Region: Europe Type: Scheduled Tours Length: 12 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.
ITI
DAY 1 – Overnight Flight to Europe.
Today begins your Paris, Tuscany & Rome adventure. The Image Tours “Departure Instructions” will provide guidance for airport check-in. Relax on 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” 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-Coeur 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.
Start your day with a journey through the Burgundy wine region on the way to the historic walled city of Beaune. After checking in at your hotel, spend some time exploring the landmarks of this intriguing town, one of France’s major wine centers with roots in 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 mid-morning stop in the charming town of Besançon, enter Switzerland at the Rhine River port of Basel. Spend the next two nights in a scenic village 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 . . Montecatini Terme.
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. By late afternoon, arrive in the spa resort town of Montecatini-Terme, with its pastel-tinted buildings on palm-lined streets. (Breakfast)
DAY 8 – ITALY . . Pisa – Florence – Montecatini-Terme.
Today begins with a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Continue on to Florence to see its rich Renaissance art and architecture, including the bronze baptistery doors by Ghiberti, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and countless sculptures. After a guided walking tour, shop for leather goods and jewelry on the Ponte Vecchio Bridge. Enjoy a typical Tuscan dinner at a local farm before returning to your hotel. (Breakfast,Dinner)
DAY 9 – ITALY . . Siena – Rome.
Take in your final impressions of Tuscany as you travel 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 10 – 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. For the rest of the day, explore your 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 11 – ITALY . . Rome.
Transfer to the historic 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 as well as the neighboring Roman Forum. Savor your final meal of the tour during an independent dinner or join the optional Rome Dinner excursion (see Optional Excursions). (Breakfast)
DAY 12 – 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