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ITINERARY
10 Days ~ Italy ~ Switzerland ~ France ~ England
Tour Pace
This classic tour is evenly paced with two-night stays in the key cities of Rome, Venice, Lucerne and Paris. The only one-night stop is the Renaissance city of Florence which is only a short drive from Rome, allowing plenty of time for sightseeing and shopping.
DAY 1 – FRI – ROME AT LEISURE
Welcome to Rome! A glorious city rich in Classical antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and baroque churches. On arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport, there are complimentary transfers to your hotel. There’s time at leisure to explore or relax: perhaps spend some time in the boutiques of the Via del Corso or the elegant designer stores in the neighbourhood of the Via Condotti. In the evening, join your fellow travellers and Tour Director for a Welcome Drink. Hotel: Grand Hotel Palatino.
DAY 2 – SAT – ROME SIGHTSEEING
A local guide introduces you to the grandeur of the city today. In the independent Vatican State, the richest community in the world, visit the superb Vatican Museums, treasure house of the Catholic faith with vast collections of ancient and Renaissance art, gathered by Popes over the ages. Marvel at Raphael's brilliant work as you continue into the Sistine Chapel, glorious masterpiece of Michelangelo's fresco skills. Now enter St Peter's Basilica, seeing Michelangelo's early "Pieta" and Bernini's "Popes' Altar" sited above the spot where St Peter is reputed to have been crucified. Cross the Tiber to hear tales of the glory of ancient Rome as you visit the Colosseum and overlook the Forum. Tonight, stroll with your Tour Director to the elegant Spanish Steps before enjoying a Highlight Dinner of local cuisine, wine and entertainment. (BB, HD)
DAY 3 – SUN – ROME – FLORENCE
Head north, following the valley of the River Tiber, to reach Umbria’s hill-top towns and the beautiful region of Tuscany. View Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo before walking to the magnificent Cathedral, the ‘Gates of Paradise’ and the living gallery of Signoria Square, political stage of the Florentines. Take time to shop for leather and gold products in this wonderful city before reaching the hotel. Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn. (BB,D)
DAY 4 – MON – FLORENCE – VENICE
Cross the Apennine Mountains, passing Bologna and the flood plains of the River Po to enjoy a scenic drive along the famous Brenta Riviera. See the magnificent classical villas that were once the summer residences of the Venetian nobility. Drive along the canal through Strà, Dolo and Mira to reach your hotel on the fashionable Venice Lido. Hotel: Biasutti. (BB,D)
DAY 5 – TUE – VENICE SIGHTSEEING
Soak up the atmosphere as a private launch takes you across the Venetian Lagoon to St Mark’s Square. Hear the glorious history of ‘La Serenissima’, once one of the greatest trading centres of the world – the city’s wealth and power is demonstrated by the riches of St Mark’s Basilica. See the Doges’ Palace and its adjoining Bridge of Sighs before visiting a glass showroom for a demonstration of traditional craftsmanship. Gondolas are an inseparable part of the image of Venice - find out why on your included Premium Highlight gondola ride along the peaceful canals. Don’t miss the chance to try the delicious seafood, freshly caught in the lagoon. (BB)
DAY 6 – WED – VENICE – LUCERNE
Leave the Veneto region this morning and stop in Verona where you can see Juliet’s balcony and the first century Roman arena, now used for the annual Verona Music festival. Then on through the Italian lake District to the Swiss Alps, with snow-covered mountain peaks and flower-bedecked chalets, to the delightful town of Lucerne. Hotel: Astoria. (BB)
DAY 7 – THU – LUCERNE SIGHTSEEING
Join your Tour Director to see the covered Chapel Bridge and the stirring Lion Monument, dedicated to the Swiss guards who died defending the King of France. Spend some time shopping for watches and chocolate. Enjoy an exciting included Highlight - an exhilarating ride by cog-wheel train and cable-car to the summit of Mount Pilatus. Admire the stunning panorama of snow-capped peaks, including the Eiger and Jungfrau, before descending over mountain crags and pine forests back to terra firma. (BB,D)
DAY 8 – FRI – LUCERNE – PARIS
Pass the Swiss port city of Basel en route to France, skirting the Jura Mountains, and travelling through the wine producing area of Burgundy. Head for Paris where you stay for two fabulous nights. Consider spending your first night sampling some local cuisine. Hotel: Sofitel Bercy. (BB)
DAY 9 – SAT – PARIS SIGHTSEEING
Join a local guide to see the famous Notre Dame Cathedral before driving along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Ascend the Eiffel Tower for views over the city before concluding the tour with a visit to Napoleon’s Tomb in the Église du Dôme. Spend the evening at leisure. (BB)
DAY 10 – SUN – PARIS – LONDON
Cross the battlefields of World War One en route to Calais and your voyage back to Dover. The tour ends a short drive later in London. (BB)
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