FOCUS ON ITALY &
PARIS WITH LONDON EXTENSION 17 DAYS FROM $2,354 US Details below or click here
for more informationINQUIRY FORM
Cover the heartland of Europe on this exciting multi-country adventure. Begin in London, then cross the English Channel by ferry and board a motorcoach bound for Brussels. A comfortable ride on the German Autobahn takes you south into Bavaria with an overnight 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 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 and sail to the jet-set island of Capri. On the way to Florence, stop in beautiful Orvieto to see its distinctive cathedral. Spend two nights in Renaissance Florence and see the city’s many highlights—like Signoria Square 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. See more of Switzerland on the way to Lucerne, and spend two nights in Paris with guided sightseeing and free time to discover the “City of Light” on your own. Then head back to the English Channel for your return ferry ride to England and a final overnight in London.
Day 1 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 2 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 3 Brussels–Rhineland, Germany–Ulm Area
A comfortable journey on the German Autobahn, traveling south into the Rhineland and past Stuttgart into Bavaria with its woods, farms, and pretty villages. Break up the journey with an optional Rhine cruise, gliding past the famous Lorelei rock. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 4 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 enjoy the enchanting views of the mighty Dolomites. Descend into the valley on to the Venetian plain; then, travel eastwards to the Venice area for an overnight. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 5 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 busy 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 6 Venice Area–Assisi–Rome
An interesting drive southward, cutting across the Po plain, 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 7 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 8 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 home 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. Your Local Guide will bring the town back to life by explaining the remains of the luxurious villas, temples, theater, and forum. Just a few more miles to Sorrento, where you'll stay for the next two nights. (Breakfast)
Day 9 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 piazzetta, maze of streets, fashionable boutiques, and smart restaurants, is a mecca for the jet set. An optional island tour is available. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 10 Sorrento–Orvieto–Florence
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 Florence. (Breakfast)
Day 11 Florence. 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; 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 12 Florence–Bologna–Lugano, Switzerland
This morning, drive northeast to Bologna, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region. Stop awhile to see the twin medieval 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 13 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. Continue to your overnight hotel in the Lucerne area. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 14 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 15 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 shows off 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 16 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. (Breakfast)
Day 17 London
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (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
Ask about airport transfer times, prices and what's included with your vacation.
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
Ask about transportation, hotels, and other standard included features offered.
Accommodations
MEALS
Buffet breakfasts; 5 dinners
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 Holiday Inn (F) at Marghera, ROME Residenza Parco Tirreno (F), SORRENTO Ascot (ST), FLORENCE AREA Meridiana (ST) at Florence, LUGANO Acquarello (ST), LAKE LUCERNE Pilatusblick (ST) at Kriens or Hirschen (ST) at Flüelen, PARIS Ibis (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.
Optional Excursions
Important Note:
the following list of optional excursions are examples only for this vacation as they are the excursions that are being offered for this vacation in the current travel year. These optional excursions might or might not be offered next year, as well as new optional excursions might be offered. Information about what optional excursions will be offered for your vacation will be available later this year into next year. If no example excursions are listed, please check back later.
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.
CITY: Brussels
Evening 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 café to enjoy a glass of old-fashioned Belgian beer.
Approximate value: EUR €25 per person
CITY: Florence
Tuscan Flavours
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: London
Morning 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 24) applies.
Approximate value: GBP £29 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 £37 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 £37 per person
Buckingham Palace & the Royal Mews Afternoons daily July 23 to October 3
First 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: Please check back later per person
A Taste of London Daily April to October
Ideal for your arrival day, this guided evening excursion combines a traditional London pub experience with a relaxed, night-time river cruise, viewing some of the capital's most beautiful illuminated sights. Enjoy a three-course dinner at an historic London pub in the City of London.
Approximate value: Please check back later per person
CITY: Lorelei
Lorelei And Its Castles
Discover the mystical magic of the Rhine river with its historic villages, beautiful castles and of course the legendary Lorelei Rock.
Approximate value: EUR €25 per person
CITY: Lucerne
Scenic 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 €25 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 €50 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 €50 per person
CITY: Lugano
Lake Cruise & Dinner
Join a boat trip on the Gulf of Lugano, passing Campione d'Italia, an Italian enclave. Then proceed to a typical Ticinese "grotto" restaurant on the lake side.
Approximate value: EUR €55 per person
CITY: Paris
Cabaret Show
A trip to Paris is not complete without a visit to a typical cabaret show. A glass of champagne is served during the show.
Approximate value: EUR €65 per person
Versailles-Sun King's Palace
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
The evening consists of a visit to Montmartre, the heart of Bohemian Paris, with time to see the Sacre-Coeur Church enjoying a panoramic view of the city. Included is a memorable four-course dinner with an aperitif and wine.
Approximate value: EUR €57 per person
CITY: Rome
Treasures Of Rome Bn & Dinner
A night 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 €50 per person
Vatican Museum & 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 Judgement".
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 €48 per person
CITY: Sorrento
Sorrento Flavours
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 €28 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. Included is free flowing wine, spumante or soft drinks
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: Venice
By 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 €45 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
DEPARTURES April - June
September - October
PRICES From approx $2,354 US
per person double occupancy
More Tours and Cruises Available For more information please complete the INQUIRY
FORM
Cover the heartland of Europe on this exciting multi-country adventure. Begin in London, then cross the English Channel by ferry and board a motorcoach bound for Brussels. A comfortable ride on the German Autobahn takes you south into Bavaria with an overnight 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 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 and sail to the jet-set island of Capri. On the way to Florence, stop in beautiful Orvieto to see its distinctive cathedral. Spend two nights in Renaissance Florence and see the city’s many highlights—like Signoria Square 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. See more of Switzerland on the way to Lucerne, and spend two nights in Paris with guided sightseeing and free time to discover the “City of Light” on your own. Then head back to the English Channel for your return ferry ride to England and a final overnight in London.
Day 6 Venice Area–Assisi–Rome