The Principalities of EuropeExperience the history, culture and inner workings of some of the smallest independent countries in Europe

including the most serene republic of san Marino and the Vatican City

Stay in some of world’s smallest countries including San Marino, perched high on the Apennine Mountains

102 | Insightvacations.com

Day 5 & 6 – Avignon & Aix-en-Provence. First stop is at the incredible Pont du Gard, a superb three-tiered aqueduct dating from Roman times. On to Avignon to see the famous Pont d’Avignon, immortalised in song. Walk within the medieval battlements through narrow streets to stand in the shadow of the old Papal Palace, resembling a fortress. this AFtErnoon Visit A FAMiLy oWnED oLiVE MiLL to sample its high quality produce. a On to Aix-en-Provence. In the morning, take in the elegant mansions, plane trees and fountains of the Cours Mirabeau before JOiNiNg A QuALiFiED ChEF For An EntErtAining FrEnCh CookEry DEMonstrAtion. a Afterwards, share in the authentic tastes of the region with a Provençal light lunch. g The afternoon is at leisure in this “most beautiful town in France after Paris”. (BB,D/BB,L) Hotel: Renaissance, Aix En Provence.

Day 7 & 8 – Monaco & the Côte d’Azur. Take ‘La Provençale’, the inland highway, towards the Côte d’Azur. Visit Cannes, playground of the elite and renowned for its film festival. Continue to the beautiful MEDiEVAL hiLL-toP ViLLAgE oF st PAuL DE VEnCE - a source of inspiration for artists such as Chagall, Matisse and Cezanne. a Next unlock the secrets of the French perfume industry with a Visit to A PErFuMEry, where fragrance experts waft exclusive scents from stoppered bottles. a Continue on to your hotel in exclusive Monaco, ruled by the Grimaldi family since the 13C. In the morning, drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit to the Old Town. Then walk with your Tour Director to the Royal Palace, see the yacht-filled harbour and visit the tomb of Princess Grace in the Cathedral. The rest of the day is at leisure. (BB/BB) Hotel: Columbus, Monte Carlo.

Day 9 & 10 – Jewels of the Ligurian Coast - San Remo, Portofino & the Cinque Terre. Cross the italian border and drive along the Riviera of Flowers to elegant San Remo. Time to explore the tiny streets and covered alleyways that wind up the hill to the gardens and sanctuary at the top. Continue along the coast to Santa Margherita for A short CruisE

Day 1 & 2 – Barcelona, The City of Gaudi. Welcome to Spain! On arrival at Barcelona Airport, transfers leave for the tour hotel at 09:30 & 12:30. Later, join your Tour Director for a WELCoME rECEPtion and the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine. gAfter a restful night’s sleep, JOiN A LOCAL ExPERT iN ThE gOThiC QuARTER. Walk from the cathedral through the Roman gate to the lanes and old squares beyond. Now drive by the lively Ramblas and along the Passeig de Gràcia, adorned with some of the most flamboyant Modernist buildings. Continue through the Eixample district to stand beneath the facade of gaudi’s extraordinary, unfinished Sagrada Familia church. A mix of Gothic spires, fruity mosaics and sinuous sculpture - it defies belief! Also spend some time in La Boqueria, one of Europe’s largest and most famous food markets. aThe afternoon is at leisure. (WD/BB) Hotel: Hesperia Presidente, Barcelona.

Day 3 – Montserrat & Andorra. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views this morning as you AsCEnD thE “sErrAtED MountAin” oF MontsErrAt. inside the Basilica real the mystical Black Madonna is surrounded by an altar of gold. a Continue through Catalan mountain villages and tunnels to the tiny Principality of Andorra, capital of the Pyrenees. Time here for duty free shopping or a walk around the historic centre. (BB,D) Hotel: Abba Xalet Suites, Andorra.

Day 4 – The Citadel of Carcassonne & Montpellier. Descend the Pyrenees to arrive at the French medieval town of Carcassonne. ENTERiNg CARCASSONNE iS LikE STEPPiNg BACk iN TiME; the city has a complete set of ramparts, a medieval keep, even a sports ground for jousting! Now past Narbonne and follow the Golfe du Lion to the old university town of Montpellier, noted for its 17C mansions, wide streets and beautiful gardens. (BB,D) Hotel: Pullman Montpellier Antigone.

D

France

Switzerland

Italy

Germany

Austria

Hungary

Sardinia

CorsicaSpain

Malta

SIENA(Day 11 and 12)

BARCELONA(Day 1 and 2)

San Remo

St. Paul de Vence

Pont du Gard

REPUBLIC OFSAN MARINO

(Day 13)

Avignon

Montserrat

Carcassonne

Cinque Terre

ROME & THEVATICAN CITY(Day 14, 15 and 16)

Carinthian Lakes

Frascati

Italian Lake District

PRINCIPALITYOF ANDORRA

(Day 3)

MONTPELLIER(Day 4)

AIX-EN-PROVENCE(Day 5 and 6)

PRINCIPALITYOF MONACO

(Day 7 and 8)

SANTA MARGHERITA

(Day 9 and 10)

LigurianSea

AdriaticSea

TyrrhenianSea

k

k

k

PortofinoFlorencek

PerugiaArezzo

k

kk

k

Gentle JOURNEY PACE Lively

IREGIONAL JOURNEY

kEY

A JOIN/LEAVE OPTIONS

k UNESCO HERITAGE SITE

2 CENTRAL HOTELS + NTS

See page 188

See page 189

Barcelona, Principality of Andorra, Montpellier, Aix-En-Provence, Principality of Monaco, Santa Margherita, Siena, Republic of San Marino, Rome - 16 Days Premium touring from $300 per day

USA - tripadvisor.com

Signature Experiences a, Dining g & Hotels s

For guest tour reviews, to book or for more information, visit insightvacations.com or speak to your local travel agent

a Barcelona: Venture behind La Boqueria’s grand iron entrance to a wonderful world of food.

a Montserrat: Ascend the ‘serrated mountain’, enjoy the spectacular panoramic views, and visit the Basilica Real to see the mystical Black Madonna.

a Provence: Visit a family run olive mill, meet the family, learn about the oil production process and taste the high quality products.

a Aix-en-Provence: Join a qualified chef for a fun introduction to French cooking! Learn the techniques and get to grips with the flavours of France.

a St Paul de Vence: Discover how this hilltop town became a refuge for artists as you explore the winding alleyways.

a Côte d’Azur: The secrets of perfume making are revealed during a guided tour of a perfume laboratory.

a Portofino: Get a taste of the ‘sweet life’ in this elegant fishing village and cruise to Santa Margherita.

a Cinque Terre: Take a short boat cruise to visit two of the villages of this UNESCO world heritage site.

a Rome: Gain VIP entrance into the Vatican Museums and be among the select few to admire the famous Bramante Staircase. Admire the Popes’ treasure-trove and confront the genius of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel.

g Aix-en-Provence: After your French Cooking class enjoy Lunch Provençal style.

g Over a sumptuous dinner of traditional and freshly prepared Italian dishes, fill your glasses with wine, and toast to your new found friends.

- At the newly decorated Pullman Montpellier Antigone, take some time out to relax by the pool which offers a view over the city.

- The prestigious furnishings and objets d’art throughout the Grand Hotel Primavera creates an elegant and relaxing atmosphere for your visit to San Marino.

(weather permitting) to the village of PortoFino, epitome of La Dolce Vita. a Linger in the Piazzetta cafés, shop at upscale boutiques, or watch the yachts moored in the harbour. In the morning, get ready for another highlight, the CinQuE tErrE, listed as a unEsCo World heritage site! a This wild but hospitable coastline, with its vineyards and fishing villages, at one time could only be reached by boat or train! ExPLORE A COuPLE OF ThE viLLAgES huggiNg ThE CLiFF-FACE, where there are amazing opportunities to capture great photographs. Soak up the atmosphere before returning to your hotel. (BB,D/BB) Hotel: Best Western Regina Elena, Santa Margherita.

Day 11 & 12 – Florence & Siena. Follow the Adriatic highway through tunnels and bridges, before climbing up to Florence. WALk WiTh A LOCAL ExPERT TO ThE LOFTY CAThEDRAL to see the ‘gates of Paradise’ on the Baptistery and giotto’s 14th century Campanile. Walk on to Signoria Square with its open-air gallery of Renaissance sculpture. Afterwards, a delightful drive through the cypress and olive groves of Tuscany brings you to Siena. Wake up ready to embrace Siena, Renaissance rival of Florence. WALk ThROugh ThE NARROW COBBLED STREETS TO ThE vAST CAMPO SQuARE, where the biannual Palio horse race takes place. See Della Quercia’s ‘Fonte Gaia’, then see the amazing zebra striped cathedral with its superb marble paving and fine pulpit. Time also to visit the fine city hall or the house where St Catherine lived for most of her life. The afternoon is at leisure. (BB,D/BB) Hotel: NH Excelsior Siena.

Day 13 – Arezzo & San Marino. Call in at Arezzo, eastern Tuscany’s vibrant little capital, draped across the

side of a hill. Spend some time in the Piazza Grande, surrounded by an attractive jumble of palazzi, towers and churches - you might recognise it from Benigni’s Oscar winning film “Life is Beautiful”. Now a mountain drive through the heart of the Appenines brings you to San Marino, Europe’s smallest republic, crouched within medieval ramparts at the top of a dramatic cliff. Time here to explore the old town and take in the breathtaking views. (BB) Hotel: Grand Hotel Primavera, San Marino.

Day 14 & 15 – Perugia, Rome & the Vatican City. More beautiful scenery this morning as you make your way to Perugia, the jewel of umbria. Sightseeing begins on foot in the main street of Perugia’s Old Town. See the Collegio del Cambio, the splendid Priors’ Palace, the Cathedral and finely sculptured great Fountain. Finally, continue to Rome - the ‘Eternal City’. next morning you are JoinED By A LoCAL ExPErt who takes you through the VAtiCAn MusEuMs to stand

beneath Michelangelo’s famous ceiling in the sistine Chapel. your ViP visit includes fast-track entry and the Bramante staircase, a part of the Vatican closed to the general public. a Continue inside the cavernous St Peter’s Basilica. Leave the Vatican City and cross the Tiber to see the mighty Colosseum. The afternoon is at leisure. tonight, join us for an unforgettable CELEBrAtion DinnEr of delicious italian cuisine and wine. g (BB/BB,CD) Hotel: NH Giustiniano, Rome.

Day 16 – Arrivederci Roma! Departure transfers arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 & 09:30. (BB) Why not take our 3 night Easy Pace Malta Mini stay, see page 32 for details.

B

your signature Experiences and Dining are worth approximately us$742 Tour Code: E914

Starts TwinThu 24 Apr - $5025Thu 08 May - $5025Thu 22 May - $5025

Starts TwinThu 05 Jun - $5099Thu 19 Jun - $5025Thu 03 Jul -$4950

Starts TwinThu 17 Jul -$4950Thu 31 Jul -$4950Thu 14 Aug -$4950

Starts TwinThu 28 Aug - $5025Thu 04 Sep - $5099Thu 11 Sep - $5099

Starts TwinThu 18 Sep - $5099Thu 25 Sep - $4985Thu 09 Oct - $4950

Starts TwinThu 23 Oct - $4799

notes: twin prices are per person. All prices are in us$

Rooming Options: Single Supplement from $1440 p.p. ~ Triple Reduction Save $5 p.p.

Reductions Save up to: Young Traveller $500 ~ 2nd Trip $127 p.p. ~ Frequent Traveller $255 p.p.

Extra Nights: Barcelona: Hesperia Presidente Twin $189 Single $315 Triple $181 ~ Rome: NH Giustiniano Twin $214 Single $302 Triple $202 seasonal adjustments and/or black out dates apply

One way car/mini bus transfers outside scheduled times: Barcelona $75 p.p., Rome $50 p.p.

Early Payment Discount | Pay by Feb 12th & save up to $510 p.p. | Pay by Apr 30th & save up to $382 p.p.Visit our website to see if your departure qualifies for this great offer as discount is limited and subject to change.

EUROPE

Malta VALLETTA(Days 1, 2, 3 and 4)

Blue Grotto Marsaxlokk

EASY PACE mALTA mINI STAY - SEE PAGE 32

3 Night Easy Pace Malta Mini Stay

From only $685 p.p. - see page 32 for details.

103