Trafalgar - European Splendour With Eurostarâ„¢ Extension (04/2023 - 09/2023) (ESPLZN118)

12 Days From Rome to London
Tour Style: Discovery
Trafalgar Brochure Price from $3,510.00
Brochures: Europe & Britain 2024 v1, Europe & Britain 2023 v2
Visits: Italy, Vatican City, Switzerland, France, England

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When have you ever had the opportunity to dine with an Italian count in Tuscany? That’s not all you’ll do on this exciting Rome to Paris trip, bringing you the bright lights of the Champs-Élysées, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the epic skyline from Florence’s Piazzale Michelangelo.
Choice Highlights

Must-see Highlights

• : Explore Rome, Florence and Paris with a Local Specialist
• : Discover Siena, Pisa, Venice, Lake Como and Lucerne
• : Visit St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and a glassblowing factory in Venice
• : See the Colosseum in Rome and the vineyards of Burgundy in France
• : Scenic Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice

Iconic Experience

• Rome: During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.
• Vatican: Visit Vatican City and tour St. Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist. Witness the early genius of Michelangelo as you take in the Pietà.
• Rome: Experience Rome through the eyes of a local, as a passionate Roman guides you past the city's most iconic sites.
• Tuscany: View the stunning landscape of Tuscany on your drive today.
• Siena: See the Fountain of Joy, striped cathedral and vast Piazza del Campo.
• Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
• Florence: See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods, and witness a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
• Pisa: During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
• Venice: Join your Travel Director for a guided walk through Venice's labrinthine streets. See St. Mark's Square and marvel at the city's historic ingenuity.
• Como: Take in exquisite views of the lake and its alpine backdrop as you enjoy an orientation of this magnificent town.
• Switzerland: Marvel at the Alpine landscape as you drive past breathtakingly beautiful mountains and valleys.
• Lucerne: During an orientation with your Travel Director, see the Lion Monument, Old Town Hall and Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe.
• Paris: Join a Local Specialist to discover the hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris.

Be My Guest

• Florence: Eight generations of history with plenty of stories to tell. Enjoy a traditional Be My Guest dinner with the Landi family at their home near Florence, set within a garden of oak trees against the backdrop of Tuscan vineyards and olive groves.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

• Venice: Learn about the history and ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing, playing your role in ensuring the survival of this traditional craft through your visit.

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Trafalgar Tour Itinerary

Day 1	Welcome to Rome
	Benvenuto a Roma – what was once the 'Capital of the World' is today a vibrant city filled with Italian zest for life and centuries of celebrated history. Enjoy some free time to explore before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and orientation drive to kick off your unforgettable European adventure.
	Visits: Rome
	Meals: Welcome Reception
	Accommodation: Cardinal St. Peter, Barceló Aran Mantegna
Day 2	Explore the Ancient Sights of Rome
	We venture to the centre of Christianity and the great square that bears the name of the first 'bishop of Rome', St. Peter. Join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour that includes a visit to St. Peter's Basilica, where we will have an opportunity to see Michelangelo's sorrowful Pietà hewn from the most perfect block of Carrara marble. We cross the Tiber River to see the ancient sites of Rome, including the mighty Colosseum and Circus Maximus. Imagine the thunderous roar of thousands of exhilarated spectators cheering their chosen chariots to victory. This afternoon there is time to explore the city on your terms. Perhaps toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain to secure your return to Rome or embark on an Optional Experience to visit the Colosseum and Sistine Chapel.
	Visits: Rome, Vatican, Rome
	Meals: Breakfast
	Accommodation: Cardinal St. Peter, Barceló Aran Mantegna
Day 3	Admire Siena on the way to Florence Connect with Locals
	We travel into the scenic Tuscan hills to medieval Siena with its honey-stone façades. View the Piazza del Campo, where the exhilarating Palio horse race takes place, and see ornate medieval palaces and the 14th-century marble Duomo. Spend some free time seeking out your favourite hand-painted ceramics to take home as souvenirs. Continue to Florence, the 'Cradle of the Renaissance', where we will spend the next two nights. Tonight we Connect With Locals over dinner for a special Be My Guest experience at a magnificent Tuscan villa.
	Visits: Rome, Siena, Florence
	Meals: Breakfast, Be My Guest
	Accommodation: Villa Neroli
Day 4	Discover Renaissance Florence
	The extraordinary art and architecture of Florence are celebrated during our guided walking tour with a Local Specialist. We'll view the exquisite marble Duomo and visit Piazza della Signoria with its palazzi and magnificent art, including a replica of Michelangelo's David statue. View the Ponte Vecchio bridge, the only bridge over the River Arno that the fleeing German army did not destroy during World War II, then admire panoramic views of the iconic cityscape from Piazzale Michelangelo. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries during demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Later, you’ll have time to explore the city on your own. Consider a visit to the Uffizi Gallery or wander through the Boboli Gardens of Pitti Palace – the choice is yours.
	Visits: Florence
	Meals: Breakfast
	Accommodation: Villa Neroli
Day 5	Onwards to Pisa and Venice
	We travel to Pisa today and to the Square of Miracles to view the famous Leaning Tower and Italy's largest Baptistery. Cross the Apennine hills and flat Veneto plains to the island city of Venice. The rest of the day is yours to relax and soak up the sights and sounds of the 'Queen of the Adriatic'. Consider joining an Optional Experience and explore the labyrinthine canals of Venice by gondola before dinner.
	Visits: Florence, Pisa, Venice
	Meals: Breakfast, Regional Dinner
	Accommodation: Le Boulevard Lido
Day 6	Explore the Canals of Venice Make Travel Matter
	Embark on today’s unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness first-hand the centuries-old tradition of Venetian glassblowing using the same techniques that have been handed down through the generations. You’ll learn how the master craftsmen shape the molten glass to make the exquisite and delicate works of art that adorn homes all over the world and perhaps be inspired to buy your own souvenir as a reminder of this special visit. Next, take to the water and cruise by private launch to the gateway of Venice, St. Mark's Square. Join your Travel Director to see the iconic and unexpected highlights of the city - the ornate Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark's Basilica and the Campanile with its five bells. The rest of the day is yours at leisure or consider joining an Optional Experience to the island of Burano for a delicious traditional meal that would make any Italian mamma proud.
	Visits: Venice
	Meals: Breakfast
	Accommodation: Le Boulevard Lido
Day 7	Off to Lake Como and Lucerne
	We travel through the Italian Lake District bound for Switzerland this morning and enjoy some free time for lunch in the laid-back lakeside town of Como, which for centuries has served as the crossroads between Central Europe and the Mediterranean. We continue through alpine landscapes, past Lugano and through the St. Gotthard tunnel into central Switzerland, where we'll spend the next two nights in the medieval lakeside city of Lucerne.
	Visits: Venice, Como, Lucerne
	Meals: Breakfast
	Accommodation: Grand Europe
Day 8	Uncover Lucerne’s Treasures
	Enjoy an orientation of Lucerne with your Travel Director. You’ll see the Lion Monument and pay tribute to the Swiss Guards who lost their lives during the French Revolution, before heading to the picturesque wooden Chapel Bridge, lined with pretty pink, white and purple blooms. Spend the rest of the day at leisure ambling past the beautifully painted façades in the Old Town. Shop for luxurious Swiss chocolate or consider joining an Optional Experience to one of the surrounding mountains to admire panoramic views.
	Visits: Lucerne
	Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
	Accommodation: Grand Europe
Day 9	Journey to Paris
	Cross the French border and what remains of the Maginot Line, journeying through the rolling vineyard-clad hills of Burgundy, one of France's most prominent wine regions. Arriving in Paris later this afternoon, we have the evening at leisure to wander up grand boulevards and admire the vibrant cityscape of one of Europe's most sophisticated cities.
	Visits: Lucerne, Paris
	Meals: Breakfast
	Accommodation: Renaissance La Défense
Day 10	Discover Magical Paris
	Join a Local Specialist this morning for a guided tour along the grand Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde. View Notre Dame Cathedral and enjoy a stroll through the Latin Quarter. This evening, we join our fellow travellers and Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner celebrating the end of our European adventure.
	Visits: Paris
	Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
	Accommodation: Renaissance La Défense
Day 11	Catch the Eurostar to London
	Transfers are provided to Paris Gare du Nord station, where you'll board the Eurostarâ„¢ train to London. The journey time to London St. Pancras International is 2 hours and 20 minutes. On arrival in London, you are met and transferred to your hotel.
	Visits: Paris, London
	Meals: Breakfast
	Accommodation: Park Plaza County Hall
Day 12	Journey Home
	Enjoy an English breakfast at the end of your holiday.
	Visits: London
	Meals: Breakfast

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Available Room Types: Single, Triple, Twin, Twinshare
Child: ages 5 to 17