Begin your vacation in London with two overnights and leisure time to make your own discoveries in this lively city. Cross the English Channel by Eurostar train to Paris. Your 2-night stay here includes guided sightseeing that highlights the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysées, and the Eiffel Tower, then time to explore the French capital at your own pace. Head southeast through Burgundy to picture-perfect Lucerne in Switzerland. Then visit Lugano in the Italian-speaking Swiss canton of Ticino before crossing into Italy. Stop in Verona to see Juliet’s balcony, and in beautiful Venice for two overnights, a canal boat ride to St. Mark’s Square, and free time to maybe try an optional gondola ride. In Florence, “Cradle of the Renaissance,” enjoy a guided walking tour that introduces you to Santa Croce, Signoria Square, Palazzo Vecchio, and more. Admire the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa before spending two nights in the “Eternal City” of Rome, with guided sightseeing that highlights St. Peter’s Square, the Roman Forum, and the mighty Colosseum.

Note:
December 14 Departure - Christmas in Rome

Day 1 Arrive in London, England
Check into your hotel. In the afternoon you may want to start exploring the lively British capital. Uniformed hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.

Day 2 London
A full day to savor our rich program of optional activities: take a panoramic tour of London’s landmarks, visit the Tower of London, or choose an excursion to Windsor Castle. Tonight, maybe a leisurely cruise on the River Thames? (Breakfast)

Day 3 London–Paris, France
Board the Eurostar train to Paris. Here you’ll be met by your Tour Director and luxury coach. Overnight in Paris. (Breakfast)

Day 4 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 including 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. This evening, why not join an optional welcome dinner? (Breakfast)

Day 5 Paris–Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
Fascinating, ever-changing scenery today. Views of Fontainebleau Forest, the wine-growing area of Burgundy, then prosperous farms and tidy half-timbered villages as you head through the Alpine heart of Switzerland to picture-book Lake Lucerne. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 6 Lake 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. (Breakfast)

Day 7 Lake Lucerne–Lugano–Verona, Italy–Venice Area
More wonderful Alpine scenery as you drive into the mountain ranges that surround the massive St. Gotthard. Once through its great tunnel, you’ll start your scenic descent into the warmer and sunnier ambiance of the Canton Ticino. Stop in beautiful Lugano and take a stroll along the lakeside promenade. Later, cross into Italy and drive through the Lombardy plains to Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, also known as "Little Rome" for its splendid amphitheater still standing in its former glory. Overnight in the Venice area. (Breakfast)

Day 8 Venice Area
Venice is more like a marvelous film set than a real live city, with criss-crossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and busy little piazzas. The orientation starts with a boat ride and is followed by a chance to watch Venetian glassblowers fashion their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. Don’t miss out on the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 9 Venice Area–Florence
Start the day by journeying south across the Apennines into the gentle and hilly countryside of Tuscany. Then, to Florence for an included walking tour with a Local Guide. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 10 Florence–Pisa–Rome
Leave this Renaissance gem and city of the Medicis this morning. Later, stop in Pisa to see the famed Square of Miracles and view the Leaning Tower. Then, journey south to Rome. Tonight an optional evening drive through the city, a floodlit spectacular of shimmering fountains, magnificent churches, and piazzas, followed by dinner. (Breakfast)

Day 11 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. (Breakfast)

Day 12 Rome
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.

Vacation Highlights

INCLUDED FEATURES
Headsets throughout the tour

Visits to Lucerne, Lugano, Verona, Venice, Pisa

Note:
July 17, July 24, July 31 & August 7 Departures - cross channel by ferry instead of Eurostar train.

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS
French Burgundy, Swiss Alps, Tuscany's Maremma

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 Paris, Florence, Rome. Professional Tour Director while touring

STANDARD INCLUDED FEATURES
Learn more about transportation, hotels, and other standard included features offered.

Accommodations

MEALS
Buffet breakfasts; 3 dinners

HOTELS - (F) First-Class (ST) Superior Tourist-Class (T) Tourist Class
LONDON Kensington Close (ST), PARIS Timhotel Berthier (ST), LAKE LUCERNE Hirschen (ST) at Flüelen, VENICE AREA Poppi (F) at Mira, FLORENCE AREA Demidoff (F) at Pratolino, ROME Park Dei Massimi (F)

TRANSPORTATION
On the Continent, private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach. Eurostar train London-Paris; canal transfer boat in Venice. July 17, July 24, July 31 & August 7 departures cross channel by ferry instead of Eurostar train.

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: 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: 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 Titlis
Drive to Alpine Engelberg to take the Titlis-Rotair, the world's first revolving cable car, up to 10,000 feet where eternal snow resists even the summer sun. A panoramic view all the way up with 360 degree vistas of glaciers and icefalls. Also on the agenda is a visit to the Ice Grotto.
Approximate value: EUR €70 per person

The Titlis Ice Flyer
An extension to the Mount Titlis excursion, the Ice Flyer is a chair lift, specially equipped to protect from wind, snow and rain. The 2,460 foot journey lasts six minutes and you can enjoy an absolutely unique and unforgettable ride just a few feet above the Titlis Glacier.
Approximate value: EUR €7 per person

Engelberg Only
Spend a few hours in this panoramic village at the foot of Mount Titlis: a well-known Alpine resort, where you could shop in the bazaars and enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine in a typical restaurant.
Approximate value: EUR €28 per person

Dinner & Swiss Folklore
Contrary to belief, not all Swiss can yodel or blow the alp horn, but those you will see are real experts. They entertain you with merry melodies on the accordion and traditional dances while you enjoy a full 3-course dinner.
Approximate value: EUR €60 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 (Sat-Sun)
Week-ends visit: Historic Versailles is the beautifully 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 €70 per person

Welcome 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: Venice

Venetian Night Out And Dinner
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, passing famous buildings, small bridges and inner canals, will take you to a typical Venetian restaurant for an aperitif before your four-course dinner including wine, mineral water and coffee.
Approximate value: EUR €65 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

Price
$1,799 US per person based on double occupancy