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.
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.
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.
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, you’ll enjoy dinner at your hotel.
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!
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.
Brief but 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. 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 3
Make your Florentine travel dreams a reality as we dine at a delightful regional restaurant, set among pine and cypress trees. After a scenic drive through the stunning Tuscan countryside, we’ll enjoy a meal of delicious specialties from the area, accompanied by local wines and music.
Adult Price: € 64
Available on Day 4
Enjoy an insight into the world of Michelangelo and his masterpiece, David. We'll visit the Academy of Fine Arts and its Michelangelo collection, where you'll learn all about the life and works of this immortal Renaissance genius through the expert commentary of our Local Specialist.
Adult Price: € 49
Note: This optional is subject to availability and involves reservations and entrance prepayments. If you decide to cancel this optional, a 50% cancellation fee will be incurred.
Available on Day 4
Join us today for a visit to the Bargello museum, housed in one of the oldest and most intriguing buildings of Florence. As you'll learn from your Local Specialist, there was rarely a dull moment in this former barracks and prison! Learn how the Bargello has witnessed crucial episodes of history including fires, sieges and political executions. This fascinating building is now home to the National Museum and boasts awe-inspiring works by Donatello, Brunelleschi and Michelangelo to name but a few.
Adult Price: € 42
Available on Day 4
Marvel at the legacy of the Medici as you visit Palazzo Vecchio, the symbol of Florence's political power for over seven centuries. With our Local Specialist we’ll visit the wonderful "Hall of the Five Hundred", dedicated to the Medici popes. We’ll also visit rooms decorated with masterpieces by famous artists of the Renaissance like Michelangelo and Donatello.
Adult Price: € 42
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 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
Join us for a panoramic drive to the nearby hilltop town of San Gimignano. Known as 'Medieval Manhattan’ this magnificently preserved town from the Middle Ages is one of the most beautiful destinations to visit in Italy – a true gem to add to explore on your holiday. You'll also enjoy a delicious local gelato.
Adult Price: € 36
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
Join us as we discover the Venetian Lagoon by private boat. You will enjoy a delicious farewell dinner with a selection of drinks on the fishermen's island of Burano, famous for its multi-coloured houses - a real photographer's paradise.
Adult Price: € 72
Available on Day 6
Explore the hidden maze of streets that make up this unique city as your Local Specialist gives you a fascinating insight into Venice's past and present. You’ll visit the majestic Basilica of St Mark, where you’ll have a chance to view some of the prized trophies looted by the Venetians in their rise to power.
Adult Price: € 38
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