EUROPE LAST MINUTE OFFERS!
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE FOR A EUROPE HOLIDAY!
Check off some destinations on your bucket list with these last minute Insight Vacations offers. Choose which tour best fit you and we will take care of the rest.
Validity: 30 November 2019
Best of Italy
Roman antiquities, saintly Assisi, Venetian canals, Renaissance Florence and Capri’s brilliant sunlight come together on this superb journey across Italy, with the option to end in Naples or Rome.
Treasures of Spain, Portugal Morocco
A kaleidoscopic adventure that takes you from some of Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities, to an exotic and vivid land of medinas and minarets.
Road to Rome
One of our best-selling itineraries, this is an iconic journey of Europe’s bucket-list favourites: Paris, Swiss mountains and lakes, Venice and Rome. You’ll return home with little doubt of Europe’s almighty magnificence. As any good traveller knows, meeting the locals along the way is what makes for great stories, which is why we’ve packed the itinerary with plenty of interpersonal experiences.
Venture beyond the tourist trails, as you embark on a gourmet walking tour of Paris alongside a local food expert. Ascend Mount Stanserhorn in Switzerland where a Swiss Ranger shares in-depth knowledge on the wonders of Europe’s highest climbs. Join Chef Lorenzo in Italy, for an interactive cooking class in the majestic hilltop town of Orvieto where you’ll learn how to make fresh pasta from scratch
HURRY! Call us TODAY to book on 1300 487 283 or you may email us at sales@itravel-au.com for more information.
*Terms and conditions apply: Prices are per person, twin share, land only. Single supplements apply. Full payment is required at the time of booking. Offer applies to new bookings, and are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or amended at any time without notice. Note prices displayed reflect available discounted rates (i.e. Early Payment Discount, Last Minute Deals). For more information please contact your itravel agent.
Best of Italy | 10 Days
WAS $3716.00 | NOW $3270*PP | Save $446 PP
Departure Dates: 05 December – 14 December 2019
Itinerary:
DAY 1 | ROME THE ETERNAL CITY.
Welcome to Rome, a glorious city filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. Transfers depart from Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport for your hotel at 09:30, 12:30 and 15:30. Join your Travel Director at 17:30 for a uniquely Roman Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.
Hotel: Hotel Romanico Palace, Rome.
Meals: Dinner with Wine
DAY 2 | VIP VATICAN AND ROME WITH A LOCAL.
The day is devoted to the Eternal City. Join a Local Expert for an in-depth visit to the Vatican Museums, full of priceless art treasures collected by the Popes. Insight has arranged special VIP entry to avoid the lines and gain behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase, a marvel of Renaissance architecture normally off-limits to visitors. Visit the Sistine Chapel, where the Popes are elected, to admire Michelangelo’s famous ceiling. Continue to St. Peter’s Basilica, to wonder at another of his works, the emotive ‘Pietà,’ and stand beneath the dome completed after his death. There’s free time to do as the Romans do, or perhaps join a tour inside the Colosseum? Rome is about art, antiquity, piazzas and pizzazz, and our included walking exploration has it in abundance. Toss a coin into the spectacular Trevi Fountain, see the Pantheon, the best-preserved monument from the Roman period, and enjoy free time in Piazza Navona.
Hotel: Hotel Romanico Palace, Rome.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3 | RENAISSANCE FLORENCE.
Travel north through glorious, peaceful Tuscan landscapes. Meet your Local Expert for a guided visit through the house of the Italian Renaissance diplomat and writer, Niccolo Machiavelli, with a special opening of his private office where he wrote ‘The Prince.’ Visit the Italian garden for views of Florence’s iconic domed cathedral and see the historic cellar which connects to one of the oldest restaurants in Italy by a secret underground tunnel. Taste wines made from the vineyards surrounding the home, accompanied by delicious samples of local Tuscan fare. Continue on to Renaissance Florence.
Hotel: Hotel Athenaeum Florence.
Meals: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Dinner with Wine
DAY 4 | FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING.
Join an art historian for a walking orientation of the historic city centre. A highlight is a visit to the Accademia Gallery to study Michelangelo’s monumental statue, David. Continue to the multi-coloured marble cathedral to admire Giotto’s bell tower and Gates of Paradise, recreated in all their glory. Visit the Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence, and explore the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods. After a demonstration of leather-work, there’s free time to shop or venture on your own. In the evening, why not sample the fine Florentine cuisine of tasty starters and rich pasta accompanied by Chianti wine?
Hotel: Hotel Athenaeum Florence.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5 | PISA TO VENICE, THE QUEEN OF THE ADRIATIC.
In the morning, visit an arts centre on Giudecca Island will allow you to admire the age-old skill of glassblowing by skilled artisans. In the afternoon, take a short stroll past historic churches and 13th-century palaces to St. Mark’s Square. The first sight is the pink marble of the Doge’s Palace, connected to the prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. It was from here that Casanova made his daring escape. Turn the corner, and the gilded regalia of St. Mark’s Basilica comes into view. After, board a traditional gondola for a serenade along the romantic canals.
Hotel: Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezion.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
DAY 6 | RELAXED START – VENICE AND THE MAGIC OF LA SERENISSIMA.
In the morning, visit an arts centre on Giudecca Island will allow you to admire the age-old skill of glassblowing by skilled artisans. After, board a traditional gondola for a serenade along the romantic canals. In the afternoon, your private boat takes you past Palladian churches and 13th-century palaces to St. Mark’s Square. The first sight is the pink marble of the Doge’s Palace, connected to the prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. It was from here that Casanova made his daring escape. Turn the corner, and the gilded regalia of St. Mark’s Basilica comes into view.
Hotel: Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezion.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7 | RELAXED START – INTO THE HILLS OF UMBRIA TO ASSISI.
Leave Venice and journey to peaceful Assisi, one of Italy’s most beautiful mountain towns. In the valley, see the 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. With your Local Expert, step inside the huge Basilica of St. Francis, built in the 13th century, where the frescoes by Giotto heralded a new era in Italian art.
Hotel: Hotel Giotto Assisi.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
DAY 8 | SORRENTO ON THE COAST.
Travel south passing Cassino, the scene of a fierce battle during World War II. Follow the spectacular clifftop road to the picturesque resort of Sorrento, overlooking the Bay of Naples to Mount Vesuvious. After checking in to your hotel, spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Hotel: Hotel Regina, Sorrento.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9 | CAPRI, THE ISLE OF DREAMS.
In the morning, cruise to the Isle of Capri. Under the Mediterranean sun, take one of the island’s iconic open-top taxis up to Capri town where your Local Expert will take you around the narrow alleyways to browse exclusive boutiques and enjoy views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Perhaps join an optional visit to Ana Capri? Descend to the port on a funicular ride and return to Sorrento for some time to relax. In the evening, join your fellow travellers for a memorable Celebration Dinner of delicious Italian cuisine and wine.
Hotel: Hotel Regina, Sorrento.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
DAY 10 | TRANSFER TO NAPLES AIRPORT.
In the morning, transfers arrive at Naples airport at 06:00 and 08:00.
Meals: Breakfast
Treasures of Spain, Portugal & Morocco | 17 Days
WAS $4775* PP | NOW $4060*pp | Save $715* PP
Departure Dates: 04 January 20 – 20 January 2020
Itinerary:
DAY 1 | WELCOME TO MADRID.
Transfers leave Madrid airport for your hotel at 09:00, 11:00, 13:30 and 16:00. Join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a delicious Welcome Dinner and the chance to get to know your fellow travellers.
Hotel: Hotel Miguel Angel by BlueBay, Madrid.
Meals: Dinner with Wine
DAY 2 | PRADO MUSEUM AND ON TO GOLDEN SALAMANCA.
With your Local Expert travel down the beautiful boulevards to the Cibeles Fountain on the wide Paseo de la Castellana. Cross the Puerta del Sol and see the monument to Cervantes in the Plaza de España. A sure highlight is when you join an art historian to explore the Prado Museum, a magnificent palace housing works by Velazquez, Goya, Rubens and other masters. Journey past the walls of Ávila en route to Salamanca, with its honey-coloured cathedral and 16th-century university buildings.
Hotel: Hotel Alameda Palace, Salamanca.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3 | RELAXED START – HOLY FÁTIMA AND LISBON.
Cross the Portuguese frontier and skirt the Estrela Mountains en route to Fátima. Join the pilgrims flocking into the great basilica commemorating the miraculous appearance of the Virgin Mary to three young shepherds in 1917. Your travels continue to Lisbon.
Hotel: Turim Saldanha Hotel Lisbon.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4 | LISBON AND THE AGE OF THE GREAT DISCOVERIES.
Exploring with a Local Expert takes you along the avenues of the Lower Town to the Terreiro do Paço with a visit to the Belém Quarter. Enjoy a taste of the famous Pastéis de Belém from a traditional patisserie that has managed to hold on to the secret recipe of Portugal’s finest pastry for almost 200 years. View the modern Monument to the Discoveries and the more ancient Belém Tower, a fortress that was originally set in the middle of the river but with receding waters, now sits on the riverbank. Visit the 500-year-old Jerónimos Monastery with its Manueline architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The afternoon is free for you to explore further as you wish.
Hotel: Turim Saldanha Hotel Lisbon.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5 | TO SEVILLE, THE CITY OF CARMEN.
Journey to Seville to join your Local Expert for a tour of the immense Seville Cathedral, burial place of Christopher Columbus. See the slender Giralda Tower, the former minaret of the Great Mosque and now the cathedral’s belltower. Continue your exploration through the labyrinthine narrow streets and shady squares of the Santa Cruz Quarter, emerging beside the great walls of the Alcazar.
Hotel: Ayre Hotel Sevilla (Superior Rooms), Seville.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6 | RELAXED START – FREE TIME AND FLAMENCO IN SEVILLE.
This day is yours to completely relax or continue exploring this fascinating city. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to Córdoba and visit the magnificent Mezquita, an 8th-century mosque with a Christian cathedral built inside it? Enjoy an evening of food and wine while you are entertained by throbbing guitars, lamenting solos, colourful dancers and the rhythmic stomp of flamenco.
Hotel: Ayre Hotel Sevilla (Superior Rooms), Seville.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
DAY 7 | THE STRAITS OF GIBRALTAR TO FES.
Set sail across the Straits of Gibraltar to reach Morocco – a land of musky spices and colourful souks. Your travels continue to Fes, Morocco’s most ancient imperial city.
Hotel: Palais Medina & Spa, Fes.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8 | RELAXED START – THE ANCIENT IMPERIAL CITY OF FES.
Your Local Expert will guide you through the ancient Medina. Explore this walled city of hidden courtyards, mosques and workshops. Walkthrough the souks and pass one of the world’s oldest universities. Learn about the ancient craft of carpet making and gain an insight into the motifs and colours used in the designs. Then you are at leisure to continue exploring as you wish, or perhaps cool off with a dip in the pool at your hotel.
Hotel: Palais Medina & Spa, Fes.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9 | ON THE ROAD TO MARRAKESH.
See the Middle Atlas Mountains and mud-walled villages as you journey to Marrakesh.
Hotel: Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech, Marrakesh.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10 | RELAXED START – MARRAKESH, PEARL OF THE SOUTH.
An exploration with your Local Expert will show you the Medina with its many souks and the Koutoubia Minaret dominating the skyline. Visit the intricately decorated Palais Bahia, intended to be the greatest palace of its time when it was built in the late 19th century.
Hotel: Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech, Marrakesh.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11 | RELAXED START – PLAY IT AGAIN SAM IN CASABLANCA.
Journey to the west coast of Africa to reach Casablanca. Discover if Humphrey Bogart really did say ‘Play it again Sam’ during sightseeing with your Local Expert. You will also see Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in the country and the très chic seaside strip, known as the Corniche, lined with trendy restaurants and cafes.
Hotel: Grand Mogador City Center, Casablanca.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12 | RELAXED START – RABAT AND TANGIER.
Travel north to Rabat, to see the Royal Palace and Hassan Tower with your Local Expert. Your journey continues to Morocco’s great port of Tangier, overlooking the Straits of Gibraltar. Here you will enjoy beautiful views where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. After dinner, you are at leisure to relax in the comfortable surroundings of your hotel or take a stroll along the Bay of Tangier.
Hotel: Grand Hotel Villa de France by BlueBay, Tangier.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 13 | ON TO THE COSTA DEL SOL.
Cross the water to Spain and continue on to Gibraltar, an overseas territory under British control since 1704. Meet your Local Expert for a guided tour of the Rock of Gibraltar, St. Michael’s Cave and see the Barbary Apes, legendary guardians of the colony. Travel through the green hills to the north of Costa del Sol, which translates to Coast of the Sun, to the white-washed village of Mijas. Stroll through the old streets and gardens and take in the views of the coast. Relax as you are driven along the scenic route, passing exclusive resorts where the rich and famous holiday.
Hotel: Meliá Costa del Sol, Torremolinos.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 14 | RELAXED START – AT LEISURE ON THE COSTA DEL SOL.
Enjoy the following day at leisure on the sun-drenched Costa del Sol. Relax by the blue Mediterranean waters, stroll along the promenade, savour the specialities in the local restaurants or consider exploring Malaga, the birth city of Picasso.
Hotel: Meliá Costa del Sol, Torremolinos.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 15 | DINING WITH LOCALS AND THE ALHAMBRA PALACE.
Travel to the oldest olive grove in the region and stop at the rural mill-factory of Almazara to taste a selection of different oils with locally made farmer bread. Continue to Alfarnatejo, a quiet town with a population of just 500 people and surrounded by a stunning mountainous landscape. Walk the town centre to see the 18th century Iglesia del Santo Cristo de Cabrilla. In small groups, you are invited into the home of a local family to join them for a delicious Highlight Lunch made of fresh, local produce with flavours typical of the region. Continue to Granada, where overlooking the town stands one of the most remarkable fortresses ever built, the Alhambra. Led by your Local Expert, explore this exquisite palace built as a citadel by the Moors in the 13th century – a fantasy of arabesque gardens, fountains and stone cut like lace. Stroll through the elegant, exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the royal summer residence.
Hotel: Vincci Albayzín, Granada.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
DAY 16 | TO MADRID IN SEARCH OF DON QUIXOTE.
Your journey continues to the north, through countryside immortalised by Cervantes fictional hero, Don Quixote. On return to Madrid, toast your travels with your newfound friends during a lively Celebration Dinner of delicious food and wine at a local restaurant.
Hotel: Hotel Miguel Angel by BlueBay, Madrid.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
DAY 17 | DEPART MADRID.
Departure transfers arrive at Madrid airport at 07:00, 09:00 and 11:00.
Meals: Breakfast
Road to Rome | 12 Days
WAS $4325 | NOW $3799*PP | Save $526* PP
Departure Dates: 27 December 19 – 7 January 2020
Itinerary:
DAY 1 | LONDON TO PARIS BY EUROSTAR.
Meet your Travel Director at 07:30 and after a warm welcome, transfer to London’s St. Pancras Station to board the high-speed Eurostar. Your comfortable rail journey takes you via the Channel Tunnel to Paris where you can spend the afternoon as you please. During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral and the imposing facades of the Louvre. Discover the banks of the River Seine with its many romantic bridges. See the obelisk in the centre of the Place de la Concorde and drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Later, join your Travel Director at the local restaurant Bofinger in the heart of Paris for a fabulous Welcome Dinner.
DAY 2 | PARIS, THE CITY OF LIGHT.
Split into small groups for a more personal experience and meet your Local Expert, an avid foodie, as you head into areas where Parisians go about their daily lives. Indulge in local delicacies as you explore boutique shops such as a patisserie, boulangerie, fromagerie and chocolatier. With the afternoon free, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this glittering city, perhaps join an Optional Experience to see the Paris cabaret?
DAY 3 | BEAUTIFUL BURGUNDY AND LUCERNE.
Journey through the Burgundy wine region and pass the Jura Mountains and crossing into Switzerland. Arrive in glorious lakeside Lucerne. There there is a variety of restaurant options for your Dine-Around Evening. Choose your dining experience from a selection of hand-picked local restaurants, each offering its own unique cuisine and ambience.
DAY 4 | LUCERNE’S MOUNTAINS, LAKE AND LION.
Embark on a spectacular journey to the summit of stunning Mount Pilatus for expansive mountain views over Lake Lucerne. Take in the pristine mountain air and witness a panorama of snow-capped peaks. Upon return to Lucerne, see the town’s proud Lion Monument, carved into a limestone cliff and dedicated to the heroic Swiss Guards who died defending King Louis XVI during the French Revolution. Then, take some time to stroll across the covered Chapel Bridge and see the baroque Jesuit Church. The rest of the day is at leisure to shop for delectable chocolate and glamorous Swiss watches in the traffic-free Old Town.
DAY 5 | RELAXED START – LIECHTENSTEIN TO INNSBRUCK.
Start the day with a journey to the heart of the Alps to visit the Principality of Liechtenstein. Spend some time in its tiny capital, Vaduz, with its castle located on a hillside overlooking the city. Drive into Austria and continue through the Arlberg Tunnel to mountain-ringed Innsbruck. Your Travel Director will show you the 14th century houses of the old town, the impressive Imperial Palace and the delightful Golden Roof.
DAY 6 | THE DOLOMITES TO VENICE.
Leave Innsbruck to travel across the impressive Europa Bridge and through the Dolomites into Italy. Amongst the hills of Conegliano Veneto, stop at Carmina where meticulous viticulture and manual harvesting produce distinguishable prosecco. Savour a tasting of these sparkling wines and learn how to make the perfect Bellini. Continue through spectacular scenery to the romantic city of Venice, Queen of the Adriatic. In the evening, long after the day-trippers have returned to their mainland hotels, enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the islands with dinner at a local restaurant.
DAY 7 | RELAXED START – THE MAGIC OF LA SERENISSIMA.
In the morning, prepare to embrace this most romantic city. Head to St. Mark’s Square, dominated by its magnificent basilica and overlooked by the great Clock Tower. Also in the square stands the immense Campanile and Doge’s Palace which is connected to the ancient prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. Witness the skill of glassblowers and learn how the Venetian gondola is made on a visit to a traditional arts centre. The rest of the day is free, perhaps shop in the small arcades?
DAY 8 | TUSCANY, PISA AND FLORENCE.
Stop at the Il Poggio organic farm for a guided walk through the vineyards and olive trees, learning about the production of olive oil and wine. On the veranda, take in beautiful views of the rolling Tuscan hills as you taste the farm’s freshly produced wines and olive oil, in addition to an authentic Italian meal prepared with locally-sourced ingredients. Explore the nearby town of Pisa with a Local Expert and see the baptistery with its intricate marble facade, the colonnaded bell tower lurching behind the cathedral and of course the famous Leaning Tower. Afterwards, travel to Florence.
DAY 9 | FLORENCE SIGHTSEEING.
Walk with your Local Expert to the marble-clad cathedral and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. The next stop is 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 David along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. The area around Santa Croce Basilica is famous for the quality of its luxury goods of gold and leather and there’s free time to shop or continue exploring.
DAY 10 | HILLTOP ORVIETO AND ROME.
Stop in the Umbrian hilltop town of Orvieto, located on a rock pedestal overlooking a vineyard-covered plain; its cathedral is one of Italy’s most celebrated buildings. Immerse yourself in the flavours and culture of the region and learn about the secrets of Italian food culture as you join Chef Lorenzo for a fascinating live cooking demonstration. Your magical culinary experience ends with a delicious Highlight Lunch accompanied by Orvieto Classico wine. Once in Rome, perhaps start the evening with a ‘passeggiata’ – a traditional evening stroll.
DAY 11 | PAPAL AND IMPERIAL ROME.
Join a Local Expert for an in-depth visit to the Vatican Museums, full of priceless art collected over the ages by the Popes. To avoid the crowds and maximise your time, Insight has arranged special VIP access to the Vatican Museums. Your Local Expert will guide you through the halls of artwork and take you behind the scenes to view the Bramante Staircase, a marvel of Renaissance architecture normally not open to the public. Next, head to the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s famous ceiling. Next door in St. Peter’s Basilica, view another masterpiece by Michelangelo, the Pietà, as well as the splendid dome, completed after his death. Cross the River Tiber to see the Colosseum, still echoing with the ghostly cries of gladiatorial combat and overlook the Forum. Later, there is time for last-minute shopping or exploring at your leisure. In the evening, enjoy an elegant four-course Celebration Dinner with local wine at a Roman restaurant. As you dine, you’ll be serenaded with a private performance of popular songs and arias from some of Italy’s best-loved operas.
DAY 12 | ARRIVEDERCI ROMA.
Your travels through Europe come to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 and 09:30.
Hotel: Kolbe Hotel Rome.
Meals: Breakfast
