Compare Sardinia & Corsica Walking & Hiking Tour by Backroads vs Treasures of Italy - Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 6 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 5,149 | $ 4,995 |
| Price Per Day | $ 858 | $ 416 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Description |
Wander through Sardinia, Italy’s Mediterranean jewel, and hike to old-world towns, secluded coves and along picturesque coastal paths. Then sail across the sea to Corsica, where wild and beautiful landscapes await. Explore pristine beaches, forested trails and enchanting hilltop villages. Three luxurious seaside hotels, two unique islands, one journey you’ll never forget—and far too many treasures to count. |
Experience Italy on an 11-day guided tour. Explore the Eternal City with a Local Expert, who will whisk you to the Vatican Museums for a tour of the Pope’s art collection and a behind-the-scenes look at the Bramante Staircase, a spiral architectural masterpiece. Later, see the infamous Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine. Cruise to Capri, where you’ll take an open-top taxi to the top of the island for unparalleled views of the rugged coastline and sparkling sea — then walk the Caesar Augustus Gardens and see the Faraglioni rocks with a Local Expert. In Venice, walk through St. Mark’s Square and see its basilica of the same name; later, allow yourself to be serenaded as a gondolier glides you through the city’s canals. Sail to the candy-colored island of Burano, where you can toast to a fantastic trip at a celebration dinner featuring wine and fresh-caught specialties. |
Days 1-2
Dive into the cinematic Mediterranean landscapes and one-of-a-kind spirit of Sardinia | Visit the captivating piazza-centered town of San Pantaleo, a haven for artists | Hike rugged seaside trails along the stunning Costa Smeralda, stopping along the way in traditional fishing villages | Hop aboard a boat bound for the undeveloped islands of La Maddalena archipelago | Explore a national park surrounded by sailboat-dotted turquoise waters | Cross the island of Caprera on foot to reach secret coves and unspoiled beaches.
Overlooking the most beautiful bay in Costa Smeralda, this glamorous hotel—a film location for 007: The Spy Who Loved Me—has everything you need for a vibrant Mediterranean vacation. (pool)
Day 3
Continue your two-island journey in Corsica, nicknamed the Isle of Beauty, where geologic wonders and exquisite landscapes will take your breath away | History comes to life on a walking tour of medieval Bonifacio, one of Corsica’s oldest and prettiest towns | End a day on the trail in the chic coastal town of Porto-Vecchio, gateway to some of the island's best beaches | Dine on two-Michelin-starred cuisine at elegantly modern Casadelmar.
Private seafront terraces, Michelin-starred cuisine, sophisticated modern design and an exclusive beach create an idyllic escape along Corsica's coastline. (pool, spa)
Days 4-6
Hike a hand-picked section of the Mare a Mare Trail | Feel lost in time in tiny alpine hamlets hidden among peaks and meadows in the Alta Roca | Perched villages never cease to charm—pause for a café in a quintessential Corsican town | Follow trails among granite slopes and Mediterranean shrubs | Sail from seaside Propriano to the postcard-perfect town of Campomoro | Hike tranquil paths along the coast, passing Corsican villages and ancient Genoese towers | While away the afternoon hours in a lounge chair on our hotel’s guest-only beach.
Elegant, luxurious and serene, this beachfront hotel is surrounded by nature with a private golden-sand beach, lush gardens and sweeping views over the sea. (pool, spa)
Day 1: Welcome to the Eternal City of 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 travellers over a delicious Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Hotel Romanico Palace, Rome.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: Vatican City 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 priority 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. 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 Trevi Fountain and enjoy free time around Piazza Navona?
Hotel Romanico Palace, Rome.
Breakfast
Day 3: Ancient Pompeii and the Isle of Capri
Journey to the ill-fated town of Pompeii, frozen in time when it was engulfed by an eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Walk with a Local Expert through cobbled streets to learn about Roman life in the first century before enjoying a refreshing lemon granita. Then continue to the Bay of Naples and board your jetfoil to the Isle of Capri. In brilliant sunshine, enjoy a scenic drive by open-top taxi past orange and lemon groves to your hotel, then appreciate the glorious vistas over the rugged coastline and sparkling sea.
Gatto Bianco Hotel & Spa, Capri.
Breakfast
Day 4: The Isle of Dreams
Wake up refreshed on this delightful island. Visit Capri town, with its whitewashed houses, winding alleyways and small cafes. A Local Expert escorts you to the lush Gardens of Augustus for views of the Faraglioni rocks. The afternoon is yours to devote to Capri’s fashionable boutiques, craft shops and artisans studios. Alternatively, perhaps join an Optional Experience to the Positano? A hydrofoil delivers you to mainland Italy to reach the artist's paradise of Positano. Witness the dramatic beauty of the Amalfi Coast's gravity-defying, vertical towns, and spectacular coastline before disembarking. After time to explore the pearl of the Amalfi Coast with all its colours, wonderful aromas and small beach, you are then returned to the Isle of Capri by another boat transfer. As the glow of twilight descends and the day-trippers have returned to their mainland hotels, the island is yours to saunter along scenic paths, gather with the locals in the piazzetta or relax with a glass of wine at an al-fresco restaurant.
Gatto Bianco Hotel & Spa, Capri.
Breakfast
Day 5: The Autostrada del Sole to Florence
Descend to the port by private open-top taxis and take the jetfoil across the bay to Naples. Follow the Autostrada del Sole north passing Rome and continuing through the Province of Umbria. Journey through idyllic Tuscan landscapes to Florence, centre of art and culture, and the heart of the Italian Renaissance.
NH Firenze, Florence.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 6: Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance
Explore Florence with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Accademia Museum and see Michelangelo's David. Alternatively, wander through the market stalls on a shopping tour, enjoying all the Italian treats and finery on offer. Continue to the multi-coloured marble cathedral to admire Giotto's bell tower and Gates of Paradise. Visit Piazza della Signoria and explore the area around Santa Croce Basilica. After a demonstration of leatherwork, there's free time to shop or explore Florence on your own. In the evening, why not sample the fine Florentine cuisine of tasty starters and typical Tuscan dishes accompanied by Chianti wine?
NH Firenze, Florence.
Breakfast
Day 7: Cinque Terre and Portofino to Santa Margherita
The famous Italian Riviera and the Cinque Terre are a highlight of your journey as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy’s most beautiful landscapes. With a Local Expert, appreciate the views as you approach one of the picturesque fishing villages by boat. Spend some time exploring the old medieval quarter or the popular sandy beach. Our journey continues to the elegant seaside village of Portofino, epitome of la dolce vita. Admire the colourful houses, browse the boutiques or stay a while in the cafe bars on the piazzetta, watching the yachts moored in the harbour.
Best Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita Ligure.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 8: Lake Maggiore
In the morning, journey north to the beautiful Italian Lake District, a favourite retreat of the rich and famous where alpine scenery combines with lush subtropical vegetation. Relax and enjoy an afternoon at leisure at this popular resort and beautiful lake or perhaps take a cruise out to the lovely Borromean Islands? For your dining pleasure, you are invited to choose from a hand-picked selection of local restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening.
Hotel Simplon, Baveno
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 9: To Venice With Wine Along the Way
Follow the southern fringes of the European Alps to the vineyards by the shores of Lake Iseo.Here, winemaking traditions run deep. Taste the delicious vintages produced with a master vintner at a family-owned estate.Continue to the unique city of Venice and step back in time to the 16th century.
Hilton Molino Stucky Venice.
Breakfast
Day 10: Venice and the Magic of La Serenissima
Visit St. Mark’s Square where the city’s former wealth and power is evidenced by the riches of St. Mark’s Basilica and admire the Doge's Palace with its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. Take your seat on a gondola and be serenaded through the myriad of beautiful canals, passing water-lapped doorways and Rococo palaces.The rest of the afternoon is yours to discover Venice at leisure. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a traditional arts centre, where you can see how beautiful handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills. Cruise the Venetian lagoon to Burano and sit down to a sumptuous Celebration Dinner with wine, sampling the local specialities.
Hilton Molino Stucky Venice.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 11: Arrivederci Venice
Alas, you must bid farewell to this enchanting city. Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo Airport at 08:00 and 09:30.
Breakfast
