Itinerary:

TRAVEL DATE: 

September 23- October 4, 2022

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, how about a leisurely cruise on the Thames River? (B)

Day 3: LONDON–PARIS, FRANCE

Board the EUROSTAR TRAIN to Paris with your Tour Director. Spend two nights in Paris. (B)

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 these sites during the included city tour with a Local Guide. This evening, why not join an optional Parisian dinner? (B)

Day 5: PARIS–LUCERNE AREA, SWITZERLAND

Fascinating, ever-changing scenery greets you today. Enjoy views of Fontainebleau Forest, the wine-growing area of Burgundy, prosperous farms, and tidy, half-timbered villages as you head through the alpine heart of Switzerland to the picture-book Lucerne area. (B, D)

Day 6: LUCERNE AREA

One of Switzerland’s finest cities, Lucerne is nestled amid its snowcapped Alps, surrounded by its lake, and graced by the clear mountain waters of the Reuss River. The orientation includes the LION MONUMENT, erected in memory of the 800 Swiss Guards who defended Louis XVI and his wife. Also admire the famous wooden CHAPEL BRIDGE with its splendid frescoes. A 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 an authentic Swiss watch. (B)

Day 7: LUCERNE AREA–LUGANO–VERONA, ITALY–VENICE AREA

More wonderful alpine scenery awaits as you drive into the mountain ranges that surround the massive St. Gotthard. Once through its great tunnel, start your scenic descent into the warmer and sunnier ambiance of 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 Romeo and Juliet’s Verona, known as “Little Rome” for its splendid amphitheater still standing in its former glory. Overnight in the Venice area. (B)

Day 8: VENICE AREA

Venice is more like a marvelous film set than a real-life city, with criss-crossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and busy little piazzas. The orientation starts with a BOAT RIDE to St. Mark’s Square 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. (B, D)

Day 9: VENICE AREA–FLORENCE–MONTECATINI

Travel south across the Apennines into the gentle and hilly countryside of Tuscany. Enjoy a guided walk through Florence to discover its Renaissance treasures, then continue to Montecatini for an overnight. (B, D)

Day 10: MONTECATINI–PISA–ROME

This morning, stop in Pisa to see the famed SQUARE OF MIRACLES and to view the Leaning Tower. Then, journey south to Rome. Tonight, consider an optional evening drive through the city—a floodlit spectacular of shimmering fountains, magnificent churches, and piazzas—followed by dinner. (B)

Day 11: ROME

The “Eternal City” is steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts with St. Peter’s Square and Basilica. Other highlights are the iconic Colosseum, the largest amphitheater ever built; the Roman Forum; Piazza Venezia, and Campidoglio. An optional visit is available to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, world famous for Michelangelo’s impressive fresco of The Last Judgment. (B)

Day 12: ROME

Arrivederci, Roma—your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)