Day 1Arrive in London, England

Check into your hotel. In the afternoon you may want to start exploring the lively British capital. Uniformed hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.

Day 2London

A full day to savor our rich program of optional activities: take a panoramic tour of London’s landmarks, visit the Tower of London, or choose an excursion to Windsor Castle. Tonight, maybe a leisurely cruise on the River Thames? (B)

Day 3London–Paris, France

Board the Eurostar train to Paris. Here you’ll be met by your Tour Director and luxury coach. Overnight in Paris. (B)

Day 4Paris

Paris is a world-class city that probably has more familiar landmarks than almost any other city in the world. This morning, see them during the including city tour. View the famous Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysées, and much more with a Local Guide. In the afternoon, feel like a French aristocrat as you join the optional walking tour through the immense Palace of Versailles. This evening, why not join an optional welcome dinner? (B)

Day 5Paris–Lake Lucerne, Switzerland

Fascinating, ever-changing scenery today. Views of Fontainebleau Forest, the wine-growing area of Burgundy, then prosperous farms and tidy half-timbered villages as you head through the Alpine heart of Switzerland to picture-book Lake Lucerne. (B,D)

Day 6Lake Lucerne

One of Switzerland’s finest cities nestled amid its snowcapped Alps, surrounded by its lake, and embellished by the clear mountain waters of the River Reuss. The orientation includes the Lion Monument, erected in memory of the 800 Swiss Guards who defended Louis XVI and his wife at the wooden Chapel Bridge. A grand selection of optional activities completes the day: a cable-car ride to the 10,000-foot summit of Mount Titlis; a cruise on the fjord-like lake; and, of course, time to shop for that very Swiss watch. (B)

Day 7Lake Lucerne–Lugano–Verona, Italy–Venice Area

More wonderful Alpine scenery as you drive into the mountain ranges that surround the massive St. Gotthard. Once through its great tunnel, you’ll start your scenic descent into the warmer and sunnier ambiance of the Canton Ticino. Stop in beautiful Lugano and take a stroll along the lakeside promenade. Later, cross into Italy and drive through the Lombardy plains to Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, also known as "Little Rome" for its splendid amphitheater still standing in its former glory. Overnight in the Venice area. (B)

Day 8Venice Area

Venice is more like a marvelous film set than a real live city, with criss-crossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and busy little piazzas. The orientation starts with a boat ride and is followed by a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers fashion their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. Don’t miss out on the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you. (B,D)

Day 9Venice Area–Florence

Start the day by journeying south across the Apennines into the gentle and hilly countryside of Tuscany. Then, to Florence for an included walking tour with a Local Guide. (B,D)

Day 10Florence–Pisa–Rome

Leave this Renaissance gem and city of the Medicis this morning. Later, stop in Pisa to see the famed Square of Miracles and view the Leaning Tower. Then, journey south to Rome. Tonight an optional evening drive through the city, a floodlit spectacular of shimmering fountains, magnificent churches, and piazzas, followed by dinner. (B)

Day 11Rome

Today's sightseeing with a Local Guide features St. Peter’s Square, and includes an inside visit of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. (B)

Day 12Rome

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Transportation:
Scheduled transatlantic flights and airport transfers in London and Rome if Cosmos issues the air tickets. On the Continent, private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach. Eurostar train London-Paris; canal transfer boat in Venice

Buffet breakfasts; 3 dinners