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10 Days ~ Italy ~ Switzerland ~ France ~ England
Tour Pace
This classic tour is evenly
paced with two night stays in Rome, Florence, Venice, Lucerne and Paris. The
only one night stop is in the musical city of Salzburg which celebrates the
250th anniversary of Mozart's birth this year.
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. (Buffet
breakfast, Specialty Highlight Dinner)
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. (Buffet breakfast, dinner)
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. (Buffet
breakfast, dinner)
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. (Buffet
breakfast)
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. (Buffet breakfast)
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. (Buffet breakfast, dinner)
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. (Buffet breakfast)
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. (Buffet breakfast)
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. (Buffet breakfast)
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