European Splendour

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 travelers and Travel Director for a dinner to kick off your unforgettable European adventure.

Start your day with an orientation by your Travel Director and join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of Rome. Cross the Tiber River to see the ancient sites of Rome, including the mighty Colosseum and Circus Maximus. This afternoon there is time to explore the city on your terms.

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 favorite hand-painted ceramics to take home as souvenirs. Continue to Florence, the 'Cradle of the Renaissance', where you'll spend the next two nights. Tonight, Connect With Locals over dinner for a special Be My Guest experience at a magnificent Tuscan villa.

The extraordinary art and architecture of Florence are celebrated during our guided walking tour with a Local Specialist. You'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. 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 Accademia to see Michelangelo's 'David' or explore towering Palazzo Vecchio.

Travel to Pisa today and visit the Square of Miracles to view the famous Leaning Tower and Italy's largest Baptistery. Continue your journey across the Apennine hills and the flat Veneto plains to the enchanting island city of Venice. Upon arrival, dive straight into your Venice program, with the option to join an unforgettable gondola ride through the city's labyrinthine canals before enjoying dinner.

The culture of the city springs to life today as you witness the traditional Venetian craft of glassblowing. Watch master craftsmen use centuries-old techniques to shape the delicate glass pieces Venice is famed for, and perhaps be inspired to buy a souvenir as a reminder of this special visit. Next, see the iconic highlights of the city, from the ornate Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs to St. Mark's Basilica and the Campanile. Spend the rest of the day 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.

We travel through the Italian Lake District bound for Switzerland this morning, we continue through the 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.