The 'Eternal City' has captivated travellers for centuries and you’ll not be disappointed as it prepares you for an exhilarating journey across Europe. On arrival, check in to your hotel, then get ready for your very own introduction to Rome or relax at your hotel following your journey. Later this evening, you’ll meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a glimpse into what lies ahead along your journey. Maybe soak up the city’s effervescent atmosphere during an Optional Experience dinner of light dinner of Italian specialties.
With so much to see and do, you could explore Rome for an eternity without getting bored. Join an Optional Experience to Michelangelo’s famous Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums or start your day the Italian way – slow and relaxed. Get to grips with the city’s main attractions, joining a Local Specialist at Vatican City, the world’s smallest country. Stand in St. Peter’s Square, sharing your space with devoted pilgrims and pigeons. Visit St. Peter's Basilica and view Michelangelo's greatest work, the sorrowful Pietà. Cross the Tiber next, to view the mighty Colosseum and the countless other ancient sites which featured prominently in the days of the powerful Roman Empire. Choose an Optional Experience to discover more of Rome with a Local Specialist.
Tuscany may claim to be the heart of Italy, but it is the stunning medieval city of Siena which will capture yours. Its fortified walls, towers and palaces emerge from the rolling countryside on your journey through the Chianti region. This former economic and military power today hosts the biannual Palio horse race, injecting a shot of colour amidst the burnt sienna façades of the city’s Il Campo. Your orientation tour will reveal the city’s rich heritage, architecture and cuisine, and explain why Siena is renowned for its signature panforte fruit cake, which you should try to sample during a visit at a pasticceria. Continue through stunning Tuscan landscapes to out hotel in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance.
No expense was spared to exalt the glory of Florence through art and architecture and you’ll see first-hand how this city paved its way to a modern age. Head to Piazzale Michelangelo to capture the city’s signature skyline with its imposing Duomo looming over the labyrinthine streets. During your free time you could choose to visit Piazza della Signoria, the city’s main square where many of the political and artistic treasures of the city can be seen. Don’t miss the Ponte Vecchio, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Baptistery. You’ll have time to shop for gold and leathercraft and perhaps you can choose an Optional Experience to Pisa where you’ll see the Leaning Tower and enjoy a local meal at a Tuscan farmhouse.
Cross the Apennine Mountains to the city of Bologna where you will join a Local Specialist to view the city's Kissing Towers and Il Gigante, commonly known as Neptune's Fountains. Arrive in the island city of Venice later. You’ll arrive just in time for an optional Gondola and Grand Canal cruise – grand palazzi, churches and ornate bridges line your journey. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Take to the waters of the canal and cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square, the gateway to the city. The Winged Lion of Venice remains an enduring symbol of the city and one you'll see repeatedly as you explore the city. Admire the ornate Doge's Palace, the Basilica of St. Mark and the Bridge of Sighs. Watch talented master craftsmen at work at a glassblowing workshop, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, then consider taking a cruise across the lagoon to Burano Island.
Your first stop today is on the idyllic shores of Lake Como. Soak up the jet-setting lifestyle of the rich and famous who love to holiday here surrounded by the unbelievable beauty of the area. Watch the spectacular scenery unfold as you cross the Swiss border bound for the heart of Switzerland on your very own 'Grand Tour' of Europe. The evening is yours to enjoy the picturesque setting of lakeside Lucerne.
Take a step back in time when you join your Travel Director for an orientation tour, exploring the Old Town, the ancient wooden Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument. The mournful, mortally wounded lion hewn from rock commemorates the sacrifice made by the Swiss Guards who died defending Louis XVI during the French Revolution. You’ll have time to explore the city your way, perhaps with some retail therapy. You could choose to ascend to the alpine heavens and maybe later join an Optional Experience up Mount Pilatus for a lively folklore show or enjoy a traditional lunch, including cheese fondue.
Cross the border into France this morning and journey through the vineyards of Burgundy. Take a walk through Paris’s grand past, its dynamic present and exciting future. You’ll discover that this is one capital that doesn’t hold back and doesn’t expect you to either. After a day of scenic driving, you’ll arrive in the City of Light with enough time to join an Optional Experience dinner and cabaret performance.
All the main icons feature on your morning sightseeing tour of Paris with your Travel Director. From the Eiffel Tower and grand Champs-Élysées to the iconic Arc de Triomphe which honours those who fought and died for France over the centuries, you won’t miss a thing. There’s plenty of time this afternoon to discover Paris for yourself. There’s even time to people-watch at a sidewalk bistro before a real highlight this evening - an Optional Experience featuring a cruise on the Seine and the illuminations of Paris.
As your European Delight draws to a close, bid au revoir to your travel companions and Travel Director and prepare for your onward journey home. Find out more about your available transfers at costsavertour.com/transfers.
Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Available on Day 1
Make the most of your Roman holiday, living la dolce vita as the locals do with a relaxed dinner in a characteristic trattoria. Soak up the atmosphere of the charming city as you dine, sampling typical Italian cuisine and drinks as you enjoy live music. This is the Italian experience you've been dreaming of!
Adult Price: € 55
Available on Day 2
We skip the lines at the Vatican Museums for an enlightening tour led by our Local Specialist, which shows not just the remarkable works of art collected and commissioned over the history of the Papacy, but also Michelangelo’s renowned ceiling frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Later, we'll hear tales of gladiatorial combat and more on our visit to the Colosseum, again with a time-saving entrance.
Adult Price: € 90
Available on Day 2
Discover the most charming areas of the city as you explore quintessential Italian piazzas and fountains with a Local Specialist. Wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets and beautiful squares in Rome’s historic centre, stopping to marvel at highlights such as the Trevi Fountain, The Pantheon and hidden corners of the Eternal City.
Adult Price: € 37
Available on Day 4
Today, with our local specialist foodie, we'll explore the glories of Florence's cuisine, through market tastings and visits to select shops and cafés. On this unforgettable tour, we'll sample traditional fare: lampredotto, schiacciata, olive oils, cheeses, pane toscano, pastries, hams and salamis. For each tasting, we'll learn about the cultural and historical significance of the food's origins. There is a minimum of 5 guests and a maximum of 20 for this optional.
Adult Price: € 60
Available on Day 4
This tour is all about exploring the jewel in Florence’s crown: its Renaissance heritage. Alongside your Local Specialist, you’ll wander the enchanting streets of the city and soak in must-visit sights including Ponte Vecchio, Mercato del Porcellino and Piazza della Signoria. Take in the Duomo, Florence’s spectacularly designed cathedral, before topping off the day with an Italian treat – gelato!
Adult Price: € 42
Available on Day 4
Join us on a visit to Pisa with our Local Specialist, where you'll see the remarkable Leaning Tower and marvel at the monuments on the Square of Miracles. At a Tuscan farmhouse, we'll enjoy a selection of local specialties and wines produced in the property as live music creates an unforgettable atmosphere.
Adult Price: € 96
Available on Day 4
Today we’ll enjoy a unique experience - truffle hunting. Our tour will take us on an adventure through a beautifully-wooded area, where truffles are most readily found. Throughout the hunt, we’ll be accompanied by a local farmer and his dog and will learn about the fascinating history surrounding truffle hunting, as well as the many varieties of truffle. Afterwards, we’ll visit the wine cellars at the sumptuous Villa Machiavelli and be treated to a truffle tasting and a glass of wine.
Adult Price: € 73
Available on Day 5
Join us for a breath-taking cruise by private water taxi along Venice's Grand Canal, catching glimpses of impressive sights such as the Palazzi Barbaro, Rialto Bridge and St Mark’s Square. Later on, you’ll glide gracefully on a gondola along Venice’s dreamy, narrow waterways, discovering the irresistible charm of the world-famous canals.
Adult Price: € 79
Available on Day 6
Discover the Venetian Lagoon by private boat, travelling to the heritage-listed fisherman’s island of Burano. Known for its picturesque, technicolour houses and restaurants serving up fresh seafood, this tour is a must for food lovers and photography buffs alike. Enjoy a delicious meal before cruising back to Venice, taking in magic views of the famous city as we return.
Adult Price: € 72
Available on Day 8
Embrace the great outdoors as we travel to Mount Pilatus, ascending to the towering summit by a thrilling cog-wheel train. Soak in the spectacular views and breathe in pure air, marvelling at the magic of the Swiss scenery. Then, we’ll descend by cable-car before taking a scenic lake cruise. It doesn’t get much better than this!
Adult Price: 113 CHF
Note: On certain departures this Optional may be operated in reverse.
Available on Day 8
Enjoy a delicious lunch (including cheese fondue and one drink) as you listen to yodelling and Alpine horn-blowing, during a lively folklore show of typical Swiss entertainment.
Adult Price: 68 CHF
Available on Day 9
No tour of Paris is complete until you’ve enjoyed dinner and cabaret at the world-famous Moulin Rouge! The original Parisian cabaret, immortalized in film by Baz Luhrmann, boasts 60 dancers and entertainers, with more than 1000 costumes to admire as you take in the spectacular show. With wine and champagne included, you’ll toast to an unforgettable evening in Paris.
Adult Price: € 165
Available on Day 9
Experience the world-famous 'City of Lights' as Paris transforms in the evening. Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the River Seine, taking in views of iconic Parisian sights such as Grand Palais and the Eiffel Tower. Later, kick back for a relaxing drive through this picturesque city that will show off the best Paris has to offer.
Adult Price: € 43
Note: In summer, this trip may take place before sunset.
Available on Day 10
Dominated by the soaring Sacre Coeur Basilica, Montmartre is a must-visit destination in Paris. Join a Local Specialist to explore the winding streets, unusual galleries and world-famous Artist’s Square - once home to the works of Toulouse Lautrec and Picasso. With time to browse, barter for original art and taste local cuisine, this tour uncovers the true joy of the Montmartre lifestyle.
Adult Price: € 37
Available on Day 10
Led by a Local Specialist, you’ll see the 'City of Lights' from a new perspective on the Panoramic Observation Deck. You’ll have all of Paris at your feet on the terrace, with unbeatable 360-degree views of the most iconic monuments. Later, you’ll visit the Latin Quarter to stroll through the medieval maze of cobblestone alleyways, with sidewalks bistros, boutiques and hidden squares to explore.
Adult Price: € 39
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