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12-Nights Treasures of Europe from $5,149
Collette
OFFER ID 1612439
Treasures of Europe
Set your sights on the European journey of a lifetime and discover all the must-sees of England, France, Switzerland and Italy. See the incredible sites of London, from Buckingham Palace to Big Ben. Take the Eurostar train to Paris and personalize your stay by touring the "City of Lights" on a relaxed panoramic drive or on a walking tour of the hilltop Montmartre district. Take in breathtaking views from your dinner table aboard a Parisian river boat. Board a high-speed train bound for Lucerne, the enchanting Swiss city on a cobalt lake and one of Switzerland’s most beautiful places. In Venice, discover a floating city where iconic landmarks of centuries-old history line canals dotted with gondolas. Tour Florence, the "Cradle of the Renaissance." Finally, in Rome, bask in cultural treasures and envelop yourself in the history of the "Eternal City," which includes a visit to the Sistine Chapel. Storied history, mouthwatering cuisine and iconic landscapes await.
12 nights from $5,149 per person
Itinerary Details
Treasures of Europe
Day 1 Overnight Flight
You’re on your way to an unforgettable journey to some of the most beloved countries in Europe.
Day 2 Rome, Italy
Hotel: Donna Laura Palace Hotel
Arrive in Rome, Italy’s capital city. Discover a bustling city where centuries of history meet an evolving modern culture. Join your fellow travelers and toast to the start of an incredible journey during a welcome dinner paired with live musical entertainment.(D)
Day 3 Rome
Hotel: Donna Laura Palace Hotel
Start your morning with a tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. Explore Papal palaces, halls and galleries housing priceless statuary from classical Greece and Rome. Admire the Gallery of Maps and works by great Renaissance masters such as Perugino, Botticelli, Ghirlandaio. In the Sistine Chapel, marvel at Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling and brilliant Last Judgement. The afternoon is yours. This evening, consider joining an optional food tour and taste your way around Rome’s bohemian Trastevere district.(B)
Day 4 Rome - Florence
Hotel: FH55 Hotels Mediterraneo Grand Hotel
Say arrivederci to Rome with a panoramic tour of the ‘Eternal City’. Discover famous sights such as the Baths of Caracalla, the legendary Aventine and Palatine hills, the ancient Circus Maximus, and views of the majestic Colosseum before travelling to Florence. You’ll spend 2 nights in the “Cradle of the Renaissance,” home to masterpieces of art and iconic symbols of centuries-old history.(B)
Day 5 Florence
Hotel: FH55 Hotels Mediterraneo Grand Hotel
On a full day walking tour, explore Florence, the legendary city of the Medici and the iconic Duomo. Enjoy a real-life history lesson as you discover the 4 pillars of city life: art, architecture, food, and fashion.(B)
Day 6 Florence - Mestre
Hotel: Leonardo Royal Venice, Mestre
This morning, stop at a vineyard in the heart of the Chianti region and enjoy a tour, tasting, and traditional bites. Then, traverse the fertile Po River Valley en route to the region of Venice and settle in for a 2-night stay in Mestre, situated on the Venetian mainland.(B, L, D)
Day 7 Mestre - Venice - Mestre
Hotel: Leonardo Royal Venice, Mestre
Cruise to the island of Murano,* renowned for its age-old glass-blowing tradition. After leaving Murano, embark on a walking tour of Venice, a collection of 117 tiny islands surrounded by a latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges. In this floating city, see the Clock Tower, St. Mark’s Basilica, and marble palaces along boat-filled canals. The afternoon is yours to explore the hidden secrets of this charming city. Perhaps you will take an optional gondola ride through the city’s narrow waterways.(B)
Day 8 Mestre - Como - Andermatt, Switzerland
Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel
Travel north today, passing through the picturesque Italian Lake District – a holiday destination since Roman times, and pause in the lakeside city of Como, famous for its silk production. Crossing into Switzerland, traverse the heart of the Alps, taking in vistas of rugged mountains as far as the eye can see. Early this evening, arrive to the quaint village of Andermatt,** nestled in the Ursern Valley.(B, D)
Day 9 Andermatt - Lucerne - Andermatt
Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel
Explore Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake”. Upon arrival, set out on a walk through its romantic Altstadt (Old Town), passing through Lucerne’s iconic covered Chapel Bridge. During free time, seek out the renowned Lion Monument commemorating the heroic Swiss Guard or visit the Alpineum museum dedicated to alpine landscape painting. Perhaps, you’ll embark on an optional excursion to Mount Pilatus,*** ascending the world’s steepest railway on a panoramic gondola to the summit. Return to Andermatt in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure.(B)
Day 10 Andermatt - Zurich - TGV Train - Paris, France
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile
Travel through the pastoral landscapes of Switzerland to Zurich where you board the TGV**** – France’s high-speed train – en route to Paris. Take in the scenery on your journey into France, passing gentle hills and verdant fields before arriving in the “City of Light.” Famous for its world-renowned art, food, and fashion, Paris’ captivating energy can be found around every corner. This evening, enjoy views of the Eiffel Tower as you gently float down the Seine River, tasting savory French cuisine on a dinner cruise.(B, D)
Day 11 Paris
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile
This morning, it’s your choice! See Paris at its best during a panoramic city tour featuring views of the endangered Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées and more -OR- step into the shoes of a local and navigate Le Métro on your way to the hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre and its iconic Sacré-Cœur basilica. Enjoy an afternoon on your own to explore Paris independently. Then, experience Paris’ nightlife during an optional dinner at the dynamic Paradis Latin***** for a champagne-flowing, can-can kicking, music-driven night at the cabaret.(B)
Day 12 Paris - Eurostar Train - London
Hotel: Clayton Hotel City of London
Say au revoir to Paris this morning as you board the high-speed Eurostar train.**** Relax in style as you’re whisked away to London, England’s sophisticated capital. Step back in time as you pull into St. Pancras railway station – a masterpiece of Victorian engineering. Transfer to your hotel, where you settle in for your 2-night stay in London.(B)
Day 13 London
Hotel: Clayton Hotel City of London
Start your morning on a tour of the quintessential sights of London. Alongside a local guide, see the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. The remainder of the day is yours. Tonight, gather together and toast the end of an epic journey through Europe at a farewell dinner at a popular local restaurant.(B, D)
Day 14 London - Tour Ends
Your European adventure comes to a close today.(B)
Located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Andermatt, Switzerland, is in Urserental, where three Alpine passes intersect: the Oberalp, the St. Gotthard and the Furka.
Lake Toma, on the south side of the Oberalp Pass, feeds the Reuss, Ticino, Rhine and Rhone rivers, so the scenery is spectacular.
James Bond helped put Andermatt on the map when Goldfinger shot breathtaking scenes in the Furka Pass in 1964.
Excursions
Venice: Splendours of Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours
Venice: Splendours of Venice Walking Tour - 4 hours
Highlights:
- Admire the wonderful architecture of the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica
Tour can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Return private motorboat transfers between the harbour and central Venice
- An expert English-speaking guide (4 hours)
- Entrance fees to all named sights and museums
- All taxes
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs.
- Gratuities
Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours
Venice: Venice for Art Lovers Walking Tour - 4 hours
Highlights:
- Admire the many art treasures on display in the Frari Church
- See the masterpieces on display in the Accademia Gallery
Tour Can Operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Return private motorboat transfers between the harbour and central Venice
- An expert English-speaking guide (4 hours)
- Entrance fees to all stated sights and museums
- All taxes
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 7 hours
Venice: The Roman City of Verona - 7 hours
Highlights:
- Visit Verona's impressive Amphitheatre
- See Juliet's House and its famous balcony
Tour Can Operate: Mornings
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Luxury car or minivan transfers between Venice cruise terminal and Verona
- An expert English-speaking guide in Verona (3 hours)
- Entrance fees to the stated sightseeing
- All taxes
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Venice - St. Marks, Grand Canal and Murano - 6 hours
Venice - St. Marks, Grand Canal and Murano - 6 hours
- Introduction to the history of Venice
- Visit to private glass producer in Murano
- Tour of Grand Canal by private boat
- Reservations to St.Marks and Doge's Palace - no lines
Included:
- Private English speaking guide for the day and private boat.
- Clients are picked up and dropped off at the Port
Meals
Venice: Lagoon Islands - 7 hours
Venice: Lagoon Islands - 7 hours
Today you will be met by your local English-speaking guide for a full day excursion by private motor-boat to explore the Lagoon Islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.
Venice lies in the centre of a vast lagoon that stretches for about 30 miles from north to south, studded by numerous small islands, mostly deserted. This amazing environment is what drove the Venetians to establish their city here, a perfectly secure and inaccessible little world. Enjoy the beauty of a ride across the waters of the lagoon; visit the island of Murano, where glass has been made for over 700 years and where you can see the age-old techniques of glass blowing still in use today.
Continue to Torcello, to see the breathtaking mosaics in the Basilica di Santa Maria dell’Assunta, the oldest building on the lagoon. After a leisurely lunch (payable locally) you reach the island of Burano, a quaint and colourful fisherman island famous for its lace and charming architecture.
Highlights:
- Cruise across the lagoon to Murano, where glass has been made for over 700 years using the same techniques
- Explore Torcello and Burano, a colourful fishing village famous for its lace and charming architecture
Tour can Operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Low
Inclusions:
• Return private motorboat transfer between the harbour and the islands
• An expert local guide (7 hours)
• Entrance fees
• All taxes
Exclusions:
• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities
The story of Murano and Burano
The story of Murano and Burano
Hop on a private boat and start sailing through the Venice lagoon! This unique tour will let you discover the authentic side of Venice by exploring two famous islands – Murano and Burano. First stop, Murano – an epicenter of the most sophisticated glass production in the world. “Il vetro di Murano”, the glass of Murano, is a special type of glass made for decades. You will visit one of the traditional factories and take part in a glass-blowing demonstration. Pretty exclusive, don’t you think?
Your next stop is Burano – a small, fishermen’s island, famous for its heritage of lace embroidery that it’s still today made by hand only. It is often mentioned as one of the prettiest towns in Italy and also one of the most unique thanks to two characteristics: its canals and its colorful houses that make the island a real rainbow of colors! This tour will surely let you remember the Venice Lagoon forever.
Highlights:
- Unique island experience
- Personal guide
Tour can operate: Morning or afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private guide
- Private boat
- Lunch
- Drinks
- Gratuities
- Items purchased for personal use
The Canal Grande cruise followed by a walking tour of Venice
The Canal Grande cruise followed by a walking tour of Venice
Are you ready to start this tour with a private boat cruise down the most spectacular “boulevard” in the world? Yes, we are talking about The Canal Grande, Venice’s main artery. Just hop on your private boat and enjoy the scenic views of all the marvelous palaces and side alley’s canals. Sit back and relax while you absorb the breath-taking beauty and uniqueness of Venice. After the ride, the guide will take you through Calli, Callette, Ponti, Campi and Campielli. You will reach Rialto bridge, that was the only way to cross the great Canal on foot, for centuries. You can indulge in great experience of the famous local market filled with interesting products and learn more about the area that was once a significant place for trading goods.
Highlights:
-
unique sightseeing experience
-
Personal guide
Tour Duration: up to 4h
Tour can operate: Morning / Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Easy
Inclusions:
- Private guide
-
No line entrance tickets for Doge’s Palace and St. Mark Basilic
Not Included:
- Lunch
- Tips
- Drinks
- Transfers
Sprawled across seven legendary hills, romantic and beautiful Rome was one
of the great centers of the ancient world. Although its beginning is shrouded
in legend and its development is full of intrigue and struggle, Rome has always
been and remains the Eternal City.
Rome enjoyed its greatest splendor during the 1st and 2nd centuries when art
flourished, monumental works of architecture were erected, and the mighty Roman
legions swept outward, conquering all of Italy. These victorious armies then
swept across the Mediterranean and beyond to conquer most of the known world.
With Rome's establishment as capital of the western world, a new ascent to glory
began.
Today's Rome, with its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious
parks, tree-lined boulevards, fountains, outdoor cafes and elegant shops, is
one of the world’s most attractive and exciting cities. Among the most famous
monuments is the Colosseum. As you walk its cool, dark passageways, imagine
the voices that once filled the arena as 50,000 spectators watched combats between
muscled gladiators and ferocious animals.
Stop to see the remains of the Forum, once the city's political and commercial
center. In later times, Rome's squares were enhanced with such imposing structures
as the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and grandiose fountains like the Fontana di
Trevi. Join the millions who stand in awe of Christendom’s most magnificent
church and admire the timeless masterpieces of Michelangelo's frescoes in the
Sistine Chapel.
Rome jars the senses and captures the soul. Grasp all you can during the short,
precious time you have available in the Eternal City. With so much to see and
do, a day or two will only allow you a sampling of the city's marvelous treasures.
Caution: As in many big cities and tourist destinations purse snatching
and pickpocketing is common. Valuable jewelry and excess cash are best left
in a safety deposit box in your hotel.
Shopping For most visitors shopping for beautiful Italian leather articles,
designer shoes, fashions for men and women, linens, knitwear, silk scarves and
ties is a favorite pastime. Except for tourist-oriented shops, the majority
of stores are closed on Sundays. Some of the department stores, such as Rinascente,
open in the late afternoon on Sundays.
Cuisine Rome's choice of restaurants is mindboggling as is the variety
of cuisine. Whether your meal is at a top-rated restaurant or a rustic trattoria,
you can be sure that you will enjoy your food, especially when accompanied by
wines from the hill towns surrounding Rome.
Other Sights Rome's attractions are endless, and depending on how much
time you have at your disposal a careful selection has to be made about what
to see. Be aware of horrendous traffic conditions and major construction work
all around the city in preparation of Jubilee 2000, the Holy Year. Some of the
sights not to be missed:
Piazza Venezia - This busy square is easily recognized by its imposing Vittorio
Emanuele II Monument. The white marble structure was inaugurated in 1911 as
a symbol of Italy’s unification.
The Forum - Once the civic heart of ancient Rome, today the remains include
a series of ruins, marble fragments, isolated columns and some worn arches.
Colosseum - No visit to Rome is complete without a stop at this awe-inspiring
theater, which is among the world’s most celebrated buildings. Here ancient
Rome flocked to see gladiatorial contests and numerous other spectacles.
Trevi Fountain - Take a stroll to Rome's famous fountain. A spectacular fantasy
of mythical sea creatures and cascades of splashing water, the fountain is one
of the city's foremost attractions. Legend has it that visitors must toss a
coin into the fountain to ensure their return to Rome.
St. Peter's Square - Part of Vatican City, this square created by Bernini
is considered one of the loveliest squares in the world. Twin Doric colonnades
topped with statues of various saints and martyrs flank either side of the square.
In the center stands an 84-foot obelisk, brought from Egypt in 37 A.D.
St. Peter's Basilica - At the head of the square stands Christendom's most
magnificent church, which was begun in 1452 on the site where St. Peter was
buried. Throughout the following 200 years, such Renaissance masters as Bramante,
Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini worked on its design and created an unparalleled
masterpiece. Of special note are Michelangelo's Pieta and the bronze canopy
over the high altar by Bernini. The immense dome was designed by Michelangelo.
Vatican Museum - To see this museum's immense collection would take days.
As you enter, there are special posters that plot a choice of four color-coded
itineraries. They are repeated throughout the museum and are easy to follow.
It is a good idea to pickup a leaflet at the main entrance and concentrate on
exhibits of major interest. Of course, the Sistine Chapel is a must. Most likely
you may have to wait in line to enter.
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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