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European Wonderland

Operated By:
Tour Pace: Comfortable
Parliament by Night, London
Tour Style: Family Friendly
14 Days from $2,903 per person

This is an unforgettable, hands-on exploration of Europe that will bring the destination alive for all ages.

See Europe through the eyes of your ever-curious tots as you embark on a family road trip from Rome to London filled with lashings of lion fights, carnival masks, chariot racing and cheesy pizza you'll learn to make yourself.

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  1. Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included).

  2. Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City. Relax after your journey. In the evening enjoy an orientation drive where you see some of the major sites before enjoying a Kick-off Party with your fellow travelers and Travel Director.
    meal(s):KP
    hotel:Crowne Plaza St. Peter's

  3. Your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist starts with a visit to St. Peter's Basilica where you see Michelangelo's Renaissance masterpiece, the Pietà. Cross the Tiber to ancient Rome and visit the famous Colosseum. See the Circus Maximus where chariot racing was held. Later gain a Cultural Insight during an Italian pizza cooking demonstration. Roll the dough, scatter your ingredients on top and bake in a traditional pizza oven before eating.
    meal(s):BB, RM

  4. Head north through the picturesque Chianti wine-producing region. In the beautiful medieval town of Siena stroll through cobbled streets to the magnificent Piazza del Campo, where the colorful Palio bareback horse race takes place every year. Join your companions this evening for a special Italian Regional Meal.
    meal(s):BB, RM
    hotel:Grand Hotel Mediterraneo

  5. Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to many artistic masterpieces. View the marble Duomo and visit Piazza della Signoria during your walking tour of the city with a Local Specialist. Spend free time afterwards exploring on your own or perhaps join an Optional Experience to Pisa. Later admire amazing city views from Piazzale Michelangelo and taste a delicious mouth-watering gelato.
    meal(s):BB

  6. Cross the Apennine Mountains to the city of Bologna. Here your Local Specialist will show you the Kissing Towers and Neptune's Fountain before enjoying free time to sample typical Italian cuisine for your lunch.  Later arrive in Venice, Queen of the Adriatic.
    meal(s):BB, DW
    hotel:Novotel Venezia Mestre Castellana

  7. See the marvelous Byzantine architecture as you cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square. See the Bridge of Sighs, ornate Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica and Campanile. Enjoy a Cultural Insight into the Venetian tradition of glass making on Giudecca Island. Learn about the great Venetian tradition of Carnival masks from a Local Specialist with the chance to paint and decorate a mask of your very own. In your free time perhaps cruise across the lagoon to Burano Island for a delicious meal.
    meal(s):BB

  8. Drive west across the Veneto plains and stop in Shakespeare's Verona to see the Roman Arena and Juliet's balcony. Your journey continues past the commercial center of Milan and north via Como and Lugano to the Swiss Lake District. Traverse the scenic alpine St. Gotthard route into central Switzerland and arrive at the winter sports resort of Engelberg.
    meal(s):BB
    hotel:Ramada Regina Titlis Engelberg

  9. Your orientation tour of historic Lucerne includes the Lion Monument, built to commemorate the heroism of the Swiss guards during the French Revolution. Walk across the 14th century wooden Chapel Bridge and see beautiful swans gliding on the lake. Don't miss the opportunity to take an exciting Optional Experience to one of the surrounding mountain with breathtaking views. Later there is time to shop for Swiss souvenirs including watches and chocolate.
    meal(s):BB, D

  10. From Switzerland cross the River Rhine and the French border. Travel through the famous Burgundy wine region and view the sprawling vineyards. Later in the glittering capital Paris, you have the chance to sample the delights that await you tomorrow.
    meal(s):BB
    hotel:Novotel Center Tour Eiffel

  11. Your Local Specialist provides fascinating commentary during your guided sightseeing tour, which includes a drive along the Champs Élysées with views of the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde. From the second level of the Eiffel Tower see the city laid out before you in all its glory. Tonight celebrate with your companions and Travel Director at a special Farewell Dinner.
    meal(s):BB, FD

  12. Travel past First World War battlefields on the way to Calais. Cross by ferry to Dover and see the famous White Cliffs before arriving in London.
    meal(s):BB
    hotel:Crowne Plaza Kings Cross Bloomsbury

  13. See all the major sights in the capital this morning with your Local Specialist, including views of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. Afterwards, spend free time exploring some of the many attractions or shop in the West End and Knightsbridge.
    meal(s):FB

  14. Say goodbye to your companions in London at the end of a memorable vacation.
    meal(s):FB
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30 Day Refund Guarantee

We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.

2018 Preview

Preview itineraries and content are based on selected vacations featured in our 2017 Collection, however, items such as (but not limited to), hotels, meals, sightseeing inclusions, trip destinations, transfers and transportation, are subject to change. The final composition of your trip will be published in our 2018 Collection due out in September. By paying your deposit, you are agreeing to accept the finalized version of your trip itinerary.

  • Professional Travel Director Professional Travel Director
  • Sightseeing with Local Experts Sightseeing with Local Experts
  • VIP Access VIP Access
  • WIFI on Coach and in Hotels WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
  • Personal Flight Options Personal Flight Options
  • Most Meals Most Meals
  • Expertly Selected Hotels Expertly Selected Hotels
  • Cultural Enrichment Cultural Enrichment
  • Hotel Tips Hotel Tips

Meal Summary

12 nights, 12 hot buffet breakfasts, 6 dinners, On-trip transport.

Included Highlights

Cultural Insight

  • A cooking experience with all the trimmings! Learn how to make tasty Italian pizza from an expert and then eat it. Witness the exquisite craft of glassblowing on Giudecca Island, a delicate tradition that generations of Venetian craftsmen have perfected over the centuries. Learn about the traditional art of Venetian Carnival Masks and paint and decorate your own

Local Specialist

  • For included sightseeing in Rome, Florence, Bologna, Paris and London

Hidden Treasure

  • Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure

Sightseeing Highlights

  • City tour in Rome, Florence, Bologna, Paris, London
  • Orientation of Siena, Venice, Lucerne
  • Visit St. Peter's Basilica and the Colosseum in Rome, the Eiffel Tower in Paris
  • View the ancient sites of Rome, Juliet's Balcony in Verona, St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, the spectacular Alpine scenery of Switzerland, the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne, the White Cliffs of Dover
  • See the Vineyards of Burgundy, the Somme Battlefields
Definite Departure
Depart Date Return Date Price Discount Availability Price
26 Jul 17 8 Aug 17 checkmark $3,250pp Call 1-877-622-9109
2 Aug 17 15 Aug 17 checkmark $3,225pp Call 1-877-622-9109
9 Aug 17 22 Aug 17 checkmark $3,225pp Call 1-877-622-9109
13 Sep 17 26 Sep 17 checkmark $3,425$2,911pp Last Minute DealPromo Code: PPLMDE95 Call 1-877-622-9109 Book Now
20 Sep 17 3 Oct 17 checkmark $3,425pp Call 1-877-622-9109
30 May 18 12 Jun 18 $3,425$3,083pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
6 Jun 18 19 Jun 18 $3,425$3,083pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
13 Jun 18 26 Jun 18 $3,425$3,083pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
20 Jun 18 3 Jul 18 $3,425$3,083pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
27 Jun 18 10 Jul 18 $3,425$3,083pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
4 Jul 18 17 Jul 18 $3,350$3,015pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
11 Jul 18 24 Jul 18 $3,275$2,948pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
18 Jul 18 31 Jul 18 $3,250$2,925pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
25 Jul 18 7 Aug 18 $3,250$2,925pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
1 Aug 18 14 Aug 18 $3,225$2,903pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
8 Aug 18 21 Aug 18 $3,225$2,903pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
15 Aug 18 28 Aug 18 $3,225$2,903pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
22 Aug 18 4 Sep 18 $3,225$2,903pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
29 Aug 18 11 Sep 18 $3,325$2,993pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
5 Sep 18 18 Sep 18 $3,425$3,083pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
12 Sep 18 25 Sep 18 $3,425$3,083pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
19 Sep 18 2 Oct 18 $3,425$3,083pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now

Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.

Single Room Supplement: from $900 p.p.

Triple Discount: $395 p.p.

Quad Discount: $595 p.p.

Guaranteed Room Share is not available on this trip.

Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $79 per person.

Share Rooming: Room Share is not available on this trip. Single rooms are not available unless traveling as part of a family group.

Unused London Accommodations: Prices are per person per night $122

Airport transfers: On arrival to Rome Fiumicino Airport transfers will operate at 9:30 am, 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel.

London Airport Transfers: Transfers available to purchase. Conditions apply.

Cruise Connection: This trip starts or ends in a popular cruise port, so you can combine a cruise with a more in-depth guided vacation in Europe.

Early Payment Discount: Pay in full to save the amount listed above. For details, click here.

AARP members SAVE $100 per person on any guided vacation or river cruise!

Past Travelers: Save an additional 5% off the Land Only price of the vacation.

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  • U.S. citizens traveling to Europe must have a current passport valid for six months beyond the conclusion of their trip. You can find information on how to apply for a passport here, and how to renew a passport here. No visa is required for U.S. citizens entering countries in the Schengen Area or the UK.

  • The currency for most countries you will visit in Europe is the Euro (€).  Several exceptions apply including the Pound (£) in Great Britain, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and the Swiss Franc (CHF) in Switzerland.

  • While Italy is most famous for pizza and pasta, few travelers are aware of just how varied the country’s culinary offering actually are. Traditionally, lunch (pranzo) is the most substantial meal of the day. A full meal consists of antipasto (starter), a primo piatto (pasta, rice or soup), a secondo piatto (meat or fish) with a side, or contorno (vegetable or salad), then frutta (fresh fruit). Finish with espresso and maybe a limoncello or grappa.  Wine is usually served with the meal, accompanied by mineral water.

    Swiss cuisine is a flavorful blend of German, Italian, and French influences and a wide variety of regional offerings.  Specialty dishes include fondue and raclette (cheese dipping dishes), sausages and rösti (fried potato), bündnerfleisch (air-dried beef) and fondue bourguigon (cubes of steak with various sauces). Swiss pastries and desserts are excellent. There are also spirits made from fruit; the most popular are Kirsch, Pflümli and Williamine. And don’t miss out on the world-class selection of Swiss chocolate.

    The French have an ongoing love affair with food and wine. Meals are lovingly prepared and consumed leisurely through a bevy of appetizers and main courses, usually accompanied by a number of wines. Boeuf bourgignon (beef stew with wine, herbs and vegetables), coq au vin (chicken cooked with bacon in a white wine and herb sauce) and bouillabaisse (fish stew) are featured on many menus. Cheese lovers will not be disappointed with hundreds of varieties to choose from.  And no visit would be complete without a visit to a pâtisserie, with its delicate pastries you will definitely be tempted.

    English specialties include fish and chips, Yorkshire pudding, sausages, stilton cheese, and scones with clotted cream. Culinary experiences to not to miss include a traditional pub meal, afternoon tea, and full English breakfast. 

     

  • We suggest bringing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. A few important items to bring include sturdy walking shoes and a waterproof jacket with a hood. Keep in mind that your shoulders and knees should be covered while visiting religious sites. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.

  • Tipping through-out Europe is less common or generous than it is in the United States.  Some countries will add a service charge of up to 15%, so be sure to check your bill before leaving extra.  In most places it is appropriate to leave a few euros or between 5% and 10% for exceptional service.  Keep in mind you will likely want to leave cash on the table to ensure your server receives it.  

    At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director.  Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit.  A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.

  • Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.

  • You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions.  All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers.  In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group. 

    If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.

  • We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 48 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.

Reviews

Trip not yet reviewed

Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.

Florence

Visit to Pisa with Tuscan Dinner and Music

Adult Price: € 90

Join us on a visit to Pisa where you will see the remarkable Leaning Tower and will marvel at the monuments on the Square of Miracles. At a Tuscan farmhouse, we will enjoy a selection of local specialties and wines produced in the property. Live music will create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Michelangelo's 'David' & Accademia

Adult Price: € 40

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.

This optional involves reservation and entrance pre-payments. Cancellation within 24 hours will incur a 50% cancellation fee.

Lucerne

Alpine Farm & Carriage Ride

Adult Price: 67 CHF

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 working farm where you’ll savour local drinks and snacks.

Lake Lucerne Cruise

Adult Price: 40 CHF

Widely considered to be the loveliest of the mountain lakes, much of the shoreline of Lake Lucerne can only be fully appreciated from the water. As we cruise gently by, you'll admire the spectacular homes of the fortunate few privileged to live on its scenic shores.

Mount Titlis Excursion

Adult Price: 98 CHF

With guaranteed snow, two different types of cable car ride and the opportunity to walk inside a glacier, this is Switzerland's most exciting mountain trip. Make sure you wrap up warm, for a wonderful winter experience whatever the weather.

Traditional Folklore Show With Lunch

Adult Price: 68 CHF

Enjoy a delicious lunch (including cheese fondue and one drink) as you listen to yodelling and Alpine horn-blowing, during a lively folklore show of typical Swiss entertainment.

Paris

Nouvelle Eve Cabaret And Dinner

Adult Price: € 139

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.

Montmartre Village And Artists' Square

Adult Price: € 37

Dominated by the soaring Sacre Coeur Basilica, you’ll join your Local Specialist to explore Montmartre’s winding streets, unusual galleries and world famous Artist’s Square - once home to the works of Toulouse Lautrec and Picasso. You’ll have time to browse, barter for original art and taste local cuisine, for a real flavour of Montmartre life.

Seine Cruise And Paris Illuminations

Adult Price: € 38

Paris at night is a city transformed. Enjoy this superb 'City of Light' 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.

Rome

Piazzas and Fountains of Rome

Adult Price: € 33

Starting with a lovely drive and continuing on foot, you'll discover hidden backstreets, piazzas and fountains of the 'Eternal City' with a Local Specialist. Along the way, you'll marvel at the timeless Pantheon, the best-preserved Roman temple in the world. Many additional highlights are revealed on this relaxed tour that also offers free time in a gorgeous Baroque square with street artists, trattorias and gelaterias!

Inside The Vatican Museums And Sistine Chapel

Adult Price: € 54

Join us for an extension to your included sightseeing tour, which gives you a chance to see the artistic masterpieces collected and commissioned by the Popes. You’ll visit the Tapestry Gallery, Gallery of Maps and the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo spent 4 years preparing the vault and altar wall, and we give you plenty of time to admire just how much painstaking work went into his creations.

This optional involves reservation and entrance pre-payments. Cancellation within 24 hours will incur a 50% cancellation fee.

Venice

Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks

Adult Price: € 70

Join us as we discover the Venetian Lagoon by private boat. You will enjoy a delicious meal with a selection of drinks on the fishermen's island of Burano, famous for its multi-coloured houses - a real photographer's paradise.

Gondolas & Grand Canal

Adult Price: € 69

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.

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