Trip Itinerary and Additional Information
Day 1: ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY
Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Dinner
Day 2: ROME
When in Rome
Guided sightseeing includes the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, and the Colosseum. Free time in the late afternoon.
Breakfast
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES Stand in awe amid one of mankind’s greatest artistic achievements in the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo’s 4-year project to decorate the chapel’s ceiling, commissioned by Pope Julius II, resulted in one of history’s great masterpieces, despite the physical and psychological challenges he faced.
Excursions for Purchase:
Roman Highlights: Join a Local Guide for a tailor-made itinerary featuring some of the city's authentic jewels.
3h 0m Price Range: $
Day 3: ROME–FLORENCE
Scenic drive en route to Florence.
Guided walking tour includes the Academy of Fine Arts and Signoria Square. Free time.
193 mi / 310 km
Breakfast
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE Florence is home to some of the world’s most magnificent art. Michelangelo’s Marble Masterpiece, David, stands ready for battle in the Academy of Fine Arts. Outside, Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square offer spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.
Excursions for Purchase:
Florentine Dinner: Bask in the spirit of Tuscany at this incredible dinner featuring the region's most celebrated Italian dishes and tantalizing wines.
3h 0m Price Range: $$
Day 4: FLORENCE–VENICE
Travel from Florence to Venice.
Breakfast
Day 5: VENICE–LUGANO, SWITZERLAND–LUCERNE
Benvenuti a Venezia
VENICE ISLAND: Take a private Boat Ride on the canals. Orientation includes St. Mark’s Square and the Bridge of Sighs followed by a glassblower demonstration. Dinner at a local restaurant.
174 mi / 280 km
Breakfast Dinner
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Piazza San Marco is the social, religious, and political hub of Venice. St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace dominate the square, and the Bridge of Sighs connects the palace with the prison.
Excursions for Purchase:
Gondola: Hop aboard a traditional gondola for a ride through the magical Venetian canals.
0h 30m Price Range: $$Life on the Lake: Free time in Lugano before a scenic drive through the Swiss Alps and St. Gotthard tunnel en route to Lucerne.
342 mi / 550 km
Breakfast
Enhanced Free Time: Explore Lugano’s Italian and Swiss style and culture, including Piazza della Riforma and pastel palazzos.
Excursions for Purchase:Traditional Swiss Dinner with Homemade Beer: Enjoy a dinner of beer-enhanced recipes and craft beer at a historic riverside venue.
2h 0m Price Range: $$
Day 6: LUCERNE
Sweet Sights of Switzerland
LUCERNE: Walking tour includes the Lion Monument, the Old Town, and Chapel Bridge. Free time in the afternoon.
Breakfast Dinner
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Enjoy the stunning panoramas of the Swiss Alps and the peaceful alpine lake of Lucerne.
Excursions for Purchase:
Mount Pilatus: Ascend Mount Pilatus for panoramic views.
3h 0m Price Range: $$
Day 7: LUCERNE–PARIS, FRANCE
Drive through the vineyards of Burgundy, passing beautiful castles and Fontainebleau Forest en route to Paris.
423 mi / 680 km
Breakfast
Day 8: PARIS
C’est Magnifique in the City of Light
Guided sightseeing includes the Opéra, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, and a Seine cruise.
Breakfast
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Glide across the Swiss and French countryside to Paris, and enjoy the City of Light’s enchanting atmosphere.
Excursions for Purchase:
French Dinner and Orientation Drive: Experience Paris by night with a guided drive and fine French cuisine.
4h 30m Price Range: $$
Day 9: PARIS
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast
YOUR LOCAL EXPERT
Tour Director
Meet one of our experienced Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and bring a deep understanding of the European scene. They help you discover the traditions of the countries you visit and learn more about yourself and your common humanity.
Chris Heatherley
Escorting tours for more than 20 years, Chris combines a love of travel with a keen interest in history and languages.
HAND-PICKED Hotels
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS Paris is always enchanting, whether in spring or fall. Enjoy the tranquility of the Seine and the treats in a corner café.
Excursions for Purchase:
Versailles, Palace of the Sun King: Explore the opulent Palace of Versailles and its gardens.
3h 30m Price Range: $$
Safe Travels Until We Meet…
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast