Day 1
Depart Canada
Fly to London.
Day 2
Welcome to London
Welcome to the vibrant British capital where you will spend the next two nights, enjoying the pomp and pageantry of a city that effortlessly combines old and new.
Day 3
London Sightseeing
Join a 'Local Specialist' this morning for a tour of the iconic and unexpected sites of London. Your afternoon is at leisure to go shopping in Knightsbridge, visit one of the fascinating museums or wander along the Thames.
Meal(s): Full breakfast
Day 4
London - Eurostar - Brussels - Amsterdam
A brief interlude with the British capital this morning sees us meet our Travel Director before travelling to London's St. Pancras International where we will board the Eurostar™ for a high-speed train journey to Brussels and a luxury coach journey to Amsterdam. Enjoy an orientation of this historic Dutch capital centre before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception dinner cruise on its charming canals.
Meal(s): Welcome Reception
Day 5
Amsterdam - Rhine Cruise - Heidelberg - Rhineland
Driving through the lush landscapes of The Netherlands and Germany, we arrive in Boppard where we board a cruise along the Rhine past the vineyard-clad hills, fairy-tale medieval castles perched above charming riverside towns to St. Goar. Arriving in the Baroque city of Heidelberg, explore its magnificent sights before traveling to our Rhineland hotel.
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast and Dinner
Day 6
Rhineland - Munich - Innsbruck
We cross the Austrian border next, arriving in Innsbruck, the capital of the Alps. Admire the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture of the Old Town, including Emperor Maximilian's famous Golden Roof with its ornate façade. Admire the fascinating crystal installations and browse for precious gifts and souvenirs at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds Store and consider an evening of traditional Tyrolean entertainment.
Optional Activities ($):
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES: Tyrolean Evening With Dinner (67 EUR): You’ll enjoy a delicious meal of traditional Tyrolean cuisine before a lively folklore show, where singers, dancers and musicians dressed in national costume provide an evening of entertainment and fun. Drinks are included.
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast
Day 7
Innsbruck - Venice
Meandering through the emerald-green landscape along the Brenner Pass, we journey into Italy and across the Dolomite Mountains en route to the enchanting city of Venice. We cruise on the beautiful Venetian lagoon by private launch to the gateway of Venice, St. Mark's Square, viewing the ornate Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, so named for the sound made by condemned prisoners as they look one last longing look at their beautiful city before meeting their fate. We gain a fascinating Cultural Insight into the centuries-old craft of Venetian glassblowing before spending the afternoon at leisure to soak up the romantic atmosphere. Get lost in Venice, cross bridges and discover hidden campi where locals share their daily stories over a glass of Venetian Spritz.
Optional Activities ($):
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES: Gondolas & the Grand Canal (70 EUR): On arrival in Venice, a private boat will be waiting to take you to St Mark's Square, where you’ll enjoy a gondola ride while being serenaded by local musicians. Later, private water taxi's will take you along Venice's Grand Canal, where you’ll admire the magnificent palazzos and Rialto Bridge.
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast
Day 8
Venice - Rome
Travel south across the Veneto Plain, passing Bologna and the dramatic Apennine Mountains as well as the green and golden fields of Lazio before reaching Rome, the Eternal City. En route, we 'Connect with Locals' over a 'Be My Guest' lunch and enjoy true Tuscan hospitality with a local family on their private estate in the Chanti countryside.
Optional Activities ($):
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES: Roman Evening with Dinner (62 EUR): This easy-going evening in Rome begins with a beautiful drive to see amazing city sights. We arrive at one of our favourite restaurants, where you'll enjoy a warm welcome and delicious dinner of local cuisine with drinks and music.
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast, Be My Guest lunch
Day 9
Rome Sightseeing and free time
We venture to the Vatican City, visiting St. Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist to view Michelangelo's Renaissance masterpiece, the Pietà. We continue to ancient Rome to view the iconic Colosseum and Circus Maximus, once the site of exhilarating chariot races centuries ago. The afternoon is yours to explore the city on your terms. Sit on the Spanish Steps savoring a tasty gelato, shop up a storm on the trendy Via Corso or perhaps join an Optional Experience to see the magnificent frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
Optional Activities ($):
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
- Piazzas and Fountains of Rome (33 EUR): Discover the most charming areas in the city with a Local Specialist. Wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets and beautiful squares of Rome's historic centre, leading to highlights such as the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, as well as hidden corners of the Eternal City.
- Explore Ostia Antica (42 EUR): Join us on a journey along the Mediterranean coast and visit the excavations of Ancient Ostia, the former harbour of Rome. These ruins offer perhaps a more complete picture of Roman urban life than either Rome or Pompeii. See the remains of the baths, theatre, apartment houses, drinking room, mosaics and wall paintings at this beautiful site, mirrored by cypress trees and umbrella pines.
- Inside The Vatican & Colosseum (84 EUR): We skip the lines at the Vatican Museums for this tour that shows not just remarkable works of art collected and commissioned over the history of the Papacy, but also Michelangelo's amazing ceiling frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Later we hear fascinating tales of gladiatorial combat and more on our visit to the Colosseum, again with time-saving VIP entrance.
- Roman Delights with Dinner (51 EUR): Spend an evening getting to know Rome. We'll take you via coach where you'll have the chance to see some of the city's much-loved sights. Afterwards, you'll enjoy a delicious light dinner of Italian specialties, alongside local music and drinks.
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast
Day 10
Rome - Florence Sightseeing
From Rome, we travel north through the rolling countryside of Tuscany and along the Arno valley to the Cradle of the Renaissance, Florence. Delve into the rich de' Medici heritage of this beautiful medieval city with your Local Specialist. Visit what was once the political hub of the city, Piazza della Signoria, with its impressive sculptures and stunning palazzi. View the imposing Duomo with its Brunelleschi dome and Baptistery renowned for its bronze doors filled with relief sculptures.
Optional Activities ($):
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES: Michelangelo's David & the Accademia Gallery (47 EUR): Enjoy an insight into the world of Michelangelo and his masterpiece, David. We have fast track entry to the Academy of Fine Arts and its Michelangelo collection, where you'll learn all about the life and works of this immortal Renaissance genius through the expert commentary of our Local Specialist.
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast
Day 11
Florence - Lucerne
Drive via the scenic Italian Lakes District, across the Alps into beautiful Switzerland, where the next two nights are spent in Lucerne at one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories - the Grand Hotel Europe.
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast and Dinner
Day 12
Lucerne Orientation
This morning, view the mournful, mortally wounded lion hewn from rock to commemorate the Swiss Guards who lost their lives defending Louis XVI. Walk along the flower-lined 14th-century covered Chapel Bridge, crossing the Reuss. Or join an exciting Optional Experience to one of the surrounding peaks for breathtaking views of the Swiss countryside. We have some time later to discover the best Swiss chocolates in town.
Optional Activities ($):
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
- Swiss Folklore Evening And Dinner (99 FR): Tonight we’ll enjoy a tasty Swiss meal, including the famous Swiss cheese fondue, in a typical restaurant. While enjoying dinner, you can also join in a lively folklore show which includes yodelling, flag-throwing and Alpine horn-blowing. Two drinks are also included. Occasionally, this optional may be offered as a Lunch for CHF 68.00.
- Mount Pilatus And Lake Cruise (112 FR): We’ll ascend by cog-wheel train to Mount Pilatus’ summit, where you’ll have time to explore, admire the views, and breathe the pure air. Then, we’ll descent by cable-car to enjoy a scenic lake cruise. On certain departures this Optional may be operated in reverse.
- Swiss Countryside & Carriages (67 FR): A chance to get to know the Swiss, you’ll meet local farmers and enjoy a delightful countryside tour in horse drawn carriages. Soak up the stunning scenery as we trot around a typical rural community, en route to a farm where you’ll savour local drinks and snacks.
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast
Day 13
Lucerne - Paris
Crossing the border into France this morning, we meander through the picturesque vineyards and quaint country towns of Burgundy en route to the City of Light. Spend some time this evening strolling along the Seine and grand boulevards in search of a cozy bistro for fine French cuisine or perhaps consider an Optional Experience to a colourful Parisian cabaret.
Optional Activities ($):
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
- Moulin Rouge Cabaret and Dinner (165 EUR): Enjoy dinner and cabaret, including wine and champagne, at the world-famous Moulin Rouge – the original Paris cabaret. Immortalized by the award-winning film of the same name, this Parisian institution features 60 dancers and entertainers and over 1000 costumes!
- Nouvelle Eve Cabaret and Dinner (139 EUR): Join us for dinner with wine included at one of the most prestigious cabaret shows in town, where you'll watch an evening of exciting acts, stunning tableaux and wonderful entertainment – including the world famous Can-Can. A Parisian night you'll never forget.
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast
Day 14
Paris Sightseeing and free time
Join a 'Local Specialist' today for a sightseeing tour of this romantic city. View the sophisticated Champs Élysées, Place de la Concorde and the 19th-century Arc de Triomphe, honouring those who fought for France, Notre Dame Cathedral, then enjoy a stroll through the Latin Quarter. Our European Whirl almost at its end, we spend the evening with fellow travellers and our Travel Director, enjoying a Farewell Dinner in a local bistro.
Optional Activities ($):
Optional Experiences: Seine Cruise & Paris Illuminations (38 EUR): Paris at night is a city transformed. Enjoy this superb City of Lights on a leisurely cruise along the River Seine. Afterwards, as we drive through this amazing city, we'll stop at some vantage points for you to capture the fascinating sights on camera. In summer, this trip may take place before sunset.
Versailles Palace & Gardens (68 EUR): Built for the Sun King, Louis XIV, the Palace of Versailles was the envy of every European ruler. Your Local Specialist will take you through the State apartments and famous Hall of Mirrors, with free time to stroll the symmetrical tree-lined gardens. Please note: this Optional Experience is subject to availability.
Montparnasse and Napoleon's Tomb (49 EUR): Take the fastest elevator in Europe to the Panoramic Observation Deck for unbeatable views of the Eiffel Tower and all of the city’s iconic monuments. The highest rooftop terrace in Paris offers a breath-taking 360-degree view, with all of Paris at your feet! We’ll also visit the Dôme des Invalides with our local specialist to see Napoleon’s final resting place.
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast, Farewell dinner
Day 15
Paris - Return to Canada
Today bid farewell to your fellow travelers and Travel Director at the end of your vacation. An airport transfer is available. Conditions apply.
Meal(s): Buffet breakfast
