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Jewels of Italy

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Jewels of Italy

One Week Italy Tour to Rome, Florence & Venice

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SAVE UP TO $181
From $1,027
WAS $1,208
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Jewels Italy Guided Tour
7 Days
2 Countries

Italy, Vatican City

6 Cities

Rome, Vatican, Pisa, Florence, Verona, Venice

7 Meals

5 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners

Active

Faster paced with mix of 1 and 2-night stays in each destination. Requires walking to participate in top sites.

Average group size average 45
Tour brand Costsaver
Costsaver Hero Italy Updated

Costsaver

Costsaver trips are great if you are looking for a budget friendly, semi-independent vacation that is designed with just the basics in mind. Unlike classic tours, Costsaver includes just the essentials including 3-star accommodation (not always centrally located, but close to public transportation for easy access to the center of town), airconditioned motorcoach transportation, an expert Travel Director and Driver. With a basic orientation included in major cities, enjoy the freedom and flexibility to explore the destination at your own pace, or tailor your days on trip with Choice Optional Experiences unique to each itinerary and arranged by your Travel Director.

View all CostSaver Tours

You could spend an eternity exploring the enchanting Italian capitals of Venice, Florence and Rome, but this exciting 7 day journey with Costsaver will deliver a multitude of memorable experiences to linger in your memory. Take a walk through centuries of tradition, heritage and culture, as you encounter iconic sights like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Florence’s spectacular Duomo and the Grand Canal of Venice. 

When do you want to travel?

Reviews
74
Average group size
average 45
Tour brand
Costsaver
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Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1

Arrive Rome

Buongiorno! Rome kicks off your epic Italian trilogy. After checking in to your hotel, spend the rest of the day relaxing or pound the pavements to discover why Rome so deserves its title, the 'Eternal City'. Later, you’ll meet up with your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a glimpse into what lies ahead. There’s even time for a leisurely stroll to one of the city’s thronging piazzas to people-watch or to join an Optional Experience dinner in a Roman trattoria. Embrace life lived the Italian way – to the fullest.

The Roman Forum in Rome, Italy
Accommodation Ergife Palace Hotel Rome

Day 2

Rome sightseeing and free time

With so much to see and do, you could explore Rome for an eternity without getting bored. Why not join an Optional Experience to Michelangelo's famous Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums? 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. Visit St. Peter's Basilica and view one of Michelangelo's greatest works, 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.

The Vatican in Rome, Italy
Accommodation Ergife Palace Hotel Rome
Included Meals Breakfast

Day 3

Rome – Pisa – Florence

Set your sights firmly on Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and a city that has inspired poets, authors and artists for centuries. But first, a mesmerising journey through the rolling vineyards and olive groves of Tuscany awaits. Visit Pisa and its Square of Miracles, one of the most beautiful architectural complexes in the world. Yield to peer pressure and snap a few strategic photos featuring you and the extraordinary Leaning Tower of Pisa. You’ll have some time for souvenir shopping before continuing to Florence. This evening, there’s an opportunity to head into the Tuscan Hills for dinner on an unforgettable Optional Experience.

Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy
Accommodation Hotel President Prato

Day 4

Florence sightseeing and free time

There are few cities in the world with an artistic legacy equal to that of Florence. Now’s your chance to experience it in all its glory with your Local Specialist at your side. Lace up your walking shoes and view the city’s most iconic sights on foot – the Baptistery, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Bell Tower and Ponte Vecchio. You’ll visit Piazza della Signoria and witness a demonstration revealing the centuries-old Florentine trade of leatherwork, followed by some time to explore on your own. Later on, why not visit San Gimignano as part of an Optional Experience? If you’re in the mood for some shopping, consider buying some of the high-quality leather goods you’ve just witnessed or shop for 18-carat gold jewellery. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Duomo Santa Maria Del Fiore in Florence, Italy
Accommodation Hotel President Prato
Included Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5

Florence – Verona – Venice (Mestre)

Journey across the dramatic Apennine Mountains to Verona, the home of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers. View the vast Roman Arena, where concerts are still held several centuries after it was built to entertain the citizens of this fair city. Juliet's Balcony is a further highlight, revealing the tragic story of the Montague and Capulet family feud. Your journey continues to Venice, your home for the next two nights. Time on your own means an opportunity to explore one of the world’s most romantic cities, watching the busy traffic on its canals over a crisp glass of Aperol Spritz, or to embark on an Optional Experience gondola ride along Venice’s narrow waterways. Salute!

Juliet's Balcony in Verona, Italy
Accommodation LH Hotel Sirio Venice
Included Meals Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6

Venice orientation and free time

Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square, in the heart of Venice. All the main attractions are within walking distance of the Piazza so you'll have easy access to view the Byzantine Basilica of St. Mark, which you could visit as part of an Optional Experience. Spend your time wandering the calle of Venice then watch talented master craftsmen at work engaged in the same craft as their ancestors from centuries ago. Witness the beautiful glass creations, that are characteristic of Venice, being made during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Consider an Optional Experience cruise across the lagoon to the colourful island of Burano.

Canal Grande and Rialto Bridge in Venice, Italy
Accommodation LH Hotel Sirio Venice
Included Meals Breakfast

Day 7

Depart Venice

Brief and jam-packed, this memorable encounter with Italy’s favourite cities has been brimming with culture, history and culinary delights. We hope you tossed a coin in the Trevi Fountain to secure your speedy return to Rome, but if you didn’t, you’ll have a heart full of fond memories that will stay with you forever. For now, it’s arrivederci, but not farewell forever as you say goodbye to your Travel Director and newfound friends.

St. Marks Square in Venice, Italy
Included Meals Breakfast

Optional Experiences

Sign up on tour for additional experiences that have been curated by your Travel Director from their own in-depth local knowledge.

Roman Delights with Dinner
€60.00
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Roman Delights with Dinner

Inside the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum
€64.00
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Inside the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum

Piazzas and Fountains
€44.00
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Piazzas and Fountains

Traditional Dinner, Wine and Music in the Tuscan Hills
€69.00
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Traditional Dinner, Wine and Music in the Tuscan Hills

*Michelangelo's 'David' & Accademia
€54.00
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*Michelangelo's 'David' & Accademia

Discover Palazzo Vecchio
€46.00
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Discover Palazzo Vecchio

Visit To San Gimignano
€40.00
Learn more

Visit To San Gimignano

Gondolas & the Grand Canal
€84.00
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Gondolas & the Grand Canal

Venice's Secrets
€42.00
Learn more

Venice's Secrets

Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Farewell Dinner
€82.00
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Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Farewell Dinner

Tuscan Tasting Tour
€65.00
Learn more

Tuscan Tasting Tour

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Language in Italy: Italian
  • Currency used in Italy: Euro
  • Capital of Italy: Rome
  • Time Zone(s) in Italy: Central European Summer Time, Central European Time Zone

As a US citizen, here are the passport, visa, and entry requirements for Italy:

Passport

  • Your passport should have at least two blank pages for entry stamps.
  • Your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of your trip.

Visa Requirement

  • A visa is not required to enter Italy.

Entry Requirements

Italy experiences a diverse range of climates due to its geographical location. Generally, the country has a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Coastal regions enjoy mild temperatures throughout the year, while inland areas can experience more significant temperature variations. Northern Italy tends to be cooler than the south, and the mountainous regions, such as the Alps and the Dolomites, have colder winters and offer opportunities for winter sports. It's always a good idea to check the specific weather conditions for the region you plan to visit, as they can vary.

On-Tour Luggage & Carry-On Bag Size Limits

Luggage: Each guest traveling may bring one suitcase no larger than 30” x 18” x 10" and weighing no more than 50 lb

Carry-On Bag: *Restricted to one piece per person, not to exceed 12” x 11” x 6”

  • *Please note: A "carry-on bag" on a tour coach is not the same as a "carry-on" for a flight. Because our coaches have large windows to enjoy the view, there is minimal space to store large items securely overhead or under the seats. A "carry-on bag" may be a soft-sided daypack, purse, backpack, tote bag, or the like. Because we value our guests' safety, small rolling suitcases or bags with telescopic handles are not permitted. In order to guarantee a smooth trip, guests are not permitted to store an additional "carry-on" bag beneath the coach with the luggage. 

So your driver and any hotel porters can safely lift and transport your suitcase throughout your vacation, we strongly recommend that you test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances. 

Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline, and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.

Packing Tips for Your Tour

Packing for a guided tour will vary depending on the duration of the trip, the time of year, and the activities planned. Here is a general packing list to help you get started:

Passport and Travel Documents: Ensure you have your passport, travel insurance, and any necessary travel documents.

Clothing:

  • Comfortable walking shoes: Cobblestone streets and uneven terrain require comfortable footwear.
  • Lightweight, breathable clothing: Pack clothes suitable for the season. Bring a mix of short-sleeved tops, lightweight pants or skirts, and a few long-sleeved options for cooler evenings for the summer months, and long-sleeved and heavier layers for early Spring, Fall, and Winter.
  • Layers: It's advisable to bring a light jacket or sweater and a scarf for layering, especially in Spring or Fall.
  • Nice evening wear: You may wish to wear a dressier outfit if you plan on dining in an elegant restaurant, for example. Smart-casual clothes are usually acceptable for all included daytime and evening activities throughout your tour.
  • Rain Gear: Depending on the season and the countries you're visiting, it's a good idea to pack a compact rain jacket or umbrella.

Sun Protection:

  • Hat, sunglasses, UV-protective clothing.
  • Sunscreen with high SPF. If you're visiting any coastal areas, bring reef-safe sunscreen formulated without harmful chemicals known to be damaging to coral reefs and marine life. Traditional sunscreens often contain ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been found to contribute to coral bleaching and negatively impact marine ecosystems. Look for sunscreens with certifications such as "Reef Safe," "Coral Safe," or "Ocean-Friendly" to ensure they are environmentally friendly.

Medications and First Aid:

  • Any prescription medications you need. (See more below under Health & Wellness)
  • Basic first aid kit with adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, etc.

Toiletries:

  • Travel-sized toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, soap, and toothpaste.
  • Travel towel (quick-drying and compact).
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
  • A washcloth and carry bag (often not available in hotels abroad).

Electronics:

  • A camera: You’re traveling to see extraordinary scenery and sites. So that you don't miss a single moment, bring a trustworthy camera. Check out our travel photography tips for capturing the best photos of your trips. If you feel comfortable, you can also try the camera on your phone. However, if you want to zoom in or capture moving objects, a camera might be your best bet.
  • Mobile phone.
  • Chargers for each electronic you bring.
  • Travel adapter and/or voltage converter
  • Portable power bank for charging devices on the go.
  • Small travel hair dryer (make sure you have the correct converter and adapter).

Miscellaneous:

  • A travel-friendly daypack or bag to carry your essentials during excursions.
  • Insect repellent.
  • Reusable water bottle. At GET, we’re all about caring for our planet, and with that in mind, we always recommend that you pack a reusable water bottle for your trip. Bringing your own reusable water bottle or asking for tap water at restaurants means you can make a difference by reducing your vacation plastic waste.
  • A small travel alarm.
  • A travel iron if you like your clothes to be pressed.
  • A travel pillow.

Optional:

  • Scarf or shawl for visiting religious sites or to cover up in conservative areas.
  • Light sleepwear.
  • A new, blank journal to document your trip. Don't know your travel journal style? Find out here!
  • Ziplock bags (storing snacks, toiletries, and keeping things organized).

Remember to pack light and versatile items that can be mixed and matched for different outfits. Laundry facilities are often available, or you can have your clothes laundered at hotels during your trip. It's also a good idea to pack a small bag or backpack to bring on the coach for day trips and excursions, leaving your larger luggage at the hotel.

Electricity

American appliances run on 110-120 volts at 60 Hz, while European appliances run on 220-230 volts at 50 Hz.

As a result, American appliances designed for use in the United States (typically 120 volts at 60 Hz) may not be directly compatible with the higher voltage used in European countries. Plugging a 120-volt appliance into a 220-240-volt outlet without the appropriate voltage converter or transformer can cause damage to the appliance or pose safety risks.

If you plan to bring American appliances to Europe, you will need a voltage converter or transformer to change the voltage to 220-240 volts from 110 volts. Additionally, you will likely need a plug adapter to fit the American-style plug into the European power outlets. All of Europe operates on the same two round-pronged outlets (Type C).

It's important to note that not all appliances are compatible with voltage converters, so it's essential to check the labels or user manuals of your devices before using them with a voltage converter. Some electronic devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and camera chargers, are dual voltage and can support 120V and 220-240V, so they may not require a voltage converter, but a plug adapter will still be necessary.

To avoid any issues with electrical compatibility during your travels, consider purchasing appliances specifically designed for the voltage used in the region you'll be visiting or use appropriate voltage converters and plug adapters to ensure the safe operation of your American appliances in Europe.

We recommend purchasing an adapter with a voltage converter so you can pack less. And to pick up any necessary adapters or converters for your electronic devices before departing on your guided tour and bringing them with you.

Hair Dryers in Your Hotel

Hair dryers are common accessories in hotels. Should you want to bring your own, though, you will need to bring an adapter and voltage converter or make sure it is dual voltage by checking the label for INPUT AC 120V - 240V or a switch that can be set to 125V or 250V. Many devices have this feature, so it's worth checking before you travel. If you need a hair dryer during your trip but can't find one in your hotel room, you can inquire with the hotel staff. Many hotels will be able to provide a hair dryer upon request, either at the front desk or through housekeeping.

Air Conditioning

Air conditioning is commonly available in European hotels, restaurants, and public spaces, especially in major cities and tourist areas, but it is worth noting that the settings will differ from what you are used to in the USA.

However, it's important to note that not all accommodations or historic buildings may have air conditioning, particularly in more traditional or rural settings. Most hotels in Europe can provide a portable fan for additional room cooling if requested. Your Travel Director will be on hand to assist you throughout your trip.

Guests may bring one full-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag per person. Due to limited luggage space, we ask that your full-sized bag not exceed dimensions of 30” x 18” x 10” and cannot be over 50lbs. Space for “carry-on bags” on motorcoaches is much smaller than on aircraft, and bags with wheels, rigid frames, and telescoping handles cannot be accepted as carry-on luggage. Medium-sized backpacks, tote bags, small duffels, and messenger bags are all excellent options to use as your daily coach carry-on. Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline, and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.

To enable you to personalize your tour experience, you will find several Optional Experiences designed to complement the itinerary. These experiences aim to offer a deeper insight into the culture and character of the areas to be visited and provide wonderful highlights for your travels.

The majority of Optional Experiences will be offered to you by your Travel Director at the beginning of your trip. Most Optional Experiences will be priced in euros. Your Travel Director will provide further information. Some may be subject to change, depending on the time you are traveling or local circumstances, including weather and days of the week.

It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses while abroad.

In order to ensure a healthy and enjoyable trip, we strongly suggest that you pack a plentiful supply of any medication you may need while on vacation.

Prior to traveling, please notify GET of any disability requiring special assistance or any specific dietary needs that you may have, and we will strive to accommodate these.

When traveling with GET, baggage handling at hotels, service charges, and tips for hotel wait staff (for included meals) will all be taken care of by your Travel Director. There are, however, a few instances where individual tipping is welcome.

Hotel services
Tipping hotel staff for room service delivery is customary if the charge still needs to be added to the bill.

Local Specialists
It is customary to show appreciation for the insights, stories, and know-how shared with you by the Local Specialists, and we suggest a gratuity of €1-2 (Euro) per person per half day.

Your Coach Driver and Travel Director
Gratuities for your Travel Director and Driver are not included in the trip cost. At the end of your trip, you may express appreciation to your Travel Director and Driver for their excellent service and the personal attention you received. Gratuities are given at the discretion of each guest and a suggested amount per person/per day is listed in your travel documents. For your convenience and ease, there is an option to pre-pay gratuities for the Travel Director and Driver at the time of booking.

 

 

Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
Trusted Customer
Review date: Thursday, September 21, 2023
Service
Timely communication and recommendation based on experience.
Vacation
Budget friendly vacation with upgrade options at your discretion. Would like to have better hotels and locations, but understand these come with a cost that is prohibitive for the tour selected. Overall the hotels met or exceeded what I expected from previous reviews that I read.
Samantha Ainsworth
Review date: Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Service
Very easy to book our trip. Only hard part was extending our layover but our specialist helped us and made it super easy to do.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are so happy so see how much you enjoyed Italy. Thank you!
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Vacation
It was amazing. Very tiring but we we able to see everything and more then we could ever imagine in a 7 day trip. Annerieke and Eduardo were amazing and I couldn’t have asked for a better duo.
Kimberly Alston
Review date: Saturday, August 5, 2023
Service
The booking experience was great. They were efficient and were very informative when I called for clarification on trip details. I received excellent customer service.
Vacation
Our tour guide, Dominic was the best tour guide ever. He was knowledgeable, funny and engaging with everyone. He made each of us feel special. He made the vacation special for everyone and had a great sense of humor.. This vacation covered everything about Rome, Florence and Venice. It was action packed and full days of history lessons, beautiful scenes of Italy and pure fun and laughter
Trusted Customer
Review date: Thursday, July 13, 2023
Service
Pleasant nice good
Vacation
Organizer was great Hotels was okay Tour great
Sheila Hockley
Review date: Saturday, July 8, 2023
Service
The booking experience with GET was fine. However, we were under the impressIon that all optional tours would be available for purchase and not at the discretion of the tour director. This, in turn, led to us not being able to visit 2 of the locations that we booked this tour for. This was very disappointing for our group of six people.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are sorry for your disappointment. The optional excursions are only offered on the road because there are occasions unfortunately, when certain excursions and local guides are not available for certain dates and adjustments must be made. We know it can be frustrating but this is why they are listed as optional since we cannot guarantee their operation and include them in the regular tour program. Our hope is there were still some good memories made from your trip.
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Vacation
The tour director, Franco, was condescending and it sounded like cost savers was beneath him. He picked the optional tours based on his preferences and not what was offered We also had transportation booked for the 2nd time of 11:30 am for the airport but he decided there would be only one bus trip at 9:30 am which was far too early for us since our plane was not scheduled until 2:45 pm. This was because he wanted to catch his train home at 10:15 am. We then had to pay out of pocket for a shuttle from the hotel to the airport at the previously scheduled time. Locations of the hotels were far out of town and we were asked to do an optional walking tour as a favor to him while others were not. This resulted in us retracing our steps to all the places we had already visited. This was not the tour we had expected when we booked it. We will not do another cost savers tour.
Terry Sedivy
Review date: Saturday, May 20, 2023
Service
Tour guide was excellent, Ilja took great care of us and had all the tours well organized even when events were canceled or delayed.
Vacation
Saw all the highlights I was hoping to see and experience.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Thursday, January 5, 2023
Service
I called serveral.times and all of my questions were answered. They were polite and very helpful.
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thank you so much. We love being there for all of our guests needs and questions.
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Vacation
We loved our jewels of Italy trip. The tour guide amadeo was super nice and energentic!!! His knowledge of the history and architecture was impressive. Also the driver donato was extra careful driving us around and very pleasant.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Sunday, October 9, 2022
Service
Smaller group Less places to visit Better hotels
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thank you for your feedback. It looks like you were on the Costsaver Jewels of Italy trip which is our value priced option for Italy. We do offer other styles of tours with smaller group options and premium accommodations which may be more to your liking.
Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Vacation
See previous comment that I added
Christopher Leonard
Review date: Sunday, September 25, 2022
Service
Our tour guide Fabisio and the coach driver were excellent as well as the private tour guides. However the second hotel we stayed at had terrible food service.
Vacation
We totally enjoyed our tour with the exception of the second hotel. The food service was terrible and the wait staff had a bad attitude.
Richard Falegan
Review date: Saturday, June 25, 2022
Service
Reservation was easy and straightforward
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are thrilled that you enjoyed your Jewels of Italy trip. It sounds like you made some lifelong memories while you were there. Thank you for leaving a review. We appreciate your feedback. Happy Travels!
Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Vacation
The Guide helped us with everything. We had a great time. It was tiring but overall a very splendid experience
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