European Wonderland

Buckle up Bambinos - we're off on a grand adventure through Europe, launching our Family Experience in the Eternal City of Rome. Bring ancient history to life on your leisurely exploration of what was once the Capital of the World. This evening, we enjoy a Kick-Off Party with our travel companions and Travel Director that will rock Rome, followed by an orientation drive to give you a taste of some of the major sites.

Delve into the open-air museum that is Rome, joining a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour that will see you rub shoulders with St. Peter and the thousands of pilgrims that flock to the impressive square that bears his name. See Michelangelo's famous Pietà statue in St. Peter's Basilica before crossing the Tiber into Ancient Rome. Imagine the once thunderous applause of excited spectators as they cheered their gladiators to victory inside the Colosseum, and the roar of chariots circling Circus Maximus. This afternoon, 'Dive Into Culture' and learn how to make a pizza that would make any Italian mamma proud, enjoying a slice or two hot out of the oven with la famiglia. Learn how to make pizza and share your masterpiece with the family

Explore the medieval playground of Siena, strolling to the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, where the festive Palio bareback horse race runs twice a year against the backdrop of colourful flags and emblems. Arriving in Florence this afternoon, spend time exploring the Cradle of Renaissance, discovering the best spots to indulge in cioccolata calda. This evening we 'Connect With Locals' over a Be My Guest dinner at a castle set within a celebrated wine and olive oil estate.

The treasures of the Medici family are on full display as we delve into the centuries of art, architecture and tumultuous history. Join a Local Specialist for a walking tour of the city. Visit the Piazza della Signoria, the hub of the city, and view the magnificent marble Duomo. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Then, spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Climb a tree or two in Boboli Gardens, tick off great masterpieces in Uffizi Gallery or see Renaissance history brought to life in the Palazzo Vecchio's Children's Museum. You could also join an Optional Experience to snap a selfie next to the Leaning Tower of Pisa before returning to Florence and pounding the pavements in search of the city's tastiest gelato.

Cross the Apennine Mountains to the city of Bologna where you will join a Local Specialist to view the city's Kissing Towers and Il Gigante, commonly known as Neptune's Fountains. Ditch your diet and indulge in the delicious flavours of what is widely regarded as the gastronomic capital of Italy - chase tortellini around your plate or twirl Spaghetti Bolognese like a local. This afternoon, we arrive in the island city of Venice. Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring with the family or enjoy an Optional Experience gondola ride through Venice's labyrinthine canals.

The salty spray of the Venetian Lagoon marks our journey by private launch to the gateway to Venice, St. Mark's Square. 'Dive Into Culture' and watch as talented craftsmen expertly roll glass into beautiful crafts. See St. Mark's Basilica, the ornate Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs. Then, join a Local Specialist to learn about the great Venetian tradition of Carnival masks, with an opportunity to create your own colourful alter egos. Discover the great Venetian tradition of Carnival masks and create your own.

Crossing the Veneto Plains, we stop in Verona and pay tribute to Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers at Juliet's Balcony. Magnificent snow-capped peaks surround us as we wind along the scenic alpine St. Gotthard route into central Switzerland. Our home for the next two nights is the winter sports retreat of Engelberg.

Walk across the flower-lined 14th-century wooden Chapel Bridge and into a land of lakes and lions. See the giant dying lion hewn from sandstone rock to commemorate the heroism of the Swiss Guard during the French Revolution. Ascend one of the magnificent surrounding mountains during an Optional Experience or spend the afternoon sampling the rich flavours of delicious Swiss chocolate.

From Switzerland, we cross the mighty Rhine River and into France, travelling through the Burgundy wine region to the City of Lights. This evening, amble up grand boulevards and through tiny cobblestone lanes in search of the French treasures you'll have an opportunity to sample tomorrow.

Join a Local Specialist on a guided sightseeing tour which includes a drive along the Champs Élysées with views of the magnificent Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. Watch entertaining street performers and artists outside the Pompidou Centre or climb the Bell Tower of Notre Dame This evening, we close the curtains on an epic family adventure through Europe, celebrating with our travel companions and Travel Director at a special Farewell Dinner.

Leaving Paris behind, we journey past the tragic World War I battlefields of the Somme and cross from Calais to Dover, watching as the famous White Cliffs mark our arrival in England. We arrive in London later this afternoon.

Join a Local Specialist this morning for a tour of the iconic and unexpected highlights of London, including Big Ben, the imposing Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. Spend a leisurely afternoon shopping on Carnaby Street, consider visiting one of London ' s museums or wander along the Thames watching ambitious Londoners pound the pavements.

For now it's time to say a fond farewell to your companions in London at the end of a memorable holiday.