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 at a local restaurant. (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
high-speed Eurostar train. We relax in style as 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 overnight in
Paris for two nights. (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 the 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 includes a risqué performance and may
not be suitable for all viewers. (Optional dinner & show)
Day 6
TGV TRAIN • BASEL • ANDERMATT, 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. Take in the beautiful scenery on our way
into Switzerland, passing gentle hills and verdant fields. On
arrival in Basel, we transfer to the quaint village of Andermatt,
nestled in the Ursene Valley, for a two night stay. We enjoy
an included dinner together this evening. (B, D)
Day 7
ANDERMATT - LUCERNE - ANDERMATT:
After breakfast,
we travel to Lucerne to explore, 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.
Late afternoon we return to Andermatt for the evening. (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)
Day 8
ANDERMATT, SWITZERLAND • COMO • MESTRE,
ITALY:
We travel past the 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)
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
