CONTRASTS
OF EUROPE 16 DAYS FROM $4,450 US Details below or
click here for more information INQUIRY FORM
Experience a high-speed adventure through Europe aboard comfortable trains with leisurely sightseeing in all the top cities! Admire world-famous monuments in London and the glittering sights of Paris. See the trendy Côte d’Azur and cruise the waterways of Venice. Witness Renaissance art in Florence and the ancient history of Rome!
Highlights London,
Paris,
Nice,
Monte Carlo,
Venice,
Florence,
Rome
Day 1 DEPART USA Overnight flight to London.
Day 2 ARRIVE LONDON (2 NIGHTS)
Welcome to London! Spend your day relaxing or take a leisurely wander through the streets of this amazing city. This evening, meet and get to know your companions and your Travel Director at a Welcome Pub Reception, which includes traditional pub food and a welcome drink.
Meal(s):
(Welcome Reception)
Hotel: Park Plaza County Hall (SF)
Day 3 LONDON SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
This morning’s sightseeing tour features the capital’s most famous sights. See Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. Spend the rest of the day as you choose. You might like to explore Hyde Park, stroll through Kensington Gardens, visit the Natural History Museum or take a cruise on the River Thames to the Tower of London. Perhaps finish with a West End theater show!
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 4 LONDON - PARIS (3 NIGHTS)
Your trip on the ultra-modern high-speed Eurostar train from London’s St. Pancras Station to Paris is exhilarating! Delight in the scenery through Kent and Northern France en route to the glamorous capital. On arrival, transfer to your hotel by coach.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)
Hotel: Novotel Tour Eiffel (F)
Day 5 PARIS SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
See all the great sights of this magnificent city with your expert Local Guide, including Place de la Concorde, the Champs Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe. Admire the skyline in all its glory from the second level of the Eiffel Tower. Discover the city on your own this afternoon. You might like to try some French cuisine in a typical brasserie or perhaps enjoy a cabaret show at a famous Parisian venue this evening.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 6 PARIS - FREE TIME
Today is yours to explore as you wish. The city is home to some of the greatest attractions in the world including museums, galleries and parks, as well as the Palace of Versailles and the River Seine with its popular cruises. Your Travel Director will be happy to suggest all available options.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 7 PARIS - NICE (2 NIGHTS)
At Paris' Gare de Lyon, board the TGV Mediterranée, one of the French fleet’s most modern trains. Admire the stunning scenery as you pass through the hills of Burgundy, along the Rhône Valley, past the villages of Provence and the Luberon to Nice on the French Riviera. See Promenade des Anglais, Place Massena and the old town on your orientation tour of Nice. Tonight, join your companions for a wonderful Highlight Dinner of Niçois specialties in a local restaurant, then head to Monte Carlo for the chance to 'break the bank' at one of the casinos!
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Hotel: Boscolo Plaza (SF)
Day 8 DAY EXCURSION TO CANNES
Spend today as you wish. You might like to relax on a beach, explore the elegant town of Nice or join your Travel Director for a morning excursion to Cannes, home of the annual Cannes Film Festival and one of the country’s most glamorous destinations! After free time in Cannes, you might consider an optional excursion to St. Paul de Vence.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 9 NICE - VENICE (3 NIGHTS)
A scenic drive east along rugged coastline brings you into Italy. Cross the Veneto Plains and enter the magical city of Venice - Queen of the Adriatic and your home for the next three nights.
Day 10 VENICE ORIENTATION AND FREE TIME
Your cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square is spectacular! See the Bridge of Sighs, the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica. Witness a demonstration of Murano glass-blowing at one of Venice’s oldest workshops. Spend the afternoon discovering the delights of this very special city.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 11 VENICE WALKING TOUR AND FREE TIME
The city is brought to life with superb historical insights from your expert Local Guide during your included walking tour from St. Mark’s Square to the ancient fish market near Rialto Bridge. Later, see another dimension of this unique city by taking an optional excursion to the islands in the lagoon for a delicious seafood lunch. Or you might decide to explore the narrow ‘calle’, or shop on the Rialto Bridge.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 12 VENICE - FLORENCE (2 NIGHTS)
Admire the beautiful scenery on your high-speed train journey to the Renaissance city of Florence. Cross the forested Apennine Mountains and travel into stunning Tuscan landscapes featuring terraced olive groves, vineyards and cypress trees. Your walking tour of this magnificent city with an expert Local Guide is fascinating! View the Ponte Vecchio bridge, a spectacular feat of engineering dating from the Middle Ages. Marvel at the statues and palaces on Piazza Signoria, the multi marble Duomo and Giotto’s spectacular Bell Tower. Enjoy panoramic views across the city from Piazzale Michelangelo. This evening, experience a Highlight Dinner of local specialties in a Florentine trattoria.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Hotel: Croce Di Malta (F)
Day 13 FLORENCE - FREE TIME
Organize your day to suit your interests. You might like to visit one of numerous galleries and museums or shop for high quality leather goods and 18-carat gold jewelry. Tonight, consider dining al fresco at one of Florence’s many restaurants.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 14 FLORENCE - ROME (2 NIGHTS)
See the peaceful Umbrian countryside on your high-speed train journey to the 'Eternal City'. In Rome, your expert Local Guide takes you on an extensive sightseeing tour. Visit St. Peter's Basilica and see Michelangelo's ‘Pieta’. View the Forum and Circus Maximus, where chariot racing was held. Enjoy an included visit inside the Colosseum and learn about gladiatorial contests in ancient Rome.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)
Hotel: Atlantico (F)
Day 15 ROME - FREE TIME
Your day is free to explore this incredible city. Consider an optional excursion to the Sistine Chapel to see Michelangelo’s outstanding frescoed ceiling, or visit the ancient Catacombs. Shop on the Via Condotti, explore the streets of Trastevere or experience ‘la dolce vita’ at a pavement café on the Via Veneto. Tonight, join your companions for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)
Day 16 ROME - USA
Say 'arrivederci' to Rome and your Travel Director as this memorable vacation comes to an end. Transfers are availiable. Conditions apply.
Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)
What's Included
Sightseeing Highlights
London Sightseeing includes views of Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben.
Paris Sightseeing tour includes a visit to the second level of the Eiffel Tower for spectacular city panoramas. See the Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Paris Opera, Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral.
Nice Orientation includes Promenade des Anglais, Place Massena and the old town.
Monte Carlo Evening excursion to view the famous casino.
Venice Enjoy a canal cruise by private motor launch. Visit St. Mark’s Square and view the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs and St Mark’s Basilica. Included expert guided walking tour of Secret Venice to the Rialto Bridge and the famous fish markets.
Florence Admire the panoramic views from Piazzale Michelangelo. Your walking tour takes you to Signoria Square and includes views of the Duomo, Baptistery, Ponte Vecchio and Santa Croce Basilica.
Rome Sightseeing tour includes views of the ancient Roman Forum and Circus Maximus. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica and view Michelangelo’s Pieta. Enjoy an included visit to the impressive Roman Colosseum.
Insider Highlights
Hidden Treasure Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure experience, unique to your itinerary, courtesy of your expert Travel Director.
Local Speciality Visit a traditional glass-blowing factory in Venice.
Dining Highlights
Welcome Pub Reception in London, which includes Traditional British Pub Fare and a Welcome Drink with your Travel Director.
14 buffet breakfasts.
1 three-course dinner with local wine.
2 local highlight restaurant dinners with wine on the French Riviera and in Florence.
Farewell Dinner with wine in Rome.
First Class Travel Highlights
First class hotel accommodation featuring twin rooms and private facilities
All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included
The services of one of our professional Travel Directors throughout your journey
A qualified Local Guide in London, Paris, Venice, Florence and Rome.
Audio headsets for all guided visits and included sightseeing
Pick up at the London Reception Centre or Park Plaza County Hall Hotel.
Eurostar high-speed train journey from London to Paris.
TGV Mediteranée train journey from Paris to Nice.
High-speed train journey from Venice to Florence.
High-speed train journey from Florence to Rome.
All rail service is reserved in standard class.
Porterage is included at most train stations.
Capture treasured memories of your trip with a complimentary group photo taken at a landmark location.
A stylish wallet, travel documents, keepsake booklet and map
DEPARTURE DATES April - September
PRICES From approx $4,450 US per person double occupancy
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Experience a high-speed adventure through Europe aboard comfortable trains with leisurely sightseeing in all the top cities! Admire world-famous monuments in London and the glittering sights of Paris. See the trendy Côte d’Azur and cruise the waterways of Venice. Witness Renaissance art in Florence and the ancient history of Rome!
