FOCUS ON ITALY &
PARIS WITH LONDON EXTENSION
16 DAYS FROM $2,119 US
Details below or click here for more information INQUIRY FORM
Phone: 1-888-682-6449/1-303-670-5640
Fax: (425) 984-7676
Cover the heartland of Europe on this exciting
multi-country adventure. Begin in London, then cross the Channel by
ferry and board a motorcoach bound for Brussels. Then, a comfortable
ride on the German Autobahn takes you south into Bavaria with an
overnight stop in the lovely Ulm area on the banks of the Danube. Cross
through Tyrolean Austria over Brenner Pass to reach the magical Italian
city of Venice with its canals and St. Mark’s Square. Visit Assisi to
admire Giotto’s frescoes in St. Francis’ Basilica, then continue to
Rome, where you’ll encounter iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and
the Roman Forum. On to Montecassino and to Pompeii to see ruins of the
city destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Spend two
nights in Sorrento, then sail to the jet-set island of Capri. On the
way to Florence, stop in beautiful Orvieto to see its distinctive
cathedral and beautiful surrounding countryside. Spend two nights in
Renaissance Florence and see the city’s many highlights—like Piazza
Signoria and the Duomo—on the included walking tour. Have your cameras
ready at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and visit the Piazza Maggiore in
Bologna before crossing into Switzerland to beautiful Lake Lugano for
an overnight and see more of Switzerland on the way to Lucerne.
Finally, enjoy Paris, the “City of Light,” with a guided city
sightseeing tour and plenty of free time before returning to London by
motorcoach and crossing the Channel by ferry for an additional
overnight in London. A great combination of cities and scenery!
Special Departure:
Mar 26th - Good Friday in Rome
DEPARTURES
March - October
PRICES
From approx $2,119 US per person double occupancy
16 DAYS FROM $2,119 US
Details below or click here for more information INQUIRY FORM
Phone: 1-888-682-6449/1-303-670-5640
Fax: (425) 984-7676
Cover the heartland of Europe on this exciting
multi-country adventure. Begin in London, then cross the Channel by
ferry and board a motorcoach bound for Brussels. Then, a comfortable
ride on the German Autobahn takes you south into Bavaria with an
overnight stop in the lovely Ulm area on the banks of the Danube. Cross
through Tyrolean Austria over Brenner Pass to reach the magical Italian
city of Venice with its canals and St. Mark’s Square. Visit Assisi to
admire Giotto’s frescoes in St. Francis’ Basilica, then continue to
Rome, where you’ll encounter iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and
the Roman Forum. On to Montecassino and to Pompeii to see ruins of the
city destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Spend two
nights in Sorrento, then sail to the jet-set island of Capri. On the
way to Florence, stop in beautiful Orvieto to see its distinctive
cathedral and beautiful surrounding countryside. Spend two nights in
Renaissance Florence and see the city’s many highlights—like Piazza
Signoria and the Duomo—on the included walking tour. Have your cameras
ready at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and visit the Piazza Maggiore in
Bologna before crossing into Switzerland to beautiful Lake Lugano for
an overnight and see more of Switzerland on the way to Lucerne.
Finally, enjoy Paris, the “City of Light,” with a guided city
sightseeing tour and plenty of free time before returning to London by
motorcoach and crossing the Channel by ferry for an additional
overnight in London. A great combination of cities and scenery!Special Departure:
Mar 26th - Good Friday in Rome
Day 1 Thu.
BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT
Day 2 Fri. 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 3 Sat. 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. (B)
Day 4 Sun. 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. (B,D)
Day 5 Mon. 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. (B,D)
Day 6 Tue. 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. (B)
Day 7 Wed. 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. (B)
Day 8 Thu. 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. (B)
Day 9 Fri. 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. (B)
Day 10 Sat. 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. (B,D)
Day 11 Sun. 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. (B,D)
Day 12 Mon. 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. (B)
Day 13 Tue. 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. (B)
Day 14 Wed. 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. (B,D)
Day 15 Thu. 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. (B)
Day 16 Fri. 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. (B)
Day 17 Sat. 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, return to London for an evening arrival. (B)
Day 18 Sun.
YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (B)
BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT
Day 2 Fri. 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 3 Sat. 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. (B)
Day 4 Sun. 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. (B,D)
Day 5 Mon. 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. (B,D)
Day 6 Tue. 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. (B)
Day 7 Wed. 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. (B)
Day 8 Thu. 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. (B)
Day 9 Fri. 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. (B)
Day 10 Sat. 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. (B,D)
Day 11 Sun. 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. (B,D)
Day 12 Mon. 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. (B)
Day 13 Tue. 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. (B)
Day 14 Wed. 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. (B,D)
Day 15 Thu. 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. (B)
Day 16 Fri. 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. (B)
Day 17 Sat. 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, return to London for an evening arrival. (B)
Day 18 Sun.
YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (B)
INCLUDED
FEATURES
Visits to Brussels, Innsbruck, Cortina, Venice, Assisi, Montecassino, Sorrento, Capri, Orvieto, Pisa, Bologna, Lugano, Lucerne
SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS
Fern Pass, Europa Bridge, Venetian plains, Tuscany, Lombardy plains, Swiss Alps
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
GUIDES
Host service in London. Local Guides for city sightseeing in Rome, Pompeii, Florence, Paris. Professional Tour Director while touring.
STANDARD INCLUDED FEATURES
Learn more about transportation, hotels, and other standard included features offered.
MEALS - (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner
Buffet breakfasts (B); 5 dinners (D)
HOTELS - (F) First-Class (ST) Superior Tourist-Class (T) Tourist Class
London Novotel London West (F), Brussels Holiday Inn Garden Court (ST), Ulm Area Tulip Inn (ST) at Gunzburg, Venice Area Poppi (F) at Mira, Rome Princess (F), Sorrento Astoria (ST), Florence Area Meridiana (ST) at Florence, Lugano Acquarello (ST), Lake Lucerne Löwen (T) at Lungern or Pilatusblick (ST) at Kriens, Paris Campanile (ST) at Issy les Moulineaux
TRANSPORTATION
Round-trip transportation between London and the Channel ports; on the Continent, private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach. Cross-Channel ferry; canal transfer boat in Venice; boat transfer to Capri.
Visits to Brussels, Innsbruck, Cortina, Venice, Assisi, Montecassino, Sorrento, Capri, Orvieto, Pisa, Bologna, Lugano, Lucerne
SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS
Fern Pass, Europa Bridge, Venetian plains, Tuscany, Lombardy plains, Swiss Alps
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
GUIDES
Host service in London. Local Guides for city sightseeing in Rome, Pompeii, Florence, Paris. Professional Tour Director while touring.
STANDARD INCLUDED FEATURES
Learn more about transportation, hotels, and other standard included features offered.
MEALS - (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner
Buffet breakfasts (B); 5 dinners (D)
HOTELS - (F) First-Class (ST) Superior Tourist-Class (T) Tourist Class
London Novotel London West (F), Brussels Holiday Inn Garden Court (ST), Ulm Area Tulip Inn (ST) at Gunzburg, Venice Area Poppi (F) at Mira, Rome Princess (F), Sorrento Astoria (ST), Florence Area Meridiana (ST) at Florence, Lugano Acquarello (ST), Lake Lucerne Löwen (T) at Lungern or Pilatusblick (ST) at Kriens, Paris Campanile (ST) at Issy les Moulineaux
TRANSPORTATION
Round-trip transportation between London and the Channel ports; on the Continent, private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach. Cross-Channel ferry; canal transfer boat in Venice; boat transfer to Capri.
DEPARTURES
March - October
PRICES
From approx $2,119 US per person double occupancy
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Phone: 1-888-682-6449/1-303-670-5640
Fax: (425) 984-7676
tours@a-ztravel.com