European Traveller

Visit Europe

Day 1

Cross the English Channel to Paris

Cheerio London and hello to the sparkling White Cliffs of Dover, England's last hurrah before we cross the English Channel by ferry bound for Calais.

We pass the tragic World War I battlefields of the Somme before arriving in Paris where we will enjoy dinner with our fellow travellers and Travel Director. This evening, the 'City of Light' provides an enchanting backdrop for an orientation drive that will showcase several of the sights which await us tomorrow.

Day 2

Explore the Sights of Paris

Embark on a scenic sojourn, with your Local Specialist, along the grand Champs-Élysées to view the Arc de Triomphe, honouring those who fought for France.

View Notre Dame Cathedral and enjoy a stroll through the Latin Quarter. This afternoon, you’ll have some leisure time to explore the treasures of Paris. Perhaps enjoy breathtaking views from the highest rooftop terrace in Paris or relax at a cosy French café and enjoy a glass of wine while watching the world go by.

Day 3

Onwards to Explore Lucerne

Wind your way through the sprawling vineyards of Auxerrois and Burgundy, journeying south past the 15th-century fortress of Châteauneuf and rolling green farmlands into Switzerland bound for Lucerne.

Cross the famous wooden Chapel Bridge with its 17th-century paintings and view the mortally wounded lion hewn from rock, paying tribute to the hundreds of brave Swiss Guards who died defending Louis XVI.

Day 4

Journey to the Floating City of Venice

The contrast of scenery today is nothing short of remarkable.

Traversing the Alps, you'll travel through the St. Gotthard tunnel and the border at Chiasso into Italy. Catch a glimpse of northern Italy's beautiful lakes, whose scenic retreats have attracted the aristocracy for centuries, before arriving this afternoon in Venice.

Day 5

On to Florence Make Travel Matter

Take to the water and board a private motor launch to the gateway of Venice, St.

Mark's Square. View the Bridge of Sighs and ornate Doge's Palace, then embark on your unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where you’ll witness the centuries-old craft of glassblowing at one of the oldest workshops in Venice. Watch how talented master craftsmen shape the molten glass into the delicate works of art you’ve come to admire from afar and perhaps be inspired to buy your own souvenir to remind you of this special experience. Later, there’s time to explore the hidden calle and campi of Venice to fit in some shopping or soak up the sights and sounds of the Queen of the Adriatic before crossing the Apennine Mountains bound for Florence, the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'.

Day 6

Journey to Rome

The magnificent Renaissance dome of Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral and the Baptistery stand imposingly in the centre of Florence and are among the sights you will view during our guided walking tour with a Local Specialist.

Delve into the city’s rich cultural, artistic and architectural heritage, then learn about the quality and workmanship of one of this city's historic industries at a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft. Marvel at the impressive palazzi and art in the Piazza della Signoria, the political hub of the city. Rome is your final stop today.

Day 7

Uncover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City Connect with Locals

Visit the Vatican for a memorable encounter with the center of Christianity.

A Local Specialist will take you on a tour of St. Peter's Basilica, the home of Michelangelo's Pietà, crafted from the most perfect block of Carrara marble. Consider an Optional Experience to see the magnificent frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, before traveling to Ancient Rome to view the Colosseum and see the Roman Form. This evening, at our Farewell Dinner, we Connect With Locals at a Be My Guest experience and celebrate the Italian zest for life, food and good company.

Day 8

Farewell Rome

Our adventure together has come to an end.

Say a fond farewell to Rome and your travel companions at the end of your journey.

Dining Summary

3 Dinner (D)

7 Breakfast (B)

Be My Guest

Rome: Travel to Isola Tiberina and enjoy an evening with Fabio and his family in a unique setting amid roman excavations. Start with a drinks reception before the family hosts you for dinner.

Iconic Experience

Paris: Join a Local Specialist to discover the hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris.

Switzerland: Marvel at the Alpine landscape as you drive past breathtakingly beautiful mountains and valleys. 

Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the Multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.

Florence: See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods, and witness a gold and leatherwork demonstration.

Vatican: See St. Peter's Basilica located within the Vatican City.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Venice: Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing and play a part in preserving this traditional craft. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. 

Must-see Highlights

Explore Paris, Florence and Rome

Discover Lucerne and Venice

Visit a glassblowing factory in Venice

View the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne, St. Mark's Basilica in Venice and the ancient sites of Rome

See the Somme Battlefields and the vineyards of Burgundy in France

Scenic Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice

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