This trip reveals all that's special about Italy, including Ancient Rome, Pisa, Florence, Verona and Venice.
Explore Italy's sophisticated capitals of Venice, Florence and Rome. The beautiful cobblestone squares, centuries' old tradition and historic highlights like the mighty Colosseum, Leaning Tower of Pisa and spectacular Duomo are must-visits on your open-air museum tour of this fascinating destination. Costsaver has secured premium tickets for you to attend the once in a decade performance of the Passion Play in the picturesque Bavarian town of Oberammergau.
Buongiorno! Rome kicks off your epic Italian trilogy – one that will scratch beneath the surface of Italy's iconic cities. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel, then spend the rest of the day recovering from your journey 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 piazze to people-watch or join an optional sightseeing tour of Rome followed by a light Italian dinner, if such a thing exists! Embrace life lived the Italian way – to the fullest.
There's no better way to see Rome than to dive right in, which is what you'll do when you meet your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour that begins in the Vatican City. The dome of St. Peter's Basilica looms over the expansive St. Peter's Square – the impressive backdrop for time spent learning about the world's smallest country. See Michelangelo's mournful Pietà up close and consider an Optional Experience that will reveal the artistry and heritage of the famous Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums. Continue to Ancient Rome, to view the mighty Colosseum, followed by some time to explore on your own.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 3
Rome – Pisa – Florence (2 Nights)
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, leaning precariously. 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 – an unforgettable Optional Experience.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Novotel Firenze Nord
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
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, Giotta'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 or 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. Later 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. An evening 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 embark on an optional gondola ride along Venice's narrow waterways. Salute!
Watch talented master craftsmen at work engaged in the same craft as their ancestors from centuries ago when you visit Giudecca Island. Witness the beautiful glass creations, that are characteristic of Venice, being made. Then 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 getting lost in the calle of Venice or consider taking a cruise across the lagoon to the colourful Burano Island for a relaxing farewell dinner.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 7
Venice – Innsbruck (1 Night)
This morning enjoy spectacular scenery including driving the Brenner Pass which separates Italy from Austria. Arrive in the scenic town of Innsbruck - famous for hosting the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympic Games and enjoy free time to explore the sights including the Hofburg Palace and the Golden Roof.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Dollinger
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 8
Innsbruck – Oberammergau (2 Nights)
Enjoy free time in Innsbruck where you can explore the city and discover its ties to the Winter Olympic Games. Later travel to the picturesque town of Oberammergau where the Passion Play is performed. This evening dine at your hotel.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - See 'Trip Notes'
Enjoy the unique atmosphere in town before taking your premium seat for an inspired and moving performance of the Passion Play this afternoon. Dine at a local restaurant this evening before experiencing the captivating second half of this unique event as night falls.
Audio Headsets Provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
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Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Optional Experiences and free time
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Airport transfers are provided on the first and last travel day. Conditions apply
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Handcrafted Highlights
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VIP entry to many sights
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Trip Notes
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Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink in all of the destinations on this trip. Please remember to bring a water bottle.
Oberammergau Accommodation: CostSaver has secured hotel accommodation either in Oberammergau or close by in the picturesque villages of the Bavarian Alps. Please note that single and triple rooms are not available for the Oberammergau stay. Solo travellers and triple share guests will be matched and accommodated in a twin room with a fellow solo CostSaver traveller, of the same gender, for the duration of the stay.
Since 1634, the tiny picturesque Bavarian village of Oberammergau has performed the Passion Play every ten years. This tragic and deeply moving chronicle depicts the Passion of Christ at the time of the crucifixion. The cast comprises local villagers exclusively and equals any professional production in both sheer spectacle and emotion; attracting visitors from around the world. It is an experience that will exceed every expectation.
Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.