Day 1 : Cross the English Channel to Paris
Cheerio London and hello to the sparkling White Cliffs of Dover, England's last hurrah before we cross the English Channel by ferry bound for Calais. We pass the tragic World War I battlefields of the Somme before arriving in Paris where we will enjoy dinner with our fellow travellers and Travel Director. This evening, the 'City of Light' provides an enchanting backdrop for an orientation drive that will showcase several of the sights which await us tomorrow.
Accommodation : Evergreen Laurel
Day 2 : Explore the Sights of Paris
Embark on a scenic sojourn, with your Local Specialist, along the grand Champs-Élysées to view the Arc de Triomphe, honouring those who fought for France. View Notre Dame Cathedral and enjoy a stroll through the Latin Quarter. This afternoon, you’ll have some leisure time to explore the treasures of Paris. Perhaps enjoy breath-taking views from the highest rooftop terrace in Paris or relax at a cosy French café and enjoy a glass of wine while watching the world go by.
Accommodation : Evergreen Laurel
Day 3 : Onwards to Explore Lucerne
We wind our way through the sprawling vineyards of Auxerrois and Burgundy, journeying south past the 15th-century fortress of Châteauneuf and rolling green farmlands into Switzerland bound for Lucerne. Cross the famous wooden Chapel Bridge with its 17th-century paintings and view the mortally wounded lion hewn from rock, paying tribute to the hundreds of brave Swiss Guards who died defending Louis XVI.
Accommodation : Astoria
Day 4 : Journey to the Floating City of Venice
The contrast of scenery today is nothing short of remarkable. Traversing the Alps, we travel through the St. Gotthard tunnel and the border at Chiasso into Italy. Catch a glimpse of northern Italy's beautiful lakes, whose scenic retreats have attracted the aristocracy for centuries, before arriving this afternoon in Venice.
Accommodation : Novotel Mestre Castellana
Day 5 : On to Florence Make Travel Matter
Take to the water and board a private motor launch to the gateway of Venice, St. Mark's Square. View the Bridge of Sighs and ornate Doge's Palace, then embark on your unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where you’ll witness the centuries-old craft of glassblowing at one of the oldest workshops in Venice. Watch how talented master craftsmen shape the molten glass into the delicate works of art you’ve come to admire from afar and perhaps be inspired to buy your own souvenir to remind you of this special experience. Later, there’s time to explore the hidden calle and campi of Venice to fit in some shopping or soak up the sights and sounds of the Queen of the Adriatic before crossing the Apennine Mountains bound for Florence, the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'.
Accommodation : Grand Mediterraneo
Day 6 : Journey to Rome
The magnificent Renaissance dome of Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral and the Baptistery stand imposingly in the centre of Florence and are among the sights we will view during our guided walking tour with a Local Specialist. Delve into the city’s rich cultural, artistic and architectural heritage, then learn about the quality and workmanship of one of this city's historic industries at a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft. Marvel at the impressive palazzi and art in the Piazza della Signoria, the political hub of the city. Rome is our final stop today.
Accommodation : Midas Palace Hotel
Day 7 : Uncover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City Connect with Locals
Visit the Vatican for a memorable encounter with the centre of Christianity. A Local Specialist will take you on a tour of St. Peter's Basilica, the home of Michelangelo's Pietà, crafted from the most perfect block of Carrara marble. Consider an Optional Experience to see the magnificent frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, before travelling to Ancient Rome to view the Colosseum and see the Roman Form. This evening, at our Farewell Dinner, we Connect With Locals at a Be My Guest experience and celebrate the Italian zest for life, food and good company.
Accommodation : Midas Palace Hotel
Day 8 : Farewell Rome
Our adventure together has come to an end. We say a fond farewell to Rome and our travel companions at the end of our journey.