European Dream - End London, Classic Group
European Dream - End London, Classic Group
10 Days Starting in Venice and ending in London
Visiting: Venice, Tuscany, Rome, Vatican, Umbria, Florence, Lucerne, Stanserhorn, Paris, London, Vatican City
Tour operator:
Tour code:
N912UZM19
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
20 - 40
Physical rating:
Balanced
Age range:
5-99
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$5721
$5149 (USD)
Operator discount: -$572
Tour Overview
Live the European dream on this 11-day guided tour. Luxuriate in Rome, explore the Vatican with fast track entry VIP access, take an exhilarating open top cable car up Lucerne's Mt. Stanserhorn in Switzerland and dine in opulence at La Coupole in Paris. Venturing out in Italy, you'll get a genuine taste of fresh local cuisine among the canals of Venice, with an exclusive dining experience at La Fenice restaurant. After your local Travel Director guides you through the stunning vineyard covered plains of Umbria, two all encompassing nights begin in Florence—breathing in an ambience of fine wine, cobbled streets and green marble cathedrals. Paris delivers at the finish with iconic sights, including the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, Place de la Concorde and the Champs Élysées.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Venice
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice.
Meals Included: Dinner with Wine
Welcome to the Queen of the Adriatic, known for its unique waterscapes and rich cultural heritage. Transfers depart from Venice Airport and journey to the hotel by water taxi at 11:00 and 13:00. What better way to start your dream holiday than in true Venetian style? Join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner at the magical Principessa restaurant. Savour a cocktail at twilight whilst being serenaded by an ensemble of talented musicians, and admire the tranquillity of St. Mark's Square long after the day-trippers have gone to their mainland hotels. Return to your canal-side hotel in the quiet, peaceful authentic Cannaregio neighbourhood.
Day 2: The Magic Of 'La Serenissima' Relaxed Start
Location: Venice
Accommodation: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio, Venice.
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, prepare to embrace this most romantic city. Visit St. Mark's Square, dominated by its magnificent basilica and overlooked by the great Clock Tower. Also in the square stands the immense Campanile and Doge's Palace which is connected to the ancient prisons by the Bridge of Sighs. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness the skill of glassblowers on a visit to a traditional arts centre. The rest of the day is free. Perhaps shop in the small arcades or why not cruise the Venetian lagoon to the island of Burano for a meal of local specialties and wine?
Day 3: To The Eternal City Of Rome
Location: Venice, Tuscany, Rome
Accommodation: room 007 Select, Rome.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
Head into the Apennine Mountains and the peaceful landscapes of Tuscany. Meet your Local Host for a guided tour through the house of the Italian Renaissance diplomat and writer, Nicolo Machiavelli, with an included special opening of his private office where he wrote 'The Prince'. Visit the Italian garden with views of the Florence Cathedral and the historic cellar, which has a secret underground tunnel connecting the cellars to the oldest restaurant in Italy. Savour a tasting of wines made from the vineyards surrounding the home, accompanied by delicious samples of local Tuscan fare. Your journey continues as you follow the course of the Tiber to your hotel in the Eternal City of Rome.
Day 4: Papal And Imperial Rome
Location: Rome, Vatican, Rome
Accommodation: room 007 Select, Rome.
Meals Included: Breakfast
With your Local Expert, visit the Vatican Museums. Insight provides special priority entry to avoid the crowds and gives you behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase, normally off-limits to the public. Inside the Sistine Chapel, admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling. Continue inside the cavernous St. Peter's Basilica, mother church of the Catholic faith, to see another Michelangelo masterpiece, the Pietà , as well as the splendid dome. Leave Vatican City to cross the Tiber and stand outside the Colosseum, imagining yourself back in the days of the gladiators. The afternoon is at leisure.
Day 5: Umbria And Onto Florence Relaxed Start
Location: Rome, Umbria, Florence
Accommodation: Hotel Adler Cavalieri, Florence.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
Meet chef Lorenzo at his family farm in Umbria. Explore the art of Italian cooking during an entertaining pasta demonstration and delicious Highlight Lunch accompanied by Orvieto Classico wine. Continue on to your hotel in Florence.
Day 6: Renaissance Florence
Location: Florence
Accommodation: Hotel Adler Cavalieri, Florence.
Meals Included: Breakfast
With your Local Expert, view the multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. You also visit the open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces in Piazza della Signoria and see the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods.In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the Renaissance capital. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit the Tuscan town of Pisa and see the Leaning Tower.
Day 7: Across The Alps To Lucerne
Location: Florence, Lucerne
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head north towards the Italian Lake District via Lake Lugano. Continue into the heart of the Swiss Alps, passing through the Saint Gotthard Tunnel, one of the longest road tunnels in the world, before travelling alongside towering mountains and past rushing torrents, down to scenic Lake Lucerne. In Lucerne, see the town's proud Lion Monument, carved into a limestone cliff and dedicated to the heroic Swiss Guards who died defending King Louis XVI during the French Revolution. Then, take some time to stroll across the covered Chapel Bridge and see the baroque Jesuit Church.
Day 8: Lucerne And Mt. Stanserhorn
Location: Lucerne, Stanserhorn, Lucerne
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
In the morning, explore Mount Stanserhorn on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, as an open-top cable car powered by solar panels take you up the summit. Breathe in the pristine mountain air and, on a clear day, witness views as far as Alsace and the Black Forest in Germany. Walk along beautiful scenic pathways, keeping an eye out for marmots and other native animals, with the chance to hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger, to learn about local wildlife and flora. With the day free, there is plenty of time for shopping for delectable chocolate in the traffic-free Old Town. Perhaps venture into the countryside for a delightful horse-drawn carriage ride and meet the local farmers? At night, you are offered a fine selection of restaurants to choose from for your Dine-Around Evening.
Day 9: Sights And Delights Of Paris
Location: Lucerne, Paris
Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey through the rural French countryside of Burgundy, famous for its vineyards and wines, to arrive in the vibrant City of Light. During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral and the imposing facades of the Louvre. Discover the banks of the Seine with its many romantic bridges, see the obelisk in the centre of the Place de la Concorde and drive along the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. With the evening free, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this glittering city. Why not visit one of the world-famous cabaret shows?
Day 10: The Food And Flavours Of Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Start your day with an Insight Choice. Choose to explore community life in the picturesque Montorgueil district. Alternatively, join an avid foodie to explore small shops and sample local treats and delicacies. In the evening, indulge in refined French cuisine during your Celebration Dinner at the iconic restaurant La Coupole, frequently visited by the French entertainer Josephine Baker.
Day 11 : Au Revoir Paris
Location: Paris, London
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, bid farewell to your travelling companions as your journey comes to an end. Travel by high-speed Eurostar train for your journey back to London. On arrival, you are transferred to the Park Plaza Victoria where your trip ends.
What's Included
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Welcome Dinner in Venice
Savor a cocktail at twilight whilst being serenaded by an ensemble of talented musicians, and admire the tranquility of St. Mark's Square long after the day-trippers have gone to their mainland hotels.
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Exclusive Wine Tasting in Tuscany
Enjoy a tasting of locally made wines and sample delicious Tuscan snacks in the underground cellar of Machiavelli's home.
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Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Gain priority access into the Vatican Museums and admire the famous Bramante Staircase. Witness the genius of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel.
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Glassblowing Demonstration in Venice
Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing, now practised by precious few masters. Watch artisans create delicate works of art using rare traditional practices.
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Journey to Mount Stanserhorn
Embark on a spectacular journey to the summit of Mount Stanserhorn and appreciate unrivalled views of snow-capped peaks. Meet a Swiss ranger and learn about the local wildlife and flora over a conservation talk.
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Parisian Foodie Walk
Join an avid local foodie on a walk through the streets of Paris. Visit a variety of patisseries, boulangeries, and chocolatiers and sample local treats and delicacies along the way.
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Eurostar Train to London
Travel by high-speed Eurostar train for your journey back to London. On arrival, you are transferred to the Park Plaza Victoria where your trip ends.
What's Not Included
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Airfare to and from the tour
Guests are responsible for their own airfare to the starting location and from the ending location of the tour.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers to ensure protection.
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Meals not specified in the itinerary
Any meals not listed as included in the tour itinerary are at the traveler's own expense.
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Optional Excursions
Excursions and activities not listed in the tour itinerary are available at an additional cost.
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Personal Expenses
Expenses for personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, and souvenirs are not included.
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Gratuities
Tips for tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included and are at the discretion of the traveler.
Mode of Transport
Travel by high-speed Eurostar train for your journey back to London. On arrival, you are transferred to the Park Plaza Victoria where your trip ends.
Accommodation
Stay at the Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio in Venice, Room 007 Select in Rome, Hotel Adler Cavalieri in Florence, Hotel Astoria in Lucerne, and Le Méridien Etoile in Paris.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect?
You can expect to stay at the Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio in Venice, Room 007 Select in Rome, Hotel Adler Cavalieri in Florence, Hotel Astoria in Lucerne, and Le Méridien Etoile in Paris.
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How many meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 3 Dinners with Wine (DW), 9 Breakfasts (B), and 2 Lunches with Wine (LW).
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What is the transport description for the tour?
For the journey back to London, you will travel by high-speed Eurostar train. On arrival, you are transferred to the Park Plaza Victoria where the trip ends.
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What countries will I visit on the European Dream - End London, Classic Group tour?
On the European Dream - End London, Classic Group tour, you will visit Italy, Switzerland, France, and the United Kingdom.
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What are the pick-up and drop-off times?
Transfers depart from Venice Airport and journey to the hotel by water taxi at 11:00 and 13:00. The drop-off time at the end of the tour is not specified.
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What are some highlights of the tour?
Some highlights of the tour include a special Venetian Welcome Dinner in Venice, a tasting of locally made wines in Tuscany, priority access into the Vatican Museums, and a journey to the summit of Mount Stanserhorn in Switzerland for unrivalled views of snow-capped peaks.
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Is there a private option for this tour?
The information regarding a private option for this tour is not provided.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Sunday - Tuesday
Dec 29, 2024 - Jan 07, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions