Overview:

Welcome to the ultimate in guided vacations, river cruising and first class rail. From the water-lapped piazzas of Venice, embark on a romantic journey of discovery that unveils the unmissable landmarks of Italy along with some of her revealing treasures. Experience the Dorsoduro and Rialto districts on a 'Do as the Locals Do' tour of Venice. Explore the idyllic Venetian Lagoon. Stay at the 5-star Capri Palace Hotel. Discover the magnificence of Venice on a once in a lifetime private evening tour of the Doge's Palace. Enjoy a luxurious lunch at the Michelin-starred Mammà restaurant in Capri.

Countries Visited

Italy

Be escorted by the crème de la crème of Insight Travelling Concierges - handpicked for every departure. This skilled guide will act as consummate organiser and be your 'friend in a foreign land'. Concierge services are also available on-board your cruise. Enjoy 24-hour room service while cruising.

Enjoy the unique comfort of Insight's luxury air-conditioned 40-seat coach, with extended leg room and an on-board restroom. It's Business Class comfort, complete with complimentary bottled water for you to enjoy during your luxury coaching tour.

A personal radio headset gives you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating insights and commentaries.

At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling with prompt delivery to inside your door.

Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. Plus, we include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels as well as port charges during your cruise.

Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available) also available on selected River Cruise ships.

With Insight Flourishes, from time to time, your Tour Director will enchant you with local tidbits, each representing authentic food or beverages unique to the destination.

Airport transfers to and from your hotel are included in Milan on the first day and Venice on the last day. Train from Venice to Rome and transfers between hotels and train stations included.

Rome: Visit St. Peter's Basilica and see Michelangelo's ‘Pietà'.
Isle of Capri: Walk to Augustus' Gardens for views of the Faraglioni Rocks. Descend from Capri town by funicular.
Perugia: A Local Expert will show you the Great Fountain, Collegio del Cambio and splendid Prior's Palace.
Florence: See the cathedral, Giotto's bell tower, ‘Gates of Paradise', and open-air gallery of Signoria Square.
Venice: See St. Mark's Basilica and the Bridge of Sighs.
Isle of Capri: For your dining pleasure, you will be offered a selection of discerning restaurants to choose from on your Dine-Around evening.
Isle of Capri: Savour a delicious lunch at Mammà, a Michelin-starred restaurant, in a beautiful Mediterranean setting.
Florence: Dine out in delightful Barberino di Mugello, at a family-run restaurant where ‘nonna' makes delicious desserts! Enjoy a four-course menu with wine that pays homage to Tuscany's most famous flavours.
Tuscany: Join a qualified chef to experience authentic Italian cooking at a hands-on culinary masterclass with lunch.
Burano: Enjoy a Celebration Dinner with wine on this picturesque island.
Chioggia: Choose from a guided stroll through the town's bustling fish market or head to a casoni (fisherman's hut) to learn the art of mussel harvesting from local fishermen (mussel harvesting weather and maritime conditions permitted).
Marzzorbo: Learn about the Dorona grape and taste its luscious golden wine.
Including Quality Dining: 20 Buffet Breakfasts (BB); plus 6 Lunches (L), 2 Welcome Dinners (WD), 7 three-course table d'hôte Dinners (DW), 1 Dine-Around Evening (DA), 1 Michelin Highlight Lunch (MHL), 1 Highlight Dinner (HD) and 2 Celebration Dinners (CD) all with wine, plus tea or coffee. While Cruising: You can enjoy unlimited beverages on-board, including fine wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, specialty coffee and tea, and mineral water.
Rome: In the ultimate VIP experience, enter the Sistine Chapel for a private tour, with a Local Expert, before it is open to the public. Our fast-tracked entry into the Vatican Museums ensures maximum enjoyment of the priceless Papal art collection.
Pompeii: Walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century.
Isle of Capri: Relax aboard a cruise around this magical island.
Assisi: Find out why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered one of the crowning achievements of medieval Europe with a Local Expert.
Perugia: Visit a workshop to see how the art of hand-weaving textiles has been passed down through the generations.
San Gimignano: Ascend serpentine alleyways to the artisan ice-cream parlour of World Champion gelato Maestro, Sergio Dondoli for a taste of his finest frozen treats.
Florence: Enjoy an insider's guide with an art historian, admire Michelangelo's masterpiece, the 17ft marble statue of David in the Academy of Fine Arts.
Cinque Terre: Cruise along the rugged coast of the Cinque Terre to explore Monterosso's medieval quarter and popular sandy beach.
Venice: Discover the secrets of the Venetian Republic on a private evening tour of the Doge's Palace.
Venice: Take your seats in a traditional gondola for a serenade through the romantic Venetian canals.
Milan: Experience the towering Gothic cathedral and see Da Vinci's astounding The Last Supper.
Verona: Explore 'fair' Verona with a Local Expert.
Venice: Enjoy a walking discovery tour of the city and an exclusive visit inside St. Mark's Basilica.
Padua: Join a walking discovery tour of this medieval walled city.
Venice Islands: Discover the Byzantine mosaics of Torcello, learn about lace-making in Burano and taste the luscious golden wine of Mazzorbo.
Polesella: Choose from a full-day excursion to Bologna with an exclusive pasta-making workshop and lunch or a half-day excursion to Ferrara.
Venice: Choose from a 'Do as the Locals Do' exploration of the city or visit the Accademia with an Art Historian.
Isle of Capri: The 5-star luxury boutique hotel Capri Palace Hotel and Spa, is furnished with elegance inspired by the Mediterranean.
Tuscany: A short drive from Florence, the luxury Villa Le Maschere is a grand, late Renaissance country house, built in the 16th century.
Venice: The Bauer Palazzo is divinely located on the Grand Canal just off St Mark's Square and offers spacious and elegant guest rooms.
Uniworld's River Countess: The recently remodeled, 130-passenger River Countess is filled with light and color. Muted shades of turquoise complimented by soothing cream, taupe, and white accents create a luxurious and sophisticated environment for your northern Italian adventure. The River Countess was the top-rated cruise ship (river or ocean) in Travel + Leisure's prestigious 2013 World's Best Awards. It offers lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites with handcrafted Savoir® of England beds, high-thread count 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and European duvets, with a menu of pillow options.