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European Wonderland

11 Day Europe Tour from Rome to Paris | Operated by Trafalgar

  • 11 Days

  • 4 Countries

    Italy, Vatican City, Switzerland, France
  • 10 Cities

    Rome, Vatican, Siena, Florence, Bologna, Venice, Como, Engelberg, Lucerne, Paris
  • 15 Meals

    1 Kickoff Party, 10 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
  • Pace: Active

    Faster paces with mix of 1–2-night stays in each location. Typically features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills and uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Rome

Buckle up Bambini – we're off on a grand adventure through Europe, launching our Family Experience in the 'Eternal City' of Rome. This evening we enjoy a Kickoff Party with our travel companions where we Dive Into Culture with a Family Fun experience and learn how to make a pizza that would make any Italian mamma proud.

Hotel: Crowne Plaza Roma - St. Peter's Rome
Included Meals: Kickoff Party
Family Fun: Pizza Making A cooking experience with all the trimmings! Learn how to make tasty Italian pizza from an expert and then share your masterpiece with the family.
Notes
Day 2: Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican City

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. We then enjoy a guided visit to the Forum, and an in depth walking experience around the walls of the Colosseum, before seeing Circus Maximus; once the site of celebrated chariot races.

Hotel: Crowne Plaza Roma - St. Peter's Rome
Included Meals: Breakfast
Iconic Experience: Visit St. Peter's Basilica Visit Vatican City and tour St. Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist. Witness the early genius of Michelangelo as you take in the Pietà.
Iconic Experience: Rome City Tour Experience Rome through the eyes of a local, as a passionate Roman guides you past the city's most iconic sites.
Notes
Day 3: Admire Siena and Florence

Explore the medieval playground of Siena, strolling to the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo where you’ll imagine the fun and fanfare that the festive Palio bareback horse race brings to the city twice a year against the backdrop of colorful flags and emblems. You’ll journey to Florence this afternoon where the Cradle of Renaissance comes alive in ways you could never imagine. You’ll go back in time and learn how Florence drove innovation and imagination all those centuries ago. This evening we head to a real 12th-century castle in the Tuscan countryside to Connect With Locals for a Be My Guest dinner. As you walk through its stony halls, you’ll be thrilled to learn about the plot hatched by the Pazzi family against the Medici rulers of Florence centuries ago. You’ll enjoy a delicious meal featuring homegrown produce in the magnificent grand hall and be inspired by the dedication and passion of your hosts, the Baj Macario family who are committed to running the estate in harmony with nature.

Hotel: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Be My Guest: Enjoy a Traditional Tuscan Buffet at the 12th-century Castle of Trebbio The Pazzi and de Medici feud is brought to light in this visit to the 12th-century Castle of Trebbio where you will enjoy a traditional Tuscan Be My Guest buffet, explore the cellars, and indulge in olive oil and wine tasting.
Iconic Experience: See Siena's Highlights See the Fountain of Joy, striped cathedral and vast Piazza del Campo.
Notes
Day 4: Explore Florence

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. 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.

Hotel: Grand Hotel Mediterraneo Florence
Included Meals: Breakfast
Iconic Experience: Florence City Tour Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
Iconic Experience: Florence Leather Demonstration See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods, and witness a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
Notes
Day 5: Journey to Bologna and on to Venice

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 Fountain. Ditch your diet and indulge in the delicious flavors 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.

Hotel: Novotel Venezia Mestre Castellana Venice
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Iconic Experience: Bologna City Tour Join a Local Specialist on an exploration of Bologna. See the medieval squares and red-bricked façades of this historic city.  
Notes
Day 6: Discover the Floating City of Venice

Take to the water and cruise by private launch to the gateway of Venice, St. Mark's Square. Join your Travel Director to see the iconic and unexpected highlights of the city - the ornate Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark's Basilica and the Campanile with its five bells. Enjoy an unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness first-hand the centuries-old tradition of Venetian glassblowing. You’ll learn how the master craftsmen shape the molten glass to make the exquisite and delicate works of art that adorn homes all over the world and perhaps be inspired to buy your own souvenir as a reminder of this special visit. Then, join a Local Specialist for a Family Fun experience to learn about the great Venetian tradition of Carnival masks, with an opportunity to create your own colorful alter egos. This afternoon, consider a lagoon cruise to the colorful island of Burano, on an Optional Experience, for a mouth-watering meal.

Hotel: Novotel Venezia Mestre Castellana Venice
Included Meals: Breakfast
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®: Learn about the History and Ancient Skills on Venetian Glassblowing Learn about the history and ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing, playing your role in ensuring the survival of this traditional craft through your visit.
Family Fun: Carnival Masks Discover the great Venetian tradition of Carnival masks and paint and decorate your own.
Iconic Experience: Venice Orientation An introductory orientation of Venice reveals the famed canals and labrinthine streets of this eminent city.
Notes
Day 7: Onwards to Lake Como and Engelberg

We travel through the Italian Lake District bound for Switzerland this morning and enjoy some free time for lunch in the laid-back lakeside town of Como, which for centuries has served as the crossroads between Central Europe and the Mediterranean. We continue through Alpine landscapes, past Lugano and through the St. Gotthard tunnel into central Switzerland, before arriving in Engelberg.

Hotel: H+ Hotel & Spa Engelberg
Included Meals: Breakfast
Iconic Experience: Explore Como Take in exquisite views of the lake and its alpine backdrop as you enjoy an orientation of this magnificent town.
Iconic Experience: Scenic Drive Through the Alps Marvel at the Alpine landscape as you drive past breathtakingly beautiful mountains and valleys. 
Notes
Day 8: Uncover Lucerne’s Treasures

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 Guards during the French Revolution. Ascend one of the magnificent surrounding mountains during an Optional Experience or spend the afternoon sampling the rich flavors of delicious Swiss chocolate.

Hotel: H+ Hotel & Spa Engelberg
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Iconic Experience: Lucerne Orientation During an orientation with your Travel Director, see the Lion Monument, Old Town Hall and Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe.
Notes
Day 9: Off to Magical Paris

From Switzerland, we cross the mighty Rhine River and into France, traveling 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.

Hotel: Novotel Paris Center Bercy
Included Meals: Breakfast
Notes
Day 10: Explore Paris’s Sights

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. Now, take to the water for a leisurely cruise on the Seine River with spectacular views of the city's bridges and life on the river. 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.

Hotel: Novotel Paris Center Bercy
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Iconic Experience: Paris City Tour Join a Local Specialist to discover the hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris.
Iconic Experience: Seine River Cruise Admire the famous landmarks of Paris during your leisurely Seine River cruise. 
Notes
Day 11: Farewell Paris

For now, it's time to say au revoir to your fellow travelers at the end of an unforgettable experience.

Included Meals: Breakfast
Notes
This itinerary is for reference only. Upon booking with GET, guests will receive tour documents which will list all confirmed hotels and itineraries based upon the guest's departure date.

Price Includes

What's Included
  • - An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • - Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • - All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • - All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • - Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • - Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • - Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • - Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • - Optional Experiences and free time
  • - Eurostar high-speed train from Paris to London
  • - On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Dining Summary
  • - 1 Kickoff Party (KP)
  • - 10 Breakfasts (B)
  • - 4 Dinners (D)
Family Fun
  • A cooking experience with all the trimmings! Learn how to make tasty Italian pizza from an expert and then share your masterpiece with the family.
  • Discover the great Venetian tradition of Carnival masks and paint and decorate your own.
Iconic Experience
  • Visit Vatican City and tour St. Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist. Witness the early genius of Michelangelo as you take in the Pietà.
  • Experience Rome through the eyes of a local, as a passionate Roman guides you past the city's most iconic sites.
  • See the Fountain of Joy, striped cathedral and vast Piazza del Campo.
  • Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
  • See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods, and witness a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
  • Join a Local Specialist on an exploration of Bologna. See the medieval squares and red-bricked façades of this historic city.  
  • An introductory orientation of Venice reveals the famed canals and labrinthine streets of this eminent city.
  • Take in exquisite views of the lake and its alpine backdrop as you enjoy an orientation of this magnificent town.
  • Marvel at the Alpine landscape as you drive past breathtakingly beautiful mountains and valleys. 
  • During an orientation with your Travel Director, see the Lion Monument, Old Town Hall and Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe.
  • Join a Local Specialist to discover the hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris.
  • Admire the famous landmarks of Paris during your leisurely Seine River cruise. 
Be My Guest
  • The Pazzi and de Medici feud is brought to light in this visit to the 12th-century Castle of Trebbio where you will enjoy a traditional Tuscan Be My Guest buffet, explore the cellars, and indulge in olive oil and wine tasting.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
  • Learn about the history and ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing, playing your role in ensuring the survival of this traditional craft through your visit.

Optional Experiences

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.

Inside the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (Available on Day 2)

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. With our Local Specialist, we'll visit the Tapestry Gallery, Gallery of Maps and the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo spent four years preparing the vault and altar wall, and we'll give you plenty of time to admire just how much painstaking work went into his creations.

Adult Price: €64 Piazzas and Fountains (Available on Day 2)

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 center, leading to highlights such as the Trevi Fountain, as well as hidden corners of the Eternal City.

Adult Price: €44 Michelangelo's 'David' & Accademia (Available on Day 3)

Enjoy an insight into the world of Michelangelo and his masterpiece, David. We'll visit 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.

Adult Price: €54 Discover Palazzo Vecchio (Available on Day 3)

Marvel at the legacy of the Medici as you visit Palazzo Vecchio, the symbol of Florence's political power for over seven centuries. With our Local Specialist we’ll visit the wonderful "Hall of the Five Hundred", dedicated to the Medici popes. We’ll also visit rooms decorated with masterpieces by famous artists of the Renaissance like Michelangelo and Donatello.

Adult Price: €46 Pisa Visit with Tuscan Meal and Music (Available on Day 4)

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

Adult Price: €103 Gondolas & the Grand Canal (Available on Day 5)

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 taxis will take you along Venice's Grand Canal, where you’ll admire the magnificent palazzos and Rialto Bridge.

Adult Price: €85 Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks (Available on Day 6)

This afternoon, discover the Venetian Lagoon by private boat. You'll enjoy a delicious meal, with a selection of drinks, on the fisherman's island of Burano, famous for its multi-colored houses - a photographer's paradise.

Adult Price: €82 Swiss Countryside & Carriages (Available on Day 7)

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 local homestead where you’ll savor local drinks and snacks. 

Adult Price: ₣77 Mount Titlis Excursion (Available on Day 8)

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.

Adult Price: ₣103 Traditional Folklore Show With Lunch (Available on Day 8)

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.

Adult Price: ₣79 Lake Lucerne Cruise (Available on Day 8)

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.

Adult Price: ₣45 La Nouvelle Eve Cabaret and Dinner (Available on Day 9)

Nestled in the heart of Montmartre, Nouvelle Eve has been spotlighted by ‘Emily in Paris’ and has hosted events for high-fashion icons like Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Louboutin and Vivienne Westwood. An icon of Parisian elegance for 125 years, this chic revue theater is your ticket to an unforgettable night. An a la carte meal and dazzling cabaret will bring the French Cancan to life before your eyes. Performances run from April 20 to October 26. 

Adult Price: €163 Montparnasse and Paris Illuminations (Available on Day 10)

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. Afterwards, as we drive through this spectacular city, we’ll stop at vantage points for you to capture the enchanting Parisian sights on camera. In summer, this trip may take place before sunset.

Adult Price: €45 Montmartre Village and Artists' Square (Available on Day 10)

Many people go to Paris, but only a few are lucky enough to experience what it’s really all about. Join us for a stroll with our Local Specialist through Montmartre – an artists’ village once home to Picasso and Toulouse Lautrec, tucked away from the modern city. The paint will still be wet on the canvasses, as we watch apprentices work before our eyes in the famous Artist’s Square. Mingle, barter, and stand in awe of Sacré Coeur Basilica in this historic, bohemian neighborhood.

Adult Price: €47