Explore Europe's best from the riches of London and Paris through Lucerne and Bern, two lively and breathtaking Alpine towns, down through the glittering beauty of Lake Como and Italy ending in Imperial Rome.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - London
Begin your vacation aboard a relaxing overnight flight bound for Great Britain.
Day 2 - London
Touch down in London, England’s magnificent capital. A Go Ahead representative greets you and escorts you to your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring London. Join your fellow travelers at an included dinner. (B, D)
Day 3 - London
See the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Downing Street, Hyde Park and the gates of St. James’s Palace on today’s tour of London. Also visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, architect Sir Christopher Wren’s signature work. This afternoon, join an optional excursion to Windsor Castle, a thousand-year-old royal retreat built by William the Conqueror after the Battle of Hastings. (B)
$109
Windsor Castle
A half-day excursion takes you to Windsor for a guided visit to the world’s largest inhabited castle.
Day 4 - London
Explore the beauty of London on your own or opt to take a guided tour of the Tower of London. Within this ancient fortress, former royals dwelled, played out murderous paths to the throne, kept prisoners and executed enemies (and in Henry VIII’s case, two of his wives). Follow with a cruise along the Thames. (B)
$135
Tower of London and Thames Cruise
Witness a darker, more haunting side of British history with a guided tour of the Tower of London. Follow your tower tour with a cruise along the Thames.
Day 5 - Paris
This morning, board the high-speed Eurostar train to Paris. Explore Paris before tonight’s included dinner. (B, D)
Day 6 - Paris
Motor along the Champs-Élysées on today’s guided tour and view the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Opera House, the Place de la Concorde, the Louvre and the River Seine. Then explore Paris at your leisure or opt to visit Versailles, opulent estate of Sun King Louis XIV. Stroll through the Hall of Mirrors and enjoy the beautifully landscaped gardens. (B)
$99
Versailles
Louis XIV, known as the “Sun King,” set new standards among European royalty for the decadence of his reign. On this half-day excursion, you will see the palace in all its glory. Tour the State Apartments and the glittering Hall of Mirrors then stroll through the lavish gardens.
Day 7 - Paris
Spend a free day in Paris strolling the Latin Quarter or join a half-day excursion to Giverny (seasonal), where Claude Monet lived and created his Impressionist masterpieces. This evening, opt for an Evening in Paris and enjoy dinner followed by a cruise on the Seine.(B)
$99
Evening in Paris: Seine cruise & Dinner
Take in all the nighttime allure of the City of Light on a special evening excursion. The event begins with dinner at a favorite local restaurant. Then board a boat cruise along the Seine and glide past the gloriously illuminated monuments of Paris — including Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower.
$85
Giverny
The Norman town of Giverny was home to Claude Monet from 1883 until his death in 1926. Absorb the intricate palette of colors that the "Father of Impressionism" so magically depicted in paintings such as the Water Lilies series as you stroll through Giverny's home and gardens.
Day 8 - Lucerne
Leave the city behind and travel by highspeed train into the Swiss Alps. Arriving in Bern, discover the city’s quiet, cobbled lanes and arcaded buildings with your tour director before continuing on to Lucerne. Dinner is included. (B, D)
Day 9 - Lucerne
On your guided tour of Lucerne, view the poignant sandstone Löwendenkmal (Lion Monument) and cross the River Reuss on one of its medieval covered bridges. This afternoon, opt to ascend Mount Pilatus via cable car for panoramic views of the surrounding Alps. This evening, opt to partake in a Swiss Folklore Dinner. (B)
$79
Mount Pilatus
This scenic excursion begins with a cruise along Lake Lucerne aboard an authentic steamer. Then ascend the 7,000-foot summit of Mount Pilatus, on the world’s steepest cog-wheel railway, where the views of the Alps are stunning.
$79
Swiss Folklore Evening
Take part in a long-standing Swiss tradition at a festive dinner and show, featuring local Lucerne delicacies and fondue.
Day 10 - Lake Como
Cross into Italy today. Upon arrival in Lake Como, admire spectacular lake views from the elaborate gardens of Villa Carlotta, an 18th century Italian villa (seasonal). Enjoy the sights and main square of Como this afternoon. Dinner is included this evening. (B, D)
Day 11 - Florence
Leave Lake Como for Florence, birthplace of the Italian language, the Renaissance and opera. Stop in Parma to taste prosciutto, the classic Parma ham and Parmigiano, its cheese.
Day 12 - Florence
Begin your guided tour of Florence at Brunelleschi’s Duomo and the church of Santa Croce, which houses the tombs of Galileo and Michelangelo. Next, see Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza San Lorenzo and the Pitti Palace. This evening, opt for an unforgettable experience on a special Monastery tour and dinner. (B)
$75
Monastery Dinner
Venture into the Chianti hills for a truly unique and unforgettable dining experience. After a private tour of the ancient Carthusian Monastery, you'll dine on a feast of delicious traditional Tuscan fare, much of which has been grown at the monastery itself.
Day 13 - Rome
As you journey to Rome, stop at the ancient Etruscan stronghold of Orvieto. Situated on a pedestal of volcanic rock, it boasts one of the country’s finest Romanesque cathedrals. This evening, opt for opera and classic Roman cuisine during the Dinner with Tenors. (B)
$85
Dinner with Tenors
End your day with an elegant four-course dinner in the heart of Rome. While you dine, you’ll be entertained by talented singers performing some of opera’s most beloved masterpieces. Don’t miss this festive evening, sure to leave you with wonderful memories of Italian hospitality!
Day 14 - Rome
A local guide will introduce you to Imperial Rome on today’s guided tour. Stop at the Forum Romanum and visit the Colosseum, built in the 1st century. Afterwards, opt to join an excursion into the catacombs or spend the afternoon exploring the piazzas and the Spanish Steps on your own. Join your group tonight for a Farewell Dinner. (B, D)
$69
Roman Catacombs
Descend into Rome’s ancient catacombs, underground labyrinths where 2nd-century Christians buried their dead, including saints and popes.
Day 15 - Rome
Transfer to the airport and board your flight home or extend your stay in Rome. (B)
Extend Your Stay
Add 2 nights,
$ (Single room: add $)
Only in Rome can you sip cappuccino at a café in front of the Pantheon, buy grapes at a centuries-old market, and have an audience with the pope—all in one morning. For a mix of spectacular art, grand history and exuberant street life, no other city comes close.