Insight Vacations

Highlights

• Athens: Ascend the Acropolis with a Local Expert to admire the Parthenon, built in 5th century B.C. Steps away you'll see the Temple of Athena Nike, also known as the Temple of the Wingless Victory, and the six stone-carved caryatids that make up the Porch of the Maidens on the Erechtheion.
• Athens: See the Arch of Hadrian, erected in honor of the Roman Emperor and used as a divider between the ancient city and the new Roman district, along with the remaining columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
• Thermopylae: See the Leonidas Monument dedicated to the brave warrior and his 300 Spartans.
• Kalambaka: Your Travel Director will provide an orientation of this town situated at the base of the extraordinary Meteora rocks.
• Meteora: With a Local Expert, visit one of the remarkable centuries-old monasteries of Meteora, teetering on towers of rock and arguably the most spectacular place to visit in Greece.

Highlights

• Cork: Ireland's second city - "Rebel Cork" dates back to the 7th century. Your Travel Director will show you the Grand Parade and South Mall, along with City Hall and the Opera House on an insightful orientation tour encompassing the development of the religious settlement of St. Finbarr, to Viking raiding and settlement, to the creation of the Norman city and Merchant Princes. You’ll love learning the tales and history of this port city and enjoy hearing the lilt of the Cork accent.
• Ring of Kerry: Venture into a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands, beaches, fields dotted with sheep, rocky coastline, remote villages and historical sites, as you journey the magical Ring of Kerry. This 111-mile circular route is the best place to admire Ireland's scenic beauty and truly one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
• Cliffs of Moher: Towering cliffs and the dramatic sea, the Cliffs of Moher has inspired countless travelers. Visit the Exhibition Center and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs that rise over 700 feet high. Gain insights from your Travel Director into the cliffs’ geology, history and the species that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies.
• Galway: Fascinating stories and interesting locals take center stage on your orientation of the historic heart of Galway. Visit the Lynch Memorial Window. Then make your way to the Church of St. Nicholas - the largest medieval parish church in Ireland in continuous use, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square.
• Connemara: With a striking Victorian Walled Garden and turreted church, Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey is a sight to behold. Dig into the Abbey’s history, discovering how it was founded in 1920 for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.

Highlights

• Gallipoli: Pay your respects at Anzac Cove and Lone Pine Cemetery.
• Troy: Visit this ancient sight fabled to have been destroyed over love and view the huge reconstructed Trojan Horse.
• Ephesus: Visit the Archaeological museum housing many of the artefacts from Ephesus.
• Ephesus: Discover one of the world's finest ancient sites. Led by your Local Expert, walk the Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and Amphitheater and visit the Palace of Knossos.
• Pamukkale: See the cascading Cotton Castle of milky white travertine pools and the ancient ruin of Hierapolis.

Highlights

• Venice: With your Travel Director cruise to St. Mark's Square and see the Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark's Basilica.
• Ljubljana: Explore this elegant capital with your Local Expert, to see the castle City Hall, Cathedral of St Nicholas and Triple Bridge.
• Maribor: Led by your Travel Director, explore this charming city, the second largest in Slovenia. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of old and new architecture.
• Vienna: Join your Local Expert for a city tour that reveals both the renowned sights and hidden gems of Vienna's historic core. Travel along the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche.
• Salzburg: Join your Local Expert to visit the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace and Residence Square - both locations used in 'The Sound of Music.' You will also see the imposing fortress, the immense cathedral and Mozart's birthplace on the lively Getreidegasse.

Highlights

• Chateau Chenonceau: Visit the majestic Château de Chenonceau, known as the 'Ladies' Château' it perfectly embodies the elegance of 16th century design in the Loire Valley.
• Bordeaux: Your Local Expert will show you the quayside facades, Grand Theater, Triangle d'Or and magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces.
• San Sebastián: Led by your Local Expert, enjoy a guided walking tour of the Old Quarter including Plaza de la Constitucion.
• Barcelona: With your Local Expert, drive along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture as you journey through the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing Sagrada Família.
• Avignon: Once the seat of papal power, Avignon is a city steeped in history and charm. View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes, one of the largest Gothic palaces in Europe.

Highlights

• Rome: Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a passionate local. See Circus Maximus and the Ancient Forum, where Ancient Roman political life and law courts mingled with open-air markets and shops.
• Pompeii: Walk with a Local Expert through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the first century.
• Capri: Explore Capri town with your Local Expert and see the whitewashed houses, winding alleyways, small cafes, fashionable boutiques and artisans studios.
• Capri: Discover the luxuriant Gardens of Augustus with a Local Expert and admire views of the Faraglioni rocks.
• Florence: See the historic neighborhood of the Santa Croce Basilica and witness local craftspersons at work during a gold and leatherwork demonstration.

Highlights

• Nashville: On a guided tour walk the hallowed halls of Historic RCA Studio B, Nashville’s oldest remaining recording studio. It became a cradle of the Nashville Sound (country) in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Over 35,000 songs were recorded here by artists such as Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and even more recently, Martina McBride and Carrie Underwood.
• Nashville: Nashville is a treasure trove of country music. See where it all started, taking in a live performance at the Grand Ole Opry, the show that made country music famous. Discover how the Grand Ole Opry is dedicated to honoring country music’s rich history and dynamic present, showcasing a mix of country legends -- including Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson -- and the current chart-toppers who have followed in their footsteps. Learn how the Opry has been the home to country music’s growth and change, from the first broadcast in the National Life Building on WSM’s Barn Dance in 1925 to the move into the new Opry House in 1974 and on to host the 55th Annual ACM Awards in 2020.
• Nashville: Dive into the heart of the Nashville Sound at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Explore exhibits like "Sing Me Back Home: Folk Roots to the Present,"showcasing the evolution of country music from its 19th-century roots to today. Celebrate female icons such as Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, and Loretta Lynn. Marvel at original artifacts, photographs, and recordings. Experience a unique one-hour performance by a female songwriter who shares her journey in the music industry, playing her songs and discussing the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in country music.
• Memphis: Explore the mansion which served as the private retreat for royalty, the King of Rock 'n Roll himself, Elvis Presley. Graceland, a National Historic Landmark, is an exciting opportunity to get to know the personal side of "The King" in his most intimate setting. Seeing Graceland Mansion’s living room, his parents’ bedroom, the kitchen, TV room, pool room, the famous Jungle Room, his father’s office, the newly enhanced Trophy Building, the Racquetball Building. See where he and his family lived their daily life. If only the walls could talk.
• Memphis: Visit Sun Studio, also known as the “birthplace of rock and roll," where music legends, including B.B. King, Johnny Cash and Elvis recorded some of their iconic hits.