The Cruise & Vacation Authority
  • Home
  • Resources
  • About Us
  • Get a Quote!
  • Contact

SPEAK WITH A TRAVEL CONSULTANT 800.326.4971 MON-FRI: 9AM - 4:30PM EST
  • CRUISES
    Ocean & River
    • Cruise Search
    • Advanced Cruise Search
    • First Time Cruiser?
    • Onboard Activites
    • Signature Collection
    • Cruise Destinations
    • Cruise Specials
    • Cruise Lines
    • Disney Cruise Line
    • Embarkation Ports
    • US Embarkation Ports
    • River Cruises
    • Book Shore Excursions
    • Get a Quote
  • VACATIONS
    Escorted & Non-Escorted
    • Vacation Search
    • Search by Destination
    • Vacation Suppliers
    • Book Your Tours
    • Hawaii Vacations
    • Mexico Getaways
    • World Destinations
    • Get a Vacation Quote
  • HOTELS
    Signature Rated
    • Signature Hotels & Resorts
    • Hotels Specials
  • SPECIALTY
    Travel by Interest
    • Search World Destinations
    • Signature Culinary Travel
    • Discover River Cruising
    • Luxury Travel
    • Family Vacation Travel
    • Why Group Travel
    • Adventure Travel
    • Celebrations
  • PROMOTIONS
    Deals & Specials
    • Exclusive Offers
    • Hot Cruise Deals
    • Hot Vacation Deals
  • ABOUT US
    Info, Articles & More
    • About Us
    • Careers
    • Meet the Staff
    • 10 Reasons You'll Love Us
    • Articles
  • THEME CRUISES
    Our Exclusives
    • What is a Theme Cruise?
    • Types of Theme Cruises
    • Find a Theme Cruise
    • Types of Group Cruises

Sign Up! Receive Special Offers Via Email!

Enter for a chance to Win a Free Vacation!

Sign up for Email Specials Print This Page



11-Nights Road to Rome - Start Paris, Classic Group from $5,103

Insight Vacations

OFFER ID 1517375

Road To Rome - Start Paris, Classic Group
Take the road to Rome through the cobbled streets of Paris and across the Alps of Innsbruck. Journey through the vineyards of Burgundy and slip across the Swiss border for an indulgent Dine Around meal in Lucerne. Enjoy a feast of local delicacies at a selection of hand-picked restaurants, set along the beautiful lakeside vistas. Voyage across the Dolomites to Venice and bear witness to the ancient skill of glassblowing. Practiced by precious few, this almost extinct artform is led by local craftsmen, intent on keeping the 15th-century tradition alive. In ancient Rome, enjoy fast-track access to the Vatican Museums and see Michelangelo s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel.


Dining Summary

  • 4 Dinner (D)
  • 11 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)
Additional Included Highlights
  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Authentic Dining
  • Paris: Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at a local restaurant for a delightful dinner.
  • Paris: Join an avid local food lover on a walk through the streets of Paris. Visit a variety of patisseries, boulangeries and chocolatiers and sample local treats and delicacies along the way.
  • Lucerne: Choose from a selection of restaurants on your Dine-Around evening and hand-pick your preferred ambience, cuisine and drinks for an intimate culinary experience.
  • Conegliano: Visit a local winery and delight in a tasting of their magnificent prosecco. Meet the vignerons and learn how this local drink has come to rival its well-known counterpart in France.
  • Tuscany: Visit Il Poggio and discover Tuscany's organic olive and grape farming traditions when you sit down to enjoy lunch complimented by stunning views.
  • Rome: Savor a dinner accompanied by the rich tremolo of some of Italy's best-loved operas.
Insight Experiences
  • Vatican City: Visit the Vatican Museums, witness the genius of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel and see St. Peter's Basilica.
  • Rome: Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit. This 9th-century basilica’s simple facade guards the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics. The history of the church springs to life as you admire the interior’s treasured collection, including Bernini's first sculpture and the renowned mosaics, illuminated for your visit. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is a rare and unforgettable insight into Rome and its religious history.
Make Travel Matter
  • Stanserhorn: Journey to the top of Mount Stanserhorn on a panoramic, open-top cable car powered by solar energy, and enjoy spectacular views from 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. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 7 & 15: Affordable and Clean Energy & Life on Land.
  • 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.
Summary
  • Visit the Basilica of St. Francis with a Local Expert in Assisi.
Top Rated Highlights
  • Stanserhorn: Journey to the top of Mount Stanserhorn on a panoramic, open-top cable car powered by solar energy, and enjoy spectacular views from the summit.
  • Lucerne: See the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge.
  • Vaduz: Admire the Royal family's residence, Vaduz Castle, which overlooks the capital and is surrounded by year-round snow-peaked mountains.
  • Innsbruck: Nestled amidst majestic mountains, Innsbruck is a beautiful city offering a unique combination of nature, history, and culture. Stroll the streets of the picturesque Old Town, with your Travel Director, learn about its history and admire the Baroque and Gothic architecture.
  • Venice: Join your Travel Director for an introduction to Venice, exploring its canals, lively squares, and historic landmarks. Discover the city’s unique charm as you navigate its maze of streets and take in iconic sights like St Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge.
  • Pisa: Your Local Expert will show you the baptistery bristling with marble spines, and the colonnaded bell tower lurching behind the 11th-century cathedral - the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles.
  • Florence: Join a Local Expert to view the multi-colored marble cathedral,


11 nights from $5,103 per person

Itinerary
Click here for Full Itinerary Details
  Close

Itinerary Details

Insight Vacations: Road to Rome - Start Paris, Classic Group

Day 1 - Welcome to Paris
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. In the evening, join your Travel Director for a fabulous welcome dinner at a local brasserie.
Accommodations: Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - Paris, the 'City of Light'
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?
Accommodations: Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Burgundy and Lucerne
Journey through the rural French countryside of Burgundy, famous for its vineyards and wines, and pass the Jura Mountains as you cross into Switzerland. Arrive in glorious lakeside Lucerne. A range of enticing options is available for your Dine-Around evening. Choose from a selection of hand-picked local restaurants.
Accommodations: Astoria Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 - Lucerne and Mount Stanserhorn
Explore Mount Stanserhorn on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, as an open-top cable car powered by solar panels takes you up to 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.
Accommodations: Astoria Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Lucerne to Innsbruck Relaxed Start
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.
Accommodations: AC, Innsbruck
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - The Dolomites to Venice
Leave Innsbruck to travel across the impressive Europa Bridge and through the Dolomites. Cross into Italy and 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.
Accommodations: BW Premier Collection CHC Continental, Venice
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 - The Magic of 'La Serenissima' Relaxed Start
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?
Accommodations: BW Premier Collection CHC Continental, Venice
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Tuscany, Pisa and Florence
Take in beautiful views of the rolling Tuscan hills, as you enjoy lunch on the veranda when you visit Il Poggio for lunch. 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.
Accommodations: Ambasciatori, Florence
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9 - Florence Sightseeing Relaxed Start
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 Vecchi, this afternoon there's free time to shop or perhaps continue exploring.
Accommodations: Indigo, Florence
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - Chianti Country to Assisi and on to 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. Journey through the vineyards of the Chianti region, passing Lake Trasimeno, one of the Italian Peninsula’s largest lakes and the site of a great battle in ancient times against Hannibal and his war elephants. Continue up the foothills of the Apennine Mountains to reach the delightful town of Assisi, built from stone and spilling over the steep hillside. With a Local Expert, visit the tomb of St. Francis and admire the beautiful frescoes by Giotto in the great basilica, before continuing along the valley of the River Tiber towards the Eternal City of Rome.
Accommodations: Radisson Blu GHR, Rome
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 - Papal and Imperial Rome
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 view the Circus Maximus, the ancient chariot-racing stadium. Enjoy a private visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, welcomed by the Rector of the basilica. Celebrate your incredible journey through Europe in the vibrant atmosphere of the Eternal City as you indulge in dinner with wine at a local restaurant. Due to increased demand during the Jubilee year, access to the Vatican Museums may be limited. If tickets are unavailable during your visit, your sightseeing will instead explore the Capitoline Museums, home to the iconic Capitoline Wolf, ancient Roman bronzes and Renaissance art, set atop Michelangelo’s Piazza del Campidoglio with sweeping views of the Roman Forum.
Accommodations: Radisson Blu GHR, Rome
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12 - Arrivederci Roma
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.
Meals: Breakfast

Featured Destinations
Innsbruck
A city of enormous historical import as well as a renowned reputation for wintersports which has earned it the title "the world's winter capital". Landmarks include the famous Golden Roof, Hofburg Palace, Triumphal Arch and St. Anne's column which celebrates the freeing of the province from the Bavarians who occupied it during the War of the Spanish Secession in the early 18th century. To most people Innsbruck is synonymous with winter sports, and indeed, it could almost be called the world's winter capital: but there is much more to this historic city than skiing. It is the last large city to the west of the country and is the major centre of the Tyrol region including East Tyrol.
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.


Florence
The creative explosion of the Italian Renaissance happened right here, leaving petite Florence more art treasures than most national capitals. View the masterworks of local heroes like Michelangelo and Botticelli, visit countless unforgettable basilicas, then climb up into Brunelleschi's soaring dome to watch the sun set among cypress-clad Tuscan hillsides.
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

  Close

Venice: Splendours of Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours

Today enjoy a walking tour of Venice with your local English-speaking guide including visits to several of the most famous landmarks of the city.
The Doges’ Palace was the seat of the main government departments, the residence of the Doge, from where the Venetian Republic was ruled. Lavish frescoes, graceful staircases and gilded stuccowork reveal the glory and opulence of this period.
One of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture in Venice, St. Mark’s Basilica was once the Doge’s chapel. It is also a mausoleum for St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice who was martyred by the Turks in Alexandria, Egypt. As you enter the Basilica, marvel at the golden mosaics depicting the life of St. Mark, the Old and New Testaments, the life of Jesus and his Resurrection. St. Mark’s Square is actually not a square at all, but a trapezoid whose extensive sides flare out giving it the appearance of being even more spacious.
Travel to and from the San Marco area with your guide by private Venetian-style motorboat.

Highlights:
  • Admire the wonderful architecture of the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica
Tour Duration: 4 hours

Tour can Operate: Morning/Afternoon

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:
  • Return private motorboat transfers between the harbour and central Venice
  • An expert English-speaking guide (4 hours)
  • Entrance fees to all named sights and museums
  • All taxes
Exclusions:
  • All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs.
  • Gratuities

Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours

  Close

Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours

Venice holds a wealth of treasures for anybody interested in the exquisite arts. With your expert guide, discover the Frari church, considered one of the most imposing Gothic monuments in Venice. In view of this, you’ll be surprised to discover that the church’s austere look hides a wonderfully lavish interior where, among the many treasures, you’ll find Titian’s early altarpieces and a true masterpiece by Giovanni Bellini. Also visit the Accademia Gallery; a dazzling collection of masterpieces spanning the full development of Venetian art from Byzantine to Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo. Travel to and from the San Marco area with your guide by private Venetian-style motorboat.

Highlights:
  • Admire the many art treasures on display in the Frari Church
  • See the masterpieces on display in the Accademia Gallery
Tour Duration: 4 hours

Tour Can Operate: Morning/Afternoon

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:
  • Return private motorboat transfers between the harbour and central Venice
  • An expert English-speaking guide (4 hours)
  • Entrance fees to all stated sights and museums
  • All taxes
Exclusions:
  • All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
  • Gratuities

Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 7 hours

  Close

Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 7 hours

Travel with your English-speaking driver across the causeway to Venice’s mainland and onwards to the beautiful and historic city of Verona where your expert local guide will meet with you. Verona is an elegant city with one of the world’s finest Roman amphitheatres at its heart. The Arena still plays host to thousands of performances today, as it did millennia ago.
Verona also featured heavily in Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, so a visit to the house of Juliet and its famous balcony is a must. Enjoy time at leisure (about an hour) in the beautiful piazzas before returning with your driver to your cruise ship.

Highlights:
  • Visit Verona's impressive Amphitheatre
  • See Juliet's House and its famous balcony
Tour Duration: 7 hours

Tour Can Operate: Mornings

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:
  • Luxury car or minivan transfers between Venice cruise terminal and Verona
  • An expert English-speaking guide in Verona (3 hours)
  • Entrance fees to the stated sightseeing
  • All taxes
Exclusions:
  • All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
  • Gratuities

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

  Close

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

Added Value:
  • Introduction to the history of Venice
  • Visit to private glass producer in Murano
  • Tour of Grand Canal by private boat
  • Reservations to St.Marks and Doge's Palace - no lines
Tour duration: 6 hours
Not wheelchair accessible
Physical activity: Moderate with a fair amount of walking

Included:
  • Private English speaking guide for the day and private boat.
  • Clients are picked up and dropped off at the Port
Excluded: 
Meals

Venice: Lagoon Islands - 7 hours

  Close

Venice: Lagoon Islands - 7 hours

Today you will be met by your local English-speaking guide for a full day excursion by private motor-boat to explore the Lagoon Islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.
Venice lies in the centre of a vast lagoon that stretches for about 30 miles from north to south, studded by numerous small islands, mostly deserted. This amazing environment is what drove the Venetians to establish their city here, a perfectly secure and inaccessible little world. Enjoy the beauty of a ride across the waters of the lagoon; visit the island of Murano, where glass has been made for over 700 years and where you can see the age-old techniques of glass blowing still in use today.
Continue to Torcello, to see the breathtaking mosaics in the Basilica di Santa Maria dell’Assunta, the oldest building on the lagoon. After a leisurely lunch (payable locally) you reach the island of Burano, a quaint and colourful fisherman island famous for its lace and charming architecture.

Highlights:

  • Cruise across the lagoon to Murano, where glass has been made for over 700 years using the same techniques
  • Explore Torcello and Burano, a colourful fishing village famous for its lace and charming architecture
Tour Duration: 7 hours

Tour can Operate: Morning

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Low

Inclusions:
•    Return private motorboat transfer between the harbour and the islands
•    An expert local guide (7 hours)
•    Entrance fees
•    All taxes

Exclusions:
•    All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
•    Gratuities

The story of Murano and Burano

  Close

The story of Murano and Burano

Hop on a private boat and start sailing through the Venice lagoon! This unique tour will let you discover the authentic side of Venice by exploring two famous islands – Murano and Burano. First stop, Murano – an epicenter of the most sophisticated glass production in the world. “Il vetro di Murano”, the glass of Murano, is a special type of glass made for decades. You will visit one of the traditional factories and take part in a glass-blowing demonstration. Pretty exclusive, don’t you think?

Your next stop is Burano – a small, fishermen’s island, famous for its heritage of lace embroidery that it’s still today made by hand only. It is often mentioned as one of the prettiest towns in Italy and also one of the most unique thanks to two characteristics: its canals and its colorful houses that make the island a real rainbow of colors! This tour will surely let you remember the Venice Lagoon forever.

Highlights:

  • Unique island experience 
  • Personal guide
Tour Duration: Approx. 3-4h
Tour can operate: Morning or afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions: 
  • Private guide
  • Private boat
Not Included:
  • Lunch
  • Drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Items purchased for personal use

The Canal Grande cruise followed by a walking tour of Venice

  Close

The Canal Grande cruise followed by a walking tour of Venice

Are you ready to start this tour with a private boat cruise down the most spectacular “boulevard” in the world? Yes, we are talking about The Canal Grande, Venice’s main artery. Just hop on your private boat and enjoy the scenic views of all the marvelous palaces and side alley’s canals. Sit back and relax while you absorb the breath-taking beauty and uniqueness of Venice. After the ride, the guide will take you through Calli, Callette, Ponti, Campi and Campielli. You will reach Rialto bridge, that was the only way to cross the great Canal on foot, for centuries. You can indulge in great experience of the famous local market filled with interesting products and learn more about the area that was once a significant place for trading goods.
 

Highlights:

  • unique sightseeing experience 

  • Personal guide

Tour Duration: up to 4h
Tour can operate: Morning / Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Easy

Inclusions: 

  • Private guide
  • No line entrance tickets for Doge’s Palace and St. Mark Basilic

Not Included:

  • Lunch
  • Tips
  • Drinks
  • Transfers

 

Lucerne
Without a doubt one of the prettiest towns in Switzerland, Lucerne lies in the heart of the country on famous lake of Lucerne. Dotted with Renaissance and Baroque fountains, colorful paintings on the gables and commanded by the exquisite wooden bridge, the Kapellbrücke and Wasserturm, the 13th century octagonal water tower, Lucerne's character is pure charm. Spectacular views and sights abound from almost every vantage point in and around Lucerne. The Old Town Hall is a fine example of a Renaissance building while the City Wall, built between 1350 and 1405 stands proud above the city. A stroll along the quay leads past the modern health resort and onto the largest, most important Transport Museum in Europe and the only Planetarium in Switzerland. The famous Lion Monument and Glacier Garden make for remarkable viewing as do the mountain peaks surrounding the city. A short drive from town takes visitors to some of the most breathtaking landscapes on earth, and a short drive from Viewaldstätter Lake leads to nearby winter resorts and many more lakes.
Paris
Paris, world capital of art and culture, gathers some of the most famous museums and monuments in the world. Like all the world's great capitals, Paris lives at a fast pace, by day, by night and especially at rush hours. Bear in mind that museums and monuments are often less crowded during the week. Sights that should not be missed include: The Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay. Visit any of the many others according to your tastes and interests: the Musee Picasso, Musee Rodin, Musee Carnavalet, Musee Marmottan and the Arab Institute are just a few. Essential Paris monuments are the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe or the Grande Arche de la Defense.

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges
09/30/2025 - 10/11/2025
from $5,805 per person *
12/24/2025 - 01/04/2026
from $5,103 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 $5,103 per person
Length
11 Nights
Air City
Call for airfares from your city.
Vacation Rating
Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
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
1517375

Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.

Request More Info!

Sign up for Email Specials Print This Page


OVERVIEW SUPPLIERS DESTINATIONS
Vacations Search
Between
And

Exclusive Offers

  • Cruise & River Cruise Promotions
  • Vacation/Tour Promotions

Luxury Vacation Suppliers

  • Avanti
  • Cosmos
  • Globus

Hotels & Resorts

  • Signature Hotels & Resorts
  • Signature Hotel & Resort Specials

Preferred Cruise Lines

  • Amawaterways
  • Crystal Cruises
  • Disney Cruise Line
  • Oceania Cruises
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  • Seabourn Cruises
  • Silversea Cruises
  • Uniworld River Cruises
  • Windstar Cruises

Specialty Travel

  • Alaska Vacations
  • Hawaii Vacations
  • Mexico Vacations
  • Luxury Vacations
  • River Cruises
  • Group Travel
  • Family Vacations
  • Celebrations Travel
  • Active Adventures

The Cruise & Vacation Authority

1760 Powers Ferry Road
Suite 100
Marietta, GA 30067

Phone: 800.326.4971
Local: 770.952.8300
Fax: 770.916.1425

HomeResourcesAbout UsGet a Quote!Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyContact

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved. The Cruise & Vacation Authority.

Seller of Travel: 1004999-10

Travel content powered by advaia.com