European Traveller

Day 1
Cross the English Channel to Paris
Meet your Travel Director before saying cheerio to London and hello sparkling White Cliffs of Dover, England's last hurrah before you cross the English Channel by ferry bound for Calais. You'll pass the tragic World War I battlefields of the Somme before arriving in Paris where you will enjoy dinner. This evening the City of Light provides an enchanting backdrop for an orientation drive that will showcase several of the sights which await you tomorrow.

Day 2
Explore the Sights of Paris
Embark on a scenic sojourn, with your Local Specialist, along the grand Champs-Élysées to see the Arc de Triomphe, honouring those who fought for France. See Notre Dame Cathedral and enjoy a stroll through the Latin Quarter. This afternoon, you’ll have some leisure time to explore the treasures of Paris. Perhaps enjoy breathtaking views from the highest rooftop terrace in Paris or relax at a cosy French cafe and enjoy a glass of wine while watching the world go by.

Day 3
Onwards to Explore Lucerne
Wind your way through the sprawling vineyards of Auxerrois and Burgundy, journeying south past the 15th-century fortress of Châteauneuf and rolling green farmlands into Switzerland bound for Lucerne. Cross the famous wooden Chapel Bridge with its 17th-century paintings and view the mortally wounded lion hewn from rock, paying tribute to the hundreds of brave Swiss Guards who died defending Louis XVI.

Day 4
Journey to the Floating City of Venice
The contrast of scenery today is nothing short of remarkable. Traversing the Alps, you'll travel through the St. Gotthard tunnel and the border into Italy. Catch a glimpse of northern Italy's beautiful lakes, whose scenic retreats have attracted the aristocracy for centuries, before arriving this afternoon in Venice.

Day 5
On to Florence Make Travel Matter
Take to the water and board a private motor launch to the gateway of Venice, St. Mark's Square. View the Bridge of Sighs and ornate Doge's Palace, then embark on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where you’ll witness the centuries-old craft of glassblowing at one of the oldest workshops in Venice. Watch how talented artisans shape the molten glass into the delicate works of art you’ve come to admire from afar and perhaps be inspired to buy your own souvenir to remind you of this special experience. Later, there’s time to explore the hidden calle and campi of Venice to fit in some shopping or soak up the sights and sounds of the Queen of the Adriatic before crossing the Apennine Mountains bound for Florence, the 'Cradle of the Renaissance'.

Day 6
Journey to Rome
2025 marks a Jubilee Year, a momentous Roman Catholic event celebrated every 25 years, turning Rome into a centre of celebration between December 24, 2024, and December 31, 2025. As festivities unfold, itineraries may be adjusted to ensure you make the most of your time as you visit the Eternal City. The magnificent Renaissance dome of Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral and the Baptistery stand imposingly in the centre of Florence and are among the sights you will view during our guided walking tour with a Local Specialist. Delve into the city’s rich cultural, artistic and architectural heritage, then learn about the quality and workmanship of one of this city's historic industries at a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft. Marvel at the impressive palazzi and art in the Piazza della Signoria, the political hub of the city. Rome is your final stop today.

Day 7
Uncover Ancient Rome Connect with Locals
Enjoy a sightseeing tour that takes you past ancient sites to view the Colosseum and see the Roman Forum. This evening, connect with locals during a Be My Guest experience at the unique Isola Tiberina, and celebrate the Italian zest for life, food and good company.

Day 8
Farewell Rome
Our adventure together has come to an end. Say a fond farewell to Rome and your travel companions at the end of your journey.

Dining Summary
3 Dinner (D)
7 Breakfast (B)
Be My Guest
Rome: Travel to Isola Tiberina and enjoy an evening with Fabio and his family in a unique setting amid roman excavations. Start with a drinks reception before the family hosts you for dinner.
Iconic Experience
Paris: Join a Local Specialist to discover the hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris.
Switzerland: Take in Alpine views as you travel the Brünig Pass, passing turquoise lakes, pine forests and the dramatic peaks of the Bernese Oberland.
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.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Venice: Discover the ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing and play a part in preserving this traditional craft. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Must-see Highlights
Explore Paris, Florence and Rome
Discover Lucerne and Venice
Visit a glassblowing factory in Venice
View the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées in Paris, the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne, St. Mark's Basilica in Venice and the ancient sites of Rome
See the Somme Battlefields and the vineyards of Burgundy in France
Scenic Cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice