Region: Europe Type: Scheduled Tours Length: 14 Days Tap Rating: TAP Exceptional
Cosmopolitan flair, unique style and historic marvels characterize ever-popular Paris and Rome. Your journey between these cities reveals the splendor of the Burgundy Wine Region, the stunning Swiss Lakes, Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa, the amazing architecture of Florence, and the splendid scenery of Tuscany.
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DAY 1 – Overnight Flight to Europe.
The Trip Documents will provide guidance for airport check-in. Relax during your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details.
DAY 2 – FRANCE . . Arrival at Paris Airport.
Refer to the “Arrival Instructions” in the Trip Documents for directions on where and when to meet your tour manager. A deluxe motor coach will take you to your hotel. The afternoon is yours to relax or to jump-start your visual and culinary exploration in the “City of Light.” We suggest a visit to Montmartre, with its impressive Sacré-Cœur Basilica. An independent dinner allows you the choice of a light crêpe or a leisurely Parisian meal.
DAY 3 – FRANCE . . Paris.
The entire day focuses on Paris. Your tour manager will point out the main sights, such as the Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre Museum (open daily except Tuesdays), Opera (Palais Garnier) and Galeries Lafayette department store. A great way to begin your sightseeing is by joining the optional Seine River Cruise excursion (see Optional Excursions) for views of Notre Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, and other incredible landmarks along the river. Tonight, join your fellow tour members for a “Welcome to Europe” dinner at a festive Paris bistro. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 4 – FRANCE . . Beaune.
Travel through the Burgundy wine region this morning, on the way to the historic walled city of Beaune. After check-in at your hotel, spend some time exploring the landmarks of this intriguing town, one of France’s major wine centers going back to pre-Roman times. An independent dinner presents the opportunity to visit a wine cellar and to sample the regional cuisine. (Breakfast)
DAY 5 – FRANCE . . Besançon – Alsace Wine Region & SWITZERLAND . . Swiss Alps.
After a midmorning stop in the charming town of Besançon, enter Switzerland at the Rhine port of Basel. Spend the next two nights in one of the scenic villages surrounded by the unsurpassed splendor of the Swiss Alps. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 6 – SWITZERLAND . . Lucerne – Swiss Alps.
Feast your eyes on the impressive views of Lake Lucerne, framed by the mountain peaks of Rigi and Pilatus. Stop in the village of Stans for the optional Swiss Mountain excursion (see Optional Excursions) by funicular and cable car. This afternoon, explore Lucerne with its Old Town Wall and Lion Monument. Before returning to your hotel for dinner, consider joining the optional Swiss Lake Boat Ride excursion (see Optional Excursions). (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 7 – SWITZERLAND . . Lugano & ITALY . . Verona.
Travel through the Swiss mountains via the 11-mile-long Gotthard Tunnel on the way to subtropical Lake Lugano, often referred to as the “Rio de Janeiro of the Old Continent.” After an independent lunch, cross the border into Italy and proceed to legendary Verona, of “Romeo & Juliet” fame. Experience an authentic Italian meal during an independent dinner before transferring to your hotel. (Breakfast)
DAY 8 – ITALY . . Venice.
Today features a full day visit to romantic Venice. A guided walking tour will orient you with the canals, gondolas and magnificent St. Mark’s Cathedral. If you have your heart set on gliding through the canals, the cost is about €45 per person based on up to six people sharing a gondola. The tour manager will offer an optional Venice Dinner excursion (see Optional Excursions) before returning to your Verona area hotel. (Breakfast)
DAY 9 – ITALY . . Lucca – Pisa – Montecatini-Terme.
Your first stop in Tuscany will be the medieval center of Lucca, followed by the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Work on this unique structure began in 1174, and it had already started to tilt while building the second floor. Spend two nights in the nearby spa resort town of Montecatini-Terme, with its pastel-tinted buildings on palm-lined streets. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 10 – ITALY . . Florence – Montecatini-Terme.
This day is devoted to the art and architecture of Florence. Some of the masterpieces you will see during the guided walking tour are the Duomo, the bronze baptistry doors by Ghiberti, and Giotto’s Bell Tower. The rest of the day is yours to experience Florence at your own pace. Before returning to Montecatini-Terme, dine on local specialties during an included dinner at a vineyard restaurant. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 11 – ITALY . . Siena – Rome.
Your final impressions of Tuscany take you past rolling hills and olive groves to the beautiful town of Siena. Explore on your own, or take the optional Siena Duomo excursion (see Optional Excursions). After an independent lunch, head for the “Eternal City” of Rome. Dinner will be provided upon arrival at your Rome area hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 12 – ITALY . . Rome.
A guided morning tour features popular Roman sights such as the Arch of Constantine, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and the Piazza Navona. The rest of the day is for exploring personal interests, or join the optional Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel excursion (see Optional Excursions). Tonight, enjoy a “Farewell Dinner” with fellow tour members at your hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 13 – ITALY . . Rome.
Transfer to an area of Rome near the Colosseum for another full day of discovery. This afternoon, your tour manager will offer the optional Colosseum excursion (see Optional Excursions) for a guided interior tour of this colossal structure and the Roman Forum. This evening, savor your final meal of the tour during an independent dinner or join the optional Rome Dinner excursion (see Optional Excursions). (Breakfast)
DAY 14 – Daytime flight back to U.S.A.
Transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport for your return flight home. (Breakfast)
Tour Highlights:
- Paris
- Beaune
- Burgundy Wine Region
- Lake Lugano
- Verona
- Lucerne
- Tuscany Region
- Pisa and Leaning Tower
- Rome