Gems of Europe

Welcome to Rome! A glorious city rich in classical antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance Palaces and Baroque Churches. Upon arrival at Rome Airport you will be met and transferred to your Hotel. Check into Hotel by 1400hrs. Rest of the day you are free at your leisure to explore or relax. Perhaps spend some time in the boutiques of the Via del Corso or the elegant designer stores in the neighborhood of the Via Condotti. Overnight at Hotel.

Breakfast at Hotel. Proceed for a Guided City Panoramic Tour of Rome. This tour introduces you to the grandeur part of the City. Being one of the richest communities in the world, the independent Vatican State holds superb Vatican Museums which you will be able to visit. There includes the 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 and glorious masterpieces of Michelangelo’s frescoes. Now enter St Peter’s Basilica, observing 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 view the Colosseum and overlook the Forum. Later we proceed to Florence. Arrive and check into Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

Breakfast at Hotel. Proceed for a Guided Walking Tour of Florence. This itinerary allows you to discover the origins of Florence and the reasons that made her the birthplace of the Renaissance. The tour which lasts about 2 hours, is dedicated to all those who wish to learn more about the facts and secrets of over 2,000 years of Florentine History. These include the City of Dante, Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and other important figures. We depart from Piazza della Repubblica where we discuss the City’s Roman origins and then walk towards nearby Palazzo Davanzati where we will embark on an interior tour. Afterward we amble through some of the less crowded streets towards Ponte Vecchio and finally enter Piazza Signoria through the Uffizi Courtyard. From this main Piazza and Civic Centre, our tour takes us past the Oratory of the Bonomini next to the House of Dante until we reach the City’s religious centre. The tour finishes with the Cathedral and The Baptistery of St. John. Later we proceed to Pisa where you will see the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Later continue to Venice. Arrive in Venice and proceed by Water boat (Included) to your Hotel on Venice Island and check into Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

Breakfast at Hotel. This morning proceed for a Panoramic Walking Guided Tour of Venice.  This interesting tour is centered around the history of St. Mark’s Square and its main monuments. As well as visiting St. Mark’s Basilica with its marble and mosaics, you can spectate the Ducal Palace where the Old Republic of Venice exercised their political and commercial powers in the Doge Palace. Next you will cross the Bridge of Sighs arriving at the famous Venice Jail. Finishing off the tour is the opportunity to visit the glass factory on the island of Murano (This visit to Murano is optional and not included in the Walking Tour). You will also enjoy a Gondola Ride (Admission Included). Afternoon free at your leisure to explore Venice. Overnight at Hotel.

Breakfast at Hotel. You will proceed to the mainland by Water Taxi (Admission Included) and meet your Long Distance Vehicle where you will continue your tour to Lucerne via Verona. Short Orientation of Verona and then on to Lucerne. Arrive in Lucerne. Check into Hotel. Rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.

Breakfast at Hotel. This morning proceed to Engleberg where you will take the Mt Titlis Tour. An adventure excursion to the highest vantage point in Central Switzerland. A pleasant ride with our deluxe motor coach takes you to the mountain resort of Engelberg in Central Switzerland, where you will board the aerial cable way for a 45 minute journey from the green valley bottom to the high alpine glacier region at 3020 m/10000 ft which guarantees snow the whole year round. Enjoy a magnificent ride in the world’s first ever revolving ‘ROTAIR’ gondola, which offers a 360° panoramic view into the Alps. During the 2 hours stay on the mountain visit the Ice Grotto, experience the new ‘Ice Flyer’ – chair lift ride over the glacier with fantastic views into crevasses and ice falls and enjoy a snow slide on the ‘Fun Lift’. (These activities are included in our tour). After the descent to Engelberg we board our coach for drive to Lucerne. You will get an Orientation Tour of Lucerne where you will see the Lion Monument and then Chapel Bridge. Overnight at Hotel.

Breakfast at Hotel. We proceed to Zurich this morning for a Short Orientation Tour of this city. Then you will proceed to Paris via TGV Train (Standard Class Ticket Included). Your vehicle will be met upon arrival in Paris and transferred to your Hotel. Check into Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

Breakfast at Hotel. Proceed for a Guided Panoramic Tour of Paris. This excursion will enable you to discover Paris from three different viewpoints. The first will be from a coach with a one and a half hour drive in the city. The second will be a Boat Cruise down the River Seine (Admission Included) taking you back through 2000 years of Parisian history. The third viewpoint is an elevator ride up to the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower (Admission Included) for a breathtaking panoramic view of Paris. This excursion will end at the Eiffel Tower. After the tour, there will be time for some shopping. Overnight at Hotel.

Breakfast at Hotel. Be ready for your departure transfer to Paris Train Station where you will connect to your Eurostar Train to London (Standard Class Train Ticket Included). Once in London’s St. Pancras Station, transfer to your Hotel. Check into Hotel. Rest of the day you are free at your own leisure. Overnight at Hotel.

Breakfast at Hotel. Proceed for a Guided Panoramic City Tour of London. The tour begins with a drive past many of London’s famous monuments  like the Houses of Parliament with Big Ben, Downing Street, the official London residence of the British Prime Minister, Trafalgar Square with the statue of Lord Nelson, Pall Mall and much more. Then Westminster Abbey where we will make a photo stop at this magnificent Gothic building that has been the site of every coronation since 1066 and is also the final resting place of many Kings and Queens of England, as well as famous people including Sir Laurence Olivier, Charles Dickens and Sir Isaac Newton. Later we proceed to Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard, If held. We alight at Buckingham Palace, to witness the Queen’s Foot Guard in their red tunics and bearskins marching to the accompaniment of a military band, a most colourful spectacle. Rest of the day is free at your leisure for shopping. Overnight at Hotel.

Breakfast at Hotel. Day is free at your leisure until departure transfer to Airport.