ITALY, SWITZERLAND & FRANCE
June 20 - July 1, 2011 $3285 + air
We’ve laced together the must-see destinations of Paris, Florence, and Rome with some of the most charming villages in Europe. You’ll see the big attractions (the Vatican, Colosseum, Eiffel Tower, Michelangelo’s David, and the Louvre), yet also have an opportunity to slow-down and experience European life and culture.
Connect with friends and locals in our favorite villages and get a sample of what it might actually be like to live in Europe. Swim in the Mediterranean, hike in the Alps, feast in Burgundy and experience Europe like no other tour can offer.
This is a group tour consisting of up to 35 travelers.
Monday, June 20, 2011 -- Overnight flight to Rome, Italy
Arrange your own flights. Please schedule to arrive in Rome no later than 11:00 a.m. Rome time.
YOUR TOUR BEGINS TODAY - 11:00 A.M. AT ROME'S FUMINCINO (FCO) AIRPORT
Tuesday, June 21: Rome — After airport formalities we’ll head directly to Vatican City. Here, you will receive a guided tour of the treasure packed Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter’s Basilica. One could spend weeks here and not begin to see it all, but for you, probably about three hours will do! After lunch we’ll begin our walking tour of Rome's historic central core passing by the Colosseum and Roman Forum. You will see the Pantheon, one of the oldest structures in the city, and many of Rome’s famous piazzi. Enjoy a nice dinner at a local restaurant while experiencing the sights and sounds of Rome. After dinner, we'll finish up with a "gelato-licking stroll" to the Trevi Fountain.
Sleep 1 night in Rome.
Wednesday, June 22: Siena and Volterra — After breakfast, enjoy a private bus ride on the high-speed autostrada to Tuscany. Arrive in the medieval walled city of Siena where you will get an orientation walking tour of the pedestrian friendly city center. Siena is known for its Dominical Church dedicated to St. Catherine, the Duomo and Il Campo (the famous town square). Later, we will travel on to Volterra, a beautiful hilltown above the plains of Tuscany. Sleep 2 nights in Volterra.
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Thursday, June 23: Florence — You will visit the Duomo (Cathedral), the Piazza della Signoria, and the Medici's Palaccio Vecchio and Loggia della Signoria. Later see David, Michelangelo's chiseled masterpiece. You will have the remainder of the afternoon to shop, visit another museum, or take in more of the city center. After a full day of touring, return to Volterra for dinner and a free evening in town.
Friday, June 24: Pisa and the Cinque Terre — After breakfast, ride through the hills of Tuscany enroute to Pisa. You will have an opportunity to visit and see the famous “leaning tower” and the surrounding “Field of Miracles.” Then, on to Italy’s Cinque Terre — five villages nestled among the vineyards and dipping into the sea. Once we arrive at the coast, we'll leave our bus behind and board the local train for a short ride to Riomaggiore. You’ll have the remainder of the day to relax and enjoy the village. Sleep 2 nights in Riomaggiore.
Saturday, June 25: The Cinque Terre — Just relax and enjoy! You might want to hike (or ride the train or boat) from one village to the next, catch some sun on a beach, or lounge around one of the villages taking in the local scenery.
Sunday, June 26: Travel to Switzerland — Most of the day will be devoted to traveling to Switzerland. Don’t worry, we’ve got a big bus so there will be plenty of room to rest and relax. By late-afternoon, we'll arrive in the Lauterbrunnen Valley nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Enjoy a Swiss dinner and a relaxing evening.
Sleep 2 nights in Lauterbrunnen.
Monday June 27: Enjoy the Mountains — Today, take a lift up into the Alps, do a little hiking, and visit an alpine village. You may want to get in some more hiking, ride a lift to a mountain summit, or even play in the snow.
Tuesday, June 28: France — After breakfast, we’ll board our bus and drive to Burgundy for a look at "small-town" France. To whet our appetites for fine French food, we’ll make a lunch stop at Le Petit Paris serving up some of the best meals I’ve found in Europe. After a nap on the bus, arrive in Beaune, a delightful village with plenty of trendy shops, local ambiance, and sidewalk cafes. After a brief walking tour of the town center you'll have the afternoon free to do some exploring on your own. Enjoy a peaceful after-dinner stroll into the famous vineyards of the Cote d' Or. Sleep 1 night in Beaune.
Wednesday June 29: Paris — It’s about four hours by bus to Paris. Soon you'll be out on the street soaking up the local ambiance! You'll spend the afternoon on a walking tour in Paris' city center followed by dinner. Later we'll cap off the day with a scenic boat cruise along the Seine. Sleep 2 nights in Paris.
Thursday, June 30: Paris — The Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral top the list for our touring today. The afternoon is all for you ...shopping on the Champs Élysées, another museum visit, or simply sitting at a café and enjoying life. We'll meet for a sunset picnic on the Champ du Mars followed by a trip up the Eiffel Tower to cap off your tour!
Friday July 1: Fly Home — Your tour ends today. Transfer to Paris CDG airport for your flight home.
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WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE TOUR COST?
- Accommodations each night in clean and safe European-style hotels with private bath.
- All breakfasts and lunch or dinner daily.
- Amazing dining experiences at some of David's personal favorite restaurants. You can expect fine regional fare, and plenty of it, at all our dining experiences.
- Group transportation from the airport in Rome to the departure airport in Paris.
- All tips and gratuities to guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
- Full time services of a travel-savvy Exploring Europe guide and local experts dedicated to bringing to life the art, history, and culture of Europe.
- Emergency medical insurance, trip delay insurance, baggage loss or damage insurance, and limited tour cancellation insurance.
-David McGuffin's Exploring Europe Tour Handbook covering the major sights and destinations visited on this tour itinerary.
- All tours and admissions to more than 16 cultural and sightseeing opportunities: Eiffel Tower ▪ the Louvre Museum ▪ Seine River cruise ▪ Paris walking tour ▪ Walking orientation of Beaune ▪ Hiking in the Swiss Alps ▪ Cinque Terre orientation walk ▪ Cinque Terre train and trail pass ▪ Florence walking tour ▪ Entrance to see Michelangelo's David ▪ Volterra walking orientation ▪ Visit to Pisa’s “Field of miracles” and the “leaning tower" ▪ Walking orientation of Siena ▪ Guided tour of the Vatican Museum and St. Peter's Cathedral ▪ Rome guided walking tour ▪ and more (itinerary specifics are subject to change).
- Our Unconditional Tour Price Guarantee that will not change for any reason.
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance offered at affordable rates.
