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Insight - An Art Lover's Taste of Europe (05/2023 - 09/2023) (CF0144GL01)

14 Days From Rome to Amsterdam 
Tour Style: Custom Group
Insight Brochure Price from $5,525.00
Brochures: Global Tours
Visits: Italy, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Netherlands

Tour Europe’s finest art galleries and exhibits on an artistic tour de force, curated by Local Experts. Feast your eyes on the masterpieces of Degas at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, feed your soul with the works of Michelangelo at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and pause to admire the talents of Van Gogh at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. When in Rome, take a VIP tour of the Vatican Museums with exclusive and fast track access to skip the lines. Marvel at Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and admire the normally off-limits Bramante Staircase, before basking in the awe of the almighty Pantheon. As a grand finale, indulge your senses with a wine tasting in Tuscany.
Choice Highlights

Well-being
  • : Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • : Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
  • : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Summary
  • : Visit Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica • Galleria Borghese • Uffizi Gallery • Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie to see “The Last Supper” • La Scala Opera House • Top of Mount Stanserhorn • Ateiler des Lumières• Louvre Museum at night • Musée d’Orsay • Rijksmuseum • Van Gogh Museum.
  • : Orientation Tour of Beaune • Orientation Tour of Paris.
  • : See Ghent.

Travel Director
  • : "Paris is truly a delight to all the senses – seeing the iconic architecture, hearing about the history, smelling the wonderful bakeries and tasting the local specialties during our foodie walk."
  • : "One food I really love introducing my guests to is cheese or meat fondue. It's not only a great meal, but it's an experience of its own and always lots of fun. Especially when I see all our guests bonding and having a good time discovering the way we enjoy it over here."
  • : "One fun fact people don't usually know before they come to Italy is that the Italian alphabet only has 22 letters."

Top Rated Highlights
  • Milan: Explore Italy's renowned fashion capital with your Local Expert. See the magnificent facade of Milan Cathedral, La Scala Theatre and the glass-vaulted shopping arcade of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, lined with luxury boutiques.
  • Milan: A renaissance masterpiece and one of the world’s most iconic paintings, Leonardo da Vinci’s fresco of “The Last Supper” is housed in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Painted in 1495-98, the colossal artwork remains a fascinating spectacle, surrounded by mysteries and legends.
  • Amsterdam: Explore the Rijksmuseum, the Dutch national museum and largest art museum in the Netherlands, with a local art historian. Witness famous works by Van Gogh, Vermeer, and Rembrandt.
  • Amsterdam: Home to the world's largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and drawings, the Van Gogh Museum showcases the famous artist’s masterpieces in a magnificent permanent exhibition. Follow Van Gogh’s development as an artist and discover his ideas and ambitions through the many paintings, drawings and letters, and enjoy works from his contemporaries.
  • Ghent: Frequently listed as one of the top cities to visit in Europe, Ghent offers a quirky cultural cocktail of modern urban life, and fascinating medieval architecture. Stroll along the Lys River to the historic city centre and discover one of Europe’s finest panoramas of water, spires and centuries-old grand houses.
  • Paris: The Orsay Museum is renowned the world over for its rich collection of art. It houses the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist work from such acclaimed artists as Monet, Degas, Renoir, Cezanne and Van Gogh.
  • Paris: Paris’s first all-digital Art Museum, Ateiler des Lumieres opened in its doors in 2018. See works and artistic visions of great masters reimagined in large-scale, full color digital installations, along with contemporary art and exhibitions, creating links between eras and adding dynamism to artistic practices. The multi-sensory digital exhibits create a deep and immersive experience that engages all the senses.
  • Paris: The biggest and best-known museum in the world, The Louvre was once palace to the kings of France. You’ll follow your Local Specialist through the sumptuous maze of galleries to view masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci's 'Mona Lisa' and Winged Victory, one of the most celebrated sculptures in the world.
  • Paris: With a Local Expert, explore the iconic sights and streets of Paris. See famous landmarks including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower and the facades of the Louvre. Stroll the banks of the River Seine and admire romantic bridges, and enjoy a drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe.
  • Lucca: Your orientation with your Travel Director will show you the churches, squares and palaces within the medieval ramparts.
  • Florence: The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most important Italian museums houses a priceless collection paintings and sculptures, with a particular focus on the Italian Renaissance period. Walk amongst works from great artists including Michelangelo, Botticelli and Raphael.
  • Rome: Experience Rome through the eyes of a local, as a passionate Roman guides you through vibrant backstreets, showing you how modern life takes place around ancient treasures.
  • Rome: The world-renowned Galleria Borghese’s exquisite collection of paintings, sculptures and antiques was begun by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, (the nephew of Pope Paul V) between 1576 and 1633. The Cardinal was the first sponsor of Bernini, and an avid collector of Caravaggio’s works and the museum features extensive exhibitions from both artists, along with works by Tiziano, Raphael, Reubens and Botticelli.

Authentic Dining
  • Paris: Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at a local restaurant in the heart of Paris for a delightful dinner, served with wine.
  • Lucca: Visit a traditional steam bakery and sample Buccellato, the sweet raisin bread typical of the region.
  • Lucca: Indulge in a wine tasting and olive oil tasting with light lunch. Featuring a selection of local wines matched with fresh bread, extra virgin olive oil, pecorino cheese, bruschetta and cold cuts.
  • Umbria: Learn how to make a tasty local dish at a cooking demonstration in Umbria. Discover the ingredients, flavors and methods used in traditional recipes, and add new culinary skills to your repertoire.
  • Rome: Enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travellers at a uniquely Roman local restaurant.
  • Rome: Enjoy a Highlight Dinner of delicious Italian cuisine and wine, accompanied by the rich tremolo of some of Italy's best loved songs.
  • Dining Summary: 13 Breakfast (B), 6 Dinner with Wine (DW), and 1 Lunch with Wine (LW)

Make Travel Matter
  • Stanserhorn: Embark on a spectacular journey to the summit of Mount Stanserhorn and appreciate unrivalled views of snow-capped peaks. Meet a Swiss ranger and learn about the local wildlife and flora over a conservation talk. Learn about the conservation of the local ecosystem and local fauna from a Swiss ranger. Hear about what it takes to preserve the wildlife throughout the year and in all weather. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life On Land. Alternatively, walk along beautiful scenic pathways for a chance to see native animals like marmots.
  • Perugia: Meet Marta, a recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Learn how she offers employment opportunities for local women and alongside her weavers, preserves the ancient craft of loom-weaving in an artisan workshop.The workshop is owned by women and actively empowers women and girls through its education and training programs. Marta, and her students help to safeguard the unique patterns while contributing to the protection of Umbria’s cultural heritage.  Laboratorio Guidetta Brozzetti advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality and UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities.

Insight Experiences
  • Vatican: Gain priority access into the Vatican Museums and admire the famous Bramante Staircase. Witness the genius of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel and view the splendid dome of St. Peter's Basilica.

Insight Tour Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Rome
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. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director at 17:30 and get to know your fellow travelers over a delicious Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Visits: Rome
Meals: Dinner with Wine
Day 2Rome Sightseeing
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 priority entry and 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. Cross the Tiber river to enjoy ancient Rome. See the incredible Circus Maximus. Come up close and personal with the beautifully preserved Arch of Constantine, walking on the ancient pavement. Discover the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum as you stroll around the exterior of this amazing structure. Later, perhaps continue your exploration of Rome to see the Pantheon, toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain and enjoy free time around Piazza Navona? This pertains to the optional ‘Piazzas & Fountains of Rome.
Visits: Rome
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3Galleria Borghese and Free Time
A highlight for art lovers today is a visit to the Galleria Borghese, one of the most renowned art museums in the world. This beautiful, elegant mansion houses a substantial part of the Borghese collection of paintings, sculptures and antiquities, featuring works from renowned artists including Caravaggio, Bernini, Tiziano, Raphael, Ruebens and Botticelli. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Enjoy a Highlight Dinner of delicious Italian cuisine and wine, accompanied by the rich tremolo of some if Italy’s best loved songs.
Visits: Rome
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 4The Umbrian Countryside to Florence
Traveling into the heart of Italy, we take in the flavors of the Umbria region. Enjoy a magical culinary experience, learn about local ingredients and Italian food culture as we join a local chef for a fascinating cooking demonstration, followed by lunch and a glass of wine. Journey to beautiful Perugia to join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit an artisanal workshop and meet Marta, a recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Learn how Marta and her weavers are preserving the ancient craft of loom-weaving. Continue through the idyllic landscapes into Tuscany and on to Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance
Visits: Umbria, Florence
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
Day 5Renaissance Florence
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most important Italian museums houses a priceless collection paintings and sculptures, with a particular focus on the Italian Renaissance period. Walk amongst works from great artists including Michelangelo, Botticelli and Raphael. Walk on to the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. Visit 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 as well as Hercules and Cacus, along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Wander the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods of gold and leather.
Visits: Florence
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6Florence to Milan
Your orientation with your Travel Director will show you the churches, squares and palaces within the medieval ramparts that surround Lucca. Visit a traditional steam bakery and sample Buccellato, the sweet raisin bread typical of the region. Indulge in a wine and olive oil tasting with light lunch before heading to the fashion capital Milan. This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner featuring local flavours.
Visits: Lucca, Milan
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7Explore Milan
During your two days in Milan. Explore Italy's renowned fashion capital with your Local Expert. See the magnificent facade of Milan Cathedral, visit the La Scala Theatre and see the glass-vaulted shopping arcade of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, lined with luxury boutiques. Visit the spectacular Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie with your Local Expert, famously known as the site of Leonardo da Vinci’s fresco “The Last Supper”, preserved inside its refectory. * Discover more of Milan during your free time or perhaps take an excursion to the Lake District? (*Tickets to The Last Supper entirely subject to availability.)
Visits: Milan
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8Milan to Lucerne
Head north towards the Italian Lake District via Lake Lugano. Continue into the heart of the Swiss Alps, passing through the Saint Gotthard Tunnel, one of the longest road tunnels in the world, before traveling alongside towering mountains and past rushing torrents, to scenic Lake Lucerne. Embark on a scenic journey by funicular railway and open-top cable car to the summit of the stunning Mount Stanserhorn. Breathe in the pristine mountain air and, on a clear day, witness views as far as Alsace and the Black Forest in Germany. Explore Mount Stanserhorn with Insight Choice. Choose to walk along beautiful scenic pathways for a chance to see marmots and other native animals. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger, to learn about local wildlife and flora.
Visits: Stanserhorn, Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 9Lucerne to Paris
Traveling into the Burgundy wine region of France, we stop in the walled town of Beaune. Join your Travel Director for a walk through the cobbled streets and impressive medieval ramparts. Renowned for its wine production and architectural marvels, including stunning tiled roof of the Hospices de Beaune, the town boast a long and fascinating history from the pre-Roman era through to the Renaissance. Next continue to the French capital, Paris, where this evening we will enjoy a delicious typical French style dinner, at a local restaurant in the heart of the city.
Visits: Paris
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.
Day 10The Best of Paris
Join your Travel Director for an orientation of Paris, see the Eiffel Tower, the façades of the Louvre, the obelisk in the center of the Place de la Concorde and enjoy a drive along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. We visit Paris’s first digital art Museum, Ateiler des Lumières. With state-of-the-art visuals and audio, artists works become an immersive and panoramic show. Then there is time free to explore Paris at your leisure. This afternoon we visit the renowned Louvre Museum, offering a totally different perspective. Formerly a royal palace, the Louvre has embraced the history of France for eight centuries and features works admired across the globe, including the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the Venus de Milo.
Visits: Paris
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.
Day 11Musée D'Orsay
Join your Local Expert to visit the Musée d’Orsay. The former Gare d’Orsay of Beaux-Arts architecture is now one of the largest museums in Europe and home to the largest art collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces in the world. Be enthralled by the works of Monet, Manet, Degas, Cezanne and Van Gogh, amongst others. This afternoon, perhaps join an optional experience to Monet’s garden in Giverny to see the inspiration for some of his most famous works before heading back to Paris.
Visits: Paris
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12Paris to Amsterdam
Travel into Belgium today and make a stop in the sublime canal city of Ghent. A jewel of Europe, its center is renowned for medieval architecture such as the 12th century Gravensteen Castle and Graslei, a row of beautiful facades reflected in the River Lys. Relax at a cafe terrace, shop for Belgian chocolates, or simply take in the atmosphere. Our journey today ends in the Dutch capital of Amsterdam, a vibrant metropolis and still a living museum of the 17th Century.
Visits: Ghent, Amsterdam
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13Artistic Amsterdam
Admire world famous masterpieces in the Rijksmuseum. Among the collection are works by Rembrandt, Frans Hals and Johannes Vermeer. Then onto the Van Gogh Museum, home to the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and drawings in the world.This evening enjoy dinner while cruising through the canals and celebrate our time on this extraordinary journey.
Visits: Amsterdam
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 14Farewell Amsterdam
Today bid farewell to your fellow travelers as your artistic journey comes to an end. Airport transfers arrive at 08.00 and 10.00.
Visits: Amsterdam
Meals: Breakfast


Available Room Types: Single, Triple, Twin
Child: ages 5 to 17

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