European Dream (Winter 2008/2009)
Day 1 - Depart USA Overnight flight to Rome.
Day 2 - Arrive Rome (2 nights) on arrival at Rome's Fiumicino Airport we transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore on your own. This evening enjoy a Welcome Drink with your Tour Director and fellow passengers. Later, maybe enjoy a guided tour of the Eternal City by night"
Day 3 - Rome sightseeing & at leisure Our guided morning sightseeing tour features a visit of the impressive St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, highlighting Michelangelo's moving 'Pieta'. We also visit Piazza Venezia to admire the "Wedding Cake", otherwise known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Then we see the Sacred Way and overlook the Roman Forum and of course the infamous Colosseum of the Emperor Nero. Later, perhaps visit the Sistine Chapel or wander round the medieval quarter and stop to throw some coins into the Trevi Fountain! (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 4 - Rome — Venice Today we pass by the hilltop towns of Umbria and the Chianti vineyards in the scenic Tuscan countryside before we reach the flat Veneto plains and our Venice hotel. Tonight after dinner, a gondola serenade is a must! (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 5 - Venice sightseeing — Italian Lakes Our private motor launch takes us on a canal cruise to St. Mark's Square to admire the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge's Palace. Then we visit a traditional glass-blowing factory, with free time to shop afterwards. From here we drive to the beautiful Italian lake district and Lake Varese. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 6 - Italian Lakes — Lucerne Today through scenic Alpine landscapes and the Gotthard range as we drive to Lucerne. Here we visit the poignant Lion Monument and have time to walk across the covered wooden Chapel Bridge before our Tour Director reveals a "Hidden Treasure to us all! Then free time to shop or take a trip up a nearby mountain for incredible views! (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 7 - Lucerne — Paris (2 nights) This morning we drive northwards via Basel in Switzerland and into France, we pass Belfort and remnants of the Maginot Line - the planned defence against an invading Germany in the Second - World War. We stop to view the vineyards at Savigny-lès-Beaune, before passing the imposing Castle of Châteauneuf on our way to Paris. Tonight, why not enjoy a relaxing Seine River cruise" (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 8 - Paris sightseeing and at leisure Our guided sightseeing this morning includes views of Notre Dame, on the City Island, the ascent of the Eiffel Tower by elevator to the second level for magnificent views over the whole city, the Champs Elysées and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe. Later perhaps visit the Château of Versailles, the extravagant creation of Louis XIV, or explore the treasures of the Louvre Museum as explained in the Da Vinci Code. Tonight, with our Tour Director and fellow travellers, we celebrate the end of our European tour together at a Farewell Dinner with wine in a local restaurant! (Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)
Day 9 - Paris — London (2 nights) Today we drive across the Somme battlefields and pass Vimy Ridge en route to Calais. Here we sail across the Channel to the White Cliffs of Dover and make ourway by coach through Kent, the "Garden of England", to London. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 10 - London Sightseeing Many major sights are included on our morning guided sightseeing tour, including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. Your tour will finish in central London, so the rest of the day is at leisure. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 11 - London — USA Time to bid farewell on your return flight to the USA. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 12 - Christmas & New Year's Eve Highlights Tour departure 18 Dec will be accommodated in Paris over Christmas. Tour departure 24 Dec will be accommodated in Rome over Christmas and in Paris on New Year's Eve giving you the opportunity to celebrate in true Parisian style.
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