Basilicas, boutiques, and bistros. Cathedrals, canals, and cafés. Peaks, pasta, and pastries. This tour of Essential Europe goes beyond the “must-sees” to include the “must-dos,” the “must-discovers,” and the “must-devours.” As you travel and taste your way through Italy, Switzerland, and France, you’ll delightfully take a big bite out of your bucket list. The rolling Tuscan hills, the soaring Swiss Alps, plus mind-boggling mounds of Italian gelato, Swiss chocolate, and French éclairs are all awaiting from Rome to Paris on this delectable tour of Europe’s most popular destinations. Cruising through Europe’s breathtaking scenery, captivating architecture, and greatest chapters of history has never been easier as you motor by private water taxi through the Grand Canal of Venice, ride an elevator to the courtyard of a medieval Swiss castle, and board a high-speed train for a scenic journey through the French countryside from Basel to Paris.PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Rome so you can plan your day your way.Hungry for more of Europe’s essentials? Board the high-speed Eurostar Train to London for fish ’n chips, bangers and mash, and a heaping serving of art, architecture, and fascinating history. When you add a 2-day London extension to your tour of Europe, we’ll also serve up guided sightseeing and plenty of optional excursions to make the most of your visit.
Special Features included in this Tour: • Globus Choice excursions in Rome – included in your tour with your choice of a of a guided walking tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel or a guided walking tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum • Guided walking tour in Florence includes a visit to the Academy of Fine Arts to see Michelangelo’s David statue• Private Venice Canal boat ride, orientation walk, and glass blowing demonstration• [LF] Dinner at a local Venice restaurant followed by a private water-taxi ride along the Grand Canal• Visit the [LF] Courtyard of Castelgrande for a light lunch paired with wine• Walking tour of Lucerne, see the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge• Guided walking tour in Paris to discover one of Paris’s iconic quarters• Scenic dinner cruise on the Seine River• Guided sightseeing of London includes St. Paul’s Cathedral• Ride high speed trains from Basel to Paris, and from Paris to London
Notes: For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded. For operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded.We encourage all guests to prebook their preferred included Globus Choice excursions to ensure your selection is available. If your preference is not selected 35 days prior to departure, we will select a Choice excursion on your behalf based on availability. Services of the Tour Director end on Day 9. London portion includes services of a local host.To make your Eurostar train journey more comfortable between Paris and London, one piece of luggage per person will be transferred between one hotel and another, to your destination hotel using a luggage transfer service. We cannot guarantee that this luggage will arrive at the hotel at the same time as you; traffic, the border crossing, and other logistical issues can delay it. On occasions this luggage may arrive in the evening, we therefore suggest keeping a few essential personal items in your hand luggage. Conditions apply.
Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant Dinner
Day 2 ROME
Spend your day your way in Rome Explore more of Rome with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.
Free time this afternoon and evening to explore more. (B)
* For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded Breakfast
Day 3 ROME–FLORENCE
Fine Art in Firenze Leave the hustle and bustle of Rome behind as you relax for a scenic drive past the olive groves and vineyards that extend over the rolling green hills of Umbria and Tuscany. Arrive in Florence, one of Italy’s most celebrated cities. Meet your Local Guide for a visit of the Academy of Fine Arts, to see Michelangelo’s David statue, followed by a walk through the historic center, stopping to admire and learn more about the cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the massive bronze doors of the Baptistry’s “Gates of Paradise,” and the sculptures of Signoria Square. This afternoon free time to explore more of Florence “La bella.” (B)
186 mi / 300 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE Those lucky enough to visit the Tuscan capital are witness to some of the world’s most magnificent art Home to a wealth of Rennaissance masterpieces, Florence is famous for Michelangelo’s Marble Masterpiece, David, standing ready for battle in the Academy of Fine Arts. Outside, the Piazza del Duomo and Signoria Square offer spectacular sights of Florentine Gothic and Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments Breakfast
Day 4 FLORENCE–VENICE
Benvenuti a Venezia Today cross the Apennine Mountains and River Po to reach Venice. On arrival take a private boat ride along the Giudecca Canal. Prepare for breath taking views as you sail in front of the entrance to St Mark’s Square. Disembark for an orientation walk to St. Mark’s Square and a noted vetreria to meet a local glassblower and learn how the world-famous Murano glass is created. After some free time to explore independently, [LF] enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before traveling like a VIP with a private water taxi ride along the Grand Canal. (B,D)
162 mi / 260 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Indulge in the tastes and traditions of true Italian cuisine in the home of seafood, pasta, and wine in Venice. A cruise on the Grand Canal is the perfect grand finale! Buon appetito! BreakfastDinner
Day 5 VENICE–BELLINZONA, SWITZERLAND–LUCERNE
Spectacular Switzerland Today leave Italy and cross the border into Switzerland. Arrive in Bellinzona and [LF] take the elevator to the Courtyard of Castelgrande where you will savor a light lunch of local specialties accompanied by the Merlot wine for which the Ticino area is famous. Later, en-route to Lucerne, enjoy the stunning mountain scenery of the Swiss Alps interrupted only by the St. Gotthard Road tunnel. (B,L)
342 mi / 550 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
HISTORIC SPOTS Ride the elevator to the Courtyard of Castelgrande, high on the hills above Bellinzona. Part of the fortification dates back to the Middle Ages; today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views and try out local specialties and the delicious Merlot wine for which the area is famous BreakfastLunch
Day 6 LUCERNE
Sweet Sights of Switzerland This morning, join a walking tour to see the highlights of Lucerne. Stop to admire the Lion Monument, a moving rock relief that Mark Twain called the “saddest sculpture in the world,” and the 14th century Chapel Bridge that crosses the River Reuss from the Altstadt (old town). The rest of the day and evening are free for you to get better acquainted with this alpine gem. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Serenity is found in a gaze across the stunning panoramas of the Swiss Alps above the lovely city of Lucerne. Spend time at leisure with a stroll through its magnificent medieval architecture and peaceful alpine lake Breakfast
Day 7 LUCERNE–BASEL–PARIS, FRANCE
French Connection Drive to the medieval city of Basel, the Swiss city located on the French and German borders and straddling the River Rhine. Board a high-speed TGV train to Paris. Relax and watch the French countryside pass by. Arrive in Paris this afternoon giving you plenty of time to get acquainted with this iconic city.* (B)
404 mi / 650 km
* For operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Gliding across the French countryside at warp speed is an experience to write home about. Pass by the rows of vineyards on your way from Basel to Paris and get in the mood for the wine and song awaiting in the City of Light Breakfast
Day 8 PARIS
C’est Magnifique in the City of Light The morning is yours to either explore independently or join an optional excursion. Your sightseeing this afternoon is composed of a guided walk to discover one of Paris’s iconic quarters. Later, enjoy dinner cruise on the River Seine, with incredible sights of celebrated landmarks.* (B,D)
* For operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS As the song goes, we love Paris in the springtime; we love Paris in the fall - but no matter the season, we fall in love anytime we visit the most romantic city in the world. From the tranquility of the Seine River to the tempting treats in a corner café, your hearts are set on sharing France’s captivating City of Light any time you please BreakfastDinner
Day 9 PARIS–LONDON, ENGLAND
Just in Time for Tea Say au revoir to Paris as you board the high-speed Eurostar Train to London, arriving in the afternoon. Uniformed Globus Hosts will be waiting to welcome you. Free time this afternoon and evening to start discovering some of London’s many attractions. (B)
305 mi / 492 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE Take the fast train to London on the Eurostar - the only high-speed rail directly linking the UK to France. Since 1994, passengers have been whisked through the longest section of underwater tunnel in the world in comfort with speeds up to 200 mph Breakfast
Day 10 LONDON
London Calling Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes sights of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall, the Prime Minister’s Downing Street residence, Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, and a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Free time this afternoon and evening, why not try a typical pub lunch or take a stroll along the Thames or in one of the Royal Parks. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS England’s national treasure of St. Paul’s Cathedral is home to a spectacular array of art – from delicate carvings to gilded dome murals and modern works of art. As the seat of the Bishop of London, the cathedral serves as the mother church of the Diocese of London, where notable remembrances have been served here, including Queen Victoria’s jubilee, birthdays of Queen Elizabeth II, and funerals of luminaries like Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher Breakfast
Day 11 LONDON
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Accommodations
Rome
Florence
Venice
Venice
Lucerne
Paris
London
London
Radisson Blu Rome First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Via Domenico Chelini, 41 Rome Italy
Radisson Blu Rome is situated just a few minutes away from Via Veneto & the city's historic center. It has 285 sophisticated, air-conditioned rooms, all fully equipped with an LED TV, Free Wi-Fi, a minibar, desk and a bathroom furnished with a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. Classic Mediterranean delicacies, an aperitivo or a glass of Champagne can be enjoyed on the stylish 7th floor roof restaurant and bar and there is also a fitness room.
Una Hotel Vittoria First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Via Pisana 59 Florence Italy
This is a contemporary designed hotel located in the historic San Frediano district, offering a peaceful retreat and just a short distance from the bustling heart of Florence. This hotel offers a tranquil setting while still being conveniently close to the Arno River and the city center and boasts a stylish and modern design, evident in its common areas. All 84 air-conditioned guest rooms, designed with a focus on comfort and style, are equipped with modern amenities to ensure a pleasant stay. Savor the chef¿s delicious Tuscan and international cuisine in the in-site restaurant, or sip on a cocktail in the lounge bar or courtyard.
Hilton Ambasciatori Tapestry First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Corso Del Popolo, 221 Venezia-Mestre Italy
Positioned on the mainland in the town of Mestre, facing the Venetian cluster of islands, a short walk from Mestre train station and town center. Facilities in this mid-range 93-room property include a fitness room, à la carte restaurant, pleasant lounge bar and Free Wi-Fi access.
Leonardo Royal First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Via Ca Marcello 6 Mestre - Venezia Italy
The Leonardo Royal Venice Mestre, with its 244 rooms and suites, is the perfect place to enjoy a visit to the amazing city of Venice or organise your business trips and meetings. The hotel is just a few steps from Mestre railway station, from where you can easily get to to the city's highlights. Its modern rooms are airconditioned and provide a desk, a minibar and a private bathroom.
Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi. Guests can also make use of the business center, work out at the gym or relax in the bar.
Grand Hotel Europe First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Haldenstr. 59 Lucerne Switzerland
A classical 19th century 169 room property. This hotel offers a wonderful contrast of old charm with modern interior design and has a beautiful garden to enhance your stay. Wi-Fi access is available throughout the hotel with a fee (payable locally). The main dining room is opulently decorated serving traditional Swiss dishes and there is also a lounge and terrace area with a bar service.
Les Jardins du Marais Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
74, Rue Amelot Paris France
In the centre of Paris, with 263 rooms and a tranquil garden, this delightful property is composed of nine 19th-century buildings and has 'small village' charm. Facilities include a restaurant, a bar/lounge, a fitness room and Free Wi-Fi access.
Park Plaza Waterloo Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
6 Hercules Road London United Kingdom
The 494-room property is situated within walking distance of top London attractions, including the London Eye, the London Dungeons and the Imperial War Museum. The Florentine Restaurant serves a Brasserie-style menu; the bar features the best of British bubbles and craft beers as well as a range of signature cocktails; and for a relaxing cup of coffee, head to the illy Caffè bar. The hotel also boasts a fitness centre and a heated swimming pool. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for guests throughout the hotel.
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
200 Westminster Bridge London United Kingdom
Situated opposite Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge places guests at the heart of central London. Dining option include Brasserie Joël, Ichi Sushi & Sashimi, 1WB Lounge & Patisserie, and Primo Bar. The hotel also boasts a fitness center with a 15-meter pool and Mandara Spa. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for guests throughout the hotel.