Guest post by Fox World Travel tour manager, Rose Gray

There are Italy itineraries and then there is the ultimate Italy itinerary; Treasures of Italy with Fox World Travel and Insight Vacations is just that. On this group tour, we visited Vatican City with VIP access to the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museum. What made this part so special was our behind the scenes access where we had the chance to admire the Bramante Staircase, a revolutionary piece of architecture that most visitors don’t get to see.

Another feature which made this itinerary so extraordinary was our extended, two-night stay in Capri. Most tourists board their boats and hydrofoils at sunset to return to the mainland, but we got to experience the island after the day-trippers had left.

Other highlights included a visit to the Accademia Gallery in Florence to see Michelangelo’s masterpiece, David, a visit to the ill-fated town of Pompeii and a very special dinner in Tuscany with local cuisine, regional wine and music. This trip also included travel to the beautiful Italian Lake District with a one-night stay on Lake Maggiore. From there we made our way to Venice via Verona where Philip, our Insight Vacations travel director, helped us find Juliet’s balcony.

In Venice, we visited St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Two Venetian highlights here were a gondola ride while being serenaded through the myriad of beautiful canals and a magical evening where we sipped bellinis (which were invited at Harry’s Bar in Venice) beneath the stars in St. Mark’s Square.

This trip really showcases the beauty of all parts of Italy. From the coast to the big cities to quiet vineyards, there is no shortage of memorable experiences.

Interested in all things Italy? Take a look at our other recent trip to Italy with the Best of Italy Fox Follow-up. Want to travel with Rose and other tour managers? Check out our upcoming Fox Group Vacations.