welcomed to a local family’s home in Alberobello for an intimate orecchiette pasta dinner. Board a hydrofoil to zip across the Gulf of Naples to the rocky, sun-drenched island of Capri. Here you can join Local Expert for a tour of Augustus Gardens or take a rousing walk along its narrow, cobblestone alleyways with your Travel Director and sample local specialties like limoncello. In Pompeii, join a Local Expert for a walk through the ruins left behind by the eruptions of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. And in Rome, celebrate a fantastic trip with a once-in-a-lifetime experience: a private operetta performed during a feast of Italian specialties and wine.

Live 'la dolce vita' during this 9-day guided tour of Italy. Explore the Vatican Museums, where your VIP pass gets you behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase. Walk the narrow cobblestone streets of Siena to the shell-shaped plaza Campo and see the Torre del Mangia, the second-tallest tower in Italy. Visit a family-run olive mill, where a third-generation olive maker will share how its olives become the decadent oil you’ll taste at the mill. In San Gimignano, eat the best gelato in the world — literally. You’ll meet a world champion gelato maestro who will welcome you into his ice cream parlour to indulge in his favourite flavours. Alongside a Local Expert, marvel at the cathedral at the center of Florence: Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, nicknamed 'the Duomo' for its awe-inspiring crown made by a master goldsmith.

Your Fly & Tour Package Includes:

• Return economy class flight from Sydney to Rome
• 8 night Country Roads of Puglia & the Neopolitan Riviera guided tour with Insight Vacations, Rome return
• Includes 13 meals, visits to Sassi de Matera, the Gardens of Augustus, Trulli of Alberobello plus more
• 8 night Country Roads of Umbria & Tuscany guided tour with Insight Vacations, Rome return
• Includes 13 meals, visit to the Vatican Museum with priority access, Basilica of St Francis, the medieval Manhattan of Italy plus more
• Airline taxes

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 25 March – 10 April 2023

Single traveller pricing available, speak with your travel consultant

Country Roads of Puglia & the Neopolitan Riviera Itinerary:

Day 1

Welcome to Rome

Transfers to your hotel depart from Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 09:30, 12:30 and 15:30. Join your Travel Director at 17:30 to explore the Eternal City, passing the renaissance palaces and baroque churches scattered throughout the city. Get to know your fellow travellers over a pleasant Welcome Dinner as you dine at your hotel's restaurant, Unique al Palatino.

Day 2

Across the Apennines to the Trulli Town of Alberobello

Head southeast, through the sun-baked landscapes to the region of Puglia and its most spectacular town, Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With your Local Expert, explore the small, white-washed stone houses - known as Trulli - which are clustered together throughout the city and built entirely without mortar.

Day 3

Exploring Alberobello

This morning is yours to enjoy at leisure. For your Dine-at-Home experience, you are welcomed into a local family's home. See Nonna making orecchiette pasta and join her for a traditional freshly prepared southern Italian meal.

Day 4

Free Time in Alberobello

The day is free for you to enjoy this extraordinary town as you wish. Why not join an Optional Experience to the stunning city of Ostuni? With its dazzling white-washed houses and fascinating history, it is a true delight.

Day 5

The Sassi di Matera and Sorrento

Visit Matera with a Local Expert for an in-depth exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sassi — a labyrinth of cave dwellings, churches, staircases and arches, hewn out of the solid rock. You may recognise Matera as the biblical backdrop for the film ‘The Passion of the Christ.’

Continue to the small village of Grottole. Once a thriving community, it has lost most of its activity. Meet Silvio and Michela, two locals who strive to bring back the traditional way of living of the area. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience visit their home and explore the historic old town to learn about the fascinating history of the village. Later, enjoy a light lunch and wine tasting, helping to preserve the local culture.

Day 6

Capri, The Isle of Dreams

Cruise by jetfoil through the impossibly blue sea to the sun-drenched island of Capri.

Travel to Capri Town by open-top taxi and meet your Local Expert for an orientation walk of the narrow alleyways.

Explore Capri with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the immaculate Gardens of Augustus with a Local Expert and admire the views over Faraglioni Rocks. Alternatively, enjoy a limoncello tasting, Capri's famous lemon liqueur.

After exploring the winding cobble streets, descend to the port by funicular before returning to Sorrento where you are at leisure for the rest of the day.

Day 7

The Amalfi Coast and Positano

Travel along Italy’s finest coastline, the Amalfi Coast. Stop for a bird’s-eye view of the terraced houses of Positano before venturing in to the heart of the town. There’s time to be tempted by the boutiques before returning to Sorrento to enjoy stunning views down to the clear waters of the Bay of Naples. Maybe relax over coffee and contemplate your options. You could stroll down to the harbour, visit the Church of St. Francis, take a swim from the foot of the cliffs or just relax and enjoy the warm, southern sunshine.

Day 8

On to ill-fated Pompeii and Rome

Journey north to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, eerily preserved by the eruptions of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Your Local Expert walks you through cobbled streets to explore some of the shops, villas and temples. Witness the colourful frescoes that were hidden for centuries. Continue beneath the striking hilltop monastery of Monte Cassino and back to Rome where your journey reaches its zenith in the evening. In the heart of the Eternal City, you are treated to a quintessential Italian experience – fine food, wine, music and a private performance of enchanting operetta for your Celebration Dinner.

Day 9

Arrivederci Roma

Bid farewell to the glories of Italy. Departure transfers arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 and 09:30.

Country Roads of Umbria & Tuscany Itinerary:

Day 1

Welcome to Rome

Transfers to your hotel depart from Rome's Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 09:30, 12:30 and 15:30. Join your Travel Director at 17:30 to explore the Eternal City, passing the renaissance palaces and baroque churches scattered throughout the city. Get to know your fellow travellers over a pleasant Welcome Dinner as you dine at your hotel's restaurant, Unique al Palatino.

Day 2

Umbria and on to Perugia

Explore the Vatican Museums in the morning, where a local historian unveils the gems of the vast Papal art collection. Your special visit includes fast-tracked entry and behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase, a part of the Vatican normally closed to visitors. View the imposing Basilica of St. Peter, the largest in the world. Journey north to the Umbrian village of Baschi. Immerse yourself in the flavours and culture of the region and learn about the secrets of Italian food culture as you join Giovanni and his dog Chris for a truffle hunting session.

Then join Chef Lorenzo for an entertaining pasta demonstration and delicious Highlight Lunch accompanied by Orvieto Classico wine.

Join a Local Expert in Perugia to navigate the underground labyrinth of little streets, alleys and arches. Walk Corso Vannucci, resplendent in pale-pink stone, passing the princely Priors' Palace, cathedral and finely sculptured Great Fountain in the main square.

Day 3

Perugia Sightseeing & Free Time

During a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, visit an artisanal workshop to meet Marta, recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant, and her weavers. See how the fascinating art of loom-weaving textiles has been passed down through the generations and learn how this ancient craft is being preserved. Afterwards, you will be free to enjoy the many delights of Umbria's capital city. For dinner, choose your ideal ambience and palate-pleasing menu from a hand-picked selection of Perugian restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening. Buon appetito!

Day 4

Assisi, in Search of St. Francis

Journey to Assisi, one of Italy's most beautiful medieval hilltop towns, set high up in the mountains and enclosed by fortress walls. In the valley, see the famous Church of St. Mary of the Angels, much venerated as the place of St. Francis' death, then continue up Mount Subasio to the upper town. Step inside the massive, 13th century Basilica of St. Francis with your Local Expert to learn how Giotto masterfully painted frescoes that inspired a variety of Renaissance artists. Continue through the twisted groves that carpet the side of Mount Subasio.

Day 5

Tuscany to Cortona, Siena and San Gimignano

Follow the shores of Lake Trasimeno to Cortona, one of the oldest hilltop towns in Tuscany. After free time to explore, continue to the narrow cobbled streets of Siena. Standing in the shell-shaped Campo, imagine the frenzied atmosphere of the biannual Palio horse race and see the superb 14th century Town Hall. Explore Siena with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the medieval Cathedral. Alternatively, sample panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert.  Travel to your home for the next three nights, a delightful villa near the medieval town of San Gimignano.

Day 6

San Gimignano sightseeing and Free Time

In the morning, your Travel Director will show you San Gimignano's medieval skyscrapers, serpentine streets and hidden squares. The town is also home to world champion gelato maestro Sergio Dondoli. At his artisan ice cream parlour on Piazza della Cisterna, the jaunty gelataio doles out his silky, frozen treats in a range of unique flavours for you to try. The rest of the day is at leisure; why not join an Optional Experience to Pisa and Lucca?

Day 7

Florence and Tuscan Countryside Experience

The morning is devoted to the Renaissance city of Florence. A fascinating walking exploration with a Local Expert takes you to the marble-clad cathedral crowned by Brunelleschi's dome. See the baptistery with its beautiful Gates of Paradise and Giotto's splendid bell tower. Walk on to Piazza della Signoria with its open-air gallery of Renaissance sculptures, followed by free time to shop for top-quality Florentine leather or gold. Toast to your travels during a delicious Farm-to-Table Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy tasting flavoursome dishes prepared with locally grown ingredients, sourced from the farm or nearby Tuscan region. Relax as the pairing of home-made pastas with the farm's own traditional Chianti wine rounds off your great Italian adventure.

Day 8

Country drive to Ancient Rome

Leave behind the tower topped town of San Gimignano. Enjoy rolling Tuscan hills as you journey through the Italian countryside, making your way to Ancient Rome. On arrival, enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Day 9

Arrivederci Roma

Bid farewell to the glories of Italy. Departure transfers arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 and 09:30.

Prices listed are per person in Australian/New Zealand Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 10 May 2022 and can be withdrawn without notice. Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Airfares are based on economy class flights from Sydney and are subject to the carriers’ flight schedules and conditions, please call us for prices from other cities.  Visas are not included. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge. 241xtra pricing does not require a 241 certificate.