Blank

Heart of Europe

18 Days

Rome:

Colosseum

Roman Forum

St. Peter's Basilica

Vatican Museums

Trevi Fountain

Michelangelo's David & Moses

Santa Maria Maggiore

Piazza Navona

Piazza di Spagna

Also visiting:

Otia Antica

Siena

Volterra

Sam Gimignano

Florence

Venice

Paris:

Louvre Museum

Sacre Coeur

Notre Dame

Champs Elysees

Eiffel Tower

London:

Westmnster Abbey

Tower of London

Buckingham Palace

British Museum

Tate Gallery

National Gallery

Parliament

Day 01:

Departure via British Airways.

Day 02 - Rome:

Arrive in Rome and be greeted by your guide and coach for your hotel transfer. After check-in and relaxation time, begin your orientation tour of the Eternal City.

Day 03 - Rome:

A full day of sightseeing is planned beginning at the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. Then it's on to the Pantheon, Piazza Venezia, Roman Forum and the Colosseum. Balance of the day free. This evening, visit Piazza di Spagna and the Fontana di Trevi.

Day 04 - Rome/Ostia Antica:

Free morning to visit San Pietro in Vincoli and view Michelangelo’s Moses and Santa Maria Maggiore, a Vatican church. After lunch travel to Ostia Antica to see the excavations of a classical Roman city. Return to Rome.

Day 05 - Rome/Siena and Volterra:

After breakfast, your private coach will pick you up at your hotel to begin your tour of Tuscany. Your first stop is timeless Siena. Begin your visit of one of Europe’s preserved Medieval cities. See the Church of Saint Catherine of Siena, the Piazza del Campo, scene of the famous Il Palio, explore the Duomo, and climb the bell tower for a panorama of Tuscany. Later in the day, board your coach for the hour trip to Volterra. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Chianti vineyards and countryside. After hotel check-in, enjoy wandering the historic streets of this hilltop jewel.

Day 06 - Volterra/Tuscany:

Enjoy a walking tour of this Etruscan-Roman-Medieval town. Afternoon options include a trip to the nearby Mediterranean beaches in Vada or a visit to Pisa. A Tuscan farm dinner highlights this day.

Day 07 - San Gimignano/Florence:

After breakfast you continue your adventure in Tuscany with a short journey to San Gimignano. Explore with your local guide, taking time to photograph some of the most beautiful countryside in Italy. Have a leisurely lunch and sample some of the local Tuscan cuisine. Your short coach ride brings you to the cultural center of Tuscany – Florence, home of the Italian Renaissance. Begin your visit of Florence with a late afternoon visit to the Academy to see Michelangelo’s David. After dinner, take a stroll through Dante’s historic district and birthplace of modern Europe.

Day 08 - Florence:

Begin your day in Florence with a guided tour of Florence’s treasures. See the art of Santa Maria Novella, the Duomo, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry and Santa Croce. The afternoon is free for individual or small group sightseeing options.

Day 09 - Florence/Venice:

After a reserved visit to the Uffizi, the day is free for individual activities. Depart in late afternoon on your reserved Eurostar train to the magical city of Venice. Settle into Venice with a group dinner and a leisurely orientation stroll of this unique city.

Day 10 – Venice:

Today your guide will take you to see Piazza San Marco, the Basilica San Marco, the Doges Palace and Bridge of Sighs. This afternoon travel by water bus across the Grand Canal to San Giorgio Maggiore to take the very best photographs of Venice.

Day 11 – Venice:

Free option day. Today, plan to go to the beach at the Lido or visit the lagoon islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. This evening, board the Eurostar train for your overnight (with couchettes) to Paris. NOTE: Group may select an optional morning flight to Paris on day 12.

Day 12 – Paris:

Arrive in Paris to begin the northern European part of the tour. After your transfer from the station (or airport) to your hotel, begin your sightseeing with a visit to Sacre Coeur to get the most stunning views of Paris. Next, visit the Louvre, one of the world’s great museums. Following dinner, stroll the Champs Elysees, finishing at the Eiffel Tower.

Day 13- Paris:

A morning visit to the Cathedral of Notre Dame begins the day. The afternoon offers independent sightseeing to the D’Orsay, the Jardin du Luxembourg, or other special Parisian highlights.

Day 14– Paris and Surroundings:

Today is reserved for a full day trip with coach and guide. Selection is based on group’s interest. Suggested tour is Normandy with a visit to the WWII landing beaches and American Cemetery.

Day 15 – Paris/London:

A morning Eurostar train by "chunnel" will whisk you to London. Begin your visit to London with an orientation tour seeing of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Walk up Whitehall past 10 Downing, St. James Park, Buckingham Palace and arrive at Trafalgar Square. The balance of the day is free. This

evening you may select one of London Walks organized tours.

Day 16 - London:

Begin today with a visit to Westminster Abbey, followed by a boat ride down the Thames to the Tower of London. After organized sightseeing, the balance of the day is free to explore one of Europe’s most exciting cities. This evening is reserved for individual or group theater activities.

Day 17 - London:

Today is planned for independent individual or small group activities.Choices include: London Walks, British Museum and Library, Imperial War Museum, Tate Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Docklands and Greenwich or any of the endless sights of London. Evening theater activities are planned.

Day 18– London/Return Flight:

A coach takes you back to London’s Heathrow Airport for your return British Airways flight.