Essential Europe

2012 Season
Departs From: Rome

From 1,571EUR

Length:  11 days from Rome to London, or 12 days incl. travel

Overview

This is one of our most popular Europe trips. It starts with two nights in Rome, where you will enjoy a special welcome dinner with wine at a lively Roman restaurant, and ends with two nights in London. You will also stop in major cities like Florence, Venice, Lucerne, and Paris. All “must-see” features—such as St. Peter’s, the Sistine Chapel, and the Colosseum in Rome; Michelangelo’s David in Florence; St. Mark’s Square in Venice; the second floor of the Eiffel Tower in Paris; and St. Paul’s Cathedral in London—are included, with a Local Guide in each city. From Italy, cross the border to subtropical Lugano in Switzerland, then drive straight through the Alps via the St. Gotthard and William Tell country to picture-book Lucerne, where you’ll have a relaxing 2-night stay before going to Paris. After two nights in Paris, board the Eurostar train for a smooth ride to London. This is a wonderful vacation any time if you want to see the most popular cities of Europe.

Duration:  11 Days

Schedule:

Start Date	End Date
29 May, 2012	08 June, 2012
03 June, 2012	13 June, 2012
05 June, 2012	15 June, 2012
10 June, 2012	20 June, 2012
12 June, 2012	22 June, 2012
14 June, 2012	24 June, 2012
17 June, 2012	27 June, 2012
19 June, 2012	29 June, 2012
24 June, 2012	04 July, 2012
26 June, 2012	06 July, 2012
28 June, 2012	08 July, 2012
03 July, 2012	13 July, 2012
05 July, 2012	15 July, 2012
12 July, 2012	22 July, 2012
17 July, 2012	27 July, 2012
26 July, 2012	05 August, 2012
31 July, 2012	10 August, 2012
07 August, 2012	17 August, 2012
16 August, 2012	26 August, 2012
21 August, 2012	31 August, 2012
02 September, 2012	12 September, 2012
04 September, 2012	14 September, 2012
06 September, 2012	16 September, 2012
11 September, 2012	21 September, 2012
13 September, 2012	23 September, 2012
16 September, 2012	26 September, 2012
18 September, 2012	28 September, 2012
23 September, 2012	03 October, 2012
27 September, 2012	07 October, 2012
30 September, 2012	10 October, 2012
07 October, 2012	17 October, 2012
14 October, 2012	24 October, 2012
21 October, 2012	31 October, 2012
28 October, 2012	07 November, 2012
04 November, 2012	14 November, 2012
18 November, 2012	28 November, 2012
02 December, 2012	12 December, 2012
16 December, 2012	26 December, 2012

City Highlights

Rome
Welcome dinner at a local restaurant; guided sightseeing, visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, the Colosseum and Roman Forum

Florence
Guided walking tour, visit Michelangelo’s David, and Signoria Square

Venice
Private boat ride; visit St. Mark’s Square; glassblowers’ demonstration

Lugano
Visit the subtropical town

Lucerne
Walking tour including the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge

Paris
Guided sightseeing, ascend the Eiffel Tower

Paris–London
By high-speed Eurostar train

London
Guided sightseeing, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral and see the Changing of the Guard, if held

Headsets throughout the tour

Note:
In the rare event that the Eurostar train is unavailable, alternative services will be provided.

Day 1   Arrive in Rome, Italy. Time to rest or start exploring the “Eternal City.” At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and leave the hotel for a special welcome dinner with wine at one of Rome’s lively restaurants. (D)

Day 2   Rome. Sightseeing with your Local Guide starts with a visit to the VATICAN MUSEUMS and SISTINE CHAPEL, world famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling paintings and The Last Judgement. Continue to monumental ST. PETER’S SQUARE and BASILICA. Cross the Tiber and visit the COLOSSEUM and the ROMAN FORUM, where Roman legions marched in triumph. Then, time for independent activities and exciting optional excursion possibilities. (B)

Day 3   Rome–Florence. An easy morning drive north to Florence, “Cradle of the Renaissance.” Enjoy a walking tour with a Local Guide and visit the ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS with Michelangelo’s celebrated David. Admire the magnificent cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistry’s heavy bronze “Gate of Paradise.” Also visit sculpture-studded SIGNORIA SQUARE. Later, take a moment to check out the enticing shops with Florentine leather goods and gold jewelry. (B,D)

Day 4   Florence–Venice. Drive across the Apennine Hills and through the plains of the mighty River Po to Venice. Enter the city in style by PRIVATE BOAT to ST. MARK’S SQUARE. Admire the byzantine basilica, the Clock Tower, lavish Doges’ Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Watch skilled GLASSBLOWERS fashion their delicate objects, then time to explore or to join an optional gondola ride. (B,D)

Day 5   Venice–Lugano, Switzerland–Lucerne. Through the Lombardian plains, past Milan and Lake Como to the Swiss Alps. Stop in the subtropical town of Lugano, then, admire the towering majesty of the Swiss Alps and St. Gotthard on the way to picture-book Lucerne. Why not sign up for a folklore party with yodeling and alphorn blowing for a first-hand impression of Alpine merrymaking? (B)

Day 6   Lucerne. Admire Thorwaldsen’s LION MONUMENT and the ornate patrician houses lining the cobblestone streets of the Old Town. Then, cross the famous covered CHAPEL BRIDGE to the Jesuit Church. Afterwards, shop for Swiss watches and choose from our optional activities: climb a mountain by cable car or take a cruise on the fjord-like lake. (B,D)

Day 7   Lucerne–Paris, France. Cross the border into France and enjoy a fast ride on the modern highway, skirting the vineyards of Burgundy and Fontainebleau Forest. Tonight, you are in Paris, the traditional climax of every European tour. (B)

Day 8   Paris. Discover the world capital of chic and style with a Local Guide and admire its most famous sights: the Opéra, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, Notre Dame Cathedral, and more. For a bird’s-eye view, take the elevator to the second floor of Paris’ most famous landmark: the EIFFEL TOWER. An optional excursion to the lavish baroque Palace of Versailles is available. Tonight, a lively cabaret show might just be the ticket. (B)

Day 9   Paris–London, England. Board the EUROSTAR TRAIN for a smooth ride to London, arriving in the afternoon. Meet your local host, who will assist you during your stay in London. Why not take in a West End show tonight? (B)

Day 10   London. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes all the famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall’s mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister’s Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. Highlights are a visit to ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL and the ceremonial pageantry of the Changing of the Guard, if held. Afternoon at leisure. Optional excursions are available to the Tower of London and to Windsor Castle. Tonight, maybe a leisurely cruise on the River Thames? (B)

Day 11   London. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Meals:  Full buffet breakfast daily (B); 4 three-course dinners (D), including a special welcome dinner with wine in Rome

Hotel Information:  ROME Starhotels Michelangelo (SF), FLORENCE Hilton Garden Inn (F), VENICE Delfino (F) at Mestre, LUCERNE Astoria (F), PARIS Le Méridien Etoile (SF) or Pullman Paris Bercy (SF), LONDON Hilton London Metropole (SF) or The Grosvenor Victoria (SF)


Terms and Conditions

Note: Flights are NOT included with the Tour and unless otherwise stated above transfers are also NOT included.

Currently viewing: Vatican Tours - TravelToe Inclusive Tours - Essential Europe