Treasures of Europe

You’re on your way to an unforgettable journey to some of the most beloved countries in Europe.

Arrive in London, England’s sophisticated capital. Discover a bustling city where centuries of history meet an evolving modern culture. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring independently. Tonight, join your fellow travellers and toast to the start of an incredible journey during a welcome dinner at a popular local restaurant.

Start your morning on a tour of the quintessential sights of London. Alongside a local guide, see the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. The remainder of the day is yours. Take advantage of free time to explore this iconic city on your own.

Venture inside St. Pancras’ railway station – a masterpiece of Victorian engineering – and board the high-speed Eurostar train.* Relax in style as you’re whisked away to Paris, the “City of Light.” Famous for its world-renowned art, food, and fashion, Paris’ captivating energy can be found around every corner. This evening, experience Paris’ nightlife during an optional dinner at the dynamic Paradis Latin** for a champagne-flowing, can-can kicking, music-driven night at the cabaret.

This morning, <b>it’s your choice!</b> See Paris at its best during a panoramic city tour featuring views of the endangered Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées and more <b>-OR-</b> step into the shoes of a local and navigate <i>Le Métro</i> on your way to the hilltop neighbourhood of Montmartre and its iconic Sacré-Cœur basilica. Enjoy an afternoon on your own to explore Paris independently. Then, enjoy views of the Eiffel Tower as you gently float down the Seine River, tasting savoury French cuisine on a dinner cruise.

On board the TGV* – France’s high-speed train – depart Paris and make your way to Basel. Take in the scenery on your journey into Switzerland, passing gentle hills and verdant fields. Then, enjoy views of Alpine lakes and snowcapped mountains as you transfer to the quaint village of Andermatt,*** nestled in the Ursern Valley.

Explore Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake”. Upon arrival, set out on a walk through its romantic <i>Altstadt</i> (Old Town), passing through Lucerne’s iconic covered Chapel Bridge. During free time, seek out the renowned Lion Monument commemorating the heroic Swiss Guard or visit the <i>Alpineum</i> museum dedicated to alpine landscape painting. Perhaps, you’ll embark on an optional excursion to Mount Pilatus,**** ascending the world’s steepest railway on a panoramic gondola to the summit. Return to Andermatt in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure.

Travel south through the pastoral landscapes of Switzerland. Crossing into Italy, traverse through the heart of the Alps, taking in vistas of rugged mountains as far as the eye can see. Pass through the picturesque Italian Lake District – a holiday destination since Roman times, and pause in the lakeside city of Como, famous for its silk production. In the early evening, settle in for a 2-night stay in the floating city of Venice.

Cruise to the island of Murano,***** renowned for its age-old glass-blowing tradition. After leaving Murano, embark on a walking tour of Venice, a collection of 117 tiny islands surrounded by a latticework of 150 canals and 400 bridges. In this floating city, see the Clock Tower, St. Mark’s Basilica, and marble palaces along boat-filled canals. The afternoon is yours to explore the hidden secrets of this charming city. Perhaps you will take an optional gondola ride through the narrow waterways.

Traverse the Po River Valley en route to Tuscany. Stop at a vineyard in the heart of the Chianti region and enjoy a tour, tasting, and traditional bites. Continue to Florence, where you’ll spend 2 nights in the “Cradle of the Renaissance,” home to masterpieces of art and iconic symbols of centuries-old history.

On a half-day walking tour, explore Florence, the legendary city of the Medici and the iconic Duomo. Enjoy a real-life history lesson as you discover the 4 pillars of city life: art, architecture, food, and fashion. The rest of the day is yours to discover this veritable open-air museum. Perhaps you’ll join an after-hours tour of the 14th-century Certosa monastery, followed by dinner featuring local wines, Tuscan food, and live entertainment.

Say <i>arriverderci</i> to Florence and journey to Rome, Italy’s capital city. Upon arrival, a panoramic tour allows you to discover famous sights such as the Baths of Caracalla, the legendary Aventine and Palatine hills, the ancient Circus Maximus, and views of the majestic Colosseum. The evening is yours to explore more of Rome.

Start your day with a tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. Explore Papal palaces, halls and galleries housing priceless statuary from classical Greece and Rome. Admire the Gallery of Maps and works by great Renaissance masters such as Perugino, Botticelli, and Ghirlandaio. In the Sistine Chapel, marvel at Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling and brilliant <I>Last Judgement</I>. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in the Eternal City. Tonight, toast to the end of an epic journey through Europe at a farewell dinner featuring regional delicacies and local wine.

Your European adventure comes to a close today.