Your journey begins with two overnights in the Italian capital of Rome and guided sightseeing that highlights the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square. Head north to see Pisa’s Leaning Tower and to Renaissance Florence, featuring sculpture-filled Signoria Square, Palazzo Vecchio, the Giotto Campanile, and the Brunelleschi Cupola in Piazza del Duomo. Spend two nights in the Venice area, with an included canal boat ride to St. Mark’s Square and free time to explore. Ascend the mighty Dolomites, stopping in Cortina, then continue into the Austrian Tyrol to Innsbruck. Stop in the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein and later arrive in Switzerland’s medieval lakeside Lucerne for two overnights. On to Paris for guided sightseeing, free time to make your own discoveries, and two overnights. Cross the English Channel by ferry to jolly old England! Your vacation ends in London, the perfect end to a great adventure.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in Rome, Italy. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this ancient capital. In the afternoon, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.
Day #2 Rome. 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 #3 Rome–Pisa–Florence. Vistas of undulating hills, austere rows of cypress trees, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and rural villages form the backdrop of your journey through beautiful Tuscany. Take a break in Pisa to see the Square of Miracles and the amazing Leaning Tower, then on to Florence. (B,D)
Day #4 Florence–Venice Area. Birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence was for centuries a leading power. On the included walking tour with an expert Local Guide, discover the landmarks of this amazing city, like Piazza Signoria with the Loggia dei Lanzi, Palazzo Vecchio, and the breathtaking cathedral on Piazza del Duomo. Later, watch how leather is embossed with gold, and enjoy free time to shop. In the afternoon, drive north across the River Po into the Plains of Venetia for two overnights in the Venice area. (B)
Day #5 Venice Area. Venice is known worldwide for its carnival and its film festival. Today, reach Venice by private motorboat to view the Bridge of Sighs and the Doges' Palace plus St. Mark's Basilica before the visit to a glassblowing factory. Don’t miss out on the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you. (B,D)
Day #6 Venice Area–Cortina–Innsbruck, Austria. Leave the plains of the Veneto region behind and drive northwards to spot the spectacular peaks of the Dolomites. Stop awhile in Cortina to enjoy the grand scenery. Later, cross over the Europa Bridge and Brenner Pass into Austria to reach Innsbruck for an overnight. (B)
Day #7 Innsbruck–Liechtenstein–Lucerne, Switzerland. Time this morning to get acquainted with Innsbruck. The visit includes the famous Golden Roof, emblem of the city. Later, drive through the valleys and villages of the mountainous Tyrol to the Arlberg tunnel, descending into Switzerland. Stop briefly in Vaduz, Liechtenstein’s capital. Majestic alpine scenery and glimpses of Lake Walen enchant you on the way to Lucerne. (B)
Day #8 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 #9 Lucerne–Paris, France. 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. (B)
Day #10 Paris. 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 included 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. Tonight, consider joining the optional farewell dinner. (B)
Day #11 Paris–London, England. Relax and let the countryside whiz by on the road north to the coast, where you board your Channel ferry. Through Kent to London for an evening arrival. (B)
Day #12 London. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
