European Spotlight
12 day tour from US$2125
Tour Type: Europe Discoveries
 

Highlight

Itinerary

What's Included

Optionals

Dates & Rates

 

HIGHLIGHT

Map of European Spotlight tour - click to enlarge

Highlights:
  • Dover 
  • Paris
  • Beaune
  • Geneva
  • Nice
  • St. Paul de Vence
  • Perfumery
  • Monaco
  • Pisa
  • Florence
  • Venice
  • Rome

ITINERARY

 
European Spotlight
Day 1 - London - Paris (2 nights)
A warm welcome as we see the White Cliffs of Dover before our sea-crossing to Calais. Then across World War I Battlefields to lively Paris before a welcome drink with our Tour Director. (Continental breakfast)

Hotel: Sofitel Sevres (2 nights)

 

Day 2 - Paris sightseeing & at leisure
Morning sightseeing includes the Champs Elysees and Arc de Triomphe. Then, the Eiffel Tower to ascend to the second level. Next, views of Notre Dame Cathedral. Then time on your own. (Buffet Breakfast)

 

Day 3 - Paris - Beaune - Geneva (2 nights)
Through France, and the wine producing Burgundy to medieval Beaune. Then into Switzerland to Geneva. 
(Buffet breakfast/ Dinner)

Hotel: Cornavin (2 nights)

 

Day 4 - Geneva orientation & at leisure
The Jet d'Eau, United Nations' building and Reformation Monument are all highlighted on our morning orientation tour. Then, there's time at leisure, perhaps to take an excursion to the medieval village of Yvoire or do some souvenir shopping! (Buffet breakfast)

 

Day 5 - Geneva - Nice (2 nights)
This morning we travel past Grenoble via the Route Napoleon and the Luberon region to Nice. Tonight, after an orientation tour, we enjoy dinner in a specially selected restaurant. (Buffet breakfast/ Restaurant dinner on the French Riviera)

Hotel: Splendid (2 nights)

 

Day 6 - St. Paul de Vence & Perfumery Excursion
Today we head first to the glamorous resort of Cannes with its sandy beaches, Palace-hotels and Film Festival Centre. Then, from here we continue our drive stopping to visit the Fragonard Perfumery before returning to jet-set Nice with time at leisure. (Buffet breakfast)

 

Day 7- Nice - Monaco - Pisa - Montecatini
Our morning drive brings us to the Principality of Monaco where we visit the old town and its Cathedral, seeing Princess Grace's tomb and the Grimaldi Palace. Then into Italy and Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower before reaching Monticatini. (Buffet breakfast/ Dinner)

Hotel: Francia & Quirinale

 

Day 8 - Montecatini - Florence - Venice (Main.) (2 nights)
Off to Florence where the city is brought to life on our sightseeing tour on foot with a local guide using our excellent audio system. We will see the Duomo, Signoria Square and visits the Santa Croce Basilica. Later, enjoy views of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo before driving to magical Venice and our hotel. After dinner, a gondola serenade is a must! 
(Buffet breakfast/ Dinner)

Hotel: Russott (2 nights)

 

Day 9 - Venice sightseeing & at leisure
This morning we enjoy a canal cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square viewing the Bridge of Sighs. We also visit a glass-blowing factory before time at leisure. (Buffet breakfast/ Dinner)

 

Day 10 - Venice (Mestre) - Rome (2 nights)
Over the Apennine Mountains and through we pass Orvieto to the 'Eternal City', Rome. Tonight, why not dine out in a local trattoria? (Buffet breakfast)

Hotel: Mercure Piazza Bologna (2 nights)

 

Day 11 - Rome sightseeing & at leisure
Enjoy a guided visit, with an audio system included, to St. Peter's Basilica, before a stop at the Forum to admire the Colosseum. Then we see the Circus Maximus, scene of the chariot race in the film 'Ben Hur'. (Buffet breakfast)

 

Day 12 - Depart Rome
After breakfast it's 'buon viaggio' as we transfer you to Rome Fiumicino Airport for your return flight home. (Buffet breakfast)

 

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WHAT'S INCLUDED

European Spotlight What's Included

Sightseeing Highlights
  • London: Sightseeing tour
  • Dover: See the White Cliffs.
  • Paris: Sightseeing includes views of the Champs Elysees and an ascent of the Eiffel Tower.
  • Beaune: Visit the medieval town.
  • Geneva: Orientation tour
  • Nice: Orientation includes Place Massena and the Promenade des Anglais.
  • Cannes: Visit the Flim Festival city.
  • Perfumery: Visit the Fragonard Perfumery.
  • Monaco: Visit the Old Town seeing the Grimaldi Palace Cathedral.
  • Pisa: View the Leaning Tower.
  • Florence: Sightseeing tour with a special audio system includes Signoria Square and the Duomo.
  • Venice: Canal cruise by private motor launch. See St. Mark's Square and more.
  • Rome: Sightseeing tour with a special audio system includes St.Peter's Basilica plus views the Forum, Colosseum and Circus Maximus.
  • Scenic drives across World War I Battlefields, through the Burgundy wine region, the French Riviera, the Luberon Region, the Po Valley, along the Adriatic Coast, Apennine Mountains and the Tuscan Hills.
Dining Highlights
  • A welcome drink with your Tour Director in Paris
  • 11 Buffet breakfasts in London
  • 4 three-course dinners in hotels
  • 1 local speciality restaurant dinner on the French Riviera
16 meals in total (see day-by-day itinerary)

 

First Class Travel Highlights
  • The services of one of Trafalgar's top professional multi-lingual Tour Directors.
  • A qualified local city guide in Paris, Florence and Rome.
  • The services of a qualified Representative at your Trafalgar London hotel.
  • Chauffeur driven on Trafalgar's luxury air-conditioned motorcoaches with reclining seats and washroom.
  • Cross-Channel ferry.
  • Complimentary pick-up at your Trafalgar London Hotel on the day of departure of the coach tour.
  • You'll stay in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
  • All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
  • A stylish travel bag and wallet containing tour documents and helpful information.
Airport Transfers
  • London Gateways: Transfers can be expensive, particularly between the Airport and central London. When you book your tour with Trafalgar your transfers to and from the airport are included. It's that simple. Trafalgar has included a Free transfer to and from your airport and Central London.
  • Important – Please Note: Passengers will only be entitled to transfers to and from London Airports providing the following conditions are met:
  • You are staying at a London hotel, booked by Trafalgar, on the night of your arrival and the night prior to the date of your departure.
  • Flights are either booked by Trafalgar or detailed information on flights is provided by your Travel Agent not less than 21 days prior to departure.
  • Only one included transfer both inbound and outbound per tour is included by Trafalgar. Transfers are by express train to a Central London Rail Station.
  • Heathrow Express operates between 05.10-23.30. Gatwick Express operates inbound services between 05.20-23.45 and outbound services from 04.30-23.45. Transfers outside of these times are at the passengers own expense.
  • In the event of unforeseen events (road or rail works, demonstrations, strikes) Trafalgar will not be held responsible for delayed or cancelled transfers.
  • No refund is available for passengers not utilising this service.
  • Why not upgrade to a Hotelink transfer from the Airport to-the-door of your Trafalgar London hotel? (please ask Trafalgar or your travel agent of the additional upgrade price per person when booking)
  • European Gateways: With Trafalgar all passengers will receive complimentary arrival and departure transfers on the scheduled arrival and departure day of their tour at the times specified below. Please ensure your Travel Agent reserves your flight to co-ordinate with the transfer times shown.
  • Trafalgar Bonus - Passengers who book Trafalgar's Land+Air package and who arrive or depart outside of these specified times on the scheduled arrival and departure day of the tour will also be provided with a transfer.
  • Passengers arriving before or leaving after the scheduled tour days are not entitled to a transfer but may book and purchase one through Trafalgar providing that they also purchase the additional pre and/or post tour hotel night(s) from Trafalgar. Please ask for prices of transfers at the time of booking your extra night accommodation.
  • Land only passengers arriving or departing on the scheduled tour arrival or departure days but whose flights don't coincide with the listed transfer times below may also book and purchase these transfers. Flight details must be provided to Trafalgar not less than 21 days before the flight departure.

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OPTIONALS

European Spotlight Optional Excursions

Note:
All optional excursions listed are for 2004/2005 please use the information as a guide only.

 

F1 - FRENCH RIVIERA. Eze Village Lunch or Dinner at ‘Le Cheval Blanc’
An early afternoon or evening excursion to one of the oldest fortified villages on the Riviera, perched above the coastline like an eagle’s nest. Take a slow walk up to the top to see a fantastic collection of Mediterranean cacti and admire the view. Afterwards, enjoy lunch or dinner in the local village restaurant “en famille” with the owners! Drinks are included.
59.00 (€)

 

F6 - FRENCH RIVIERA. Lunch or Dinner on the Riviera
Enjoy sumptuous French cuisine this afternoon or evening at one of the exclusive restaurants on this fashionable coastline.
64.00 (€)

 

F8 - PARIS. Illuminations and Dinner
After an unforgettable dinner in typical Parisian style, drinks included, we take a drive through the city. By night, Paris is a city transformed - no other city has such striking illuminations, such glamour or romance. Amongst the splendours we see the Place de la Concorde, Arc de Triomphe, Cathedral of Notre Dame, Champs Elysées and the Eiffel Tower.
60.00 (€)

 

F9a - PARIS. Dinner & Montmartre or Seine Cruise. Bon appetit!
Enjoy dinner and drinks in a typical Parisian restaurant and toast our new-found friends on tour. Then visit Montmarte, the old artists’ quarter made famous in the paintings of Toulouse-Lautrec and Utrillo. Dominated by the brilliant white dome of the Sacre Coeur Basilica, its fascinating narrow streets and outdoor cafés, give a real flavour of Parisian life. Alternatively, after dinner, we will enjoy a floodlit Seine Cruise.
60.00 (€)

 

F11 - PARIS. Illuminations, the Sacre Coeur and Montmartre
See the splendour of Paris by night on this evening tour of the main sights, dramatically floodlit, then visit Montmartre, the old artists’ quarter made famous in the paintings of Toulouse-Lautrec and Utrillo. Dominated by the brilliant white dome of Sacré Coeur Basilica, its fascinating narrow streets and outdoor cafés give a real flavour of Paris life.
26.00 (€)

 

F12a - PARIS. The Louvre or Musee d’Orsay and Invalides or Montmartre or Seine Cruise
We start with a conducted tour, enhanced by our excellent audio system, of one of the finest Art galleries in the world – the Louvre. A chance to admire the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo amongst the many thousands of exhibits in this former Royal Palace. Alternatively, we will enjoy a guided visit of the Museum of the 19th century, housed in the ‘belle epoque’ former railway station – the Musee d’Orsay, famous for its splendid collection of Impressionist paintings. In addition, we will either take a funicular ride up to artistic Montmartre OR visit Les Invalides – the church in the army museum where Napoleon Bonaparte is buried OR take a cruise along the Seine in one of the ever-popular riverboats.
44.00 (€)

 

F13 - PARIS. Versailles - The Palace and Gardens
We leave the bustle of the city for thesplendour and magnificence of Versailles. Created by the “Sun King” Louis XIV, the palace becamethe envy of every other European ruler. Our guide takes us through the State apartments, including the famous Hall of Mirrors. All of this enhanced with the use of our excellent audio system. Afterwards, take a stroll through the meticulous tree-lined gardens.
57.00 (€)

 

F20 - FRENCH RIVIERA. The Three Corniches, La Turbie & Lunch or Dinner
This afternoon we take a scenic excursion along the Riviera of the Three Corniche Roads, enjoying spectacular views along perhaps the most beautiful coast in Europe. When we finally reach the ‘Grand Corniche’ - the highway which follows the ancient Aurelian Way - we stop at the picturesque village of ‘La Turbie’. There the Emperor Augustus erected a Roman ‘Trophy’ - a dazzling white sacrificial temple to mark the border between Rome and Gaul (modern-day France), and from this spot we admire a sweeping panorama over the Mediterranean and the Principality of Monaco. We continue to our restaurant where we will enjoy a typical meal of specialities from the French Riviera. (Drinks included).
64.00 (€)

 

F38 - PARIS. Dinner and Cabaret
Dinner with wines included at one of the most prestigious cabaret shows in town! Enjoy an evening of exciting acts, stunning tableaux and wonderful entertainment - including, of course, the world famous Can-Can. A night in Paris that you will never forget!
110.00 (€)

 

F39 - PARIS. Le Grand Louvre or Musee D'Orsay
The Louvre - the biggest and bestknown museum in the world was once the palace for the kings. Follow the expert guide through the sumptuous maze of galleries to see the main attractions including Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece - the 'Mona Lisa'. Alternatively, explore the world of the Impressionists in the prize winning converted railway station of the Musee d'Orsay. Our visit will be enhanced by the effective use of our excellent audio system.
38.00 (€)

 

F55 - PARIS. Moulin Rouge Cabaret and Dinner
An unforgettable evening of French entertainment at Paris’ most famous Cabaret, ‘Le Moulin Rouge’. Dinner, wine and Champagne will be included.
143.00 (€)

 

I7 - ROME. Evening Tour: Fountains and Dinner
A lighthearted introduction to the “Eternal City”. Make sure of a safe return to Rome as you toss coins in to the Trevi Fountain. Drive along the glamorous Via Veneto - famed as the setting of “la dolce vita”, and the splendour of the monuments in magnificent Piazza Venezia. Then relax and enjoy a typical Italian meal with drinks included.
55.00 (€)

 

I11 - ROME. Tivoli and Dinner
An excursion to the ancient Sabine town of Tivoli situated a few miles outside Rome to enjoy the gardens and fountains of the Villa D’Este. You will visit its grottos and pavilions, the Avenue of a Hundred Fountains, and the Dragon Fountain of the Organ. We end the evening with a typical Italian dinner, wine, soft drinks and music.
58 (without dinner 39) (€)

 

I14 - ROME. Ancient and Christian Rome
Explore Rome’s past. Visit the Catacombs where the early Christians assembled to escape persecution and which were used as underground cemeteries. Then, on to the best preserved of the Roman Temples, the Pantheon - today used as a Christian church! On some tours a visit to the Chuch of St. Peter in Chains to see Michelangelo’s statue of Moses, will be visited instead of the Pantheon. Our visit will be enhanced by the effective use of our excellent audio system.
32.00 (€)

 

I15 - ROME. Vatican Museums & the Sistine Chapel
An extension to the included sightseeing tour which allows us to admire the artistic masterpieces collected and commissioned by the Popes. See the famous Tapestry Gallery and Gallery of Maps then finally wonder at the masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel. Take your time - Michelangelo spent 11 years in the preparation of the vault and altar wall! Our visit will be enhanced by the effective use of our excellent audio system.
36.00 (€)

 

I16 - ROME. Roman Highlights
On certain departures, for operational reasons, tours I14 and I15 will be combined excluding the Pantheon visit. Our visit will be enhanced by the effective use of our excellent audio system.
61.00 (€)

 

I18 - VENICE. Lagoon Cruise with Lunch or Dinner
A half day off the beaten track! We are taken by private boat to the nearby islands in the lagoon of Venice. See the island of Murano and the Hermitage of San Francesco del Deserto. Lunch or dinner is taken at the island of the ‘fisherman’ - Burano - a photographer’s paradise. Drinks are also included.
62.00 (€)

 

I19 - VENICE. Gondola Serenade
An ideal introduction to this unique and magical city. Enjoy a romantic gondola journey along canals full of character and colour, while musicians and singers entertain. See the Grand Canal with its magnificent and elegant palaces, witnesses of the past splendours of the ‘Serenissima’.
30.00 (€)

 

I25 - FLORENCE. Jewels of the Renaissance
A guided tour of the Accademia allows us to appreciate the most controversial sculpture in Italy, Michelangelo’s David. Then to the fascinating ‘Cortile’ of the Medici Palace. Our visit will be enhanced by the effective use of our excellent audio system.
32.00 (without the ‘Cortile’ 31.00) (€)

 

I35 - ROME. Visit to Piazza Navona followed by Roman dinner and concert of live musical entertainment
We will first visit Piazza Navona (when available) with its beautiful fountains and street artists before a short drive to one of Rome’s finest restaurants. Here we will enjoy a delicious dinner, punctuated by a concert of typical Italian songs and ‘bel canto’ for which this country is justifiably famous! Sit back, relax and imbibe the special Roman atmosphere – the wine or soft drinks are also included!
58.00 (without the visit to Piazza Navona or another Roman site or monument the price is 55.00) (€)

 

I49 - VENICE. Venice by night
A scintillating introduction to this magical city! First we cruise along the Grand Canal by private water taxis admiring the elegant Palazzos, illuminated by magnificent chandeliers. We see the Rialto Bridge and then reach the ‘most beautiful outdoor drawing room in the world’ - St. Mark’s Square. Here we will have time to wonder at the impressive architecture before enjoying an included drink at one of the chic ‘al fresco’ cafés whilst listening to the music of its own orchestra! We return to our coach on the mainland by private motor launch. (1 drink inc.)
40.00 (€)

 

I70 - ROME. Ancient and Baroque Christian sites
First we drive past the ancient baths of the Emperor Caracalla, scene of the ‘3 tenors concert’ in 1990, to the Catacombs outside the Roman Walls. Christians used these underground churches and cemeteries for assemblies and to escape persecution. Then on to visit the 5th century Church of St. Peter in Chains*, housing not only the chains which are said to have fettered St. Peter, but also one of Michelangelo’s greatest works of sculpture – Moses – a statue belonging to the mausoleum of Julius II. (* on certain departures the Church of St. Paul without the Walls will be visited instead of the Church of St. Peter in Chains) Our visit will be enhanced by the effective use of our excellent audio system.
32.00 (€)

 

I71 - VENICE. A guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica & the Doges’ Palace
Accompanied by a local expert we are taken into the magnificent Doges’ Palace – home to the rulers of the Venetian republic for hundreds of years. We are shown the main highlights of the palace and its elegant courtyards, before entering the Byzantine Basilica of St. Mark the Evangelist, patron saint of the city of Venice. Here we admire the stunning golden mosaics and wonderful Byzantine architecture. (entrance fees included).
33.00 (€)

 

CH3 - LAKE GENEVA Chillon Castle and Montreux with Lake Cruise
An excursion to Montreux famed for its International Festival followed by a visit to the Castle at Chillon immortalised in verse by the English poet, Byron. Later enjoy a steamer cruise past the vine-clad slopes of Lake Geneva.
66.00 (sf)

 

CH4 - LAKE GENEVA. Cruise & visit to Yvoire
Leaving the elegant guays of Geneva, our steamer cruises past the palatial mansions of the rich and famous, stopping at picturesque villages before arriving at our enchanting French destination - Yvoire. We explore its winding streets, lined with the old stone houses of former fishermen and dominated by the ancient ‘château’ of the Count and Countess. Then our motorcoach takes us through the rich fields of the Savoy back into Switzerland.
51.00 (sf)

 

CH5 - LAKE GENEVA. Mount Salève tour with Lunch/Dinner
Leaving Geneva for the French Alps we ascend the Salève mountain by cable-car for breathtaking views of city, lake and the highest mountain peaks. Our Savoyarde restaurant, perched on the limestone ridge, affords a memorable experience of French regional cuisine. Nearby walks will give you the opportunity to enjoy the alpine flora and views of Mont Blanc.
94.00 (sf)

 

CH6 - LAKE GENEVA. Cruise & Dinner/Lunch in Yvoire
Leaving the elegant quays of Geneva, our steamer cruises past the palatial mansions of the rich and famous, stopping at picturesque villages before arriving at our enchanting French destination - Yvoire. We explore its winding streets, lined with the old stone houses of former fishermen and dominated by the ancient ‘château’ of the Count and Countess. In this remarkable setting, we enjoy a delicious example of French gastronomy in one of its quaint restaurants. Drinks are included.
97.00 (sf)

 

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DATES & RATES

Departs On
Returns On
Land Price
Guaranteed Departure
Wed, 12 April 2006 Sun, 23 April 2006 $2150  
Wed, 19 April 2006 Sun, 30 April 2006 $2150 Yes
Wed, 26 April 2006 Sun, 7 May 2006 $2150  
Wed, 3 May 2006 Sun, 14 May 2006 $2150 Yes
Wed, 10 May 2006 Sun, 21 May 2006 $2150 Yes
Wed, 17 May 2006 Sun, 28 May 2006 $2150 Yes
Wed, 24 May 2006 Sun, 4 June 2006 $2150 Yes
Wed, 31 May 2006 Sun, 11 June 2006 $2150 Yes
Wed, 7 June 2006 Sun, 18 June 2006 $2150 Yes
Wed, 14 June 2006 Sun, 25 June 2006 $2150 Yes
Wed, 21 June 2006 Sun, 2 July 2006 $2150 Yes
Wed, 28 June 2006 Sun, 9 July 2006 $2150 Yes
Wed, 5 July 2006 Sun, 16 July 2006 $2499 Yes
Wed, 12 July 2006 Sun, 23 July 2006 $2499 Yes
Wed, 19 July 2006 Sun, 30 July 2006 $2499 Yes
Wed, 26 July 2006 Sun, 6 August 2006 $2499 Yes
Wed, 2 August 2006 Sun, 13 August 2006 $2499 Yes
Wed, 9 August 2006 Sun, 20 August 2006 $2499 Yes
Wed, 16 August 2006 Sun, 27 August 2006 $2499 Yes
Wed, 23 August 2006 Sun, 3 September 2006 $2499 Yes
Wed, 30 August 2006 Sun, 10 September 2006 $2125 Yes
Wed, 6 September 2006 Sun, 17 September 2006 $2525 Yes
Wed, 13 September 2006 Sun, 24 September 2006 $2150  
Wed, 20 September 2006 Sun, 1 October 2006 $2150  
Wed, 27 September 2006 Sun, 8 October 2006 $2150 Yes
Wed, 4 October 2006 Sun, 15 October 2006 $2150  
Wed, 11 October 2006 Sun, 22 October 2006 $2150  
*These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.

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