In Italy, Insight Vacations offers guests a 14-day Country Roads of Italy itinerary. Attack jet lag over a steaming cappuccino in a five-star Roman hotel, spend two days ogling classical sites, then board a luxury coach to explore Umbria. Historians marvel at walled medieval hilltop towns, such as Assisi, featuring impressive churches containing extraordinary relics. Gorgeous vistas, winding alleys and charming squares are a photographer's dream. Behind-the-scenes visits include a spirited pasta cooking class in Orvieto and a Chianti estate tour with a skilled winemaker. In Tuscany, stroll along a path lined with knockout valley views to one side, a profusion of wildflowers to the other. It leads to the small shrine tucked into a nook in an Etruscan wall celebrated by author Frances Mayes in "Under the Tuscan Sun."
For those who prefer to linger longer soaking up the European urban way of life, a 10-day tour focused on three cities is just the ticket. Absorb the 'dolce vita' in stately Rome, marvel at Renaissance Florence and drink in magical Venice, with added touches such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Juliet's balcony in Verona. Insight Vacations, Trafalgar Tours, Perillo Tours and Globus Journeys are among the operators offering four- or five-star programs, meaning that guests will have professional tour directors, experienced guides, top quality center city hotels and meals at selected restaurants. At the deluxe end of the spectrum, Insight Vacations surprises and delights with just the right mix of leisure time for exploring famous spots.
Guests are whisked into central Paris following arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport, say bonjour over a welcome drink and join the tour director for a cruise on the River Seine to appreciate the City of Light from the best perspective. Of course, Notre Dame and the Louvre await, but when it comes to museums and churches, an experienced Insight Vacations guide will introduce the frequently overlooked Sainte-Chapelle and Jeu de Paumes. Just one look and you'll appreciate why. Art historians can deepen the theme with a side trip to Monet's Giverny home, while Francophiles head for the Palace of Versailles to reflect upon pre-revolutionary France in the Sun King's exquisite Hall of Mirrors.
Think of poppy fields in spring, fragrant lavender in summer, wine grapes in autumn. Because France is so popular as a year-round destination, a 10-day or longer escorted tour of France ticks so many of a traveler's boxes. Making new friends, sampling the local food and wine, and learning some useful French are just part of the fun. Baby boomers may opt for a relaxing tour of Normandy, Alsace, Champagne, the Riviera, and the Loire or Rhone Valleys in Mercedes Benz-style with Insight Vacations, whose guests are an average mid-50s in age. Alternatively, Contiki Holidays attracts under-35s, and paragliding and parties in Provence are part of the fun. Either way, escorted tour travelers avoid getting lost, never miss out on top sights, eat the best food, enjoy having experienced guides and drivers, do not lug their own bags around and stay in carefully selected accommodations.
