Tour Details - European Dream Ends Paris 2012

Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City! Relax after your journey. In the evening enjoy a Welcome Reception with your fellow companions and Travel Director. Later, relax on an orientation drive which will whet your appetite for the sights which await you.(Welcome Reception)

Your guided sightseeing tour takes you to visit St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City, one of the largest and most significant churches in the Christian world. Witness Michelangelo’s Pietà, a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture. View the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, site of ancient gladiatorial contests. Spend time on your own experiencing the wonders of the Eternal City. Later, in your free time, perhaps visit the Sistine Chapel or make a wish and throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain.(Buffet Breakfast)

Driving north from Rome, follow the River Tiber into Umbria, passing the ancient hilltop towns of Orte and Orvieto. See the sprawling vineyards of the Chianti region and terraced olive groves in Tuscany before crossing the dramatic Apennine Mountain range. From here, journey past Bologna, the provincial capital of Emilia Romagna, to the flat plains of Veneto and across the River Po into the romantic city of Venice − Queen of the Adriatic − your home for the night.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Cruise by private motor launch along the canals to St. Mark’s Square, the 'drawing room of Europe'. Gaze in wonder at Venice’s elegant architecture, including the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge’s Palace. Visit one of the oldest traditional glass-blowing workshops on the island and shop in fashionable boutiques. Later travel west and arrive at your lovely hotel in the Italian Lake District.(Buffet Breakfast)

Traversing the Alps along the scenic St. Gotthard route in Switzerland, you arrive on the picturesque shores of Lake Lucerne. Visit the Lion Monument, a memorial to Swiss Guards massacred in Paris in 1792 while guarding Louis XVI. Explore the old town and cross the Chapel Bridge, one of Lucerne’s most famous landmarks, dating from the 14th century. Consider taking an invigorating mountain excursion or shop for famous Swiss chocolate.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

From Lucerne head northwest past Basel into France. See the extensive vineyards of Burgundy, one of the country’s biggest wine producing areas. Arrive in the City of Light for a two night stay.(Buffet Breakfast)

Your expert Local Guide takes you on a morning tour of the city’s sights. Ascend to the second level of the Eiffel Tower by elevator and get a bird’s eye view of the golden dome of Les Invalides. See the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde. Plan your afternoon. Perhaps take an excursion to visit Versailles, lavishly designed by Louis XIV. Tonight dine with your Travel Director and fellow travellers at a Farewell Dinner.(Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Say ‘au revoir’ to France as this fantastic holiday draws to an end. Transfers available. Conditions apply.(Buffet Breakfast)