This is one of our most popular Europe vacations. See the best of Rome, Florence, Venice, Lucerne, Paris, and London, featuring all the “must-see” landmarks with a Local Guide, like Rome’s Colosseum and Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s David and Signoria Square in Florence, Doges’ Palace and the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Lucerne’s Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge, Notre Dame Cathedral and the second floor of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and London’s Buckingham Palace and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Other memorable highlights include Tuscany, Chianti and Burgundy wine country, the Apennines, subtropical Lugano, the stunning Swiss Alps, and an exciting trans-channel journey from Paris to London on the famous Eurostar train.
Special Departure:
Dec 18th Departure - Christmas Eve in Lucerne;
Itinerary
Day 1
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2: Arrive in Rome, Italy
Time to rest or start exploring the “Eternal City” on your own. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and leave the hotel for a special welcome dinner with wine at one of Rome’s lively restaurants. (Dinner)
Day 3: Rome
Sightseeing with your Local Guide starts with a visit to the VATICAN MUSEUMS and SISTINE CHAPEL, world famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling paintings and The Last Judgement. Continue to monumental ST. PETER’S SQUARE and BASILICA. Cross the Tiber and visit the COLOSSEUM and the ROMAN FORUM, where Roman legions marched in triumph. Time for independent activities and exciting optional excursion possibilities. (Breakfast)
Day 4: Rome–Pisa–Lucca
This morning, head north along the Tyrrhenian coastline through an area where many a town was founded at the very beginning of recorded history by the mysterious, highly civilized Etruscans. Stop in Pisa for lunch and to take pictures of its Leaning Tower, 180 feet high and no less than 12 feet out of the perpendicular. Then, continue to Lucca, and enjoy an orientation walk and time to explore this pretty town on your own. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 5: Lucca–San Gimignano–Siena–Florence
A scenic day in Tuscany. Morning visit to hilltop San Gimignano, the most picturesque of Italy’s perfectly preserved medieval towns. On to Siena for a leisurely lunchtime break and a walk through ancient narrow lanes to beautiful PIAZZA DEL CAMPO, theater of the biannual Palio, Siena’s spectacular medieval-style horse race. In the afternoon, drive along the Chianti Road leading from Siena due north to Florence. On the way, call at splendid VERRAZZANO CASTLE to hear about the fine art of blending four types of grapes to obtain the famous Chianti. Enjoy a WINE TASTING, accompanied by local specialties. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 6: Florence
During your walking tour with a Local Guide, visit the ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS with Michelangelo’s celebrated David and the magnificent CATHEDRAL. Admire Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry’s heavy bronze “Gate of Paradise,” and sculpture-studded SIGNORIA SQUARE. Afternoon free for independent sightseeing and browsing through the shops. Leather goods and gold jewelry sold by the ounce are attractive buys. Why not try the culinary delights of a fine Florentine restaurant tonight? (Breakfast)
Day 7: Florence–Verona–Venice
Stop in Verona, setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet to see Juliet’s Balcony and the Arena, an incredibly well-preserved pink marble Roman amphitheater. Built in the 1st century AD, it is now the magical venue for world-famous opera performances. Tonight you are in Venice, a powerful magnet for romantics and art lovers from around the globe. (Breakfast)
Day 8: Venice
Enter in style by PRIVATE BOAT and enjoy morning sightseeing with your Local Guide featuring ST. MARK’S SQUARE and the byzantine BASILICA, lavish DOGES’ PALACE and the Bridge of Sighs. Also watch skilled GLASSBLOWERS fashion their delicate objects in an age-old traditional manner. Then, enjoy Venice at your own pace or join an optional gondola ride. Tonight is your chance to sample the city’s fine restaurants. (Breakfast)
Day 9: Venice–Ravenna–Assisi
Along the coastline of the Adriatic Sea to Ravenna. Here, see the famous mosaics in the 6th-century BASILICA of ST. APOLLINARIS IN CLASSE. In the afternoon, arrive in Assisi. During your walking tour with a Local Guide, visit ST. CLARE’S CHURCH and ST. FRANCIS’ BASILICA, the hub of a religious order devoted to the ideals of humility, forgiveness, simplicity, and love for all God’s creatures. Hear about monastic life and view the priceless frescoes adorning the walls of the church. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 10: Assisi–Orvieto–Rome
Following the Tiber Valley, reach Orvieto, perched high atop a volcanic rock. Access, denied to many a would-be conqueror through the ages, is easy for you. Ride a modern FUNICULAR right through the forbidding ramparts. Time for lunch, browsing through tempting shops in the lanes off Piazza del Duomo, and finding the right angle for a picture of the fabulous gothic CATHEDRAL. In the late afternoon, return to Rome. Why not join an optional festive dinner at one of Rome’s fine restaurants to bid farewell to the companions of a memorable Italian vacation? (Breakfast)
Day 11
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (Breakfast)
Vacation Highlights
INCLUDED FEATURES
Headsets throughout the tour
Rome:
Welcome dinner at a local restaurant; guided sightseeing, visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, the Colosseum and Roman Forum
Pisa:
Take pictures of the Leaning Tower
Lucca:
Walking tour
San Gimignano:
Orientation
Siena:
Walking tour including Piazza del Campo
Verrazzano Castle:
Wine tasting
Florence:
Guided walking tour, visit Michelangelo’s David, the cathedral, and Signoria Square
Verona:
Walking tour including Juliet’s Balcony and the Arena
Venice:
Private boat ride; guided walking tour, visit St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, Doges’ Palace and the Bridge of Sighs; glassblowers’ demonstration
Ravenna:
Visit St. Apollinaris in Classe
Assisi:
Guided walking tour, visit St. Clare’s Church and St. Francis’ Basilica
Orvieto:
Ride a funicular through the ramparts to the cathedral
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
Accommodations
MEALS - (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner
Full buffet breakfast (B); 4 three-course dinners (D), including a special welcome dinner with wine in Rome.
SUPERIOR HOTELS - (D) Deluxe (SF) Superior First-Class (F) First-Class
Rome Albani (F), Lucca Grand Hotel Guinigi (F), Florence Grand Hotel Mediterraneo (F), Venice Carlton & Grand Canal (F) or Principe (F), Assisi San Francesco, Rome NH Villa Carpegna (F)
Optional Excursions
Here's a list of optional excursions you can enjoy during your vacation. Whether it's a special dinner, a local show or a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into an historical site, optional excursions are a wonderful way to enrich your vacation even further. Plus, they give you flexibility. We include the must-see sites and experiences, and we also understand that people take interest in different activities and may want to craft a more personal vacation by hand-picking optional excursions that appeal to them.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, days of operation, group interests, and general feasibility for your vacation. The approximate value listed gives you a good, general idea of what you can expect to pay but may vary once you are on your vacation. Some information provided might be in a foreign currency; you can use our online
currency converter for exchange rate information.
CITY: London
Tower of London and Crown Jewels Afternoons daily
Let your guide bring the 900-year-old Tower of London to life before you inspect the fabulous Crown Jewels. Afternoons daily.
Approximate value: EUR €41 per person
Afternoon Excursion to Windsor Castle Daily
Enjoy your guided visit to the Queen's favorite residence, the largest inhabited castle in the world. The highlight is the newly refurbished state rooms.
Approximate value: EUR €41 per person
Buckingham Palace & the Royal Mews Afternoons daily July 27 to September 29
First a guided visit to the Royal Mews to see the magnificent gold coach, then admire over 20 grand rooms in the palace used by the Queen for state occasions.
Approximate value: EUR €50 per person
A Taste of London Daily April to October
Ideal for your arrival day, this guided evening excursion includes a three-course dinner with wine and beer at a famous London pub situated on the banks of the River Thames, followed by a narrated illumination cruise.
Approximate value: EUR €60 per person
Shownight - Billy Elliot (Mondays & Wednesdays)
A marvelous evening in London's theater district starts with a gourmet dinner at The Bank restaurant in Westminster followed by best seats at the Victoria Palace Theatre to see the original London staging of the inspirational musical, "Billy Elliot."
Approximate value: EUR €106 per person
Shownight - The Lion King Dinner & Theatre
A marvelous evening in London's theater district starts with a gourmet dinner at Christopher's restaurant in the heart of Covent Garden, followed by best seats at The Lyceum Theatre to see the spectacular London staging of Disney's The Lion King. A price supplement (EURO 34) applies Fridays and Saturdays.
Approximate value: Please check back later per person
Shownight - Wicked (Fridays & Saturdays)
A marvelous evening in London's theater district starts with a gourmet dinner at The Bank restaurant in Westminster followed by best seats at The Apollo Victoria Theatre to see the sensational London production of Wicked.
Approximate value: EUR €145 per person
Shownight - Wicked (Mondays & Wednesdays)
A marvelous evening in London's theater district starts with a gourmet dinner at The Bank restaurant in Westminster followed by best seats at The Apollo Victoria Theatre to see the sensational London production of Wicked.
Approximate value: EUR €106 per person
Shownight - Billy Elliot (Fridays & Saturdays)
A marvelous evening in London's theater district starts with a gourmet dinner at The Bank restaurant in Westminster followed by best seats at the Victoria Palace Theatre to see the original London staging of the inspirational musical, "Billy Elliot."
Approximate value: EUR €145 per person
CITY: Lucerne
Mount Pilatus
A spectacular panoramic view over Central Switzerland from 7,000 feet up, via the world's steepest cogwheel railway (inclination 48 degrees) as well as the silent aerial tramway and panoramic gondolas.
Approximate value: EUR €52 per person
Mount Rigi
At Vitznau board Europe's first cogwheel train to Mount Rigi, 6,000 feet high, surrounded by three sparkling lakes. Return by train and by spectacular aerial cable car to Weggis.
Approximate value: EUR €52 per person
Horse Carriage Ride
The horse carriage ride will start in the little town of Giswil, from where you will ride through the Swiss Alpine countryside, viewing magnificent hills and imposing mountains. This is followed by a tasting of home made drinks and snacks at a chalet dating back to 1634.
Approximate value: EUR €44 per person
One-Hour Cruise On Lake Lucerne
Board your private motorboat for an enchanting and relaxing one-hour cruise on glassy Lake Lucerne also known as the Vierwaldstattersee or "Lake of the Four Forest Cantons". Marvel at the spectacular mountain scenery and admire fjords, bays and rolling meadows. See also the Rutli meadows, where the Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291.
Approximate value: EUR €27 per person
Swiss Folklore Party
A real taste of Switzerland! Swiss folklore, alphorns, yodeling, and traditional instruments entertain you as you enjoy a typical three-course lunch including cheese fondue and two drinks. Note: Depending on the meal schedule of your tour, this excursion may be offered with a full three-course dinner for EUR 62.00 per person.
Approximate value: EUR €51 per person
CITY: Paris
Dinner Party and Illumination Drive
A perfect introduction to Paris! After a full-course dinner with choices of typical French dishes, drinks included, your tour director will show you the City of Lights.
Approximate value: EUR €62 per person
Moulin Rouge
An exciting evening at the world-renowned Parisian cabaret. Dinner with half a bottle of wine is served during the show. A glass of champagne completes your evening in style.
Approximate value: EUR €155 per person
La Nouvelle Eve
No visit to Paris is complete without a night out at the cabaret! A whirling international dinner show (unlimited wine) at Pigalle's one and only LA NOUVELLE EVE.
Approximate value: EUR €115 per person
Louvre (closed on Tuesday, Public Holiday, and Sundays to groups)
Let your guide bring to life the most celebrated treasures of the impressive LOUVRE MUSEUM including the famous "Mona Lisa", the masterpiece of Leonardo Da Vinci. Note: This excursion is not available to groups on Tuesdays, public holidays, and Sundays.
Approximate value: EUR €39 per person
Versailles (closed on Monday)
A short journey from Paris with your local guide to the lavish 17th-century classical palace built by Sun King Louis XIV, with its magnificent STATE APARTMENTS, Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Chapel. Time to stroll through parts of the elegant 250-acre GARDENS. Note: This excursion is not available on Mondays and public holidays.
Approximate value: EUR €55 per person
CITY: Rome
Rome at Leisure and Dinner
Time at leisure to discover the famous Spanish Steps and to browse around the fashionable districts of Rome. Tonight enjoy a four-course meal with drinks included.
Approximate value: EUR €56 per person
Roman Highlights
A guided walking tour takes you to some of the most famous monuments. Admire the Spanish Steps, Via Condotti, Piazza Navona, Parliament, and Pantheon. A four-course dinner including drinks at a popular Roman restaurant can also be added for the total price of EUR 63.00 per person.
Approximate value: EUR €36 per person
Roman Hidden Treasures
Your Tour Director will propose a tailor-made itinerary for your tour that features some of Rome's authentic jewels such as: Trastevere and its basilica of Santa Maria or the baroque district, Campo de' Fiori, the Pantheon and San Luigi dei Francesi with Caravaggio paintings or famous Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Via dei Condotti and Piazza del Popolo with its church of Santa Maria del Popolo and displays of Caravaggio paintings.
Approximate value: EUR €36 per person
CITY: Venice
Gondola Serenade
Enjoy a serenaded ride in a traditional gondola (for 6 people), gliding through centuries-old canals, under famous arched bridges, and past lavish palaces and quaint piazzas.
Approximate value: EUR €37 per person
