Paris to Rome A European Adventure - 11 Days

Welcome to your exhilarating adventure in Paris! Upon arrival, we will ensure a smooth transition by transferring you directly to your hotel, allowing you to unwind and get settled. You will have some leisure time to familiarise yourself with the surroundings and perhaps take a short stroll through this enchanting city. As the day progresses, feel free to consult the information boards at the hotel reception for essential details regarding the start of your tour. Paris eagerly awaits your discovery. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

Today, we delve into the fascinating history of France with a visit to the opulent Palace of Versailles. Known for its exquisite gardens and grand architecture, the palace is a remarkable testament to French heritage. Please note that admission is not included. Upon returning to Paris, we will explore Montmartre, a delightful bohemian quarter celebrated for its vibrant community of artists, painters, and iconic cabarets. Our day continues with a panoramic tour of Paris led by a knowledgeable local guide, showcasing the city's grand avenues and legendary landmarks. After the tour, we'll make our way back to the hotel. For those interested, there is an option to experience a variety show in the evening.

We'll embark on an exciting day in the heart of Paris, starting with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower, where you can ascend to the second floor of this renowned structure with tickets included. Following this, we'll unwind on a serene boat cruise along the Seine, lasting approximately one hour and fifteen minutes, offering a unique perspective of the city. The afternoon will be yours to explore Paris at your leisure and absorb its vibrant culture and history. Note that the transfer back to the hotel is not included. Should wait times at the Eiffel Tower be excessive, we may reschedule this visit to ensure a convenient and enjoyable experience for you, potentially moving it to a later time or Sunday.

Today, we will embark on a journey into the heart of France, travelling through the captivating Bourgogne region, celebrated for its scenic vineyards and exceptional wines. Our first stop is Beaune, a delightful town in the centre of Burgundy, famous for its charming flower-lined streets, the historical Hospice de Beaune, and a fascinating wine museum. After enjoying some free time for lunch and exploring the area, we will make our way to Lyon. Known as the former capital of Roman Gaul, Lyon is situated on the banks of the Rh�ne River and boasts a historic centre recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. We will take a cable car up to Notre-Dame de Fourvi�re, where we can admire panoramic views of this remarkable city. Following this, you will have some leisure time to discover Lyon at your own pace. Please note that, occasionally, part of the group may be accommodated in Chamb�ry, a city near Lyon. In such cases, we will head to Chamb�ry in the evening for an overnight stay. The next morning, you will have the opportunity to explore this captivating medieval city, renowned for its beautiful historic centre and majestic castle, as the capital of Savoy.

Today, we travel into Switzerland, beginning with our visit to the vibrant city of Geneva. Here, we'll admire the grand Palace of Nations � the European home of the United Nations � and take a stroll through the picturesque English Garden, famous for its iconic flower clock. Don't miss the impressive Jet d'Eau, the tallest fountain in Europe, which offers a delightful display over Lake Geneva. Following lunch, our journey continues as we traverse the scenic routes alongside Lake Geneva and Lake Neuch�tel. We pass through the breathtaking Three Lakes region, where you'll be captivated by the stunning vineyards set against a majestic mountain backdrop. Our next stop is Neuch�tel, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk by the lake, wander the historic town centre, or visit the enchanting 10th-century castle. Our day concludes in Zurich, where we'll arrive by late afternoon. Note that depending on the number of travellers from Geneva to Zurich, you might experience this portion of the scenic journey by train, in which case our stop in Neuch�tel will not be possible.

Today, we�ll delve into Zurich, Switzerland's most populous city, celebrated for its financial prowess and rich cultural scene. Twice named the city with the world's best quality of life, Zurich promises a memorable experience. We'll commence with a guided tour through the city's bustling heart, uncovering its dynamic blend of historical and contemporary attractions. Afterwards, we'll embark on a leisurely two-hour cruise on Lake Zurich, allowing us to soak in the stunning landscapes and make brief stops at charming lakeside villages. Our journey continues as we disembark in Rapperswil, a quaint village revered for its medieval castle and picturesque setting. To conclude our day, we'll return to Zurich by train, affording you the chance to appreciate the renowned efficiency of the Swiss railway system. Do note that, depending on the group size, certain transfers may be conducted via public transport. This day in Zurich perfectly balances cultural enrichment with serene escapism.

Today's adventure promises spectacular scenery amidst majestic mountains and serene lakes. Our journey takes us to the breathtaking Interlaken region, known for its captivating landscapes. We make our first stop in Grindelwald, where you can enjoy a refreshing coffee before we ascend the mountain via cable car. Once at the top, we'll stroll along a winding path leading to a suspended bridge. For those keen on a bit of thrill, crossing the bridge unveils extraordinary views of the surrounding glaciers. We'll savour lunch on the mountain, which is included in your itinerary, before descending. Our journey continues to Lucerne, a city famed for its stunning beauty, offering you time to wander and soak in the charming cityscape. We then return to Zurich. For those interested, the guide will propose an optional full-day excursion. After exploring Lucerne, we can take a rotating cable car to the summit of Mount Titlis, standing over 3,000 metres high, where you'll be treated to magnificent vistas of the glacier and the Alps.

We'll depart from Zurich early in the morning, crossing the majestic Alps into the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. Our first stop is Bellinzona, a town celebrated for its trio of medieval castles, all recognised as UNESCO World Heritage sites. These castles not only offer magnificent views from their hilltop perch but also reflect Bellinzona's historical role as a key alpine fortification. You'll have some free time to explore the charming streets of the town centre. Continuing our journey, we cross into Italy, stopping for lunch in the delightful town of Como, often regarded as the crown jewel of Lombardy. Known for its lovely lakeside gardens and striking cathedral, you'll find plenty to admire. Our day concludes in Milan, where our guide will introduce us to the grandeur of Piazza del Duomo. Take some time to explore this vibrant cultural hub before we transfer you to your hotel for the evening.

Our adventure today takes us to Pisa, where we'll board a small train to the famous Piazza dei Miracoli, also known as the Square of Miracles. Here, you'll have the opportunity to marvel at one of Italy's most renowned ensembles of artistic and architectural beauty, including the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. After soaking in the sights, we will proceed to Rome, reaching the city later in the day.

This morning, we will embark on an enlightening three-hour guided tour of Rome, a city steeped in history and grandeur. Our exploration of the Eternal City begins with a walking tour through the remnants of Imperial Rome, paired with a panoramic bus ride that unveils the architectural and cultural wonders of one of Western civilisation's oldest cities. We will admire celebrated landmarks including the Arch of Constantine, the exterior of the Colosseum, the Imperial Forums, the vast Circus Maximus, the ancient Baths of Caracalla, and the exquisite Basilica of Saint Mary Major. Additionally, we'll appreciate the unique Pyramid of Cestius and the historic Castel Sant'Angelo. The tour will conclude at Vatican City at approximately 11:00 a.m. Following this, there is an optional excursion to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel for those interested in delving deeper into the rich Vatican heritage. As the day winds down, we will head to the vibrant Trastevere district, renowned for its inviting restaurants and bustling ambience. We'll return to the hotel around 8:30 p.m., offering you ample time to reflect on the day�s rich experiences.

Following breakfast, our tour concludes, leaving you with a collection of cherished memories from your adventures.