15-Nights Country Roads of Italy a Women-Only Tour from $6,728

Insight Vacations

OFFER ID 1544409

Country Roads Of Italy, A Women-Only Tour
Journey across the Italian peninsula on this 16-day women-only tour that stretches from the sapphire waters of the Amalfi Coast to the calming canals of Venice. On this small group tour, visit a winery run by the matriarchs of the family who are leading the way in making incredible wine and olive oil. Sail to the rock isle of Capri, where you can climb nearly 2,000 feet for unrivaled views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. In Perugia, learn the art of loom-weaving from a women-owned and -run weaving association and join a cocktail-making class in Florence. Conclude in Venice, cruising the canals to Burano, an idyllic, colorful island in the Venetian Lagoon where you’ll toast to a fantastic trip over a delightful dinner of local specialties.

Dining Summary

5 Dinner (D)
15 Breakfast (B)

Choice Highlights

Siena: Visit the Basilica of St. Domenico with your Local Expert and discover its connection with St. Catherine of Siena.
Siena: Enjoy a tasting of Panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert containing fruits and nuts.

Authentic Dining

Rome: Savor dinner at a uniquely Roman restaurant, offering a perfect exploration of Lazio's typical flavors.
San Gimignano: Ascend serpentine alleyways to the artisan gelato parlor of world champion gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli for a taste of his finest frozen treats.
Parma: At Ciaolatte Parmesan you will meet, Signor Paolo, a local passionate about Italian food and quality cheese. Witness the cheese-making and ageing process of Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Modena: Visit a producer of authentic balsamic vinegar.
Burano: Cruise to the charming fisherman's island of Burano to enjoy a delicious dinner with wine and new-found friends.

Insight Choice

Siena: Visit the Basilica of St. Domenico with your Local Expert and discover its connection with St. Catherine of Siena.
Siena: Enjoy a tasting of Panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert containing fruits and nuts.

Insight Experiences

Rome: Follow in the footsteps of gladiators for a deeper insight into life in ancient Rome when you enter the Colosseum.

Make Travel Matter

Perugia: Meet Marta, founder of weaving association that is owned and run by women. Learn how Marta offers employment opportunities for local women and, alongside her weavers, preserves the ancient craft of loom-weaving in an artisan workshop.In addition to safeguarding the unique patterns, the workshop contributes to the protection of Umbria’s cultural heritage. Most notably, the workshop actively empowers women and girls through its education and training programs, advancing Global Goal 5: Gender Equality and 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities.
Venice: Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing, now practised by precious few masters. Watch artisans create delicate works of art using rare traditional practices. The workshop's master craftsmen teach visitors about the traditional craft of glassblowing and its history which dates back to the 15th century. Every visit helps to support the workshop and the survival of this traditional craft. This workshop directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Top Rated Highlights

Rome: Discover ancient treasures of Rome. See Circus Maximus and the Ancient Forum, where Ancient Roman political life and law courts mingled with open-air markets and shops.
Castel Gandolfo: Explore the artistic treasure of the Villa Barberini Gardens and marvel at the intricately designed mosaic flower beds and fountains.
Sorrento: Perched upon the cliffs, lookout to see the mighty Mount Vesuvius across the Bay of Naples.
Sorrento: Experience the social ritual of la passeggiata.
Capri: Cruise by jetfoil to this famous isle through beautiful blue Mediterranean waters.
Capri: Explore Capri town with your Local Expert and see the whitewashed houses, winding alleyways, small cafes, fashionable boutiques and artisans studios.
Pompeii: Walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the first century.
Assisi: Join your Local Expert to walk through the charming, cobbled streets. Take in sweeping views of the valley below and explore the main square, home to the ancient Roman Temple of Minerva.
Assisi: Discover why the Basilica of Saint Francis is considered one of the crowning achievements of medieval Europe.
Perugia: Led by your Local Expert, your orientation will explore the Old Town and show you Priors' Palace, Collegio del Cambio, the cathedral, the Great Fountain and main square.
Florence: Join a Local Expert to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
Florence: See the historic neighborhood of the Santa Croce Basilica and witness local craftspersons at work during a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
San Gimignano: Visit the Tuscan town of San Gimignano, often called the 'Medieval Manhattan' of Italy.
Lucca: Explore the city of Lucca. Admire the churches, piazzas and palaces within the medieval ramparts.
Cinque Terre: Led by your Local Expert, visit this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site, tucked away on the mountainous Italian Riviera coastline. Explore two of the five charming fishing villages for some memorable pictures.
Venice: Glide through Venice’s canals on an iconic gondola ride, passing beneath historic bridges and past elegant palaces. Soak up the city’s romantic atmosphere as your gondolier navigates the tranquil waterways, offering a unique perspective of this timeless floating city.
Venice: Join your Travel

15 nights from $6,728 per person

Itinerary

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Itinerary Details

Insight Vacations: Country Roads of Italy, a Women-Only Tour

Day 1 - Welcome to the Eternal City of Rome
2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a center of celebration. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit 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. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director and getting to know your fellow travelers over a delicious welcome dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Accommodations: Room 007 Select, Rome
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - Rome with a Local
Today is devoted to The Eternal City. Join a Local Expert to discover the modern-day city and how people lived in Ancient Rome. See St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City. Then cross the Tiber river to see the Circus Maximus and learn about the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum on a guided visit. Imagine the roar of the spectators as you enter the arena and stroll around picturing the gladiators and their adoring fans.
Accommodations: Room 007 Select, Rome
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Castel Gandolfo
Venture to Castel Gandolfo to explore the artistic treasure of the Villa Barberini Gardens. Ride an electric train along the pathways to marvel at the intricately designed mosaic flower beds and fountains. After our visit to the former papal gardens our journey continues south, drinking in the views of the Bay of Naples, to the resort town of Sorrento.
Accommodations: Majestic Palace Hotel, Sorrento
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 - Capri, the Isle of Dreams
Meet your Local Expert and cross the Bay of Naples to reach the beautiful Isle of Capri, a rock rising sheer from the Mediterranean. For 2,000 years, Capri has beckoned visitors from Tiberius Caesar to Gracie Fields. Arriving at the Marina Grande by boat, ascend to Capri town. Explore the narrow alleyways, browse in exclusive boutiques and wonder at the views over the Tyrrhenian Sea. Descend to the port by funicular railway and return to Sorrento, where you are at leisure for the rest of the day.
Accommodations: Majestic Palace Hotel, Sorrento
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Pompeii and Todi
Journey to the ancient Roman city of Pompeii to explore this extraordinary site with your Local Expert. Travel into the heart of Italy to enjoy free time in Todi, located on a hilltop pedestal overlooking a vineyard-covered plain. Savor the distinctly medieval ambiance during your orientation and admire the Piazza del Popolo where locals take their evening 'passeggiata'. Cap off the day dining at a local restaurant with a glass of Orvieto Classico wine - a magical culinary experience.
Accommodations: Fonte Cesia, Todi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 - Todi
Embark on a journey through the undulating splendor of the Umbrian hills, where the glossy green vineyards gleam in the warm rays of the sun. Amidst this breathtaking landscape, discover a family-owned business led by the women of the family. Explore the story of how they have cultivated their craft and built an award-winning winery, before delighting in the fruits of their labor with a tasting of their exceptional wines.
Accommodations: Fonte Cesia, Todi
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Assisi and on to Perugia Relaxed Start
In Assisi, see St. Clare’s Church and the Roman Temple of Minerva. Continue to walk down the Via San Francesco and visit the huge Basilica of St. Francis with a Local Expert. Journey to beautiful Perugia, the jewel of Umbria. Your guided walking exploration begins in the main street of Perugia's Old Town. See the Collegio del Cambio, the splendid Priors' Palace, the Cathedral and the finely sculptured Great Fountain in the magnificent main square. In the evening there is the option to discover the edible treasures of a traditional Umbrian kitchen, accompanied with wines of the region.
Accommodations: Sangallo Palace, Perugia
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Perugia, the Jewel of Umbria Relaxed Start
In Perugia, explore more of this gem of a town. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit a women-run 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. With the rest of your day at leisure, perhaps visit Cortona, one of the oldest hill towns in Tuscany. On this Optional Experience, journey to a recently unearthed Etruscan Temple before a guided exploration through the town's historic center with views of Lake Trasimeno and the Val di Chiana.
Accommodations: Sangallo Palace, Perugia
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - Renaissance Florence and Tuscany Relaxed Start
Embark on your journey passing Lake Trasimeno to renaissance Florence. Join a Local Expert to see the marble-clad cathedral, bell tower and Gates of Paradise on the baptistery. Enjoy time at leisure to explore Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at the fountains and sculptures along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. This afternoon, learn the art of cocktail-making from a local mixologist during a tasty cocktail class. Later, soak up the waters of a natural thermal spa, renowned through the centuries for the beneficial effects on the body, delighting the Etruscans, Romans and modern-day visitors before arriving at your elegant hotel.
Accommodations: Cappuccina Country Resort & Spa, San Gimignano
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 - Siena and San Gimignano
This morning, explore Siena with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the medieval Basilica of St. Domenico or alternatively, sample panforte, a traditional Tuscan dessert. Continue to the hilltop town of San Gimignano strikingly visible from every angle, its towers dominate the skyline and give it the nickname the Medieval Manhattan of Tuscany. Enjoy tasting the award-winning frozen delights of master gelato maker, Sergio Dondoli, whose great inventions include innovative and mouth-watering flavor combinations. Journey through the rolling, cypress-clad hills and vineyards of Tuscany as you return to your hotel.
Accommodations: Cappuccina Country Resort & Spa, San Gimignano
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 - On to Lucca Relaxed Start
Travel to Lucca to view the churches, squares and palaces, perfectly preserved within encircling medieval ramparts. Pause a while and taste buccellato, Lucca's sweet raisin anise bread, said to be a favorite of the ancient Roman army. Later, you could take the opportunity to explore Pisa.
Accommodations: Villa La Principessa, Lucca
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12 - Exploring the Cinque Terre
Get ready to explore the Cinque Terre, or five villages, which for years were only accessible by foot. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of Italy's most beautiful landscapes. Join a Local Expert in one of the picturesque fishing villages, before cruising along the rugged coastline (weather permitting). There is plenty of time to explore the old medieval quarter and popular sandy beach before returning to your hotel in Lucca.
Accommodations: Villa La Principessa, Lucca
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 - On to Parma
Journey to the beautiful university town of Parma, world-famous for its local ham and cheese. Meet one of the locals, Paolo. Learn about the process of making Parmigiano-Reggiano as Signor Paolo shares with you his passions for Italian food, especially excellent quality Parmesan cheese. Taste samples of the famous Parmigiano-Reggiano, accompanied by a glass of wine.
Accommodations: Starhotels Du Parc, Parma
Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 - Modena and on to Venice
Visit one of Modena's top producers of authentic, traditional, artisan balsamic vinegar and take a master class to understand what makes this vinegar as expensive as top-rated wines. Continue through the Soave vineyards past Padua to Venice, Queen of the Adriatic. To the tune of accompanying musicians, you will be serenaded through the atmospheric canals as you glide by gondola past water-lapped doorways and rococo palaces.
Accommodations: Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice
Meals: Breakfast

Day 15 - The Magic of La Serenissima
Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a traditional arts center where you can see how beautiful, handcrafted glass is made by expert glassblowers, safeguarding traditional skills. 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. Cruise the islands of the Venetian Lagoon to arrive at Burano, famous for its candy colored houses. Conclude your women-only tour over a delightful dinner of local specialties.
Accommodations: Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 16 - Arrivederci Venice
Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo Airport.
Meals: Breakfast

Featured Destinations

San Gimignano

Todi

Venice

With a great historic past and incomparable art treasures, Venice is renowned as one of the world’s great cities. Its 118 islands are separated by more than 150 canals and spanned by 400 bridges. During Venice's artistic golden age many magnificent structures were erected to create world-famous masterpieces. One of the best sightseeing routes is along Grand Canal, with many palaces lining the famous waterway. St. Mark’s Square offers access to some of Venice’s most famed attractions - St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. From Piazza San Marco, a maze of narrow streets are lined with shops, cafés and restaurants. A popular pastime is sitting at an outdoor café facing the square while people-watching and letting the whole marvelous scenario unfold. Venice’s Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands comprise an area famous as home of Venice’s glass-blowing industry and known for their charm, skilled lace-making and medieval monuments. Relax on a gondola ride, see art treasures in museums, churches and palaces, and have a sumptuous meal - all in this incomparable city.

Excursions

Venice: Splendours of Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours

Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours

Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 7 hours

Venice - St. Marks, Grand Canal and Murano - 6 hours

Venice: Lagoon Islands - 7 hours

The story of Murano and Burano

The Canal Grande cruise followed by a walking tour of Venice

Parma

Lucca

Florence

Perugia

Sorrento

Sorrento is a town of extraordinary beauty and is known as a popular gateway to Italy's most spectacular stretch of coastline - the Amalfi Drive lined with fishing villages and famous resorts. The seaside resort of Amalfi sits with weathered houses scrambling up steep cliffs. Visitors marvel at its location and its magnificent cathedral. The religious sanctuary of Cloister of St. Francis is worth a visit. The tiny, exclusive resort of Positano has its famous world-class hotel, San Pietro. Excavations of the ruined city of Pompeii, which was destroyed in 79 A.D. during the disastrous eruption of Mount Vesuvius, give visitors a vivid impression of life in a very wealthy ancient city and the tragic end of its population. The Isle of Capri ranks as one of the most beautiful islands and has captured visitors for centuries with excellent climate, spectacular landscape and fantastic sea caverns. Capri has lavish villas, elegant hotels, chic boutiques and quaint restaurants. Museo Correale contains a death mask of poet Torquato Tasso and some special editions of his works, pictures, furniture and porcelain.

Excursions

Sorrento: The Ancient City of Pompeii - 6 Hours

Sorrento: The Iconic Amalfi Coast - 6 Hours

Sorrento: Capri Exploration by Private Motorboat – 8 hours

Rome

Sprawled across seven legendary hills, romantic and beautiful Rome was one
of the great centers of the ancient world. Although its beginning is shrouded
in legend and its development is full of intrigue and struggle, Rome has always
been and remains the Eternal City.

Rome enjoyed its greatest splendor during the 1st and 2nd centuries when art
flourished, monumental works of architecture were erected, and the mighty Roman
legions swept outward, conquering all of Italy. These victorious armies then
swept across the Mediterranean and beyond to conquer most of the known world.
With Rome's establishment as capital of the western world, a new ascent to glory
began.

Today's Rome, with its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious
parks, tree-lined boulevards, fountains, outdoor cafes and elegant shops, is
one of the world’s most attractive and exciting cities. Among the most famous
monuments is the Colosseum. As you walk its cool, dark passageways, imagine
the voices that once filled the arena as 50,000 spectators watched combats between
muscled gladiators and ferocious animals.

Stop to see the remains of the Forum, once the city's political and commercial
center. In later times, Rome's squares were enhanced with such imposing structures
as the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and grandiose fountains like the Fontana di
Trevi. Join the millions who stand in awe of Christendom’s most magnificent
church and admire the timeless masterpieces of Michelangelo's frescoes in the
Sistine Chapel.

Rome jars the senses and captures the soul. Grasp all you can during the short,
precious time you have available in the Eternal City. With so much to see and
do, a day or two will only allow you a sampling of the city's marvelous treasures.

Caution: As in many big cities and tourist destinations purse snatching
and pickpocketing is common. Valuable jewelry and excess cash are best left
in a safety deposit box in your hotel.

Shopping For most visitors shopping for beautiful Italian leather articles,
designer shoes, fashions for men and women, linens, knitwear, silk scarves and
ties is a favorite pastime. Except for tourist-oriented shops, the majority
of stores are closed on Sundays. Some of the department stores, such as Rinascente,
open in the late afternoon on Sundays.

Cuisine Rome's choice of restaurants is mindboggling as is the variety
of cuisine. Whether your meal is at a top-rated restaurant or a rustic trattoria,
you can be sure that you will enjoy your food, especially when accompanied by
wines from the hill towns surrounding Rome.

Other Sights Rome's attractions are endless, and depending on how much
time you have at your disposal a careful selection has to be made about what
to see. Be aware of horrendous traffic conditions and major construction work
all around the city in preparation of Jubilee 2000, the Holy Year. Some of the
sights not to be missed:

Piazza Venezia - This busy square is easily recognized by its imposing Vittorio
Emanuele II Monument. The white marble structure was inaugurated in 1911 as
a symbol of Italy’s unification.

The Forum - Once the civic heart of ancient Rome, today the remains include
a series of ruins, marble fragments, isolated columns and some worn arches.

Colosseum - No visit to Rome is complete without a stop at this awe-inspiring
theater, which is among the world’s most celebrated buildings. Here ancient
Rome flocked to see gladiatorial contests and numerous other spectacles.

Trevi Fountain - Take a stroll to Rome's famous fountain. A spectacular fantasy
of mythical sea creatures and cascades of splashing water, the fountain is one
of the city's foremost attractions. Legend has it that visitors must toss a
coin into the fountain to ensure their return to Rome.

St. Peter's Square - Part of Vatican City, this square created by Bernini
is considered one of the loveliest squares in the world. Twin Doric colonnades
topped with statues of various saints and martyrs flank either side of the square.
In the center stands an 84-foot obelisk, brought from Egypt in 37 A.D.

St. Peter's Basilica - At the head of the square stands Christendom's most
magnificent church, which was begun in 1452 on the site where St. Peter was
buried. Throughout the following 200 years, such Renaissance masters as Bramante,
Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini worked on its design and created an unparalleled
masterpiece. Of special note are Michelangelo's Pieta and the bronze canopy
over the high altar by Bernini. The immense dome was designed by Michelangelo.

Vatican Museum - To see this museum's immense collection would take days.
As you enter, there are special posters that plot a choice of four color-coded
itineraries. They are repeated throughout the museum and are easy to follow.
It is a good idea to pickup a leaflet at the main entrance and concentrate on
exhibits of major interest. Of course, the Sistine Chapel is a must. Most likely
you may have to wait in line to enter.

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

10/10/2025 - 10/25/2025

from $6,728 per person *

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $6,728 per person

Length

15 Nights

Air City

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Vacation Rating

Deluxe

Remarks

Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discounts. Trip prices and discounts are subject to change. Airfare is additional. Tour prices, dates and itineraries are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Other restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1544409

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