Jewels of Italy

Buongiorno! Rome kicks off your epic Italian trilogy - one that will scratch beneath the surface of Italy's iconic cities. 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 piazze to people-watch or to 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.

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 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. 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. 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 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. 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.

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 free airport transfer at costsavertour.com/freetransfers.