Day 1Thu. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT
Day 2Fri. ARRIVE IN LONDON, ENGLAND
Check into your hotel. Then, enjoy an afternoon in the lively British capital. Uniformed Hosts are available to help you make the most of your time.
Day 3Sat. LONDON–BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
Leave London in the early morning and head through the lush English countryside to the Channel port, where you embark on your ferry for the Continent. Here, meet your Tour Director and board your luxury coach for the drive to Brussels. (Breakfast)
Day 4Sun. BRUSSELS–RHINELAND, GERMANY–ULM AREA
A comfortable journey using the German Autobahn traveling south into the Rhineland, then past Stuttgart into Bavaria with its woods, farms, and pretty villages. Break the journey with an optional Rhine cruise gliding past the famous Lorelei Rock. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 5Mon. ULM AREA–INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA–VENICE AREA, ITALY
Drive south this morning into Austria by way of Fern Pass into the Tyrol and on to its capital, Innsbruck. Continue by way of the Europa Bridge into Italy and make a stop in the lovely winter sports resort of Cortina in the Dolomites. Descend into the valley of the Trentino and the Venetian plain; then, travel eastwards to the Venice area for an overnight. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 6Tue. VENICE AREA
Venice is more like a marvelous film set than a real live city, with its criss-crossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and quiet little piazzas. The included orientation starts with a boat ride and is followed by some time at leisure to enjoy this unique city, and a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers fashion their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. Don’t miss the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you. (Breakfast)
Day 7Wed. VENICE AREA–ASSISI–ROME
An interesting drive southward, cutting across the Po Delta, then through the gentle Umbrian hills to Assisi, where St. Francis was born in 1182. Visit the world-famous Basilica with its beautiful frescoes by Giotto, then head for Rome. (Breakfast)
Day 8Thu. ROME
The ”Eternal City”—a city steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts in St. Peter’s Square, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum. (Breakfast)
Day 9Fri. ROME–MONTECASSINO–POMPEII–SORRENTO
Deeper into the south today, making a first stop in Montecassino to view the monastery and abbey perched high above the valley. The monastery was the motherhouse of the Benedictines, founded in 529 and destroyed four times over the past centuries. The last time it was laid to ruin was in 1944 during the great Battle of Montecassino. Next is another great sight. Time stopped for the rich, aristocratic town of Pompeii with the terrible eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. You can see the luxurious villas, temples, theater, and forum (entrance fees and Local Guide are included). Just a few more miles to Sorrento, where you'll stay for the next two nights. (Breakfast)
Day 10Sat. SORRENTO. BOAT TRIP TO CAPRI
Visit this legendary island, surrounded by rocky coastline, where the crashing sea has formed awe-inspiring caves. The town, with its pretty piazza, maze of streets, fashionable boutiques, and smart restaurants, is a mecca for the jet set. An optional island tour is available. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 11Sun. SORRENTO–ORVIETO–FLORENCE AREA
This morning, retrace part of the route, bypassing Rome for a stop in Orvieto to visit its black basalt and yellow limestone cathedral, an excellent example of Italian Gothic architecture. Next, enjoy the extraordinary beauty of the Tuscan countryside. Overnight in the Florence area. (Breakfast)
Day 12Mon. FLORENCE AREA. EXCURSION TO PISA
This Renaissance gem and city of the Medicis will keep you enthralled for the entire day. Traffic is banned in part of the historic center, so visitors can wander at leisure and admire the city’s timeless beauty in relative peace and quiet. Don’t miss the included walking tour with a Local Guide, which features most of the city highlights. You will see the Piazza Santa Croce; the beautiful Piazza Signoria; the Palazzo Vecchio and its courtyard; the Loggia dei Lanzi; and, to top it off, the Piazza del Duomo and its cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and the magnificent East Door of the Baptistry known as the “Gate of Paradise.” In the afternoon, take advantage of an included excursion to Pisa and enjoy the sights of the “Square of Miracles” with its Leaning Tower. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 13Tue. FLORENCE AREA–BOLOGNA–LUGANO, SWITZERLAND
This morning, drive just 50 miles (80 km) northeast to Bologna, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region. Stop awhile to see the twin “leaning towers” and the lovely Piazza Maggiore. Journey northwards across the mighty River Po, through the Lombardy plains and into Switzerland for an overnight in charming Lugano. (Breakfast)
Day 14Wed. LUGANO–LAKE LUCERNE AREA
Some truly magnificent Alpine scenery this morning as you travel into the very heart of the Swiss Alps. Once through the St. Gotthard Tunnel you start your descent to Lucerne, perhaps rightly considered the most Swiss-looking city in the whole confederation. Today’s visit takes in the impressive city walls, a covered wooden bridge, ornate patrician houses lining cobblestone streets, and the Lion Monument, a masterful stone sculpture in honor of the heroic Swiss Guard of Louis XVI. A grand selection of optional activities completes the day: a cruise on the fjord-like lake; a funicular and cable car ride to the 6,227-foot summit of Mount Stanserhorn; and, of course, there is time to shop for that very Swiss watch. Return to your overnight hotel in the Lucerne area. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 15Thu. LAKE LUCERNE AREA–PARIS, FRANCE
Enjoy vistas of green pastures and attractive chalets with rustic timbering and luxuriant flowers. Then, into France, on the highway past some of its most famous vineyards, to Paris. Arrive in time to enjoy the optional cabaret show. (Breakfast)
Day 16Fri. PARIS
One full day to explore the city that’s known throughout the world for its fashions, art and museums, delicious food, and joie de vivre. Included sightseeing with a local expert of many of the best-known Parisian sights: La Sorbonne, Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramid near the Louvre, the Invalides, and Champs Elysées. Optional excursions are also available. Maybe celebrate the success of your tour with a French farewell dinner. (Breakfast)
Day 17Sat. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (Breakfast)
BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS WITH US
Learn more about booking an air-inclusive vacation - the reasons why include, you'll receive free airport transfer on published dates and your air will be coordinated with your vacation.
AIRPORT TRANSFER TIMES
View details and pricing on airport transfer times and extra nights. Learn more about what's included with your vacation and how you can personalize it.
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: BrusselsEvening City Sightseeing See the main sights of this city which has something for all tastes and interests. Visit the beautiful Grand Place with its 17th century guild houses. End the evening with a visit to a typical Brussels historical cafe to enjoy a glass of old fashioned Belgian beer.
Approximate value: EUR €25 per person
CITY: FlorenceTuscan Flavors A lovely typical meal in the Tuscan countryside. La Certosa Restaurant is situated in front of the Charterhouse of Florence, which was built in the 13th century and formed from the old chemist of the Monks. The historical residence enjoys an enchanting and privileged panoramic position.
Approximate value: EUR €50 per person
CITY: LondonMorning City Sightseeing Daily A comprehensive tour in the company of a local guide including St. Paul's Cathedral and the Changing of the Guard (if held). Note: Groups cannot visit St.Paul's on Sundays. Reduced traffic permits more sightseeing and a lower price (GBP 23.00) applies.
Approximate value: GBP £28 per person
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: GBP £35 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: GBP £35 per person
Buckingham Palace & the Royal Mews Afternoons daily July 27 to September 29First 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: GBP £43 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: GBP £53 per person
CITY: LoreleiLorelei And Its Castles Cruise down the most legendary section of the mighty Rhine passing the Lorelei Rock. Hear the story (and maybe the song) of the Lorelei. Travel through the Rhine's narrow gorge, and see its castles, steep fjord-like mountains, half timbered wine villages and terraced vineyards perched high above you. This cruise will be a highlight of your cultural voyage along the Rhine Valley. The Rhine between Bingen and Koblenz has been declared a protected UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.
Approximate value: EUR €20 per person
CITY: LucerneScenic Lake Cruise An hour's guided cruise on the most beautiful lake in Switzerland gives you an introduction to this lovely city from a completely different aspect. With its many bays, it offers superb panoramas of the surrounding landscape. The area is rich in historical associations, particularly the William Tell legend.
Approximate value: EUR €20 per person
Mount Stanserhorn A trip up the Stanserhorn mountain for breathtaking views is an experience not to be missed. The Mt. Stanserhorn Railway is a combination of an old-time funicular, which has romantic 100-year-old carriages with fringed curtains, and a modern aerial cable car, which takes you to the 6,300 ft. peak in about 30 minutes.
Approximate value: EUR €45 per person
Swiss Folklore Evening Contrary to belief, not all Swiss can yodel or blow the alp horn, but those you will meet at your after-dinner folklore party are real experts. They entertain you with merry melodies on the accordion and traditional dances, while you sample cheese fondue and a drink of your choice.
Approximate value: EUR €45 per person
CITY: LuganoLake Cruise & Dinner Join a boat trip on the Gulf of Lugano, passing Campione d'Italia, an Italian enclave. Then proceed to Caprino where you will have dinner in a typical Ticinese "grotto", from where you can admire the lights of Lugano.
Approximate value: EUR €45 per person
CITY: ParisCabaret Show A trip to Paris is not complete without a visit to a typical cabaret show. A magical evening, either at the Nouvelle Eve situated in the heart of Pigalle or at the Paradis Latin built in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel or at the Lido de Paris located on the famous Champs Elysees. A glass of champagne is served during the show.
Approximate value: EUR €65 per person
Versailles-Sun Kings's Palace Weekday Historic Versailles is the beautiful, restored palace of Louis XIV, the Sun King. After the guided tour of the palace, you can stroll in the magnificent terraced gardens with their fountains and statues. The Palace of Versailles is open every day except Mondays and bank holidays. On these days, you will be offered alternative sights.
Approximate value: EUR €65 per person
Farewell Dinner & Montmartre Start the evening with a visit to Montmartre, the heart of Bohemian Paris, with time to see the Sacre-Coeur Church. After a panoramic view of the city, enjoy a memorable four-course dinner with an aperitif and wine.
Approximate value: EUR €57 per person
CITY: RomeTreasures of Rome By Night & Dinner An evening tour including some of the city¿s fountains and majestic squares: Piazza Barberini, Triton Fountain, Via Veneto, Villa Borghese and Trevi Fountain. Finish the evening with a meal in a typical Roman restaurant with wine and music included.
Approximate value: EUR €52 per person
Vatican Mus.& Sistine Chapel A tour around the Vatican museums to admire the beautiful tapestry gallery and the Sistine Chapel with masterpieces by Botticelli and Signorelli. See the "Genesis" and Michelangelo's "Last Judgment".
Approximate value: EUR €52 per person
Castelli Romani With Dinner Drive through the ancient villages in the Alban Hills, a landscape of rare beauty, myths, legends and history. Take pictures of the Pope's summer residence, Castel Gandolfo. Then to Frascati where one of the famous local white wines is included with your dinner in a tavern.
Approximate value: EUR €50 per person
CITY: SorrentoSorrento Flavors Enjoy an evening out dining in a typical restaurant, with a mixed starter, pizza and pasta, dessert, wine, mineral water and coffee or tea, or the famous Sorrento lemon liquor, "Limoncello".
Approximate value: EUR €26 per person
Tarantella A cheerful evening with music and sparkling wine. Watch a performance of the intriguing Tarantella, a 17th-century Neapolitan folk dance that was thought to cure the bite of the tarantula.
Approximate value: EUR €26 per person
Sorrento Musical Enjoy an evening of Neapolitan songs and dances presented on stage with a continuous change of scenery. The show takes its cue from the "Tarantella," a typical dance of the southern regions. Free-flowing wine, spumante or soft drinks are included.
Approximate value: EUR €27 per person
Capri Island Tour This romantic island, one of the jewels of the Mediterranean, has always inspired artists and poets. Once the "In" place for Roman emperors, today it is a rendezvous for the jet set. Take a chair lift to Monte Solaro for a breathtaking view of the entire Bay of Naples or visit Capri Miniature if the chair lift is closed.
Approximate value: EUR €45 per person
CITY: VeniceBy Night And Caffe Florian Enjoy a motorboat ride along the impressive Giudecca Canal with a commentary of the most important sights. A leisurely walk to St. Mark¿s Square, past famous buildings, small bridges and inner canals will take you to the historical Caffe Florian, with its orchestra playing Italian and international old favorites. You will be served two items of your choice ¿ long drink, glass of wine, ice cream or Venetian cookies.
Approximate value: EUR €42 per person
Gondola Serenade This is one of the highlights of any European holiday - a gondola ride through centuries-old canals, under famous arched bridges, and past lavish palaces and quaint piazzas.
Approximate value: EUR €40 per person
Discover The Venetian Lagoon By private boat cross the lagoon to the picturesque fishing island of Burano with its gaily painted houses. See lace makers at work; then there's time to explore this unforgettable island on your own before returning to Venice.
Approximate value: EUR €25 per person
Venetian Dinner Enjoy a leisurely walk to St. Mark¿s Square, passing famous buildings, small bridges and inner canals before arriving at a typical Venetian restaurant for an aperitif before your four-course dinner including wine, mineral water and coffee.
Approximate value: EUR €55 per person