Day 1
OVERNIGHT FLIGHT TO LONDON:
Today, we depart the
USA on our overnight flight to London, England to begin
an unforgettable journey to some of the most beloved countries
in Europe.
Day 2
LONDON, ENGLAND:
This morning we arrive in England’s
sophisticated capital, London, a bustling city where
centuries of history meet an evolving modern culture. We
transfer to our hotel for our two night stay. You’ll have time to
get to know your surroundings or perhaps visit some of the
attractions in London. This evening we join our fellow travelers
for a welcome dinner in a contemporary English pub. (D)
Day 3
GUIDED TOUR OF LONDON:
This morning on our guided
tour of London, we discover what makes London the most
visited city in the world. We see notable landmarks including
the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace,
Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament. After our tour, you’ll
have free time to explore this remarkable city. (B)
Day 4
EUROSTAR TRAIN TO PARIS, FRANCE • DINNER CRUISE:
Today we make our way to St. Pancras’ railway station,
a masterpiece of Victorian engineering, to board the highspeed
Eurostar train. We relax in style a s we’re whisked away
to Paris, the “City of Light.” Famous for its world-renowned
art, food, and fashion, Paris’ captivating energy can be found
around every corner. This evening, we enjoy views of the Eiffel
Tower as we gently float down the Seine River, tasting savory
French cuisine on our dinner cruise. We then check into our
hotel for our two-night stay in Paris. (B, D)
Day 5
PARIS, FRANCE:
Today you have a choice. You may choose
to tour Paris on a panoramic city tour featuring views of
the endangered Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe,
Champs-Élysées. Or you may choose to step into the shoes
of a local and navigate Le Métro on our way to the hilltop
neighborhood of Montmartre and its iconic Sacré-Coeur
basilica. This afternoon the remainder of the day is free for
you to explore Paris. (B)
* OPTIONAL: Experience Paris’ nightlife during dinner and a
lively show at the dynamic Paradis Latin for a champagneflowing,
can-can kicking, music-driven night at the cabaret.
*This optional event in cludes a risqué performance and may
not be suitable for all viewers. (Optional dinner & show - $190
per person)
Day 6
TGV TRAIN • BASEL • LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND:
Today
we board the Train à grande vitessa (TGV), France’s
high-speed train, departing Paris and we make our way to
Basel, Switzerland. We view beautiful scenery on our way
into Switzerland, passing gentle hills and verdant fields. On
arrival in Basel, we transfer to Lucerne, a picturesque Alpine
town with stunning views of the Swiss Alps. We check into
our hotel for two nights in Lucerne. We enjoy an included
dinner together this evening. (B, D)
Day 7
LUCERNE:
After breakfast, we explore Lucerne, the “Swiss
Paradise on the Lake”. Upon arrival, we set out on a walk
through its romantic Altstadt (Old Town), passing through
Lucerne’s iconic covered Chapel Bridge. We have free time
to see the renowned Lion Monument commemorating the
heroic Swiss Guard or visit the Alpineum museum dedicated
to alpine landscape painting. (B)
* OPTIONAL: Excursion to Mount Pilatus ascend the world’s
steepest railway on a panoramic gondola to the summit and
stroll the walkway for magnificent views at the summit. In
the late afternoon, we return to Lucerne for an evening at
leisure. (Optional excursion - $90 per person)
Day 8
ANDERMATT, SWITZERLAND • COMO • MESTRE, ITALY:
We depart Lucerne and travel to Italy. As we travel we
view pastoral landscapes of Switzerland and traverse through
the heart of the Alps, taking in vistas of rugged mountains. We
pass through the picturesque Italian Lake District, a holiday
destination since Roman times, to stop at the lakeside city
of Como, famous for its silk production. In the early evening,
we check into our hotel for a two-night stay in Mestre, situated
on the Venetian mainland. (B, D)
Day 9
MESTRE CRUISE • ISLAND OF MURANO • VENICE, ITALY:
Today we board the Mestre Cruise to the island of Murano,
renowned for its age-old glass-blowing tradition. We leave
Murano to embark on a walking tour of Venice, a collection
of 117 tiny islands surrounded by a latticework of 150 canals
and 400 bridges. In this floating city, we see the Clock Tower,
St. Mark’s Basilica, and marble palaces along boat-filled
canals. This afternoon is free to explore the hidden secrets
of this charming city. You may choose to take an optional
gondola ride through the narrow waterways. (B)
Day 10
MESTRE • FLORENCE, ITALY:
This morning we depart
Mestre, traveling through the Po River Valley to Tuscany.
We stop at a vineyard in the heart of the Chianti region to
enjoy a tour, tasting, and traditional bites. We then continue
to Florence, where we will spend two-nights in the “Cradle
of the Renaissance,” home to masterpieces of art and iconic
symbols of centuries-old history. (B, L)
Day 11
FLORENCE • GALLERIA DELL’ACCADEMIA:
On a full day
walking tour, we explore Florence, the legendary city
of the Medici and the iconic Duomo. We discover the 4 pillars
of city life: art, architecture, food, and fashion. We also visit
the Galleria dell’Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s David. (B)
Day 12
ROME, ITALY:
Today, we journey to Italy’s capital city,
Rome. Upon arrival, our panoramic tour includes
famous sights such as the Baths of Caracalla, the legendary
Aventine and Palatine hills, the ancient Circus Maximus, and
views of the majestic Colosseum. We have free time this
evening to discover this “Eternal City”; considered to be the
“cradle of Western civilization and Christian culture”. We
then check into our hotel for a two-night stay in Rome. (B)
* OPTIONAL: Food tour a culinary journey through the bohemian
Trastevere district offering Rome’s most representative
street food and gelato. (Optional food tour - $120 per person)
Day 13
ROME • ST. PETER’S BASIILICA • SISTINE CHAPEL:
We
begin our morning with a tour of the Vatican Museums
and St. Peter’s Basilica. We see Papal palaces, halls and
galleries housing priceless statuary from classical Greece and
Rome. We admire the Gallery of Maps and works by great
Renaissance masters such as Perugino, Botticelli, Ghirlandaio.
In the Sistine Chapel, we marvel at Michelangelo’s frescoed
ceiling and brilliant Last Judgement. This afternoon you have
free time to continue to explore Rome, the City of Seven Hills.
Tonight, we end our fantastic journey through Europe at a
farewell dinner paired with local musical entertainment. (B, D)
Day 14
ROME • FLIGHT HOME:
We bid farewell as our adventure
has come to an end. During our flight home we reminisce
about our amazing journey. (B)
* PLEASE NOTE: Porterage is not available and there are no
luggage trolleys at the train stations. Your checked luggage
will be transferred to your next destination via private truck
the day prior to your train ride. We recommend bringing a
carryon bag including a change of clothes and daily necessities.
You will be responsible for handling your carry-on luggage.
Some trains are double-deckers and may require climbing 1
narrow flight of steps to reach your assigned seats.
Tour arranged by:
Collette & Christian Tours
