Cruise · Insight Vacations · 15 nights

Country Roads of Italy, a Women-Only Tour

Explore ancient Roman sites like the Colosseum and Pompeii with local experts
Discover the art of Italian gastronomy, from Parmigiano-Reggiano to balsamic vinegar
Stay in charming accommodations across Italy, from San Gimignano to Venice

$11,450 pp twin share

15 nights

Enquire

Country Roads of Italy Womens Only Guided Tour

Map Country Roads Of Italy Women Only Guided Tour XE722 2027

Cruise Snapshot

15 Nights

Discover the heart of Italy on this women-only tour, exploring ancient cities, charming islands, and rich culinary traditions

Sail to the rock isle of Capri and enjoy a cocktail-making masterclass with stunning views
Learn the art of loom-weaving from a women-owned and-run weaving association in Perugia
Cruise the canals of Venice and toast to a fantastic trip over a delightful dinner of local specialities

Trip Details

Departs: 28 May 2027
Returns: 23 October 2027
Operator: Insight Vacations

Journey across the Italian peninsula on this 16-day women-only tour that stretches from the sapphire waters of the Bay of Naples 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 unrivalled views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and kick back at a cocktail-making masterclass. In Perugia, learn the art of loom-weaving from a women-owned and-run weaving association and in Florence witness traditional leatherwork and gold craftsmanship. Conclude in Venice, cruising the canals to Burano, an idyllic, colourful island in the Venetian Lagoon where you’ll toast to a fantastic trip over a delightful dinner of local specialities.

$11,450

pp twin share

Enquire

Refundable until 90 days before departure. No pressure.

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When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs

28 May 2027

Returns

23 October 2027

Duration

15 nights

From pp twin share

$11,450 pp

28 May 2027 - 12 Jun 2027
from $12,625 pp twin share *
18 Jun 2027 - 03 Jul 2027
from $11,650 pp twin share *
16 Jul 2027 - 31 Jul 2027
from $11,750 pp twin share *
06 Aug 2027 - 21 Aug 2027
from $11,450 pp twin share *
08 Oct 2027 - 23 Oct 2027
from $12,450 pp twin share *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Day by day

Itinerary

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. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director and getting to know your fellow travellers over a delicious Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
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 Square in the Vatican City, then cross the Tiber River for a visit to the iconic Colosseum.
3
Castel Gandolfo to Capri
Venture to Castel Gandolfo to explore the Villa Barberini Gardens, once part of the papal estate. Travel by electric vehicle along its pathways, passing intricately arranged flower beds and elegant fountains. Continue south to Naples where you’ll board a ferry across the Bay of Naples to the enchanting island of Capri. From the port you’ll head to Anacapri, a picturesque point set high above the island’s dramatic coastline for a cocktail-making masterclass. Alongside your fellow travellers you’ll discover how to craft the perfect drink and raise a glass together in this stunning setting.
4
Capri, the Isle of Dreams
Today is for exploring the fabled island of Capri, a jewel of the Bay of Naples rising dramatically from the Mediterranean’s shimmering blue waters. For more than 2,000 years, Capri has drawn visitors to its shores, from Roman emperors such as Tiberius Caesar to celebrated figures captivated by its natural beauty and cosmopolitan charm. Stroll through its narrow alleyways and lively piazzas with a Local Expert. As you explore, take in panoramic views over the water and the distinctive atmosphere that has made it one of Italy’s most enduringly alluring destinations. You may also choose to join an Optional Experience cruising along the Amalfi coast to Positano, with time ashore, before returning to your hotel.
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. Savour 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.
6
Todi
Admire the undulating splendour of the Umbrian hills, where the glossy green vineyards gleam in the warm rays of the sun. Settle in and enjoy a day at leisure amidst this breathtaking landscape.
7
Assisi and on to Perugia
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 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. Travel through the Umbrian hills to a family-owned winery 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 labour with a tasting of their exceptional wines.
8
Perugia, the Jewel of Umbria
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 centre with views of Lake Trasimeno and the Val di Chiana.
9
Renaissance Florence and Tuscany
Embark on your journey, passing Lake Trasimeno to Renaissance Florence. Join a Local Expert to see the marble-clad cathedral, bell tower and the Gates of Paradise on the baptistery. Afterwards, discover Florence’s rich artisan heritage during a demonstration of traditional leatherwork and gold craftsmanship before enjoying time at leisure to explore Piazza della Signoria—an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at the fountains and sculptures along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio.
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 flavour combinations. Journey through the rolling, cypress-clad hills and vineyards of Tuscany as you return to your hotel.
11
On to Lucca
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 favourite of the ancient Roman army. Later, you could take the opportunity to explore Pisa.
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.
13
On to Parma
Journey to the elegant university town of Parma, celebrated for its culinary heritage—most notably its world-famous ham and cheese. Enjoy a tasting of this prized cheese, paired with a glass of local wine. Later, unwind in the soothing waters of a natural thermal spa, set within a 19th-century palace. These restorative springs have delighted visitors since the days of the European Grand Tour. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing evening at leisure in Parma.
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. Afterwards, continue through the Soave vineyards past Padua to Venice, Queen of the Adriatic.
15
The Magic of La Serenissima
Enjoy a visit to a Venetian glassblowing workshop where you can see how beautiful, handcrafted glass is made by expert artisans, preserving centuries-old traditions. Visit St. Mark’s Square, where the city’s former wealth and power is evident in the riches of St. Mark’s Basilica, and admire the Doge's Palace with its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. 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. Cruise the islands of the Venetian Lagoon to arrive at Burano, famous for its candy-coloured houses. Conclude your women-only tour over a delightful dinner of local specialities.
16
Arrivederci Venice
Your departure transfer arrives at Venice Marco Polo Airport.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

San Gimignano: Ascend serpentine alleyways to the artisan gelato parlour of world champion gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli for a taste of his finest frozen treats.
Parma: At Caseificio San Bernardino, meet a passionate local who lives and breathes Italian gastronomy and quality cheese.
Step inside to witness the craft behind Parmigiano-Reggiano as it’s made and carefully matured, learning how time, temperature and skilled hands shape its nutty aroma and crystalline texture.
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.
Rome: Explore Rome’s storied past as you see the sweeping Circus Maximus, once the largest stadium in ancient Rome and host to thrilling chariot races.

Where you’ll stay