European Spotlight 2009
Day 1 - Depart USA Overnight flight to London.
Day 2 - Arrive London (2 nights) After checking into your Trafalgar hotel the rest of your day is at leisure to relax and unwind or to explore this exciting city.
Day 3 - London sightseeing & at leisure This morning we enjoy a sightseeing tour that includes many major sights, such as The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 4 - London - Paris (2 nights) This morning we drive to Dover to take the Channel ferry to Calais. We drive across the World War I battlefields, pausing to stop and visit the recently restored Vimy Ridge Memorial which commerates the thousands of Canadian soldiers who died during the battles. Then we travel on to the glittering city of Paris. This evening we enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director and travelling companions. (Continental breakfast)
Day 5 - Paris sightseeing & at leisure Our sightseeing tour includes views of the Champs Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe plus we ascend to the second level of the Eiffel Tower for spectacular views over the city. Later time at leisure to relax or maybe take an excursion to see the ornate splendour of the great Palace of Versailles" (Buffet breakfast)
Day 6 - Paris — Beaune — Geneva (2 nights) Today we drive south through rolling farming country and wine-producing Burgundy to the medieval town of Beaune, renowned for its wine auctions. Then on to magnificent Switzerland and to the international city of Geneva. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 7 - Geneva orientation & at leisure This morning our orientation tour with our Tour Director shows us the Reformation Monument, the old town and the United Nations Building and the Red Cross headquarters plus a fascinating Hidden Treasure of the city is revealed to us by our Tour Director. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 8 - Geneva — Nice (2 nights) We drive to bustling Nice, the capital of the beautiful Cote d - Azur, situated on the Bay of the Angels. On arrival our orientation tour shows us the Promenade des Anglais and the Place Massena. Later we enjoy a Highlight Dinner in a local restaurant. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Day 9 - Cannes & Perfumery Excursion We drive to Cannes, the sophisticated resort which is famous for the annual film festival which is held in May. Then we visit the Fragonard Perfumery before returning to Nice with time to maybe relax on the beach, explore the old town or shop in the bustling pedestrian streets! (Buffet breakfast)
Day 10 - Nice — Monaco — Pisa — Tuscan Hills (Montecatini) First to the Principality of Monaco, where both Princess Grace and her husband, Prince Rainier, are buried in the cathedral. Then on to Pisa, to see the Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles, and finally to our hotel in the spa town of Montecatini. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 11 - Tuscan Hills (Montecatini) — Florence = — Venice (Lido) (2 nights) Off to Florence for our walking tour with a local guide, taking in the main sights, plus views from Piazzale Michelangelo. Then on to our hotel on the fashionable Lido area of magical Venice. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 12 - Venice sightseeing & at leisure We travel by private launch to St. Mark's Square where we see the Bridge of Sighs, the vast Doge's Palace and visit a glass-blowing factory. And yet another special Hidden Treasure is revealed to us by our Tour Director. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 13 - Venice (Lido) — Rome (2 nights) Today we journey south to the Eternal City of Rome, crossing the forested Apennine hills, the beautiful landscape of Tuscany and passing the hilltop towns of Orvieto and Orte in Umbria. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 14 - Rome sightseeing & at leisure Our included guided tour includes a visit to St. Peter's Basilica where we see the moving masterpiece by Michelangelo, the Pieta. Then we drive across the Tiber River to ancient Rome where we overlook the Forum, see the mighty Colosseum and view the Circus Maximus, where chariot racing used to take place. Tonight we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with our Tour Director and fellow travellers. (Buffet breakfast / Farewell Dinner)
Day 15 - Rome - USA After breakfast it is time to say "buon viaggio" as we transfer you to Rome Fiumicino Airport for your return flight to America. (Buffet Breakfast)
Day 16 - Free airport transfers: Return transfers on the last touring day will arrive at Rome Fiumicino Airport at 07.00 and 09.30.
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