European Itinerary

TOUR ITINERARY:


Day 1 - London – Paris (2 nights)

A warm welcome from our Tour Director as we enjoy a scenic drive through the Kent countryside to Dover. Here we see the White Cliffs before boarding our ferry for the short Channel crossing to Calais in France. From here we travel across the battlefields of the Somme before arriving in the glittering and elegant French capital city of Paris.



Hotel: Novotel Paris Est



Day 2 - Paris sightseeing & at leisure Views of the Eiffel Tower, Champs Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral and more all feature on our morning guided sightseeing tour. Then time is your own to stroll along the banks of the Seine or to admire the works of the great masters in the Louvre. Tonight, why not sample this city’s legendary nightlife at a traditional Parisian cabaret? (Buffet breakfast)



Day 3 - Paris – Geneva (2 nights)

This morning we head southwards from Paris passing the vast Forest of Fontainebleau, former hunting ground of the French kings, and the magnificent wine country of Burgundy where we visit the wine auction centre of Beaune. Later we cross into Switzerland and the international

city of Geneva, which lies at the western end of Lac Leman. (Buffet

breakfast / Dinner)



Hotel: Ramada Encore



Day 4 - Geneva orientation & at leisure

This morning our orientation of this beautiful city includes the unusual Reformation Monument in one of the central parks, the unique Jet d’Eau, which shoots high into the sky over the lake and the modern United Nations building in the area where all the important international organisations are to be found. Later time at leisure to enjoy on your own - perhaps take a stroll alongside the lake and admire the modern sculptures on display? (Buffet breakfast)



Day 5 - Geneva – Nice (2 nights)

We travel south today passing the university city and Winter Olympic resort of Grenoble. Then we travel in the footsteps of Napoleon on the route that he took on his victorious return from the Isle of Elba. The scenic rugged landscape leads from the Alps down to the capital of the magnificent Cote d’Azur, the city of Nice. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)



Hotel: Busby



Day 6 - Cannes and Perfumery excursion A short drive brings us to the sophisticated resort of Cannes which is famous for the annual film festival which is held in May. Later we enjoy a visit to the Fragonard Perfumery where we can learn about the French perfume industry, which is renowned worldwide. (Buffet breakfast)



Day 7 - Nice – Montecatini

This morning we visit the Principality of Monaco, which has been ruled by the Grimaldi family since the 13th century. Here we walk through the old town to see the Royal Palace where the Grimaldi family still lives today, and the cathedral where we can see the graves of both Princess Grace and her husband Prince Rainier. Later we follow the coast into Italy passing the passenger port of Genoa before eventually arriving in Pisa where we see the unique Leaning Tower. Then we continue to the Tuscan spa town of Montecatini and our hotel. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)



Hotel: Tuscany Inn



Day 8 - Montecatini – Florence – Venice (2 nights)

We drive to the Renaissance city of Florence where after a visit to Piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy spectacular views of the city, we have time on our own to visit Piazza Signoria, the Duomo and Giotto’s Bell Tower. Then we are free to shop for high quality leather goods and 18-carat gold jewellery before continuing to the magical city of Venice. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)



Hotel: Ca Del Moro (Lido)



Day 9 - Venice orientation and at leisure We have time to really enjoy our first views of Venice as we take a canal cruise by vaporetto to St. Mark’s Square where we see the Bridge of Sighs and the magnificent Basilica of St. Mark. Then we visit a glassblowing workshop where we learn about the craftsmanship of this traditional art. There is time at leisure to explore or perhaps take a cruise to one of the islands of the lagoon for lunch. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)



Day 10 - Venice – Rome (2 nights)

This morning we drive across the Veneto plain via Bologna and over the Apennine Mountains before arriving in Tuscany. Then through Umbria and Lazio to the cradle of the Roman civilisation – the Eternal City that is Rome. (Buffet breakfast)



Hotel: Aran Park



Day 11 - Rome sightseeing & at leisure

After breakfast we have a whole day for in depth exploration of this ancient city. Our guided sightseeing tour features St. Peter’s Basilica and views of the Roman Forum and the mighty Colosseum. Later there is free time to marvel at the exquisite tapestries in the Vatican Museum or perhaps to throw a coin in the Trevi fountain. (Buffet breakfast)



Day 12 - Depart Rome

This morning it is time to say ‘Arrivederci Roma’ as our European tour comes to an end and we must bid farewell to our Tour Director and new found friends. There are transfers available to Rome Fiumicino Airport, conditions apply. (Buffet breakfast)