Tour Duration: 11 days Tour Code: HF2012 Tour Type: Prices From: A$2479 [Tour Dates]
Tour Itinerary
Day
Description
1
ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY. Time to rest or start exploring the "Eternal City." At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travelling companions and leave the hotel for a special welcome dinner with wine at one of Rome's lively restaurants. (D)
2
ROME. Sightseeing with your Local Guide starts with a visit to the VATICAN MUSEUMS and SISTINE CHAPEL, world famous for Michelangelo's ceiling paintings and The Last Judgement. Continue to monumental ST. PETER'S SQUARE and BASILICA. Cross the Tiber and visit the COLOSSEUM and the ROMAN FORUM, where Roman legions marched in triumph. Then, time for independent activities and exciting optional excursion possibilities. (B)
3
ROME-FLORENCE. An easy morning drive north to Florence, "Cradle of the Renaissance." Enjoy a walking tour with a Local Guide and visit the ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS with Michelangelo's celebrated David and the magnificent CATHEDRAL. Admire Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistry's heavy bronze "Gate of Paradise," and sculpture-studded SIGNORIA SQUARE. Later, take a moment to check out the enticing shops with Florentine leather goods and gold jewelry. (B,D)
4
FLORENCE-VENICE. Drive across the Apennine Hills and through the plains of the mighty River Po to Venice. Enter the city in style by PRIVATE BOAT to ST. MARK'S SQUARE. Admire the byzantine basilica, the Clock Tower, lavish Doges' Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Watch skilled GLASSBLOWERS fashion their delicate objects, then time to explore or to join an optional gondola ride. (B,D)
5
VENICE-LUGANO, SWITZERLAND-LUCERNE. Through the Lombardian plains, past Milan and Lake Como to the Swiss Alps. Stop in the subtropical town of Lugano, then, admire the towering majesty of the Swiss Alps and St. Gotthard on the way to picture-book Lucerne. Why not sign up for a folklore party with yodeling and alphorn blowing for a first-hand impression of Alpine merrymaking? (B)
6
LUCERNE. Admire Thorwaldsen's LION MONUMENT and the ornate patrician houses lining the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, then, cross the famous covered CHAPEL BRIDGE to the Jesuit Church. Afterwards, shop for Swiss watches and choose from our optional activities: climb a mountain by cable car or take a cruise on the fjord-like lake. (B,D)
7
LUCERNE-PARIS, FRANCE. Cross the border into France and enjoy a fast ride on the modern highway skirting the vineyards of Burgundy and Fontainebleau Forest. Tonight, you are in Paris, the traditional climax of every European tour. (B)
8
PARIS. Discover the world capital of chic and style with a Local Guide and admire its most famous sights: the Opera, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, Notre Dame Cathedral, and more. For a bird's-eye view, take the elevator to the second floor of Paris' most famous landmark: the EIFFEL TOWER. An optional excursion to the lavish baroque Palace of Versailles is available. Tonight, a lively cabaret show might just be the ticket. (B)
9
PARIS-LONDON, ENGLAND. Board the EUROSTAR TRAIN for a smooth ride to London arriving in the afternoon. Meet your local host, who will assist you during your stay in London. Why not take in a West End show tonight? (B)
10
LONDON. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes all the famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall's mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister's Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. Highlights are a visit to ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL and the ceremonial pageantry of the Changing of the Guard, if held. Afternoon at leisure. Optional excursions are available to the Tower of London and to Windsor Castle. Tonight, maybe a leisurely cruise on the River Thames? (B)
11
LONDON. Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
ROME: Welcome dinner at a local restaurant; guided sightseeing, visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Square and Basilica, the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
FLORENCE: Guided walking tour, visit Michelangelo's David, the cathedral, and Signoria Square.
VENICE: Private boat ride; visit St. Mark's Square; glassblowers' demonstration.
LUGANO: Visit the subtropical town.
LUCERNE: Walking tour including the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge.
PARIS: Guided sightseeing, ascend the Eiffel Tower.
Paris-London: By high-speed Eurostar train.
LONDON: Guided sightseeing, visit St. Paul's Cathedral and see the Changing of the Guard, if held.
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
MEALS: Full buffet breakfast (B); 4 three-course dinners (D), including a special welcome dinner with wine in Rome.
Meals Breakfast - 10 Lunch - 0 Dinner - 4
Optional Excursions
To help plan your leisure time, as well as your pre-tour budgeting, here is a list of optional excursions that may be offered on this tour.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, group interests, and general feasibility for your tour. Please note prices may be based on the previous year and are subject to change. Full terms and conditions are contained in the important travel documents.
Cost
Description
68
EUR
Name:ROMAN HIGHLIGHTS & DINNER Location:ROME Details:A guided stroll through the historical centre of Rome: your Tour Director will propose a tailor-made itinerary featuring some of the city's authentic jewels. For instance: Trastevere and its basilica of Santa Maria, the baroque district, Campo de' Fiori, the Pantheon, and San Luigi dei Francesi, famous Piazza Navona, Via dei Condotti, Piazza del Popolo with its church of Santa Maria del Popolo and displays of Caravaggio paintings. After your walk, relax and enjoy a four-course dinner, including drinks, at a popular Roman restaurant.
38
EUR
Name:ROMAN HIGHLIGHTS Location:ROME Details:A guided stroll through the historical centre of Rome: your Tour Director will propose a tailor-made itinerary featuring some of the city's authentic jewels. For instance: Trastevere and its basilica of Santa Maria, or the baroque district, Campo de' Fiori, the Pantheon, San Luigi dei Francesi, famous Piazza Navona, Via dei Condotti, Piazza del Popolo with its church of Santa Maria del Popolo and displays of Caravaggio paintings.
38
EUR
Name:GONDOLA SERENADE Location:VENICE Details:Enjoy a ride in a traditional gondola, gliding through centuries-old canals, under famous arched bridges, past lavish palaces and quaint piazzas, serenaded by live music.(gondola for 6 people)
72
EUR
Name:SWISS FOLKLORE PARTY AND DINNER Location:LUCERNE Details:Contrary to belief, not all Swiss can yodel or blow the alp horn, but those you will meet at your after-dinner folklore party are real experts. They entertain you with merry melodies on the accordion and traditional dances, while you sample cheese fondue and a drink of your choice.
58
EUR
Name:MOUNT PILATUS Location:LUCERNE Details:A spectacular panoramic view over Central Switzerland from 2133.6 metres (7,000 feet) up, via the world's steepest cogwheel railway (inclination 48 degrees) as well as the silent aerial tramway and panoramic gondolas.
31
EUR
Name:ONE HOUR CRUISE ON LAKE LUCERNE Location:LUCERNE Details:Board your private motorboat for an enchanting and relaxing one-hour cruise on glassy Lake Lucerne also known as the Vierwaldstattersee or "Lake of the Four Forest Cantons". Marvel at the spectacular mountain scenery and admire fjords, bays and rolling meadows.
37
EUR
Name:SEINE CRUISE AND MONTMARTRE Location:PARIS Details:Discover more of beautiful Paris with a cruise on the Seine river and a visit to the artistic district of Montmartre, famous for the white-domed Basilica of the Sacre Coeur.
66
EUR
Name:DINNER PARTY AND ILLUMINATION DRIVE Location:PARIS Details:A perfect introduction to Paris! After a full-course dinner with choices of typical French dishes, drinks included, your tour director will show you the "City of Lights."
61
EUR
Name:EXCURSION TO THE PALACE OF VERSAILLES Location:PARIS Details:Take a short journey out of Paris with your local guide to the lavish 17th-century baroque palace built by Sun King Louis XIV, with its magnificent STATE APARTMENTS, Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Chapel. Time to stroll through parts of the elegant 101 hecatare (250-acre) GARDENS. Note: This excursion is not available on Mondays and public holidays.
166
EUR
Name:DINNER AND SHOW AT MOULIN ROUGE Location:PARIS Details:An exciting evening at the world-renowned Parisian cabaret. Dinner with half a bottle of wine is served during the show and a glass of champagne completes your evening in style.
47
EUR
Name:TOWER OF LONDON AND CROWN JEWELS AFTERNOONS DAILY Location:LONDON Details:Let your guide bring the 900-year-old Tower Of London to life before you inspect the fabulous Crown Jewels. Afternoons daily.
47
EUR
Name:AFTERNOON EXCURSION TO WINDSOR CASTLE DAILY Location:LONDON Details:Enjoy your guided visit to the Queen's favourite residence, the largest inhabited castle in the world. The highlight is the newly refurbished state rooms.
59
EUR
Name:BUCKINGHAM PALACE AND THE ROYAL MEWS AFTERNOONS DAILY JULY 31 TO SEPTEMBER 30 Location:LONDON Details:First a guided visit to the Royal Mews to see the magnificent gold coach, then admire over 20 grand rooms in the palace used by the Queen for state occasions.
71
EUR
Name:A TASTE OF LONDON DAILY APRIL TO OCTOBER Location:LONDON Details:Ideal for your arrival day, this guided evening excursion includes a 3-course dinner with wine and beer at a contemporary London restaurant, followed by a narrated illumination cruise on the River Thames.
119
EUR
Name:SHOWNIGHT - BILLY ELLIOT (MONDAYS - THURSDAYS) Location:LONDON Details:A marvellous evening in London's theatre district starts with a gourmet dinner a The Bank restaurant in Westminster followed by best seats at the Victoria Palace Theatre to see the original London staging of the inspirational musical Billy Elliot.
168
EUR
Name:SHOWNIGHT - WICKED (FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS) Location:LONDON Details:A marvellous evening in London's theatre district starts with a gourmet dinner at The Bank restaurant in Wesminster followed by best seats at The Apollo Victoria Theatre to see the sensational London production of Wicked.
119
EUR
Name:SHOWNIGHT - WICKED (MONDAYS - THURSDAYS) Location:LONDON Details:A marvellous evening in London's theatre district starts with a gourmet dinner at The Bank restaurant in Wesminster followed by best seats at The Apollo Victoria Theatre to see the sensational London production of Wicked.
168
EUR
Name:SHOWNIGHT - BILLY ELLIOT (FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS) Location:LONDON Details:A marvellous evening in London's theatre district starts with a gourmet dinner at The Bank restaurant in Westminster followed by best seats at the Victoria Palace Theatre to see the original London staging of the inspirational musical Billy Elliot.
Optional Excursions
