Road to Rome - Start Paris, Classic Group
Road to Rome - Start Paris, Classic Group
Road to Rome - Start Paris, Classic Group
12 Days Starting in Paris, France and ending in Rome, Italy
Visiting: Paris, Lucerne, Innsbruck, Venice, Tuscany, Florence, Rome
Tour operator:
Tour code:
E924N126
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Rail Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Road to Rome - Start Paris, Classic Group" tour, traversing the heart of Europe through France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Italy, and Vatican City. Begin in the enchanting city of Paris, exploring iconic landmarks and indulging in local delicacies. Travel through the picturesque Burgundy region to the serene lakeside town of Lucerne, and ascend Mount Stanserhorn for breathtaking views. Discover the charm of Innsbruck, the elegance of Venice, and the rustic beauty of Tuscany. Marvel at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the artistic treasures of Florence, and the historic wonders of Rome, including a private visit to the oldest pharmacy in Europe. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural experiences, culinary delights, and stunning landscapes, ensuring a memorable adventure from start to finish.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Paris, enjoy time at leisure to settle into your hotel. During your time here you will see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Place de la Concorde, the Champs Elysées and Arc de Triomphe. Later, join your Travel Director at a local brasserie in the heart of Paris for a fabulous dinner.
Day 2: Paris, The 'City Of Light'
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join an avid foodie, as you head into areas where Parisians go about their daily lives to explore small shops and sample local treats and delicacies. With the rest of 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: Burgundy And Lucerne
Location: Lucerne
Accommodation Name: Astoria, Lucerne
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey through the rural French countryside of Burgundy, famous for its vineyards and wines, pass the Jura Mountains crossing into Switzerland. Arrive in glorious lakeside Lucerne. A range of enticing options are available for your Dine-Around Evening. Choose from a selection of hand-picked local restaurants.
Day 4: Lucerne & Mount Stanserhorn
Location: Lucerne
Accommodation Name: Astoria, Lucerne
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore Mount Stanserhorn on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, as an open-top cable car powered by solar panels take you up the summit. Walk along beautiful scenic pathways, keeping an eye out for marmots and other native animals, with the chance to hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger, to learn about local wildlife and flora. Take in the pristine mountain air and, on a clear day, witness views as far as Alsace and the Black Forest in Germany. 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 to 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: Lucerne To Innsbruck Relaxed Start
Location: Innsbruck
Accommodation Name: AC, Innsbruck
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day with a journey to the heart of the Alps passing through the Principality of Liechtenstein. See its tiny capital, Vaduz, with its castle located on a hillside overlooking the city. Drive into Austria and continue 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
Location: Venice
Accommodation Name: BW Premier Collection CHC Continental, Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave Innsbruck to travel across the impressive Europa Bridge and through the Dolomites. Cross into Italy and stop at a local family winery in Veneto to discover the art of prosecco production. Savor a tasting of these luxurious sparkling wines and discover how to make the perfect Bellini. Continue to the romantic city of Venice, Queen of the Adriatic. 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: The Magic Of 'La Serenissima' Relaxed Start
Location: Venice
Accommodation Name: BW Premier Collection CHC Continental, Venice
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, prepare to embrace this most romantic city. See the immense Campanile and Doge's Palace on St. Mark's Square, connected to the ancient prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness the skill of glassblowers on a visit to a traditional arts center. The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps shop in the small arcades or why not cruise the Venetian lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialties and wine?
Day 8: Tuscany, Pisa And Florence
Location: Tuscany
Accommodation Name: Ambasciatori, Florence
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit Il Poggio organic farm for a guided walk and learn about organic food and wine production. On the veranda, take in beautiful views of the rolling Tuscan hills, as you taste the farm's wines and freshly produced olive oil. Enjoy 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 Relaxed Start
Location: Florence
Accommodation Name: Indigo, Florence
Meals Included: Breakfast
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: Chianti Country To Assisi And Onto Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu GHR, Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey through the vineyards of the Chianti region passing Lake Trasimeno, one of the Italian Peninsula’s largest lakes and site of a great battle in ancient times against Hannibal and his war elephants. Continue up the foothills of the Apennine Mountains to reach delightful Assisi, a stone-built town spilling over the steep hillside. With a Local Expert, visit the tomb of St. Francis and see the beautiful frescoes by Giotto in the great basilica, before continuing along the valley of the River Tiber towards the Eternal City of Rome. Enjoy a private visit to Farmacia of Santa Maria della Scala, the oldest pharmacy in Europe. Gain historic insights from a Carmelite friar as you admire the Farmacia and explore the adjoining 16th-century church. In the evening, why not throw your coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to the city?
Day 11: Papal And Imperial Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Kolbe, Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s famous ceiling. Cross the River Tiber to see the Colosseum, still echoing with the ghostly cries of gladiatorial combat and see Circus Maximus, the ancient chariot-racing stadium. Gain historic insights from a Carmelite friar as you admire the Farmacia and explore the adjoining 16th-century church. Take in the vibrant atmosphere of this charming neighborhood as you indulge in dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Day 12: Arrivederci Roma
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bid farewell to the glories of Italy, savoring the memories of its enchanting cities, historic landmarks and stunning landscapes. Italy's unique allure will linger in your heart long after you leave.
What's Included
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Meals
4 dinners with wine, 11 breakfasts, and 1 lunch with wine are included.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets are provided to give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any commentary.
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Tips and Taxes
Hotel and restaurant tips, all taxes, and porterage charges at hotels are included.
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Luggage Handling
Your bags will be carried for you and promptly delivered to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, a local specialty representing the destination.
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Wi-Fi
Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available) is included.
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Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.
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Local Experiences
Various local experiences such as a walk through Paris with a local food lover, a visit to a local winery in Veneto, and a visit to the oldest pharmacy in Europe in Rome are included.
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Sightseeing
Visits to famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Colosseum are included.
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Luxury Coach
Enjoy the comfort of Insight’s luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as seeing the Paris cabaret or cruising the Venetian lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal are not included.
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Flights
Flights to and from the start and end locations are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Additional Transfers
Transfers outside the scheduled times or for additional nights' accommodation are not included and may need to be purchased separately.
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury aboard Insight's air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom, sanitized before the start of your tour and maintained to very high standards.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Marriott Rive Gauche in Paris, Astoria in Lucerne, AC in Innsbruck, BW Premier Collection CHC Continental in Venice, Ambasciatori and Indigo in Florence, and Radisson Blu GHR and Kolbe in Rome.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of unique experiences can I expect during the tour?
You can expect a variety of unique experiences such as a visit to the oldest pharmacy in Europe in Rome, a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger on Mount Stanserhorn, and a glassblowing demonstration in Venice. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to taste local treats in Paris, enjoy a wine tasting in Veneto, and learn about organic farming in Tuscany.
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Are there any special dining experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes several special dining experiences such as a dinner at a local brasserie in Paris, a Dine-Around Evening in Lucerne, a tasting of prosecco at a local winery in Veneto, and a four-course Celebration Dinner in Rome complete with wine and opera.
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Will I have free time to explore on my own?
Yes, there are several opportunities for free time throughout the tour. For example, you will have free time in Paris to explore the city, in Lucerne to shop for chocolate and Swiss watches, and in Venice to shop in the small arcades or take an optional cruise to the island of Burano.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coaches are sanitized before the start of the tour and maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have also been implemented.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Airport transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates. If your flights are outside these times, or if you have booked additional nights' accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in a variety of hotels throughout the tour, including the Marriott Rive Gauche in Paris, the Astoria in Lucerne, the AC in Innsbruck, the BW Premier Collection CHC Continental in Venice, the Ambasciatori in Florence, and the Radisson Blu GHR and Kolbe in Rome.
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Are tips and taxes included in the tour price?
Yes, hotel and restaurant tips are included in the tour price, so you won't have to worry about how much to give or search for foreign currency. All taxes and porterage charges at hotels are also included.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 11 breakfasts, 4 dinners with wine, and 1 lunch with wine. These meals are designed to give you a taste of the local cuisine and enhance your overall experience.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions