Trafalgar European Dream (Winter 2009/2010)

9 nights, 9 Nights Rome to London from $1320 US ppd

Included

Sightseeing Highlights

* Rome: Sightseeing tour with special audio system includes views of the Forum and Colosseum plus a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica.

* Venice: Canal cruise by private motor launch seeing St. Mark’s Square and the Bridge of Sighs. Visit a traditional glass-blowing factory.

* Lucerne: Orientation includes the Lion Monument and the wooden Chapel Bridge.

* Savigny-Les-Beaune: View the vineyards.

* Paris: Ascent to the second level of the Eiffel Tower. Sightseeing includes views of the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees and Notre Dame Cathedral.

* London: Half day sightseeing shows us Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben.

* Dover: See the White Cliffs.

Dates

Various Nov - April

Detailed Itinerary

Day 2 - Arrive Rome (2 nights) Welcome to Rome! After hotel check-in, time to relax and unwind. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own. This evening enjoy a Welcome Drink with your Tour Director and fellow travelers. Later, maybe enjoy a guided tour of the Eternal City by night? Hotel: Melia Roma Aurelia Antica

Day 3 - Rome sightseeing & at leisure Our guided morning sightseeing tour features a visit of the impressive St. Peters Basilica in the Vatican City, highlighting Michelangelos moving Pieta. We also visit Piazza Venezia to admire the Wedding Cake, otherwise known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Then we see the Sacred Way and overlook the Roman Forum and of course see the infamous Colosseum of the Emperor Nero. Later, perhaps visit the Sistine Chapel or wander round the medieval quarter and stop to throw some coins into the Trevi Fountain! (Buffet breakfast)

Day 4 - Rome Venice Today we pass by the hilltop towns of Umbria and the Chianti vineyards in the scenic Tuscan countryside before we reach the flat Veneto plains and our Venice hotel. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) Hotel: Boscolo B4 Venezia

Day 5 - Venice sightseeing Italian Lakes Our private motor launch takes us on a canal cruise to St. Marks Square to admire the Bridge of Sighs and the Doges Palace. Then we visit a traditional glass-blowing factory, with free time to shop afterwards. From here we drive to the beautiful Italian lake district and Lake Varese. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) Hotel: Boscolo Porro Pirelli

Day 6 - Italian Lakes Lucerne Today we cross through scenic Alpine landscapes and the Gotthard range as we drive to Lucerne. Here we visit the poignant Lion Monument and have time to walk across the covered wooden Chapel Bridge before our Tour Director reveals a Hidden Treasure to us all! Then free time to shop or take a trip up a nearby mountain for incredible views! (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) Hotel: Schiller

Day 7 - Lucerne Paris (2 nights) This morning we drive northwards via Basel in Switzerland and into France, we pass Belfort and remnants of the Maginot Line - the planned defence against an invading Germany in the Second World War. We stop to view the vineyards at Savigny-les-Beaune, before passing the imposing Castle of Chateauneuf on our way to Paris. Tonight, why not enjoy a delicious dinner in a cozy Parisian bistro? (Buffet breakfast) Hotel: Holiday Inn la Villette

Day 8 - Paris sightseeing and at leisure Our guided sightseeing this morning includes views of Notre Dame, on the City Island, the ascent of the Eiffel Tower by elevator to the second level for magnificent views over the whole city, the Champs Elysees and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe. Later perhaps visit the Chateau of Versailles, the extravagant creation of Louis XIV, or explore the treasures of the Louvre Museum as explained in the Da Vinci Code. Tonight, with our Tour Director and fellow travelers, we celebrate the end of our European tour together at a Farewell Dinner with wine in a local restaurant! (Buffet breakfast / Farewell dinner)

Day 9 - Paris London (2 nights) Today we drive across the Somme battlefields and pass Vimy Ridge enroute to Calais. Here we sail across the Channel to the White Cliffs of Dover and make our way by coach through Kent, the Garden of England, to London. (Buffet breakfast) Hotel: Holiday Inn Regents Park

Day 10 - London sightseeing Many major sights are included on our morning guided sightseeing tour, including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. Our tour will finish in central London, so the rest of the day is at leisure. (Buffet breakfast)

Day 11 - London USA Time to bid farewell to London and your fellow travelers as our memorable European tour comes to an end. (Buffet breakfast)